The Tiffin tribune. (Tiffin, Ohio) 1868-1887, 1872-01-18
Jennie Moore.
A TALE OF THE TEXAS BORDER.
BY DAWSON FINELY.


Settlers along the banks of the
Wariopa river, in Texas, had been
worked to pitch bordering on frenzy.
For long time the Camanche In
dians had been committing depreda-
tions of a fearful character and it is
now evident that open war must en-
sue. The savages must be extermina-
ted, or nearly so; else the white man
would be driven from home, or butch
cred upon its threshold.
A settlement of some thirty cabins
had been formed upon the Warlopa;
and for its protection, and safety of its
inhabitants in case of an attack, a
block house had been erected upon the
bank of the river. 1t was o strong
building, surrounded by high stock
ade, and from within, a handful of
men could defend themselves against
hundreds Of their savage foes. It was
well supplied with provisions and am
munition, several hogsheads contain
ing water were placed within reach,
in case the attacking party should re-
sort to fire.
The settlers were anticipating an at
tack that very night, and were now
busily engaged in moving the women
and children and such articles of
household goods as could be carried
without the use of teams. Scarcely
had the settlers with their families Sc
cured themselves within their strong
hold, when a wild cry was raised, and
the white men saw the remains of
one of their neighbors, who had just
been brought in from distant field.
The body had been so horribly man
gled that it was scarcely recognizable;
but It was discovered to be that of
George Molloy, a gentleman highly
esteemed by all. He had left home
but few hours before to look after
his cattle, and this was all that re-
mained to tell the story Of his butch
cry.
Revenge was pictured on every face,
and each hand grasped tighter the
rifle it held. Then burst forth the
shout, "death to the red devils-death
to the Camanehes."
"Death and determination to the
accursed CamaDches," repeated Col.
John Pool. "But we must act with
prudence, boys. They are strong; at
present, we are weak. We must all
remain in the block house tonight,
but 1 expect the boys from the valley
will be here by daylight, IL not before.
We can count them, at least, three
hundred, with brave hearts and steady
nerves. We will march into the very
heart of the enemy's country, and
with rifle, knife, and fire, teach those
red devils lesson they will never for
get.
A wild cheer followed his address,
but the sound was given back by the
wild shrieks of women and children.
Every eye was turned in the direction
whence the voices came. Out of the
block-house came women and children
in the widest confusion and fright,
running in all directions to escape a
fury that the settlers had not seen but
itVWas understood at once that the
savages were at their hellish work.
"Look to your weapons, boys, and
be ready for any emergency said
Col. Pool, as he cooked his rifle. ave
may have hot work soon; follow me. F."
The flying women were met and
questioned. They stated that the saw
ages had got into the stockade unob-
served, while the settlers were view
ing the remains of Molloy,, and were
preparing to burn the stOek-house.
That this was true became apparent,
for the flames were now seen to leap
up, encircling the main building with
in the stockade.
Forward, men ~ cried the Colonel.
And in few moments the settlers had
reached the burning building. 1t was
found impossi5let 20 save il, so complete
lywas the stronghold enveloped in the
devouring element.
But now q new horror presented it.
self. Upon the very top Of the middle
building a female form was seen
clinging to the flagstaff, the flames
leaping up around her. She glanced
down on a seething furnace beneath
her, and made q movement as if to
make fearful leap to the earth; but
she paused; that would be certain
death. The distance was some forty
feet, and all within the stockade was
q glowing mass, where brush-wood
had been heaped by the savages 70
facilitate the burning. Almost every
one Of those hardy men held their
breath in agony of suspense; but few
VOICES 6AClAlncu My SOut II Is
Jennie Moore ~
we must speak in detail of Jennie.
She was the daughter of one of the
settlers; she was little wild and ro-
mantle, but high toned and generous.
Indeed, some Of her acts of kindness
had won the regard of a number oi
LapaR Indians who Joined the pale
faces in consequence, becoming their
fast friends. Several of them were
now present, and they almost wor.
SHIPPED the maiden. Their admiration
was equAl TO their Affection: for Jen-
ME could ride the widest colt, handle
her bride skillfully, or drive a canoe
equal to q Camanche. She was as
fearless as a warrior, yet tender and
sympathetic as a maiden could be.
Wariopa, q Camanche chief, had
seen her, and becoming ensmored
with her beauty, had sworn TO cap
ture her and make her his wife. Al
these threats the girl laughed, for they