Mineral Point tribune. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1854-1858, 1855-04-04
BATTLE OF BLOODY BROOK.

army of brave men had assembled at the
town of Hadley, on the banks of the Con-
necticut river, to defend that place and the
neigh boring hamlets from the attacks of
the Indians, who, banded together under
the command of the brave Philip. had
committed many and serious depredations
along the valley of that river Among
other towns which had suffered from the
malignant hate of the savages, was Deer
field, few miles above Hadley. This
place had been partially burned, and the
inhabitants scattered. during the previous
summer, and there vet remained in the
fields some three thousand bushels of
wheat, in stacks, just as the husbandman
had left it when driven from his home 1t
was desirable. not only to obtain this for
the use of the little army and the nu-
merous families who had assembled at
Hadley for protection, but also to keep it
from falling into the hands of the Indians
and it was decided to send party to
thresh 1t out, and transport ii to head
quarters. Captain Lathrop was appoint
ed to command the detail of sixty six men
and eighteen teamsters. who had been Sc
lected for the expedition 1t was made
country" who burned to distinguish them
selves in aid of the cause which they were
assembled to defend-.he sanctity of their
homes and fresides.
Many cheek was wet as they took up
their march towards their destination, and
many a maiden heaved a deep drawn sigh
as her lover disappeared from her sight
for, although no immediate danger was ap-
pretended, yet none knew, in those troub-
lous times, where tie storm might break
upon their devoted heads, and overwhelm
them in its fury The departure of so
considerable a body of their choicest men,
therefore, gave cause of uneasiness to all,
and unnumbered prayers were offered to
Heaven for their safe return.
Arriving in safety at Deerfeld, the men
commenced with a will the performance of
their work, and the grain was threshed out,
the teams loaded, and with light hearts
they started to return to their expectant
friends. The savage enemy had, howev-
er, through their numerous spies, obtained
intelligence of the expedition, and deter
mined to cut it off Collecting a body oe
between six and seven hundred warriors,
Philip narrowly watched the movements
of Captain Lathrop and his party, and
when they started to return. he planned
an ambuscade at a spot which in every
way was suited to his purpose.
After leaving Deerfield for some three
miles the road ran nearly parallel with
the Connecticut river, through a level
country it then divergcd, and for half
mile ran along the edge of morass which
it crossed, and took southerly direction
towards Sugar-Loaf hill, across what are
now the :. home lots" to the eastward of
the village of South Deerfeld The mo-
ra SIS was covered with thick growth of
underbrush, which afforded concealment
for the savage foe, who, with nostrils dila-
ted, and eyes glaring with deadly hate lay
III waiting, like couchant tiger, trembling
in their eagerness to spring upon their un-
suspecting victims. Little dreaming of
the danger which lurked in their path, the
little company of brave hearts came on
ward to their fate. With lamentable care
lessness, Lathrop failed to throw out flank
ers on his front and fanks, but marched
blindfold into the snare laid for him by
the cunning Philip Crossing the morass
without suspecting the proximity of their
foe, the little band reached the banks of
small stream or rivulet. which crossed
the road. near which tradition informs u.s.
grew great quantities of the luscious wild
grape, which were ripening in the sun. and
the tempting lunches hung in profusion
from among the branches of the surround
ing trees. While waiting for the teams to
draw their heavy loads through the mo-
rass, they carelessly piled their arms and
FASTENED to partake of the tempting re-
past so bountifully spread Now was the
opportunity for the savage foe, and. quick
as fire from smitten STEEL" volley was
poured upon the devoted youths, which
laid low many a promising form. Cool
and calm under all circumstances, and as
brave as cool they rallied at the word
and. seizing their aims, dealt back upon
their fend like enemy a shower of balls
which made many warrior bite the dust
A second, ard third, aimed with clear
eve and steady nerves, told so well that
the savages began to waver. \ gleam OF
hope broke through the fearful prospect,
and for a moment they dreamed of victo
ry But now appears the savage form of
the Wampa1oag chief, and in thunder
tones he cheers on his band. The dusky
warriors rally at the sound of his thrilling
voice, and, surrounding the brave pale
faced youths. they deal death on every
side. With half their number slain, the
heroic little band perceive now the hope
lessBess of their situation, and the certain
ty of their fate Not nerve thrilled with
fear: not heart faltered but calmly
they determined to sell their lives at fear
full cost to the foe. One by one they fall,
a CORY harvest, to their mother earth, and
the crimson life-blood, from their still
betting hearts, finds its way, in many
rill, to the neighboring stream, and mix
ing with It's waters, chrstens it :. Bloody
Brook Early in the action, their brave
leader was shot down while cheering on
his men and now, falling faster, as their
numbers decrease, solitary few are all
that are left to eontena against the over
whelming force of the enemy. The fore
most of these. turning to encourage his
comrades, fnds but seven remaining of
all that goodly company. Finding that
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