Heroes of history and their grand achievements

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Preface

MEN and women who perform noble and heroic deeds merit the admiration of all intelligent people. This work contains the brilliant records of the world's heroes and heroines, and pays them the honor of being the makers of history. It tells the absorbing story of their struggles and sacrifices, their devotion to duty and splendid triumphs.

The work begins with Pioneer Heroes. Daniel Boone, with only his rifle for a companion, has thrilling adventures with the Indians; Kit Carson shows himself to be a heroic leader and guide. John C. Fremont plants the Stars and Stripes on the highest peak of the Rockies, and earns the proud title of "The Pathfinder." These are the heroes of the wilderness, our nation's advance guard, preparing the way for civilization.

In the part on Naval Heroes the great "Masters of the Sea" are grouped together, and graphic accounts are furnished of their heroic achievements, including Paul Jones, Lord Nelson, Commodore Perry Farragut, Cushing, Dewey, Schley, Wainwright, Sampson and many others. Their personal heroism is the wonder of all readers, and the theme of song and story. Among Military Heroes the first is our own "Immortal Washington," followed by Putnam, Ethan Allen, Nathan Hale, Molly Pitcher, Napoleon, Duke of Wellington, Grant, Meade, Lee, "Stonewall" Jackson, Sherman, Sheridan, Roosevelt, and other heroic patriots whose majestic figures are seen through the hot hail of battle, "contending for an idea."

Let it be understood that the object of this superb work is to afford examples of men and women who stood at the post of duty in spite of sacrifices and dangers, and command the world's admiration.

4 - PREFACE.

Brave souls they were who have lifted the veil from unknown countries and shown the world the marvels of the "Dark Continent," and the realms of eternal snow and ice. Livingstone, DuChaillu, Stanley in the Tropics, and Franklin, Kane, Peary, and others, in the Arctic regions, are magnificent heroes of Exploration. Their exploits are fully recorded. Obstacles confronted them, but they did not halt ; dangers beset them, but th£y faced them with dauntless courage; often their lives were in peril, but they pressed on, and to these brave explorers we are indebted for all we know of the dark lands of the tropics and the frozen mysteries of the polar world.

Noble women have followed recent wars, and by their gentle ministries have saved the life of many a poor soldier, and have comforted the dying moments of others. Florence Nightingale on the blood-stained fields of the Crimea ; Clara Barton, Annie E. Wheeler, daughter of General "Joe" Wheeler, and others in our civil war and war with Spain, and the grand host of women who have performed deeds worthy of ministering angels, illumine the glowing pages of this sumptuous work.

Their smile cheered tne weary sufferers of the hospital and the field of carnage; they whispered words of comfort to the dying; men who had fought and bled kissed the shadows of the grand heroines as they passed. The reader follows their experiences with wonderful interest.

In addition to these, the reader is charmed with the record of toils and sacrifices on the part of such moral heroines as Frances E. Willard and Ellen M. Stone, captured by Turkish brigands.

All honor and praise to the dauntless men and women who save the lives of those imperilled by storm and shipwreck, such life savers as Grace Darling, Captain James, and many others. Crowns are not good enough for their reward. Through storm, angry waves and darkness, this work tells how they hurry to the rescue.

This magnificent work is a splendid record of the world's heroes and heroines. It ought to be the companion of every person in our country. It is worthy of a place in every American home.

CHAPTER I. Daniel Boone

His Early Life — Famous as Sharpshooter — Captive among the Indians — Adventures on the Frontier — Capture of Three Girls by the Savages — Dangers and Trials of the Settlers — Heroism of a Little Garrison — Boone's Life Saved by a Noted Spy — Wounded in a Desperate Fight — Adopted into an Indian Family — Defense of Fort at Boonesborough — Victory after a Fearful Siege — Boone's Last Days — Grand Pioneer 17

CHAPTER II. Kit Carson

Famous Trapper and Guide — Daring Exploits in the West — Encounters with the Indians — A Picturesque Horseman and Hunter — Capture of Large Herds of Cattle — Trading with the Indians — Lucky Escape from Climbing Bears — Receives a Painful Wound in the Neck — Pursuit of Horse Stealers — Deadly Shot in the Nick of Time — Return to the Home of Boyhood — Enthusiastic Welcome — Fremont Secures Carson for a Guide — Splendid Achievements on the Frontier 62

Chapter III

John C. Fremont.

