davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1900-02-22

the Indian spring, five miles from the
river. Their loss in the several as
sauits on the fort and in the siege could
not be aseertalned, butawas doubtless
very considerable. OF the garrison none
was killed and but tY;S tTounded-thc
heroic Fiancis Drake being the only
white man belonging to the county
killed during the Siege. It is impossible
to overestimnte the brave and gallant
manner In which the defense was con-
Quoted. The men and women who
stood to their posts for nearly two days
and two nights, with scarcely an inter-
mission, Hghtlng against fearful odds
and the skill Of British officers and SOL
dlers, combined with the cunning and
lmpetuoslty of the savages, deserve the
highest encomlums. When It is con-
sldered that the Siege was the most
prolonged, and tina besleging force the
largest and most formidable which had
attacked the northwestern frontier dur
ing the Revolution. the steady manner
in which they were constantly driven
back in bloody repulse by such feeble
force should excite the greatest admi-
ration,
This siege was In reality tho last bat
tie OF the revolution, and 1t is certain
that the last shot fred by a British SOL
der in that war was fired at old Fort
Henry, in Wheeling.
The Molly Scott Controversy.
The narrative of the powder exploit,
as given in the description of the Siege
of Fort Henry, was unqucstloned for
slxty-seven years following. 1t was
currently related in the society and
neighborhood where the occurrence
transplred, by different persons claim
ing to have been eye witnessesi was
early and widely published In news
papers and local histories during the
lifetime and with the knowledge OF
many Of the actors In the siege, and
without contradiction or question so
far as any record appears, but with
universal credit; and It Tcmalns today
in tho family traditions Of most of
those who arc known to have been
present In the fort at the time, as the
The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1900-02-22
SIEGE OF III. HENRY
(oontlnasa IFom Nlnth Page.l

down. and the rapid and well-directed
IRE from the garrisOn and house caused
them to beat a speedy retreat. Two
other attempts were made to effect an
entrance by storm during the night,
the gallant defenders keeping to their
guns and the noble women dlscharging
all the duties OF soldiers with the splr-
It and alacrity OF true herolnes the
whole night through.
When daylight returned the saveges
were sim found surrounding the fort.
and although they delayed a renewal of
their attacks It was evident that they
had not given up their attempts for Its
reduction. Indeed It was apparent that
they were engaged in some prepara-
lions on which they placed great hopes.
About O'clock man was observed
stealing toward the fort, when q woman
named House seized a gun and wound
ed him severely. He proved to be a
negro seeking to desert from the en-
envy. and being near the gate his cries
and entreatIes Induced his admission.
although he was strictly guarded lest
he might prove to be a spy He gave
full information of the force Of the
The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1900-02-22

totally unused to such scenes az were
daily exhibited on the frontier. As
wIthers has said: THE pages Of his
tory may furnish a parallel to the noble
exploit Of Elizabeth Zane. but an I'M
stance Of greater self-devotlon is not to
be found anywhere"
The Heroic brakes Death.
Another instance OF heroic daring de-
serves to. be recorded here. When In
telligence Of the iuvestiture Of Wheel
ing by the aavages reached Shepherd
fort a party was Immediately detached
from It to thy and gain admission into
the besIeged fortress and aid in its de-
Tense. Upon arriving in view 1t was
found that the attempt would be hope
less and unayaillng, and the detneh-
ment consequently proposed to return.
Francis Drake. son-ih-law OF Colonel
Shepherd, was unwilling to turn his
back upon a people Strengthened rs he
knew the besisged must be. and de-
clarcd his intention OF endcavoring to
reach the fort that he might contribute
to It's defense It was useless to dis
suade him; he knew the danger. and he
also knew their weakness, and, putting
spurs to his horse. rode brlskly for
ward, calling aloud, "open the gate!
open the gate!" He was seen from the
fort and the gate was loosed for his ad-
mission; but he did not live to reach
It. Pierced by the bullets OF the saw
ages, he fell. to the regret of all He
The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1900-02-22
THE FORT HENRY TABLET

