The Bolivar bulletin. [volume] (Bolivar, Hardeman County, Tenn.) 1865-1888, 1872-09-20
A TALE OF THE BORDER.
BY DAWSON FINLEY.

A TALE OF THE BORDER.
BY DAWSON FINLEY.
Settlers along the banks of the
Warlopa river, in Texas, had been
worked to a pitch bordering on
frenzy. For long time the Com
manche Indians had been commit
ting depredations Of fearful char
acter, and it was evident that an
open warfare must cnsue. The saw
ages must be exterminated, or near
| ly 30, else the white man would be
driven from his home, or butchorod
upon his thrcsho d.
A settlement of some thirty cab
ins had been formed upon the Warl-
opa; and, for its protection, and
the safety Of it's inhabitants in case
OF an attack, a block house had
been erected on the bank Of the riv-
er 1t was 4 strong building, sur
rounded by a high stockade, and
from within, a handful of men could
defend themselves against hundreds
Of their savage foes. 1t was we'll
supplied with provisions and ammu-
milton several large hogsheads of
water were placed within reach, in
case of an attacking party resOrting
to fire.
The settlers were anticipating an
attack that very night, and were
busiIy engaged in moving the wo-
men and children, and such articles
of household goods as could be car
ricd without the use of teams.
Scarcely had the settlers, with their
families, secured themselves within
their stronghold, when Il wild cry
was raised, and the white men gath
cred around the remains of one OF
their neighbors who had Just been
brought in from distant field. The
body had been so horribly mutilated
that it was scarcely recognizable;
but it was discovered to be that OF
George Marcy, a gentleman highly
esteemed by all. He had left home
but few hours before to look after
his cattle, and this was all thai re
maincd to tell the story of his butch
cry.
Revenge was pictured upen every
ace, aud each hand clasped tighter
fine rifle it held. Then the shout
burst forth, death to the red devils
death to the Comanches -
death aud determination to the
accursed Comanches - repeated
Colouel John Pool. "But we mus
act with prudence, boys. They ar,
strong; at present, We are weak. W.
must all remain in the block-hOus'
tonight, but expect the boys, wh'
are coming to join us from the val
ley, will be here by daylight, If no
before We can count then at leas
three hundred, with brave heart
and steady nerves. We will marcI
into the very heart of the enemy
: country, and with rifle, knife, an,
fire, teach those red devils n lesso-
e they will never forget"
= & wild cheer followed this brie
Y address, but the sound was give
back by the wild shrieks of wome
: and children. Every eye was turn
\ ed in the direction whence they voice
= came. Out of the block-house cam
women and children III the wildes
! confusion and fright, running IN a
directions to escape a fury that a
= the settlers had not yet seen; but
was understood at once that til
savagos were at their horrid worl
"Lcok well to your weapon
8 boys, and be ready for any emerGeI
: Cyl" said Coiouel Pool, as he cooke
his rifle. We may have hot Won
soon; follow ne.
: The flying women were met m
. Questioned. They stated that IL
savages had got within the stockaC
IL unobserved, while the settlers we
+ viewing the remains of Alaloy, an
L were prepared to burn the bloc
house. That this was true, becan
apparent, for the flames We're no
seen to leap up, cncircling the ma
N building within the stockade.
D. "Forward, men !" cried the Colo
,e ell. And In few minutes the sc
\ tiers had reached the burning mas
,e It was found impossible TO cave
w so completely was the strongho
enveloped IN the devouripg elemer
20 But q new horror presented itse
:, Upon the very top of the building
- female form was seen clinging to L
- - flagstaff the flames leaping arou'
her. She glanced down on n sect
y ing furnace beneath her. and ma
a. a movement Us if to make feari
II leap to the earth, but she pause
d that would be certain death. I
distance was some forty feet, a
Il, all within the stockade was q gio
he ing mass, where brushwoOd h
a been heaped by the savages to fac
itatc the burning. Almost eve
m one of those hardy men held tn
re breath in an agony Of suspense;
a few voices exclaimed: Ny G'
ly it is Jennie Moorew
d We must speak il detail Of j
ny. She was the daa@htcr of c
in of the settlers; she was a little W
III. and romantic, but high-toned .
are generous. Indeed, some Of her a
of Of kindness, had won the regard
a number Of Lapan Indians, "