Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1895-01-26
AY,JANU 26,

log burst into thousand fragments,
flying in every direction, killing and
wounding several of their own number.
During all this time the riflemen in
the fort and dwelling were picking them
off at rapid rate, and when the smoke
from the explosion had cleared away
the ground was found strewn with dead
savages.
The disaster and the disappointment
arising from it so exasperated the Indi-
ans that they madly threw themselves
against the gate with heavy battering
rams made of logs determined to force
an entrance. Above the din and confu-
sion the voice of Girty was heard urging
the savages on, but he was nowhere to
be seen, being shielded from the deadly
rifles of the patriots i'll the fort, who,
he well knew, would rejoice to get a
shot at him. The constant fire poured
upon the savages from the fort and
dwelling forced them to again retire.
AT this juncture it was discovered
that the supply of powder in the fort
was about exhausted. Ebenezer Zane
remembered that he had keg slowed
away in his house, but how was it to
be obtained? Whoever ventured to pro-
cure it was almost certain to be cut
down by the bullets Of the Indians
who were so near and always Oh the
alert. Only'one 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 volunteer. Every man present ca
gerly offered to undertake the hazard
Gus duty, and while they We're 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 Philadelphia, but little
accustomed to the horrors of border
warfare, came forward and asked to be
permitted to go for the powder, alleging
as a reason for her going that not a 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. l 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 timo to lose.
Kneeling for a moment i'll prayer, she
arose with smile upon her beautiful
face, saying, II am ready" The cato
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 OH the part of
the savages could not be accounted for
unless the movement was so sudden and
rapid that they had not time to realize
the situation, and then it was only
'squaw" A tablecloth, containing the
contents of the keg of powder, was hur-
riedly fastened about her waist, and she
started upon her return trip, running
with the feetness 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 cheeringly. The wary savages, who
were watching her movements, now sent
volley Of bullets after her, but not ono
of them touched her. The noble girl
entered the fort in safety with her val
liable prize. A prolonged shout of well
come greeted her, and every man, in
spired by her heroism, resolved to re-
pulse the fee or die in the attempt.
During the following night Colonel
Swearingen and IA men arrived and
fought their way into the fort without
losing man. And at daylight Major
McCulloch arrived with 40 mounted
men. His followers entered the inclo-
sure in safety, but he, becoming sepa
rated from them, was obliged to fec to
the open country and narrowly escaped
falling into the hands of the savages,
who thirsted for his blood, for he was
one of their most determined enemies
Girty entertained bitter hatred for
him and yearned to subject him to tho
keenest of his tortures. After this in
crease to the forces of the garrison Cir
ty 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 to the
settlers they raised the siege and with
drew to the Wilderness
Elizabeth Zane lived to be 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.