Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1876-09-13
THE CAVE OF DEATH.

THE CAVE OF DEATH.
Cavern Filled with the Skeletons of
Murdered Men-A egend ofsthe Lower
mississippi. - ~ es@l a s.s !.
W From the Lexington (Mo) Intelligencer.
About fifty years ago greater por-
| ton of the South and West was but a
wilderness. Even in those states that
were more or less populated, there were
great sections Of the country where
there could not be seen any sign Of
habitation. Away down in Mississippi
there was scope Of country about 100
miles across, consisting of a swampy,
wild and desolate country, then known
as the Tuckapaw Country, in which
was no settlement, and across which
was regular road of travel, Now, in
these old times there was a great
amount of traffic and trade between
New Orleans and the Lower Mississippi,
and all the upper country mule traders
from Kentucky and Illinois would
drive mules and horses and
sell them to Southern planters and re-
turn by land. Flatboats by the hum
dred, from all the upper country, from
Ohio to the Rocky mountains, could be
seen descending the Mississippi, laden
with the most valuable produce the
country could afford. The merry boat
man made the forest resound with lis
song and revelry. When they landed
at New Orleans, and disposed of their
valuable cargo, they would buy plug
of mule Oh mustang" on which
they would take their homeward course,
sometimes alone, sometimes in squads
Of FROM two to six.
About half way across this wilder
ness road, man by the name of Gre
gol had located, and built a house for
the purpose of d stopping place for
travellers. This place was known by
every southern trader, and with Cregol
they all had to stop, and they were
glad to share his hospitality.
In the course of time this country
became settled. Old Cregol had be-
come immensely rich; he was growing
old, but was hale and stout. Not far
from his house was, cave in the hill
side which had never been explored.
In fact, no one had ever entered it's
mouth, as was known. Now, this cave
became an object of interest. The
dogs, for miles around, would collect at
its entrance, and create the most hid
eous sounds by their unearthly bowling.
Night and day would these poor crea-
lures keep up their mournful song.
Every person, men, women and
children, for miles, would come to see
this sad, sad sight. But it was noticed
that old Cregol did not 60 to see this
thing. Why did not Cregol go? His
neighbors insisted that ne should go.
No sooner did he. come in sight than
the dogs, with one accord, which had,
heretofore, been perfectly submissive,
molesting no one, and any one could
walk among them, and they would
only howl, with teeth grinning, and
bristles up, rushed at him as though
they would tear him to shreds, and
would not let him come near.
At length it was resolved to explore
the cave, and upon a set day the neigh
bors met for that purpose, and with
torches in hand CROPPED their way a
short distance On their hands and
knees, until they entered what appear
ed to be large chamber. They rose
to their feet, and with torches lifted
high, began to peer through the dark
ness. The first object they saw was
long blue coat hanging against the we'll
of the ca7e. This coat was of the old
French style; made of blue cloth with
brass buttons. Upon passing further
on, scores and scores of skeletons were
seen, scattered in every direction. HUI
man skeletons, with clothing of every
description hanging to them, which
the wolves had torn to pieces. Among
the party of explorers was young
doctor, who lived in the neighborhood.
AS soon as the party emerged from the
cave, the dogs, apparently satisfied,
ceased their howlings and disappeared.
That night negro came for the young
doctor. The dogs had collected at old
CregoPs and commenced their howls.
Cregol was seized with spasms, and the
negro rushed for the doctor.
The next morning, while the doctor
was sitting by Cregol's bed, vino was in
a deep stupor, the door suddenly flew
open, and a tall man, with dark COM
plexion, wearing the Identical coat
which the doctor had seen in the cave
the day before, entered and passed
quickly and noiselessly through the
room. Poor Cregol, when the man en-
tered, rose quickly in bed. and gazed
with wild and maniacal stare at him
until he passed out of sight, and then
fell back-dead.
He had murdered these men for
their money, and that's how he got his
wealth.
Feeding Colorado.