The Council Bluffs nonpareil. [volume] (Council Bluffs [Iowa]) 1857-1867, 1858-09-04
A CHEROKEE ROSE-A LEGEND OF THE
SOUTH. +r

uONu tue ualeS anu over Tue Hills VI NOEtu
ern Alabama, dispensing sweet fragrance
on the evening air, when band Of war
ricrs, headed BY IN aged, but still powerful
looking chieftain, might have been observed
crossing the Georgia line, and journcyine
on toward their wild and uninhabitablt
territory Immediately adjoining. Tht
shades of night were deepening fast, and
the denudcd trees, for it was December
jutted out in bold and rugged outline against
the pale, blue sky, family tinged by the de-
parting rays of the retiring sun. The weak
dispirited party still moved on, until dark
night brooded over all thick, heavy clouds
chased each other athwart the sky and the
mournful sounding wind sighed through the
leafless branches.
"Alabama," said the old chief rs, ad-
vancing forward, he thrust the point Of his
long spear into the ground, and following
his example, his followers seated themselves
silently in q circle around it. A huge fire
was kindled-a bright volume of flame shot
toward the sky, and illuminated the recesses
of the deep, lone woods. 'Here we rest.'
A year passed over the heads of this rem
nant Of branch of the once powerful Cher
okee tribe in their new lodge. 1t was again
in the month of December, and again the
winds roared across the moor. A log cabin
had been erected which served in part to
dissipate the dreary loneliness that seemed
to reign over all. An Indian maiden sat
within the hut, humming to herself wild,
but most sweet melody, whilst anon she
stroked tho head of gentle fawn, which
lay crouched beneath her feet. The old
chief sat near, from age unable longer to
join in the sports of the field, and obliged
to remain with his daughter, as the braves
had gone to hunt the deer, and were not ex-
pected until the waning of another moon
Suddenly, the maiden's attention was at-
tracted by rustic of the dry leaves in the
woods, and turning her head she perceived
the figure of horseman emerging from the
forest. The stranger, who was a handsome,
stalwart, manly looking fellow, dismounted,
and led his steed toward the cabin, but start
cd with surprise as he beheld the lovely
countenance Of the Indian girl fixed upon
him. His eyes beamed with admiration as
he returned the gaze, while hers sank be-
meath his glance. ~.
'Stang' r, what would ye here p cried the
chieftain, coming to the door, and stepping
out on the sward, he confronted the intru-
der. ~
'No harm, answered the white man, stead
ily meeting The bold glance of the savage.
'No harm.'
'Then why disturb US Have not your
people ravaged our fields, burned our cabins,
and slaughtered our families ? You cover
the soil Of Georgia like leaves in the Autumn;
and must you follow US here? Can we no.
where be ut rest? Cop shouted the old
man, 'and may the curse of the persecuted
Indian fall upon your race
The stranger sprang upon his horse, and
after waving graceful adieu to the maid
en-. rode hastily off. That night, ut the
from the dense woods near to the cabin
The Indian maiden knew it, and rising
from her couch, advanced to obey the
signal. Her mocasined feet trod lightly
across the path, and the next moment she
found herself in the arms of the white stran-
ger.
q knew you would be here, he said, taking
her hand. MAY not now hope that we no
longer part? Come with me : | will guide
your footsteps into scenes far pleasanter
i,,bted to rs,nS;np r3l1GSS;Snp which v"" w""ld he de-
'The Indian loves the soil of her fathers
the maiden replied; she wishes not to roam;
the green grass is a soft carpet beneath her
fset-the purling brook sufficient music. Will
you not stay with us? My father will be
reconciled to you. Can We not be happy
here =
no, never; not here,' he replied, while
m expression of concern fitted across his
pale face, as he looked suspiciously around.
Say, dearest,' he continued, will you not
90 with me?'
Not now, not now::' she shudderingly,
replied.
when, then? Tomorrow Say to-mor-
row. exclaimed he eagerly.
His persuasions had effect, and he won
from the maiden Il consent to renounce for
ever the ties which bound her to her tribe,
and to seek home among new people.
He clasped her in his arms, imprinted kiss
upon her brow, and vanished into the forest.
The next evening, the moon rose behind n
bank of clouds which, after a time, com
pletely obscured her beams, and rendered
the h night fitting one for the premedits'ed d
fight. \ ~ y,
The Indian maiden is mounted behind her
lover, and riding with fearful speed toward
the Georgia line-when, hark that sound
Could they be pursued? Yes ! The clatter
of horses hoofs was close behind, each
instant coming nearer. The maiden clung
to her lover, and urged him on. Under the
vigorous application Of whip and spur, the
steed sprans wildly forward. 1t was use
less; he was unequal to the task the rug
ged mountainous country, already began to
be felt by him, and he faltered preceptibly
in his pace. The pursuing hoofs struck
deeper and deeper in his ear and the rider
saw it was impossible to escape without a
contest.
Il must leave you,' no said. farming to
the trembling maiden, 'or We will both be
killed.
sNo! do not, do not co. she entrcated ;
'let US die togethes.'
The brave spirit of the maiden formed
such a contrast to his mean proposal, that
he blushed and stammered at his baseness /;
but the sound Of pursuit kept shifting on his
heart, and hurriedly loosenipg the hold Of
the Indian girl, the bastard flung her from
him. As he did so, the report Of a rifle re-
verberated along the rocks, and turning, he
perceived her throw her arms wildly into the
air, with an unearthly shrek, and fall over
upon the ground, the blood gushing from n
w round in the side. lie saw no more; but
dashing the spurs into his horse, was soon
lost to view.
MY daughter, my daughter, have muir
dered thee,' said the old chief, as, dismount-
ing, he hastened to her side, and raising
her in his arms, endeavored to staunch the
ripping wound. But it was too late; the
poor child was already dead. He sank upon
the earth, and for few moments lay with
his face buried in hi, hands. Then rising,
he stoically began scooping out place near
by in which to lay the body. Having reach
ed the requisite depth, he raised the corpse
in his arms, gently deposited it in the
grave. and covered it carefully with earth
and leaves. Then mounting his horse, he
fed from the place which was desecratcd
by the blood of his child. No stone serves
to mark the spot, mound covered over
with
'Thc wild rose. eglaninc, and broom"
at the head of which cypress tree is grow
ing, is the only memorial left Of the Chero-
kee Rose and they say, that when the Aut-
umn winds are sighing, and the wolf howls
upon the hills, the spirit of the maiden rises
from her grave, aud hovers over the spot
where she was deserted by her faithless
lover. a 57 F.' .' -