Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1884-01-27
HOWARD SCHUYLER.
His Encounter with Indians and Mar
row Escape.
L. y. E-.,...ian, P.IIaffn


A recent brief notice in the columns OF
the Bulletin OF the death of Howard
Schuyler, a distinguished railroad engi-
neer, formerly resident Of San Fran
cisco, calls TO mind thrilling incident IN
his somewhat eventful lite, we'll worthy
Of being placed on record. 1t was during
the period OF active railroad construction
across the plains of Kansas. which was
largely instrumental IN exciting Indian
hOstiIities, that Mr.. Schuyler who had
considerable experience in this mode
of life, was in charge OF q surveying
party on the Western frontier. One OF the
most dangerous duties incident 10 this
work, which often deyOlved on the chief
of the party, consisted in making personal
"Reminiscences in advance Of the working
force. 1t was on one OF these occasions
that Mr.. Schuyler, beng separated fro"
his company, was startled at finding him.
self surrounded by .arge band of hostile
Indians, gradually closing In upon him.
Knowing we'll what to expect in case of
capture. he realized the danger he was in,
and taking a rapid view of the situation,
he resolved TO sell his life as
dearly as possible. His weapons,
consisting of repeating rifle
and revolver, were carefully
examined, and the number Of charges
counted, he determined to use the last
one III LdktHZ MS UWu ltlC III DiGiCIGHtC
to running the risk Of Indian torture. AS
the hOstiles closed round HIM he stood at
hay for while, and then as they came
within gunshOt, formed a sudden determi-
nation. Selecting the thickest crowd of
his assailants, instead OF retreating,
as was no doubt expected, he
pushed boldly towards them, and was
soon in their midst. In the confusion
thus OccasiOned, the line of attack was
broken, and one of the most stalwart of
the Indians on fleet horse, rushed in
pursuit of their retreating victim.
Coming almost within reaching dis
lance, the Indian drew his revolver and
actually emptied every charge without
infiicting a single wound, though Mr..
Schuyler's rifle stock WAS shattered IN his
hands, and several bullets took effect on
his horse. EXasperated by this failure to
unhOrse his victim, the Indian drew his
lance and. as they rushed nearly abreast,
struck him over the head, feeling conf
dent that he was mOrtally wounded, say
ing i'm plain English, Damn you, get
down." But this movement, instead of
having the desired effect, caused his ami
NAL to stumble, thus bringing him slightly
in advance, when Mr. SCHUYLER seized his
advantage, turned his stockless rifle
on his assailant and rolled him lifeless
corpse in the dust. Free, f'r the moment,
our nero lilEUb nave maui EJOu uio to
cape. but his wounded horse began to
stavger, ohliging him to dismount and
hold his dsmayed assailants in check by
a show of resistance; they seeming to in
fer that he had charmed life, kept at a
respectable distance. 1t was at this pre-
ciOus interval of suspense, that the sur
veying party, attracted by the sound of
firearms, came into view, and the Indians
in their turn beat Il rapid retreat, only
stopping to recover the body of their fall
en- cOnrade.
Toe incidents Of this remarkable escape
We're strongly impressed on my mind nv
bearing the account from Mr.. SchUyler's
| own lips, as we were riding together
! about year after on the plains west Of
/ Denver, Mr.. Schuyler riding at the time
/ the same faithful animal, showing L pom
/ his rear tie scars 81 Gently baelp4
wounds, and carrying upon the POmEJt
| of his hullet-marked saddle the trus y
rife, with patched stock, that had saved
his life. Mr.. SCHUYLER remarked At the
time shat no amount Of money would
temp. him t0 part with either.
In relating this incident Schuyler
added, while a slight culver passed Over
his lusty frame: You may talk o
bravery under such circumstances, bu
| let any one experience the sjckenIng feel
ing of almost certain death, and he will
be glad to dispense with any such claim
of herOism'