Little Falls transcript. [volume] (Little Falls, Morrison County, Minn.) 1876-1894, 1878-09-26
Two Men Make One Man.

One Of the PIONEER settlers of Ken
tuck was Mallory Robert Benham. His
same is associat d with the thrilling
ntories about the ''Bloody Ground" one
of which seems the climax OF romantic
adventure. He was once left wounded
on the ground by his defeated compan-
ions, who had been ambus1ed by SUI
perior force of Indians. Both thigh bones
were shattered, and the Indians were all
around; but, fortunately, he was hidden
by the branches of fallen tree.
The evening of the second day per
ceiving racoon descending a tree near
him, be slot it, hoping to devise some
means Of reaching it, when he could
kindle fire 70 cook it. Scarcely had the
report of bis 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 be heard
the mourniul sound, but much nearer:
yet be ventured not to reply.
A third exclamation now came in tone
ofimpatience, which made Renham know
that it came from white man, therefore
he answered the CRY, and the town men
Soon found each otber.s
The stranger had escaped from the
battle field with both arms broken by q
shot from the enemv's rifle. The circum
stance was peculiar.
One with broken limbs, unable to
walk, the other with shattered arms, un-
able to load or shoot gun; thus one was
able to supply the others wants. Ben
ham 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
bis hat, and placing the rim between his
companions teeth, directed him to wade
into the river and dip the hat into the
water by sinking his head underneath.
The man who could walk was thus en-
abled to bring water.
a: In few days they had killed all the
squirrels and birds within reach, and the
man with the broken arms was sent out
to drive game within reach of Benham's
gun.
Fortunately wild turkeys were album
dant and easily driven. In this manner
they supported themselves for several
weeks until their wounds healed so as TO
permit them to travel.
On the 9th of November thew saw
1atboat moving down the river. Benham
instantly raised his hat upon stick and
cried loudly for help. The crew, however,
mistook them for Indians, and paid no
attention to their signals of distress, but
rapidly made for the opposite shore.
Benham saw them pass with feelings
despair, Tor winter was approaching. Al
length, after the boat had passed them
nearly half d mile, he saw canoe put off
from it and cautiously approach the Ken
tuckey shore, accommodating with great
care.
Again he called loudly upon them for
assistance, mentioning his name and using
every means to make known his condi-
ton.
A considerable delay and much reluc
lance ON the part Of 1.-THE boat crew, the
canoe at length touched the shore; and
Benham and his companion were taken on
board in pitiable condition, almost en-
hrely destitute Of clothes, one hobblinc
on crutches, the other unable to raise his
hands.
They were Immediately taken to Louis
Vile, where clothes were obtained, and
every kindness snd attention shown them
by their neighbors and friends.