Republican vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1857, 1850-05-20
MISCELLANEOUS.
THE TRAGIC WEDDINe.
BY A. BRADLEY DAVIS,


many tales that have listened to of the early
times, when the red man vainly strived by wrpaE-
ing vengeance on the defepceless settlers of our
frontiers, to gain the ascendency gone from him
forever These tales are invariably interesting.
first because they are full of thrilling incidents,
and then again because they are true.
! The story of the tragic wedding is one among
the many that have listened to from the lips OF
an aged friend of mine; a pioneer in the settle
ments Of Northern Vermont, during the LONG No
vember evenings of l74-, when banishing from
The mind, as much as possible, the dogmas of the
Learned COMMENTATOR" took myselfto the hap
Ply hreslde, and gathered profit and recreation
from the old mans narratives.
'Just flity-nine years ago this very night ~
began the old man one evening, son the identical
spot where Squire P-'s house now stands oc
Cured tragedy, the remembrance of which fills
me with horror. 1t was one Of the most cold
oiooded transactions thatin all my residence in
the wilderness, OF seventy years, ever came TO
my knowledge. 1t filled whole regions round
about with CONSERVATION, causing mothers to hug
more closely to their bosoms their helpless infants
and the hardy men to take up arms and swear
vengeance against ths heariless perpetsators.-
Listen, will tell you.
"a few of the more hardy and daring of the
early settlers of Al, becoming little dis
satisfied with their situation there, removed to
about thirty miles from any settlements and fud-
ing fertile sol! and advantageous location, built
| themselves log houses, and made clearnus-
hlngs went on prosperously with them and they
lived with but little fear Of the indians, and none
except Struggling hunter OF two, had been known
to visit the vicinity since battle between LARGE
party OF settlers and the tribe which occasionally
located themselves there, occurred, in which he
Indians were signally defeated and more than half
their number slain.
''Ihe settlement numbered some twelve fami.
lies who We're located within circnit of two
miles. My elder brother and sister were among
the number. Among them, as matter of course
was talr sprinkle of lads and lasses of whom
Mary 8 was universal favorlte of old and
young, and the belle of the settlement. She was
my young friend, girl that was girl-not ona
OF your sentimental. pale-faced, wasp wasted.
dainty fingered, Misses Of the present time; but
brghteysd, blooming brunette, who could spin
tow and weave cloth out of which her dress was
made. Oh. she was charming and wherever she
went happiness followed her footsteps Her guile
less heart shed its kindly influence all around her.
mpartng to all who came ia contact with her q
kindred feeling.
"Jack IL was exactly her counter mart
brave, generous, intelligent, and enterprisine. a
perfect model Of a man IN character as well As in
FORM And as there was always a rivalry be-
tween the young beanx of the settlement in striy-
ing to gain the favor and appreciation of Mary, so
of Jack. The knowing ones among the old folks
planned deep schemes for entrapping the young
couple into alliances best suited to their own mar
tlcular interests; but Jack and Mary disregardinc
the wishes Of others, and taking the matter into
their own hands like sensible young people. as
they were. and in spite of tho pottinvs of the
old ladies', they had come to perfect understand
Ing, and formed an Intimacy which nothing but
death could sunder.
AT the time of which | speak, this matter had
long been settled, and all the necessary arrange.
men's made for the wedding of the .ikeliest counle
in the settlement as the old ladies said. which
was to take place on the annual thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving, according to the proclamation
OF the worthy governor of the province came. and
the young and old gathered together at the ca
pacious (tor those times) house of Capt. s..
to celebrate the nuptials Of John and Mary; and
ample were the preparations for the FEAST BRIGHT
eyed damsels with blushing cheeks, and gallant.
hardy young men, were there The worthy par
son from the next settlement was there also, and
by his side sat another parsonage with whom in
these fastidious times it would be deemed sacri-
lege to associate the man of Cod mean the fid
dler. But things amt now as they were them
All was Joy all was gayety. All, little did those
gathered there dream the awful fate that awaited
them.
81 was then just twenty two and having mar
rled my worthy wife-peace to her Wondering
ashes-only few months before, was unpre,
pared to 60 with my brother and sister. at the
outset. but was Intending to fellow them as soon
as my affairs could be arranged. had been out
for week or two, trapping sable, and knowing
what was to come off, made it in my way to be
present. The gaye.y of the party was at its
height. The ceremony was just being performed.
Inc MINISTER had pronounced the solemn words,
"whom God has joined together let not man nni
asunder," the kiss was exchanged, and all were
clarowdlng round the happy pair with congratula
tons, when yell, wild and hideous rent the air
the deadly war whoop of the Indians. Terrible
was the CONSERVATION Of all, and faces moment
before radiant with happiness were turned in agony
OF horror to heaven. In an instant the doors were
oufst OPEN and savage after savage, with glitter
ing knife and tomabawk, rushed in 10 the slaugh-