Morgan County Democrat. (McConnelsville, Ohio) 1886-1943, 1940-01-04
We Shall Meet Again

Early conditions in Ohio are dif
fcult to picture. There was mucl
of danger, often much of horror
The first white residents of Ohi'
were captives, brought as Indian
captives from other states. Th'
hero of this story is Colonel Henr.
Bouquet, sent to pacify the Indians
This he did at the point Of the bay
onet, in a terrific encounter, IL
which many savages were slain d
Edge Hill, near the site Of Pitts
burgh. From this point he set out
October 2, 1854, with 1900 men
and herds of sheep and cattle fo
food.
He soon reached the center of In
dian activity near Coshocton. Braves
were quite ready now to sue TO
peace. Red Hawk acted as spOkes
man for the As Senecas, Delaware
and Shawnees, who hastily present
ed themselves for this purpose
Bouquet refused all peace terms
until they should return all prison
ers. He gave them II days to dt
this. They agreed, and kept theil
word. They came with all tht
white captives. The unwilling hat
to be tied and were brought by
force. 1t was November 8, 1854, {
day of great expectancy, and breath
less anxiety. Brothers, lovers and
parents came long distances.
A complete record was preserved
of the captives. There were 206 in
all. The men numbered 81, the
There wre 90 from Virginia, and
116 from Pennsylvania. Who can
imagine such strange meeting!
Whit cid "a
wistful, hopeful, eager, fearful, an
agony of suspense filling their
minds Some were filled with joy,
later. as it turned out, to be disap
pointed.
On the other side was motley
group, looking more like native
painted redmen, than members of
any other race. Relatives could
not make them out. They were
changed in manner, dress and ap-
fearful and ap-
prehensive. Recognition was slow
and difficult. Questions were ask
ed. Names, pet-names and places
were pronounced over and over
again.
Slowly it dawned upon the ques-
toners that daughters had married
indian mates, and their little chill
1ren were by their sides. Boys,
1ow grown to manhood, loved the
manners and life of their captors,
md did not wish to part from them.
'amous afterward, as a mediator be-
ween the races, but he never be-
,ame reconciled to the white mans
ways. and kept his bow and arrows
Ill his life.
The Indians, equally fond ofl
heir adopted children, showed great
orrow in parting from them. ManyI
lad lost all desire of returning toi
and were reconciled tol
heir fate.
Gradually, one by one, the odd
igures Joined the white group. |
Broken hearts, long separated,
we're united with embraces, shout
ngs and tears. Children went|
yer again the painful task of re-
Utilization. Heart-broken lovers
Tere joined together. A Mingo had
larried Virginian maiden, and
ollowed her to Fort Pitt, hunting
nd bringing provisions to the com
any. Others brought meat. corn,
kins, even horses, as offerings to-
heir friends. Some of the cap-
ives after short stay with
1eir relatives went back to the
'ibes. Maidens. who had become
sed to Indian life, stole away in
ne night, retracing the long way.
, the mothers and lovers theyt
new best.
Unclaimed waits were carried to
arlyle, Pa, where parents camel
,eking them. A German motheri
ad lost two little girls, Barbara
nd Regina. Failing to find theml
le officer asked her to sing somel
lllaby that might be familiar tol
lem, surrounded by frightened chill
rem she sang the old Germanl
,ng "Allein, und doch night ganzI
lein," but the stanza was neverI
nished. Out of the crowd came a
young woman, who threwI
ar arms about the mother. and
opped the song. 1t was Regina.i
ut Barbara was not found. SheI
ay have succumbed to an earIyl
cath, some later, happier day. tol
nd her mother again in heavani
fter separation, reunion throueht
'e long reaches of eternity. Wei
lall meet again.
Verified bv DR.. Geo. III. Grow ofI
hio State University, Henry Howell
nd DR.. VIM. Smith. the most ac-I
irate authorities. + submit the in-I
dent, as one of the most remark
'.e IN our. early history-.-How-