Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-02-19
The Rescue.


IHt htstuts
CHAPTER I.
The lakes of New Hampshire are, per-
haps, her lovelest feature, and it was on the
shores of one of them-Lake Winnepiseogee
that the incidents of our story occurred.
In the autumn of 1875 a party of about
thirty whites made settlement on the east
ern shore of the above mentioned lake. II
was pronounced by the pioneers the most
desirable location in that part Of the country.
Moose and deer were plenty the lake fur
nished 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
block-house, as defense 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 far from
their camps, on account of the deep SHOWS
and intense cold. But as spring approached
greater caution was necessary, aud while en-
gagged in the labor of the field a strict watch
was maintained. Several months passed
away-large clearings had been made, and
the first crops of the settlers were springing
up. But the Indian scouts had not been
idle-every movement of the whites had
been observed, and they anxiously awaited
favorable opportunity to make success
full attack.
At length the time arrived, and Paugus,
the celebrated chief of the Tarrateens-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 vigi-
lance of the pioneers relaxed, and as the
warm weather came on, several families had
left the shelter of the block house, and 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
in the wilderness, she had been carefully in
structed by her parents, and her winning
manners and lively disposition made her
the pride and Joy of the little colony. The
old man had often been warned of his i'm
prudence in remaining out of the block
house after nightfall, but he persisted, say
ing that the savages would never harm people
old as himself and wife, or a child like his
little daughter. 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 carefully reconnoitering, Paugus de-
termined to use canoes in making the at
tack and retreating, thus leaving no trail,
and destroying the boats of the settlers,
preventing pursuit The night was dark
and gloomy, but savage instinct guided them
towards the doomed settlement. About mid
tance from the dwellingo. Leaving guard
at thafr haxr ~ 1x~ raI
for the massacre of the unsuspecting slum-
berers. Paugus had ordered his followers
to spare none, reserving to himself the sole
right to spare life or secure prisoners
Dividing into small parties and stealthily
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 a strange and unnatural
glare. The surprise was omplete-scarcely
any resistance was made, and the terrified
inhabitants were dragged from their beds
and butchered in cold blood.
1t happened that the cabin in which
Louisa and her parents resided was attacked
by Paugus and one of his followers.
Awakened by the tumult and glare of the
flames the old people sprang from their bed
and as they stood trembling and dismayed
the door was burst open and the Indians,
hideously painted, bounded into the room.
Louisa, terrified, sank TO the floor; in an in-
slant the tomahawk of the nearest savage
sank deep into her fathers head-his scalp
was torn off and he lay quivering corpse.
Her mother shared the same fate, and then
the quick eye of the chief glanced on the
horror-stricken girl. With fierce whoop
he sprang towards her, and winding his
bloody hand in her long dark hair, dragged
her to his feet. The knife was raised-but
suddenly the chief changed his purpose, and
grasping the senseless 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 outside of the block-house had been
massacred and several attacks had been
made on that building, but its strong walls
and the vigorous defense made by its in-
mates 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 build
ings, except the bock-house, were on fire
IA captive had also been secured, and when
it was known to the party whoops of joy re
sounded on all sides. The poor girl was
securely bound, placed in the bottom OF
Paugus canoe; then embarking, they pad
died swiftly up the lake.
So rapid had been the work of the In
dians, there were still several hours of dark
ness aud knowing that the remaining set
tiers were unable TO pursue them they slack
l,.. lt..lN IL
at one of the small islands on their way, fol
rest and refreshment. Here Louisa wa.
taken from the canoe and seated on the
shore, and some water offered her. 1t wa.
refused, while her convulsive sobs told hel
agony aud fear. Soon they were on their way
again, aud to enable him to use his paddle
with greater vigor the chief stripped hi.
blanket from his shoulders and threw it
stained with her parents blood upon Louisa
as she lay shiyering at his feet
About noon they reached the upper end
of the lake, where they found the residue OF
their party, who received them with every
demonstration of savage Joy. Louisa was
carried to lodge and left in the care OF
some old women, and the warriors assembled
to exhibit their trophies and decide her fate
CHAPTER II.
When day dawned on the ruins of the
settlement, sad and melancholy was the
spectacle Heaps of smoking ashes marked
the sites of the cabins, and many a half
burned corpse lay among the glowing Goals
Some bodies were found short distance
from the scene, where they had been stricken
down in attempting TO escape.
Suspecting some stratagem of the In
dians, the people Of the block-house waited
several hours before they ventured forth te