of the exploit, as reclted to him by
Elizabeth Zane, Mr.. Clark said; when
the Indians saw her returning Ito the
fort) they evidently suspected what her
mission was and poured in a terrific
volley. She said 1t seemed as though
the whole 400 dred at once, and the bull
lets knocked the dust into her eyes so
she could not see. She had been run
ming so fast, however. that they missed
their aim, and she gained the gateway
OF the fort without a hurt.
My Grandmother Clark was an inmate
of the fort, and I have heard her give
substantially the same account Of the
Siege and my mothers exploit. knew
Molly Scott very we'll, She never
claimed that she carried the powder,
Indeed, no such claim was set up until
very recent times by Mrs. Cruger. I
don't know what motive could have In
duced Mrs, Cruger to make a state
ment so untrue. unless It was jealousy,
My mother was a remarkably hand
some woman. retaining her good looks
even in her old age, Il Is well known
she was universally admired, not only
for her beauty, but she was very
bright, smart and witty. She was as
Dlucliy and hlgh-spirited woman as
ever lived-a swift runner and a fear
less rider. Moses Shepherd at one time
was engaged to marry my mother, but
The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1900-02-22

an enterprise, which, humanity Pab
Ing, BODIED almost certain death,
At this critical period girl nlnets.a
years of age. who had been engaged
in moulding bullets and loading gus
stepped forward and besought The phr'
ilege. accompanying her argument VII
representations to the effect that IAA
being a woman, could be more eaf5
spared than a man, as each Of TIN
latter was needed for the defense GHd
that the loss OF her life. as compsTd
to the loss of man. would be smia
matter. She prevailed with To
commandant to allow her to make III
attempt. DIvestlng herself of super.
fuous clothing, the gate was OpeDa
for her egress, and with fleet feet IAa
swiftly sped to the cabin Of be-
brother. which she reached in safety
Not shot was fired at her, the u.
dams contemporary exctaiming, ~
squaw! A squaw!"
Brave Elizabeth zane
Communicating her erraud. cOiOaA
Zane securely bound a tableclOia
around her waist. Into which he poured
the coveted powder, when she set gu!
upon her return, and had covered
about half the distance when the ssT-
ages, apprehendlng her purpose, aFsd
a storm of bullets at her person, when
fell harmless. by the Intervention Of
Divine Providence, and she succeeded
in reaching the fort unhurt.
This act OF heroism on the part OF
Elizabeth Zane saved the lives Of tho
inmates of the fort and enabled them
successfully to Withstand the foe. IN
the meantime the behiegers had beea
constantly harassed and e.Sarrassea
by the firing from Colonel zane'' caS'A'
On the second night the Indians %
tempted Its destruction.
About midnight the Indians suddenly
became quiet and allowed their ares
to expire. thinking to accomplish @
Stratagem what they could not %
otherwise. The vigilance Of the oeca'
pants of the cabin was not deceived %
appearances.
"old SAM" as he was called.
Guinea engro. who belonged to ana
was strongly attached to Colonel Zane
was on the alert with his trusty tine
Perceiving an object with a lIghtea
torch In hand wriggllng along the
ground In the direction Of the cabin
he permitted 1t to approach within suFo
range, when Sam hred. The SaYas0
raised to his feet, but fell back again
ling With rage and pain, when no
promptly abandoned his fell purpose
Twice during the night Sam frustrateo
similar attempts on the part Of tns
sRvages,
The siege OF Fort Henry was tno
last battle Of the Revolution, and tne
capstone of liberty was laid on the sou
Of West Virginia, the site of which u
now Identified by tho simple stone
erected to commemorate this historical
event, C. L. CRANAiER
The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1900-02-22

only correct account IN 1919, however
Mrs. Lydia cruger, then a venerable
woman Of eighty-four years. made 4
statement giving a different version.
and naming Molly Scott as the heroine.
AS Mrs.. crugers statement was un-
supported by any corroboratiYe eYi-
dence whatever, was made years after
every one who had personal knowl-
edge Of the event was dead, and when
she herself was in extreme old age. II
can. Of course, effect nothing. says
''The History Of the Pan Handle"
OF all the contradictions Of the CRU
ger story that have appeared. the let
ter to the late W. C.. Brockunier from
the grandson Of Molly Scott Is the most
conclusive and ought to set at rest all
contention. 1t is here reproduced:
wHEATLANp, August, 1876.
Mr.. W. C. Brockunier. wheeling, W. va.
sir:-I have no hesitation in reply
Ing 10 the inquiries you make. / am the
Oldest surviving descendant Of Molly
Scott. somewhat noted as one OF the
early settlers OF Wheeling. am her
grandson-the only one now living.
Molly died near Wheeling, March 8. 1853,
aged eighty years. My relationship, Of
course, brought me Into almost constant
association with her from infancy until
her death, and have often heard her
tell incidents connected with the early
settlement OF Wheeling. and about the
Indian war and troubles, and many
"Reminiscences Of the principal persons
OF the settlement. have heard her tell
frequently the story Of the Siege OF Fort
The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1900-02-22

