The democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1868-1874, 1871-06-05
A Hero Of the Plains.

boo carson, one OF the heroes OF the
the Plains, was out with twelve men in
search for Indians who had stolen horses.
The second day ont they struck the trail
late in the evening they saw in the dis,
tance large party of Indians, and Us
they were on friendly terms with the diff
ferent tribes, Carson and his band hur-
rled to overtake them, hoping to gain
some information concerning the stock.
The Indians saw them approaching,
and halted for them to come up. AS Car
son and his men came up, his keer eye
discovered that they were on the war
path, but knowing no fear, he rode up,
and the Indians, 400 strong, closed
wings and completely surrounded them.
Sandivere, the chief, rode up to Carson,
exclaiming
"Yeds teddy "-you are my prisoner.
Carson, after questioning the chief a
short time, found that they were in pur-
suit OF lost stock, stolen, ,as they thought,
by the .. S. troops.
The Meucans had told them this to
screen themselves. But all OF his repre-
sentations could not induce Sandivere to
release him and his twelve men.
The next morning the old chief COM
menced making preparations to shoot
and scalp his prisoners. Carson called
him aside for a talk, and finally persuaded
him to send one of his best runners to
Capt. Prices camp, and if things were
not found just as represented, that on
the fourth day after the departure of
said runner, at u o'clock, he might do
with his prisoners as he pleased. The
runner started. Carson and his men were
sanguine that everything would prove
satisfactory to the chief, and remained
their prisoners cheerful and happy.
On the morning of the fourth day all
were momentarily expecting the return
OF the runner. Ten o'clock came, and
no runner in sight eleven, and no run
ner in sight. Everything in camp was
excitement and commotion. Sandivere
was certain that his runner had been
foully dealt with, and in his anger made
preparations for summary vengeance.
Twelve o'clock, and no runner in sight
as far as the eye could reach.
Carson thought his hour had come, as
preparations were made and well know
ing the terms would be complied with,
he called Sandivere and told him he
would like to have talk with him be-
fore he and his men were shot. Carson
and Sandivere commenced their talk,
Carson in the meanwhile walking lei
surely from the camp, telling the chief
that the horses, saddles, blankets, etc.,
were all donated or willed to him, the
great chief, and that he was not COM
PEELED, on account OF this donation, to
divide among his warriors.
The chief was much interested and
pleased with this donation, and by this
time they were eighty or hundred
yards from the Indian camp, when Car
son with the dexterity of an old noun
taineer, pulled from his bootleg an ugly
looking holster-pistol, cooked, and pre-
sented it directly in the face of the chief,
exclaiming:
"Stand, sir you are my prisoner.
"What do you mean ?" asked Sandi-
we're.
"I mean Just what l say-if you move
one inch you are dead man"
The Indians seeing their chief in
danger Started toward him, but Carson
told him to motion his men back, or he
would shoot him on the spot. Tie old
chief, well knowing the man he had to
deal with, instantly complied and mo-
toned his men back. Carson then told
him to order up his twelve men with
their horses Just as he had received
them, and Leo with them. This was In
stantly complied with.
Carson then mounted the old chief
behind one of his men and started for
Capt. Prices camp, where Sandivere
found things as represented by Carson.
The runner had been there, but had lost
the trail, which had caused the delay.
Capt. Price gave the chief many pre-
sents and escorted him back to his tribe.
He ever afterwards was true friend OF
the whites. and in many instances did
very valuable service.
Thus by the GOODNESS, cunning, and
downright bravery Of Bob Carson, this
, devoted band OF twelve brave men were
rescued from certain death. Parties
who were with Carson at the time can
youch for the truth of the above state