Mineral Point tribune. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1854-1858, 1854-03-16
BRANDT'S FIVE PRISONERS.

BRANDT'S FIVE PRISONERS.
On Wednesday, the 18th of Novem-
Der, l77o, Cherry Valley was attacked and
burned Seven hundred Indians, Tories
and British, were the perpetrators of this
deed who came from Niagara by the way
of the Chemung river as described in
Pachln's narrative, and so on up the Sus-
quehanna river, commanded by Brandt
and Butler.
So sudden and unexpected was the on
set that 1t was impossible to notify the
lnha bltants, who, in time of danger could
fly to the fort but the gun, the report of
which was known as the alarm gun, was
employed In its first shot at the enemy
Many outrages horrible to relate were
committed upon the defenseless families
who, if they could have reached the fort
would have been saved, as that was not
burnt
The wife of the Reverend Mr. Dunlap.
Presbyterian Clergyman, was found
dead, scalped, and an arm Of her body
hanging to the limb of an apple tree A
Mr.. Hughey Mitchell and his family, not
lilut u Tue lOTb WcTC ali Kill
ed except himself, who fed to hedge
fence, and there lay hid, in full view of the
butchery of his wife and children, the last
of which was little child about two years
old, who, on beholding the horrid faces of
the Indians painted in the most frightful
manner, turned away and caught hold of
the leg of tory's pantaloons, looking up
into his face for protection. But instead
of showing pity and saving it, he spoke
to an Indian standing near to kill it,
which he did with one blow of his toma
hawk
In the midst of the numbering and con
hagration of the place, as Brandt was
standing by the smoking ruins of a house
just reduced to ashes, looking about him.
he discovered some eighty or a hundred
rods from him house, built with logs,
which as yet had escaped the general ru
iIs Of the flames. Instantly he sprang
across The field and passed the woods which
nearly hid it from common observation,
and fearlessly entered in, without compli-
ment or introduction. Here he found a
woman alone with five children, the wife
of tory, who at that time was not at
Cherry Valley, and whose name l think
best not to divuge She sat spinning at
her little wheel, in as composed a manner
as if nothing had happened, while the
sharp ring of the rife, with the loud, blus-
tering noise of the musket were tolling the
death knell of acquaintances.
Brandt being struck with her stupidity
and Indifference exclaimed =
My God, woman, are you spinning
here, when everywhere your neighbors
are being murdered by the Indians 2" She
replied
Il did not think myself in danger as
we are the Kings people > but now be-
ginning to be alarmed, as possibly they
might not be able to distinguish her. said,
80, if could only see Brandt, he would
help me-"
Il am Brandt" said he, shut it is out
of my power to aid you, as there are many
Seneca Indians here who are not under
my control, who kill both friend and foe,
not caring to make any distinction, as all
scalps look alike to them, bringing the
same price at Niagara"
All this was said In a moment, while
she flew here and there, doing she knew
not what; her feelings being quite lively,
now that her precious self was in danger
Brandt said to her, Take your children
and cross that creek and hide in yonder
bushes" But while pointing to the spot,
i've Seneca Indians came running that
way "You are lost" said he, ''it is i'm
possible for me to save you" She scream
ed, 80, must l and the children be mur-
dered 2' Spring into bed with your
children, and cover yourselves entirely
overn
She had scarcely done so when the In
dians, the fercest of the tribe, came up.
yelling and painted horribly Brandt had
placed himself at the door with his foot
against the other. With his hatchet stuck
into the post above.
"1ou cannot enter here" said he to their
chief. who was monstrous Indian; there
is nc one here but poor sick woman, and
she is on the Kings side"
80 yes. they are all on the Kings side
no1c," said the laconic chief, and rushed
into the room.
L tell YOU" said Brandt, ';this woman
who lies here In this bed has furnished me
and my men with food many time and
she shall not be hurt"
"Where is her husband 2" said the war
rior
He has fed and gone across the creek !;
thought [ saw glimpse of him." said
Brandt, ''when came to the door )" at
which the FIVE Indians started off in that
direction, hoping soon to find him.
Now as soon as they were fairly out of
sight, Brandt stepped out of the house and
yelled as shriil as the scream OF PAN