Plymouth banner. (Plymouth, Marshall County, Ind.) 1852-1855, 1854-11-16

their route therelors, with the greatest
precaution, they Obtained the nearest po-
sition from Lae's that the cave Of the for
es, would permit, hoping thence to pass
unperceived across the intervening space,
which had now become diminished 10
about thirty rods. But at this moment
the enemy, after an important howl Of
rage nj finding the burning house un occu-
pied. took UP their march. With frantic
gesticulations, some bearing lighted fire
brands, and others brandishing their
knives, they bent their course, as h,d
beef apprehended, directly towards the
fort. But receiving some signs of de-
fence, they made n dstOnr around the
premises which threatened of bringing
them almost directly 10 The concealed
party.
To remain in the most perfect silence
was deemed safer than my attempt at re-
treat before the quick eye and ear of the
savages. The available portion of Dud-
ley's force consisting OF seven armed men,
obeying the whispered orders oi their ea-
der, stood with pros ented arms, ready IN
case of discovery to discharge sudden
voley upon the enemy, and then by vir-
tue Of the panic which such assault would
create, either to cut their way through
the foe to the fort, or make q rapid re-
treat, rs circumstances would dictate. -
Dudley, By general consent, had been in
vested with entire command. 2 AS the saw
ages drew nearer. they were perceived to
be about sixty in nunber--including per-
haps, ten or eleven whites, who, having
adopted the dress and paints Of their con-
feGerates. may justly be considered as an
titled also to their appella,ion. With
glis,ening knives, with glaring brands,
with exulling shouts, ihoy came nearer
and nearer, until their advance was scarce
q dozen yards distant from the hidden en-
carnpment. Here they suddenly paused
and seemed to hold q consultation. |. was
moment of fearful suspense. Trem,
bling children covered closer 10 their
terrified parents, and with blue eyes up-
raised, faithfully obeyed the oft repeated
signs of silence. The pause was but mo-
mentary; bat al tho instant of renewing
their march, one of tho concealed com.
pany unfortunately gave utterance 10 a
slight ejaculation Of delight, which, catch
ing the quick ear Of the Indian leader.
produced second halt. Pointing TO the
woods, and assuming listening attitude
tor momen', he thus communicated TO
his followers the nature OF his suspicious
scou, was Immediately detached to ex,
anime the suspected cover; bu! watchful
eyes and active hands awaited his ap
proach. lie directed his course at once
10 the encampmeni, but such rapid and
incnuiious steps. that before perceiving
the ambush; he was al tiIe side o. Dudley,
who had advanced step to meet him.
The expressive "Huhi" arose family to
his lips as the firm grasp of the youth ell.
cirCled his throat, while the silent knife
completed the task, and tho dying Indian
was upheld, lest his fall should be heard
The suvages, after the delay of minute
or two, hearing no larm, slowly resumed
their course, not duu bling that their en-
mssary would soon oAertake them. They
pursued their circulous way about the
house OF Lee, evidently calculating their
safest plan Of attack Nothing can be
more cowardly than this mode of I,.dian
warfare, in which the assnilanis scarcely
consider themselves victorious unless they
succeed without loosing a single warrior.
As they approach the opposite side Of tho
circle, the :ime had evidently arrived,
when, If at all, the fugitivos were to
emetge from their concealment and make
4 rush for the fort. To remain lon ger in
the forest, which the Indian scouts would
soon be graversing in every direction,
would be Immediately perilous. and with
many word Of encouragement Dudly
put his lille company in motion. Rap.
idly advancing, they had safely crossed
nearly half the distance, when a sudden
connection in the ranks of the foe shad
owed that they were perceived. A shout
md rush with such speed as Indians
only accomplish followed the discovery.
The lugilves, it will be remembered, wero
now abou, fifteen rods from the house,
and The savages twice that distance in
nea rly the opposite direction. The race
was exciting, but not long doubtful. The
enemy were still obliged to avoid too close
proximity to the house, AMI hal,ing
oilh his little band of Infantry. held them
in check until the women and children
were ou. Of danger, and :hen, s!ill facing
the foe, with presented arms, they retreat
cd into The fort No, a sho, was fired.