Conquering the wilderness; or, New pictorial history of the life and times of the pioneer heroes and heroines of America ..

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Chapter I. Hardy Heroes

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The Pioneer of Civilization — The Mound-Builder — Relics of a Prior Civilization — The Heroism of the Pioneer — The Mission of the Indian — A Doomed Pace — Cooper’s Savages — The American Ishmaelite — His Warfare — Ideal Indians— Kentucky — The Sign Manual of the Red Man — The Enchantment of Distance — Outrage and Murder — Extinction 43

Chapter II. The Struggle Against Destiny

Savage Idiosyncracies — “Against his Medicine” — A Celebrated French Duelist Erroneous Ideas — The Result of Hereditary Instincts — Captain John Smith of Virginia — Mental Qualities — The Tide of Immigration — Settlement of Kentucky — The Anglo-Norman — The Battling of Children ^gainst Giants — The Christians’ Creeds — Moral Suasion — Brute Force — Hospitality — Mo Redeeming Traits — The Kentucky Pioneers — The March of Destiny — Opening Up the Wilderness — From Oceac to Ocean 53

Chapter III. The Indians And Their British Allies

Daring Disposition of the Kentucky Pioneers — The Exploration of Findley — The Inherited Love of Liberty — Conquest of Kentucky and the Northwestern Territory — A Source of Regret — Our Vanished Heroes — A Power Second to None — The Wonder of the World — The Treasures of Wealth and Art — Two Hundred Millions of People — Capacities for Production — The Young Republic of the Mew World— Our Revenues — The Arbiter of the World’s Destinies GO

Chapter IV. *

DANIEL BOONE.

Tne Typical Pioneer — His Character — His Defensive Warfare — “This was a Man” — Date of Birth — Ancestry — His Love of Adventure — His Courage — Two Anecdotes — The Young Hermit — The Panther — His Education — The Lore of the Hunter — Unknown Heroes — Woodcraft — Moves to North Carolina — Marries Rebecca Bryan — His Children — Their Fates — Hunting Excursions — Findley, the Discoverer of Kentucky — Boone goes to Kentucky — A Glorious Sight — Deer and Buffalo — Findley’s Question — Capture of Boone and Stuart — Their Escape — Fate of their Comrades — Arrival of Boone’s Brother — Stuart Killed and Scalped — Horrible Death of a Comrade — Boone’s Brother Departs for North Carolina — Boone Alone in the Wilderness 67

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Chapter V. The Picket-guard Of Civilization

A Life at Stake — Boone’s Stratagems — Midnight Attacks — Return of Squire Boone — The Brothers Explore Kentucky — Hardships Endured by Boone— Return to North Carolina — Starts to Colonize Kentucky — Attacked by Indians — Death of Boone’s Son — Indians Repulsed — Retreat to Clinch River — Boone Employed by Governor Dunmore — Is Given a Captain’s Commission — Henderson’s Purchase — Indian Treaties — Boone Cuts a Road to the Kentucky River — Twice Attacked by Indians — Boonsborough Built — The “State of Transylvania’ ' — James Harrod— His Settlement — The Territorial Legislation — Boone’s Family go to Kentucky — Stormy Times — Boone’s Daughter Captured— Rescue — McClung’s Comments — Reinforcement’s Arrive — Indian Attacks — Logan’s Fort — Capture of Boone — Adopted by Indians — Taken to Detroit — British Effort to Purchase — Taken Back to Chillicothe — Preparations for War — Boone’s Escape — A Wonderful Journey — An Unprepared Post — Futile Assaults — An Incursion into the Indian Country — War Party Defeated — Return to Boonsborough — Savages in Force — The Siege 75

