Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1855-04-21


mont at South Deerfeld, the attack on Deer
field, the combat at Mortified, the ambuscadc
near the same place, the surprise at Iladlcy, fol-
lowed each other in quick succession, sweeping
Of many Of the most active aud substantial
men in the colony Death and destruction
lurked on every hand. Deadly sayages lined
every ihickei and the unerring bullet sped from
behind every tree. There was no security
from the troaohorous foe. To-day he fell mp
on the unsuspec,ing town many miles away, to-
morrow he was at their own doors, and anon
the crack of his rife and the smoke of burning
villages proclaimed him equally distant in anoth-
or direction. None know where the next blow
might fall. A fearful fate, like the hair sus-
pended sword above Damocles, hung over the
settlers.
Reused to sonse Of their danger Pym-
outh aud Massachusetts joined forces. The
attack on Brookfed which brought the war in
10 this immediate vicinity, concentrated most of
the available forces in this region. Companies
from the eastern part Of the State, from Spring
field, and iiom Connecticut, were hastily sent
forward, and when the theatre of war was
transferred to the Connecticut valley, head
dams in this vicinity had long been suspected,
and when Philip after he had Withdrawn from
Brookfeld, appeared among them, the mask
was thrown of. The FIRST blow, however, was
struck by the whites, and by the very men
whose melancholy fate wo are about to recount
Not far from the spot where this fatal tragedy
occurred, the Indians were attacked as they
were deserting fort entrusted to their care,
about a mile above Hatfield, by body of men
detached for that purpose, under command Of
Captains Laihrop and Beers. In this engage
ment, ten Of the English and tweniy-six Of the
enemy were slain.
Major Treat of Connecticut was in command
Of the forces at Hadley, where was concentra-
ted the main body of the troops in this vicinity
Winter was approaching, and the sustenanee of
SO large body Of men taxed heavily the in-
habitants of that town. A quantity Of grain
was in stacks al Dserfeld This it was deter
mined to secure. A party was conse luenty
detailed to thresh and bring II into the garri-
son. Captain Lothrop, who commanded
company of Young men, from the eastern part
Of the state, culled from the first families in
that section, volunteered to project the party
and bring in the grain. His company numb.
cred about so men. and Deerlield was some ff-
teen miles from Hadley. L.throp and his men
were engaged in no holiday excursion. Dan
gers of no ordinary character beset them on ey-
cry hand. II was not many days since party
detailed for the relief of Mortified. had beei
deceived into an ambuscade, from which but a
few escaped to tell the tale the srnouldering
ruins at Decrlield were scarcely vet quenched.
and Philip. the instigaior and director of the
warfare. was known TO be in the vicinity. Full
ly aware of the perils whicl, surrounded their
path. the gallant band cbeeriully volunteered
to perform the arduous duty. 1t was no part
of the tactics of the master spirit who com
manded the red men, to atiack his foeman
while they were prepared for him. Cunning
and treaehery were his watchwolds, and it was
in the confusion Of the surprise that he reyelcd
| in the discontinue Of his foes.
In the month of September, 1878, Capt Lo-
throp, and so men, accompanied BY large
number of teams set out on their errand of ne
c,ssity. Cheerful and buoyant they marched
along. The habtual caution of the soldier did
not desert them, however, for they knew their
danger and prepared to meet it. They saw no
enemy, heard no warhoop, and yielded not to
fear. But keen and vigilani eyes were upon
them, and wary and cunning scouts hung upon
their line of march. Every movement was no.
ted and every position accurately scanned
Thus watched the party after march of
some hours, reached the place where the grain
was deposited. This, to the amount of 1900
bushels, according 10 some authorities, was
ihreshed out and loaded upon the wagons, is
in number; but yet no enemy had been seen.
On the 18th of the month, they started on thoir
return. Tolsome and necessarily slow was
the march. The non appearance Of the foe
begat feeling Of safety. A sense of relief
I from danger, seduco1 them from their watch
funess The successful accomplishment Of
their objects thus far, and the anticipation of a
safe and speedy return, with the consciousness
that commander of skill with another brave
party, was not far distant, completed the sense
of their security. Capt. Moseley, who COM
manded at Deerfeld, man of known skill and
bravery, proposed to cooperate with LoihIop