The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1858-07-23
The Forest Prayer.
BY MRS. JANE T. II. CROSS.

The boat was floating down the river.
Mountains of awful grandeur arose on ev-
cry side and in the narrow valley between,
in the midst Of this solitude, flowed the wa
ters Of the Tennessee. The eyes Of the
children were turned in awe to the
huge masses Of rock that lay piled up to the
very clouds; or, with sense of relief, res
ted upon the pretty shadows Of the syca-
mores that were trembling in the water, or
upon the pale wild flowers that grew along
the mountains side. Sometimes scared
waterfowl arose from the thick canebrake
and flew for miles down the stream in ad-
vance Of the boat-a white winged pioneer
in this wild and beautiful country-some-
times an eagle performed his immense cir
eles above the mountain tops, and seemed
to hover, like protecting genius, over the
party of ofemigrants.
The boat kept constantly in the middle
ofthe'stream, never nearing the margin
even when passing those swift rapids and
boiling whirlpools that give interest to this
beautiful river. No gay flower nor curious
pebble attracted them to the shore, but they
looked into the thick underground cautious
Iy and vigilantly, though not timidly, for
fear had no part in those brave natures
that first penetrated the western wilds.
A small cannon was mounted in front of
the boat and various others warlike prepa-
,ations might be observed, Indicating their
sense Of danger. Bnt peacefully the party
floated down-tbe father, the mother, and
numerous family Of chillren-until they,
arrived opposite the village of Nick-a; jack.
Here they perceived some Indian boats ap-
preaching, bearing white flags. Doubtful
of them, however, in spite Of the peace EN-.
blem, MIR. Brown, the commander Of the
boat, turned his cannon toward them and
warned them off. They came to parlev.
Among the Indians was white man, who
deceiving, or deceive, assured the emegrants
of the kind and peaceful intentions of the
sayages. After conference of some length,
the Indians were permitted to board the
boat They come on in great numbers,
and soon they grew insolent and boisterous.
At moment, when Mr.. Browns back was
turned: an Indian give him stroke across
the neck partly servering his head from the
body, and causing bis instant death. They
then took possession of the boat, making the
mother and two or three small children
commence their march through the viii
derness towards the South and disposiDg
Of the other member Of the family in various
ways they took boy about twelve, whose
name was Joseph, to the house of Kiatcbat-
talu, and Indian brave, whose mother had
married white man and for this mother
Joseph was destined as slave.
The taste for blood. however, infuriates
man and beast. The Indians were now
Iavening for their prey, and the tender years
Of this poor boy could not protect him
They rushed to the lodge where be was
resting and, with loud clamors, demanded
him. The white man of the tent begged
that they would spare him, and assured
them that Kiatcbattalu would be very an
cry. It Vas Of no avail. Their fierce ua-
lures cried for blood. Then the woman ap-
preached and pleaded. "Do not kill tue
boy 10 my tent" The eye of an earnest
woman IS not powerless, even on the heart
Of a savage. They said, ave will not kill
him here !; we will take him outside of the
tent" Again the wotnan's voice was rails
cd fot mercy. "Oh do not kill him near
let not bis blood be upon my paths as 90
for wstes!' Again she was beard, and thew
said,aWe will take him deep into the forest
Tbey led him stons, the trembling child
Bis. fair face forminga striking coutras. with
the Axny skins and tue free and demoniae
scuDtenances ardo,d him. The yells and
%:whoops, of the ba1tarians nffrighted the fly.
tisng silence thsnmbrsgeous grove re-echo
ed clamor through all its mysterious laby
yipths; the birds ceased their songs ahs
Aew away 10 3,terror, Or crouched be
meath their leafy coverts. The boy, IN ihi
vtld Wood thought Of the dying Stephen
lie c1asped his psle bands together, slnk up
on his Tnees T in t6e t6 pathway, ana lifted hi.
acS aSd his bsat Is Stephens Goa. ILik
szpbsn, ssbs sbs 'aoeked up asadiastb 1nt
aHeasss; Z ,9ybs Indiana stood around ga
.ss laSlS ~ MIA .ss. E