Washington sentinel. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1856, 1855-06-23

the Queen will weaken the moral authority Of
the lawi Signor Madoz will soon learn, perhaps,
that he has frightened and sent away from the
sale Of the national property those capitals of
which he is SO greatly in want, and which an in.
telligent and moderate policy would have en-
couraged and drawn towards him.
Great snake story-Encounter with a
Rationale.
Having met with considerable adventure with
large rattlesnake, concluded to give you some
description Of my encounter with him. Having
occasion to go from Akron to the town of Mas
sillon, started with my team, consisting of two
horse buggy, and after having proceeded about
eight miles, discovered an object in advance of
me lying across the road which at first sight i
mstook for crooked limb of tree, but upon
approaching the spot where it lay Judge Of my
astonishment to find it to be large rattlesnake,
slowly and stealthily moving towards the side of
the road, where, upon examination, found he
was about to make prey of young squirrel that
was unable to move from its position. Being
anxious to the result Of its movements, fol-
lowed him as close as thought it prudent to do;
but his majesty not liking the intrusion or pre-
ferring me for a yictim Immediately gave a very
loud rattle, and turned directly towards me. Be-
ing unarmed, and not thinking myself in a situa-
tion to meet my assailant, was obliged to turn
and give, is commonly called, 'sleg ball."
which did to the best Of my ability; but being
closely pursued, and finding that was rapidly
losing ground ut that pace, / was somewhat
frightened, thinking that unless could succeed
in dstancng him would certainly become his
victim.
Exerting myself to the utmost / finally in
creased the distance between the reptile and my
self, but as yet had no great advantage; but in
my flight was fortunate enough to find some
thing in the shape of weapon, being good stout
stick, about three feet long and about four or five
inches in circumference Hastily Selling this l
tt.rr,n I ~.lx e.
moments work, as the snake was then close in
the rear gathering himself up to make the fatal
spring upon me; he made momentary pause
during which time held my breath through fear
and excitement together, lest might fail to hit
my mark During this short pause took advan-
tage Of his position and struck him severe blow
with my stick Immediately on the back of the
neck, close to the head, which stroke, to my Joy
and surprise, entirely severed the head from the
body, causing it to fly some twenty PAGES from
the spot where | stood. After the head was
severed the body continued to run in different
directions as is generally the previous to its
death-but in this case it continued for an un-
usual length of time. owing no doubt to the size
OF the reptile and the amount Of muscular strength
which it possessed. After it became sufficiently
quiet, that it could be Strengthened out,
measured it closely and found it to be six feet and
eleven inches in length, by nine and half inches
IN circumference, being the largest one of that
species that had ever been seen in that region of
the country Knowing the ncredulity Of some
persons in regard to snake stories, concluded to
throw him into the buggy and take him to the
house of MIR. G. A. Johnson, close to the road,
who has taken the pains 10 have it skinned and
the hide stuffed, and can testify to my statement,
as the hide as well as rattles are now in his pos
session. have given you this description rs
thought it be interesting to your readers, should
you insert it in your journal. Yours, respectfully,
DANIEL TERYYMAN.
Massillon, June l. 1855.