Chapter VI. The Last Siege Of Boonsborough

Unwise Commanders — A Silly Stratagem — Its Failure — The Indians Run a Tunnel — A Counter-Mine — Deadly Aim of the Kentuckians — Savages Retreat — Boone Brings his Family from North Carolina — Hints of Trouble — The Fatal Blue Licks — Death of Boone’s Brother — Boone’s Escape — A Bitter Conflict— Girty, Elliot and McKey — Their Plans — Horrible Barbarities— The Whites Outmaneuvered — Death of Captain Estil — Outrage and Murder — Attack on Bryant’s Station — Besieged by Indians — Heroic Women — A Supply of Water — The Sally — Reinforcements — A Wonderful Escape — A Sharp Skirmish — The Assault — Indians Repulsed — Girty’s Eloquence— Reply of the Gallant Reynolds — A Mangy Cur — Girty’s Fury — Retreat of the Savages — A Broad Trail — Whites in Pursuit — An Evil Omen — The Fiery McGarry — Colonels Todd and Trigg — Major Harlan — The Fierce Assault — Boone’s Advice — The Ambuscade — Fatal Errors — A Dire Disaster — Death of Boone’s Son — Escape of the Father — An Unexpected Hero — The Gallant Reynolds Again — A Noble Action — Retreat from the Field — The Fierce Pursuit — Reynolds’ Escape — McGarry’s Account — His Fierce Temper — Logan Reaches the Field of Battle — A Terrible Sight — Clarke's Expedition 85

Chapter VII. Misfortunes Of Boone

A Period of Repose — Land Sharks and Speculators — A Dastardly Outrage — Kentucky’s Shame — McClung's Hints — Byron’s Eulogy — Removal to Virginia—Starts for Missouri— Friendly Reception by French and Spanish— Reaches St. Louis— Audubon’s Description of the Pioneer— An Anecdote Related by Boone — His Powers of Memory— Surrounded and Captured— Imminent Peril — In the Indian Camp — His Stoic Behavior — His Bottle of Whiskey— Searched by the Squaws— A Midnight Orgie— Savage Revelrie—

A Free Treat— The Midnight Shot — The Council 100

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Chapter VIII. Last Days Of Boone

Anecdote Coni inued — Warriors Leave — Squaws left on Guard — Become Drunk — Boone I urns his Bonds — His First Desire — Spares the Squaws’ Lives— Marks a Ti 3e — A Disputed Boundary — Boone’s Tree in Question — Trip to Green Riv r — Reflections of Boone — The Changes of Thirty Years — Identifies his Ti ee — The Law-Suit Won — Conclusion of Audubon’s Anecdote — Boone’s De bts Paid — Willing to Die — Boone Robbed — A Noble Man — Col. Thomas H irt’s Letter— His Opinion of Boone — Attacked by Osages — Forces The ui to Retreat — His Want of Fear — Surrounded by Indians— A Close Prise ner — Boone’s Petition to Congress — Miserly Economy of that Body — Last Days of Boone — Death of his Wife — Boone's Death — Action of the Missouri Legislature — Kentucky’s Tardy Justice 106

Chapter IX. Simon Kenton

A Wonderful Life — Date of Birth — His Education — A Love Affair — A Rival — Terribly in Earnest — A Battle — Foul Play — Kenton Worsted — Bides his Time— A Second Duel — His Rival left for Dead— His Flight — The Brand of Cain — Finds a Companion — Joins an Exploring Party — Goes Down the Monongahela — Meets Strader and Yeager — Yeager’s Tales of Kan-Tuck-Ee — Character of Kenton — In Search of Eldorado — A Futile Voyage — Return — Attacked by Indians — Terrible Sufferings— Voyage Down the Ohio — Abandon the Canoes — A Second Jonah — Kenton Fears to Enter Virginia — Cresap’s Infamy— The Paradise Found — Visit to Blue Licks — Settles in Kentucky — Finds Two White Men — One Returns to the Settlements — Horrible Fate of the Other 112

Chapter X. A Terrible Experience

Kenton’s Rash Bravery — A Wonderful Adventure — Narrow Escape — A Fresh Scalp — Kenton Remains in the Indian Country — The Captured Horses — Escape — Reach Logan’s Fort — A Second Expedition — Too Great Temptation— A Slow Pursuit — Attempt to Swim the Ohio — Frightened Horses—

