The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1836-02-03
THE MURDERER'S GRAVE.

cogees Creek confedcracy, from the state of
Alabama, stands, or rather stood, ruined cottage
of logs. Travelling through the wilderness several
years ago, passed this desolate spot The walls
buckened by the smoke of many fires, and in part
already decayed, stood toering TO their fall the
roof was entirely gone part only of the chimney
was left built in the custom of that country of split
sticks, and thicky plastered the inside with mud
The fences had around small field which Showed
traces of former cultivation, and was now fast filling
up with briars plumb bushes and sedge grass where
the still evident marks of the hoe and the cornfieId
gave proof that human beings had once found there
home. The mists of night closing around
us; the dark magnolia forest which frowned on the
secluded spot, and the thick and gloomy swamp of
the Line Creek, which stretched its unheatlfu
morass almost to the door, gave to the whole scene
the slnes and horror of death. Although habited
during journey of many days to the solitude and
gloom OF the wilderness, was struck with the pc
culiarly lugubrous aspect of the scene, and with an
mdefnable feeling Of melancholy, l stopped my
horse, to survey it more at leisure. My companion
who had ridden few yards in advance, not hear
ing the accustomed sound of my horses tramp,
turned his head to learn the cause of my lingering
and rode back to the spot where had halted
Here said he, is Riey's grave. Remark that
small mound of earth resembling the heap of soil
accumulated from fallen tree, and which is, in
truth, the effect of the trunk which those decay
ing pncnots once belonged; there the murderer
fell, and there he lies buried"
Not being SO familiar with the legends of this
wild region as to remember The story of a man
whose crime and death had given a name 10 this
lonely scene Of desolaton, inquired into his his
tory, and listened in deep and silent interest to a
tale of revenge and remorse, strongly illustrative of
the aboriginal character.
Barney Riley, as he was termed by the whites
his Indian appellstion is now forgottcn-was pret-
y clcftain belonging to the confederacy of the up
per Creeks. Being haf-breed,' and, like most
Of the mixed race, more intelligent than the full
bIooded Indians, he acquired strong influence
among bis native tribe. Regarding the people of
his father allied to him in blood and friendship,
he took very early decided part in favor of the
United States in the dssensions among the Creek
nation, and, after breaking out of the war in 1912,
joined the American forces with his small band of
warriors. Brave and hardy, accustomed to con-
front danger and conquer difficulties, he led his
men to battle, and in many instances proved by his
activity, of material service to the army. His gal
lnnry and abilities attracted the notice of the COM
mnnder-in-chief, and Rilcy's name was coupled
with applause in many of the dispatches during the
campaign. On the restoration of peace, he returned
to his people honored with the thanks of his Great
Father aud snt down to cultivate his fields and
pursue the chase rs in times gone by. Although
distinguished in war and in council he was still
young, and devotng himself to his ONE wife, love-
Iy Indian girl.
About this time the restoration Of tranquility, and
the opening of the rich lands just ceded to the Uni
ted States on the upper waters Of the Alabama be-
gan to attract numerous emigrants from the New
England States, and the military road was soon
throngcd with caravans hastening to these fertile
countries nt the West The country from the Oak
mulee to the settlements the Mississippi was still
one bowling wilderness, and many dscontented
spirits among the conquered tribes still meditated
hostile stroke against their white oppressors. Tray
elling was of course hazardous and insecure and
persons who were not able 10 associate in parties
strong enough for mutual defence, would procure
the protection of some well known warrior or chief
who would ensure them safe passage through
those troubled countries.
OF this class was l.. knew him former
ly, and heard some remote allusion to his fate
Though his misfortunes and embarassments had
driven him to seek distant asylum, a warmer heart
beat not in any bosom, frank and manly, open to
kindness and prompt to meet friendship he was
loved by all who knew him, and eyes unused to
weep glistened in bidding God speed to their old
associate.-L-- had been companion in arms
with Riley, and knew his sagacity, his courage and
fidelity. Under his direction he and his family were
safely conducted to the spot selected.
Like most men of his eager and sangune tenn
perament, l., was easily excited to anger and
though ready to atone for the injury done in the
warmth of feeling did not always control his pas
sions before their out-burst. Some slight cause of
alteration produced quarrel with his guide, and
a blow from the hand of l. was treasured up by
Riley, with tdeep threats of vengeance. On the
banks of yonder creek he watched his time, and the
bullet too truly aimed, closed the career of one who
little dreamed of death at the moment. His slaves
terrified at the death of their master, fled in various
directions, and carried the news of his murder to
the nearest settlements.
The story of LIS unhappy end soon reached his
family, and his nearest relations took immediate
knew that punishment would speedily follow his
crime, but took no steps TO evade or prevent his
doom. The laws of retaliation among his country.
men are severe but simple-'blood for bood'-and
he might run who read them.' On the first notice
Of demand, he boldly avowed his deed, and gave
himself up for trial. No thought seemed to enter
his mind Of denial nre A dam nd sattInI