Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1845-06-04
From the n. Y. Mechanic.
old smith,, And the Indians.

odd smith, And the Indians.
Did you ever hear Of 'OLD SMITH, that used
to live down east, during the carly settlement OF
Of the country new called Maine. Old Smith
had lost several relations by the hands of the
Indians, and had avowed eternal enmity to the
wholo race. He had been twice taken by the
savage tribes, but had contrived 10 escape from
them. and had killed several Of their number.
He sought every opportunity to do them mischief
in any way. BY this course no had become SO ex-
ccedingly obnoxious TO tho red men, that they
would not kill him directly if they could, but
were constantly on tho watch to take him alive
for the purpose of satisfying thoir vengeance by
the infection Of the utmost torture that barbarty
could invent. Smith was aware Of this DISPOSE
ton of tho savages, and was tho less afraid Of
their bullets. 1t is reported that Smith was at
ono timo splitting some pine logs for fence rails,
and in tho ardor Of his employment had neglected
his "look tout" till six Indians came upon him with
yell of exutation. The chief of tho party
whose name was Wahsoos, soized him by his
arm, exclaiming, "Now, Smith! now Smith! me
got YOU" Smith saw it would be vain to resist,
and assuming an air Of composure thus addressed
his captor: snow Wahsoos, will tell you what
III do; if you will help TO spill: this log.
will then 60 with you without any resistance,
otherwise | will not walk q step, aud YOU will
have to carry Of kill mo-" The Indians now
having him safe in their possession, and willing
70 themselves trouble, agreed to split tho log,
If he would show them how. Smith had already
opened the end Of the log with his large wooden
wedge and renewing his blow on tho wedge with
beetle, he directed them to take hold Of tho
separated parts of tho log. three each sido and
to pull with all their might while he should drive
in tho wedgc. The rod men were not without
their suspicion, but kept their eyes OH Smith 5
motions, while they pulled at the log. Every
blow Smith opened tho crcvico wider. which en-
abled the Indians to renew their hold by inserting
fhoiv int n ho
slightly changing tho direction Of the beetle, struck
on tho side Of tho wedge, knocking 1t out of the
log, which closing with great force. caught every
foe by the hands, who sccing tho pre-
dicament Of his companions took 10 his heels,
but quickly brought down by Smiths long
barrelled gun, which nc had kept noar Kim. The
other five expected no mercy, and were not dis
appointed. Five blows from Smith silenccd
their death-song.
year or moro after this affair, Smith was
returning ono evening from excursion, aud
passed near a bend Of the Androscogln river,
town Mills are located. 1t was nearly dark, and
no discovered an Indian making fire rock
by tho river bank. Smith saw through the bus
mess at once-thc fire was intended for a beacon
to guide tho landing of a strong party. With
uner ring aim he shot tho lone savage, who pitched
into tho water, and Smith quickly threw the fire
brands after him; and then proceeded down to tho
falls, and there no soon kinded another fire on a
Dzue.e; 1hssuntc, awaited the result. He
soon heard tho songs Of a company Of warriors
who had discovered tho fire, and wero steadily
padding towards it in high glee. Smith could
hardly refrain from laughing aloud, they nea r.
ed the fatal beacon. Their songs wore suspen-
dcd BY surprise, at the rapid motion Of their canoes
and the hon rse roar Of the falls revealed too lato
tho dreadful truth. A brief death song uttered
in savage yes, and the cries of several squaws
and pa pooscs, were all that preceded their last
and dreadful plunge over the perpendicular falls.
Look hea Sam Jonsing, you knows ting or
two. Doesn't you tink from dc Qualification OBJ
do atmosphere dat we'll hab rain to-day!'
/ well, doclar Peto Gumbo, doesn't zactly
understand astronomity. but does tink it looks
berv omnibus
well dat's Jest dig child's opinion, but had
not the larnology to 'spross il. | neber studied
skyology.
curious and sensible friend Of ours has made
a calculation of the difference to tho farmer
between having gate TO his enclosure, instead of
bars and has found that on the superstition that
tho bars be taken down but once each dav, the
difference in time for year would pay for the
erection Of three gates! In addition 10 this a
good gate is pretty ornament to q farm.-Ban-
gor Far.
! ncighbor referring to the suits Of clothes won
by locos on the last election, says the Wings hav
ono consolation.-They have given the locos, at
least good dressing.-PhiI. Gaz.
Murderer and Counterfeiter Escaped!
J. Maxon, imprisoned at Chillicoho. for par
ticpatng in the murder Of Mr.. Edwards, aud
John Smith. alias John Hunt, confined for coun-
terfeiting. made their escape on Saturday last.
The wife Of Smith is supposed TO have effected
thoir escape by providing them with two keys
made of lead and muffled with wooden Ist,-The