Styled 'The Pathfinder" — Ignorance of the Public Concerning the Great West — Expedition of Hardy Explorers — Friendly Meeting with the Indians — Crossing the Rocky Mountains — Lakes and Canyons — Interest in Fremont's Discoveries — Terrible Journey of Forty Days — Explorer Becomes Renowned — Promoted for his Grand Achievements — New Routes Discovered to the Pacific Coast — High Honors Bestowed on Fremont — Nominated for President 80

CHAPTER IV. Captain John Paul Jones

Hero of a Desperate Fight — Captured Valuable Prizes — Severe Gale- Exploit of a Cutter — Gallant Young Lieutenant Dale — Warning Given of a Hostile Force — Brave Crew — Killed by Bursting Guns—

Runs Ship on the Enemy — Vessel Badly Shattered — Brave Reply of the American Commander — Ships Supposed to be Sinking — Great Loss of Life on Both Sides — Medal Awarded to Jones by Congress — Astonishing Deeds • 97

CHAPTER V. Admiral Lord Nelson

Far-famed Hero of Trafalgar — Appointed to an Important Command — Battle of Cape St. Vincent — Cruises in the Mediterranean — Battle of the Nile — Nelson Promoted for His Brilliant Victories — Hot Pursuit of the French Fleet —Presentiment of Approaching Death — Fast and Furious Battle of Trafalgar — Wonderful Nerve of the Dying Hero — Mourning for the Master of the Sea — Strong and Original Genius — Called by Tennyson the Greatest Sailor 125

CHAPTER VI. Commodore Stephen Decatur

Hero of Tripoli — Son of a Prominent Naval Man — Officer on Shipboard at the Age of Nineteen — Embarks in a Dangerous Undertaking — Enters the Harbor of Tripoli to Rescue an American Ship — Enemy Thrown into a Panic — Great personal Heroism — Narrow Escape from Death — Our Naval Power a Surprise — Presented by Congress with a Sword — Sad End of a Gallant Career. 142

Chapter VII

Commodore Oliver H. Perry.

Hero of Lake Erie —Born to be a Sailor — Extraordinary Valor in Battle — Offered Services to His Country — Leader of an Important Expedition — Ships in Line of Battle — Murderous Fire by a Whole Battery — Almost a Complete Wreck — Gallant Lieutenant Struck Down by a Shot — Perry Pushes Off in an Open Boat — Loud Cheers All Along the Line— Enemy's Ships Haul Down Their Flag—" Met the Enemy and They are Ours" — Saved by a Woman's Prayers — Perry's Personal Appearance 148

CHAPTER VIII. Commodore Thomas M'Donough

Hero of Lake Champlain — Young Officer Severely Wounded — Line of Battle Formed — Loud Cheers when a .Rooster Crowed — American Ships Badly Damaged — Manoeuvring for Advantages — Lamentable

Destruction of Life — Vessel Riddled by Over a Hundred Balls — Gallant Conduct of American Officers — M'Donough's Splendid Skill and Bravery — Victory Receives Universal Praise 168

CHAPTER IX. Buchanan and Worden

Heroes of the Merrimac and Monitor — Great Naval Battle — Monster Fitted to Create Terror — Impenetrable Coat of Mail — Sinking of the Ship Cumberland — On Fire in a Number of Places — Merrimac Unable to Get Near Land — Arrival of the Monitor — Singular Looking Vessel — Commander Worden — Monitor Begins the Attack — Battle Royal Between Giants — David and Goliath Among Warships — Shots that Produced Startling Effects — Little Lion of the Navy — Fight Revolutionized Naval Warfare • 183

Chapter X

Admiral David G. Farragut.

Hero of New Orleans and Mobile Bay — At School when a Boy in Washington — Commander in the Mexican War — Master of Details of Seamanship — Established Navy Yard in San Francisco — In Command of the Steam-sloop-of-war Hartford — Battle of Mobile Bay — In the Rigging of the Hartford — Weeps at the Loss of His Men — Splendid Public Reception — Grade of Admiral Created for Farragut — Heroic Commander — Thorough Scholar 200

Chapter XI

Commander William B. Cushing.

Birth and Early Training — Story of the Albemarle — Parrot Rifles and Dahlgren Guns — Directions for the Combat — Shot that Went Clear Through — Monster Anchored and Guarded — Bold Attempt to Capture a General — Cushing' s Report of His Famous Exploit — Air Thick with Bullets — Conspicuous Bravery of a Naval Officer — Cushing Promoted for Gallant Conduct 207

CHAPTER XII. Admiral George Dewey

Hero of Manila— Parentage and Early Education — Anecdotes of Young

Dewey — Encounter with a School Teacher — Naval Officer Under

Farragut — Saves Life of a Sailor — Made Commander of Asiatic

Squadron — Battle of Manila — Every Spanish Ship Destroyed —

Cool and Undaunted in Battle — Presented by Congress with a Medal and Sword — Personal Traits and Characteristics 202

Chapter XIII

Lieutenant Richmond P. Hobson.

