Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1855-03-01

perience of my guide enabled him to
discover plenty of provisions, some hid
in different places, some well secured in
kettles, troughs, DC. The owners had
evidently been absent day or two. ]
began to talk of appropriating a goodly
portion to our use-for you will re-
member we were just now pretty hard
up-when the savage turned on me a
look of some sternness, and with a
shake of the head, pointed to the club
at the door, saying: you see that club
that lock Indians door,-we no busi-
ness here-white men steal-break
locks-but we not do that-we 60 on
we have good luck by and by-shoot
turkey-shoot deer-plenty of meat by
and BY and in spite of all could say,
this honest barbarian would not suffer
me to touch thing. His prediction as
to better luck, proved true, and in good
time we arrived at the town on the
Maumee river, where my faithful guide
and Iparted company.
1t being winter, there was but little
travel by the people. | could find no
company going my way, consequently L
had to go ahead on my own responsible
ity. Being pretty well posted as to the
condition of the country, | knew there
were settlements at several points along
the lake shore, none of which were so
far apart but that l could carry provi
sions, to last me from one to another
concluded rifle would be of little use
and would not take one, but chose
rather to carry its weight in extra pro-
visions. My equipage now consisted
of blanket to use in stormy weather,
my money, pistols, knife, and pocket
compass, the latter article an important
one. But one incident occurred worth
mentioning, before reaching home. 1
reached Portage river Just at evening
of cloudy, uncomfortable day, follow
ed down towards the lake short dis
tance, till l saw house on the opposite |
side of the stream, and concluded
must rest there for the night Present
ly l observed a man at work near the
house, and hailing him made signs that
l wished to cross. While he was COM
ing over in canoe. l made up my
mind to try and pass for an Indian
being completely dressed in that style.
AS the man approached, l thought
from his appearance, he might be any
thing but gentleman. When he came
within twenty or thirty seet of the
shore, he paused, and asked what l
wanted. l began to tell him in a very
broken language, that wanted to go
over the river. He inquired what l
would give to be carried over. l told
him, money. Well, he would take me
across, for FIVE dollars. l dallied with
him some time, but the man persisted
in his demand, declaring that if would
not pay it, l might stay where l was
for all him. Meantime thoughts began
TO fly pretty fast through my BRAIN
The water was hight l missed this
chance to get over, l might not have
another. The fellow now turned his
canoe with the evident intention Of leav-
ing me. AS the canoe swung round,
it brought him within about twenty
feet of me. He raised his paddle to get
under way, when l addressed him in
good deal better English than / had be- ,
fore, bidding him hold on. AS he
looked round he observed ornaments i,
that he had not discovered before. In +,
one hand held large good looking
pistol-in the other an equally good ,
looking half-dollar. Now, sir, said 1,
turn your canoe up here He hesitated .
a moment; but as l deliberately raised ,
The instrument and drew bead on his !
head, he gave in. 1 kept the pistol
cooked, and my eye on my man, while
getting into his craft, directing him to ,
and me at point some distance above !
he house. On stepping ashore, l laid !
The half-dollar in his boat, and ordered :,
him to break out into the stream. When
he was out of reach, turned up stream :
and was soon lost to him in the woods. :
turned up to mislead the fellow My ,
course, however, laid down as l wished :
at that point, to keep near the lake
After the scene just enacted, l could ,
not trust myself at that house over ;
night. As soon as l was out of his !
sight, turned and went around back ,
Of the house, keeping in the woods, and .
aid my course for the lake shore. 1 !,
had only time to put respectful dis ,
5ance between myself and this rascally !
when night came on, and ]
| was obliged to hunt out place to ,
camp, strike fire and make myself as ,
comfortable as possible.
] had experienced all sorts of wealth |
sr since leaving Green Bay, but it was !
4 mild, pleasant day in January that l /
approached the little village of Cleve- ,
and. 1 leave you, gentlemen, to inn ,
agine, for 1 cannot describe the varied :
feelings of hope, Joy and anxiety, that !
crowded on my mind as l neared home; :
too, on foot and alone. en-
;ased in the habiliments of savage. !
A lake captain, with whom was well !
was sitting on the porch as :
approached the house where my part ;
ner resided. He merely glanced at the :
Indian, and paid no further
to me. Soon, Mr.. Merwin I
came ont, and the two gentlemen en- !
tered. into conversation unon diffaranft ,.