The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1843-03-14
From Alexander's Messenger.
A TALE OF THE AMERICAN RCVOI ITTJON

" '"'S' WIN were the acting heroes OF the scene
as hey TALL beneath the ruthless hand of death the
corr"dng tooth Of time robs their history Of its rich
est features, and but faint tribute is paid 10 their
merits.
Inc animated counenance, the strong emotions the
trembling voice. the bending frame, the furrowed
cheek and the silent tear Of nm old soldier npa, AN
interest to his story when told by himself, that no
pen can portray, no eloquence initiate. His adycn.
lures, bis tolls, Ibis suerngs his air-bread;h escapes
his struggles for liberty and victory are all firmly i'm
printed and fresh on his mind; his patriotic feelings
run back to the times of peril; his soul IL On the
wings OF memory and his relation Of battles fought
ana victories WON is enlyened by the fascinating
charms oil pure original, producing impression az
on MS listeners, more sweet AID chaste than when
from the pen of an or the lips of an eu
logist.
Among the veterans of the American revolution
were two brave spirits to whom have often listened
with thrilling attention, during the period of my child
hood,as they rccounted the incidents of by gone DAVIS
Although their names not now conspicuous on the
historic page, their services and fame are known and
highly appreciated by many, and their memory is
still venera,ed in the neghbohood where their bones
now mouIder' One was Murphy, an Irshman, the
other nofPer' an american They were among the
pioneers who settled upon the head waters of the
delaware river which rises from fountain of pure
water, called by the Indians lake Utstayuntho
Around this lake Is small valley then the central
rendezvous the savage tribes, whose walks extern
ded from the Mohawk in the north far down the Del
aware, the Lackawaxen, the Luckaw anna, and the
Susquehanna in the SOUTH
IT was an isolated spot surrounded by mountains
and hills, continuing area of about sixty acres II
was covered with luxurious growth Of lofty pines
and covered with variety of evergreens Its seem
cry was romantic and beautfu it was formed by ma
lure ior retreat, exactly such place The rude
children Of the forests imagine the Great Spirit de-
lights to dwell in For years, perhaps, for centuries
the sons OF the wilderness built their couRct fires in
the amphitheatre of Utstayantho There they manu-
featured their stone pots, their flint points, and
their bows. There they smoked the pipe Of peace,
performed the terrific dance, and Tortured their
unfortunate prisoners. There they also traded with
the white man ,saluted him brother, and murdered
him in cold blood; and there many of their bodes
warriors fell beneath the avenging bands Of the en-
ragged Inhabitants.
AT the common cement Of the revolution these In
dams were Influenced by two tories Mcdonald and
Brandt, to enlist in favor Of the British
Their tonulawks and scalpng knives wee soon
bathed in blood. Mothers and their innocent babes
we!tored in the same gore. In the sping of TT They
murdered several families and took Number of pris
Among them Murphy and Harper AS
these were of known courage, it was decided to
take them down the Delaware to an Indian station a.
bout 60 miles distant. They put in charge of
of eleven ors, who started with their prisoners
u
their march, they all stretched themselves before IA
fire. and the savages fell into sound sleep. a
supply Of rum during the day, and hearty drink
they couced themselves for the night rendered their
stupor more complete This opportunity not to
be lost by the captves. Although closely wedged be
tween the Indians, they SO cautiously not to
disturb them. Nth the little they had Of their
hands it some time before they could relieve
their arms from the thongs that confined them. This
don. they consulted wheiher 10 flee once, at
tempt TO dispatch their foes. They dec!ded on the
latter They then removed the implements of death
distance off and with tomahawk in hand COM
menced the fearful task. Each blow was deep and
sure,-a messenger of death. So profound was their
sleep and rapid the work of blood that eight OF the
saynges killed before the other three awoke-
They attempted to start on their feet, but two OF
them met the deadly aim Of the prisoners, and fell
beneath their own weapons. The other one He'd to-
wards Aquaga, to tell the sad news to his brethren
Afier arning themselves, securing the ammunition
and a small quantity OF parched corn and dried veni
son the two heroes secreted the remainder IN the
best possible hummer. and by the light of the north
star commenced their journey back. Beng hunterS
and-ttappers they knew the route too well TO be IN
d,naar Of Jsng their uray When day light appear
ed they left the river and followed the rdge to e.
wade discovery, should the enemy be passing down
With cautious steps and light hearts they guided over
the hills, and in the evening reached small settle
ment lying FIVE miles west Of the Indian PATH and ten
miles west of their own, and which was secured by
a small block house. Had they risen from the |
dead their friends would not haze been more suprIs
ed to see the,r The news of lei. capture had been
spread, and with It that chil!ei the blood and
wrung the hearts of Murphy and Harper with the