Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1832-04-26


was as daring and ferocious, as their man
ners were rude and familiar They were
evidently at home, and laying aside their
arms, except such as were ostentatiously
displayed about their persons, they were
soon seated at the same table. "A glance
ofrecognition towards the footman, SEEM
ed to present this mans character in
rather a questionable shape. The trio,
however, who had last entered, were evil
dently the master spirits ofthe gang, and
their whisperings and suppressed conver-
sation, in allusion to their guest, was too
palpable TO escape notice. A pack of
cards were soon produced, and the three
amused themselves in this way, whilst
the Col. seemingly undisturbed, partook
of the cold, and unpalatable meal. AT
ter he had finished, the party requested
him to engage with them at cards, to
which he politely objected, saying, that
he did not play. They Immediately laid
aside the cards, and entered into conver-
sation, annoying him exceedingly ly with i'm
pertinent questions, as to his route, busi-
ness, &c. &c. Wearing the uniform of
the Army, his rank was of course recog-
missed. He was asked ifhe was not from
New-Orleans? If he was going to The
military post at Red-River, Natchitoch-
es? Ifthere was not large detachment
of troops there, and when were they to
be paid off? If there were not large ar
rearages due them' One of them pre-
suming the money would be transmitted
from N. Orleans, another suggested that
he was "pay-master to the Army."-
These various and perplexing interroga-
tories, were answered promptly, with
characteristic ccolness, and generally
without evasion. Studous, ofnot evinc-
ing any Gistrust, or suspicious of their OBJ
ject, the careless Indifference of his man
ners seemed to have had the effect ofre-
straining their rudeness for a while, and
the subject was changed. Whilst this
kind Of conversation was going on, one
of the robbers, was observed to recine
himself on the floor, near the partition
where his baggage was laid which he
used as pillow. Watching his move
ments he was seen examining the Colo
nePs saddle-bags rather familiarly. This,
however, he did not seem to notice.
Soon after, two of the party took their ri
hes, and left the house, without giving
any explanation. He was now left with
the lootman, the old man, and one of the
trio, who was evidently the leader Of
the band. 1t grew late, and requesting
bed, he was conducted by the aged
Ishmaelite followed by the bandit) to
small attached building. In going along
narrow passage he stepped upon trap
door, which gave way, and he sunk to
his knee, but catching to a bench which
happened to be near, he recovered, and
proceeded without making any remarks.
Reaching the apartment he was pointed
to a miserable cot, and Immediately pre-
pared to occupy it, by taking off only his
coat and boots. The old man soon reti-i
red, leaving his companion, who propos-
ed using an old settee in the same room,
as his couch, remarking that the old man
was scarce ofbeds. To this arbitrary ar
rangement, he did not think proper TO OBJ
iect. A crisis was now evidently ap-
preaching, which no human agency
could avert, and he resolved hastily on
his plan of escape. This was to adopt
some fnesse, and if unsuccessful, then to
defend himself to the last, with his only
weapon, "DIRK." He was well aware
that his safety depended upon his man
ners and bearing towards those despera-
does, hence, every word and action was
strictly guarded. We have already OBJ
served the effect of this course upon the
assassin. Had he at any time evinced
apprehensions or fears Of his safety, or
made any unguardcd movement, towards
leaving the house, instant death would,
doubtless, have followed. But, so conf
dent were they of their prey, and proba-
bly, too cowardly to make an open attack,
their plan evidently was, to approach his
couch, and accomplish the helish pur-
pose, by stabbing in the dark. The on,
ly hope Of safety in leaving the house,
was to reach the river, where he might
possibly find a boat, either descending or
at the shore, which would afford protec-
ton. But on the other hand, if no such
relief was found, he would doubtless be
pursued, and on this uninhabted part of
the coast, escape would be impossible
further Developments ofthe nj ght,e ere he
should decide differently what course to
pursue. He was not long left in sus-
pense. A movement, distinctly heard,
made it palpably manifest that murder,
dark and premeditated murder, was con-
templated, and the attempt about to be
made. After the lapse of an hour per-
haps, after lying down, during which he
famed sound sleep, yet wakeful to eve =.
ry sound which hoated upon the murmur-
ing wind, he heard the latch of the door