The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1873-05-07
RIDE FOR LIFE

The following is an extract from
Life on the Plains" by General G.
A. Custer, in the May number of the
GdLa9y:
There was a beautiful clear sti
of water, named Bluff creek, running
through camp, which supplied bath
ing facilities to the officers and men,
privilege which but few allowed to
pass unimproved. Whether to avoid
the publicity attending localities
near camp, OF to seek point in the
bed of the stream where the water was
fresh and undisturbed, or from a mo-
tive 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 seqrch of
bathing place. Discovering one to
their taste, they dismountel, secured
their horses, and after disposing of
their appearl on the greensward COW
ering the banks, where soon floating
and foundering in the water like a
pair of young porpoises. How long
they had been enjoying this healthy
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 state of great terpida-
ton. Fastening from the water to
the bank, he discovered ths cause of
the strange conduct on the part of the
horses, which was nothing less than a
party of about thirty Indian warriors,
mounted, and stealthily making their
way towards the bathing party, evi-
IDENTIFY having their eyes on the latter,
and intent upon their captue. Here
was condition of affairs chat was at
least unexpected as it was unwelcome.
| Quickly called out his companion,
who was still in the water, unconscious
of approaching danger, the one ON
shore made haste TO unfasten their
horses and prepare for flight.
Fortunately the Indians, who were
now within few hundred yards of the
two officers, were coming from the
direction opposite camp, leaving the
retreat of the officers open. No soon
er did the warriors find that their APP
proach was discovered than they put
their ponies to their best speed, hop.
ing to capture the officers before the
latter could have time to mount aad
get their horses under headway. The
two officers in the meanwhile were far
from idle no flesh brushes or bathing
towels were required to restore a
healthy circulation, nor was time vast.
ed in an idle attempt to make toilet.
If they had sought their bathing
ground from motives of retirement OF
delieacy, no such sentiments were ex.
hibited now, for catching up their
wardrobe from the ground in one hand
seizing the bride rein with the other
one leap and they were on their hors-
es' backs and riding toward camp fol
dear life. They were not exactly in
the condition ofFlora McFlimsy, with
nothing to wear, but to all intents and
purposes might we'll have been So
Then followed race, which, but for
the risk incurred by two Of the riders
might we'll be compared to that Of
John Gilpin. Both of the officers
were experienced horsemen, but what
experienced horseman would willingly
care to be thrust upon the bare back
of a flying steed, minus all apparel,
neither boots, nor breeches, nor saddle
not even the spurs and shirt cellar
which are said to constitute the full
uniform of Georgian Colonel, and
when so disposed of, to have three OF
four score of hideously painted and
feathered savages, we'll mounted and
near at hand, straining every nerve
and urging their Aeet-footed war pom
les to their highest speed in order
that the scalps of the experienced
horsemen might be added to theil
other human trophies which grace
their lodges2
Truly this was one of the occasions
, when personal appearances is nothing
and "a mans a man for a. that" so al
: least thought our amateur Mazeppa:
as they came dashing towards camp,
, ever and anon casting anxious glances
over their shoulders at their Pursuers,
who despite every exertion of the
former, were surely overhauling their
palefaced brothers. To the pursued,
camp seemed long way in the dis
tance, while the shouts Of the warriors
each time seemed nearer thsan before