Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1852-03-11

whom the white man were often enga
ged in deadly strife, there we,e meme
they encountered more frequently, OF
who made more desperate resistance
than that of the Caronqueways. Thi.
tribe inhabited the entire coast OF Texas
and from their number, bravery. and saw
age character, were more dreaded thar
all others. Numerous and deadly were
the encounters they had with their white
foes-defeaf, instead of weakening .heil
courage, served but to exaspera,e them
the more--they fought long and well
aud we're among the last to retreat
Their battle fields extend from the forests
and canebrakes of the Trinity to the surf
beaten shore of the Gulf of Mexico.
At the time of our tale, but few
years had passed since this part of the
country had been settled by immigrants;
and the feud was at its height. Scarce
ly month would pass away without
Witnessing the blazing of some lonely
.'squatter's" hut--.he murder of his
wife and children, and the quick and fear
ful retribuiion that followed. Such was
the state Of affairs when a repor, came
to the settlers, on and near the Brazos,
that large party of Caronqueway In
dians had just returned from a success
full foray againsta tribe friendly to the
whites: and tina, they, flushed with their
late victory, were preparing to attack and
ex,ermina,e the settlers. This news
spread like prairie fire, and very soon ev-
cry man and boy within fifty miles, ca.
pable Of bearing arms, had shouldered
his gun and marched TO a designated
point where all were enrolled into com.
pany. As soon as possible they reach
ed the encampment of Indians, and the
memorable fgh. with the Caronqueways,
car the pass of that name, took place
soon after. Many OF the combaiants
say the fgh, was well and bloodily con
tested. The Indians finally gave way
NOT before, however, they had lost
half their number, and made their es
cape with their prisoners towards Clear
creek.
With the white men engaged in this
fight was a tall, fnely-formed Indian
warrior. He belonged TO the tribe whose
village had been sacked and destroyed
by this band. He ii was who brought
the intelligence to the whites, and had
cary supplicaied their aid in chasiising
them, and rescuing some of his tribe
still prisoners in their hands. During
the encounter he fought with great brave
ry-his war-cry ringing like trumpet's
note above the ain Of battle-cutling
down all who opposed him, and follow
ing the men in every charge that was
made. But after the enemy had given
way--when the noise and confusion of
the conflict had subsided-and the whites
were busily engaged in burying the dead
and relieving the wounded, Cosha:te-
fer such was his name--retired to a
short distance, and covering his head
with his robe seemed to be the prev Of
great emotion. The captain Of the com
pany seeing him evidently in great dis
tress, and learinghe was severely woun-
ded, called him up, and with a friendly
speech, sought to know Of him the cause
Of his trouble. The Indian drew him
self up, and dropping the buffalo robe
tha, had covered his breast, so as to give
full freedom 10 his gestures, spoke to the
following effect
"Whiis brothers listen! This day
has the red wolf been struck. The
white mans bullets are deep into BIS
body! Already do the black vulturts
scent his blood, and are whetting their
beaks for the feast. Many a warrior
will be missed f:oM the council fires of
his tribe. There will be mourning in
the lodges of the Caronqueways. Co
shatte has fought by his white brothers,
his tomahawk has been buried in the
brains of their enemy; bis, knife has
drank their blood--it is good, but the
heart of Coshai,c is not happy. White
men, listen! But two moons have pass
ed since accompanied the warriors and
young braves OF my tribe to the big plains
of the West to chase the wild horse and
to hunt the buffalo. Our old men, our
women and children we left behind us, for
we were at peace with the white man, a.
we dreamed no harm from our red broth.
ers; but we were mistaken--the Caron-
queway wolves had their spies upon Us,
and bu, few days had we left when
they attacked our village. They killed
our old men, they carried off our women
and children, and our tents are heap of
ashes!
"White men, listen! Among the pris-
oners is our head chief . daughter Kele-
o.uc-.ihe wild fower'--the pride Of
our tribe, and the benoihed wife Of CO.
shatte. His heart cannot be happy, nor
will he rest while she remains prison
er among the destroyers Of his tribe
Coshatte has spoken. Will his white
brothers aid him in taking the young
bird from the clutches of the hawk!"
The Indians gestures were so vehe-
men., his looks so appealing, and the
grief he felt evidently SO sincere that, al
though the white men were worn down
by fatigue and excitement. they with
one accord determined to pursue the rob-
bers and rescue the prisoners, if alive al
all hazards. As soon as the dead were
buried and the wounded properly attend
ed to--a few being left 10 guard them