Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1853-06-23

he was charitable, but nevertheless one OF the
most opnlent men in the province, for he was
prudent and economical. When. however. the
war of liberty broke out his treasure flowed like
water to support Washington in his tremendous
campaigns. Matte did not repine when she saw
their riches melting away in the fervor of that
glorious cause. Let The gold co. she said ; and
the gold did 60, and when America was free, it
was all gone, and William Smith found himself
a heggar! But bo was not sorrowful: for over
the Allegheny Mountains was the coaptry of
kentucky--beautiful land, with fertile soil and
timber, and water and game abounding. There
they might settle, and thther we're many going
who had lost their possessions in the terrible but
sacred war.
In the spring of 1884, fifty emigrants assem-
bled in PowelI's Valley, on the frontiers of the
old colony. They were to journey in company
over the mountains, for mutual defence, for the
swanhy tribes Of Indians still hosered over the
regions, revenging on the white men that long
Had of caamites which had fallen on their
race.
The caravan went forward, and passed through
wild territory among mountains and defles
with the shaggy forests still throwing their pri-
meva shadows over the slopes. At distance
there was known to be settlement where pro-
visions could be obtained. Smith, with small
party, went in advance to bring back supplies
for the rest. He was six days away, during
which time The remainder had promised to await
his return in a sequestered little valley. To
that he came with his companions There were
traces OF the camp, and marks of conflict, but no
living being stirred there-no voice could be
heard, no welcome of the dear ones he had left
A confused and broken trail showed that The
emigrants were in full retreat for the Clinch
river, to regain the populous district they had
quilted Smith hurried after them. Where
is my wife where are my children?' he asked
of the first straggler he came to.
You will find them where you left them. Ask
the Shawnees; they can tell you the rest.'
You have neglected your trust-they are all
murdered said smith, in stern and deliberate,
yet trembling voice. And yet you are retreat
ing, you towards = he added and struck the ma
to the ground. Then he turned back, rode to
the abandoned camp in the valley, and there in
the evening he was found, looking with fearless
hut 81 FIJI thov,
weeping could make It, on the lost and loved
Matte and her children.
Smith with his own hands dug their graves
with his own hands laid them side by side /; his
first born on the mothers right hand, his Young
est on her bosom, where it had been nutsed SO
long. And then he stood for few moments
looking upon this last couch made for their
earthly rest and then filled the grave, and piled
stones to mark the spot. and bade adeu forever
H. lass IN wkic his heart had made ts hEi.g
His comparion re standing around in silence
expecting that when he had finished he would
follow them. But he walked about the site of
the camp, and found where the Indians had come
and gone Then he shouldered his rife. wave |
his hand solmenly, and speaking no farewell
disappeared on the trail of the Shawnees.
From that hour strange mystery sprang up
among these mountains. There was known 10
live on them lonely lluuter--a white man who
was seen occasionally by the Indians, or by some
solitary trapper, always with rifle in his hand
but pc, petuay silent, never speaking 10 any
If he was addressed he turned and retreated into
the woods. Gradually he was lost sight of alto.
gether except to Daniel Boone, that far-famet
hunter, whose name is familiar over the whole
continent of America. Daniel Boone was be-
Ieved to have frequent interviews with him
and to supply him with powder and ball, but hs
never spoke OF him, and only replied to qucs
tons by shaking his head and touching his brow
with his finger.
This went on for two years and men had al
most forgotten Bill Smith But at the end O
that time Shawnee Indian was taken prisone
by the people Of Boone's fort, and he once more
revived The excitement as to the mystery of thu
Sllen, Hunter.
He said terrible spirit had for two year
haunted the war path Of the Shawnees-an evi
demon, whose sight was appalling to their ma
ton. More than thirty of their braves had al
ready fallen under his hand. This fearful Med
icne Man was sent, they believed, to punisi
them for some porlentous sin. So dreaded ha'
he become, that the tribe had met, and nearl,
determined to quit forever their ancient hunting
grounds in Kentucky. When asked whethe
they had ever seen this demon, they said the,
had never seen it distinctly, though their younI
men had pursued it often and always came bac
with one, at least, OF .her number missing A
length none dared TO follow the terrible appari
ton
After this story had been rumored abroad me
began 10 speak Of Bill Smith. They spoke o
him. however, with an unaccountable dread, an
always in low voice. The Shawnees had for
!, mery been one of tho mosl formidable and bes
organized of the red nations. They now becam
timid, and carried on the most desultory war
fare. They were beaten By every hostile tribe
for whenever battle took place, 1.-THE Silent Hun
ter made his appearance suddenly, fighting wit
their enemies. If they attacked a fort, he wa
always with the defenders if they defended
strong hold, he WINS never away, but regularl
headed the assailants. But he came and wer
without speaking, and never greeted any mar
for no man ever said farewell to him. The boz
der people looked on him with respect and fear
and the Indians shuddered at bis name, ard tn
Shawnees especially looked upon him as ours
scat from the Great Spirit TO exlermnate the
race.
At last they became so terrified by this phar
J tom of the Silent Hunter perpetuay hauntin
a. hot tha,, oll ol IL