Washington telegraph., 1846-09-02

live years old. She was naked. and so
ureadiuily abused and sunburnt, as TO be
scarcely distinguishable from an Indian
child. The Indians could not, would not
tell where she had been taken, stating that
she was captured by another party OF their
tribe, they believed, on Red river.
All eyes were fixed on this little object
oil pity. She could not articulatc one word
OF English, and seemed as wild as the rud-
est Camanche. Clothes were supplied
her, which it was difficult to induce her to
put on. Various expedients were resorted
TO- 10 induce her 10 speak, TO tell her name,
&c, but all in vain. She required con.
stant watching, lest she should escape into
the chaPParal and be lost. No one could
Imagine whose child she could bet cer-
tainly could not be Mr.. Putnam's, thought
they, for several present know the family
well, and could trace no line or feature of
resemblance whatever.
Judges Hemphll and Robinson were
both there, and became deeply interested
in the little creature; they tried every means
to gain favor with her-gave her cakes,
toys. and everything likely 10 please an
ordinary child of her age-but all to no
purpose. She would crawl under the bed
and hide like little wild animal.
When Court adjourned, Judge Robinson,
who then resided near Gonzales. and also
near Mrs. Gipson, married daughter of
Mr.. Putnam, determined to take the child
home with him, having a faint, very faint
hope, that she might be the long lost child
OF Mr.. p. He, together with Judge Hemp
hill, John ID. Morris, and other lawyers,
came over together, the child riding alter.
nately behind Robinson and Hcmphill.-
They continued TO try various expedienis to
arouse the memory of the child, sometimes
pronouncing distinctly in her hearing the
most familiar words to child, such as
ia he-, mother, Mr.. Putnam. Up to the
last moment they could discover in the lit.
tie stranger no sign of recognition of any
such names, nor any reason to believe she
was Mr.. Putnam's child.
On arriving at Judge Robinson's resi-
dence, he, learning that Mrs. Gipson was
just out of a sick bed, though; it prudent to
approach her cautiously on the subject
Directing his companions to convey the lit
tie girl TO Gipson's in a short time, he rode
forward 10 prepare the mind of Mrs. Clip
possibility be her sister.
lie stated 10 her that tho Indians had
brought in small girl, which some thought
might be her sister, but that it was next to
impossible: he did no; think it could be her,
but to satisfy Mrs. G.'s mind about it, he
had concluded to bring the child in and
allow her TO see for herself-admonish
her 10 be composed, &c. In few moments
Hemphiil, with the child behind him, ac-
companicd by Morris, Van Ness, John
Cunningham, and others, rode up. Mrs.
Gipson manifested an irresistible will TO
approach the child, and although very fce-
BILE, crossed the fence and advanced imme-
diately in front of her as she sat on the
horse. Fixing her eyes on those of the
child, ''such a look" says an eye witness,
so piercing, so wild, so awiully inquisitive,
never did behold before or SINCE" Every
eye was intently fastened upon the coun,en-
ance of the little girl. No sooner had its
eyes rested upon Mrs. Gipson than it start.
ed up and seemed aroused as if from
dream. Then placing its eyes steadiasily
upon those Of Mrs. c., they flashed like fire,
and leaning forward with ouis;retched arms,
and firmly clasping Mrs. G.. around the
neck, exclaimed, My sister! my sister Z"
Every one present manifested the deep
est emotions, and Judges Robinson and
Hemphill wept aloud
Now, Messrs. Editors, who desires a
novel when such undoubted historical facts
as this are to be had and recorded on the
page of history; and can asscre you, sir,
this is only one among many which if not so
thrilling, are equally Interesting in the his
tory of Western Texas. yet unpublished.
have aimed at narrating il in plain, sim
pie siyle-it is a tale ftruih and requires
no coloring.
Should you think it worthy of publication,
may, under the same head Of "frontier
"Reminiscences of Western Texas" sketch
out few more incidents as my leisure per.
mits. OLD SETTLER.