The Lamoille news. (Hyde Park, Vt.) 1877-1881, 1878-07-24
Two Men Make One Man.

~'AN~-~~ 49,
One of the pioneer settlers of Ken
lucky was Major Robert Benham. His
name is associated with the thrilling
stories about the "Bloody Ground"
one of which seems the climax of ro-
mantle adventure. He was once left
wounded on the ground by his defeated
companions, who had been ambushed
by a superior force of Indians. Both
thigh bones were shattered, and the
Indians were all around; but, Fortunate
ly, he was hidden by the branches of a
fallen tree.
The evening of the second day, per-
ceiving racoon descending tree near
him, he shot it, hoping to devise some
means Of reaching it, when he could
kindle fire to cook it. Scarcely had
the report of his gun sounded when he
heard human cry near.
Surprising it to be an Indian, he has
tily reloaded his gun, in expectation of
soon seeing an enemy. Again he heard
the mournful sound, but much nearer;
yet he ventured not to reply.
A third exclamation now came in tone
ofimpatience, which made Benham know
that it came from white man, therefore
he answered the cry, and the two men
soon found each other.
The stranger had escaped from the
battlefield with both arms broken by q
shot from the enemy's rifle. The cir
cumstance was peculiar.
One with broken limbs, unable to
walk, the other with shattered arms, I'M
able to load or shoot gun; thus one
was able to supply the others wants.
Benham could kill game, while his new
friend could go in search of it and bring
it to him to cook.
At first great difficulty was found in
getting water, but Benham at length
took his hat, and placing the rim be-
tween his companions teeth, directed
him to wade into the river and dip the
hat into the water by sinking his heat
underneath. The man who could wall
was thus enabled to bring water.
In few days they had killed all tn
squirrels and birds within reach, ant
the man with the broken arms was sen
out to drive game within reach of Ben
hams gun. i.,'4
Fortunately wild turkeys were album
dant and easily driven. In this name
they supported themselves for severa
weeks, until their wounds healed SO O
to permit them to travel.
On the 9th OF November they saw
fatboat moving down the river. Der
ham instantly raised his hat upon
stick and cried loudly for help. Th
crew, however, mistook them for Ii
dams, and paid no attention to their sig
nal Of distress, but rapidly made for th
opposite shore.
Benham saw them pass with feeling
of despair, for winter was approaching
At length, after the boat had pass,
them nearly half mile, he saw a can,
put off from it and cautiously approa'
the Kentucky shore, accommodating wi
great care.
Again he called loudly upon them (
assistance. mentioning his name al
using every means to make known
condition.
After considerable delay and much !
luctance on the part of the boat ere
the canoe at length touched the shol
and Benham and his companion we
taken on board in pitiable conditic
almost entirely Destitute Of clothes, o
hobbling on crutches, the other unal
to raise his hands.
They we're Immediately taken to Lou
vile, where clothes were obtained, q
every kindness and attention sho,
them by their neighbors and friends.
---------------
III.