Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1855-10-13
tFfom Household word. /
TIL T. CHILD SEE Il


One of the darkest pages D American his.
tory is that relating to the suarings of the in
habiiants of Tyron county, Nov York, during
the revolution, from the attack, Of the Indians
and Royalisis under the Mohawk chief Bran,
and the more savage Captain Walter Butler.
Early in the war, Cherry Valley was selected
as place of refuge and defence for the inhab-
itants of the smaller and more exposed settle
ments Block-houses were built. Notifications
were thrown up, and inally,a fort was erected,
under the direction of General La Fayete.
The inhabitants Of the surrounding settlements
came in and lived for several months as in a
garrison. submitting 10 strict militari regula-
lions.
Among the families which took timporary
refuge in this fort, was that Of Captab Robert
Lindsay, formerly a British officer, brave and
adventurous, who, only at the entraiy of his
wife, had left his farm which stood 4 lonely,
unprotected situation, several miles from any
settlement. This Captain Lindsay was re-
served, melancholy man, about WHOM the sim.
pie and honest pioneers wondered and specula-
ted not little. His language and banner be-
spoke at once the man Of education ind breed
ing His wife, though quiet, herhc woman,
was evidently lady by nature and association
Captain Lindsay had native 1--we of sol-
tude and adventure-the first requisites for a
pioneer; and for several years no dher reason
was known for his seeking the wills, and ex-
posing his tender family to all ihf pcrils and
privations of frontier life. But Il length an
emigrant coming from his native pace, in the
Highlands of Scotland, brought ihestory of his
exile, which was briefly this Capiin Lindsay,
when somewhat dissipaied youngnan proud,
and passionate, had quarrelled with brother
officer, an old friend, at mess dinner. Both
officers had drank freely, and thef difference
was aggravated by hot Drained, ialfdrunken
partzans. Insulting words were exchanged,
and a duel on the spot was the corsequence.
Lindsay ESCAPED with slight wob obnd, but his
sword pierced the heart of his frieid. He was
hurried away to secure hiding pace, but not
before he had learned that in the first matter
Of dispute he had been in the wrng.
Lindsay made all the reparaiion in his pow
er, by transferring his paternal esate, for the
term of his own lifetime, 10 the htmeless wild
ow and young daughter of his fri.ad. Then,
with his wife's small property, AID the price
Of his commission, he secretly emigraied 70
America.
He left his family in New York, while he
went up to Hudson. purchased small farm,
and built house for their reception. He was
accompanied in this expedition by an old family
serviior, who, with true Highland fidelity,
cung to his unfortunate master with exempla-
ry devotion.
Mrs. Lindsay's heart sunk within her when
she found that her new home was so far from
any enthusiastically in the wilderness; but
she understood her husbands misanihrophic
gloom, almost amounting 10 melancholy mad
ness, and did not murmur. Yet her forest
home was very Deautifnl-a small valley farm,
surrounded by densely- hills, dark gor-
ges and messy dells. The house was rough,
primitive looking structure, containing but three
small apartments and low chamber, or rather
loft. But it was comfortably and securely built;
and, overhung by noble trees, and oyerrun by
Wild vines, was not unpicturesque. Under the
tasteful care of Mrs LINDSAY, little garden
soon sprang up and around it, where, among
many strange plants, bloomed few familiar
hoWeiSs WnoSc fragrance occlHtu W uIcdtno VI
home like the sghs of an exie's heart.
The family at the period Of their taking ref
uge in the fort of Cherry Valley consisted Of
three sous and an infant daughter ul.e last born
in America,) the man Davie, and maid-ser-
want Douglas, the elder son, lad Of twelve
or thirteen, was brave, high-spirited, some
what self-willed boy, tall and handsome, and
the aanacial nr,da of HE nnothar-not aIona ha
cause he was her first born, but because he
most wildly recalled TO her heart her husband
in his happy days. Angus, the second son,
was a slight, delicate fair-hared boy, possess
ing highly sensitive and poetic nature. I'm
consciously displaying at times singularly and
startling munitions dreaming uncomprehended
dreams, which were sometimes strangely veri-
fed, and uttering involuntary prophecies, which
time often fulflled--he was always spoken Of
as "a strange child, and for all his tender years
and sweet pepsive face, was regarded with a
secret, shrinking awe, even by those nearest ia
him. In truth, the child seemed TO be gifted
with that weired, mysterious faculty known as
second-sight.
Archie, the youngest son, his fathers own
darling, was a sturdy rosy.cheeked, curly
headed boy of five. Efiie was yet at the moth
er's breast, little rosy bud of beauty-a fair
promise of infinite joy and comfort to her moth
er's saddened heart.
As have stated, this family took refuge in
the fort, in the spring Of seventeen hundred and
seventy-eight, somewhat against the will Of
Captain Lindsay--who, as he remained neutral
had little fear Of the Indians-and also OF his