New-York tribune., 1902-01-19
LEGENDS OF STANFORD.
AN INDIAN ATTACK-ONE OF THE "TEA
PARTIES OF REVOLUTIONARY DAYS
CAPTURE OF BRITISH SLOOPS.

The pet legend in the history Of Stamford, Conn.
is the one which relates to rock about two miles
west Of the centre of the town. This cliff, forty
feet high. and in the depths of a wood. has always
been the objective point for rambles from the
town. Here the early wild flowers bloom and the
late nuts fall For many years the companies OF
eypsies who travelled the old BOston-New-
York post road camped the rock TO trade
horses and tell fortunes.
A short distance west Of the rock, which side
its crest is reached by a gentle incline. number
OF English families built their homes a few years
after the Dutch settled the Island of Manhat-
tan. Among them named Cornelius Lad
din. Laddin's family consisted of his wife and
girl OF sixteen. His log house apart from those
of his neghbors and nearer the rock. The little
settlement permitted to clear its land and
plant IN peace for few years. but day the
Indians, their passions aroused by the cupidty of
the Dutch traders of New-Amsterdam. attacked
the little group of huts in the wilderness. Laddin
was In the field working. and seeing a smoke,
found that the cabins of his neighbors fire.
He knew what ii meant and he started for his
home with the hope of reaching IT before the
Indians. to protect his WIFE his child and his
house. He had succeeded in barring the doors
before the red men appeared in the cleared space
before IL. Laddin stood at the window with his
gun in his hands An Indian started toward the
house, torch in hand. TO fire IT. A puff of smoke
from the window, and the wOodsmans markham
ship had proved its efficiency. Maddened by the
resistance number of the savages carrying a log
as a battering ram, started toward the door. The
wife and daughter in terror clung Laddin who
was busily reloading his musket. Another shot
echoed in the clearing, and for minute the ad-
vance Of the Indians checked by the body OF
fallen comrade. Again they started for the door,
again the musket rang and another redskins
blood stained the grass of the clearing.
This resistance could not be continued for long.
as the supply Of powder in the cabin rapidly
diminishing. tie heavy door started
the heavy hinges and the bar which held II fast.
The mother ard girl shuddered as they cung
tighter-to the husband and father Another crash
followed and then as sometimes do when
they think OF the safety of loved ones they forgot
themselves and their fear
Husband, fiy!' the cried. They will
surely respect 1 will open the door IN the
rear. You ride away the horse which l
tied in the wood little while ago. Perhaps you
can bring assistance"
Laddin hesitated, but the wife. suting the action
10 the word. had unbarred the door. At that in
slant the front door fell and the Indians rushed in
They buried their tomahawks in the brains of the
two women and tore off their scalps
In the hasty glance which he had thrown back
ward ne stood in the door. Laddin had seen the
tomahawks descend. Frenzied by the spectacle he
dashed out TO his horse pulling out his hunting
knife as he ran. The moments delay while the
scaips of the being taken enabled him
TO cut the thong that held the animal AS the
Indians dashed from the house in pursuit Laddin
jumped upon the horse and turned the animals
head toward the top of the cliff. The cries of the
Indians behind spurred the horse forward and in q
moment the rocks crest reached. In instant
horse and rider disappeared from the sight of the
pursuing Indians. The echo of the crashing under
growth below came over the cliffs edge and then
all was silent the savages The horse and rider
lay dead on the ground below.
A famous name in Stamford history is that of
Abraham Davenport and story is told about him
that is treasured by his descendants An austere
man. he noted for his devotion to duty. For
nearly sixty years. beginning with that of Wash
ingtons birth he figured in the public affairs of his
town. county and State. It is said that he wished
10 die performing hts duty. and his wish graft