Litchfield enquirer., 1850-06-27
MISCELLANY y.
,e Far the LitcAfeid EnqHirer.
A Legend Of the West.
M KATE DEFoRREsr.


ocean-ike plains, extensive forests and
noble rivers, they are unsurpassed. They
are rich, too, in o iects around which
cluster associations of thrilling interest.
Such one is Sturne Rock, in the
State Of Illinois. It rises abruptly to.
the height of near one hundred feet, on
the east side of the Illinois river, midway ]
between Ottewah and Peru. This cliff
derives its name from the following Incl
dent
Many years ago, when the eountry
was in possession of the Indians, the IL
inois tribe roa ed over the no,thern
prairies Of the State. Prairie Eagle, q
young brave of the tribe, with band
Of his warriors, while on one of their
hunting excursions CHANGED to fall upon
the camp of the Potawattimes. their
sworn enemies. The old chief Of the
last ed tribe and his men, were also
attendant on the chase. Rumors of the
unriyalled beauty of TamarOoh, or the
Golden. Willow, the chiefs daughter, had
reached the cars of Prairie Eagle, and
he resolved to avail himself Of the pre-
sent opportunity to make her his bride,
should he deem her worthy. Accord.
ingly he entered her tent without cere-
mony, but stood as if entranced by the
lovely vision before him; and in truth
Tamarooh might have charmed fairer
son Of earth. She was galy attired
after the fashion of her tribe garland
of her own wild flowers was entwined
among her raven tresses, which hung
in careless luxuriance over her shoulders.
A deep blush suffused the cheek Of the
dark eyed maid as she raised her eyes in
terror to the bold intruder. Another
glance, and she was well assured of the
power of her charms. He quickly told
his tale of love, and the maiden felt as
she gazed upon his proud form and
piercing eye, now subdued by the light
of love, that her heart was his.
But every moment Of time was pre-
cious, and yielding to his plan Of fight,
she mounted behind him. and away they
flew DER glade and dell, till they arrived
at his camp. There they allowed them
selves but slight refreshment. knowing
too well that the brides father would
follow speedily, when aware of his
daughters fight. Who can depict tie
burning rage he felt, and the daan RI;
venge ne vowed, en- nnurng his only and
idollzed daughter had fled, and that too,
with his mortal enemy.
After hasty counsel with his trusty
warriors, the war-whoop was sounded,
and they were soon on the trail of the
fugitives. Meantime Prairie Eagle had
taken every precautiou to elude the Wig
lance Of their pursuers. But the keen
and practiced eye of the Potawattimie
detected every artifice, and he still pres
scd with vigor on. The third day
after their departure, upon gaining
gentle eminence, the objects of their
pursuit were visible in the distance,
wending their way towards the Illinois
river, fondly hoping to reach q place Of
safety. Weary with unceasing march,
and less in number than the foe, to haE-
!! ard battle was defeat inevitable there.
fore tkeir only resource was onward.
Arrived at the river, the opposite side
was readily attained, and they eagerly
began "toiling up the steep ascent" Of
an immense rock, whose base was almost
wholly surrounded by the deep stream.
There they thought to find secure re-
treat, and refreshing repose. under the
inviting shade OF the stately cedars and
pines which sprung from the cleft rock.
IL was accessible from one side only,
which could easily be guarded. The
enemy rent the air with yells Of rage at
thus seeing .heir intended prey compar-
atiyely beyond their reach. and were
forced TO content themselves with the
possession Of high bluff or hill, within
arrow -shot Of the 6rst. The Eagles
band threw up an embankment gathered
from the earth, which scantily covered
the surface Of the rock to serve as de-
fence against the arrows Of the assail-
ants.
Soon an unforeseen calamity presented
itself. The proyis ons they bad procur.
ed while ON their ray, soon disappeared
without the slightest possibility Of get
ting more. But their privations did not
end here. Though surrounded by pure
and sparkling water. Il was nought to
them, for every attempt TO get 4 was
frustrated BY che pitiilsss foe. When
the /" dark mantle &c night" had shroud-
ed Gil nature in iis foldings. some poor
wretch would let down his bucket noise
n -. 80 - gar a ..,ssh. Gka onnl.