The Storm— A Day and Night Lost — The Height of Folly— Unparalleled Rashness — Their Good Genius Wearied — Love of Horseflesh — Capture of Kenton — Death of Montgomery — Clark Escapes — Blackfish’s Question — Abuse — Tormented by the Savages — The Renegade’s Reply — Runs the Gauntlet — Resolves to Escape — Too Late — Haltered — Meets Simon Girty — Brutal Treatment — “ What’s in a Name?'’ 120

Chapter XI. Freaks Of Fortune

Girty’s Surprise — An Earnest Appeal — Brothers-in-Arms — Effect of Girty’s Eloquence — The Reply — The Vote — Reprieve of Kenton — A Time of Rest — The Distress Hallo — Warm Friends Cooling — The New Council— Another

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Trial — Kenton Condemned — Girty’s Efforts in his Behalf — The March to Death — Girty’s Last Attempt — Failure — Escape from the Gauntlet — An Irate Indian — A Terrible Wound — Indian Humanity — Meeting with Logan His Efforts to Aid Kenton — A Remarkable Man — Of no Avail — Driven to Sandusky — The Goal of Death — The Stake Prepared — Another Rescue- Taken to Detroit 127

Chapter XII. Death Of Kenton

Treatment at Detroit — Resolves to Escape — Sounds Two Kentuckians — Kenton Obtains Arms— A Friend in Need — Start for Kentucky — Travel by Night — Reach Home — Considerations of Kenton’s Conduct — His After-Services — Learns that he is not a Murderer — Yeitch Alive — Drops the Name of Butler— Returns to Virginia — Brings his Father’s Family to Kentucky — Death of the Elder Kenton — Becomes a Major — Two Anecdotes — Coming of Peace — Troubles of Kenton — His Last Campaign — Misfortunes — Goes to Kentucky — His sad Plight — Meets an Old Comrade — The Guest of Honor — A Successful Mission — Death of Kenton 133

Chapter XIII. The Wetzels

Their Birthplace— Characters— Description of Lewis— A Terrible Event— Taken by Savages— Escape— A Boy’s Bravery— On the Trail— Lewis Kills Three Indians — Tragic Death of Thomas Mills — “He Gun Always Loaded” — The Death of a Hero— The Avengers’ Oath— The Scout from Wheeling — Retreat of Whites — Lewis Wetzel Alone — Kills an Indian — A Hunt— Four Indians “Treed”— One Gets Away— Murder of George Washington— Harmer's Fury — Captain Kingsbury Attempts to Arrest Wetzel — Narrow Escape of the Officer— Captured on an Island — Pines in Prison — Allowed to Exercise — Wetzel’s Escape — Eager Pursuit — Rejoins his Comrades 139

Chapter XIV. Other Exploits Of The Wetzels

Meeting between Wetzel and Kingsburry — Second Capture of Wetzel— Writ of Habeas Corpus — Presented with a Rifle — Harmer’s Position— The Red Gobbler — A Feat Attributed to Others— The Dead Indian— Rescues Miss Betsy Bryan — The Daylight Attack — Wetzel’s Prowess — A Religious Duty — A Deserted Camp — Death of John Madison — Escape of Louis Wetzel — Goes to New Orleans — Imprisoned by the Spanish — Cause unknown — With Lewis and Clark — Leaves the Expedition — Dies in Natchez — Ferocity of Martin Wetzel — The Murdered Chief — Slaughtering Prisoners — Captured and Adopted by Indians — Goes on a Hunt — Kills Three Companions — John Wetzel — Goes on a Foray — Capture of Indian Horses — Illness of a Comrade— The Halt — A Night Attack — Escape of Wetzel ]50

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CHAPTER XY.

GENERAL GEORGE ROGERS CLARKE.

