The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1878-09-03

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in bondage. Several of the traders Of
fered to purchase her freedom, but she
was the wife of chief who refused to-
hear any propositions involving her leav.,
ing him. The poor creature seemed par
ticularly desirous of entering into con-
versation with her countrymen, but the
Indians rudely thrust her back when she
implored to be taken back to civilized
life. E
That afternoon tie Indians broke up
their camp and went away westward. \
The traders had doubled their offers to
the Indians, but they would not release
their captive. The same night when the
traders were in camp, they we're sudden.
ly aroused by the sound of approaching
horse hoofs coming at rapid gallops,
Al few moments later and the woman.
whose freedom they had been trying to
obtain, sprang from pony, exclaiming,
"For Heavens sake, my countrymen,
do not give me up. have escaped but
they will soon be after me-"
The traders instantly held council
The savages outnumbered them twenty
to one there was no hope of making q
successful resistance.
"Some one must fly with the woman
back.to Independence-and there's not
an instant to be lost" cried several
voices. who'll do til" inquired the
leader.
No one spoke the men all had goods
upon the train and could not desert them
II have no property to risk" said Mr..
Randolph, after few minutes refec
tion; tiny business is urgent, It's true,
but I'll take her back or perish in the
attempt.
A few minutes later, and Randolph
and the woman were flying as fast as
horses could carry them back to Mis-
souri.
just before the break of day the In
dians appeared at the traders camp and
demanded the woman. They were as
sured she was not present, neither did
they know where she was. 1t was not
until the savages made strict search of
the wagons that they were convinced
they were on the wrong trail; but their
disappointment was so great that they
made an attack upon the traders A
smart fight revealed to them that they
would have to obtain reinforcements If
they desired to capture the train, so they
withdrew and left the traders in peace.
After two days hard riding, Mr.. Ran
dolph and the woman reached post of
dragoon soldiers. and we're given an es-
cort, who saw them safely to Leaven
worth. The following is the story the
poor woman told Mr.. Randolph:
81 was born of respectable parents,
my father being farmer in Western
Missouri. ! was married at an early
age, and after the birth Of daughter,
my husband started to go to Indepen-
dence for the purpose of entering into
business, taking the child and myself
with him. After travelling some days
we entered great forest, and before we
were aware OF it, we found ourselves
surrounded by dozen of Indians, who
had crossed the line on stealing expe-
dition. They shot my husband before
my eyes, and were going to kill my babe,
when / begged for its life. One of the
savages, who seemed to have some au.
thority, prevented my child from being
murdered, but refused to let me have it,
and it was left upon the ground to die,
while they hurried away, bearing me off
captive. The sufferiEgs have endur
ed would not relate if I could. i was
often tempted to destroy myself, but the
thought of regaining my freedom, and
hope that my child might have been
providentially found, stayed my hand
when / would have taken my own life
Such, In brief, was the history given
by the poor woman, whose name was
Baker.
Mr.. Randolph listened with breathless
interest to her narrative, and when she
had concluded he asked her if she re-
membered on what day of the month
and year her misfortune occurred. Her
reply was prompt She named the year,
and stated that it was upon the 18th ol
July, the day being Sunday.
| II shall never forget it while / live,"
she continued. .Life has only been O
burden to me SINCE"
Mr.. Randolph was satisfied that the
mother of his adopted daughter was be-
fore him. e
! With some little circumlocution ht
gave an account of his adventure in tht
forest. and stated the manner in which
the infant he found was dressed. WheI
the poor woman heard this she threw
herself at Mr. Randolph's feet and wep
tears of gratitude and joy, while sh'
kissed his hands.
Madge Randolph married well, ant
continued through life to honor and low
her adopted father, while she became
, comfort and solace to her unfortunat
| mother.