Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1846-11-20
From the Ne,c Haren Courier.
Puts Rock.

There is, perhaps, no body Of water in the T.
nited States, about which cluster SO many thrilling
associations, which recalls so many vivid transac.
tions in the history of our country, and which re-
minds us so forciby of the dangers, of the labors,
the tolls our ancestors underwent for the freedom
we now enjoy, as Lake Champlain. Who that
has ever been borne along the bosom of that pla-
cid lake, but felt his heart throb with patriotic e.
motions, and with enthusiastic admiration of no.
bic bearing as he passed by the spot which was
the scene of the naval battle of Plattsburghl-
Who has not at such time seen the undaunted,
the skilful McDonopgh, as he gallantly drew up
hissmall fotia, zealously yexhorting, both by word
and action, his body of men, and firing them with
patriotic zeal and with unshrinking frmness, 10
meet superior force! Who has not as he was
passing the ruins of "Old Ty," seen the fearless
Allen, sword in hand, marching with his handful
Of Green Mountain Boys, up TO the old fortress,
and demanding its surrender in tone Of irresis-
table authority, sin the name of Great Jehovah
and the Continental Congressl" Who, that has
overlooked upon those old ruins, and reflected how
that daring band rushed on, determined to conquer
or to die-determined to raise high upon the
rocky battlements the flag of the stars and stripes
or perish in the attempt, has not felt, indeed, that
"Deaths at the worst, fate which all must try;
And, for ones country, It's bliss to de-
But without referring to other memorable places
on the lake, which are we'll known, and are con-
stanty presenting themselves TO the intelligent
traveller, would call the attention of the reader
TO one spot on its banks, which is little known TO
our citizens generally, but is rendered exceeding.
ly interesting from an incident connected with it,
which it will be my endeavor to relate.
1t was beautiful morning in the month of Oc-
tober, II; the sun shone with radiant splen-
dor that rivalled that of an August MONDAY; the
forests whose verdant foliage had been exchanged
for dress of yellow, red and brown, looked hap
py to the joyful coming of the King of day; the
merry birds, whose twittering songs had been sue
ceeded by the whistling of the autumn blast, a.
gain appeared skipping aboutuponthep pliantbra
ches of the trees, and filling the resoundng
woods with their echoing notes; while the waters
of the placid lake rolled themselves onward, un-
conscious Of the beautiful scene, save as they roll
ed from their liquid surface the bright image of
the golden sun.
Itwas upon such glorious morning that Gen.
eral Israel Putnam found himself upon the yet
green banks of Lake Champlain, three-fourths of
mile north of a little village at its outlet, then
called Skeensborough, from Major Skeen, who
founded it, and now Whitehall. Those who have
passed down the lake will recolect that about one
half mile north of this village is what is called
the "Ebow," being an exceedingly short turn in
the lake, which is there so narrow as to render it
difficult almost impossible for the steamboats, of
the present day to pass it. About one quarter of
a mile below the Elbow is situated the spot where
General Putnam with fifteen of his brave COM
panions had sat down, in part to recover from the
taugues OF atoisome journey, and in part as the
morning was so fine, the General anticipated that
some Of the Indians who yet remained hostile in
those regions, and who were thirsty to revenge
the deaths Of their lost comrades, would attempt
to commit some depredations on the peaceful cit
liens, whom they might find engaged in their do
meSic occupations.
1t has often been remarked, and the observa-
ton is no less true for being trite. that the Amer
ican Indian, when enraged, is the most blood
thirsty being that bears the name of man; when
his anger is once aroused when his desire for ven
geance is once infamed, he knows no limit TO his
cruelty; defenceeSS age, childish innocence, and
female purity are alike the victims of his Iawess
brutality. And who that better knew this fact
than General Putnam? He himself had suffered
all the seventies that savage injustice ecouldinfct
he himself had travelled night after night, whip.
ped on by the lash of the Indian, his uncovered
back exposed to the winds and rains of heaven
his naked feet nandbloody by the sharp thorns
and cutting rocks over which he was compelled
to walk, and when at his journeys end, he him.
self had been bound to the malefactor's stake had
seen the dry wood heaped around him, the torch
lighted, and had fell the lambent flames lick his
naked body, while savage yells rose over his ago.
MES. Well, indeed could he appreciate what
barbarities awaited any of his countrymen who
might fall into the hands of his relentless loesi
and with that determined bravery and heroic pa
triotsm which ever distinguished him in times Of
danger, he was fixed in his purpose of boldly re-
pelling the aggressor, should he make his appear
ance that morning. The General and his COM
rades had tbeen sitting long upon the bank when
the former, ever watchful Of the interests Of his