The native American. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1840, 1837-12-02
THE TWO JOHNSONS!
From the Sketches Of Western Adventures.

Early in the fall of 93, two boys, by the
name of Johnson, the one twelve and the
other nine years of age, were playing on the
banks of Short creek, near the mouth OF the
Muskingum, and occasionally skipping stones
into the water. AT distance they saw two
men dressed like ordinary settlers, in hats
and coats, who gradually approached them,
and from time to time threw stones into the
water in imitation of the children.
AT length, when within one hundred yards
of the boys, they suddenly threw off their
masks, and rushing rapidly upon them, took
them prisoners. They proved to be Indians of
the Delaware tribe. Taking the children in
their arms, they ran hastily into the woods,
and after a rapid march of about six miles,
they encamped for the night. Having kin
died fire, and laying their rifles and toma-
hawks, against tree, they lay down to rest,
each with boy in his arms. The children,
as may be readily supposed, were too much
agitated to sleep The eldest began to move
his limbs cautiously, and finding that the
Indian who held him remained fast asleep,
he gradually disengaged himself from his
arms, and walked to the fire, which had
burned low; he remained several minutes in
suspense of what was to be done. Having
stirred the fire, and ascertained the exact
position of the enemy's arms, he whispered
softly to his brother to initiate his example;
and if possible to extricate himself from his
keeper. The little boy did as his brother
directed, and both stood irresolute around
, the fire. At length the Oldest, who was of a
very resolute disposition, proposed they should
kill the sleeping Indians and return home.
: The eldest pointed at one of the guns, and
assured his brother if he would only pull
the trigger of that gun, after he placed it at
rest, he would answer for the other Indian
The plan was agreed upon. The rife was
I eveled, with the muzzle resting on a log
I; which lay near, and having stationed his
:, brother at the breach with positive orders moi
S to touch the trigger until he gave the word
; he seized the tomahawk and advanced eau
S tiously TO the sleeper. Such was the agita
IS ed the trigger too soon, and the report of the
} gun awakened the other Indian before his
o brother was quite prepared. He struck the
e blow, however, with frmness, although in
e the hurry Of the act, it was done with the
u blunt part of the Ratchet and only stunned
n his antagonist. Quickly repeating the blow
Z however, with the edge, he inflicted deer
wound upon the Indians head, and after re-
PCtCu StIOkcS, lclL IlllIl liclSSS upon TIE SpOC
u The other, frightened at the explosion Of
, his own gun, had already taken to his scra
u pers, and with much difficulty was overtaken
/ by his brother Having regained the road
e by which they had advanced, the elder fixed
his hat upon bush to mark the spot, and by
\ daylight they regained their homes. They
found their mother in an agony of grief for
: their loss, and ignorant whether they had
e been drowned or taken by the Indians Their
tale was heard with establishment, not un-
q mingled with incredulity; and few of the
s neighbors insisted upon accompanying them
It to the spot where so extraordinary rencon-
s tire had occurred. place was soon found,
$ and the truth of the boys story placed be-
yond doubt.
The tomahawked Indian lay in his blood
where he fell, but the one who had been shot
; was not to be found A broad trail of blood,
however, enabled them to trail his footsteps,
and he was at length overtaken. His under
Jaw had been entirely shot away, and his
hands and breast were covered with clotted
blood; though very much exhausted, he still
!, kept his pursuers at bay, and faced them
!, from time to time with an air of determined
resolution. Either his goary appearance, or
the apprehension that more were in the neigh
borhood, had such an effect upon his pursu-
: ers, that, Notwithstanding their numbers, vet
he was permitted to escape. Whether he
survived or persisted in the wilderness, could
not be ascertained; but from the severity Of
the wound, the latter supposition is most
: probable.