Wheeling compiler. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [i.e. W. Va.]) 1829-1831, 1829-12-02

USI VI the wilderness, tnCY CdLle
upon the trail of Mason AID ascer
tanned that he was but day or two IN ad-
vance, making towards Pearl River: they
pushed on day and night, and did not halt
until they came to the river-here they
found new evidence of q party having pre-
ceded them; and they did not doubt, but
that It was he, Of whom they were in pur-
sult,-but men and horses were all in need
Of rest and sustenance, they therefore re-
solved to strip their horses, rePose for
few hours, and again renew the chase
These preliminaneS being disposed Of, two
Of the party stroled to the bank of the
river, and tempted by the GOODNESS and
beauty Of the stream, went in to battle. In
the course of their gambol, they crossed to
the opposite shore, where they encounter
cd an individual, whose society under pre-
sent circumstances, afforded them little
satisfaction.
Mason, aware that ne was pursued, and
having ascertained the superior force Of
his pursuers, determined to effect by STRAIT
agem, what he could not hope to de by O.
pen contest The path into the forest was
here narrow, aud much bcset with under
growth; and he placed his men in ambush,
so that bya sudden onset, the party of Col.
B. on entering the woods would be thrown
into confusion, and thus be easily despatch
ell or routed. Chance. however, produced
q success more complete than any he could
have anticipated No sooner had the two
aaked and unarmed men reached the cast
rn shore ofthe Pearl, than Mason rushed
upon them. before the could collect their
thoughts, or comprehend their danger. lie
vas a hale athletic figure, and roughly
clad in the leather shirt and leggings, com
mon to lhe Indians and hunters of the
frontier
81 am glad to see YOU gentlemen" said
he sarcashcalIy; land though our meet
ing did not promise to be quite so friendly,
| am Just as well satisfied: my arms and
ammunition will cost me less than / expect
ed"
His prisoners were tbundersuuck, and
and totally incapable of reply. Having
placed a guard over them, Mason walked
deliberately down to the shore, and hailed
the party on the opposite bank, who had
witnessed the scene that has been detailed
IN amazement and apPrehension.-As he
approached, they nstInctlvely seized their
arms.
IF YOU approlch one step, or raise
rife" cried the robber, you may bid your
friends larewell:-There Is no hope for
them, but ln your obedience: l want Moth
ing but security against danger to myself
aud party, and this mean to have"
'Slack your arms, and deposlte your
ammunition on the beach near the water.-l
will send for them. Any violence to my
messenger, or the least hesitation to per-
form my orders, viii prove certain and
sudden death to your companions. Your
compliance will ensure their release, and |
pledge my honor as a man, to take no 9th
er advantage of my victory. -
There was no alternative. The arms
and ammunition were deposited as Mason
directed Two Of the band were despatch.
ed for them, while Ihe was held at the
head Oh each prisoner. No resistance was
attempted however, by Col. b. or his par
ty, and the arms were brought across
The bandtti was soon In readiness for
d march; the prisoners were dismissed with
a good humored farewell; and the dreaded
Mason, trua to his word, was soon lost L.
the depths of the wilderness. Il is hard
ly necessary to say, that the pursuers,
dlsarmed, dIscom6hed, and little chop
fallen made the best Of their way back to
'the settlements"
Subsequent TO the occurrences Just de-
tailed, the violence and depredatlons of
Mason became more desperate and san
culinary. One day found him marauding
on the banks of the Pearl; the next proved
fatal to the life and fortune Of the trader
In the midst of the wilderness; and before
pursuit was organized, the hunter arrest
ed by the descending sweep Of the sollta-
nv yulture, learned the story ofrobbery and
blood, on the remote shores Of the Mis-
slssippi.
Treachery, however, at last effected
what stratagem, enterprise and courage
had in vain attempted. Mr.. w. citizen
OF greatrespectability, now deceased, pass
ing with his sons through the wilderness,
was plundered by the banditt-Their
lives were spared and they returned. Pub
lie feeling was now excited aud the govern
meut of the Territory found 1t Unnecessary to
act Gov. Claiborne accordingly offered
a large and liberal reward for the rob5er
Mason. Ndead or aEre." The proclamation