Vandalia Whig and Illinois intelligencer. [volume] (Vandalia, Ill.) 1832-183?, 1833-09-04
From the Caskei.
C ROC FL A N,
R THE HERO OF FORT sANDUsKY.

~ EE Ii EhO Vt TOh DAN
Towards the close of a sultry day, in
middle of July, 49,, was seen gliding
ing the broad aud placid bosom of the
gio, solitary boat, in which were three
ftermen, "a gentlemen with his wife and
Id, a large Newfoundland Dog, and
ne packages Of merchandise, which,
u various implements Of husbandry,
pstituted the entire cargo.
Their appearance indicated much IA
ue, from long exposure to the scorch-
,,'rays OF summer sun, whose declin-
beams lent transient lustFe to the
id clouds which now arose above the
stern horizon, in threatening magniti-
nee, Portending night of unusual in
smency; while the resplendent orb, as
concious of the distress he had caused
lmPotent little company, seemed has
ming to cover the confusion of his red
ming countenance beneath the shades
the western forests.
Scarcely had the upper edge of his
Pansive forhead sunk beyond the YER
ire of the mighty oaks, when a vivid
,sh from distant thunder cloud announ-
ID the approach of the gathering tenn
Est, and admonished them of the pro-
'iety of seeking refuge near the shore,
ntil nature should have resumed her for
'er serenity. Accordingly. doubling a
Projecting point of land, a short distance
efore, athey approached an overhanging
uster of stunted cedars, and taking a
'w turns of rope around the trunk Of
ne stoutest, moored their flimsy bark in
.pparent safety for the night.
No sooner had this been accomplished
han the watermen, taking each from an
iarthern jug, which lay snugly secured
p she bow, hearty srris Of .4E7oe9.r5re'su
p, followed by copious dranght o
Heavens imperial, laid themselves dowr
o rest; while the others, as if fearful o
ome impending calamity, awaited il
mute apprehension, the issue of the me
lacing scene.
Long and loud grew the roarings ofthe
thunder, and quick and ap.
Ealing the flashing of the forked lightning
whilst ever and anon, as the terrific blaze
BURST upon the gaze of the atlirightcd pas.
engers, threatening every thing with in.
tant annihilation, each sunk for protec
i0, to the rest; and the next moment all
vas again enveloped in dreary and i'm
,enetrable darkness. Near and more
rear the tumult approached, and fast pour
ID the rain in accommodating torrents; when
he little boy, who had hitherto observ-
I'd an unbroken silence, looking Innocent
y into the face Of his mother, who was
low pressing him close to her bosom, as
f to afford him greater safety from the fu
y of the contending elemeu, asked in 4
'of but anxious tone, ''Ma, | wonder i
hat is Washington firing at the English?'
She, only replying by a kiss on his youth
ful brow, he resumed: ''lf ! was there
pointing to a flaming cloud, SD help hin
o kill every one of them"
envy son., said his father, who was nc
ess surprised than amused at the militia
y spirit evnced by his little bantling, 'sit
ever the time arrive, when your country
hall need your services, | hope you may
rot be found wanting, either in determin-
.tion to oppose the aggressions ofhcr foes
,r in prudence to direct you as to the sur.
,st means of maintaining her rights"
"This," said the mother, "reminds me
If dream, which last night broke in
lpon my disturbed slumbers. Melhoughi
was ranging wild and desert tract oil
country, somewhat resembling that which
low lies before US, in quest Of some hu-
nan habitation, where might find susie
,ance and lodging for myself aud this
hid, whom carried in my arms. The
ull moon shone brightly through the fol
age of the towering trees: the wind
which had hitherto agtated the forest
vas now sunk into silent repose; not a
eaf was in motion, and nought was heard
IN either side but the low murmur of a
Instant cascade, and the rapid fntter OF
he night-bird, as it shot through the
branches and Immediately disappeared il
he surrounding arbors. Suddenly the
woods opened into an extensive prairie.
.nd>eagIe darted from a lofty pine top
saw him pursue his flight high in the air.
o the bright luminary of night and
cratch on its face the with the end of his
teak, in large characters, the name of my
hid; when, uttering shrek, which