Spirit of the times. [volume] (Ironton, Ohio) 1853-1858, 1854-02-28
THE PRAIRIE FIGHT.
by MRS. T.. +. SWIFT.

1t was that most delicious season OF
the year, the "Indian Summer" when
seated by some travelling companions on
the deck Of the steamer Otto, bounl for
the Upper Mississippi. we perceived
three Indians IN earnest parley with the
captain Of the boat. Th.t were fine
specimens OF ;heH nation; tall and
straight. with proportions of exact sym
,ne,ry. Their keen dark eyes glittering
with excitement. and, with their rifles in
their hands, and each one foot advanc.
ed, they appeared as If preparing to
spring overheard into the deep anl tur'
bid waters of the river.
With furious gestures they pointed to
the prairie, that lay stretched out before
the view, until it seemed to meet the
glowing sky. Covered with rich grass
aad wild 1owers-lonely and wild-it
looked like vast exten, Of silence and
solitude. Blu, as we gazed through the
skinmering mist that, like trar spar
cnt veil over the face Of beauty, envelop.
ed its green luxuriance, we observed
far in the distance a party OF lndiann
moving in single file at a rapi i rate.
They were Sioux, whose tribe at than
time were in deadly feud with the Chip.
pcways. The Indians on board the o.
to were chiefs OF that nation returning
to their homes. As soon as the Chippe.
ways saw the Sioux, they knew from
their mode Of travelling that they had
been on war expedition to some Of
their villages; hence their impassioneI
gestures and pleadings to the captain to
be Sc, on shore. They said they would
take their scalps from their foes, and
rejoin the boat some distance ahead.
After urging their request for some
time, the captain OF the Quo complied
with it, and they were landed, and soon
in quick pursuit Of their enemies. Al,
the solicitations Of many OF the passen.
gers, backed by the poten, influence Of
sundfy odd dollars, which found their
way into the rough hands Of the cap.
tain, he copsented 10 the boats slacken.
ing her speed, that we might view the
result.
The Chippeways crept stealthily but
awfulIy elong the shore, conceallng
themselves in the brushwood that lined
the banks Of the river, until they came
near enough to the Sioux, and then,
with spring like panther's and a
whoop that filled the air with is mur.
derous echo, in an instant each rifle
brought down foe. Three Of the Sioux
fell dead upon the prairie. In return,
the Sioux. though taken by surprise and
thrown off their guard, turned in pursuit
Of tie 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. La.
dies were borne half fainting with terror
TO The cabin; mothers were screaming
for their children; children crying and
nurses scolding-all dreading instant
massacre from their near proximity to
the Indians. Men gathered in groups
on the decks; some betting high on the
result Of the fight; some blaming the
captain '.f,r permitting musder;" others
watching with breatbless eagerness the
Aying foes, expressing earnest desire Tor
thar victory or defeat. It was perfect
Babel oflsnguases; the s,eerage passep'
gers crowded the lower deck, men, wo'
men and children, all talking at once
in their different dialects, all Intent up
on seeing the novel fight.
The three Chippeways ran swiftly
their feet scarce seemed to touch the
svsra, so rapid was their motion. bal
sssL ,Ons something imPedes hi.
stems, 'lis iior seconds sPace--he
throws away his moccaains, and as he
does ~. 90, z casts quick glance behind
hin, isyin,,he act Of levelling his ritie-
flash and q report. The excited spec
tstors on board the Otto give q s!mui
,aneous shrek. and the words "Ae Il
skc,F he IL shot!"i are heard on ever,
siass,l But no, he bounds forwsrd will
increassd velocity. Armoment more
and he staggsrs. reels. and falls pros
trats, shot though the heart.
sfsken commenced q scene in lnd'a'
waffafe 90 6eadisa and blood. thirst!
that my pen can scsseely record II