His Character and Talents— Judgment and Decision— His Birth and Profession —Arrival in Kentucky— A Captain at Twenty-Three— Personal Description —Final Removal to Kentucky— The Coming Storm— Delegate to Virginia- Poor Policy— A Last Appeal— Disgusted— At Last Successful— The County of Kentucky — Ammunition from Fort Pitt — Clarke’s Statecraft and Generalship—His Policy of Invasion— Marches to Illinois and Indiana— Father Gebault— French Allies— Post Garrisoned— Captain Helm— Clarke’s Diplomacy— Demanding Versus Sueing— Indian Anecdote — Detroit — Governor Hamilton — A Dangerous Situation — British Marching on Kaskaskia — Clarke’s Conclusion 157

CHAPTER XYI.

A TERRIBLE MARCH.

Noble Kentuckians — Waist Deep in Water — Unparalleled Heroism — An Inland Sea — Cold, Hunger and Fatigue — On to Vincennes — A Forlorn Hope— The Battle Song — The War Whoop — The Island Rest — The Frozen Waters — A Timely Rescue — In Sight of Their Goal — Captured Citizens — A Desperate Situation— Victory or Death— The Son of Tobacco— Clarke’s Proclamation — Old “Rough and Ready” — A Cunning Maneuver — Siege of Vincennes — Surprise of Hamilton — Bewildered British — Indians Desert to Clarke — Stratagems — Fears of Hamilton — The Flag of Truce— A Conference — “Indian Partisans” — Major Hay — Williams’ Capture — St. Croix's Son — Execution of Savages — The Deadly Aim of the Kentuckians — Capitulation — Consequence — Clarke’s Request — McIntosh’s Eailure — Builds Fort Jefferson— Sent to Oppose Benedict Arnold — Authorized to Besiege Detroit —

An Indian Campaign — After Exploits — His Sufferings and Death — Reflections 1GG

CHAPTER XVII.

COLONEL WILLIAM CRAWFORD.

Torture at the Stake — Cannibalism — Considerations of its Causes — The Burning of Crawford — Who He Was — An Ill-Fated Expedition— Skulking Savages— Insubordination — 111 Omens — A Spirited Attack — Fierce Fighting — The Second Day’s Battle — A Night Retreat — Slover, the Guide — A Light Volley — The Panic — “Save Yourselves” — The Pursuit — The Indian Tomahawk— The Heroic Dr. Knight — Crawford’s Relations — A Foolish Companion— Exhausted Horses — Biggs and Ashley — A Violent Rain Storm — Find a Deer — Another Comrade — A Hearty Breakfast — Crawford’s Folly — The Capture — Interview With Girty — Empty Promises — Captain Pipe — Wingenund — Typical Indians— The Insignia of Death— A Bitter Enemy.. . 175

CHAPTER XVIII.

THE DEED OF DEMONS.

Murdered Prisoners — A Horrible Hag — Death of Captain McKinley — “Murder Most Foul” — Girty’s Salutation — The Stake— The Torture Begins— Indian xii

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Devils— Hours of Torment— Incredible Horrors — The Part Played by the Squaws— Crawford’s Request— Refusal of the Infamous Renegade— Knight’s Sympathy— Nature’s Respite— The Acme of Torture— The Tale of an Eye- Witness — Remains of Crawford— Knight’s Determination — A Solitary Guard — Mutual Deception— A Pair of Brothers — Tormenting Gnats — Friendly Offices— A Feeble Blow — A Whining Warrior — A Munchausen Tale — Combat With a Giant — Knight’s Dangers and Sufferings — A Glance at the Retreating Command — Its Escape — A Shameful Disaster — Who was Rose ?— The Russian Baron — A Noble Man— His Death 183

CHAPTER XIX.

COLONEL BENJAMIN LOGAN.

