The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1866-10-09
From COLI Marcyss New Book of the West
A Prairie Belle.

As was returning from the plains, af-
ter having explored the Brazos River to
its source, in 1854, met, near the most
remote frontier house, three girls, who
were accompanied by young man, who
were picking wild grapes beside the road.
As we had vacant seat in our wagon,
and as the party were on foot, inquired
if one of the young ladies would like to
ride to the house. On enc of them as
senting, my eompanion,a New York gem
tleman, politely extended his hand to as
sist her; but, instead Of accepting it, she
made sudden leap from the ground over
the side of the vehicle, and landed di-
rectly by his side. She appeared to be
eighteen years of age, with rathera mas
culine physique, her figure tall, erect and
1.-THE, but well-rounded and exceedingly
graceful and feminine in outline, the in
carnation of health and vigor. Her
face was thoroughly Drowned by ex-
posure and exercise in the open air, and
was constantly lighted up with cheer
full, happy expression, indicating an over
flowing exuberance .ofespirits, which dis
seminated an atmosphere the fascination
of which was irresistible to those who
came within its influence, and her laugh
ing, dancing blue eyes seemed ever on
the gun utve for fun and frolic. She wore
a closely-ftting Bloomer costume, with a
jaunty little straw hat on one side Of her
head, fastened under the chin with pref
ty pink ribbon, and her luxurious natu-
raj hair curled in ringlets all over her
shoulders. She was evidently the reign
ing belle of the neighborhood, as well
as the favorite spoiled child Of her fami-
ly; and she was just as free from the alb
surd conventionalities of society as the
mustang that roamed over the adjacent
|prairies. My companion related to her
some Of the most remarkable incidents Of
our expedition, which seemed to interest
her vastly; at the same time her credulity
appeared to be somewhat taxed, and
would occasionally find utteranoe in such
expressions as 80, git outi' "You go
long now" "Look at him!' etc., which
seemed the spontaneous outburst of her
impulsive nature, and rather in the char
acter of a solilloquy than seriously in.
tended to express doubt at the truth Of
the narrative. In one instance she be-
came intensely absorbed in my friends
account of visit we had received from
the Comanches, and some Of the peculial
habits of those people, and gave vent tt
her feelings by administering a violent
slap on the knee, and at the same time
exclaiming: "The he'll you sag, stran
gerl" giving particular emphasis to, and
dwelling upon the most Objectionable
word in the sentence. She inquired very
particularly about our camping arrange
ment, and manifested good deal Of Gu
riosity concerning the shape, capacity and
material of our tent. She had never seer
one, it appeared, and / remarked to hel
that after ours was pitched, if she would
honor US with call, she would have ;
good opportunity of seeing how comfort
able we could make ourselves in camp
At this she turned round, facing me, ap
piled her thumb to her nose with. her fin
gers extended, closed one eye, and will
her countenance assuming most ludi
crously severe expression observed: g
am AFRAID of aoolues, ole hossl" As / wa
quite unconscious of having intended an.
disrespect to the young lady, was
good deal surprised at this. exhibition Q
indignation. From the savage expires
sion her countenance assumed, however
I did not feel inclined to press her 70
an explanation, and changed the subjec
as soon as possible.