Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1866-02-14
From Ballou's Magazine
Capture of James Smith.
BY SIDNEY HERBERT.

In the spring of 1855, Braddock
commenced his campaign against the
French and Indians, which ended so
disastrously, by the defeat and almost
total destruction Of his whole army.
He had sent forward detachment Of
three hundred men, for the purpose Of
making road over the mountains for
the passage Of the main army. James
Smith, the hero Of our story, was a
mong the number When they had
arrived within a few miles Of Bedford
Springs, he was sent back to hasten
forward some wagons loaded with
provisions and ammunition for the use
of the party constructing the road.
Having delivered his orders he com
menced his return, accompanied by
another man. They had proceeded
but a short distance, when in passing
cedar thicket, they were fired upon
by a party of three Indians, who were
living in ambush for them. The com
panion of Smith was instantly killed
/ but he himself was unhurt, though hi,
horse was shot under him, and falling
upon his leg, pinioned him to the earth
The Indians sprang upon him, and be
fore he could eXtricate himself, dis
armed and bound him with thongs
rendering resistance impossible. Up
on inquiring of him if there were an,
more white men coming, and being
answered in the affirmative, they seiz
ed him by the arms and forced hin
along upon the run until night; whel
they encamped, having travelled, a
near as he could judge, about tift.
miles.
After having cooked their supper
of which they gave him all he wisheC
they laid down before the fire, secm
ing their prisoner between them, i
such manner that it would be impO;
sibIe for him to escape without avail
ening them. Early the next mornin
they again started, their road layin
: through a rough, rocky country, s
that they were unable to accompiis
!. as many miles as on the previous da.
and reached the western side of La
: rel Mountain about sunset, when Cou
), inc in sight Of an Indian encampmcn
o they gave the scalp halloo, which is
long, sharp yell, followed by quic
: shrill, piercing shrieks, one for eaC
scalp. The Indians from the can
answered by the'discharge ofguns, an
a long whoop, with cries Of joy, al
rushing out, surrounded the party.
't Smith expected every moment the
would attack him, according to the
), custom when prisoners are brought
to camp, but they were Of anoth
tribe, and treated him as the proper
of their guests; supplying him with
&c, abundance Of food. He was secur
between his captors, the same as t
night before, and the next morni
!. both parties travelled together, a
al on the evening of the following d
%s %s arrived at Fort Duquesne, now Pit
N. burg. When within short distan
an ar. of the fort, tAey again raised the sea
halloo. The whole garrison was
stantly in motion. The guns we
. fired II d drums beat; many OF
French and Indians rushed out to M
Us the party and participate in their
umph.
Mt Smith here met with different tre
ment from that which he received
the camp of the Indians. He was
: mediately surrounded by the WON
ev. @ and children, who switched and t
m rm mented him in every way their lima
nation could invent, without seriou
injuring him, until they were tired
the sport; when the whole tribe foI