His Birth — Appearance — Mental Qualities — A Generous Action — Removes to Tennessee — Marries — Goes to Kentucky — Fearlessness — Defends His Fort — A Gallant Action — The Close-Fitting Skin — A Trembling Giant — The Rescue — A Marvelous Escape — A Perilous Journey — Safe Return — A Stubborn Defense — Arrival of Colonel Bowman — Flight of Savages — Bowman’s Expedition — “Carrying the War into Africa” — Heroic Officers — The Indian Capitol — Plan of Battle — Dreary Night Watch — The Village Aroused — The Attack — Logan’s Bravery — Cowardice of Bowman — McClung’s Account — Undaunted Heroes — A Fierce Charge — Surrounded — Almost a Panic — Logan’s Popularity — Death of Moluntha — Our Old Friend McGarry — Logan’s Warning — Indians Take Name of Logan — Captain Johnny — Tragic Death — A Furious Fight — Logan’s Services — A Noble Man 191

CHAPTER XX.

THE BRADYS.

Indian Fighters — Samuel Brady — A Warrior at Seventeen — Fate of his Father and Brother — Scout to Sandusky — Quick Preparations — Cautious Marching — Deserted by His Chickasaw Guides— Surmises — Soldiers Mutiny — A Night Adventure — A Bold Move — His Object Accomplished — Out of Ammunition — Brady Chosen Hunter — The Last Load — The Rabbit and the Deer — Startled — The Indian Captives — Brady’s Plans — The Deed of a Hero — The Dead Chief — Frightened Savages — A Bewildered Woman — Deserted by His Men — Safe Return — His Next Scout — Phouts and the Good Indian — The Irate Captain — The Explanation 201

CHAPTER XXI.

OTHER ADVENTURES OF BRADY.

Return to Pittsburg — Nipped in the Bud— Brady Trapped— Joy of the Savages — A Terrific Leap — Safety — Astonished Indians — Another Exploit — Indians Surprised — The Indian Ambush — Brady’s Wisdom — Brady Taken In — The Deserted Camp— The Ready Feast — Murdered Comrades — Brady Captured — Marched to the Villages — Runs the Gauntlet — Terribly Beaten — The Stake— The Fires Lighted— The Torture Begins— A Stoic Philosopher — Indian Etiquette — The Barbarous Squaw — Once Too Often— Her Child in the Fire — General Dismay— A Dash for Liberty— Escape of Brady-< Reaches Pittsburg in Safety 207

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CHAPTER XXII.

JAMES AND JOHN BRADY.

A Short Career — A Young Hero — Wounded — Visited by His Brother — His Determination — Inglorious Inaction— Armed Harvesters — Brady Chosen Captain — Plan of Operations — The Indian Attack — One Against Many — Flying Comrades— A Gallant Fight — Slays Three Savages — Tomahawked and Scalped — Return of Indians — Tomahawked Again — Crawls From the Field — A Faithful Friend— Immense Vitality — The Alarm — Brady’s Noble Character — Identifies His Slayers— His Death — Avenged — John Brady — His Services — Acts as Ambassador — A Stupid Dutchman — Drunken Indians — The Threat — The Convoy — The Fatal Forks — An Old Reminiscence — The Scarred Face — No Idle Threat — Death of John Brady — Smith’s Escape — A Marked Murderer — Long Delayed Vengeance 213

CHAPTER XXIII.

JAMES HARROD.

Love of Solitude — Brave and Gentle — His Strength and Daring — His Melancholy End — Date of Arrival in Kentucky — Battle of Point Pleasant — A Place of Refuge — An Encounter With McGarry — An Indian Massacre — Harrod to the Rescue — On an Indian Trail — The Camp-Fire — Plans an Attack — Imminent Peril — A Delayed Attack— The Sleeping Guard — The Tiger’s Spring — Kills Four Indians — The Rescued Girls — The Roar of a Lion— Deer Stalking— Nobler Game — A Fierce Combat — Slays Three Savages — Pursued by Indians — His Cunning Stratagem — Between Two Fires — A Wonderful Escape — In the Indian Village — A Hand-to-Hand Fight — Harrod Triumphant— A Colonel’s Commission — His Mysterious Fate 219

CHAPTER XXIV.

JOHN SLOVER.

