The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1888-07-18

peopling the West. Before this resolution
was adopted the lands were held In vast
tracts by spectators, and the actual settlers
were cheated imposed upon, and found It a
matter of difficulty to obtain foothold un-
less they had large means. Persons who did
not own hOmesteads were excluded from the
privilege of participating in the political af-
fairs of the Territory, and the effect OF Har-
rison's resolution was to put all responsible
people on an equal footing.
Louisa, the eldest Of General st. Clairs
three daughters, was a beautiful, vigorous
girl of nineteen, whose life mad been one of
graceful activity. About her clusters much
of the brightest and purest romance OF the
early history of the Central States. she
was truly a soldiers daughter, and was often
called ''the child of the army" She was a
fine horsewoman, and would mount the Wild
est and most spirited horse without fear,
dashing through the woodlands around the
settlement at full gallop, leaping over logs
in those days abounded in all parts Of Ohio.
She was an expert huntress, and would have
afforded fine figure for Diana in her ram
bles through the woods, had she been armed
with bow instead of rifle.
In 1873 there was large gathering of In
dians about 90 miles from Marietta for the
purpose Of forming treaty with the white
settlers. Young Brant, son Of the famous
chief OF that name, had encamped at this
spot, and had sent word to Governor 81.
Clair that he would talk with him there.
The Governor suspected plot to get him up
the river. to abduct him, so he returned a re-
ply to Brant that communication could be
had by messenger Hamilton Kerr, the well
known scout, took st. Clair letter TO the In
dian camp. When about 20 miles north Of
Marietta, Kerr saw trail and in short
time heard the ringing laugh of woman.
Peering through the branches, he saw
Louisa St. Clair upon pony, dressed In In
dian style, with short rifle slung over her
shoulders. The scout was speechless with
astonishment at the reckless daring OF the
knowledge Of any one. The lives Of the set
tiers depended in a large measure on the
treaty which was to be negotiated and she
had become inspired with the notion that a
woman might succeed after men had failed.
She refused to turn back, and careless of
danger continued on her way. AT night she
slept at the foot of a tree. while the scout
kept guard. Next morning they pursued
their way, and about noon came in sight Of
the Indian camp. She then took her fathers
letter from the scout, and telling him to
hide, dashed off on her pony, and was soon
made prisoner by the Indians.
She demanded an audience with Brant
who appeared In war paint, but was abashed
at her gaze. She handed him the letter, re-
marking that they had met before, he as a
attended school. He bowed, and read the
letter, and straightway fell desperately in
love with her. The girl, perceivlng this,
said she had risked her life to see him, and
asked for guard back TO Marietta. Brant
told her that he protected the brave. and
would himself accompany her home.
On the third day they arrived at the fort,
where she introduced Brant to her father,
relating the foregoing circumstances. After
some hours ne was escorted out OF the lines,
and returned to his camp without a treaty.
but madly in love with Louisa st. Clair. In
January. 1879, he returned at the time of the
treaty of Fort Harmar, and asked st.
Clair in vain for his daughters hand. In
the fall Of 1871 Brant led the -Chippewas at
the battle in which st. Clair was defeated,
and told the warriors to shoot the Generals
horse, but not to hit him. st. Clair had four
horses killed under him, and many bullet
holes in his clothes, but escaped unhurt. If
st. Clair had given his daughter to Brant, it
is thought the alliance would have ayerted
war.
The centennial exercises today included an
grafton by Senator Evarts this morning; ad-
dresses by Louis G. Palmer, Of Michigan, and
n. +. Smith, of Illinois, this afternoon; and
an historical pageant this evening.