Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1871-08-18
FAwN.

return from hunting expedition to their
main reserva ions near the shores of Lake
Erie, and were anxious to hasten their
movements for the purpose of offering
their services for the defense of the from
tier to their American allies, in the war
pending between them and England. But
their progress at the time referred to was
delayed, owing to the circumstance that
one of their number, favorite--a girl
some fifteen years of age had been taken
i'll on their march, and was then delirious
with fever.
The disease had baffled the usual skill
of the few squaws of the band. A con
sultation was held by the warriors to de-
termine whether to remain with the girl,
and wait the future of the disease, or to
leave her at the nearest settlement of
whites, in charge of one or two of their
number, and then proceed on their jour
ney. The latter proposition was vehe-
mently opposed by the sachem ofthe band,
the reputed father of the girl. At this
crisis, the deep baying of the hounds
around the encampment fires betokened
the approach of stranger.
"It is our good brother, the young
white hunter" calculated Blue Coat
the sachem, in broken English, as a
young man in hunting costume, and with
rifle in hand, bounded into the encamp-
ment.
Welcome, Wallyp
A vigorous shaking of hands ensued,
and grnnts of satisfaction were heard on
every side.
Walter, or "Wally," as he was known
by the Indians, was informed of the sub
iect under discussion, and he was taken
to the couch of bear skins on which the
sufferer lay His heart felt pity; his
deepest sympathies were instantly
aroused. He had never before seen the
face of an Indian female that interested
him so much.
might has overtaken me in the chase,
ten miles from home," said Walter; 81
will tarry with you till early morn, when
Fawn shall be taken to my mother, who
will care for her as for her own child and
the white medicine man shall kill her dis
ease. A few of your number may remain
with her until she is able to resume hel
march"
The counsel was at an end. Grunts o.
approval was the reply. Walters prop
osition, and renewed shaking of hands
followed. A bountiful supper of roas
venison and cakes Of pounded corn bakeC
| in hot ashes was prepared, of which al
save the invalid ate heartily; and, after
heightened smoking of pipes, the party
wrapped in Indian blankets, sought thei
nights repose.
Walter Wallace was of good parentage
and we'll educated. He was left fatherles
at an early age. DR.. Arnold, his step
father, though man of good abilities, hat
but a small practice. He was not general.
liked. His increasing wealth, therefore
was matter of surprise to all, and sus
picion to many of his neighbors. Tn
matter was once boyishly REFEREED to b.
Walter, in a conversation with his father
who answered only by scowl of resent
ment. Walter at once comprehended tha
he was treading on forbidden ground.
At length the overbearing disposition
and imperious will of DR.. Arnold becam
insupportable TO Walter, and at the age @
nineteen he Indignantly abandoned tn
parental roof. The sting of regret whicl
troubled him was the parting from dearl
beloved mother and though this wa
proposed against her remonstrances ye
he was conscious of her secret sympathie'
Placing purse of five hundred dollars i
his hand, she kissed her manly-hearte
and darling boy for the last time.
To strengthen his health-to cultivat
and develop his physical system, Waite
determined to devote two years to adver
ture and wild sports in the West. Wit
this object in view, and with good sur
plies of arms, ammunition and huntin
attire, he found himself in due time in tn
Genesee Valley-at that time aboundip
in bear, the American panther, the vii
cat, deer and lesser game. He took u
his abode in the house of settler on tn
banks of the Genesee. He wrote to h
mother by every possible conveyance
but at the end of year, learning of h
death, he felt as if the great tie of civil
Zation had been sundered; and forev(
afterwards he acknowledged the kind wi
of the settler as his adopted mother.
, the time of his meeting with the India
encampment he had resided in the coul
, try two years, and during that time ha
, secured the country around as far as Il
! shores of Erie and Ontario. He had b
! come acquainted with the Indians, the
language, customs and manners; and vi
: q favorite and privileged person amor
them.
Under the influence of good treatmel
! the health and strength of Fawn was +
: stored. Walter was strangely fascinatt
!. with her beauty, and surprised az her i
I. telligence. She spoke the English al
' Indian languages 1uently, and had Fl
o ties of the two races. Walter could scare
!. ly believe that she was of Indian bloc
yet she declared that she had no reason
I think otherwise, save of dim, undetln
!. dream of an early life within civili7
o tiOn.
p Her jet hair, her black eyes, thoul
# rather full and round for an Indian, h
n cheek bones and broDzed complexiC
!. seemed TO denote an Indian origin; yet b
q elastic springing gather intelligence, b
,. quick perceptions, and the play of h
:. features, which exhibited the various en-
n tions of her mind, indicated otherwi
Walter was puzzled-he became abstra
ed, save when in her presence. H
v rather winning way and smile, her gen
nature and afFectionate heart, pull
strongly on his sensibilities. A vague
lire took possession of him to return
d civilization with the maiden, and to eC
o cate her to become his wife.
W The sachem, between whom and
is girl there existed a strong attachme
e remained with her. On his departure W
d her and the few attendants, he present
n Walter with b 1t of wampum to be VIZ
Ie by him as a badge of good fellowsl
n with the Senecas, and as token
20 bravery.
c. A year passed away. With toresll
Or creditable to his years, Walter had p
Iy chased for a small sum three humid
n acres of land on the shores of the G
le esee River. He was becoming wear
9, with his wild sport and pursuits, 9
s, strengthened and invigorated, was alb
n. to return to the centers of civilization, q
rt embark in the business Of life But an
d. resistable desire TO see again the Ind
IL. 81, l.
te for a while. Accordingly, depending
or his rifle for support, he made his v
TX through tangled woods and swamps,
h. til at length, at the close of day, we
II. and footsOre, he found himself on
II banks of Buffalo Greek, and but
,h miles south of the still smoking ruins
st the village of Buffalo.
No. While reposing himself at the foot o
st large tree he was startled by the repor
n, rifle; the next moment an Ameri
,a nanther Law daad nj his side Starting