His Birthplace — Early Capture — Adopted and Reared by Indians — Reluctance to Join His Kindred — Scout and Sharpshooter — With Crawford’s Expedition— Left to His Fate — His Flight — In the Swamp— Other Difficulties— The Indian Whoop — A Vast Prairie — Indian Approach — Escapes Observation — The Storm — Lame Comrades — A Skirmish — The Surrender — Escape of John Paul — A Brave Boy — Broken Promises — Terribly Abused — The Gauntlet — An Unavailing Struggle — Tortured Comrades — Crawford’s Relations — Fate of a Second Comrade — James Girty’s Lies — Slover’s News — A Friendly Squaw — Slover’s Doom 227

CHAPTER XXV.

BENE AM AND TAYLOR.

Conclusion of Slover’s Adventure — His Removal — Tied to the Stake — His Determined Bravery — An Opportune Storm — A Miraculous Respite — Delayed Vengeance — Job’s Comforters — Terribly Beaten — A Night of AgGuy— Talkative Indian — His Advice — Patience Rewarded — Mental Torture — Fr«t at Last— The Noble Steed— The Chase — Sufferings— Reaches Wheeling—

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Benham and Taylor — The Keel-Boats — Wiles and Stratagems — A Disastrous Fight — The Captured Boats — A Strange Fatality — Broken Arms and Broken Legs — Co-Operative Labor— A Precarious Subsistence— A Special Providence — The Passing Boat — The Earnest Appeal — The Final Rescue — A Romantic Tale — Services of Benham 234

CHAPTER XXYI.

MORGAN AND POE.

A Venturesome Man — “Elbow Room” — Prowling Indians — A Presentiment — The Three Savages — A Long Shot — Morgan’s Retreat — Kills a Second Indian — Rifle and Tomahawk — Hand to Hand Fight — The Unequal Combat— Morgan Down — The Indian’s Theft — A Death Grip — The Search for the Knife — The Fatal Apron — The Death Struggle — A Terrible Stroke — Morgan Reaches Home — The Neighborhood Aroused — The Wounded Indian — His Death — Adam Poe — An Indian Raid — The Great Chief, Big Foot — A Band of Brothers — The Pursuit — A Flash in the Pan — A Bold Move — The Panther’s Spring — A Fearful Struggle — A Powerful Antagonist — The Kick — Poe Kills One Indian — The Fight in the Water — The Swimming Match — Poe Wounded by a Comrade — Arrival of Poe’s Brother — The Loading Contest— Too Great Haste — Death of Big Foot — The Lost Scalp — All of the Indians Killed 240

CHAPTER XX VIE

DE SOTO.

Ponce De Leon — The Fountain of Youth — The Arkansas Hot Springs — Discoverer of the Mississippi — Character of De Soto — His Sordid Purpose — Search for Treasure — Wins a Wife — A Comrade of Pizarro — The Spoils of Cuzco —

De Soto’s Expedition — Mobile — A Heavy Battle— De Soto Victorious — Discovers the Mississippi — Fleet of Canoes — Crosses the Mississippi — Visits Missouri— On White River — An Unbroken Wilderness — Spanish Brutality — Fatal Fevers — Illness of De Soto — Appoints a Successor — Death of De Soto — His Last Resting Place — Fate of his Comrades — A Broken Heart — Donna Anna’s Death ,-247

CHAPTER XX Yin.

HEROIC WOMEN.

Courage of the Softer Sex — Michelet’s Opinion— Story of Jael — The Warlike Semiramis — Boadicea and Isabella — Heroines of America Compared with Those of Other Lands — Part Played by Border Women — Our Duty — Vanishing Veterans — Mrs. Parker — Her Family — A Fatal Hunt — The Lying Indian — The Boy Messenger — Preparations for a Siege — The Simulated Voice — Detection — The Attack on the Cabin — An Indian Killed — The Women’s Ruse — Its Success — The Volley — The Battering Ram — Another Indian Killed — Flight of the Third Savage — The Women Prepare to Leave — Their Privations — Escape to St. Louis — Search for the Missing Men — A Former Adventure— Its Lucky Termination 254

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CHAPTER XXIX.

BETTY ZANE.

