The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1861-04-24

There were two large dug,outs. each
containing four painted savages, and as
many female captives. In the foremost
I perceived the dear objects Of my ago.
nizing solicitude. My wife was seated
upon the bottom Of the canoe, and hold
ing our darling boy to her bosom.
Thanks to the ALL Merciful Father,
they were yet uEharmed, for could see
that the child slept sweetly, with its rosy
lips pressed confidently against its moth
ers' breast. For an instant had no eyes
for anything else. l saw not her compan-
ions. I scarcely saw their merciless cap
tors The Indians were exerting them
selves to their utmost strength to stem
the current that swept swiftly round the
bend-or l am certain they must have
caught sight of me, as in the excitement
of my sudden joy, | exposed myself upon
the edge of the bank Ny wife saw me.
But with the tact and presence of mind
which brave women like her always dis
play in trying moments, she placed flu
ger upon her mouth, and slightly motion
ing me to leave the spot. lifted her eyes
upward, as if to thank Heaven that sure
succor was at hand.
AS rapidly returning the recognition,
dropped back to the cover of the thicket
and falling upon my knees, | poured forth
nay heart in gratitude to that kind Being
who had been watching over those be-
loved ones, aud prayed for His assistance
in rescuing them from the fate those mur-
derous fends were reserving them for.
To attack the savages now was out Of
the question, and after hurried consult
alton with O'Neil, we determined to keep
cautiously along the bank of the river till
evening, where we knew they would land
for the night The mouth of the Des
Moines, We knew. could not be reached by
them Till the following day, for not ex
pecting pursuit, they travelled leisurely.
Fortunately, ray. providen!aIly, as
night fell, the savages directed their Ca
aces up the mouth Of a little creek on the
west side of the river, aud prepared their
camp. The prisoners were landed, and
tied to saplings in circle, around which
after partakiDg of their scanty supper,
the Indians disposed themselves. The
spot that they had selected, showed that
they thought not of pursuit. 1t was q
kind of sink hole, where they were
conpletely protected from the wind, and
being without blankets, as well ss their
.captives, this was the more necessary, as
the nights at this season were yet chilly.
NoiseleSsly, AID scarcely daring to
breathe, O. Neil and crept to position
where we could look directly down upon
the party vi hout ourselves beiug seen,
even had walchrzl sentinels been pacing
about the Indian encampment, The sar
ages had toiled hard all day against the
powerful current of the Mississippi, and
were econ all buried in sleep. Thei,
loud snoring satisfied as of this.
Up to this time we had formed no 6na
plan of rescuing the prisoners. and ]
whispered to o Neil to give me his views
'You see," said /, awe cannot use oul
rifles epon those verfnin's without erdan.
gering the lives Of ous friends, end be-
sides, if every bullet of our rifles counted
there would still remain two to one &c
| fight"
"Juss so, Sam" ."saii he, "'taint no use
to rely on our shooting irons, (unless We
club them at all events, in the commence
ment of the !ussle. Our knives, you know
make no noise, and l reckon if we're 'cute
about it, we can be good for some OF
'em before the others wake. But do you
,hiuk they're all good asleep?"
"I've no doubt of it," said I. "Now
ohm, let US act upon your plan. Let u!
creep upon the numbering hounds and dis
patch as many as possible while they
sleep. But take your rifles as near to the
spot as you can, and then Heaven help
usln
/ led the way into the hollow, keeping
large cottonwood between me and the
Indians, till we reached it. Here We
leaned our four guns against its roots te
be in readiness for use, then grasping oul
hunting knives in our right hands, and oul
belt hatchets in our left, we moved slowly
and without stirring a twig or leaf, down
upon t1c CtIClt vi Qurh lOI mo uO CdI
ly moon had risen, and her light broke in
struggling beams upon that strange group
Some of the poor females, overcome by
fatigue. huGger and grief, had fallen into
a disturbed slumber But in the din
light could perceive my brave little wife
Never till that moment did / know hel
courageous heart She knew we were
near, and in this desperate moment, wheI
every hand was needed for the work, she
was not idle. She had stealthily drawl
the knife of one of the sleeping warriors
and had cut the thong that bound hersel
and companions, and then, firmly graspinp
the blade over the throat of huge In
dian, seemed to await our approach. Ap
preaching close upon the outer circle,
me.ioned. to O'Neil to select painted
savage, whose loud breathings told that
he slept soundly, and as be raised his arm
to strike, / drove my knife into the hear
of another. At the same instant 1 saw
the arm of my little wife descend upor
! tho braast of q third covoro opd thop M,