The National tribune., 1901-02-14

with A RELENTLESS GRASP, b
streams Often they toiled through mire
and morass, more dangerous than the
flood itself. Hundreds of Indians thronged
their pathway. But, amid angry elements,
wild beasts, vast swamps, boundless for
ests and treacherous sayages, the daunt-
less Perkins held his course, marching
swiftly at the head of his company, and
urging them along at the rate of 40 miles
a day. In their journey through Alabama
the party always slept in the woods, near
swamps of reeds, upon which the horses,
"belled and hobbled," fed during the night.
After breakfast it was their custom again
to mount their horses and march on, with
silence which was sometimes broken by
a remark about the weather, the streams,
or the Indians. Burr sat firmly in the
saddle, was always on the alert, and was a
most excellent rider. Although drenched
for hours with cold, clammy rain, and ex-
tended upon thin pallet, on the bare
ground, after having accomplished a 40
mile ride, yet, in the whole distance to
Richmond he was never heard to COM
plain that he was sick, or even fatigued.
1t was 10 days before they again reached
the abodes of the white man. Occasion
ally, as they approached the settlements,
they would find an Indian in possession
of a crossing place on the river. with ca
noes for the conveyance Of travellers. Then
they would place their stores in the canoes,
and paddle over, leading their swimming
horses. The first roof that sheltered the
party was that of a small tavern near
Fort Wilkinson, on the Oconee River,
about so miles from the boundary line be-
tween Georgia and South Carolina.
The arrival of so extraordinary a party
at this remote place of entertainment as
tonished Bevin, the landlord. Bevin was
II, ~, tss-st fhA
guard, with their prisoner, sat about the
fire waiting for breakfast, began to ply
them with questions.
do you come from the Tombigbee set
tlement?" he asked.
Yes" answered Perkins.
On this information he launched out at
once upon the prevailing topic of the day,
Aaron Burr.
II suppose the traitor Aaron Burr has
created considerable excitement on the
Tombigbesr
Perkins, gazing into the fire, answered.:
There has been considerable excite
ment over Col. Burr
HAS he yet been arrestedT'
Perkins and his men hung their heads
and made no answer.
SIS he not a bad manW
To this no answer was made, and the
inauisitive landlord continued:
'sIs not everybody afraid of himY'
Burr, who was sitting in a corner near
the fire, raised his head, and, fixing his
blazing eyes upon the unsuspecting land
lord, said:
II am Aaron Burr; what is it you want
with me|
Poor Bevin, amazed at the information,
and struck by the majestic manner Of the
man, stood aghast, and, without sylla-
bic of reply, glided about the house, Of
fering the party the most obsequious at
tentions.
A journey of two days more brought
them TO the confines Of South Carolina,
where Burr of old had been popular IA
vorite, and where on his visits to Theo-
dosia he had ever been warmly welcomed,
and had made many personal friends.
Perkins realized the difficulty he would
have in conveying, with such q force as
his, q prisoner like Burr through that
State, and he exhorted his men to re-
newed vigilance. By keeping well to the
north he avoided the larger settlements
until he reached the District Of Chester,
which was only one days march from
North Carolina. AS he approached the
principal village of this District he halted
the party and changed the order of march,
placing two men in front of the prisoner,
two more behind, and one on each side of
him. In this manner they proceeded.
without incident, until they passed near
tavern, before which a considerable
number Of persons were assembled, while
music and dancing were heard within.
Here Burr threw himself from his horse,
and in a loud voice cried:
Il am Aaron Burr, under military mr.