Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1875-06-23
Che family Circle.
The Story Of Elizabeth Zane.
BY G.. b. CALFRET.

Long before the foot of civilization haC
passed over from the first settlements or
the Atlantic coast into the interior of III,
country. before the great West was GOV
cred and woven together by lines of rail
roads, and her rivers were navigated by
steam. some New England men. restles:
and discontented with the Eastern coun
try. started for The West.
The first work of these early settler.
was to build for themselves cabins an,
surround them with row of palisades
to serve as defence against the attack.
of Indians and the incursions of wild
beasts. From the wild beasts there was
but little to fear. Their principal fee.
were the Indians.
Wheeling. The Indians had troubled
them, and at the time Of my story they
were expecting An attack. Fortunately
information had been brought them a few
hours before the attack was to have been
made. Soon the Indian ar-whoop re-
sounded throughout the thicket around
them. and the rafting discharge of mus
kets saluted their cas-.
The inmates of the fort, however. were
safely en>conced behind the palisades
and were unhurt by the balls which they
hear constantly striking the walls.
The attack was not returned, but at
intervals the crack of Il rifle from the fort
would bring to the ground some exposed
savage.
While the Indians fought in this man
ner, there WAS but little danger to those
in the fort
But when they despaired of ever sue
cecding by such fighting. and approached
to break down and burn the palisades,
then those within We're obliged TO expose
themselves to their fire while beating
them back. Once. too, the wooden de
fences caught fire. and while extinguish-
ing the flames six Of their men were killed
by Indian bullets.
SO at last the garrison was reduced to
twelve men and boys, and several women
and children.
The women were employed in loading
the guns, thus rendering important assis-
lance to their husbands ald sons.
After the defence had been carried on
in this way for some time. one of the
women brought word that there was no
more powder. The men were horror
stricken. Without ammunition their rifles
We're of no Use % them. Nothing could
hinder the Indians from storminy the
weak fort. The massacre which they
knew must, in this case ensue. caused
the stron ceSt to shudder and turn pale.
At this emergency a council was held,
ND il was agreed by all that with the
P""'e' had passed away their last hopes.
"heh one OF mem ma r"nrd *~ think of :,
key Of powder that had not been o,'cn.I
but left in house outside Of the fortica
ton. This information did not in any
great measure raise their hopes. for they
supposed it certain that the Indians had
discovered it and taken possession of it
rs they had torn down some of the houses
about the fort, and set fire to others
w lien. however, women, sent to ascer-
tain the facts Of the case reported that the
house where the powder had been left was
still standing, and that the Indians HAD
gone to the other side of the fort. their,
hope revived. The captain was unwilling
to detail any one to get the key, but called
for volunteers. Each one of the c;,rrison
offered to 60.
Whilst in doubt as to whom they
should send from the many volunteers:
Elizabeth Zane, the sister of one of the
officers in the fort, came forward and
asked to be allowed to make the effort.
Her request was promptly refused; but
when she urged it. saying that her life.
was of less value to the others than the life
of any one of the men, they yielded, and
she prepared to 60.
1t was a beautiful day in September.
1917.
Bv the time that she was ready to start
The savages had again got round to the
side of the fort on which the house was
Il t,,,t : i.
and had nearly ceased firing
1t was plain that they were planning an
attack. 1t was L fearful moment when
the girl started out. She walked with i
firm step but quickly.
Half ofthe garrison were in readiness to
rush out to her rescue if the savares
should attempt to take her.
The Indians We're astonishcd. They
ceased their council Us she made her an
pearance, and gazed in amazement at her
rs she advanced.
The sight of 4 beautiful girl in such
place, exposed to such dangers. vet bear
ing herself so firmly and showing so little
fear. seemed to hold them in check.
She kept on and with the same steady
step entered the house. Then in a mo
mrnt she rcappeared. and. with deer like
swifnesS, started for the fort, bearing the
key in her arms.
1t was then that the savaces for the first
time recovered their self possession. and
before she had passed half the distance
from the house to the fort, a voley of
bullets wh:zze.! and whistIed around her.
The men watched in breathles, suspense
As she kept on unhindered by the tlvinr
balls. cheer after cheer arose from those in
the fort and half the garrison rushed ont to
meet her. Not a bail had touched her,
though fifty must have been aimed at her
As she ran.
The powder thus obtained caused a
renewal of the conflict on the part of the
besiegcd, and the Indians. desparinr of
the fort. finally raised the siege
and departed. leaving the bodies of fifteen
dead on the field.
Elizabeth Zane has met the applause she
% well deserved in the pages Of history.
Her name is also COMMUNICATED bv the |
own of Zlnesvillr. Ohio. which, we are |
old. was founded by her.-IouM's Com
3ani0n
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