The Bedford gazette. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1805-current, 1856-06-13
A MISSISSIPPI SPORTING ADVENTURE.
BY a DAc1wooDsN

] have often seen accounts of 'shair breadth
'scapeS," in such cases, which very wise people
who know nothing about tin more civil
zed places, have charged 10 the marvellous, but
which we Of the woods-at least many of US
know not to be only possible, bot highly prob
able, and in some instances by sad experience.
In illustration of which, | will endcavor to de-
scribe an adventure ofm own. in 1887.
resided on the banks of the Mississippi, &C.. W.
as | had done from infancy. | was then about
30 years of age, stout and athletic, and passion
ately fond of wild scenery and sporting adveH-
lures. The month of October had arrived--the
great season of partridge and deer-shooting and
in accordance with my almost daily custom,
sailed out with my fowling-piece, one barrel
containing ball and other small shot. ! had
succeeded in bagging some small wares, and in
passing creek observed raccoon, bBSIiy en-
ploved turning over the stones in search of frogs
worms, &c. Without giving the matter much
thought, succeeded in removing E'UfSa Minor
to another il not better world and being rath-
er cofpulentto carry through the woods, ! hung
bim upon sapling, intending 10 send for him
the next day; and as the part Of the country
which | was in did not very often afford large
game, charged the second barrel with shot al
so. ! proceeded perhaps mile, and was cross
ing the outskirts ofa Tamarack swamp, through
a succession of narrow, rocky gens, with high
and pTecipitous sides, and had sprung from a
rather high rock into rift OF not more than
three feet wide, when perceived the eyes of
an immense buck glaring at me at not over ten
feet distant. A glance showed me that he had
no means of escape except over myself; and a.
-, i. 8 At,
creature, under such circumstances, and at this
particular season, | formed my resolution in an
instant. | cooked botk locks, placed my fingers
on the triggers, and resolved 10 wait his spring,
as l did not think my charges would injnre him
except ct the very muzze. knet upon one
knee and watched his eye. All this took place
in a very few seconds.
At length, the launches and ears were drawn
back, and with tremendous snort he bounded
in the air with the evident intention of descen-
ding upon me. Quick as lightning both bar
reIs were discharged full into his breast, and
received shock as if from pile engine, which
deprived me ofal sensation. About three hours
after, as near as could Judge BY comparing af-
forwards, was brought to state Of partial sem
sibilhy by something licking my face, and some
thing growing and scratching my clothes but
being faint did not look up till enormous paws
tore my flesh with them. Then, indeed, did
look hp-wben What was my horror to see a
huge bear, coolly licking the blood from my Ia
ceratrd breast Weakness, more than self
possession, kept me still moment, while two
half-grown cubs were tearing and scratching my
legs and feet. The desperation of the case a.
reused me 10 sudden energy, and slowly
stretched my left hand (my right arm was bro
ken,) TO my back for my hunters knife, resol-
we'd, if such can be called resolution, 10 save
my life if possible. Ihad got it drawn from
The sheath, and was watching favorable OF