Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1895-01-11


from tho explosion Lad cleared away
In ground was found strewn with dead
soN...,.
Tire disaster and The disappointment
oli- ing from IL s0 oXasporatod the Indi.
uns that they Ela0 lv throw themselves
ageust tho gate with heavy battering
rams made of iogs, determined to force
an entrance. Above tho din and confu-
sion the voice OF C,irty was heard urging
the savages ON, but ne was nowhere t.
be seen, being shielded from the deadly
rifles OF the patriots III the fort, who,
he well knew, would rejoice to get
shot at him. Tho constant fire poured
upon the savages from the fort and
dwelling forced them 20 again retire.
At this Jun IRE il was discovered
that the supply IF powder in the fort
was about exhausted. Ebenezer Zano
away in his house, but how was it 10
be obtained? Whoever ventured 10 pro-
cure it was almost certain TO be cut
down by the bullets Of the Indians,
who were so near and always on the
alert Only ono man could be spared
for the service from the defense OF the
fort Colonel Sheppard, not being will
ing to order any one to the duty, asked
for a volunteer. Every man present ca
gerly offered to undertake the hazard
Gus duty, and while they were contend
ing for the honor it was feared that be-
fore the question was settled and the
powder obtained the savages would re-
new the attack. At this moment Eliza
beth Zane-or Patty, as she was usually
called-a young girl Just returned home
from school in Philadcl. -, a.: little
accustomed 20 the horrors Of border
warfare, came forward and asked 10 be
permitted 10 90 for the powder, alleging
as a reason for her going that not man
could be spared from the defense of the
fort. Whoever undertakes the duty
will be in great danger of being killed
or seriously wounded, and if fall !
will not be missed in the defense Of
the fort have no fears for the result.
God will protect me "
So earnest was the appeal Of the
young heroine that consent was reluc
family given. There was no time to lose.
kneeling for a moment in prayer, she
arose with smile upon her beautiful
face, saying, Il am ready. The gate
was thrown open. She sailed forth
and soon cleared the space between the
fort and her brothers. house, which she
reached in safety. Not one shot was FIR
ed at her Such action on the part Of
the savagos could not be accounted for
unless the movement was go sudden and
rapid that they had not time 20 realize
the situation, and then it was only d
"squaw. a tablocloth, containing the
contents Of the kog of powder, was hur-
riedly fastened about her waist, and she
started upon her return trip, running
with the tleoncsS Of a fawn toward the
fort, her long glossy curls floating back
from her bare head, upon which the
mild rays OF the early autumn sun fell
so cheeriugly. The wary savages, who
were watching her movements, now sent
q vOllev of bullets after her. but not one
of them touched nor The noble girl
entered the fort in safety with her val.
liable prize. a prolonged shout Of wei.
como greeted her. and every man. in
spired by her heroism, resolved TO TO-
pulse the foe or die in the attempt
During the following night Colonel
Swearingcn and If men arrived and
fought their way into the fort without
losing man And at daylight Major
Mc(ulloch arrived with 40 mounted
men His followers entered the inclo-
sure IN safety, but he, becoming sepa-
rated from them was obliged TO flee TO
the open country and narrowly escaped
falling into the hands Of the sayages.
who thirstcd for his blood, for he was
one Of their most determined enemies
Girty entertained bitter hatred for
him and youned TO subject him 70 tho
kccncst of his fortunes. After this in
crease 70 the forces of the garrison Cir.
~ and his followers abandoned all hope
of capturing the fort, and after setting
fire TO the houses outside the pickets
and killing the stock belonging 10 the
settlers they raised the siege and with
drew TO the wilderness.
Elizabeth Zane lived 70 be a very old
woman, beloved and respected by all
who knew her. ,she resided on the banks
of the Ohio river near the scene of her
daring exploit. Cincinnati Enquirer.