Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1857-09-09
GLEARFIELD, PA, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1857

invaders were quartered several miles up the
permit the immediate return of Captain Somers
(my father) and his troops to their assistance.
The time had long expired when reinforce
ments, if any had been dispatched, would have
arrived. The enemy's force was fast increa-
sing, by numerous disaffected Indians pouring
in from the East; the harvest was nearly ripe,
when it would of course be destroyed by the
savages, and should the helpless women and
children escape the tomahawk, they would still
be left without any means of subsistence.
Thence it was argued by majority of the
council, that an immediate battle should be
hazarded, and the next day was fixed upon for
its commencement. Many and sorrowful were
the adieus exchanged in the Fort, on the morn
ing of that fatal day, and the broken ssGod
bless you," came forth from hearts which
seemed almost bursting with grief. Poor Ro-
settle clung convulsively to Philip, when he
came to take leave of US, and it was with much
difficulty we prevented her from following him
to the field. 1t was mournful sight to behold
that little band of brothers marching forth. as
it were to their graves. And there was SOL
emnity too, in their steps, which though it
spoke courage and determination, argued that
their hope was one long deferred, and against
all probability OF success. The sun did not
shine that day, and consequently, there was
no cleaning of swords or bayonets, but the
continued roar of musketry, together with
cloud of smoke away to the North, pointed out
to US the place of mortal combat. COL DEM
son, anticipating the anxiety we should feel,
had runners stationed between the Fort and
battle ground so that we could learn almost
momentarily the progress of the contest. At
first the GOODNESS and determined bearing of
the settlers, (although their numbers were not
half those OF the enemy,) seemed about gain
ing the mastery, but thro' the management of
Brandt who commanded the tories and Indians,
party of concealed savages rushed from their
ambushes and surrounded cur left division,
while Butler doubled his right wing in order
scanty row of settlers, and thus our whole line
was thrown into the utmost confusion, and
most horrd slaughter commenced. 1t was
with the greatest difficulty that Col's. u. But
Ter and Denison, escaped to tell US that our
brave friends were either all slain, or prisoners
to an enemy who knew as little of mercy, as
the tigers of India. CONSERVATION and dismay
now reigned throughout the Fort, which was
soon increased by the appearance of Butler
and Brandt without, demanding an instant sur
render. Articles of capitulation were quickly
drawn up and signed by the two opposing Off
GERS, in which the garrison, with its military
stores, was to be given over to the victors, but
the lives of its inmates were to be spared, ex-
cept those who had been engaged in the battle,
to such no promise of safety was given. The
gates were thrown open, and scene of confu-
sion began, which it would be impossible for
me to describe. Shouts of triumph from the
dark Swarthy creatures, who came glaring
fiercely upon us, from every quarter, the shrieks
of the terrified children, who clung wildly to
their mothers for protection, and the bitter
wailings Of those bereaved mothers for their
husbands and children, all mingled together,
sounded absolutely appalling. 1 scarce knew
whether I were indeed dead or alive till
found myself in large boat in the act of eros
sing the river. My youngest sister Anne,
sweet little creature of only two years, stood
with her tiny hands clasped tightly around my
neck,-an at my side, like some pale lifeless
statue, sat poor Rosette, gazing with stare of
Inconsistencies, upon the long wake of the
boat. But where was our beloved mother
The faces around me were all strange and un-
known. Where could she be The crowd
must have separated us, and my heart sickened
at the thought of the dangers to which she,
and her three helpless little ones were exposed.
We were soon across the river, but where next
should we go? l had too little faith in Indian
or Tory promises, to suppose that either the
property or persons of the vanquished would
De held sacred any longer than till the shades
OF night should give free scope to plunder
and outrage; unknown and unprotected. /
could think of no place, where we could mass
the night with even a hope of safety. excent
the woods, the dark and solemn wilderness
With little Anne in my arms, and few
words of encouragement to Rosette, we struck
into foot path leading East, and soon found
ourselves standing amid the eternal shadows of
the forest; sad and fatigued, we sat down u
pom bed of soft green moss, with dark rust
ling canopy of laurel above US. Poor Anne
cried for her accustomed cup of milk, and i
could only pacify her by promising her some
on the morrow. But the tears which could
not restrain made the discouraged child call
for the frequent renewal of promise which 1
had in reality, but little hope of fulfilling. 1t
was now near nightfall; the grey tresses OF
twilight streamed dimly through the cluster
ing hemlocks, and heightened the sadness
which clouded the features of my disconsolate
companion.
''We shall have quiet rest tonight" I OBJ
served, ssthis downY moss viii make such a