Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1870-02-08
MISCELLANEOUS.
EL1zABETH ZANE.
A TRUE STORY.

About the first of September, in the year
1772. whilst-a celebrated spy, whose name
was John Lynn, was engaged in wstching the
war paths north west of the Ohio river, he
discovered the Indians marching with great
haste for the village of Wheeling, (Row the
city of Wheeling, West Nirginia,) and ac-
cordingly hurried to warn the inhabitants of
their danger He swan the river and reached
the village but short time before the savage
army made its appearances.
The Fort at this time had no regular gar>
risou, and depended for defence exclusively
upon those who sought security within its
walls; aud when the attack was made by the
indians, there were net more than twenty
men in the Fort to oppose the assault.
The dwelling house of Col. Ebenezer Zane,
which stood about forty yards from the Fort,
contained the military stores and as it was
admirably situated as an out post from which
to annoy the savages, he resolved to maintain
possession of it, as we'll as to aid in the de-
fence of the Fort and to preserve the ammu,
milton. There was in the dwelling house. Col.
Ebenczer Zane. Andreg Scott, George Green,
Mrs Zane, Molly Scott, and Miss Mccullough.
The kitchen adjoining the house was occupied
by Sam Ca negro belonging to Col. Zane. and
his wife Kate. Col. Silas Zane commanded
the Fort.
The Indians came up with the British
colors waving over them, aud before shot
was fired, demanded the surrender of the gar
rison. All the answer they received was the
firing of several shots at their British flag,
then the savages rushed on to the assault
A brisk fire was opened on them, both from
the Fort and the house, and they were driven
back. Again they made an attack, and again
they were repulsed. They had quite mum
Der of guns in both the house and Fort, and
as the ladies, by moulding bullets, loading
guns and baUdng them to the men, enabled
them to fire SO fast, and yet so effectively, the
Indians recoled from every charge. 1t was
too hot work for them. Soon night came on,
aud all was quiet, an Indian was ordered, by
his chief, to burn the dwelling house, so taking
a fire brand in his hand, he crawled silently
to the kitchen, aud raised himself from the
ground, waved the torch to and fro to re-
kindle the flame, and was about to apply 1t to
the building, when he received shot, which
forced him to drop his torch, and he hobbled
away as fast as he could bowling as he went.
"Ha, ha !" said Black Sam, "dats de way l
fix 'em; he'd better not try dat little trick
agin" 1t was Sam who had detected the
Indian just in time to stop ''dat little trick"
Soon after the firing had ceased, a small
boat on its way from Fort Pitt to the Falls OF
the Ohio, with load of cannon balls tor the
use of the Troops there, landed at Wheeling;
the man who had charge OF the boat was soon
discovered by the Indians they fired upon
him aud wounded him slightly, but he reached
the Fort and was admitted. Nov, the Indians
thought they would be successful; so early
the next day they procured log, which had
a hollow in it about the size of the cannon
balls they then got some chains from shop
near by and bound the log with them. When
all was ready they put in a good load of pow
der and ball, then pointing it at the Fort the
word was given and the match applied Bang
bang! A dreadful explosion; the cannon burst,
and its pieces few all around, killing several
Indians and wUunding many more. How
angry and furious this accident made them !;
they pressed on ike set Of crazy fellows
and fred away in great fury. Still they were
received with such a steady and constant fire,
that they were forced TO fall back.
This was very fortunate for the garrison, as
their powder was almost exhausted. aud it now
became necessary to procure some from Col.
Zane's house 1t was proposed that one OF
the feetest men should endeayor to reach the
house, get keg of powder and return with
it to the Fort. 1t was an enterprise OF the
greatest danger, but many of the men were
willing to venture.
Miss Elizabeth Zane, the younger sister of
Colonel Zanc, who had but recently returned
from Philadelphia where she had received
her education, and who was totally unused to
Indian fights and scenes of blood, volunteered
to 90 for the powder. She was told of the
great danger, and that a man could run faster
than she, and thus be exposed to less danger,
but her reply was: The loss of man will
be more severely felt; you have not one man
to spare; a woman will not be missed in the
defense Of the Fort" Her services were ac-
cepted. The brave girl taking of some of
her garments so as not to hinder her running,
stood prepared for the dangerous adventure.
The gate was opened, and she bounded forth
with full confidence of success. In amaze
ment the Indians beheld her spring forward,
and only exelaining. ga squaw, squaw ;"
no attempt was made to stop her.
Arriving at the door Of the house she was
instantly admitted ColUnel Zane fastened
tablecloth around her waist, and emptying
into it a keg of powder, again she ventured
forth.
The Indians now fred at her Ball after
ball passed whizzing by, but she reached the
gate and entered in safety.