The Siege of Wheeling — British and Indians — The Infamous Girty — Surrounded —Promises and Threats — Captain Boggs goes for Reinforcements — Girtv’s Parley — His Lies — A Destructive Cannon— A Fierce Siege — Noble Conduct of the Women — Indian Artillery — Its Trial — A Disastrous Discharge — Out of Powder— A School-Girl Heroine — Her Brave Deed— The Flight of Atalanta — Escapes Unhurt — The Siege Raised — Flight of the Indians — Mrs. Cruger’s Statement — What it Proves — Who Mrs. Cruger was — Present at this Siege 202

CHAPTER XXX.

MRS. PURSLEY.

Obscure Heroes — Want of Opportunity — Suggestive Names — A Woman’s Prisoner — A Frontier Fort — The Sally — Ambushed — Flight to the Fort — Bold Thomas Higgins — A Frontier Dare-Devil — His Determination — A Wounded Comrade — A Frightened Horse — The Retreat Covered — Swarming Savages — Three to One — Badly Wounded — Struck Again — Receives Three More Bullets — Kills one Indian — Desperate Situation — Hand-to Hand Combat — Covered with Wounds — A Terrible Tomahawk Wound — Higgins Down — Rush of the Two Indians — A Fierce Struggle — Brains Another Savage — The Search for the Rifle — The Knife Combat — A Demi- God’s Courage — Higgins Down Again — A Losing Fight — Approach of Savages — Mrs. Pursley’s Prayers — Her Heroic Attempt— A Shamed Garrison— Higgins Saved 267

CHAPTER XXXI.

MISS WASHBURN.

Lovely Landscapes — Mount Pleasant — Gathering Indians — Their Amusements — The Two Spies — Their Perilous Position — Out of Water — McLellan’s Venture — Turn About — White’s Adventure — The White Squaw — Forced to Kill the Other — The Flight — Discovery of the Dead Body — The Pursuit — Surrounded — A Fierce Attack — The Missing Girl — The Unguarded Spot — The Indian Discovery — A Long Range — A Broken Flint— The Warrior’s Leap — The Mysterious Shot — The Gulf of Death — Another Attempt — The Shout of Triumph — Disheartened Savages — The Mysterious Marksman — The Attempt at Escape — A Daring Guide — Through the Indian Village — Safety — Great Hardships — A Brave Girl 273

CHAPTER XXXII.

MRS. DAYIESS AND MRS. PORTER.

Birth-Place of Mrs. Daviess — Removes to Kentucky — The Early Bird — A Rapid Flight — Friends to the Rescue — A Covered Trail — The Wounded Dog — The Enemy in Sight — Conduct of the Savages — A Boy Scalped — The Rest Unharmed — A Woman's Wit — A Long Dress — Forethought of a Mother — Her Intentions — Fate of the Scalped Boy — Terribly Disfigured — Death of

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Young Daviess — Another Incident — The Desperado — His Capture — The Skulking Indian — Mrs. Daviess Saves her Husband’s Life — Mrs. Porter — Pontiac’s War — A Pennsylvania Heroine — The Absent Husband — Indians in Sight — Sword and Rifle — The Sabre’s Stroke — Two Indians Killed — The Third Shot — Reaches her Husband — Rifled and Burned — The Indian’s Remains — A Woman’s Bravery 281

CHAPTER XXXIII.

MRS. MERRILL AND WAR- WOMAN CREEK.

The Most Remarkable Feat on Record — The Night Attack— The House Surrounded— A Faithful Dog — The Open Door — Mr. Merrill Wounded — The Barricade — A Weak Garrison — The Breach Effected — A Kentucky Amazon Her Heroic Defense — Four Indians Killed — A Division — Two Indians Try The Chimney — The Feather Tick — Suffocated Savages — Two More Slaughtered— The Seventh Wounded — His Flight— A Tale of Terror— The Giant Squaw — An Immense Tomahawk — War- Woman Creek — An Indian Legend — A Deed of Blood — A Bereaved Mother — Left for Dead — The Desire for Vengeance — On the Trail — The Indian Camp — The Hunter and the Hunted — A Righteous Fury — Death of the Indians — Rebounding Cruelty — Death of the White Woman — Reaping the Whirlwind 288

CHAPTER XXXI Y.

