The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1891-08-01

having been arrested or subjected to rpri-
.naNd; with u reputation, in short, free
from spot or blemisl." There My now
he added to this that he died from injuries
received in his country's service, and 80 at
tanned n glory that the wnrlike ulcier ts
sct high prize upon.
The story have to tell o: deed of dar-
Ing which In youth marked the manhood
It Hartsuff has not tho back ground Of
Marltke scenes to lend 1t dramatic splendor.
There were few actors, no spectators and
no hope Of glory as u prize. 1t was an era
IT profound peace-l855-und the region
where the action took place had enjoyed u
long term OF quiet. such rcassuring quiet
~ follows u wholesale expatriatiou of hos
tile people. Florida was freed from the
domination Of the red skinned Sesninoles
and was the last place In the Union to look
for stirring adventure. Lieut.. Hartsuff
went to Florida in 1854 as u lieutenant in
the Fourth artillery, and year later, ut
the ago of %, was authorized to explore the
swamp regions and make surveys ~ q
topographic engineer.
During the year already spent in Florida
he had passed through the territory which
lie had been ordered to survey, and had
frequently met with the few Seminolcs
who still chung with pathetic fondness to
tho lands of their fathers. so rich in game
and fruits. Osceola, their old chief, was
dead. their people scattered beyond the
Mississippi, and what could be more
natural for brave soldier, armed to the
teeth, with . powerful government to
sustain him, than sympathy and kindli.
ness toward this forlorn remnant of a once
mighty race? Hartsuff came and went
among them, sometimes alone, generally
with only one man as escort, and he found
the savages competent and willing guides
in regions where no whites had ever trod.
Hartsuff's exploring party left tho ca.
IO0sahatchic on Dec. aud marched tOwursl
the interior. Tho number all told was
eleven men. and two of them rode un-
armed, being detailed MS teamsters for the
train OF two wagons, which carried SUP
plies. Eight armed men rode on horse
back behind their mounted leader A few
miles OF march, the establishment of camD.
hunt for game and trip for exploration
and reconpOissance made up tho record of
each day. Deserted Indian villages were
frequently found, and so also were the
ruins OF old forts and blockhouses of tho
Florida war. These citadels, oncc the
refuge of white men, had been burned bv
the few Indians who remained to roam
over their old "lAlppy hunting grounds"
after tho soul Of their mutton had departed.
The lingering Seminoles had been Dcr-
mttted under various pretexts to delay |
their pilgrimage to tho reservations set |
apart for them farther in the west, and up |
to the date of Hartsuff's adventure had !
proven worthy of this lenicncy.
After march OF ten days the lieutenant
decided to return to the starting point.
Fort Meyers, on the CasOosahatchie. The
country was much flooded by recent rains.
mud the absence Of Indians to act as guides
On bis surveys led to the conclusion that
nothing could bc gained by penetrating
tho everglades under the risk Of becoming
,nired and without the opportunity Of fix.
ing localities and routes for future settlers
On the morning Of tho 10th the camp
Was under preparation for tho return trim
For two days the resting place OF tho party
!'ad been y piece of opcu land, surrouutAsd
~ water varying In depth. and adjoining
a ali1ht elevation whose sandy soil was
tlmbered with large Pine trees. Another
elevation known rs 'hummock," also
surrounded by water and grown up with
Wild trees. plants and fruit vines. was onlv
Few yards distant. About daylight the
situation In camp WIS this: The teams
were ready to 10 hitched to the wagons:
mo armed men had eaten their break fast
snd were about to saddle their horses. and
'iartsuh was In his tent, the only one not
yet struck, preparing his toilet. His break.
'aet was ready ut the campfire.
There had not been an Indian nor the
fresh trace of ono in sight during the
whole trip, and although the party moved
ven armed and maintained camp guards
It night, 1t was u mere matter of form. md
any comment had been made on the sub.
ect OF indians by any Of the company
when they awoke that morning to retrace
heir steps 1t would have been regret Mt
'ot seeing them. The Indians not only
new the richest lands and the best path.
Ways In tho intricate thickets and treach.
rOus sSamps. but also the haunts OF the
Ger and turkey which the soldiers iove,, :
, make their game. When, therefore, ,
bile the men were scattered making their ,
separations to start, n warw hoop and =
he shot rang out on the air, the last thing +
lOl,xht Of to account for it was Indians /;
ntil the eyes Of the men. seeking natu. :
lily the distant surroundings, discovered I.
number cf savages among the pine trees :
a the island adjoining the camp. The In.
ans were armed and in warlike attitude, :
me of them taking aim, and then began n
most desperate flgLt :or life in that will il
rness Moruss. "
Three of the men who were at a distance ri
ON the wagons saddling horses could no. /
ach their comrades aud escaped. lesyiue "