Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1873-05-01
A Ride For Life.

HERE was beautiful clear stream OF
water, named Bluff creek, running
through camp, which supplied bathing
facilities to the officers and men, a privi-
lege which but few allowed to pass un-
improved. Whether to avoid the pub,
licity attending localities near camp, or
to seek a point in the bed Of the stream
where the water was fresh and undis-
turbed, or from a motive different from
either of these, two of our young officers
mounted their horses one day without
saddles and rode down the valley of the
stream perhaps mile or more in search
of a bathing place. Discovering one to
their taste, they dismounted, secured
their horses, and, after disposingof their
apparel on the greensward covering the
banks, were soon floating and founder
ing in the water like pair of young por-
poises. How long they had been enjoy
ing this healthful recreation, or how
much longer they might have remained.
is not necessary to the story. One of
them happening to glance toward their
horses observed the latter in u state of
great trepidatiOn. fastening from the
water to the bank, he discovered the
cause of the strange conduct on the part
OF the horses, which was nothing more
nor less than party of about thirty In
dian warriors, mounted, and stealthiiy
making their way toward the bathing
party, evidently having their eyes on the
latter, and intent upon their capture.
Here was u condition of affairs that was
at least as unexpected as it was unwel-
come. Quickly calling out to his COM
panion, who was still in the water uli-
conscious OF approaching danger, the
one oil shore haste to unfasten their
horses and prepare for flight. Fortu-
nately the Indians, who were now with
in few hundred YARDS of the two off
GERS, were coming from the direction
opposite camp, leaving the line Of retreat
of the officers open. No sooner did the
warriors find that their approach was
discovered than they put their ponies to
their best speed, hoping TO capture the
officers before the latter could have time
to mount and get their horses under
headway. The two officers in the mean
while were far from idle no flesh brush
es or bathing towels were required to
restore a healthy circulation, nor was
time wasted in an idle attempt 10 make
n toilet. Ii they had sought their bath
ing ground from motives T retirement
or dclicacy, no such sentiments were eX
hlbited now, for catching up their ward
robe from the ground in one hand and
scizing the bride rein with the other,
one leap and they were on their horses
backs and riding toward camp for dear
life. They were not exactly i'll the con-
dition of Flora McFIimsy with nothing
To wear, but to all intents and purposes
might as well have been SO. Then tol-
lowed Il race which, but for the risk in
Cured by two OF the riders, might well
be compared to that of John Gilpin. Both
OF the officers were experienced horse
men; but what experienced horseman
would willingly care TO be thrust upon
the bare back OF flying stecd, minus of
all apparel neither boots, brceches. nor
saddle. not even the spurs and shirt coll
lar which are said TO constitute the full
uniform Of u Georgian colonel, and when
so disposed of, TO have three or four
scores of hideously painted and teathered
savageS, well mounted and near at hand.
stralnlDg every nerve and urging their
feet-iooted war ponies to their highest
speed i'll order that the scalps of the ex-
pcricnced horsemcn might be added TO
the other human trophies which grace
their lodges: Truly this was one of the
occasions when personal appearance Is
nothing, and IL man man for a that,
SO at least thought our amateur Mazep-
pas as they came dashinS toward camp,
ever and anon casting anxious glances
over their shoulders mt their pursuers,
who, despite every eXertion OF the form
er, were surely ovcrhauling their pale
faced brothers. To the pursued, camp
seemed along way in the distance. while
the shouts of the warriors, each time
seeming nearer than before, warned
them to urge their steeds to their fastest
pace. In Il few moments the occupants
OF camp discovered the approach oil this
strangely appearing party 1t was an
easy matter To recognize the warriors,
but who could name t he two who rode
at the front! The pursuing warriors,
seeing that they were not likely to over
take and capture the two knights of the
bath, slackencd their pace and sent
volley of arrows after them. a few
moments later and the two officers Were
safe inside the lines, where they lost no
time III making their way to their tents
to attend 10 certain matters rclati.. 10
their toilet which the sudden appearance
of their dusty visitors had prevented.
II was long time before they ceased to
hear illusions made by their comrades
to the cut and style of their riding suit.
- Lite on the PLafas,' bg General G.
Il. Custer, IN Nay Galaey.