Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1857-02-27
fiterarp Selections.
From Graham's Magazine.
KNIFE AND TOMAHAWK.
AN INCIDENT IN CAPT. BRADY'S LIFE.
N 4 WESTERN MAN.

city OF PIttsburg, stood an ancient tort,
known as Fort Mcintosh. 1t was built
by a revolutionary general of that name,
IN the sumner Of 1873. 1t was one of
a Iine Of forts, which was intended to
guard the people who lived south of the
Ohio river, from the incursions of the
savages to the northward. This fort was
one Of the fayorite resorts of the great
Indian spy and hunter, Captain Samuel
Brady. Although his usual head quar-
tiers was Pittsburg, then consisting of a
rude fort and score or two of rough |
frontier tenements-
Brady had enigrated westward, or ra-
ther had marched thither in 1878, as a
lieutenant in the distinguished Eighth
Pennsylvania Regiment, under the COM
mand Of General Richard Broadhead, of
Easton. When in the spring of 1779,
Mcintosh retired from the command in
the West, Broadhead succeeded him, and
remained at Pittsburg until ISL
Shortly after his advent to the west, Bra
dy was brevetted Captain.
Brady had served at the siege Of Bos-
ton, fought at Long Island and White
Plains, gone through the whole of the ter
rible campaign Of Trenton and Prince
ton, suffered at Valley Forge, distinguish
ed himself at Germantown and Brandy
wine, and narrowly escaped death at Pa
oil. But his tastes led him to the erratic
mode Of warfare known upon the 'front.'
ier. Indeed, bis early education upon the
upper Susquehanna had inculcated and
developed those tastes from the very ear
hest boyhood. Hating an Indian with
that instructive hatred, which is begotten
in the bosom of the white race, by long
years Of contest and outrage, bitter in
tensity was impaired to the feeling in his
case by the murder of his father and
younger brother by the Indians, under
trying and terrible circumstances.
Having promised this much by way of
introduction, It brings US to the opening
of our story. On the 21st day of Au-
gust, 1779, Brady set out from Fort Nc
.Intosh, for Pittsburg. He had with him
two OF his trusty and well tried followers
These were not attached to the regular
army, as be was, but were scouts and
spies, who had been with him upon many
an expedition. They were Thomas Bev-
.ington and Benjamin Biggs. Brady re-
solved to follow the northern bank of the
Ohio. Biggs objected to this, upon the
ground, as Brady well knew, that the
woods were swarming with savages.-
Brady, however, had resolved to trave
by the old Indian path, and having one,
made up his mind, no consideration coulc
deter him from carrying out his deter
mination- Bevington had such impliei
faith IN his ability to lead, that he neve
thought Of questioning his will.
Quite 3 discussion arose between Bigg
and his captain at the mouth of Beave
river, about mile above the fort, an
where they must cross the Ohio, if the
continued upon the northern side. Bigo
finally yielded his objections. and the
crossed Beaver. and proceeded with tn
habitual caution of woodsmen who full
understand their business. They ha
started early, and by rapid travelling the
had reached, ere noon came, the last piec
of bottom land on the north side of Il
river, just below what is known as Il
Narrows. Upon this bottom a pionee
more daring than most others, had but
q cabin. and opened small spot of clea
ed land. He had planted it in corn, al
It gave promise of most abundant ha
vest.
bas. As they approached the edge
the eieaEiags just outside of the fenc
6rady discovered q Indian signs,'' as
called then- His companions discover
them almost . quick as he, and at on,
IN low tones communicated to each 9th
The necessity for a keen watch. Tn
slowly trailed them along the side of t
fence toward the house, whose situat;
they vel knew, until they stood upon
brow Of the bluff bank which overlook
It. A sight Of the most terrible descr
ton met their eyes. The cabin Law
mass Of snnouldering ruins; from whel
dull blue smoke arose in the clear 1
gust spnshine. They observed clos
everything about it. Brady knew it +,
custonlazy for the Indians after they ]
fred settler's cabin, if there was no
naediate danger, 20 retire to the wo
cipse e hand, and watch for the approi
@ ~ nenber of the family who mi
shzae@ q be absent when they made