Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1910-08-18
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drQenuy dltdCneQ. one ldu DetH ldken
away alive as was ascertained by exam
lining the trail OF the savages. Wetzel
discovered that the party consisted OF three
Indians and a renegade white man, fact
not uncommon in those early days, when
for crime or love of revenge, the white
outlaw fled to the savages, and was
adopted on trial, into their tribe.
AS it was past the middle OF the day,
the nearest assistance still at some con-
siderable distance, and as there were on
ly four to contend with, they decided on
instant pursuit. AS the deed had been
very recently done, they hoped to over
take them in their camp that night, an d
perhaps before they could cross the Ohio.
river to which the Indians always retreat
ed after a successful excursion consider
ing themselves in a manner safe when
they had crossed to the right bank,
that time occupied by the Indian tribes
Ardent and unwearied was the pursuit
by the youthful huntSman-one excited
to recover his lost mistress, the others TO
assist his new friend and take revenge
Tor the slaughter OF his countrymen.
BY examining carefully the appearance
of the opposite shore, they soon discover
ed the fire of an Indian camp in hollow
way, not far from the river. Lest the noise
of constructing a raft should alarm the In
dians, and give notice OF their pursuit, the
two hardy adventures determined to
swim the stream few yards below. This
they easily accomplished being both OF
them excellent swimmers; fastening their
clothes and ammunition in bundle on
the top OF their heads, with their rifles
resting on their hips, they reached the
opposite shore in safety. After carefully
examining their arms, and putting every
aricle OF defense in its proper place, they
crawled to position which gave them
fair view of their enemies, who thinking
themselves safe from pursuit, were care
lessly reposing around the fire, thought
less of the fate that awaited them. They
instantly discovered the young woman,
apparently unhurt, but making much
moaning and lamentation, while the white
man was trying to console and pacify her
with the promise of kind usage and an
adoption with the tribe. The young man,
hardly able to restrain his rage, was Tor
firing and rushing instantly upon them.
Wetzel. more cautions, tod him to wait
till daylight, when they could make the
attack with better chance Of success,
and of also killing the whole party but
if they attacked in the dark part would
certainly escape.
As soon as daylight dawned, the Indians
arose and prepared to depart. The young
man selecting the white renegade and
Wetzel the Indian, they both fired at the
same time, each killing his man. The
Young man rushed forward, knife in hand
TO relieve the young woman, while Wet
eel reloaded his gun and pushed in pur-
suit of the two surviving Indians, who
had taken to the wood until they could
ascertain the number OF their enemies.
Wetzel, as soon as he saw that he was
discovered, discharged his rifle at random
in order to draw them from their covert.
Hearing the report, and finding them
selves unhurt the Indians rushed upon
him before he could again reload. This
was as he wished. Taking to his heels
Wetzel loaded as he ran, and suddenly
wheeling about, discharged his rifle
through the body of his nearest, but un-
suSpeCtng enemy.
The remaining Indian, seeing the tate
of his companion, and that his enemyS
gun was unloaded, rushed forward with
all his his energy, the prospect OF prompt
revenge being fairly before him. Wet
eel led him on, dodging from tree to tree,
until his rifle was again ready, when sud-
denly turning, he shot his remaining en-
envy who fell dead at his feet. After TAX
ing their SCalpS, WetZel and his trleno'
with their rescued captive, returned IN
safety to the settlement.
Like honest Joshua Freehart, after the
peace OF 1895, Wetzel pushed forthe IRON
tiers of the Mississippi. where he could
trap the beaver, hunt the buffalo and the
deer, and occasionally shoot an Indian
the object of his mortal hatred He finally
died as he had lived, a free man OF the
forest