The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1853-12-29

men III lHe province, IOI ne was pruueul
and economical. ..,..a ... ,...-..
When, however, the war Of liberty
broke out. his treasures flowed like water
10 support Washington in his ,remendi
Gus campaigns. Matte did not repine
when she saw their riches melting away
in the fever ofthat glorious cause. "Lel
the gold Co." she said; and the gold did
90, and when America was free it was all
gone, and William Smith found himself a
begsar! But was not Sorrowful 4; for over
the Allegheny mountains was the country
of Kenlucky--beauliul soil and timber.
and water and game abounding. There
they might settle, and thither were many
going who had lost their possessions in
the terrible but sacred war. e.
In the spring Of 1884, fifty emigrants
assembled al Powell's on the frontiers Of
the colony. They were to journey in
company over the mountains, for mutual
defence. for the swarthy tribes Of Indians,
still hovered over the regions, revenging
on the white men that long list Of calam.
tiles which had fallen on their race. w.
The caravan went forward. Ii passed
through o wild territory among noun.
tains and defles, with the shaggy forest
still throwing their primeval shadows over
the slopes. At a distance there was
known TO be settlement where provis
ions might be obtained. Smith with a
small party swsntIn-advanee to bring back
supplies for the rest; he was six days a.
way. The remainder had promised to
wait his return in a sequeStered little val
ley. To that he came with his compan.
ions. There were traces of the camp,
and marks OF conflict, but no living being
stirred ihere--no voice could be heard,
no welcome of the dear ones he had left.
A confused and broken trail showed that
the emigral IS were in full retreat for the
Clinch river to regain the more populous
district they had quilted, Smith hurried
after them. .. -..... -. ........
Where is my wife-where are my
children 2" he asked of the first stragglel
he came TO. "You will find them where
YOU left them, Ask the Shawnees they
can tell you the rest" 4a r... ...
"You have neglected your trust--they
are murdered" said Smith, in stern and
deliberate, yet trembling voice. "And
vet you are retreating, you towards %
he added, and struck the man TO the
ground Then turned back, rode alone
to the abandoned camp in the valley. and
there in the evennghe found looking will
fearless eyes, but a countenance more
mournful than weeping could make it. or
the lost and loved-Mattie and her chill
dren. ..........,....... -r.'5.
Smith with his own hands dug the
graves--with his own hand he laid then
side by side; his first born on the mother
right hand, his youngest on her bosom
where it had lain and nestled so long.
And then he stood for few moment,
looking upon this last couch made 70
their earthly rest, and filled the grave
and piled stones to mark the spot am
bade adieu forever to love in which hi
heart had made its home. His comrade
were standing around in silence. The,
expected that when he had finished h
would follow them. But he walked abou
the site of the camp, and found where tn
4 Indians had come and gone. Then h
shouldered his rifle, waved his hand sol
emnly, and speaking no farewell. disap
peared on the trail Of the Shawness.
From that hour a strange myster
sprang among mountains. There wa
known TO dwell on them lonely hunter
, a white man--who was seen occasional
BY the Indians or some solitary lrapper
always ith a rifle in his hand, but pei
} pe,ualIy silent, never speaking one wor
to any; if he was addressed he turne
and retreated into the woods. Gradual
he was lost sight Of altogether, except
l Daniel Boone, that far famed hunte
, whose name is familiar over the whoI
continent OF America. Daniel Boone wa
, believed to have frequent interviews wit
! him, and to supply him with power an
! ball, but he never spoke Of him, and on
/, replied to questions by shaking his hea
( and touching his brow with his finger.
; This had went on for two years, al
b. men had almost forgotten Bill Smith. b
!, at the end of that time Shawnee India
/. was taken prisoner by the people
I. Boone's fort, and he once more revive
S the excitement as to the my stery OF Il
# Silent Hunter. lie said that terrib
!. spirit had for two years haunted the wa
d path of the Shawnees-an evil demo
" whose sight was appalling their nation.-
Il More than thirty Of their best braves hi
e already fallen under his hand. This iea
d full Medicine Man was semitic punish the
p for some portentous sin. So dreaded hi
e he become. thai the tribe had met, al
we're nearly determined 10 quit forev
n their ancient hunting grounds in he
D. lucky. When asked whether. they hi
lie ever seen the demon, they said they hi
1 never seen it distinctly, though. tht
d, young men had pursued ii often, and
is ways came back with at least one OF TIT
m number missing. At length none dar
e, 10 follow the terrible apparition. .
ID Alter er-tth,is this story had rumored aoroa
H. men began again 10 speak o. BlIl oml
e. They spoke Of him however, WIN an !
ne accountable dread always in low v9s
The Shawnees had been formerly one
i'll the most formidable and best organized
as the red nations. They now became ii
". id, and carried on. desultory warfare,
lr. They were beaten by the hostile tribe,
ly whenever battle took place the Sill
Il. Hunter made bis appearance sudden