Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1854-03-03
S PRAIRIE FIGHT.
By MRS. II. p. SWIFT.


It was that most delicious season of the year,
the " Indian summer, ;" when seated by some
! travelling companions on the deck of the steam
er Otto, bound for the Upper Mississippi, we per-
ceived three Indians in earnest parley with the
captain Of the boat. They were fine specimens
of their nation; tall and straight with proper
tions Of exact symmetry. Their keen dark eyes
gIittcring with excitement and with their rifles
in their hands. and each one foot advanced, they
appeared as ifpreparing to spring overheard into
the deep and turbid waters of the river.
With furious gestures they pointed 10 the prai-
lie, that lay stretched out before the view until
it seemed to meet the glowing sky. Covered with
rich grass and wild fowers-lonely and wild
it looked like vast extent ofsicnce and solitude.
But we gaged through the skiInrnerinS mist
that like a transparent veil hung over the face Of
beauty, enveloped its green luxurianco, we OBJ
served far in the distance party Of Indians,
moving in single file at a rapid rate.
They were Sioux, whose tribe at that time
were in deadly feud with the Chippeways. The
Indians on board the Otto were chiefs Of that ma
tion returning to their homes. As soon as the
Chippeways saw the Sioux, they knew from their
mode Of travelling that they had been on q war
expedition to some of their villages hence then
impassioned gestures and pleadings to the cap
tain to be set on shore. They said they would
take their scalps from their foes, and reioin the
boat some distance ahead.
After urging their request for some time, the
captain of the Otto complied with it, and they
were landed, and soon in quick pursuit of their
enemies. At the solicitations Of many Of the
IL r
sundry odd dollars, which found their way into
the rough hands of the captain he consented to
the boats slackening her speed, that we might
view the result.
The ChipPeways crept stealthy but swiftly
along the shore conccaling themselves in the
brushwood that lined the banks of the riveruntil
they came near enough to the Sioux, and then
with spring like panther's and whoop that
filled the air with its murderous echo, in an in
slant each rife brought down foe. Three of the
Sioux fell dead upon the prairie In return the
Sioux though taken by surprise and thrown of
their guard turned in pursuit of the Chippeways
who fled for their lives, determined 10 avenge the
death of their fallen companions
The intense excitement on board the steamer
was beyond description. Ladies were borne half
fainting with terror to the cabin; mothers Were
screaming for their children; children crying
and nurse scolding-all dreading instant massa-
ere from their near proximity to the Indians
Men gathered in groups the deck some bet
ting high ON the result of the fight; some blaming
the captain for . permitting murder" others
watching with breathless eagerneSs the lying
foes, Expressing earnest desire for their victory
| OF defeat. 1t was perfect Babel of languages
the steerage passengers crowded the lower deck,
women and children, al talking at once in their
different dialects, all intent upon seeing the novel
| fight.
The three Chippeways ran swiftly: their feet
scarce seemed to touch the sward, so rapid was
their motion. But see! one stops-somethng
impedes MS steps; It's for seconds spacc-Aht
throws away his moccasins, and as he docs so
casts quick glance behind him, is in the act o
levelling his rife-a flash and report. Tht
excited spectators on board the Otto give stimuli
taneous Shrek and the words a. lie is shot h.
shot p' are heard on every side. But no, h
bounds forward with increased velocity. a mo
ment more, and he staggers, reels and falls pros
trate, shot through the heart.
Then commenced a scence in Indian warfar
so fiendish and od-thirsty that my pen ca
scarcely record it. While the body was sti
heaying with the last struggle of life, with
scream wild and unearthly, the Sioux bent oyt
it with his glittering knife,
! invOluntarily closed my eyes, and when