The pilot. [volume] (Baltimore [Md.]) 1840-1840, 1840-04-30

to tell the sad news that Ill was lost.
Soon another set of instruments being procur-
ed, and the necessary arrangements made, young
Helm again commenced his hazardous occupa-
ton, experience having taught him the necessity
of caution in all his movements-the theatre up
on which he acted being generally between
Green and Salt Rivers. Many were the trials
and SuferingS through which he passed. The
halr-bredth escapes and thrilling incidents of iv
ing in constant state of active WaIfare-Some-
times driven by the Indians from their work-at
other times suffering from fatigue cold, or the
want of food-sometimes assisting in defending
his fathers fort when attacked by the Indians,
which was frequently the case-at other times
venturing to the assistance Of some neighboring
fort, often forming one ola little band Of volun-
teers TO fight and drive off a maraudilg gang of
Indians who were committing depredations upon
the neighborhood.'
Yet scenes of blood and strife will become ia
miliar; and in the midst of them, there will be
marrying and giving in marriage. On the ODD
day of March, 1857, young Helm was married
to Miss Sally Brown, in Haycraft fort, also in
the same neghboIhood.
1871, he went out on ST. Clair's campaign as
common soldier, but his capacity for business
and superior education were qualities more I'M
common in those days than at present, and could
not be long overlooked. He performed all or
nearly all the duties apperaining to the staff.of-
militia, which formed one division of ST. Car's
army. The regulartroops formed the other di-
vision.
Col. Oldham and Mr.. Helm, being connected
by marriage, as we'll as their official relation
ship in the army, wereion themost intimate terms
and fully in Teach others secrets. They were
greatly dissatisfied with ST. Glars disposition of
the army the night before the fatal battle. Old
ham demonstrated with 81. Clair and lold him of
the danger before him, but to no effect and final
| ly parted from him the evening before the battle
with prophetic waning that before they
met again, history would have TO record the tale
of sorrow which would be the result of the blum
| deTS then making. Neither Oldham nor his
| principal officers slept that night. A little be-
fore day, Mr. Helm was sent on trip of disco
very beyond the lines of the army, and while he
| was on this service the attack commenced the
| Indians rushing upon Oldham's division which
was about half mile in advance ofthe main ar
my, small river or large9creek lying between
| them. Mr.. Helm taking a circuitous route,
reached the ford of the river and waded over with
the rereating division. Immediately after hav-
! ing crossed the river, he met Col Oldham, and
while in conversation upon the best course to
| pursue, Oldham received ball passing through
his body, and he fell. The Indians being in hot
pursuit and near at hand, Helm could only stay
moment TO receive the Colonies dying mes
| sage to his wife. As history records all the 9TH
er general particulars of this bloody scene our
purpose is only TO speak of Mr.. Helm as one Of
the actors on that occasion.
! Assisted by the officers OF the Kentucy divi-
sion, he made every exertion to ward off the
dreadful horrors of that day by trying to keep
the way clear, so that the army could retreat in
somesort Of order. They continued their exer-
tons till scarce one was left who was not either
dying or wounded. Mr. Helm, while in the
act of touching the trigger TO shoot an Indian,
who had been doing great mischief, received a
ball In his left arm, shattering one of the bones
OF the arm, from the wrist to the elbow. Thus
disabled, he fell back amongst the wounded
and dying, and for some time saw the efforts
made 10 regain possession of that point which
he and his comrades had struggled so hard to
hold. But ST. Clair had committed the second
great blunder, and streams of blood had to be
poured out before that important point was OBJ
tanned again. Some of the best and bravest
officers and soldiers in the regular army fell
here; and several unsuccessful charges were
made 10 no effect. By this time, ruin and
death engulphed the army all around. No
place was safe-the wounded often receiving
The second and more fatal shot where they lay.
Mr. Helm had no less than seven bullets pass
ing through his clothes.
| Seeing death or escape the only alternative,
and being surrounded by the enemy on every
side, Major P. Brown, Capt. John Thomas,
(snce Gen. Thomas Stephen CIeaver, (since
Gen. Cleaver0 Mr.. Helm, and few others,
concluded to make last desperate attempt
aid open passage through the Indian lines
the only possible way by which TO retreat-
The Indians were doubly prepared, having
twice received charge made by division Of
the regular army, but these men thought it
was but death any way, and they would make
a trial for life. Their plans being settled, they
called long and loud TO the Kentuckians 10
come and go home, and with desperate shout
charged upon the Indians without firing gun.
The Indians for moment seemed to be panic
struck, and yielded for them 10 pass, while the
whole army, as if by enc impulse, followed
after.
Mr.. Helm, with the true feelings and spirit
| oil backwoodsman, chung to his rife, that
treasure to be parted with only in death, his
arm bone broken and shattered, as before men,
homeland carried his rifle and run and
marched with the army upwards of thirty
miles that day.
The sufferings from such wound would
thavc been great under The most favorable cir