persisted untimely but with noble
daring which deserved better fate.
Let his name be forever preserved in
the annals of the border as one of the
choice and heroic spirits who yielded
their lives in It's defense.
The Indians still maintained the Siege
by keeping up continuous first the
whole day with scarcely an intermis
sion. Wherever tree or leg or bush
could shelter a savage within gunshot
Of the fort. they were to be found mr.
ing at every aperture likely to conceal
a foe. They seemed TO have a special
spite at the elevated tower called the
sentry box, and directed frequent shots
toward It. Elizabeth Zane. who occu-
pied one of these boxes with her
brother Jonathan. and a man named
salter.. to reload their rifles, frequently
told in subsequent years how she would
have to stop In her work to pull out
the splinters torn or the white oak
logs by the bullets OF the savages and
driven. into the flesh.
: About 1Oo'cloelS that night the enemy
made another fierce attack to carry the
works by storm, hut It was OF no avail.
They were driven back in a bloody re-
pulse by the sharp firing Of the garrl-
son and the few brave men In Colonel
zaue's house. 1t was their last effort,
and, despairing Of success, they deter
mined to raise the Siege. 4eaving one
hundred men to scour ana lay waste
the country, the remainder of the army
on the morning Of the 18th retreated
across the the Ohio and eneamped at
The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1900-02-22

Henry. She was an Inmate and assisted
the other women in running bullets,
loading guns and such other employ
ment as they were able to do She has
told me and in my presence many TIM 5,
about the exploit Of Betsy Zane carry
Ing powder In her apron from Colonel
Zane's dwelling to the fort during thP
siege, and Of the courage and lntrepldlty
with which the act was performed, as
well as the narrow escape she had from
the bullets of the Indians, She always
told me the same story, AND NEVER
GAVE ANY OTHER NAME THAN
ELIZABETH, OR BETSY, ZANE, AS
SHE CALLED HER, AS THE ONE
WHO CARRIED THE POWDER. She
never claimed the credit for herself. and
there Is no other tradition in the Scott
family. Elizabeth Zane was, I believe,
the sister OF Colonel Ebenezer Zane, the
original founder Of Wheeling. This Is
about all the information can give you,
but my remembrance is clear as to the
correctness OF the foregoing statement.
IF. SCOTT.
To which may be added the statement
of Ebenezer Clark, the only son of
Elizabeth Zane. In. July. 1877, he said,
In part: 81 am the only son Of Eliza
beth Zane. and the only member of the
family now llylng-am the youngest Of
seven children. have
heard my mother tell the story of the
Indian wars, the Siege and her exploit
of carrying the gunpowder, q thousand
times. She never spoke of it boastfuiiy
or as a wonderful matter, but in early
times we didn't have newspapers or
books, and on long winter evenings all
we had to amuse US were stories of the
early settlers. Indian fights and es-
capes." In the course Of his account
The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1900-02-22
Monument for .lnetn1p znnn.

Patriotic Martins Ferry citizens have
suggested that monument be erect
cd over the grave of brave Betsy"
Zane, in Walnut Grove cemetery. across
the river. and now that "Dewey Day"
energies win be relaxed, the Intelligent
Ger hopes the movement will be put on
foot, and believes It will receive liberal
support Mt the hands OF the people Of
tho city OF Wheeling,
The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1900-02-22
Where HlrtorH Wna lEade.

Many historic incidents had their
birth in and about Wheeling. Near tho
city is the scene of Mccolloch'S FAM
Gus leap Lewis wetzel's cave, the Hen,
ry Clay monument, erected by Colone'
Shepherd on the completion OF the Ma
tlonal pike, In the 'twentles, and many
pthOrg.
The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1900-02-22
Agents for the celebrated
"Saylor's" Portland and
Commercial RoSendale Ce-
ments, and Haven Elevators.
@@@@

These gentlemen are entering their
nth year of business as SUCCESSORS to
W. II. Burt & Co., and in that time have
trebled the business, which extends to
all points Of West Virginia and por-
lions of Maryland, Pennsylvania and
Ohio. They attend strictly to nll de-
tails OF the business, and 1t Is an Iron
clad rule In this house to be cordial and
polite to all their trade. The latch
string is alwayseout and the trade is
always assured of hearty welcome
The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1900-02-22
&@3@@@@@@@9@@e@@

WE are the only pro-
w duee house! We
do business at 1908
Main street. We do a
large shipping business.
H. P. Maxwell is Cen
eral Manager. ". S.
Saylor IS on the road
twenty.four hours each
day.
Our trade is still on
the increase; because we
buy in large quantities
and sell or small mar
gins.
Hot Springs weekly star. (Hot Springs, S.D.) 1892-1917, 1900-08-10
They Will Not Crack This Nut.

