The Buchanan County guardian. (Independence, Buchanan County, Iowa) 1858-1864, 1862-09-30

"'uuoW ne maue MS escape, anu ran
through the back alley out upon the COM
mon, and on to the fort, where he beg
ged the British commanding officer to
protect himself and property from de-
struction. But the officer would and
could do nothing although he saw that
the Indians would probably massacre the
entire population, if they once got CO.
ing under such state of excitement.
1T is not my property alone that is
in danger from violence" persisted the
Frsnchman, L" but the entire population
is in the hands of the savages, and un-
less you will exert your authority to qui-
ct them, our streets will flow with blood"
" l am sorry for you. sir" coolly re-
piled the Briton, i" but the truth is, my
troops are too few IN number to control
the warriors, and can do nothing for
you.
De Qundre therefore abruptly lsf. the
fort and ran to the quarters of Col. Nc
kee, then the British agent, whom he
knew was not popular among the sava-
ges, but had always exerted over them
unbounded influence.
On his way he could see that Indians
were gathering in hundreds from every
direction, armed with war clubs and tom
ahawks, prepared for general massacre
OF the inhabitants /; while their fierce war
cries were ringing with piercing tones
upon the air. A mob Of at least thou
sand of the painted demons had assem-
bled in front of his house, and were de-
molishing his doors and windows while
his goods were being thrown out to the
crowd waiting impatiently for the owner
TO be dragged forth and delivered to their
murderous knives.
This sight gave feetness to his feet,
and rushing into the Colonel's quarters
he found that officer to whom he briefly,
and as distinctly as his excitement would
permit, related what had occurred, and
begged 10 interfere, if possible. to pre-,
vent the threatened massacre.
Mckee, well versed in the Indian char
acter, instantly perceived the imminent
danger that menaced the place, and re-
questing De Quindrs to remain where he
was lest the Indians, so greatly exasper.
ated against him, mi ght kill him, hasten
ed TO the scene OF excitement.
He was tall, straight, athletic. noble.
looking man, with voice like thunder,
and his long intercourse with the In.
dians OF the frontier. had an intimate
knowledge of their language. Pushing
his way through the savages, now excl
ted TO madness at not finding the French
man. he mounted TO the top Of low
building waved his sword, and in loud
tone, shouted
Ho. who are the towards in this
crowd -
The sound of his well-known voice ar.
rested the attention Of the yelling rabble
and after brief silence, one of the In.
dians replied
There are no copards here We are
all braves!"
rs Hs 2" returned the Colonel
stamping his foot with pretended rage.
tell you warriors there are cowaras, era
rem cosraras, among you !"
This insulting accusation was received
with astonshment by tho Indians al
first. and they turned toward the bold
man who dared to utter it with eve.
burning with passion. and yell of def
ance broke simultaneously from them.
But without moving muscle, the
courageous agent met their fiery gancoa
unquailed. He had changed the tide o.
feeling, and thus far had gained very
important point.
i repeat" continued the Colonel
Strengthening his tall commanding figure
TO its utmost stretch, "there are towards
sneaking wolves in this crowd, that an
ashamed 10 see among my brave Indians
Now lot my brave warriors separate
themselves from them, and stand on thi,
side Of tho path, while tue towards re
main about the Frenchman's door-the,
are perfectly welcome to plunder hi,
worthless goods"
The powerful voice Of the white mar
now struck upon the ears Of the savage,
With an electric effect, and once moro .
reyulsion Of feeling took place anon.
them. The tempest Of angry passiol
was subdued. and the loud yells - low
murmurs, while the entire mass as
compelled by one common sentmsn Mt
moved together TO the other side Of .h
street aud raising their faces TO wher,
the brave officer was standing. seemed [,
await his further orders.