Jeffersonian Republican. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1840-1853, 1842-05-11

Cruel stratagenr.


Did YOU ever hear of '.old Smith," that used
to live away down east, during The early settle
ment of the country now called Maine? Old
Smith had lost several of his relations by the
hands of the Indians, and had vowed eternal
enniIy to the whole race. He had been twice
taken Ivy the savage tribes, but contrived to es-
cape from them, and had killed several of their
number. He sought every opportunity 10 do
them mischief in any way By this course he
had become exceedingly obnoxiou. TO The
red men, that they would not even kill him di-
rectly if they could, but were almost constantly
on the watch iC take him alive, for the purpose
of satisfying their vengeance by the nf1lcllon of
the utmost torture that barbariiy could invent.
Smith was aware of this disposition of the saw
ages, and was the less afraid of their bullets.
1t is reported that Smith was at one time en-
gagged in splitting some pine logs for fence rails
and in the ardor of his employment had neglect
ed his "look oul," ill six Indians came upon
him with veil of exuaion. The chief Of the
party, whose name was Wahoos, seized him
by the arms, exclaiming, "Now, Smt, me got
you?" Smith saw it would be vain to resist;
and, assuming an ali Of composure thus address
ed his captor: Now, Wahoos, I'll tell you what
| will do II you will now help me 10 split
open this, will then go with you without any
trouble; otherwise | will not walk. and you
must carry or kill me-" The Indians Tow hav
ing him safe in their possession, and willing to
save themselves trouble, agreed TO he p split the
log, if he would tell them how. Smith had al
ready opened one end of the log with large
wooden wedge. and renewing his blows on the
wedge with beetle, he directed them TO take
hold Of ths separated parts Of the los, three on
each side, and pull with all their might, while
he should drive in the wedge. The red men
were without suspicion, bu, kept their eyes on
Smiths motions while they pulled at the sun
dered paris Of the log. Every blow OF Smiths
opened the creyiCe wider, which enabled the
Indians to renew their hold by inserting their
fingers deeper into the crevce, when Smith,
slightly changing the direction of The beetle,
struck on The side of The wedge, knCcking IL
out of the log which Immediately closing with
grea, force, caught every foe by The hands save
one, who, seeing the predcsment OF his COM
panions, look 10 his heels, bul was soon brought
down by Smiths long g-harrelled gun, which he
had kept near him. The other fve expecting
no mercy, were not disappointed Five blows
from Smiths axe silenced their death song.
A year or more after this affair." Smith was
returning from an excursion, and passed near a
bend Of The Androscoggin river, about a mile
above The falls, on which the LewistOwn mills
are now located it was nearly dark, and he
discovered an Indian making FIRE on rock
by the river bank Si:::h =::" lhroush the blI-
siaess at once; the fire was for beacon, 20
guide The landing of strong party. With un-
erring aim he shot the loue savage, who pitched
INTO The river, and Smith threw The fire and fire
brands after him; and then proceeded down to
the falls, and there he soon kindled another FIRE
on projecting rock; and then retiring up the
ri, er bank short distance; awaited the result.
He soon heard the songs of company Of war
riors, who had discovered the fire, and were
steadily padding towards it in high slee Smith
could hardly refrain from laughing, as they
neared the fatal beacon. The songs were sus
pended by surprise, at the rapid motion of their
canoes, and The hoarse roar OF The falls, which
revealed Ion late the dreadful truth. A brief
dead song uttered in savage yells, and the cries
of several sqnaws and pappooses, were all that
preceded their las. and dreadful plunge over the
falls.