Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1880-02-18
An Indian Sketch.

nae was defended by about one hundred
men. At that time there were nearly, or
quite, four hundred Indians assembled in
he neighborhood, who were apparently
friendly to the English. One morning
arge number of the red men commenced a
favorite game of ball, called baggatiway, as
If to amuse themselves. The game being
carried on with much spirit and the ap-
pearance of the Indians being so friendly,
many within the fort came out to witness the
entirely unsuspecting Of treach-
cry. As the game went on, the ball, inten-
tionally or otherwise, was often struck out
OF the usual course, and frequently was even
tossed over the pickets of the fort. Having
fallen within, it was followed instantly by
all engaged in the game, one party as well
as the other, all eager to obtain possession
of the ball. This proceeding was repeated
several times, exciting no alarm, however,
among the inmates, as the red men ran in
and out with all possible freedom and osten-
sible friendliness
Again the ball went over the stockade,
apparently by accident, and as before, the
Indians rushed in, pell nell, in every direc-
tion. This was their plot, and it had sue
ceeded to their wishes. They took possession
of the place without the least resistance, for,
the garrison were so taken by surprise that
they were helpless among numbers 30 much
greater than their own.
At the commencement Of the attack, an
English trader, by the name of Henry, was
busily engaged in writing letters to his
friends in Montreal; these he expected to
send by a canoe, which was on the eve of
departure. He had been occupied in this
manner but short time, when to his dis
may, he distinctly heard the dreaded Indian
war-cry and an unusual noise. Rushing to
the window, he discovered large body of
Indians within the fort numbering and
scalping every Euglshman that came in
their way. Imagine his horror, also, at rec
ognizing several near and dear friends
struggling but vainly in the hands of their
| merciless captors.
| One glance sufficed to show Mr.. Henry
| the advantage of the savages in point of
numbers. Looking about him for some
means of defence, he could find nothing but
fowling-piece, loaded with swau-shot.
Selling this he held it for few moments,
expecting to hear the fort drum beat to
arms. Disappointed that no resistance was
made on the part of the garrison, and know
ing that his single arm could avail nothing
against four hundred Indians, he began to
| consider his own safety.
Several of the Canadian villagers were
neither Joining the indians nor being an
noyed or molested by them. He conceived
a sudden hope that he might find security
in one of their houses. The danger was
imminent. Mr.. Henry was brave man,
and no time was to be lost.
Leaving the room cautiously he instantly
climbed over a low fence which separated
| his house from that of his next neghbor-
Monsieur Langlade. He entered the house
precipitately, and found the whole family
gazing at the bloody spectacle before them
Lauglade turned upon him cold and in
hospitable look, as Henry was about to
speak.
GO !" said the former, sternly. "You
will bring danger aud death upon usl'
"Put me in some place of safety, Mon
sieur Langlade, for Gods sakel" exclaimed
Henry. Every instant am in danger of
being massacred | entreat you, as an act
of charity to grant my request"
"Leave u.s." replied Langlade, quickly.
" Should you be discovered the Indians will
think we, favor your cause, and we shall all
be sacrificed. Go l repeat we can do
nothing for you |"
With despairing look, Henry was turn
ing away but seeing a Pani woman-a slave
of NJ. Langlade-beckoning to him, he hur-
riedly followed her. Opening door, she
desired him to enter, telling him the passage
led to the garret, where possibly he might
conceal himself. Tremblingly he obeyed
her directions. The slave followed him up
the stairs, pushed him in, locked it, and
with much presence of mind put the key in
her pocket.
While yet scarcely secure, the trader felt
an irrepressible desire to know what was
passing without. He soon found an aper-
ture in the loose board walls of the house,
which gave him full view of the fort. An
awful scene was transpiring. He beheld
every feature of savage cruelty. The dead
were lying in heaps, scalped and shockingly
mangled the dying were shrieking under
the uplifted tomahawk. Unearthly yells of
rage and demoniac victory, mingled with
groans and cries for mercy of the unfortu-
nate victims, made it scene dreadful to
contemplate.
Henry gazed with sickening heart, until a
general cry of !" all is finished" reused him
to sense of his situations for at this mo-
ment he heard some of his bloodthirsty en-
emies enter Langlade's house. He shud-
dered with fear. The flooring of his room
only consisted of layer of boards, and he
could hear all that passed. The savages
asked if any Englishmen were about; NJ.
Langlade answered that he did not know-he
was not aware of the presence of any-as
was the fact; for he had not noticed the
gestures of the slave. Langlade further
added that they were free to search for
themselves.
Upon this the Indians commenced a strict
search and soon came to the garret door,
Some delay occurred in consequence of the
door being locked and the key missing
thanks to the forethought of the Pani woman.
In some measure we can imagine the state
of Henry's mind. He had just self-posses.
sion enough to look around for place of
} concealment. Perceiving something in q
! corner, which, upon examination, proved to
be birch bark vessels, used in making
maple sugar, he placed himself beneath them
He had scarcely concealed himself when the
door was burst open, and FIVE Indians en-
tered with tomahawks in hand, and be-
smeared with blood. Their appearance was
frightful in the extremes and in horrible
suspense Henry awaited the event. His
heart throbbed so audibly that he feared its
} beating would betray him. One Indian
came so near that he could easily have put
out his hand and touched him. They walked
abont in every direction, but the darkness
of the garret proved favorable to Henry
They evidently did not see him, and a ray
of hope once more entered the heart of the
trembling Englishmau.
As they were descending the stairs one
turned and again made the circuit of the
garret. Had he been but moment sooner
poor Henry would inevitably have been dis
covered for being cramped with lying 80
long in one position, he had turned, one of
the vessels slipped, and his face and shoul-
ders became exposed. Hearing the return
ing of footsteps, he averted his face, and the
dark color of his dress prevented his detec-
ton.
The savages at last appeared satisfied that
no one was concealed, and after entertaining
Langlade with an account of their proceed.
ings, they left the house.
With feelings Of unutterable Joy at his es-
cape, Mr. Henry saw the Indians depart, aud
in few hours by the aid of the PAM wo-
man, whom he generously rewarded for her
humane act made his way to place Of
safety.
He told me that he was now regularly en-