Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1842-09-16
TUT N ER,S FALLS.

necticut River, we visited Turner'S Falls
for the first time. We were not before
aware of the curious and beautiful wildness
of this spot 1t is young Niagara, and we
believe is the greatest fall in New England
The whole scenery is full of interest and of
interesting recollectons For description
of the place, we cannot do better than re-
publish from the Republican an article which
appeared in our columns some years since,
copied from Philadelphia paper.
Springfield Republican.
These falls on Connecticut River, are
situated between the towns of Gill and Mon
tague, in Massachusetts, about four miles
north east of the village of Greenfield, the
shire town in Franklin county, and are
often visited as a curiosity. The general
course of the river through New England is
few degrees west of south 10 Long Island
Sound and winds through a valley forming
a succession of intervals, in fertility exceed
ed by few sections of the United States. On
the borders of these intervals are TO be seen
compact and handsome villages, the peace
fnl abodcs of industry and competency, en-
bracing a numerous population. After pass
ing over Miiicr'S Falls, about three miles
above, the river flows smoothly in south
westerly direction, until il arrives within
three-fourths of mile of the main bar, then
curving to the right il assumes nearly north
course, when it meets chain of rocks
stretching across the channel, environed by
two rocky islands, and originally fell alb
ruptly about thirty feet into a rocky cavity
in wild confusion: continuing its boiling
course short distance, it receives Fail
Riuer, small stream from the north then
making sharp hexure to the left, and pass
ing over smaller bar of rocks and by sew
eral islands, it takes its usual course little
below Deer6eld river, emptying from the
southwest. The waters OF the Connecticut
is now elevated several feet above the origi-
nal bar, by dam, erected for the purpose
of diverting the water into the canal con-
structed on the left bank, and intersecting
the river Two and half miles below. BY
the erection Of this dam the falls have lost
much Of their original wildness, but nothing
Of their beauty and sublimity. t
The right bank of the river. for mile or
two below, is bounded by singular hill of
green stons, extending through Massachu-
sets and Connecticut as far as New Haven,
presenting much for the qualification of the
mineralogist and geologist. In this range, a
small distance below the falls, two veins of
green Carbonate of copper have been dis
covered, extending under the river. The
rocks at and above the falls, partake of the
coal formation, and specimens of that min
eral have been discovered among them
In viewing these falls, the antiquarian, as
well as the geologist, will find something TO
interest his researches. From the great
quantity of salmon and shad formerly found
here at the proper season, the place was a
famous resort for the Indians oithe adjacent
country. In 1876, the second year of Phil
lips war in New England, large body OF
the allies of that sagacious leader had taken
up stations at the falls, aud narrow passes OF
the streams in the neighborhood Of the line
of country occupied by Phillips forces, for
the purpose of procuring fish for their pres
ent, as well as future supply; aud as the
English forces at Hadley, on the river be-
low, then their head quarters, were not nu-
merous, the Indians had become remiss in
guarding the port at the falls. This being
made known at Hadley by two lads, who
fortunately escaped from them, it was deter.
mined to collect a force from the towns in
the vicinity, and strike at the enemy at the
falls. About one hundred and sixty mount
ed men were soon assembled at Hatfield
from that place, Hadley, Northampton, and
Springfield, under Capt Tunr, of the
colony troops; and on the evening Of the
18th of May, commenced their march for the
falls, the distance about 20 miles. After
eluding a lodge of Indians in the north part
of Deerfield, Turner arrived with his com.
mand within half mile ofthe Indian camp
on the right bank Of the Connecticut, oppo.
site to the falls, where he dismounted his
men, and left the horses tied 10 sapings, un'
der small guard. Day was now about to
dawn, but all was still in the Indian camp
Preparations for the attack were momentary
and the march promptly commenced, cross
ing Fall River and climbing an abrupt hill
the English pushing rapidly through an inter.
vening wood, rushed upon the back of the
camp, and found the Indians in a profound
sleep, without even n watch. Reused from
their sumbers by the Sudden roar of musket
nv, they fled towards the river, vociierating
Ifohapksi MOhaoks believing this fnri
Gus enemy, with whom they they were then
at war; was upon them. Many eapcd into
their canoes, some in the haste of the mo.
/ ment forgetting their paddles, and attempt
! ing to cross were shot down by the English
or preciptated down the dreadful cataract
and drowned, while others were killed in
t their cabins, or took shelter under the pro
jecting rocks of the river bank, where they
were cut down by their assailants withou
y much resistance. Capt Holyoke, second il
! command, is said here to have despatched
five with his own sword nor did the sol
= diers evince less activity; all performe,