Custer chronicle. [volume] (Custer City, Black Hills, D.T. [S.D.]) 1880-1890, 1889-07-13
BLACK SWAMP MUTINY.
A PLEASANT ANECDOTE CONNECTED
WITH THE WAR OF 1912,

place during their absence. This cir
cumstance rendered it necessary for his
company, which was now the strongest,
to be put in charge Of the prisoners
taken by Commodore Perry and Gen.
Harrison and march them across tho
state to the Newport station in Ken
lucky.
His superior officers having been taken
sick, the command devolved upon him.
1t was a responsible undertaking for 80
young an officer. The company consisted
of 100 soldiers and the prisoners num-
bered 400. Their route was through the
wilderness Of the Black Swamp, which
at that season was nearly covered with
water. In their march they became be-
wildered and lost.
HONORABLE PRISONERS OF WAR
For three days and nights they wander
ed about In the swamp without food, and
became SO scattered that on the morning
of the third day he found himself with a
guard Of only twelve men. and 100 pris-
oners. Seeing their weakness the pris-
oners mutinied, and refused to march.
No time was to be lost; Raper called out
his men commanded them to make ready,
which they did by fixing bayonets and
cooking their guns. He then gave the
prisoners five minutes TO decide whether
they would obey him or not. AT the ex-
piration Of the last minute the soldiers
were ordered to present arms, take aim,
and-but before the word fire" had es-
capped his lips, a large Scotch soldier cried
hold" and stepping aside, asked the
privilege of saying a word to his com.
panions; it was granted, whereupon he
addressed them as follows:
"We have been taken in q fair fight,
and are prisoners; honorably SO, and this
conduct is d~isgraceful to our kings flag,
not becoming true soldiers. Now" said
he. IL have had no hand in raising this
mutiny, and | propose that all who are
in favor of behaving themselves as hon
orable prisoners of war shall rally around
me, and we will take the others in hand
ourselves, and the American guard shall
stand by and see fair play" This speech
had the desired effect, the mutiny was
iotSlI ~ " III Cllh NttIioilb blOOhSIl1d,
and Raper delivered his prisoners at New
port. They had among the prisoners two
Indians, whom Raper forced at the point
of the sword to lead them out of the
swamp.
After Raper's arrival in Newport he
was offered a commission in the regular
army. Such was his love for his mother
that he would take no important step
without consulting her. The answer was
characteristic of the noble mothers OF
that day. my son, if my country was
still engaged in war and | had fifty sons
| would freely give them all to her serv-
ice. but, as peace is now declared, think
something better awaits my son than the
camp life of a soldier in time of peace"
A SINGULAR CIRCUMSTANCE.
In 1919 Raper became a minister III the
Methodist church, and while travelling in
Indiana, upon the first visit to one of his
appointments, a fine, large man APP
preached him, called him brother. and
said: II knew you the moment | saw
you, but | suppose you have forgotten
me. | am the Scotch soldier that made
the speech to the prisoners the morning
of the mutiny in the Black Swamp. After
we were exchanged as prisoners OF war,
my enlistment terminated. | had been
brought to SEQ the justice Of the Ameri-
can cause and the greatness of the coun-
try, and | resolved to become an Ameri-
can citizen. came to this state, rented
some land and opened up a farm. have
joined the Methodist church, and, praise
God! the best Of all is, l have obtained
religion! Not among the least of my
blessings is a fine wife and noble child.
So COME said he, dinner will be ready
by the time we get home" And the two
soldiers, now as friends and Christians,
renewed their acquaintance, and were
ever after fast friends.
At another time Raper met with a
singular accident while riding to one of
his appointments. Swimming his horse
over a creek, the horse became entangled
and sank, but with great effort he man.
aged to catch hold of the limb OF a tree
overhead, where he was enabled to rest
and hold his head above water. While
thus suspended, the thought rushed upon
hiuu: Mother Is praying for me, and
1 shall be saved" After resting a mo-
ment he made an effort and got to shore,
his horse also safely landing. His
mother, ninety miles away, that morn
ing awoke suddenly in alright with the
thought upon her, William IS in great
danger" when she sprang from her bed,
and falling On her knees prayed for some
time in intense supplication for his
safety, until she received a sweet assur.
ance that all was well. When they met
and related the facts, and compared the
time, they precisely agreed.
This hero Of the Black Swamp died In
1852, closing a life Of great usefulness,
Father Finley says Of him that he was
al eloquent preacher, a sweet, melodious
singer, was filled with the spirit of kind
ness, while his conversational powers
were superior, replete with a fund OF
useful incidents gathered from practical
life in camp, pulpit and cabin.-Howe's
Historical Collections of Ohio"