Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1854-02-18
hRLAND COUNTY, PA, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1854

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| was so stunned that lay considerable
time before my senses returned. My re-
peaied falls greatly amused the Indians.
whose horrid peals of laughter might have
been heard at great distance.
! never saw them exhibit the first sign
of pity toward me. 1t made no difference
how badly l was hurt, if did no. rise i'm
mediately and mount the animal which
had just thrown me, they would apply
their riding whips, or gunslicks, or the end
of lariat, to my unprotected body with
the greatest violence. The squaw would
also help me 10 rise by wounding me with
the point Of spear which she carried
You may understand one object the Indians
had in view in putting me upon this wild
animal and causing me to be thrown so Of
ten, when tell you expected to be a
mother in a few weeks. They understood
my situation, but instead of soitening their
hearts il only made them more inhumau,
and subjected me to greater sufferingS.
| was obliged TO work like a slave while
in camp; while there was any service 10
perform | was not allowed moments rest.
| was compelled TO carry large loads of
wood on my back, which being destitute Of
sufficient clothing, was mangled till the
blood ran down 10 my feet. had to chase
the animals through 5riarS and bushes, ill
what little clothing had was torn into
ribbons. brought the animals 10 camp in
the morning, and had to watch them till
they were ready to start, and if one more
wild than the rest ran of, | must chase and
bring him back, and then be knocked down
by the savage chief for my want Of skill.
When all were ready to start, had 10
catch and saddle my own wild mule with
out assistance. II the party did not start
Immediately, was compelled to pull at
the end OF lariat which the Indians would
fasten TO a bush. They seemed TO study
every mothod of putting me 10 death by
piecemeal.
Exhausted by incessant toll and suffer-
ing, and extreme anguish from my wounds,
| could not work as fast as the Indians de-
sired, and often when scarcely able 10
stand, and hardly knowing what | was do
ing, have been required to do the work
Of the strongest man. And because of my
inability 10 accomplish my task satisiacto-
rlly, have been whipped till my flesh was
raw. Large stones were thrown at me.
was knocked down and stamped upon by
! the ferocious chief, who seemed anxious 10
crush me like a worm beneath his feet
| My head sometimes fell under the horses
| feet, and then the Indians would try to
make the beasts kick me. After all was
ready for the days journey, | was obliged
/ n n tpgt Ia, Ctb ~ r,1
times overro rocks and through bushes, aching
and sore from head TO foot, and exposed
alike 10 cold and heat, sunshine and storm.
| have gone two days at time without
tasting food. The Indians depended on
hunting for their substance, and some
times had nothing TO eat themselves-un-
less there was an abundance Of food, | re-
ceived little or nothing-when any game
was killed, the Indians would tear out the
heart, liver, and entrails and eat them raw.
| suffered exceedingly from thirst l was
not allowed to drink, eXcep, wilhelm camp.
We frequently crossed beautiful streams
during the day, and | would beg the
privilege OF dismountng to quench my
thirst. But the Indians would always deny
my request with contempt 1t was in vain
| pointed 10 my parched tongue and head
blstered in the rays OF the sun. Nothing
could soften them into pity, and ardently
desired death that my torments might come
10 an end.
Every indignity was offered 10 my per-
son which the imagination can conceive.
And l am at loss TO know how | have
lived through the barbarous treatment
which was inflicted upon me. Frequent
ly my feelings were so outraged that ! was
tempted to kill my inhuman masters. My
indignation burned particularly against the
chief, and thought if could only cut
him 10 pieces, could die content.
We travelled every day-we usually
started about 10 o'clock in the morning,
and halted about four in the afternoon. The
Indians were accustomed TO 60 TO the tops
of the highest hills, and stand there gazing
in every direction. We always spent the
night on hill and were thus exposed Ia
the cold autumn winds; We slept on the
ground, generally without covering. When
il rained the Indians made tent of The
blankets and wagon sheet they had stolen
from us; but was not allowed to take
shelter in it-l preferred sleeping outside
in the storm.
After my mule had become so gentle
that ! could ride it without being thrown,
it was taken from me and was obliged 10
travel on foot. The road over which we
passed was often very rough aud stony, and
full ofthorns. My feet were wounded and
bruised till they were covered with blood
and greatly swollen. But still was obi-
ged to keep up with the rest Of the party,
and if iell behind | was beaten till / was
nearly senseless. The Indians often urged
me on by attempting to ride their horses
over me many mile ofthat road is mark
ed with my blood, and many hill there
has echoed TO my useless cries.
travelled thus on foot some five or SIX
days. After the party were ready TO start
in the morning, the direction of the route
was pointed out TO me, and was required
to go before the others, in order not to
hinder them. They usually overlook me
before had Travelled far. had always
intended 70 make my escape as soon as |
found an opportunity. | never expected
to reach any friendly settlement, but did
not wish TO give the Indians the pleasure Of
seeing me die. On the morning of the
twenty-fifth day after my capture, was
i A