Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1858-01-14
THE SNOW EXPRESS.
gfIett&0 Gale

Many years ago, while a subaitern, | was
stationed at BiockhouSe Point at the mouth
Of the Green Snake River, Oh the north side
of Lake Huron. This now diiapidated strong
hold was erected, on sandy point stretching
out into the lake, in the days Of the Indian
wars, and could fancy its slender garrison of
sharp-shooters watching from their loopholes
the clustering forms of their Indian foes as
they stole along the borders of the forest
The bullet-holes that Fiddled its massive walls.
and its charred and blackened surface, sng
grstcd grim cOnjcctureS respecting its brave
defenders who flied the graves around its
foot
But now there were no Indians to employ
the leisure of the unfortunate company of reg
ular troops, that grumbled away their days
within the humble fortifcation that now sur
rounded the old blockhouse. Our only enc
mics were bears and foxes which skuked about
the woods, and the only Indians who sought
admission to the post were those from little
village about seven miles up the Green Snake
River, where peaceable party of Ojibbeways
had taken up their abode.
In this dot in the wilderness, | and two bro
her officers lived the lives Of anchorites only
less contended, and by no means forgetting the
world by which we seemed very nearly forgot
ten. Not but what letters reach us-sOme
nmeS-during the summer, by an occasional
schooner coming up along the lakes 1t was
darng the other half Of the year, when the
axes were bound by the universal fetter Of
ice, that we lived in unbissful ignorance
Twice, however, during each long, long winter,
great excitement prevailed at Blockhouse
Point. 1t was when Indians, travelling over
the snow on snOwshOes, were expected to ar
rive with the express" Day after day we
used walk for miles, hoping to meet our bronze
Mercuries and when at length they came in
sight, with what trembling hearts we returned
tothe,poSt,t TO await the opening Of their sealed
wallets by the proper authority, in ignorance
Of what tidings "t the mail might contain
!: for Us
On one occasion the news | got vas sad
enough. My dearest friend was to be tried
H OY court-martiaI on a serious charge. He had
not written to me himself, but mutual friend
H Informed me that, before another month was
past, Lowther'S fate would be sealed and
this months delay had only occurred in conse
qaence of an important witness being required
rom the lower province saw at once it was
10 my power to disprove the gravest part of
I4e charge, although Lowther did not know it.
let, before the spring should come and the
'aKeS be open to enable me to reach head
quarters the trial would be over, and my
''iend, IN all probability condemned
Ihe dreadful thought that he might be sac
Ilaced tor the want Of may testimony haunted
ne | could not sleep that night. Many
pans disturbed my mind Could | not write
ny statement, and send it by an Indian ex-
III press! Undoubtedly could. But, when |
Iane to count, found it would not arrive in
Hne, Unless some one was ever at hand to
hurry the messengers on. Why not / be Of
.ae express party? was young strong, ac-
I'VE and accustomed to exertion. Surely,
nnat Indians could do, could do. There
was not an hour to be lost At daylight l
oolaiIed leave ftom my commanding officer
Were matter of form-for both he and my
;tllor Juno heartily rejoced at the prospect of Low
lers acQuittal. Two Indians were quickly
JU'ailed, aud everything was made ready for
departure in few hours
we were strange looking party. Our OBJ
;,cs being speed, each carried his own traps,
in 1pa as few of them as possible. l was clad
ID ID ;. oeaVer coat and fur cap My kit consist
bn,S blanket, bearskin, and wallet to
hro,, ,a PROVISIONS. The two Indians, who were
readr du'fS, Is were similarly equipped. With rifles
nse1f % .oadcd Tor any game that might present
anu snow-shoes on our feet we set out.