They Will Not Crack This Nut.
A nut for Bryan and his party to
crack: Wool and sheep are now twice
their value, as compared with their
market price in 1895. Why? Can they
not see what the gold standard and
protection has done? American owners
Of sheep are now having a little profit.
It will be hard to change them OF with
the Bryan ruse.-Gray's Harbor
Washl Gazette.
Hot Springs weekly star. (Hot Springs, S.D.) 1892-1917, 1900-08-10
One on Andrew Lag.

Even the shrewdest persons may ut
times be, deceived. No matter how
much people may differ upon the. genius
of Andrew Lang. they are unanimous
in regard To his quick intelligence and
his talent for playing golf. Not long
ago he was II guest at IL very diStin-
guislled dinner. which lie is said to
have described as an extraordinary
survival of savage mysteries. Tho Gull
mary Tart was faultless. but Mr.. Lang's
enjoyment wls utterly ruined by hnv.
ing. as he put it, "a budding funny
man on the one hand and IL diabolical-
ly deaf socialist OH the other. l could
not.' added the famous critics, tell
which of the two was the more mourn
full companion"
Two weeks afterward it got out that
the socialist was not deaf: that he had
come to the banquet prepared to be
bored by less learned guests: that lie
had been seated alongside IAN idiotic
mildle-aged gentleman who did moth
ing but talk of golf" and that to pro-
tect himself he had simulated n deaf
ness which kept his neighbor bawling.
Philadelphia Post.
Hot Springs weekly star. (Hot Springs, S.D.) 1892-1917, 1900-08-10
CHAPTER INV.


Mary Graemc, the neglected wife of
Luke Dalzicl. had promised the disguised
Sir Philip not to reveal the secret of his
identity. and she honestly meant to abide
by her word: hut soon after hriny left
alone with her child, she thought to her
self:
True. but l did not promise to conceal
from Luke the joyful fact that our child
has been restored to lis. l need not tell
him in what way the restoration has been
effected. Ii can only obtain access to
him, and thrust the bairn into his arms,
saying, Sec. Luke. heaven has been good
and merciful TO us through all these
moaning years. Here is Robbie, our own
little Robbie, that crushing poverty
snatched from our bosoms in the old dark
days, but which kind heaven at last gives
back unto our hearts, Who knows but
that then my husband may be redeemed
to me! Who knows? Who knows?"
Putting Robbie to sleep, she had pre-
vailed III Towns to accompany her in
quest of her husband. The search had
resulted as has been told in a previous
chapter.
When, after Dalzicl's awful sclf-accu-
sation, Mary recovered consciousness, she
uttered Il low, dcspairing vail. covered
her eyes, and was rushing ont of the room
as from a place accused, when Wcems
arrested her flight and dragged her back.
Not so fast he exclaimed, through
his clcnchcd teeth. You go not hence to
destroy us with your evidence. You must
be sworn To secrecy first. and | know
You'll keep an oath by reason of youl re-
lision."
Yes, yes" She saSpcd. anything.
anything, only make haste. Only let me
quit this ticndish place"
Here. Chelmsford. fetch Il Bible"
called out Wccms. "an,l then administer
an oath of secrecy of the regular iron-clad
description"
Having trcmblingly subscribed to an
oath. Mary was tottcring toward the
door. having received a sign from both
Wccms and Chelmsford that she would
no longer he detained. when she was
again suddenly commanded to stop, this
time by her husband. who abruptly start
ed to his feet, and advanced toward her.
YES, Luke, i will remain; L will obey
YOU" gaspcd the unhappy woman, back
ing against the wall and extending both
hands shuddcringly toward him; but
don't touch me. Whatever you do, Luke,
don't touch. me"
"Who cares to touch you:'' growlcd
Dalziel, with an oath. The beauty that
could tempt any one to touch you has long
since given you the go-by. What l want
to know is your purpose in following me
here. You said you had something vital
ly important To tell me-; now | want to
know what it is
ut is no longer we'll that you should
know of it," was her qnivcring. scarcely
audible reply.
Tell it me- he growled. with another
oath, and at the same time advancing
menacingly toward her.
(To be continued.).
Hot Springs weekly star. (Hot Springs, S.D.) 1892-1917, 1900-08-10
C'U.\p'rEE NNIN

