Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1844-11-26
A REMARKABLE ADVENTURE.

The pioneer who dwclls in the VIC nity of
Indian hunting ground, forming a barrier be-
tween savage and civilized men, learn to
hate the ladian because he hears them spo-
ken of always as an enemy. Having listen
ed tIom his cradle TO the tales of savage VI
oencc, and perused with interest the nara
tive of aboriginal cunning and teroclty; and
numbering also, among the victims of some
IN dnight massacre, his nearest ana dearest
relation, it is not TO be wondered at, that he
should fear and dctest the savage. While
the war-whoop is sounding in his ears, the
nile is kept in readiness, and the cabin door
secured with the return Of evening.
Among those thus born and reared. one
Thomas Higgins, of Kentucky, stands pre-
eminent Daring the war of 1912, he en-
listed at the age of nineteen IN company
of rangers and came TO Illinois. Oae Of the
most remarkable events of the war occurred
near Vandalia,i in which higgins participated.
A little fort or rather block house having
been erected about twenty miles from Van
dalia and about eight miles south of the pre-.
sent village of GroenvlIe, 10 protect the
frontier settlements from the Indians. Lieut..
Journay and twelve men were assigned as
its garrison, OF the latter Higgins was one,
The surrounding country was at that time
4 continuous forest, and the li,tlc hamlet OF
Grecnvile frontier town.
On the 2jth of August, Isl strong indi-
cations Of savagcs being in the ncighhorhood
were apparent.
On the morning of The 3lst, before day
light, Lieut. Journay, with the whole force
under his command sailed forth in pursuit
of them: they had not proceeded far before
large party of Savages--seventy or eighty
IN pumber--rose from their ambush, and at
the first fire the lieutenant and three of his
men were killed and another wounded. Six
returned in safety to the fort; and one, Tho
mas Higgins, fingered behind. in order 10
have zone more pull at the enemy"
The morning was sultry, the day had not
vet dawned; a heavy dew had fallen during
The hight, and the air being still and humid,
the smoke irom their guns hung like cloud
over TIE awful scene.
by the aid of this cloud the companions
Of Higgins escaped to the fort. Higgins
horse having been shot in the neck fell upon
his knees; he rose however again. Higgins
supposing him TO be MORALLY wounded, dis
mounted and was about to leave him. Per-
eoiying soon thereafter his error, and that
the wound was not dangerous, he determi-
ned to make good his retreat. but resolved
before dong so, TO aycnge the death of some
OF his companions.
He sought therefore, tree. from behind
Which he could shoot in safety. A small
elm scarcely sufficient TO protect his body,
was near. TWAS the only one in sight. and
before he could reach it, the smoke nar,ly
arose and discovered to him number of In
llans approaching One of them was in the
act of loading his gun. Higgins having ia
Ken deliberate aim fired, aud the formesl sa-
taga fell, Concealed still by the smoke.
Higgins reloaded, Monn!ed his horse and
tuned TO ny. when voice apparently from
the grass, hailed him with, tom, YOU won't
leave me, will your
Higgins TUNED immediately around. and
seeing tellow-sold,er by the name of Bur
CESS yang ON the ground, wounded and gas
Pins io' 1'ea'b, gepIied, mo, wont leave
you--comc along"
=" -, cant cant come" said Burgess; "my leg
Is all smashed TO pieces"