Jeffersonian Republican. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1840-1853, 1852-03-25
hour, when the vastly superior numbers of

"SA'i "NSh N-S soSSiy ooPSiiSt VI
the invaders made it evident that they must
overpower our heroic citizens. One of our
officers gave an order for change of posi-
tion on the instant the savages rushed in
with their fiercest yells; the order for change
of position was mistaken fora command to
retreat, and the little army was thrown into
confusion. COL z. Butler, with utter disre-
gard of his own life, rushed between the lines
and, blending the father with the soldier, cried
-" Don't leaveme my children, and victory
is ours" But the day was lost. The left
wing was in full fight. Instances of hero
ism not excelled on more famous fields, are
related of that day. Every captain that led a
company into action was slain. One youth,
just married, fell into the arms of his broth
er, and expired, as he had time to say, 81 am
killed-take care of Layina." But when the
battle was over, the massacre was only just
begun. A body of the Indians rushed down
to cut off the retreat of the inhabitants, and
prevent them from regaining the fort. Their
anxious wives and mothers were waiting the
issue of the bloody conflict. Many of the
Americans fed through the fields of grain,
and attempted to reach Monocasy island,
where they were pursued and slain by scores.
Some were tempted by promises of safety,
and butchered as soon as they came. A few
crossed to the eastern shore Of the river, and
escaped to the mountains. One of the fugi-
tives hid himself in the bushes on the island,
where he was found by his o,on brother, a to-
ry, who shot him dead, while he was pray
ing for his life. The Indian marksmen had
singled out officers, and shot them in the
thigh; so as to disable them, and yet save
them alive for future torture. Capt Bidlack
was thrown on pile ofburning logs and held
there with pitchforks, till he expired. Other
tragedies of iniquity were enacted too har-
rowing to be repeated. Would that they
were forgotten!
In the meadow on the banks of the Susque-
hanna, little way South of the present res
idence of Capt. Henry, where dned yester-
day, is fiat rock just raised above ground,
and known in history as the g Bloody Rock"
The pastors children guided me to it, and
as they sported around and over it in the frol-
les of childhood, could hardly believe that
this sweet spot had taken its name from the
6endsh cruelty ofa woman. Queen Esther,
q woman from Canada, whore name was
Catherine Montour, had married an Indian
Chief, and by her vigor of mind had gained
great ascendency over the savages. She had
several times visited Philadelphia before the
war, and by her refinement of manners and
attractive person." had won the regards of
many ladies' in that city. She was one of
the leaders in this invasion, and the chief
priestess in the scenes of torture that marked
the awful night succeeding the battle day
Around this rock she had gathered sixteen or
eighteen prisoners in a circle, and taking the
death maui in her own hands, she walked a.
round the circle, and, singing the death song
would mark time by dashing out the brains
Of the victims. From the opposite shore of
the river, few fugitives could look upon the
fearful orgies that were enacted there. Ma
ked men in the midst of flames, were driven
round a stake, urged on by the piercing spears
of the Indians. In the morning the field was
strewed with limbs, and mangled bodies, half
consumed.
Here, perhaps. is fitting place to pause !;
but more remains to be told. IRENEus.