Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1859-02-11


low. At others, the path would lead at
the foot of precipice equally high; then
between walls of granite, rising on either
hand, with only space for one to pass be-
tween. IF these savages had practlced
the tactics of our own Indians, we never
could have reached the town. The pass
es were in a measure guarded, but by
feeble force, that retired as we approach
ed, one native only having been shot
during the march. We passed several
cottages, beautifully situated in pictur-
esque glens; opposite each we called
halt, admired the perfect beauty OF the
scene, quenched our thirst at the rivuletS,
burnt the houses. and pushed forward
We continued our fatiguing route over
exceedingly rough paths, calling frequent
haIts to relieve the men, and after
march Of four hours and thirty minutes
of strenuous exertions, arrived, almost
overcome with heat and fatigue, opposite
the town. We again called halt, and
employed it in observing the town and
its approaches. The route we had been
pursuing continued for more than half a
mile through ravine precisely like those
!
already passed, and possessed by their
warriors i'll full force. They could be
distinctly seen among the trees and rocks
in the ravine, in the town, and moving
among the huge rocks and cliffs that rose
to a great hight in its rear-the aggregate
of the fighting men amounting to above
three hundred. The moment the guides
saw them they informed us that we must
be ready for a severe engagement, and
do cur best; for there was an unmistak-
able evidence that the natives were pre-
pared, and determined to do their best.
To show their readiness to meet US
and their contempt of death, they were
clothed in their funeral robes of white
tappa cloth, with long scarfs sweeping
over the ground, their hair combed tt
radiate from their heads, forming an i'm
mense bunch, or with wigs of enormous
dimensions, some six feet in circumference
all enveloped in cloths of white !appa
However beautiful this adornment MAJ
have appeared in their own eyes, or how
ever becoming to their notions of propri
ETY., the dress of the grave may hav
seemed to warriors prepared for battle
;, it certainly possessed one great disadvan
j., tage to them, of which, however, we d
not complain, and that was to make them
- selves conspicuous objects to our marks
a men, as they glided among the thick fol-
- age.
j. Having finished our view of the towr
of and its difficult approach in front, we Oh
b served to the right Of the place, under
as precipice, the ravine to be less broke
- and less wooded moreover, it was nea
N ly on a level with the town, and of con
no paratively easy access from the top
O. the mountain, on the slope of whiC
to we were hating. 1t was therefore d
# termined to make movement to the lei
ad gain the summit, and enter the town
aa the head of the ravine After a sho
Or rest, we pushed forward up the mour
he over taro patches, terraces and garden
he then up the steep slope, exerting all O
he strength and ingenuity to keep from sli
ing down almost as fast as we scramble
&c, up, at every halt keeping up a skirmis
~ ing with the natives posted on the out
nd edge of the ravine. After gaining a Z
ye- sition near the top, we took long re
W. number of the men being almost c
,te hausted with their exertions. VIII
,ta ready for the attack, the divisions we
no reformed, and to remove any erroneo
ra- impressions the natives may have rece
he ed of our determination, owing 10 c
of long halt, the favorite song of the =" r.
White and Blue" was sung in full chor
ted three hearty cheers given, and the VIII,
ext force rushed down the slope on the II
len and commenced passing the ravine
at carry the town by a simultaneous assar
ut The men suffered exceedingly from t
on heat and fatigue; one tainted, several
ga and rolled over the rocks; but the to-
ale was carried in fine style, the enemy f
GUS ing in all directions.
and Our flank movement to the left |
the completely Disconnected them; they tn
the as matter of course, we would approi
ma by the paths in the ravine, where ii
ger. were posted ready in large numbers, q
the where they would have assailed US a
all fearful advantage. We took immedi
ing possession, planted the American ems
ifIi- in front of the chiefs house, posted SCI
,ad nnls au1 apiovod n mott -.