The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1861-03-30
Select Storm.
The House on the Potomac In 1915

Standing on = bluff above the river Potomac
was small .og house, two stories in height,
with kitchen and dinlng.roon on the first
floor. and two bedrooms CHI the second
Old Spellman. the owner. was known in the
vicinity as The greatest Indian hunter of this
day. The red skins feared his rifle, and
when it came to rough and tumble fight they
feared his powerful arm more than his rifle
OF course he was marked among the savsges,
known 10 each warrior, and held in awe by
all. The Indian who would bring in old
Spcllmans scalp woald be reverenccd, wor-
shipped. and be regarded as a motto and cx
ample for all young warriors to initiate
The family Of Spelman consisted Of the
father and mother, daughter and son.
The parents were wei, advanced in years.
but stout, hale and hearty. The son was
young man Of promise-largc muscular frame,
and like his father, possessing llerculean
power. The daughter was girl of eighteen,
fair and beautiful. Being Injured to the
forest. she was brave and daring, cool, calcu
lating. calm, and self possessed. in times Of
the greatest danger and most imminent
peril.
The house stood within few yards of
preclpice, about twenty feet high, which cx
tended some distance up and down the river,
atioIding it or that side a protection flum
An enemy. A high pallsade. commence
ing at the bluff OF ore side. extended around
I he house 10 the bluff on the opposite side,
thus enclosing it on three sides by the pail
SADIE, and one side protecte, by the bluff 1t
was considered by the neighbors as a strong
post, and the old man himself thought il
almost impregnable.
About this time the Seneca Indians made
war upon the Sus4uehannss and drove them
from the head Of the Chesapeake They wan
dcr.d along the banks of the Potomac, and
six Of the chiefs applied to the whites, dcsr
ing to negotiate terms Of peace; they wero,
however, put to death, on which occasion,
Sir William Berkeley said, They came in
peace, and would have sent them in peace,
though they had killed my father and moth
e." This inflancd the minds of the Savagcs,
and they made war on the whites, Staying
indiscriminalely all who fell into their hands
1t was cold evening in November, tina,
Mr.. Spelman was seated by the table with Il
book in his hand. The Old lady was doing
before the fire, with her knitting part the
time going on and part the time lying idle IN
her lap. The son was mendne and generally
preparing his traps for the winter service. -
The daughter was seated ut her spinning
wheel, occasionally casting SLY glances at q
fine looking young man near her who smiled
graclously IN return. The gentleman alluded
10 was beau Of Miss Speman's and had
that evening walked through lonely forest
five miles to see his sweetheart. HIS name
man. willing and able to defend his lady
love from harm.
The wind was whistling dolcfully about
the house. making everything wthou. seem
cold aud dreary, and all within look more
cheerful The old gentleman laid down his
book, took of his specs, and turned his ear
towards the back end Of the house. The son
noticed the fathers actions, laid down his
traps, and followed the old man s example.
''llist!" said he 10 his sister, putting up
his finger in token Of silence.
- Did you hear anything, pap? 2" asked the
old ludy, starting up in her seat.
"Thtfe is something wrong" replied the
old man +" the horses seem uneasy, and the
dogs whine. | am afraid tho Indians will DC
ON US"
"Oh don't say that" plead the old lady.
"Don't BE- frightened ; there is a pretty
good party Of us. R,slcr, you, and Nancy,
collect all the arms together, and put them III
order there are strong indications oflndans.
Guard well the doors, and keep sharp Look
out"
The old man arose from his chair. and
noisel.ssiy stole up stairs. There were several
port holes M the upper part Of the Louise,
through which the old gentleman took an
observation Of the premises within the enclo'
sure. From what he could observe, he
was satisfied that Indians were lurking
about. and. rs war existed between the whites
and sayageS of course their intentions were
not Of friendly character.
When he returned to the room below stairs.
hc assisted in preparing the arms and. distri-
butine the ammunition. There were firearms
enough for all. except the old lady, and, for
better security, she was placed in one ind Of
tie room. ! screen was made 10 slut oil