Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1851-04-03
INDIANA STATE SENTINEL,
The Burning Prairie---or the Test oath.
BY IL. G. CHIPMAN.

was burned over one night, and an immense amount
of damage done to the farmers living in and along
its edge. Numerous fences were destroyed, and
crops Of corn ready for the gathering, were laid
waste while numberless stacks of grain and hay put
up for the winters use, set fire and burnt TO
the ground The havoc was worse because OF the
coahagration's coming suddenly and quite unexpect-
edlT, when the night came fire was discern
ibe, and such burnngs were invariably percelyable
long before night set in, warning the farmers to be
prepared But the evening of this catastrophe, when
the went down and darkness covered the prairie
smoke arose from the southern edge OF the plain
nor could any lurid glare be seen resting upon the
sky 10 indicate the grass was ire-and as it gen
orally took whole night for the flames TO cross the
prairie, all the farmers living the northern edge
retired 10 their beds in apparent security But IN the
middle of the night many of them were aroused TO
find their fences on fire. their habatlonS surrounded
by flames and in some instances even the houses in
bright blaze, from which they with difficulty eSca-
ped alive. 4 farmer, whose family was composed
Of wife and only daughter, the latter some sew
enteen years OF age, who resided some SIX miles In
the prairie, had his house destroyed, while himself
and wife persisted in the ruins. The daughter was
saved by the daring energies of young man named
Clyde, who had discovered the fire. and arrived just
in time to tear her from the building ere the rco Tell
IN.
The morning after the confagration, the inhabi-
tants Of the little village OF Blulon, situated on the
edge OF the plain set IN cOmmotion by ruTnors
of the fire being the work of some heartlesS Scoun-
drel, who had thus grafed his malice upon some in
diyidual, by iniu-ing the entire community. These
TumorS at length became a fixed fact; as, about 10
O'Clock, a man named Gray, rowing character,
with oSten5ible means of livelihood appeared be-
fore the Squire of the village, and stated that he
wished warrant issued for the apprehension OF Da-
vld Clyde for setting the prairie on fire the previous
evening, by which much waste OF property, and
wantOn sacrifice Of lives had occurred.
The warrant was issued, and placed In the hands
Of the constable for serving; and while this official
was absent in search of Clyde, the young man him
self came into the Sources Office and entered a like
complaint against Gray, but was informed that Gray
had first appeared, and obtained warrant for his ar
rest, which was in the hands of the constable
He seemed taken aback when he was first inform
ed OF this, but promising the Squire he would be
present at O'Clock that afternoon, to undergo an
examination, he departed Word was sent to Gray
TO be present at the appointed time and as the case
was an unusual one, the room oil the justice was
crowded TO here the statements OF the two
GTay'S story was short. He swore that, having
wolf trap sat some distance out in the prairie, he had
taken up his lodgings near by il the night OF the re
and about twelve O'Clock he was aroused by the
bowls and Snarls OF wolf which had been caught IN
trap. He arose 10 go TO it, when ne discovered
hoTSeman near by, who diSmOunted from MS steed,
drew out steel, flint and timber from his pocket and
striking light thrust it in the dry grass, which IN
stantly blazed up and favored by strong southern
wind, sped away towards the settlement, and In the
exact direction of Mr.. Fishers house. That the
mounted bis horse and rode away.
This statement had been listened to with GREATNESS
attention, and as Gray had delivered it apparently IN
d cool and truthful manner, it had considerable
weight upon the audience. But it produced no eff
feet upon David Clyde The features of the young
man were as calm ever, and his countenance IN
derwent change during the recital Of Gray.
When the latter was done, he arose TO his feet, and
exclaimed.
''Ay statement Of the facts as they occurred upon
the evening of that most deplorabe fire, viii be much
more minute than that of my accuSer, and VIII occu-
Ply more time; but hope that not only the Justice
but the audience also, will listen patiently TO what
have to say. II is well known TO many here that /
have a brother residing in Walnut Grove, and upon
the night OF the fire was returning from visit to
him. When about ten miles the other side of Mr..
Fishers, as was riding eisurely along, saw man
short distance ahead oil me, kneeling by the road
side, and apparently endeavorng to light fire with
steel and finder. started my horse into gallop,
at the same instant giving a shout, and the man
sprung TO his feet, but dropped burning lock OF
grass he did so, into the prairie the dry hay OF
which was instantly in blaze.
'Scoundrel!' / exclaimed, in loud voice, as
came close to him; but with coarse 'ha, ha, ha,
he retorted-
won't stop the fire. guess old Fisherl catch it to
night and bis naughty daughter, too"
Villain, you shall for this replied, as
turned my steed anu spurred him after the rolling
flames, which were sweeping swiftly away before a
strong south wind and rolling in the direction OF
Fishers house. In vain urged my horse 10 his ut
most speed for the cracking fire sped far ahead of
me, and when mile and half distant, beheld the
lurid blaze leap the fence like stag hound, and go
careeTing on towards the house Almost maddened
at the sight, gOaded my gallant horse, who bounded
forward like the wind, but when still half mile from
the building, saw a bright sheet of flame arise from
the ROOT, and became aware that the house on
hfe The burning prairie had made it light as day,
but my eye ran in vain around the premises to dis
cover single person, and the fearful thought flashed
instantly through my mind that the family were
asleep in the house. BY the time reached the door
IN front Of the mansion, the roof in lurid
glare, and leapng from my steed let him 60, and
throwing my whole force against the door, burst it
IN. dense volume of smoke poured out, almost
suiocating me for a moment, bat rcgaining my
breath, ascended the steps TO the second story A
door was visible upon my right hand as ! reached
the top and required all my weight to break it in
but when did so, female form staggered forward,
and fell in my arms. ! hastily bore her down the
stairs, by this time covered with cinderS from the
burning roof, and leaped from the door it e!l in
with terrible crash, showeTing the sparks thicky
around me. The person | had rescued was Mary
Fisher; and the old man and his wife persisted In the
flames. My horse had fled in alarm from the spot
and the nearest neighbours four miles distant
were compelled 10 walk it foot. Day broke
by the time reached the house, and leaving the
diSconsolate girl at her neighbours came immedi-
ately here, and found few minutes too late TO
lay my accusation before you first. Such are the
facts in the CASE although they almost exactly
opposite to the statement made by Gray"
Clyde had delivered his story in impressive and
convincing manner, but the justice puzzled which
of the two he should believe The advantage lay
with Gray, he had made the first accusation and
the statement Of Clyde might be only tale invented
20 upset the evidence of his accuser. Neither had