American citizen. [volume] (Butler, Butler County, Pa.) 1863-1872, 1866-08-01
selett Story.
A MERITBD FATE.
BY Il. s. ELLIS.

bf r..
There are occasional instances, when,
beyond all doubt God visits retribution,
in the most maj ked manner, without the
interposition Of man, upon the heade of
those who have been guilty Of heinous
crimes. The following incident, which
is authentic in every particular, is one of
the most striking examples of this truth,
and may we'll cause the reckless to pause
and reflect upon the fearful consequences
of their incurring his wrath and ven
geanee. ..9.
On the 30th of June, 1878, Col. John
Butler, at the head of four hundred to-
ries and from six to seven hundred Indi-
ans, entered the head of Wyoming Val
ley, in Pennsylvania, and took possession
of Fort Wintermoat without opposition.
Colonel Zebulon Butler, who realized the
imminent danger that threatended the
settlement, had obtained leave tc visit the
valley and had assumed command of the
little band of defenders. They number
ed two hundred aud thirty enrolled men,
and seventy old people, boys, civil mag
istrates and other volunteers, the whole
making six companies, which were mus
tered at Forty Fort $50 termed from its
having been constructed by forty pioneers,
who came into the valley in the winter
of 1860 Here also the families upon
the east side of the river had fed for
refuge
"Indian Butler as he was termed at
this time, summoned the people to sur
render the valley. A council of war was
held on the 3D. Of July. Colonel Butler
aud Denison, and Lieutenapt- Colonel Dor
rance, we're of the opinion that a "littlc
delay would be best" in the hopes that
reiuforcements might be on their way
The majority, however, were urgent to
march out and attack their assailants at
once. This was finally decided upon, al
though it was against Colonel Buffers
judgment; yet, as has often been the case
since that day, he yielded his opinion in
Difference to his subordinates, and disas-
ter was the consequence. r...4st.a
"I tell you" he said, as he mounted
his horse, eve go into great danger, but
I will lead you, go as far as any Of you"
At three o'clock in the afternoon, this
and numbered about three hundred men,
old men and boys, marched out from the
fortjswith drums beating and colors fly
Rg,sFhcy moved steadily onward to the
plain, with the river on the right, and a
marsh on the lett, until they reached Ft,
Wintermoat.G This fortlfcation "Indian
Butler'shad fired in order to deceive the
patriots into the belief that he and his
forces had withdrawn from the valley.
Colonel Butler now sent forward sew
eral Of his most experienced and reliable
officers to select and mark off the ground
on which to form the order of battle
On coming up, the column deployed to
the left, and, under their proper officers,
each company took its station and then
advanced in line to the proper position.
Everything was judiciously disposed,
showing, at any rate, that the leaders ond
directors of these men we're officers who
thoroughly understood their duty. lEow i
Colonel Butler made a brief but STIR
ring address to his men, in which he
said ~ zg.s', 80 bee ~ sssss,si
y.sla Men, yonder is the enemy. We come
out ito fight, not only for liberty, but for
life itself, and, what is dearer to preserve
our homes from the confagration, our
women and children from the tomahawk.
Stand firmly against the first shock and
the Indians will give way Every man
to his dutyl" s.i ~ .tA.
About four o'clock in the afternoon the
battle began. Colonel Butler ordered
his men to advance a single step 1at each
discharge. The patriots fred rapidly,
and the British line, in spite Of the most
strenuous efforts of the officers to prevent
it, gave way and fell back. The Indian
fanking party on the right kept up a
murderous calling fire. On the right of