Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1859-05-19

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settlement, burning fever, which had bcel
gradually coming on. overcame her, and hel
life was some time despaired Of.
A few weeks passed, and Esther Simmons
having recovered, took her departure for thu
coast, broken. hearted woman. From that
day she was determined to risk no further con-
tact with the Indians the idea of losing her
children as she lost her husband was thought
too terrible. In her next retreat the children
titled the ground, planted Indian corn and sweet
potatoes, killed pigs, &c.. while the mother,
with the rife on her shoulder, wandered through
prairie and wood, in search Of game of every
description. This active state of life was, as
she said, indeed necessary to her it drove from
her head thoughts Of the past, which came
crowding upon her at times with terrible vivid
ness. Such is the substance, in my own words
Of what heard from Mr.. Smith, who, as he
concluded, exclaimed, "But there she h, and
can tell you more about it all herself"
l raised my eyes, and found myself standing
in front of rude log hut, situated in the centre
Of lovely glade, dense forest surrounding it
on all sides. Around the house were about
four acres Of cultivated ground inclosed by a
rude fence, to keep off the various derpredators
which otherwise would have utterly destroyed
whatever crop was planted. Several pigs, of all
q md ~ nd q Ia
fowls, were all that appeared animated around
the dwelling in the porch, however, of which,
sat u woman, still young, of handsome, though
somewhat weather-b beaten features. Her age |
found to be two-and-thirty. She was Of the
middle height, slightly made, and engaged in
the feminine occupation Of sewing. was both
surprised and gratifed for her history had pre-
pared me to see her only with the rife on her
shoulder, marching like another Boadicca, to
the conquest of her enemies Mrs. Simmons
rose to meet US. Smith was welcomed most
affectonately; while | was introduced as u
countryman, ard received most hosptable,
and even graceful invitation to enter and take
refreshmcnt. | accordingly followed her, and
found within two boys and two girls, Of the
ages of five, six, nine and eleven, who instantly
placed IL stool for me, and proceeded with ulacr-
ty to disembarrass Ine ofmy gun, powder horn,
&c. The walls were hung with few hunting
implements, coarse habllaments and yenison,
MS well as pork-hams, always saved to be, at II
proper Opportunity, exchanged in Galveston for
powder, shot, and the only article Of clothing
necessary to be purehased--red flannel shirts.
Esther herself was completely habi'ed in gar
ments Of deerskin while moccasins covered her
feet, above which appeared legsns Of the same
matcrlni
After some conversation, we displayed to the
view Of our hostess some ten pounds of powder
a bag OF shot, quantity of lead, us well as a
small supply of bread coffae, and sugar; which
We desired to exchange for sweet potatoes aud a
ham or two. The faint trace Of a SMILE dim
as the shadow cast by the evening star, passed
across her dark and expressive countemnr', as
the latter articles were presented to her view.
~ never sae coffee, Mr. s. j., or tea, OF
sugar, but think Of England left it very
young---but even now think how different had
been my lot, had ] never departed from my
native land."
made some remark Of a consolitary nature,
and the convcrtaton fell upon other topics, and
presently upon her renal lkabc history, various
details OF which received from her own mouth;
but tofbore to press h,r upon ~ painful u
point.
During the day we strolled to several pietu-
rescue spots, as we'll in the woods as in the
edge of the prairie, where we started numerous
grey and red partridscs. Here the fair Diana
of tins sylvan retreat first displayed to us the
unerring nature of her aim, and the great skill
she possessed in all the details of the ars renot-
ca. Several fat partridges, two rabbits, and a
sand-hill crane were the result of her efforts
while about dozen rice-brds, killed in two
yollies with small mustard shot were all that
NV luck afforded me. The latter, however,
though not much larger than a sparrow, are
like balls of fat, and very delicious in taste.
About five o'clock we terminated our stroll
though 80 fascinating was the society of my
conductress, that | could have continued it
hours longer Even before entered the hut,
the savorv odor of numerous yands assailed my
olfactories in most agreeable manner, and in
a few moments | was seated on solid stool ut
at smoking board, where stew of mingled
pork aud venison, with fried dccrs meat, homi-
ny and musb, besides compound of hot milk
and coffee, soon appeascd II ravenuus appetite.
H9miny and mush are both prepared from In
dian coril--the former from the grain, the lat
ter from the meal, nud, to my taste, are exceed
ingly delicious.
As soon us the dinner was ended, Smith and
the whole party Of children dispersed in search
Of pine-knots, preparatory to a fire-hunt. and
my hostess and myself proceeded to discuss the
merits Of that odoriferous wccd of which these
parts arc the native soil,
During the conversation which cnsucd, my
hostess detailed to me some Of her adventures
but was chief spokesman, as she was eager to
hear all that could tell Of dear England, and
the many changes which had taken place since
her departure. In about two hours the merry
foragmg party returned, and preparations were
made for our expedition. A large irylng-pan
was first fastened to II stick in this the pine
knots were placed, and, having been lit' the
fiery machine was shouldered by Mrs Summons
who, graspins her rifle, led the way to prairie
burn. Every spring, as soon as the sun'srays
are sufficiently strong to dry up the grass 'le
inhabitants Of the Texan wilderness set fire 10
the prairie, which q coniasrat'ng until ar
rested by various mpcd nents' as river