Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1881-07-21

some appeared 10 be quite vehement
for instant execution, while others ap-
pearcd 10 wish 10 make his death sol.
emn national sacrifice. After long
debate vote was taken. when il was
resolved that his place Of execution
should be Wapatomika, (now Zanes-
field, Logan county, The next day
he was hurried away to the place des-
tined for his execution. From Chilli
cothe to Wapatomika, they had TO pass
through two other towns, to-wit: Pick
away ana Mackacheek. AT both towns
ne was compelled to run the gauntlet;
and severely was be whipped through
the course. While he Law at Maka-
cheek, being carelessly guarded, he
made an attempt to escape. Nothing
worse than death could follow, and
here he made bold push for freedom.
Being unconfned, he broke and run,
and soon cleared himself out of sight
OF his pursSers. While he distanced
his pursuers and got about two miles
from the town, he accidentally met
some Indians on horseback. They in
stantly pursued and soon came up with
him, and drove him back again to
town. He now, for the first time, gave
up his case as hopeless. Nothing bat
death stared him in the face. Fate, it
appeared to him, had sealed his doom:
and in sullen despair, he determined to
await that doom, that it was impossible
for him to shun. How inscrutable are
the ways of Providence, and how little
can man control his destiny When
the Indians returned with Kenton to
the town, there was general rejoicing.
He was pinioned, and given to the
young Indians, who dragged him into
the creek, tumbled him in the water.
rolled him in the mud, till he was near
ly sutfocated with mud and water. In
this way they amused themselves with
him till he was nearly drowned. He
now thought himself forsaken by God.
Shortly after this his tormentors moved
with him to Wapatomika. As soon as
he arrived al this place, the Indians,
young and old, male and female,
crowded around the prisoner. Among
others who came to see him, was the
celebrated and notorious Simon Girty.
1t will be recollected that Kenton and
Girty were bosom companions at Fort
Pitt, and in the campaign with Lord
Dunmore. AS was the custom of the
Indians to black such prisoners as were
intended to be put to death, Girty did
not Immediately recognize Kenton in
his black disguise. Girty came for
ward and inquired of Kenton where he
had lived. Was answered Kentucky.
He next asked how many men there
were in Kentucky. He answered, he
did not know; but would give him the
names and rank of the officers, and he.
Girty, could judge of the probable
of men. Kenton then named
a great many officers and their rank,
many of whom had honorary titles,
without any command. At length Cir
ty asked the prisoner his name. When
he answered, Simon Butler. Gt will
be recollected, that he changed his
name when he fed from his parents
and home.) G;rty eyed his companion
for moment, and Immediately recog-
nized the active and bold YOUTH who
had been his companion in arms about
Fort Pitt, and in the campaign with
Lord Dunmore. Girty threw himself
into kenton's arms, embraced and
wept aloud over him-calling him his
dear and esteemed friend. This hard
ened wretch who had been the cause
of the death of hundreds, had some of
the sparks Of humanity left in him, and
wept like child at the tragic fate
which hung over his friend. WELL
said he to Kenton, you are condemned
to die, but will use every means in
my power to save your life
Girty Immediately had q council
and made long speech to
the Indians, to save the life of the
prisoner. AS Girty was proceeding
through his speech, he became very
and under his eloquence,
kenton could plainly discover the gnm
visage of his savage judges relent.
When Girty concluded his powerful
and animated speech, the Indians rose
with one simultaneous grunt OF appro-
oation, saved the prisoners life, and
placed him under the care and protec-
lion OF his old companion, Girty.
The British had a trading establish
nent then at Wapatomika. Girty took
kenton with him to the store, and
dressed him from head to foot as we'll
rs he could wish; he was also provided |
with horse and saddle. Kentop was
now free, and roamed about through
The country, from Indian town to town,
n company with his benofactor. How
uncertain is the fate of nations as well
rs that Of individuals How sudden
he changes from adversely to pros
oerity, and from prosperity to adversi
y Kenton being a strong, robust
nan, with an iron frame, with reso-
ution that never WINGED at danger, and
,ortitudo to bear pain with the com
oosure Of a stole, he soon recovered
rom his scourges and bruises, and the
other severe treatment he had received.
It was thought probable, that if the
Indians had treated him, with kindness