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

HOW A FRONTIERSMAN FIGHTS  LYDIA NS.  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 rancho, 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 hisranche, and Old Wicked; when he is on his travels, is a man about si'tY 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 received 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 large 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 fa.aily consists of his wife, a frail, patientlooking woman, a daughter about eighteen, and three sons. These form the corps reserve, vbila one or two hired men assist in guarding against surprise and doing the work about the rancho. Outside of the:house, and 10 feet from it are the fortifications, which completely surround it. The Vll4 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 thil wall, opposite the front door, is an opening sh°ll" three feet wide, and bags of sand lying near to bar' ricade the same if required. " The Indians, who have often by treachery ana open attack tried to destroy this fort and murder its occupants, have as often been beaten, till WI now have a wholesome fear of the determined Godfrey and his brave family. They hate him with °' 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 Goa' frey, and distinctly visible. Behind these bluffs thB Indians watch for chances. A few weeks shlecei Godfrey saw a fine antelope near his rancho/ 111/h0 taking his long rifle he started in pursuit. In ta excitement of the chase he failed to notice th distance, and nearing the bluffs, a party of saaje Cheyennes, who had been watching as Oil.; went for him.' The old man started, but Pi horse was too slow, and the Indians were gaini°ega upon him rapidly. Here his experience ser% him. Knowing that his long rifle would reach farther than the carbines with which his Pa; suers were armed, he suddenly stopped his hors_ci took deliberate aim over the back of the steed, lap laid laid one of the savages low. This occasioned a clel]o with them, which Godfrey improved. But two , taking care of the dead Indian, four followed and in a short time Godfrey repeated the operatic'' killing one more. off " This last delay saved him ; but being cut from his ranche, he found shelter in another ranell about ten miles from home. Here was poll chance for the Red skins. Old Wicked' away, his family without his aid. It was a chance not _t, be neglected, and soon about fifty attacked the expecting to revel in the blood of the family of te7.. bitter foe. The family had time to prepare forth and receive them handsomely, Mrs. Godfrey :co the daughter loading, while the male inel3l, the defended. The battle raged for 24 hours, b°l,o ' determined brave men and women held their ov cd till the stages approached, and the Indians vain cer3 the ranche' in double quick. Thus the Pi°l34.lf, of our country live in perils and dangers coos Of without aid or sympathy from the Gover3ol which ought to afford them sure protection.