Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-09-08

Meeting some one. What could IL nnean'
Johneon crept behind 4 cluster Oh puanes
which enabled him 10 approach Ni'hih
few feat OF steers without his presence
being known. and he soon had e'eiy
ro,son TO bless the fates that led MN
thithsr
A MASSACRE PLANNED.
Scarcely had he taken his place when
he saw several Indians cautiously APP
nroach Steers lie was so near that ne
could plainly hear every WORD thht was
uttered. and what he heard almost iroHs
the blood IN his veins. 4 terfio.e ueeu
was arranged to be perpeuated, ana
c,eers was 10 play n prominent part IN
the fiendlsh tragedy. The camp was 10
be rnassacred, with the exception OF the
Young women, who were 10 be taken
captlves. Steers was 10 have Myrue ula-
ham as his share OF the spoils' ana the
bloody deed was to be done as soon as the
caup had settled down for the night
repose Steers was 10 return 10 the camp
and settle down as usual. but was 10 CO.
orerate with his savage allies upon their
arrival in the butchery OF bis companions
Johnson's first impulse was 70 put
bullet through the traitors heart, but
realizing that that would IN all proba-
bllity only precipltate the intended mas
sacre he instead made all possible speed
back to the camp. His friends must be
saved. and the brave boy knew that
prompt and effective action was neces-
sary.
The women and children were placed In
the rude tent and instructed 90 remain
perfectly quiet. There were about fifteen
men and boys IN the company capable or
handling arms. and as was customary IN
those heroic times. they were wei! supplied
with "shooting-iruns" Each man brought
out his rife and pistols and concealed
them under his blanket as tho party re-
clined in various attitudes around the
campfire. These preparations required
but a few seconds. The men were IRON
nerved and accustomed 10 surprises ana
the threatened doom was not very appdll-
ing % them. In a short time steers re-
turned, and spreading his blanket, was IN
the act of lying down when he was pm
toned by n pair of strong arms. ana IN
twinkling bound hand and foot and gag
fixed in HIS mouth. Johnson then IN
formed him OF his doom, and ii was with
difficulty that he was restrained from
hacking of the traitors head.
TOOK THEIR STATIONS.
Steers was placed near the fire and his
blanket thrown over him. Several logs OK
wood were placed round the fire with
blankets over them as decoys, after which
the men took their stations little IN the
rear to await the appearance OF the saw
ages.
Toward midnight a number Of cusky
forms were seen creeping stealthily from
the darkness When within few feet
Of the smouldering fire they uttered
hideous yell and leaped forward eacn
buryirg his tomahsvk In what he sup
posed 70 b human form. Steers's mead
was split IN twain by n savafs blow and
the doom lie had planned for his comrades
was his own.
AT that instant the deadly rifles pealed
forth. and seven savages fell pierced
with mortal wounds. The remainder,
thus taken by surprise. fed precipitateiy.
and a storm OF pistol shots poured into
their retreating ranks brought down
three others.
The brave men kept sharp lookout TIL
morning. but the savages had evidently
had enough. and did not reappear.
The emigrants. fearing that the savases
would soon return in larger numbers.
decided that safety lay I'm retreat. and
at daylight the following morning began
to retTacs their steps eastward. They
reached their old settlement without
LAElAtT llt44fll
THEY WERE MARRIED.
Tradition says that Johnson and Myrtle
Graham were married soon after their re-
turn East and that the following spring
they came with large company and set
tied in the beautiful valley in which the
bloody tragedy was enacted.
Johnson and his fair bride lived 10 a
happy old age. and were unusually pros
porous. They LETT a large p0sterity TO
people the surrounding regions.
The gorge I'm honor q having saved
his friends from a horrible death, WAS
called Iohus0u'g G1rge. and IL bears the
apptllati0u TO The present day.
The above tragedy. Steers's severed
head, coupled with a fancied apparition
seen by some timid nlght-walker no doubt
originated the ghost. which IS so terri
Tying to the Juveaile portion Of the COM
munity SAMUEL HAYNES.