The Sun. — 1867-08-24 (London, England)

HOW A FRONTIERSMAN FIGHTS INDI2INS.  A Denver letter, in the Cincinnati Gazette, has a story of frontier life : " My last letter closed with the arrival of our party at Godfrey's ranche, on our westward journey. This ranche is about midway between Old Julesburg and the Platte and Denver City. As this is a noted place, and its proprietor a character,' I propose to dwell awhile.  " Old Godfrey,' as he is called by travellers and himself when he is at his rancho, and Old Wicked,' when he is on his travels, is a man about sixty years of age, above the average in stature, well built and firmly knit ; his hair iron grey, his eye keen and undimmed, his shoulders slightly bent by time, hardships, and wounds teceived from the Indians, who are his only near neighbours, and who never visit him to take tea or drinks socially, but always do call when they think their force largo enough to take his cattle, his goods, or the scalp of the old veteran, or of some or all of his family.  " His watchfulness has so far thwarted them and protected his household treasures ; but they often run off his stock, and he as often succeeds in getting even with them. The ranche is built of adobe, the walls being about 2ft. thick ; the apartments are the dining-room, for travellers, a kitchen, two or three lodging rooms, and a large room, used for a sitting, wash-room, and a store—the floor being rough boards. In this room are also the arms and ammunition used in defending his home from the frequent attacks of his neighbours aforesaid.  " His family consists of his wife, a frail, patientlooking woman, a daughter about eighteen, and three sons. These form the corps reserve, while one or two hired men assist in guarding against surprise and doing the work about the ranche• Outside of the:house, and 10 feet from it are the fortifications, which completely surround it. The walls of defence are built of sod taken from the surface of the prairie, being about 2 feet thick at the bottom and one at the top, the height being about 5 feet ; near the top loopholes are frequent, affording range in all directions. Through this wall, opposite the front door, is an opening about three feet wide, and bags of sand lying near to barricade the same if required. " The Indians, who have often by treachery and open attack tried to destroy this fort and murder its occupants, have as often been beaten, till they now have a wholesome fear of the determined Godfrey and his brave family. They hate him with a bitter hate, and declare they will yet have his hair, and Godfrey declares that they shall not. " The bluffs are about six miles from Fort God frey, and distinctly visible. Behind these bluffs the Indians watch for . chances. A few weeks since Godfrey saw a fine antelope near his rancho, and taking his long rifle he started in pursuit. In the excitement of the chase he failed to notice the distance, and nearing the bluffs, a party of seven Cheyennes, who had been watching as usual, ' went for him.' The old man started, but 1115 horse was too slow, and the Indians were gaining upon him rapidly. Here his experience served him. Knowing that his long rifle would reach farther than the carbines with which his pursuers were armed, he suddenly stopped his horse' took deliberate aim over the back of the steed, and laid one of the savages low. This occasioned a delay with them, which Godfrey improved. But We taking care of the dead Indian, four followed on' and in a short time Godfrey repeated the operation, killing one more. " This last crelay saved him ; but being cut oil from his ranche, he found shelter in another ranche, about ten miles from home. Hero was noW chance for the Red skins. Old Wicked' away, and his family without his aid. It was a chance not to be neglected, and soon about fifty attacked the for!, expecting to revel in the blood of the family of their bitter foe. The family had time to prepare for thonci and receive them handsomely, Mrs. Godfrey an the daughter loading, while the male inerabc, defended. The battle raged for 24 hours, butt ort determined brave men and women held their ova till the stages approached, and the Indians vaniNee, the rancho' in double quick. Thus the pioneers of our country live in perils and dangers constantlf; without aid or sympathy from the Governmell which ought to afford them sure protection."