Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1860-03-16


a cooling crystal stream, express his joy by
words. Those only who could see him in
his ecstasy, could form any idea of his hap
piness; so when /, in my forlorn condition,
discovered not far ahead light issuing
through the crevces Of a cabin, felt thatcx-
tatic Joy and gratitude to Heaven for my
safe delverance, which shall not attempt
to describe. The reader, could he but for
q few moments fancy himself in similar cir
cumstances, might have some estimation of
the emotions Of the mind and rapturous
pulsations of the heart. Suffice it to say,
my flow ofspirits, (which might be likened
to the proud tide Of many waters after long
ebbing, comes rushing on to its destined
bounds) were as by animal magnetism COM
municated to my jaded beast, for instantly,
ough l had supposed him on the point of
falling, actually pricked up his ears and
neighed aloud. A few minutes more bro't
us to the welcome cabin, the hospitable in
mates of which had been aroused by the
bowling of my unwelcome companions, and
were now at the door ready to receive me.
Then soon the discharge of favorite gun,
the deep bay of faithful dog, and the light
Of several torches, put to flight those bold
intruders. 1t was now about 2 o'clock in
the morning; my horse having been abund-
antly provided for, and myself refreshed by
such provision as the cabin afforded, 1 be-
gan to inquire with respect to the latitude
and longitude from Lower Sandusky, and
ascertained that l had made south from the
direct course ten miles, and was yet about
that distance from the place Of my destina-
| ton. This gave me but little uueasiness,
as was now in place of safety.
"Here in this place, while speaking of
wolves, let me relate an incident which
happened in Russia, extracted from paper
published in that country: A female, start
ing with horse and cutter, having with
her, her three children, TO visit her friends
about thirty miles distant. Her way led
through Wilderness Of some twelve miles
and in the latter part of her journey. Soon
after entering the dense woods, she was as,
saulted by gang of wolves, they following
close by the sleigh, and often making at
: tempts to seize some of her children. The
road here being but poorly beaten, and thu
horse getting tired, she soon became great,
alarmed, yet tried her utmost to push for
> ward and get beyond their reach, but all il
; vain. The wolves becoming more bold anC
determined to seize some or all in the sleigh
she in despair came to the conclusion shc
must sacrifice one of her children to thei
: rage and hunger, while they would be de
: vourng it she might drive beyond thei
5 reach Her youngest, an infant of thre
months, she deemed would be unconsciou
: ofthe horrid act, and suffer less in its death
Consequently she took it from the materna
bosom and plunged it into the snow, Will
: the other two were shuddering and scream
ing at the awful sight. But no time 70
words. She hurried on a mile or so, whel
the wolves were again by the sleigh; on
jumped across it attempting to seize one Q
), the children as he passed. Resolving t
u make another sacrifice to save her own lf
!, and one child, caught hold of her mex
youngest, little girl of three years, VIII
u clung to her arms with all her might, an
u crying, "Mother don't, don't throw me t
1t the wolves" while her oldest, boy of 81
a years, beseeched and plead for her, but fea
II and frenzy triumphed over tenderness an
II mercy. Her screams while being devoure
T. were distinctly heard many rods, while 81
6 increased the speed of her horse TO its Il
sr most. 1t became fearful time to the su
IN vving child, who clasped his mothers nee
I'd with his arms, saying, 10, dear mother,
n the wolves come again you will not thro
,lr me to them, will you9 If we must die !
u. us perish together" Despair rendered h
ca silent, and the little fellows fears increase
4 till at length he again saw the wolves col
ey ing, then resumed his fond caress, and il
'g plored with all the powers of so tend
Ut ears for mercy. From her continued
nc lence he had no hope. The wolves aga
re come up, when he too, with many struggl
" and most tender beseechings, was throw
al from the sleigh. He struck upon his fe'
IT. and made a bold push at the wolves, b
ut was soon overpowered and consumed. 7
n frantic woman from this time kept beyo
es their reach, on arriving at the first house
at the settlement 10 which she was bound S
W. stopped, and told her sad and tragical sto
Is with apparent calmness and deliberate
5'e for fear and the consequent horrid acts, b
ny paralized her feelings and petrifed |
sly heart. A young hired man of the hou
er Of about 10 years being by, watched her
no tentively, with evident perturbation of mi
Pe' till she had concluded her story, then gra
ing an axe standing near, split her ht
la' open, exclaiming, 'such mother shall
TS, live"
ce-
wv "The law must have its course. He
be taken, confined, tried, and condemned
you death. His case produced much exc
inc ment and eommiseration in the public mi
he His relatives; and many Others, laid all
the attending circumstances before the En-
and ror Nicholas, and plead for his pardon, '
Md considered such an account from mot
oor wassufficient to produce temporary deran
ade ment, and on that ground granted biz
no reprieve. The whole scene in its natur
rth. more singular, tragical, and awful, than
off l remember ever to have seen in print;
mo reader now is to Judge what was the Z
odv of the mother in the circumstances of
Vay case. 1t is believed but few mothers W,
at appreciate, or initiate, her conduct,
out ais the reader curious to know what
ing came Of all our wolves eventually. "
een we had in our county many Putnams
,ors, swore eternal war and vengeance aOa