The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1860-02-09

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dian breasts were pierced with Spanish lances,
and Indian skulls were cloven on the right and
on the left BY Spanish sabres. ~
The Indians, although vastly outnumbering
their pale-faced assailants, could not stand be-
fore such superior weapons, welded By skillful
hands and were obliged 70 retreat within the
walls OF their fortified town, from the ramparts
OF which they renewed the contest, peltng their
assailants with stones and other missiles until
they were compelled to retreat again.
De Soto and his army retired short dis
lance, to rest and form new plans of attack,
whereby they could make their victory more
complete. While thus engaged, the notes of
fresh bugles were heard with Joy, and he was
soon reinforced with near a thousand men,
eager to stain their blades in blood.
1t was resolved to storm the town. Then
commenced the Slug of war;" Both sides
fought bravely and desperately. Four times
thu Spaniards were driven back, but finally
forced an entrance. AS they poured into the
enclosure, they were met by new and unlocked
for foes. Those fascinating singing maidens,
who had appeared before them in the morning,
now sprang upon them with all the ferocity Of
maddened tigers. But their tender youth,
their beauty, nor their sex, saved them from
the terrible rage of the Spaniards. Streams
of blood gushed from the pisrced blossoms of
maidens; heavy sabres and battls-axes CAME
down with an awful crash upon the heads and
shoulders of young women. The spirit of
chivalry and the pride of gallantry were en-
tirely forgotten by the fierce and bloodthirsty
followers of the proud De Soto, and deeds Of
blood and horror continued to be perpetrated
as long as the Light of day lasted.
The shades of night at last lowered over the
tragic scene, but the work of slaughter did not
cease. The torch was applied to the houses,
and lurid flames assembled high, as the Indian
god revealed in his power; and by the light
thereof the demoniac butchery continued, as
long as poor victim could be found. On that
memorable day and night, over six thousand
Indian souls, counting old aud young, male
and female, maidens and babes, were sent on
their journey 10 the spiritland. The loss of
De Soto's forces lin the slain did not exceed
one hundred; while nearly all were wounded
by arrows, or missiles thrown by hand at
that time the only weapons of Indian warfare.
Since the great battle at Manbilia, the
Greeks, ChoctaWs and Chckasaws, have been
under the Spanish, French, English, and final
ly under our own dominion. From ali of their
conquerors they have learned lessons of treach-
cry, bad faith, falsehood, and vice.
Aboutthe year 1881, our Government effected
satisfactory treaties with the Choctaws and
Chickasaws, and these two nations willingly
exchanged lands, and quietly emigrated to
their new country in the territory west of Ar
kansas, where they now reside, and have made
such rapid strides in improvement. Govern.
ment paid the expenses Of the removal, and
furnished them with food for the first year.
The Choctaws and Chckasaws formerly re-
sided in Alabama and Mississippi, where the
institution of African slavery was first taught
them. And ever since then, the Federal Gov
eminent has, through its agents and superin-
tendents, sought to foster and encourage sla-
very among the civilized Indians, in order to
ultimately secure their territory to the area OF
slave soil. If the different Administrations
have not always had this darling object in
view, the slave power behind the throne "
has and its commands have ever been obeyed.
Guy OAKLHAF.