Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1897-11-05


Tennessee and Georgia was established
it passed half mile south Of the spring
Tuck-a-lee-chce-chce, among the foot
hills of the Unakas, and as it crossed
one of the principal Indian trails 1t
became place OF much Importance.
There had already grown up strong
rivalry between the Tennessee tribes,
headed by Chief Ross, and the Georgia
tribes, headed by Maj. Ridge. both half
breeds and men ofextraordinary ability
us leaders. The establishment OF the
new boundary line fixed the limits OF
their respective territories, and to try
and hormonize as far as possible the
contending factions the government es-
tablished a trading post there.
John Howard Payne appeared upon
the scene and was accused of melting
the Indians to INSTRUMENTATION. He
was placed under arrest as an incen-
diary and carried to the council house.
The name of the place was changed
from the euphonious Indian appella'
more easily pronounced of Red Clay,
because of the color of the soil in that
vicinity.
While Payne was held there one Of
the first bands arrived, and among the
Indians was the chief, Oo-chee, or Rat
Ting Gourd, n broken hearted man.
He was moody and distracted and re-
fused all invitations to the council
house and would partake of no festive
enjoyments whatsoever, but spent most
of his time at the graves of his wife and
child farther up the valley.
At last one morning he was missed
from his accustomed place by the camp
fire and an alarm was Immediately
raised that BATTLING Gourd had es.
capped.
The patrol scattered in every direc-
ton in search of him, and some one
thought Of his fondness for the spot
where his loved ones slept and went
in search of him there.
And there they found him. Welter-
ing in his own blood, his body lay be-
tween the little mounds that covered
his sqcaw and ,apoose.
In some way lac had secreted bayo-
net when the Indians were being dis
armed. and brooiing over his removal,
he became desperate, and, seeking that
lone spot, he chantcd his death song.
fell upon the point of the bayonet,
which pierced his heart, and died on the
spot where he had often expressed a
desire 10 be laid for his last long sleep.
The affair caused great excitement
and Indignation. The malcontents
took advantage OF the distressing oc-
currence to stir up strife, and fears
were entertained of nlutiny.
A grave was dug on the spot where
lie lay and the chief was buried by the
soldiers, one of the Moravian mission.
aries officiating. After the services
were over John Howard Payne, who
had been silent witness to the m.
thetic scene. began singing softly to
himself the song which has nee beer.
echoed through every land on earth.
Gen. Bishop who had kept a close
scrutiny on his actions. heard the song
ind called Payne to him.
Young man." said the stern old Tn.
dian fighter. "wherr did you learn that
song?"
Il wrote that song mys4,f." replied
Payne.
And where did you get the tuner"
II composed TINT also"
Would you let me have . copy
IF it?"
Certainly will"
We'll. man who can sing and write
like that is no incendiary. Appear
inces may be against you. but am 70.
ng to set You free. l shall write ont
your discharge Immediately and pass
% anywhere you choose through the
iation"
Payne had been housed at the home
u family living near by and on his
@turn there he exhibited his pass and |
elated the circumstances. That wa.
he first time that Home Sweet Home"
'ad ever been sung in public.-Atlanta