The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1862-05-07
a TRUE son, OF THE OLD DO
MINION.
By WESLEY BRADSHAW.

ITeStouS TO tN6 AuoTlCau ncNOiutious
that section of Virginia which is watered
by the south branch of the Potomac, and
hemmed in east and west by ragged
mountain ranges, swarmed with hordes of
savages, and, as natural consequence,
sufsred severely ct their hands.
But it is notable fact, that, in the
midst of troublesome times, we generally
If not invariably, find men raised up who
are exactly suited to such times. This
fact is amply proved when we run our eyes
ever 20 careless, over the historic page,
and learn that nations fast driving to ma
tional wreck, have been saved by the skill,
daring or strategy of some master miud;
that when Europe trembled at the ap
proach of the naughty Bsjazet, and pre-
pared to mourn the annihilation of
Christianity, Providence brought to her
succor the terrible Tamerlane.
Fame. however, too often, too intently
lowering over such fields as Pleatea.
Thermopyl@ and Waterloo, has left un-.
shadowed by her golden wing many glo.
rious battle grave, has neglected to enroll
under her scroll the names of heroes
whose bones moulder silently and union
ored in some village church yard or
mountain glen.
More especially is this the case in re,
gard to the early pioneers, who carried
civilization into the American wilder
ness, and most of whose names and deeds
live new 10 the recollection of few
hoary heads of the last generation.
From very old Virginian we obtained
the following incident Of early life in the
Old Dominion, and give it just as it
was related to us. e,
Some little distance from the town Of
Petersburg, there resided man by the
name of Bingham, who was noble
specimen of the daring, fearless pioneer
of his day. Here, alone. in the heart
If a esvage, uninviting wilderness, the
roof Of Samuel Bingham gave protec-
Aion 70 his family. which consisted of
lis wife and two children, together with
his father and mother.
4 One night, some little time after all
bad retired, Mrs. Bingham suddenly
awoke from slumber, screaming loudly
ito, be saved from the Indians, Her
husband had not yet fallen into dozc,
started up, and knowing that there was
: no danger, attempted to pacify her.
But it was long time before he was
asble to convince her that she was the
victim Of mere dream. Succeeding.
however, in his efforts, he quiete1 her.
) and shortly afterwards she was again
asleep. F s k
'sis Not long was it before she second
time started up in terror. as though
she was threatened or actually pur-
sasued, by the savage foe- A third time
Twas this manifestations Npeated On the
part Of Mrs. Bingham, with whom it
was perfectly Involuntary, and withal
strange, for she was Of fextremely steady
: and vigorous mind. -
Mr.. Bingham was not given to super
sti,iou, but he did believe, as he often
remarked afterwards, in some dreams.
Three times had his wife been reused
by fearful visions. each one being like
! the other two, full of fearful DANCE.
from Indians. Mrs. Bingham. to use
her own words, could not again close
5sher eyes for fright, but lay trembling
like an aspen leaf; while her husband, ,
firmly believing that the repeated
dreams were warning not to be disre-
garded, got up, struck light, and pro-
ceeded to inspect his weapons, intend
ing to go out for the purpose of ascer.
tanning, If perchance there might be any
Indians lurking in the vicinity.
~ Having dressed himself, replenishet
his bullet pouch and powder horn. and
again examined his rifle, he bucklee
! arc und him his leathern belt, and then
ascending the ladder that led up to the
= loft or upper room of the cabin, he en-
deavored to rouse up hired man wht
: slept there. This he had partially sue
ceeded in accomplishing, when th'
sharp crack of rifle without was in
stantly followed BY wild shrek from
his wife, who called up to him that she
was shot.
- In . moment it flashed across his
mind that he had neglected te extin
guish the light below stairs, and the en-
emy had thus been enabled to take ain
on his victim through chink of tn
log wall. Inwardly cursing himself 70
his carelessness. Bingham exclaimed
in loud tones:
Cup, Ned, up ard follow mer' and a
single bound he stood at the top of III
ladder, down which he hurried, leavin
the hired man to come after.
Upon. reaching the room below, hi
6rst movement was to. put out the ligh
~ He then told bis wife to creep unde
the bed, il possible. which would be th
safest place for the time beirg. He the
- sought to barricade his little fort, b
- heaping everything he could lay his hand
y on against the door, against which th
= sbesiegers were already thund ring.
'''es Again and again he shouted to Net
the hired man. to come to his assistanc
but the latter, terrified by the fierce yel
ssof the savages without. lay still, quakip