The native American., 1838-08-11
From the Wssie,n Messenger for June, 1888
INTERESTING INCIDENT IN KEN
TUCKY HISTORY


Al the first meeting of the Kentucky Historical
Society, the following anecdote of Indian genero-
sity and magnanimity was related by a gentleman
distinguished in the annals of Kentucky; with
whose permission we give il to the public through
our paper.
About the year 1884 or 1855, Mr.. Andrew
Rowan embarked in barge at the Falls of the
Ohio, (where Louisville now stands,) with par
ty, to descend the river. The boat having stop
ped at the Yellow Banks, on the Indiana side,
some distance below, Mr.. Rowan, borrowing a
rifle of one of the company, stepped on shore and
strolled into the bottom, probably rather in pur-
8 lit of amusement than game; for, from having
always been Of feeble constitution and averse to
action, he knew not how to use rifle, and be-
sides had with him but the single charge of am
munition which was in the gun. He unconsci-
ously protracted his stay beyond what he intend
ed; and returning TO the spot where he had land
ed, saw nothing of the boat nor the company he
had left. 1t being time of hostility with the
Indians, and suspicious of t.eir approach having
alarmed the party, they had put off, and made
down the stream with all possible haste, not dar-
ing to linger for their companion on shore.
Mr.. K. now found himself alone on the banks
Of the Ohio, vast and trackless forest stretching
around him, with but one charge of powder, and
himself too unsked in the use of the rifle to pro-
fit even by that, and liable at any moment to fall
into the hands Of the savages. The nearest set
tlement of the whites was Vincennes, (now in
Indiana,) distant probably about one hundred
miles. Shaping his course as nearly as he could
calculate for this, he commenced his perilous and
hopeless journey. Unaccustomed to travelling in
the forest he soon lost all reckoning of his way,
and wandered about at venture lmpeed by the
cravings of hunger, he discharged his rifle at a
deer that happened to pass near him, but missed
it. The third day found him still wandering,
whether towards Vincennes or from it, he knew
not-exhausted, famished, and despairing Seve-
raj times had he laid down, as he thought to die.
Reused by the sound of gun not far distant, be-
tokening, as he well knew, the presence of the
Indians, he proceeded towards the spot whence
the report had proceeded, resolved, as last hope
of life, to surrender himself to those whose tender
mercies he knew to he cruel. Advancing short
distance he saw an Indian approaching, who, on
discovering hin-as the first impulse was on any
alarm with both the whites and Indians on the
frontiers in time of hostilities-drew up his rifle
to his shoulder, in readiness to fire. Mr.. r
turned the butt of his and the Indian, with French
politeness, turnedthe butt of his also. They ap
preached each other. The Indian seeing his pale
ana emaclated appearance, ana understanding the
cause, took him to his wigwam, few miles dis
tant where he cooked for him for several days anc
treated him with the greatest hospitality. Their
learning from him by signs that he wished to &C
to Vincennes, the Milan Immediately left his
hunting, took his rifle and small stock of pro.
visions, and conducted him in safety to that set
tlement, distance from his cabin of about eighty
miles,
Having arrived there, and wishing to reward
well the generous Indian to- whom he owed his
life, Mr. r. made arrangements with merchant
of the settlement, to whom he made himself
known, to give him three hundred dollars. But
the Indian would not receive arthing. When
made to understand by Mr.. R. through an inter-
prefer, that he could not be happy unless he would
accept something, he replied, pointing to new
blanket near him, that he would take that; and
added, wrapping his own blanket around his
shoulders, "when wrap myself in it will think
Of YOU"
Where was there ever white man, that even
in time of peace, would have so befriended an
Indian! l.. B.
Uncle of the present Hon. John Rowan of Louis.