Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1833-05-16
.MscefS0ne0ssy.
From " sketchs, IF Western .idrsntrr.. ;,

''" "AoeHfs ~ UtNeTn .idrtnture.'
David Morgan. a relation Of the &c.
iebrated Daniel Morgan. had settled
upon the Monongahela during the ear.
her period Of the revolutionary war,
aud at this time had yenturcd TO occu
Py cabin at the distance Of several
miles from any settlement. One morn.
Ing in May, 1881, having sent his
youngest children out to a field at a
considerable distance from the house.
he became uneasy about them, aud re-
paired to the spot where they we're
working. armed rs usual with a good
nile. While sitting upon the fence,
and giving some directions as to their
work, he observed two Indians upon
the other side of the field. gazing ear
nestly upon the party. He instantly
called tn the children to make their
escape, while he should attempt 10 CO.
yer their retreat. The odds we're
greatly against him, n, in addition 10
other circumstances, lac was nearly Sc
Senty years of age, and Of course una
BILE TO contend with his enemies ia run
ming. The house was more than q
mile distant. but the children, having
.wo hundred yards the start, and being
cfcctua!ly covered by their father,
were soon 80 lar in front that the In
d:ans turned their attention entirely to
the old man. lie ran for several hun
drcd yards with an activity which as.
tonlshed himself, but percei,ing that
he would be Overtaken, he fairly turn
ell at bay, and prepared for a strenu-
Gus resistance. The woods through
which they were running, were very
thin, and consisted almost entirely of
small trees. behind which il was dill
cult to obtain proper shelter. When
Morgan adopted the above mentioned
resolution, lie had just passed large
walnut, which stood like a patriarch
among the saplings which surrounded
~, and II became necessary 10 run back
about ten steps 10 order to regain it.
HE Indians became startled at the
sudden advance Of the fugitive, and
were compelled tn halt among n clus-
ter OF saplings, where they anxiously
strove to shelter themselves. This,
however, was impossible, and Morgan,
who was an excellent marksman, saw
enough of one Of them to justify him in
risking shot. His enemy instantly
tell, MORALLY wounded. The Other
Indian, taking advantage of Morgan's
empty gun, sprung from his shelter and
advanced rapidly upon him. The old
man having no time to reload his gun.
was compelled to ily second time
The Indian gained rapidly upon him,
aud when within twenty steps. fired,
hut with SO unsteady an aim, that
Morgan struck with the butt of his gun.
and the Indian whirled his tomahawk
At one and the same moment. Both
blows took elect-and both we're at
once wounded and disarmed. The
breach Of the rifle was broken arains,
the Indians skull, and the edge Of the
iomahawk was shattered against the
barrel OF the rifle. having cut of two
oi the fingers OF Morsan's left hand
The Indian then attempting 20 draw
ms knife, Morgan grapp!cd him aud
bore him to the ground. A furious
struggle cnsued, Ia which the old
mans strength failed, and the Indian
succeeded III turning him. Planting
hIs knee in the breast Of his enemy.
aud yelling loudly, as is usual with
them upon any turn al fortune, he again
ielt Tor his knife on order TO terminate
the struggle at once--but having lately
stolen a woman's apron, and tied II
around his waist, his knife was so much
confined, that he had great difficulty
N dnding the handle. Morgan, in the
mean time, being regular puslist,
according 10 the custom Of Virginia,
and perfectly at home ~ a ground
struggle, tOoS advantage uf the awk.
wafdness OF tie Indian. and got one
at the fingers Of his right hand betW cen
hts teeth. The Indian tuggcd and
roared ~ vair. struggling to e1tricate
g. Morgan held him fast. and began
TO assist him in hunting for his knife.
Each seized II at the same moment.
the Indian by the blade, and Morgan
I by the handle, but with a slight hold.
The Indian having the fraest hold,
began To draw tho knife further out
81 ~ sheath, when Morgan suddenly
giving his finger furious bite, witch.
rd Tbs knife dexlefously through hi,
hand, cutting u severely. Both nov
sprung TO their feet, MorgaH brandish.
log his adversary's knife, and still
holding ISIS finger between his teeth.
In vain the poor Indian struggled 10
get away-rearing. pIunging. and bolt.
ing like an unbT0ken colt. The teeth
OF the white man were like a wee. and
az length succeeded in giving him a
stab ~ the SIDE. The Indian received
u without falling, the knife having
struck las fib., bat a second blow.
aimed az the stomach, proved more #.
iectual, and the savage fell Morgan
thrust the knife, handle sud al, INTO
the cavity 81 The body, directed It up
wards, and, starting TO BIS feet, made
the beet Of his way home.
The netvlt fsarhooI waa nairh -