Thomas County cat. [volume] (Colby, Kan.) 1885-1891, 1886-03-18
A BORDER TALE.
How Jennie Moor Prevented a Co.
manche Massacre.

uldUCuo NdS5dCTo.
In 1860 the settlers along the banks
of the big Witchita," in Western
Texas, had been excited to pitch
bordering on frenzy. For long time
the Comanche Indians had been COM
hitting depredations of fearful char
acter, and it was evident that an open
warfare must ensue. The savages must
be exterminated. or nearly so, else the
white settlers would be driven away
from their homes or butchered upon
their thresholds. A settlement of some
thirty cabins had been formed upon
the banks of the beautiful big
Wichita" and for its protection and
the safety of its inhabitants in the case
of an attack, a blOck-house had been
erected on the banks of the stream 1t
was strong building, surrounded by
high stockade fence, and from within
handful of brave, determined men
could defend themselves against large
number of their savage foes. 1t was
well supplied with provisions and am
munition. The settlers had been con-
stantly expecting an attack, and We're
busily engaged in removing the women
and children and light articles of house.
hold goods. Scarcely had the settlers,
with their families, secured themselves
within the stockaded fort when the
scouts came, in bearing the remains of
one of their neighbors, who had lived
some three miles to the westward. The
body had been horribly mutilated, but
was recognized to be that of Albert
Fenton, a gentleman esteemed BY all
who knew him. He had left home
few hours before to look after his
horses, and this was all that remained
to tell the story of his murder. Re-
venge was pictured upon every face,
and each hand clasped tighter the rifle
it held. Then the shout burst forth:
death to the Red Devils! Death to
the COmancheS!'
And so say l." repeated Colonel
WILDER Manning. but we must act
with caution, boys; they are strong;
we are weak at present. but think the
Rangers who are coming to join us
will be here tomorrow. They are in
camp ten miles down the valley now.
We must all remain in the stockade to-
night. When the Rangers get here we
will march into the very heart of the
enemy's country. and with rifles and
knife teach the red tiends a lesson they
willnever forget"
A wild cheer followed this brief ad-
dress. and scarcely had the echoes died
wild shrieks of women and children were
heard. as they came running out of the
block house in the widest confusion
and fright, running in all directions to
escape a fury that the settlers had not
seen; but they understood at once that
the savages were at their tiendish work.
The flying women were met and ques-
toned. They stated that the savages
had got within the stOckade unob-
served, while the settlers were viewing
the remains of Fenton, and were even
then setting fire to the blOck-houSe.
That this was true now became appar-
ent to all. for the flames were seen to
leap up. inclosing the main building
within the stockade.
Forward, men; look well to your
arms commanded Colonel Manning.
In few moments they had reached
the main building. which was now a
burning mass. 1t was found impOssi-
bic to save it, so completely was the
building encircled in the devouring ele-
ment, having evidently been ignited at
many places at the same time. But
the Indians who had succeeded in en-
tering had departed as quickly as they
came. knowing that certain death
would follow their capture within the
stockade. All their provisions and al
most all of their ammunition was de-
stroyed by the flames. The savages
for once had completely outwitted
them. Something must be done or
they were lost. They knew that they
were surrounded by hundreds of Co
manches, who only waited for nightfall
to make an attack. knowing that the
settlers could not hold out long against
such superior numbers without assist
ance. If Captain Ford's Rangers only
knew of their danger they could reach
them in time.
There is but one plan of relief"
said Colonel Manning. Tonight
some one must 60 through that stretch
of woods. pointing to the forest.
"and down the valley to Ford's
Rangers"
but it is five miles through the for
est said one, land it S swarming with
Indians. We are completely surround
ed, and 'twould be certain DEATH
Il think not" growled the old
Colonel. 1--we been in forests twenty