The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1872-01-05
M i S G ellaneous.
for the d1Jis DC Intelligence,
A TALE OF THE REVOLUTION.

MIR. EDITOR: 1t is we'll known to every
school-boy that during the campaign OF
Gen. Burgoyne, in TIT, a certain accom-
plished and beautiful young lady, named
Jane McCrea, was killed and scalped by
the Indians, who were under British COM
mand; but there are certain facts connect
ed with the terrible tragedy that l have
never seen in any book, and find in very
ancient newspaper some facts that may
be of some interest to your readers.
When Burgoyne approached Fort Ed
ward, near Still Water, Jane McCrea lived
with her brother near the fort. When the
British came near Mr.. McCrea fled and
went to Albany, but Jane (who was the
betrothed bride of Lieut.. Jones, British
officer) staid with Mrs. Mcneil, hoping
thus to see her lover, and not dreaming Of
personal danger. When the English came
to the neighborhood, these two ladies were
surprised by band of Indians and made
prisoners, leaving their house in two squads.
Mrs. Mcneil in one of them and Miss Nc
Crea in the other. On their way the saw
ages who had Jane in custody quarrelled as
to who should have the reward for their
fair prisoner, when tiendish savage, who
went by the name of Big Thunder, killed
the young lady with his tomahawk, and
scalped her, carrying her long glossy locks
into the British camp as trophy.
When Lieut.. Jones learned the horrid
facts OF the case, be demanded of Burgoyne
to have the murderer punished; but
the unteeling Briton refused to comply
with his request, telling him it would new
er do to punish one of their brave allies
for merely killing an American girl, as it
might offend their brave red friends. Jones
then offered his resignation, which was re-
fused He then, after procuring the scalp
of his dear one, getting a sight of her MUIR
derer and ascertaining the spot where she
was killed, deserted, and took refuge in the
wild hills ofthe Hudson. Lieut. Jones was
23 years of age of a manly, robust frame
and ia brave, fearless disposition. He had
taken Il critical look at Big Thunder, and
his uncouth figure was indelibly stamped
on his mind. He became gloomy and des-
pondent, and his only thought now was to
have revenge on the destroyer of his hopes.
A year passed by, and on the anniversary
OF the fatal day that destroyed his earthly
happiness, he repaired to the fatal spot
where his loved one was killed, and kneel.
ing, prayed and wept. On each succeeding
anniversary of the dreadful tragedy this
heart-broken man performed the same drea-
ry pilgrimage, as long as he lived. Big
Thunder belonged to band of warriors
who were commanded by Little Turtle,
who was an able Indian leader. The as
sassin was easily distinguished from the
other Indians from having lost his nose
in battle.
In about two years after the murder of
Miss McCrea, Lieut.. Jones, having learned
that Little Turtle and his warriors were
somewhere on the north side of the Cats
kill Mountains, at once determined to
make an effort to kill the savage who had
destroyed his happiness. Accordingly,
arming himself with choice pistol, which
he put in prime order, he set out on his
terrible GRAND of retribution. He did not
tell any one of his design, and death hay
ing no terrors for him, he determined to
kill the savage under any circumstances, if
he could get near him. After travelling
three days and subsisting on wild berries,
he came in sight of the Indian camp. He
approached them with the stealth of the
wary panther, and was not discovered until
he boldly entered into their midst He
found the warriors seated in council and
Big Thunder standing in the midst of the
circle, making an eloquent speech. In an
instant he shot the murderer dead in his
tracks, before the Indians had time to CON-
prehend his design, exclaiming as he fired,
"Take that for Jane McCrea."
In an instant he was surrounded nv a
score OF angry savages, brandishing their
sealping- knives. He stood perfectly pas
sive, with his arms folded on his manly
breast, looking at the savage foe with fear
less defiance. When they were about to
cut him to pieces, their commander ordered
them all to take their seats, and give the
brave pale face hearing. The order was
promptly obeyed. The murder of Jane
was known to the warriors, who disapproy-
ed Of it and both hated and feared Big
Thunder ever since the horrid deed bad
been committed. The chieftain then asked
young Jones if Miss McCrea was to have
been his squaw. He answered yes, and
that he had always intended to kill her
murderer; that he had now accomplished
his aim, and that he was ready to submit
to any punishment they could invent.
The red chief looked upon the manly