The Osceola times., 1883-12-08
A Western Man Prcsentiment.

Silver Plume Col. Correspondence.
"Do | believe in presentiments? Well
You may bet do! III relate some OF
experiences, and then you may see some
thing in it, too"
The above was part of conversation
had short time ago with an old from
tiersman named George w. Packard.
The following is just rs ne related his
experience to me;
am native Of Ohio, but came west
in 1858, and entered the employ of the
Overland Express company as station
agent, my post going in Utah, my duty
being the care of relays of stock.
One evening just as twilight was gath
ering the day expressman having chang
ed his horses and gone, ate my supper,
then brought my stock in, which consist
ed of two ponies and two mules. After
"hobbling them securely, "picketed"
them in a circle about where | intended
to lie down, near the trail, as was my
custom so that | might hear the next
messenger, should he chance along before
daybreak, and also any disturbance of
my stock This being done, l wrapped
myself in blankets and lay down on my
"ready-made" bed (the bare ground).
Around Inc all was still as death, save
he movements ofmy stock and the rust
G,,.x nf Tho bra oh Of hn rav,E
brush, which in that country grows to
the height Of three or four feet.
Above me the stars shone out in all
brightness the western country can show.
But sleep would not come this night try
rs might, 1 lay during what seemed
hours TO me, yet could not sleep. Pres
emily my stock seemed fretful, Just rs
they would do when storm was coming
on. Again aud again tried to sleep,
until dread came over me, from which
| became quite nervous. / arose, taking
my rifle, Nnd went all around for 200 or
800 feet, but not living thing could see
or hear. The stiffness was not broken
even by coyotes howl. So Invent back
and wrapped my blankets about me, l
lay down again laughing at my nervous
ness, determind ITO sleep; but instead OF
sleep feeling took possession of me
such as | cannot describe Something
seemed to be tugging at me and drawing
me toward my stock. 1 involuntarily
arose and walked TO my stock, which
still seemed fretful. loosened their lar.
iats and led them, as the impulse led me
into the sage bush some distance frou
the trail, all the while calling myself q
coward, and using all my win power to
overcome the strange feeling which seem
ed 30 possess me; yet | picketed my stock
went back and removed my entire out
fit to my new quarters.
Then lying down, intending to sleep
feeling of satisfaction seemed to replace
the dread which had so controlled me
lay there only few minutes, thinking
of what the eXpressman would think OF
me in case he came through before day.
light, when the air was rent by the most
hidious yells that ever escaped from Tie
hips of redskin. | crawled out from my
stock, and, looking out from the brush
could family see the outlines of dozen
Arapahoes. They had found the clear
ing where ] had been in camp, and find
ing my fire out and everything deserted
they left, after looking around in some o
the brush, at times being close enough t.
me to have shot them with my pistols
Imagine my feelings as they struck of
the trail west. My "lucky stars shone
that night surely. r-.-1N -
Daylight came at last. but no express
man yet waited until half the fore.
noon was gone, when became alarmed
for his safety. With more or less fear
yet knowing my duty, mounted my
pony and started west ON the trail to zee
If he was in sight. l rode on for about
ten miles when my pony gave a snort
All at once the truth flashed upon me
The red devils had met and murdered
him. Riding Ii tie further came upon
his body lying in the trail, scalped, rob-
bed and horribly mutilated by their
tomahawks, and his pony lying dead at
his side.
Lucky star" "luck" "presentiment,"
call it what you may 1t was just that
something which saved my scalp that
night and don't forget il.