HEROIC CHILDREN.

The Johnson Boys — Childish Play — Indians in Disguise — The Capture — The Camp at Night — Close Prisoners — The Release — A Plan to Kill the Indians — The Little Trembler — A Gallant Youth— Flight Towards Home— The Elder Johnson’s Plan — A Wonderful Tale — Incredulity — A Visit to the Camp — One Dead Indian — One Terribly Wounded — Escape of the Latter — Young Darke — Rabbit Hunting — Nobler Game — An Infuriated Panther — Savage Combat — Darke to the Rescue — Desperate Bravery — St. Clair’s Defeat — A Furious Charge — Miraculous Escapes — Darkens Appearance — Cuts Down a Savage — His Services — Young Bingaman — A Giant’s Battle —

A Fearless Settler— Cabin Surprised — A Cowardly Hand — A Wounded Woman — Seven Indians Killed With a Rifle Barrel — Pursuit of Indians — The Premature Attack— The Envious Captain— T Reproof— The Childish Prisoner — Brutally Abused — Bold Determination —Attack Postponed — Regrets— Two at a Shot— The Dead and Wounded — The Boy’s Revenge — Safe at Home 294

CHAPTER XXX Y.

MIKE FINK— THE LAST OF THE FLATBOATMEN.

Batteau and Barge — Keel and Flatboat — Era of Steam — “Roaring Ralph Stackpole’' — Bravery — Their Quaintness — Their Hard Life — Excesses — Fink’s Birthplace — Drinking Bouts — Shooting Matches — Horse Talk — Jokes Made to Laugh at — An Adventure at Westport — The Quiet Stranger — Fink Furious— The Ground Scuffle — Fink Whipped — “Calf Rope” — Ordered to Leave— Feats of Marksmanship— The Negro’s Heel — A Genteel Boot — Fink.

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Jealous — The Nest of Leaves — Peg’s Punishment — Talbot and Carpenter —

Up the Missouri — Trapping — The Quarrel — The Reconciliation — A Brutal Murder — The Unlucky Boast — Retribution — Death of Talbot 303

CHAPTER XXXVI.

BILL SEDLEY.

A Typical Boatman — A Gigantic Kentuckian — The Under Dog — “Cock of the Walk” — His Strength and Skill — Pure Whisky — Gambling — New Orleans in Flat-Boating Days — Saloons — “The Swamp” — Mother Colby’s “Shore Nuff Hotel” — “Ride and Tie” — Poling and Cordelling — Natchez Under the Hill — Bowie’s Battle — The Bowie Knife — Its Christening — Sedley’s Exploit — A Famous Combat — The Cortinas Brothers — Desperadoes — Cleaned Out by Gamblers — The Cheat Detected — “I’m a Salt River Roarer” — The Door Barred — “The Painter’s Playmate” — The Roar of Combat — Two to One — The Open Door — The Dying Gamblers — Sedley’s Invitation — Sedley’s Wounds Dressed — Flight to Kentucky — Reforms — A Good Old Age 309

CHAPTER XXXVII.

THE PIONEER PREACHER.

“The Glad Tidings” — Their Bravery — “Anotherfor Hector” — Their Influence — The First Temples — Their Congregations — Rude Furniture — A Typical Pioneer Preacher — Peter Cartwright — Birth and Youth — Removal to Kentucky—Camp in the Wilderness — The Indian Spy — A Vigilant Sentinel — Survivor of the Indian Ambush — Murdered Families — Righteous Retribution— A Hard Youth — Cane Ridge — The First Camp -Meeting — Strength of the Western Church — James Haw and Benjamin Ogle — A Laughable Occurrence — The Sleeper — The Trained Lamb — The Challenge — The Collision— “Take Up Your Cross” — The Dutch Disciple 315