The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1839-07-17

common. and had passed across the beach be
fore mentioned, and were walking round tn
noint of land on the East side of it, to view
large and curious chasm in the rocks whic
had been formed by some eonvulsion Of nature
but eer they reached it rustling in the bushe
attracted the attention Of Seagreaves, who turn
ed, and at the distance Of two or three huDdre'
yards, saw fine buck, quietly feeding. TIN
was too tempting sight 10 DO passed by
sportsman, and bidding Agnes remain for a few
minutes where she was, he cautiously approach
ed the spot where the animal was grazing
He got within about seventy yards Of him
which was as near as he wished, and screened
by a large bush he arose, and stood for mo
ment gazing on the noble animal that still KEEP
quietly cropping the herbage, unconscious
the danger that menaced him. The long ar
row was fixed, the bow was drawn to its utmos
tension.-when scream burst upon his ear
The deer alarmed by the sound tossed his ant
lers in the air, and bounded away into the bush
es. The sportsman stood for moment as J
paralysed then with the speed Of the animal
whose life he had been seeking he made for the
SPOT from whence the cry had proceeded, foi
il was the voice of Agnes that he beard. S'n
clearing the highest bushes he saw her who
wa. more than life to him borne swiftly on 10
the arms Of two sayages, while the rene2ade
Spaniard brought up the rear. They were not
more than two hundred yards ahead OF him,
aud in a few minutes he had gained one halt Of
that distance when a sudden turn in the path
brought the Spaniard out of the range of the
others; it was only for moment, but that mo-
ment was enough-the messenger OF deatn was
l,unched from the unerring bow the English
men. and the Spaniard fell transhxed by the
shaft. One OF the Indians seeing the fate OF
their comrade dropped his burden and fled
the other, finding that he could not escape
l. -. b.s, hat. into hpvh he .d nd
Ard likewise In a moment Seagreaves was by
her side, and one glance showed him the deed
of horror that had been committed. lie paus-
ed not. for revenge was yet within his reach;
the Indian who struck the blow was not more
than one hundred and fifth yards ahead Of him,
and 10 the destroyer Of his Agnes he recognised
the chief of the Sogkonates--the murderer was
Shayomet! Seagreaves soon saw that he gam
ed on him, and thrice was his bow drawn to the
arrows head but yet he paused; ne wished 10
make vengeance sure. The Indian, finding
that his pursuer gained on him, attempted to
reach the bushes instead Of his canoe, which
was on the Shore and for time he seemed in
fair way to do so. Seagreaves was now with.
in seventy yards Of him-the Indian was with
in few PAGES of the bushes, and another mo-
ment would have seen him SAFE but eer that
moment passed, the arrow Of Seagreaves was
drinking his life's blood. The other Indian
had then reached the canoe, and was soon out
of danger.
But how can we attempt to describe the feel
incs Of Seagreaves when he returned from his
deed of vengeance, TO the side Of her who had
heretofore made this wilderness seem paradise
to him lin whose young love the thoughts Of
horne, of kindred and Of friends, had been for
gotten '--of her who for many months had been
the guiding star of his hopes-a figure of bright
,,1 nf ,ph Il als chen
and cold lie threw himself on his knees by
her side, and wep, over her with all the agony of
passion and disappointed hopes. Thus, for
Some tune, did he continue by her, alternately
caressing and weeping over the mangled form
Of his beloved Agnes, until fortune brought two
of his companions, who had been out hun
ting excursion, to the spot, who succeeded in
arousng him, and then forming rude litter of
boughs, they returned with the body of the
murdered girl to the fortress Deep was the
grief of the father, as he hung over The body Of
the last being whose love had bound him to
earth. Blu. short tiuio had he now 10 spend in
tears, for he knew that the death of their chief
must bring on an immediate attack from the
Indians.
All the provisions we could collect, were
slowed in the fortress, and strong party was
despatched to the woods, to take what game
they could before the enemy should muster
their forces. One Of our cannon had been here
tolore pointed to the East, but we now resolved
TO shift il to the North, as the woods were there
thickcst and would consequently afford the best
shelter to the enemy. Three days passed, in
which the first company of hunters had return
cd, aud another had been despatched on the
same service. and we had likewise taken large
quautity of fish TO add to our stores. Four days
more passed and we heard no news from the
second party of hunters. On the 6tth, three Of
them and their Captain returned, all more or
less wounded; aud they were all that had es-
capcd out of twenty the others having been
all cut off by the Indians.
From that time we dare not again leave the
Fort. Our situation was dreadful; our provis-
ions and water could not last us more than four
or five weeks, and half OF that time elapsed, du-
ring which we had been close pressed upon by
tie Indians. A few of oar people had been
hurt by arrows from the enemy, aud one killed
while attempting to procure more water at
neighboring spring. Our powder, great dea
of which had been lost by exposure on the
Island where we had first landed, was now near
" exhausted, and the short time that our pro
visions could last determined us to attempt
bold push. This was for all bnt ten (who wer,
left to guard the fort) to attempt to steal or Gu
iheir way through the Indians, TO the plac,
whore we had secreted our largest boat, and tr,
TO reach the land OF the Narragansetts; and en-
deavor to gain their aid. The next night wa
the time fixed upon for the attempt, and Sea
greaves, as he was favorite with the chief o
that tribe, was chosen to command the party
The night approached, and it bid fair to b.
dark, and well fitted for such an attempt.
came, and sorrowfully we bid adeu to our de
parting comrades. scarcely daring to hope tha
we should meet them again.
Oh with what trembling anxiety did we lis
ten to hear il any prowling band of Indian
should discover them in their midnieht march
Two hours passed away, and no noise dsturbc,
the stiffness Of night. The boat was hid in
creek about two miles from the fort, in Sou,l
Westerly direction, and we concluded by tn,
time that had elapsed that they must have reach