The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1860-08-06
Z f.@ From the Raleigh Press.
A THRILLING INCIDENT

In the AdreRturous life Of Gen. Joe Lane
immediately after the Generals return from his
brilliant and successful campaign in Mexico Presi-
dent Polk requested him to leave for the far dis
tant Oregon, after notice Of three days only for
the purpose of assuming the arduous and respon-
sible duties of organizing and governing that Ter
ritory.
After fatieuing and perilous journey of five
months sandy deserts and lofty mountains
inhabited alone by wild beasts and more ferocious
savages, he reached the territory; where he found
the infant colony of adventures scattered and fly
ing in dismay from the midngh torch, and san
culinary bu.cheries of the Indians, who had COM
bined from every adjacent tribe for the purpose of
exterminating them at a simultaneous blow.
BY that prompt, energetic and intrepid general
ship which had so eminenty distinguished his
military career, and won for him the title of the
'Marion of the Mexican War;" Gen. Lane soon
brought the chiefs of those tribes to ask for peace
any terms-with the exception of the ring
leader, who had escaped with his warriors during
the heat of the last decisive battle.
Soon as the fact was known to Lane he detached
an officer of rank with select corps to overtake
the retreating chief, and persuade him to captu-
late on the terms agreed upon by the other tribes.
But an enterprise fraught with such imminent
hazard of being surprised by the Indians in their
mountain Businesses, made that officer question the
probability of his success, but was nevertheless
willing to undertake it. With that discriminating
sagacity Of character which never forsook the Gen
eral in any emergency, he instantly perceived that
the officers doubts would inevitably result in fail
ure, and therefore resolved to undertake the all
important and critical mission in person, accom-
panied by interpreter alone, lest more should
invite renewal Of hostilities instead of procuring
a friendly council
At night-fal while the Indians were in the act
Of pitching their tents and before they had posted
their sentinels, the heroic Gen. at full speed
dashed into the hostile camp, without arms, with
his white pocket handkerchief streaming in the
winds as an emblem of his friendly visit.
For instant, the savages were overwhelmed
with fear, and CONSERVATION, thinking that his
abrupt debut was but the precursor Of an advanc-
ing army; then quick as thought they raised their
deadly weapons to kill the Gen but he had sprang
from his horse, and thrown himself upon the mag
nanmlty of their chieftan who threw his protect
ing arms around him, while the Gen. was telling
him that the object of his intrusion was only 20
prevent the further effusion Of blood both sides
should they trust to the fortune Of another BATTLE
and for the purpose of treating for lasting peace.
The old Chief read in the firm, fearless, and be-
ngnant eye of the General the truthfulness of his
declarations; and arranged the preminaries
of friendship, which has been sacredly obs erved
by the high contracting parties ever since. The
warriors nevertheless in the highest state of
excitement, from the conviction that it was only
strategem on the part of the Gen. to take them in
the next morning unexpecting, and burning to
take vengence on their country's conquerer, while
they had him in their power, they made the night
hideous with their unearthly yells, war dances,
and mock changes, within the fiery circle around
the camp. Gray morn at length dispelled their
auxieties and fears, when they dismissed him-af-
ter they had given him breakfast of farinaceous
berries, kneaded by the filthy hands of of their
squaws, with the assurance on the part of the
Chief that he could not doubt a Gen who was
brave enough to venture his own life for the well
fare of the Indians, when he had it in his power
to conquer them by arms he had all the chiefs
of the other nations. .f
From the accompanying testimony which |
herewith send you Messrs Editors, you may vouch
for the authenticity Of this narrative in every par
ticular. S. G. W.
July 24th, 1860