Weekly Calaveras chronicle., 1867-05-25

condition. lie continually reminded
them Of what was in store for them,
and added to their misery as much as
he possibly could.
ln the village to which they were ta-
ken dwelt an old chief, by the name OF
Win2enund, who had long been ON the
most friendly terms with Crawford
He had frequently visited his house,
and really held the prisoner in high
esteem. The chief, upon learning of
Crawturd's fate. withdrew iuto his cabin
that he mi ght not witness bis death for
he well knew his influence n.,r the in
fuencc Of any single person iii the vii
Iage was sufficient to release him from
the vengeance Of the cxasperated In
tlians
Bu: Ciawfnrl. who realized his dread
fui situation, sent fer the chief, in the
hope he might be able to o something
for him Wingcnund could not resist
the appeal, and shortly made his appear
ance.
The Indian looked him steadily in
the face homent, and penetrating
through the dreadful guise, said
"Yuu.are Colonel Crawford, and
am sorry to find you in this place
"Do you remember the friendship
that has always existed between US,
Have we not always rejoiced at the
sight of each other p .-
The chief discovered much embar
rassment, for he felt deeply the position
in which he Was placed, and he made
answer with some hesitation.
"Yes, have not forgotten it. We
have often eaten and drank together,
and you have always treated me kindly -
"Then hope our friendship re
mains"
at would have remained were you
what You ought to be, and anywhere
else but here
And why not here? You would
not desert friend in need. Now is
the time to prove yourself a friend to
me-"
"Colonel Crawford,' said the chief,
solemnly, "you have put yourself where
l nor any one can help you %
"How so p
"By joining yourself to that monster
Williamson, who only the other day
murdered the Moravian Indians, know
ing them all the while to be his best
friends and knowing he ran no risk in
staying people whose business was to
pray and not to fight y ....
but, Wingenund, had l been with
him, | never would have allowed him
to commit that outrage Not | alone,
but all good men everywhere condemn
him. ...
THAT may all be- replied the Wyan-
dot, "yet these good men did not pre-
vent his going out again, to kill the re-
mainder of the inuflensive but foolish
Moravian Indians We often told them
how they would be treated by those who
called themselves their friends. We
told them they could not believe what
the white men said that their promis-
es were intended only to cheat US
II am sorry to hear you speak thus, !"
replied Crawford, sadly. "As to VIII
liamson's going out again, when it Was
known he was determined on it,
went out with him to prevent his doing
the like again"
q, olonel Crawford, the Indians would
not believe that if | should tell them SO
myself"
"Why would they not believe it p
"Because you could not have pre-
vented his dning as he pleased"
''Have we harmed Morayian since
our troops started ?
NO" answered the chief, "for the
reason that you found none to harm
Our spies watched you, they saw you
visit the Moravan towns when they
were deserted
I've did nothin. dishonorabe -
You may think 50, but we do not
Had we Williamson in your place, there
might be some hope for you, but as it is,
there is not.
The unfort" nate officer could bat feel
that his case was hopeless. lie WAS si-
lent for few minutes, while the really
kind hearted chief awaited his words.
"What will they do with me -
Colonel, | look upon you as Il brave
man, and | therefore tell you the truth,
thoueh it grieveS NY heart to do so.
As the cowardly Williamson and his
b; nd ran away, when they found they
hal warriors to fight with and not
women-as he escaped, and they have
caught you, yon must take his Piace!"
"Oh, heavens and must it come to
this? Is there no chance Of escape !?
will reward you, if you assist me-
The chief shook his head.
Only fate is then fixed -
at is meet it as soldier should.
Farewell, Colonel Crawford they are
coming, and l will retire where L eau
not see yon."
And with these parting words the
chieftain withdrew. it is stated shedding
tears at the inevitable fate of his former
friend.
The shawanees began their prepara
tions for the dreadful tragedy, ere
Wineenuud was out of sight. These
were soon completed.
4 large stake was driven into the
ground and around it were heaped dry
and combustible fagots Colonel Craw-
ford was then led forward, and his
hands secured firmly behind his back
by means of strong thongs. A rope