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

the genius OI Il uitoh "oS P'ouo'y III
umphing on the western wave, spurning
the mad torrent of the father Of waters
such Journey was tolsome and dange-
rous in the extreme. Leaving the rich
and fertile valley of the lower Mississi p
pi, the route lay through wild and al
most trackless forest, presenting at every
step, lurking place for Bandits, who
were then prowling through the Southern
wilds, and practising successfully their
heartcss and cruel deeds of robbery and
murder. Ncw-Oreans was the chief
rendezvous Of these bands, as well as of
hordes of pirates and adventures, who
roamed upon different element. Some
forty or fifty miles above the city, the
road travelled by Col. L, passed through
a long and swampy district for some
thing like twenty miles, the character of
which, he was not aware of, until he had
entered it, and night approached ere he
had penetrated five miles of this DANCE
rous pass With the design of reaching
the first house, distant about ID miles, our
benighted traveller was urging forward
his wearied and faithful steed, when sud-
denly the sagacious animal, with the un-
errng instinct Of his nature snuf1ed the
tainted breeze; and, alarmed and ungov-
ernablc, made desperate bound, dis
covering to the rider, at the same mo-
ment, the cause of his fright. A rush
from the Canebrake, (by which the road
was girded, presented the outlines of two
men, making bold and determined push
to intercept him. But, urging forward
his horse by the whip and spurs, he sue
ceeded in passing them at the point of
concentrated attack. After running some
distance, the Colonel succeeded in rein
ing up his horse into moderate pace,
with the intention Of pursuing his journey
for the night.
lie had not gone far, however, when
a light was seen dimly fickering through
the forest, in the direction Of the river,
and he determined on reaching it, in
hopes of finding a house, where shelter
and protection might be afforded. But
in such dilemma he felt much embar-
rassed Not doubling that he was way
laid, the vicinity of the light to the late
scene of attack, suggested doubts of its
proving place of safe and hospitable en-
tert.inment. 1t was, however, equally
hazardous to proceed on such road al
ter night-fall; he therefore diverged to-
wards the treacherous light, and with
much difficulty, wound devious way,
through the woods, and reached the
house. The appearance OF this mIsera-
bic tenement ere he entered it., or receiv-
ed a reluctant permission to stay, con-
lirmed his suspicious as to its character.
An aged man, was, apparently, the only
inmate, who spoke the mongrel language
nf tlfe country, creole and broken English.
4 Our traveller accosted him, made known
his object and wishes, and asked per-
mission to stay during the night. After
some hesitation, and apparent confusion
of manner, an assent was given, remark
ing at the same time, that there was no.
accommodation either for himself or
horse.
The Colonel dsr '.unted resolved to
risk every thing and remain at this inhos-
pitable hovel. Confning his horse to
swinging limb of a tree in the small en-
closure, he took charge of his baggage &
entered. A scene was very soon present.
GOODNESS, and selt-possession, which alone
constitute true courage; and no degree
Of firmness, short of this, could have sus-
| tanned any man under such circumstan-
ces. Mere animal courage, would either
have quailed, or being excited to despe-
ration, would only have led its victim to
instant death. But we will describe the
scene, and then let the reader ask him
self, ''weuld have thus acted?" have
already remarked, that the Colonel was
convinced, on arriving at the house, that
it was the rendezvous and very den Of
robbcrs--and that he had escaped rob-
berry, and perhaps murder, on the road,
to fall here victim-for, without some
most extraordinary interpositon, death in
some shape, seemed inevitable. Contra
ry to the Colonel's expectation, the house
vas distant from the river nearly mile.
A dense wood intervening, surrounding
it in every direction, every thing wearing
a gloomy and peculiar aspect, gave a
presage Of some disastrous termination Of
his untimely and unexpected visit.
Butt return,-There were two rooms
the principal building, into the largest
of which Col. r., was conducted, by
"mine host" the old Creole. A female
slave seemed to have the sole charge of
domestic affairs, who, at the request of
the Col, was directed to procure some
thing for supper. Aller short absence,
in attending to the comfort of his house,
he returned to the room, and found that
a iootman, apparently a traveller, had ar
rived.
| In the absence of the old man, few