Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1879-06-25
THE NIGHT MASSACRE.

gan, and began a settlement In the Will
derness. There were fourteen men OF
us, six women and seven children, the
oldest Of the latter being ten years and
the youngest six months. We took
possession of our new purchase III the
autumn of the year, going thlther with
our teams, provisions and a few lndis-
pensable Housekeeping articles. For the
first few days we were compelled to en-
camp, but by the end of "a week we had a
block-house constructed large enough to
hold all of us, and at the end of month
we had cleared large space and put up
six substantial cabins.
For two years we progressed to the
extent of our most sangulne hopes, and
the result Of our labors and manage
ment was a hourishing little village,
with five additional families, three
births, saw-mill, a grist-mill, several
shows, and a building that served the
double purpose of a school house on
week days and chapel on Sundays.
We went to this new region with fear
and trembling, for we knew ourselves
on the extreme border of civilization,
with long range Of Indian country be-
yond; but when the natives Of that vi
cinity came to us with friendly words
and opened profitable trade we
thought ourselves qaite fortunate in
having such neighbors.
One afternoon, toward the latter part
of August, as [ was standing in shop
conversing with the proprietcr-there
being no other person present except
the owners SOD, youth of thirteen
some six or eight indians, whose faces
we recognized. came stalking in, single
file, and the foremost hating in front Of
Mr.. Bracket, the shopkeeper said alb
ruptly:
I'VE want big drink whiskr"
"Well, did you bring anything to pay
for it?" inquired Bracket, observing
that not any Of the savages carried any
thing in his hand.
Me pay much sometime-by-and-
by-two, four moon-ugh! goodw
"No, Cross John, I can't afford to
trust you any more," replied the shop
keeper. "You have been promising to
pay up the old score till don't believe
a word you say"
Me gentlenan-me payne no
lie!" replied the savage, with an angry
frown and flash OF his eye, as he
Strengthened himself up to his full
height, and struck his breast almost
fercely.
Cross John-so named from an ugly
scar across his face-Was a drunken,
worthless fellow, who had some inf1u-
ence in his tribe, and was not to be al.
together despised for that reason. He
might never pay what he owed, it is
true; but still [ did not think it good
policy to treat him discourteously. So
I SAID to Bracket:
"Let Cross John and his companions
have drink all round and charge it to
me-"
Cross John turned toward me, nodded
his head, held out his hand, and said:
"Good, you gentleman"
Gle shall not have drop more out
of this shop till he pays for all he has
hadn' cried Bracket, who was very
fiery, determined man when reused
He has lied to me three times at least
and | am resolved to show no more ia,
vors till he redeems his character, OF
makes some attempt to do So"
On hearing these words, the Indian
seemed to lose all control over his tenn
per, and be wholly governed by wick
ed impulse. Quick as lightning he
whipped out bis knife from his belt
and made blow at the shopkeeper
who was on the other side Of the coun-
ter. Bracket saw his intention, sprans
back, laid his hand upon pistol, and
before / could interfere fired, and
lodged the contents in the breast of the
savage, who fell back with yell Of
rage. The catching up a loaded rifle
that was near at hand, the shopkeepel
pointed it at the remaining Indians
who, with yells of dismay turned ano
fled. ~
All this passed so quickly that couli
hardly believe that a tragedy had taker
place till saw the Indian, deserted by
his companions, bleeding and dying
alone at my very feet. l stooped dowr
and raised him up, but he only fetched
one long, gurgling gasp, and expired ii
my arms, his eyes fairly glazing il
death while fixed upon Bracket with
an expression of the most malignant
hate.
Of course the firing and yells of the
retreatlng Indians created wild alarm
throughout the village, and in a few
minutes the shop was crowded with ex
cited men, women and children, al
eager to learn the cause and the result
of the ARRAY. A few words made tn,
whole ARRAY known, and while many
were disposed to think that Bracke
was justified in what he had done, tn,
majority believed, with me, that he hat
been too insulting aud too rash, cOnsid
ering our exposed locality and com
paratively defenseless condition. Blu
the deed was done-there was no alter
ing that-and though no jury in tn
world might bring in any other verde
than justitable homicide, yet it did no
follow that the Indians would view
III that light.
Men flew to arms, all kinds of labo
and business ceased, and al the womel
and children, with plenty of provision