The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1842-05-10
A CRUEL STRATAGEN,

Did you ever hear OF cold Smith," that used to
live away down east, during the early settlement
OF the country now called Maine, Old Smith had
lost several of his relations by the hands nf tho
indians, and han vowed eternal cnmity TO the
whole race. lie had been twice taken by the saw
age tribes, but coniriyed to escape from them, and
had He'd several Of their number. He sought
every opportunity TO do them mischief in any way.
By this course he had become exceedingly OBJ.
! noxious to the red men, that they would not even
kill him directly if they could, hut were almost
iconsiantly on the watch to take him alive, for the
purpose of satisfying their vengeance by the in
fiction ofthe utmost torture that baibarity cou Id
invent. Smith was aware Of this disposition {
tire savages, and the less afraid of their bull
let's. fa
1t is reported that Smith was al one time engag.
ed in splitting some pine logs for fence rails, and
in the ardor orhs employment had neglected his
"lcok out" ill six Indians upon him with a
yell of exultation. The chiefof the marty whose
name was Wahsoos seized him by the arms, ex-
claiming, "Now, Smii, me got you" Smith saw
i. would be in vain to resist; and, assuming an air
OF composure thus addressed his captor: snow,
Wahsoos, I'll tell you what | will do If you will
now help me 10 split open this, will then 60 with
you without any trouble; otherwise will no,
walk, and you must carry or kill me- The Indi.
ans now having him safe in their possession, and
willing to save themselves trouble, agreed to help
split the log, if he would tell them how. Smith
had already opened end Of the log wth7a
large wooden wedge, and renewing his blows on
the wedge with a beetle, he directed then, to take
mold of the separated parts of the log, three on
each side and pull with all their might, while he
should drive in the wedge. The red men were
without suspicion, but kept their eyes Smiths
motions while they pulled at the sundered parts
of the log. Every blow of Smiths opened the
crevice wider, which enabled the indians 10 renew
their hold by inserting their fingers deeperi the
crevice, when Smith, slightly changing the dreo-
ton of the BEETLE struck the side of the wedge,
knocking it out of the log which Immediately clo-
sing with great force caught every foe by the hands,
save one, no, seeing the predicament of his COM
panons, took to his heels, but brought
down by Smiths long ,barreIled gun, which he
had kept near him. The other FIVE expecting no
mercy, were disappointed. Five blows from
Smiths axe silenced their death song '5ers al.
A year after this affair, Smith was re
turning from an excursion, and passed near bend
of the Androscoggn river, about mile above the
falls, which the Louiston Mills are now located,
it nearly dark, and he discovered an Indian
making FIRE on rock BY the river bank. Smith
saw through the business once the fire was fos
a beacon, to guide the landing Ola strong parry.
With uneering aim he shot the lono savage, who
pitched into the river, and Smith threw the fire
and fire brands after him; and then proceeded
down 10 the falls, and there he soon kndled anoih
err fire projecting rock; and then retiripgnp
the river bank short distance, awaited the result
HI soon heard the songs of company of warriors,