Dnnnlore quilted the room in ohei!encc
TO the knock OF The door. and presently
returned 10 inform Miss Muir that his
messenger had returned with the info-.
NATION that Mrs. Gracinc had been fonn.
in her cottage. and had promised to re-
main ther" in attendance on the au,ict-
patcd interview.
I'll will he dusk by the time we can
reach The gate lodge of The Towers"
said h.. so that | think we had better
make u start at once. Miss Muir-As-
hes. you will he guided by my ~co,,ns...
will You notY"
"Nes, Mr.. puntl"re. in everything"
Shortly aftcrwari they set out in a
public conveyance for Dalzicl Towcr,.
The lowering Deccinbrr day was then
drawing To a close. and it Glanced TO no
just NJ the time when Chelmsford.
Wecms and Luke Dalziel were in tho
midst of that first conference in the Office
of tlit. former. incidental to Wcems' alb.
rupt arrival from Southampton. as has
hccn described in a previous chapter.
III" driver of the hackney coach, hay.
ing received his orders beforehand. sion.
ped at the roadside some little distance
before reaching the gate lodge. which orr
friends. after slighting. proceeded to an
I%,roacl. on foot. They found the gates
closed. hut these We're quickly opened to
them by Towns wife. upon it's being ex-
planned to her that the visitors were de-
sirous of calling at Rose Cottage. The
night had almost fallen when they reach
ed the cottage. and We're ut once admit.
ted by Mrs. Graemc. who had been on
the lookout for their coming.
Il suppose you are the persons the mes
senger from the hotel told me 1 was ia
expect about this houry" said Mrs.
Hot Springs weekly star. (Hot Springs, S.D.) 1892-1917, 1900-08-10
yon would not cheat me out of my crate.

you would not cheat me out of my crate
fulness!!"
And then she caught Miss Muir in her
arms and Rugged and kissed her with 10y
full hcartiness.
would the young lady mind if l spoke
Just II word in private with you, sir:'
She said, timidly.
II fancy the young lady won't mind n
very great DEAL" smilingly interposed
Miss Muir. taking possession of the lad.
while the two others rcturncd to the little
room that had just been vacated.
Sir" said Mrs. Gracmc, lowering her
voice as soon as she found herself alone
with Dunmore, lis it Dunmore that YOU
said your name was?"
YES"
She looked him pcnctratingly in the
eyes. and smiled strangely.
"Ah. sir" she said. you're welcome to
what disguise you will. since it's such
n mountain of debt you have placed me
under; but you have not succeeded in de-
ceiving me-"
What do you mean?' asked Dunmsre,
with evident %disquiet.
II know you by the family likeness"
said Mary, quietly. ''You are L.ukc's cid
er brother-the real baronct. Sir Philip
Dalziel-rcturned to his own again"
You speak truly. madam,'' admitted
punmorc. after Il moments hesitation.
but L regret that you have OWNED a
secret that l am not yet quite ready to
make generally known"
Does she know of it?" asked Mary.
with a motion of the head toward the
outer hall.
Dunmorc shook his head.
Don't let her know of it. then. until
un:il YOU shall have wholly tried her."
said Mary. with much carnrstncss. You
have already won her heart, as | Scc that
she has yours, as well. But don't tell her
about the title and the estate until you've
tested her completely"
Hot Springs weekly star. (Hot Springs, S.D.) 1892-1917, 1900-08-10

Political Pointers.
One deceptive plank in a political plat
form readily communicates the entire
structure.
1t is not at all likely that the Kansas
City ticket will make near the u that
Aguinaldo has.
Was there ever a political gathering
so thoroughly bossed as the Kansas
City convention?
Mr.. Bryan ought to understand that
excessive predicting from a nan whose
predictions have always gone awry 10
not in good taste.
A foreign commerce Of 32.2aA,000y0oo
with the gold standard rather puts Oh.
yer out Of the running. At least Il can.
not be claimed to be the running matt
Of prosperity