The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1845-11-01
From the Ladies' National Magazine.
DEATH OF SIMON GI ~
nx j. MILTON SANDERS.

BY j. mILEON ohNDbnS'
1T was several years ago that number of us
formed party, for the purpose Of visiting the In
dian reserve to shoot deer. With that eagerness
which marks the experienced hunter, had spent
the day pursuing game-whch always saw me
t-and as the last rays OF the sun glided the tree
tops, reached the camp exhausted and hungry,
without having shot any thing larger than squir-
rel. found the camp deserted, with the excep-
tion Of the old pioneer Sheddin, whose aged limbs
had refused to obey his still active spirit, and con-
sequent,y he had 10 return to camp, where he had
been since the middle Of the afternoon.
Alter admiring the deer which he had shot,
threw off my bullet pouch, and sitting down ate
some jerked venison. The old pioneer threw up
on the fire some dry logs, which soon flung among
the trees volume of light, and presented to the
strsgglers sure beacon TO guide them to camp
Just as Sheddn had finished uarTating an incident
of his early day, which had transpired near the
spot where we were, we heard shriil cry, follow
ed by a succession of broken sounds, apparently
caused by bringing the hand rapidly against the
mouth Sheddin sprang to his feet, and the spirit
of other days seemed aroused within him
81 tell you that sound never came from the
mouth of white man!"h cried al ain tao old
to be fooled"
Then perhaps some Of the Wyandotts are CO.
ming into camp," remarked.
"VeIy likely. We are now on their hunting
ground, and should not be surprised if they were
20 visit US"
Sheddin had scarcely said this, when he heard
some voices in low conversation; then persons
stumbling through the brush, and Immediately
two Indians appeared within the circle Of light aud
advanced towards us. We both arose; they came
up and offered us their hands, which we grasped
and shook heartily welcoming them to our tent
With politeness which an Indian never fogets,
they drew out their pipes, filled them with tobac-
out some provisions and bottle of brandy; and
while they ate their meal and slipped the spirits,
we silently smoked their pipes. An Indian con-
sidels il the height of impoliteness TO address one
while hungry, and knowing this we sat in silence
tili they had partaken of hearty meal, when one
Of our vsiters turned around, and in good English
said:
"Our white brethren have softened our hearts
with kindness;you are welcome to all the game you
can kill"
This was kind, for we were hunting upon their
grounds without having asked them, which would
have been sufficient provocation with some tribes
TO commence quarrel which would have termi-
mated In death. The Indians were both aged men,
particularly one, whose white scalp-ock indica.
ted that he had spent near century in war and
sightless, and his limbs slightly trembed with the
impotency OF age. The other warrior appeared to
be about fifty. but was in the plenitude OF his
strength His eyes were keen and full Of fire, ,and
his protruding muscles aud well formed and stout
" built figure gave indications of great prowess.
The old man appeared to be the principal person.
age, from the Difference which the other paid him.
The brandy soon warmed up the Indians aid we
we became quite intimate. Sheddin, who loved
listener, repeated Of h. spirited Indian fights
AZ be proceeded, the Indians became excited, and
evidently felt for their red brethren, whom She'd
din had killed. The youngest Of the Indians, that
he might be even with US, described an exciting
battle shere he had killed white man; but this
pass over and shall occupy the rest of this paper
with the death Of Smoh Giry
Conjecture had been busy fort number Of years
relative to this celebrated renegade. Some had
Affirmed that he diedIn Canada He went to Cam
y Our eastern readen may require to be inform
"a That Simon Girty was celebrated white rene-
rade, well known IN the Indian wars attending the
Of Ohio. Numerous stories are told Of
bio daring feats.