Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1854-08-24
THE HORRORS OF STARVATION.

The following, which is the experience of
Two men sought distant digging" became
completely shut up by heavy snow, and soon
consumed all their food. The writer says -
'On the second day of our starvation |
found the carcass of mule that had lost in
the fall, which the cayotas had nearly devour-
ed but, on examination, we found u small piece
Of flesh remaining on the lower thigh, which
we carefully cutoff with the hope that we could
eat it ourselves. But it was no go; it would
not stick We tried it every way, but to no
purpose. 1t was more than our stomachs could
bear. What now to do we could not tell. To
get out was impossible. Death seemed to stare
us in the face. My companion became SO des-
pondent that he gave up all hope, and would
not leave the camp, although he was much
larger and stronger man than myself yet
kept up much the best But, at the same time,
saw little chance hut to starye; yet | had
faint hope that he would die first and then
-. For fear he might take advant .g4 of
me, seldom let my rifle out Of my hands. I
kept on my feet all the time, although 1 was
getting exceedingly weak and the snow on the
river bar was four feet deep, and from six to
ten feet deep on the mountains. Now all my
fairy dreams Of wealth and happiness, when
should get home, were turned into gloom and
darkncss-gold had lost its lustre. To become
a cannibal was horriiying; the thought of hav-
ing to starve to death and become food for the
wild beasts was intolerable. Gold was of no
use; would have willingly given all l pos
sessed for one pound of bread, but, alas could
not get it, My heart grew faint within me.
knew full we'll that there was no chance for my
men to get TO me before I must starve to death,
unless my companion should die, or -. To
become murderer seemed too heartless and
treacherous but what could dol Is it not
better that one diel. Thus | reasoned, and
struggled against reason until hope was lost in
despair But, bark an idea occurs to me.
remember seeing the track of a cayota near the
carcase of that niue. Hope springs up-new
vigor is aroused. | snatched up my rifle, and
started off in the direction of the mule, with a
light heart and eager and quick step, with Il
hope yet of escaping the dreadful calamity which
seemed to await me. On my reaching the car
case, saw there was cayota in the habit o.
coming there how to contrive some way tt
kill it was the next thing to be done. Aftel
some examination | posted myself behind {
large rock. 1t was now getting near dusk, anC
no cayota yet. | sat with eager expectation
hoping the next moment would bring some wilC
beast in sight. At the first appearance of thu
animal threw my rifle to my face and fired, in
aicting death shot, Now my heart was fllcc
with joy, and felt that He who created mi
was able to feed me, and that it was no NOR
than just should feel the sting of the lash
had so much deserved from the hand of Hin
who had thus far blessed and prospered me
On my return to camp, met my companion
who, but a moment previous, struggling il
hopeless despair, might now be seen with {
frightened countenance, with tears of joy cha
sing each other down his emaciated cheeks