Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1879-07-17
Gales ano Skcttbrs.
THE RESCuE.


piseogre-that the incidents of our stor,
occurred:
In the autumn of 1919 II party of about
! thirty whites made settlement on the
eastern shores of the above mentioned
lake. 1t was pronounced by the pioneers
the most desirable location in that part OF
the country. Moose and deer were plen-
tv; the lake furnished not only the finest
fish, but its bays and islands were the
resort for thousands of wild fowl.
| The first care of the settlers was to build
a block-housc, as Il defence against the In
dians, with whom they expected to have
much trouble. During the winter they
felt somewhat secure, knowing that the
savages at that season seldom ventured
tar from their camps, on account of the
deep SHOWS and intense cold. But rs
spring approached, greater caution was
necessary. and while engaged in the labor
of the field IL strict watch was maintained.
Several months passed away-large clear
ings had been made, and the first crop of
the settlers was springing up. But the
Indian scouts had not been idle-every
movement of the whites had been OBJ
served, and they anxiouslv awaited ia
vorablc opportunity to make successful
attack.
At length the time arrived, and Pauglls
the celebrated chief of the 1arrateens-a
powerful tribe of Indians occupying the
country in the vicinity of the White Noun
tains COLLECTED band Of warriors, and
prepared to destroy the little settlement.
Having seen no traces of Indians, the Wig
lance OF the pioneers relaxed, and as the
warm weather came on, several families
hpI tntt hale al. 4 4 4
dwelt in their own cabins, thinking that in
case OF surprise they could easily reach
the fort. Among the number was an old
man. his wife and only child, beautiful
girl OF seventeen named Louisa. Though
reared III the wilderness, she had been
carefully instructed by her parents, and
her winning manners and lively DISPOSE
ton made her the pride and Joy OF the
little colony. The old man had often been
warned of his imprudence in remaining
ont of the block-house after nighttall, but
he persisted. saying that the savages
would never harm people old as himself
and wife, or a child like his little laugh-
ter. But the Indian, when on the war
path, knows neither age nor sex, his sole
object being the number of scalps he can
obtain.
After careful accommodating Paugus de-
termined To use canoes in making the at
tack and rctreating, thus leaving no trail,
and by destroying the boats of the settlers
preventing pursuit. The night was dark
and gloomy, but savage instinct guided
them toward the doomed settlement.
About midnight they landed at a short dis
tance from the dwellings. Leaving Il
guard at their canoes, they noislessly pre-
pared for the massacre of the unsllspect-
ing slumbcrers. Paugus had ordered his
followers to spare none, reserving to him
self the sole right to suare life or secure
prisoners.
Dividing INTO small parties and stealthi-
ly approaching the buildings. they set
them on fire, together with large piles of
dry brush scattered about, and at the same
moment with loud yells they commenced
the work Of death. The flames rapidly
spread over the bark roofs of the cabins,
and lighted up the horrid scene with Il
strange and unnatural glare. The sur
prise was complete-scarcely any resist
ance was made, and the terrified inhabi-
tants were dragged from their beds and
butchered in cold blood.
1t happened that the cabin in which
Louisa and her parents resided was at
tackled by Paugus and one of his follow
ers. Awakened by the tumult and glare
of the flames, the old people sprang from
bed and as they stood trembling and dis
mayed the door was burst open and the
Indians, hldeously painted, bounded into
the room. Louisa, terrified, sank to the
floor in an instant the tomahawk of the
nearest savage sank deep into the fathers
head-his seal p was torn off and he lay
Il quiyering corpse. Her mother shared
the same fate, and then the quick eve of
the chief glanced on the horror stricken
girl. With fierce whoop he sprang
towards her, and winding his bloody hand
in her dark hair, dragged her to his feet
The knife was raised--but suddenly the
chief changed his purpose. and grasping
the scnseless form of the young girl in his
brawny arms, he hurried to the lake, and
leaving her in the care of the guard, again
joined in the strife All the families out
side of the block-house had been massa-
cred, and several attacks had been made
on that building, but its strong walls and
the vigorous defence made by its inmates
rendered them unsuccessful.
The Indians satisfied with their success.
now retired, carrying with them, as was
their custom, the bodies of two warriors
killed in the skirmish. Fourteen scalps
and much plunder had been taken; all
the buildings, except the block-house,
were on fire; IL captive had also been Sc
cured, and when it was known to the par
ty, whoops of JOY resunded on all sides
The poor girl was securely bound and
placed in the bottom of Paugus' canoe
then embarking, they padded swiftly up
the lake.
So rapid had been the work of the In
dians, there We're still several hours of
darkness and knowing that the remaining
settlers were unable to pursue them they
slac kened their speed and near daylight
landed at one of the small islands on their
way, for rest and refreshment. Here
Louisa was taken from the canoe and seat
ed on the shore, and some water offered
her. 1t was refused, while her convulsed
sobs told her agony and fear.
Soon they were on their way again, and
to enable him to use his paddle with great
er vigor the chief stripped his blanket from
his shoulders and threw it. stained with
her parents blood, upon Louisa as she lay
shiverng at his feet.