Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1871-05-11
A Cherokee Legend.

A correspondent writes from Georgia
every mountain, valley, and cascade of
Northern Georgia has an Indian tradi-
ton connected with its history. The
Cherokees used to relate one which they
SAID occurred at Toccoa Falls many
years before the white men came to
their country. They were waging a
fierce war with powerful tribe who
lived on the lowlands Southwark
During hard-fought battle it so hap
pened that the Cherokees made captive
dozen of their foes, whom they
brought home to their country securely
bound. Their intention was to sacri-
flee the prisoners but as they wished
the ceremony to beimposing on account
OF the fame of the captives, it was re-
solved to postpone the sacrifice till the
time of the full moon. In the mean
time the Cherokee braves went forth
again to battle, while the prisoners,
now bound more strongly than ever,
were left in wigwam near Toccoa, in
charge of an old woman noted for her
savage patriotism.
Some days passed, and as the unfor-
tunate enemies lay in the lodge of the
old woman. she dealt out to them a
scanty supply of flood and water. They
besought her to release them, and Of
fered her the most valuable brides: but
/ she held her tongue, and remained
faithful to her trust. 1t was now n
morning of a pleasant day, when an
Indian boy called at the door of the
old woman's lodge, and told her that
he saw party of their enemies on the
other side of the mountain few hours
previous, and it was probable they were
coming to the rescue of their fellows
She heard the intelligence in silence.
Re-ontenng the lodge, another appeal
for freedom was made, and the prison
ers were delighted to see a smile play
ing upon the countenance of their keep
er She told them she had relented,
and promised that she would let them
escape; but ii must be on certain con
ditions. They were first to give into
her hands what few personal effects
they had left-must depart at dead of
night, and that they might not find
their way back, must consent to go
blindfolded, for two miles through a
thick wood INTO an open country, where
she would release them.
The prisoners gladly consented, and
as the hour of midnight approached it
was accompanied by a heavy thunder
storm. The night and the contemplated
deed were admirably suited. She tied
leathem bands over the eyes of her
captives, and having severed the thongs
which fastened their feet, led them
forth with hands still bound behind
their backs. They were fastened to
each other by tough withes, and were
in this way, led on toward their prom
Used freedom. Intricate, winding, te-
dious was the way; but not a murmur
was heard or a word spoken
Now the strange procession reached
level spot of ground, and the prison
ers began to step more freely, Now
they have reached the precipice of Toe
coa-and, as the woman walks to the
very edge, she makes a sudden turn,
aud the blind captives are launched
into the abyss below. howl of saw
age triumph echoes through the air
from the old woman fiend. and with the
groans of the dying in her ears and the
lightning in her path, she retraces her
steps to the lodge to seek repose, and
on the morrow to proclaim her cruel
deed.