The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1880-05-07
A REMARKABLE DISCOVERY.
The Petrified Remains of An Indian
Chief
From ,he Washington National r. publ can

| From 'he Washington National r. publ can.
Tuesday afternoon. while Messrs. John
l. Hamptoa and Samuel II. Walker were
engaged in digging a trench on q piece Of
ground belonging TO the latter, about Swo
hundred yards hcm the Shell Bank, on the
Eastern Branch, back of Bladensburg,
their implements struck, as they thought,
a very hard aud substantial substance, aud
concluding that it vas only large stone,
continued to remove the earth to pry the
stone from its position. After working for
some time they managed to clear away suf-
ficient earth to permit view of the huge
mass. They were greatly astonished to
find that it resembled in shape a human
being, and was very weighty. After many
futile attempts to raise the mass, they wise
ly concluded to rig derrick. Mr.. Walker
sped away to his home, and soon re-
turned with the requisite apparatus, which
they speedily put in working order. Plac-
ing strong ropes around each end of the
body, they began to haul away, and when
the object was brought out in full view
their astonishment knew no bounds. So
unexpected was the discovery that in their
great excitement they almost lost control
Of themselves. and had the rope not been
visited around tree, to make the hauling
easier, the suspended body would have
been precipitated back into It's former rest
ing place, and no doubt some Of it's por-
tions would have been broken. The object
which had thus excited these men almost
to frenzy was nothing more OF less than
the body Of human being. The men
placed IL upon the ground close by, and,
proceeded to wash off the dirt. Each
douse OF water revealed something more
and more startling to their astonished eyes.
At last the dirt was all of, and on closer
examination the body proved to be that OF
an Indian petrified-turned into stone. 1t
measured six feet three inches in length,
and was broad in proportion. The chest,
arms, and legs were magnificently shaped
rest were perfect. 1t had evidently laia |
upon its back. One leg was slightly drawn |
up, and the left hand was clenched, but |
there was nothing in it. The right hand
grasped a tomahawk. The hair was
rumpled and matted. A large hole was
found in the forehead over the right eye,
which looked as if it had been made by a !
bullet. The theory advanced was that this. |
was some great chieftaiu who had fallen in |
battle with the early settlers, and bis braves
being worsted, were obliged to retreat.
Not having time TO carry his body of W ith
hem, and not wishing the whites to fall |
1eirs to it, they hastily dug grave and
here deposited the mortal remains of their
beloved leader. Messrs. Hampton and
Walker believed that they had made a
wonderful discovery. After viewing the
body to their hearts content, they pro-
,ured vehicle, and with the assistance Of
he derrick and two colored men, deposited
he body therein and conveyed 1t to the
'ailroad station and made arrangements
or its transportation to this city. Mr..
Walker yesterday came to this city, visited
Professor Baird at the Smithsonian Insti-
ution, and made arrangements for the
body to be deposited &C that institution
1t will arrive at the Balti-
more and Ohio Railroad depot early this
morning, and will be Immediately removed
% the Smithsonian by the aid of Knox's
Express, 10 order to avoid the crowd which
would gather later in the day. The great
will be placed on exhibition, and
will remain until the National Museum is
eady for occupation. Messrs Hampton
md Walker have determined to become
public benefact0rs, and will donate their
curiosity to the government. 1t will be
ormerly transferred TO the authorities
'bout the middle of summer President
Hayes will he asked to receive the donation
IN the part Of the government. Professor
Baird and other eminent scientists pro-
,ounce this discovery to be Of inestimable
alue. A petrified human body is regarded
. one of the greatest curiosities. The
etrifaction Of human flesh is matter OF
oubt not only among the general citizens
mt among some scientists. The skeptical
re no longer in need Of tangible proof.
he body weighs nearly 1900 pounds and
, in perfect form and preservation, the
satures of the face depicting the death {
gony. ..".. an. Ia