The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1854-03-16
The Prairie Fight.

Gu oJ sunni tldFClluS OHlpdHlouS Oh eh'
deck of the steamer Otto, bound for the
Upper Mississippi, we perceived three In
dians in earnest parley with the captain
of the boat. They were fine specimens
of their nation; tall and straight, with
proportions of exact symmetry. Their
keen black eyes glittering with excite
ment, and with their rifles in their hands
and each one foot advanced, they ap-
peared as if to spring overheard into the
deep and turbird 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
ana wild fowers-lonely and wild-it
looked like vast extent of silence and
solitude. But as we gazed through the
skimmering mist, that like transparent
veil over the face of beauty, enveloped
it's green luxuriance, we observed far in
the distance party Of Indians, moving
in single file at rapid rate.
They were Sioux whose tribe at that
time were in deadly feud with the Chip
peways. The Indians on board the Otto
were chiefs of that nation returning to
their homes. As soon as the Chippeways
saw the Sioux, they knew from their
mode of travelling that they had been on
war expendition to some of their vii
lagos; hence their impassioncd gestures
and pleadings to the Captain to be set 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 Otto complied
with it and they were landed, and soon
in quick pursuit of their enemies. At the
solicitations of many of the passengers,
backed by the potent influence of sundry
odd dollars, which found its way into the
rough hands of the captain, he consented
to the boats slackening her speed, that
we might view the result.
The Chippeways crept stealthily but
swiftly along the shore, concealing them
selves in the brushwood that lined the
banks of the river, until they came near
enough to the Sioux, and then, with a
spring like the panther's, and whoop
that filled the air with its murderous echo,
in an instant each rife brought down
foe. Three of the Sioux fell dead upon
the prairie. In return, the Sioux though
taken by surprise, and thrown off, the
guard, turned in pursuit of the Chippe-
ways, who fed for their lives, determined
to avenge the death of their fallen COM
panionS.
The intense excitement on board the
steamer was beyond description. Ladies
we're 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 deck
some betting high on the result of the
fight; some blaming the captain for per.
mitting MURDER others watching with
breathless eagerness the flying foes, ex-
pressing earnest desire for their victory
or defeat.
1t was perfect Babel of languages;
the steerage passengers crowded the lower
deck-men, women and children all talk
ing at once in their different dialects, all
intent upon seeing the novel fight.
The three Chippeways ran swiftly
their feet scarce seemed to touch the
sward, SO rapid was their motion. But
see! One stops-something impedes his
steps; its for a seconds space-he throws
away his moccassins, and as he does So,
casts a quick glance behind him, is in the
act of leveling his rife-a flash and a re-
port. lThe excited spectators on board the
Otto give simultaneous shrek, and the
words He is shot! he is shot!' are heard
on every side But no he bounds for
ward with increased velocity. A moment
more, and he staggers, reels, and falls
PROSTATE, shot through the heart.
Then commenced scene in Indian
warfare so fendish and blood thirsty that
my pen can scarcely record it. While
the body was still heaving with the last
struggle of life, with a scream wild and
unearthly, the Sioux bent over it with his
glittering knife. | involuntary closed
my eyes, and when [ looked again, saw
the CORY scalp of the Chippeway dripping
with the still warm blood, fastened to the
girdle of the Sioux. Raising a war
whoop, that echoed from shore to shore,
like the yell of some demon, he hurried
on after the others.
The two remaining Chippeways were
fast distancing their pursuers; and we
could see them for miles along the prairie,
running in line from the shore, the ST.
oux still in hot pursuit, like wolves after
their prey. The captain commanded that
added steam should be put to the boat ;
there was a bluff where the river made a
bend, short distance ahead. and he tho't
he might yet save the fugitives by getting
them on board the Otto.
And steam was put on. The raging
and cracking of the fire, as it roared a
midst its frail barriers, the surging and
mad speed of the boat, as she churned the
votore into foam the oroans and diSsonan