Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1857-11-18
MAJOR GENERAL STARK.
AN HISTORICAL SKETCH.

-HAJOEN Il Afkh
AN HISTORICAL SKETCH.
The fortunate issue of the war of the Revo-
luton was indebted greatly to the French and
Indian war. In this latter contest, the lead
ers of the American forces, while serving I'M
der the British flag, were schooled in warfare,
and experienced in the battle field. Had
long interval elapsed between the two wars,
the officers who had imbibed their skill in such
terrible scenes, would have died off, and AL
military knowledge have faded from the minds
of the people. Such position of affairs
would have, undoubtedly, led to the defeat of
the cause. This fact clothes the early wars of
the provinces with greater interest, and, in
their annals, We look tor the early manifesto
tiOn of those powers in the heroes of the Rev
olution, that, at later date, shone out so
brightly for the cause of liberty. Among
those who fought and served in these conflicts
was John Stark. lie was a strong and active
youth, full of fire and energy, fearless, and
tond of adventure.
On one occasion. accompanied by his elder
brother, and by two young men by the names
of Stinson and Eastman, he started on hunt
ing expedition into the vast wilderness near
the north western part Of New Hampshire.
ssWhile pursuing their vocation in those soli-
tudes, they came one day upon a trail of ten
Indians, which induced them to make prepa-
rationS to leave. John, while collecting the
traps, little distance off, suddenly sur
rounded and seized by the savages, who asked
him where his other companions were. For
getting himself, and thinking only of the safe
Of lie fria ba faI in
ton. and succeeded in leading the Indians two
miles out of the way. He would have entire
" blffled their search but for the signal guns
of his fellow hunters, which they, alarmed at
his long absence, fired for his return. Guided
by the sound, the savages retraced their steps
and came upon them moving down the river
Stark and Stinson in boat, and Eastman on
the bank. The latter they Immediately seiz-
ed, and ordered John Stark to hail the other
Two, and bring them ashore. He obeyed, but
instead of asking them to share his captivity,
he told them of his peril, and advised them to
pull with all their might to the opposite shore.
They sprang to their oars, which the Indians
no sooner saw, than four of them loaded their
guns and fired. Young Stark, who watched
their movements, suddenly leaped forward and
knocked two of their guns in the air. The
others then lifted their pieces and fired, but
the intrepid arm of the young hunter again
interposed, and struck the barrels aside from
their aim. One shot, however, took effect
and young Stinson fell back in the boat dead
John called out to his elder brother to fly, fol
the guns were now all unloaded. He did sc
and escaped. The Indians, maddened at theil
failure, fell furiously on Stark and beat him
cruelty.
ssWhen the party returned to st. Francis
the two prisoners were compelled to run the
gauntlet Eastman first passed through tht
lines. and was terribly bruised, but Stark hao
no intention of being tamely fiogged. Nc
sooner did he approach the fearful avenue o
warriors with their uplifted rods and blud
geoDs, than he snatched club from the near
est one and sprang forward. lth his eye
clancing defiance, and his trusty club swing
ing in rapid circles about his head, falling
now on the right hand, and now on the left
he cleared terrible path for himself through
the throng, scattering the warriors in alright
and dealing far more blows than ne received
IN his passage.
.sua ,.o,,ained three or four months with tn
Indians. who found him rather an lmpractlca
bic captive. When ordered to noe corh' ii
cut it up, and left the weeds standing; ana
when pressed still farther, threw MS noe ih'
the river. Instead of being exasperateu
this defiant spirit, his captors were Pleaso
with it, and adopted him as young chiei !.
TO their tribe. At length he was rahsoiheu'
In the French war he served as leu'ehah
and was engaged in many of the connicts Una
deluged the frontiers with blood. In l'o',
served under Major Rogers, in an expedit'o
down Lake George, on the ice, to Lake Cham
plain. AS they approached Ticonderoga the
learned that large body of French and Ii
dams were waiting for them. They immed
ately ordered retreat through the countr,
and proceeded in single file through the snoy
when they suddenly came upon large bod