Narrow Entrance of Harbor of Santiago — Hobson' s Bold and Dangerous Plan — Names of the Heroes — How the Signal Was to be Given — Hobson's Last Directions — Merrimac Lost Her Rudder — Soldiers Firing from the Cliffs — Every Man Obeyed Orders — Heroic Conduct of American Sailors — Hobson and Men Saved by Spanish Admiral —Types of the Whole American Navy 234

Chapter XIV

Admiral William T. Sampson.

Renowned Naval Tactician and Commander — Highest Rank at Naval

Academy — Cool Intrepidity in Danger — In Command of North

Atlantic Squadron — Brilliant and Interesting Record — Planned the

Famous Naval Battle of Santiago • 249

CHAPTER XV. Admiral Winfield Scott Schley

A Popular Hero — In Command of Gunboat in Civil War — Voyage to

North Polar Regions — Made Commander of the Flying Squadron —

Superb Courage and Cool Head — Spanish Fleet at Santiago — Great

Naval Victory — Schley a Fine Representative of the American Sailor

— Many Gallant Exploits 256

CHAPTER XVI. Commander Richard Wainwright

Destruction of Cruiser Maine — Wainwright' s Faithful Services — Every Inch a Sailor — His Personal Appearance — Fighting Not a Safe Business — Desperate Race of Spanish Ships at Santiago — The Little Gloucester's Part in the Battle — Sinks Two Spanish Vessels — Receives the Surrender of the Spanish Admiral — Modest Officer of Peerless Bravery 266

CHAPTER XVII. Joan oe Arc

Contest Between Kings — Maid of Orleans — Places Herself at the Head of an Army — Awakes Enthusiasm Among the Soldiers — Gives Orders in Name of Heaven — Appeared on a Beautiful Black

Horse — Regarded as Invincible — A Decisive Victory — Coronation of Charles VII— Joan Wonnded — Popular Tide Turns Against Her — Mockery of a Trial — Convicted and Suffers Death at the Stake. 274

CHAPTER XVIII. George Washington

Hero of the American Revolution— Dutiful and Affectionate Son — Master of Military Strategy — Defeat of General Braddock — Commander-in- Chief of American Army — Battles and Reverses — Washington the Main Stay of the Patriots — His Brilliant Victories — Help from France — Surrender of Cornwallis — Independence Won after a Long and Bloody Struggle — Washington the Hero of the Hour — Elected First President — Second Term as President — Immortal " Father of His Country." 294

CHAPTER XIX. General Israel Putnam

Parentage and Early Life — New England Farmer — Large Wool Grower — Sly Old Wolf— Putnam Shows His Bravery by Entering Wolfs Den — Captured by Indians in French and Indian War — Rescued from Being Burned Alive — Leaves Plow in the Field for Bunker Hill — Wonderful Courage — Execution of a Spy — Leader in Many Battles — Plunge on Horseback Down a Precipice — Thrilling Deeds and Example — Honors Freely Bestowed on " Old Put." 294

CHAPTER XX. Colonel Ethan Allen

Hero of Ticonderoga — Boston Besieged by Twenty Thousand Men — iVssault With Eighty-Three Soldiers — Patriotism of the Americans — a In the Name of the Great Jehovah and the Continental Congress" — Allen Sent to Canada — Captured and Held as a Prisoner — Finally Exchanged— Grand Type of Heroic Souls 337

CHAPTER XXI. Sergeant William Jasper

Hero of Fort Moultrie — Curious Fort — Regiment of Famous Riflemen — British Fleet in Charleston Harbor — Furious Engagement- Standard Shot Away — Flag Replaced by Jasper — Storm of Shot and Shell — American Shots Very Destructive — Jasper Presented by

Governor Rutledge With His Own Sword— Gallant Services Under

General Marion. 343

CHAPTER XXII. Captain Nathan Hale

Noble Specimen of a Yonng Man — Officer in Revolutionary Army — Sent Out as a Spy by Washington — Captured and Sentenced to Death- Receives Ignominious Treatment — Courageous Bearing Under the Gallows — Regrets He Has Only One Life to Loose for His Country — Compared by Depew with Andre — Monument to Hale in

His Native Town 352

CHAPTER XXIII. Molly Pitcher

Heroine of the Battle of Monmouth — Laundry Women in Washington's Army — Husband an Artilleryman — Shot Down in Battle — Molly Springs Forward and Takes His Place at the Gun — Fought to the End of the Battle — Admired for Bravery — Presented by Washington With Commission of Sergeant — Granted Half Pay During Life — Her Monument at Carlisle. 357

CHAPTER XXIV. Napoleon Bonaparte

Marvelous Military Genius — From an Obscure Corporal to a World Renowned Emperor — Commander-in-Chief of Italian Army at the Age of Twenty-Six. — In Paris — French Army — Series of Remarkable Victories — Coronation as Emperor — Terror of His Name — Disastrous Campaign Against Moscow — Amazing Command Over Men — Battle of Waterloo — Napoleon's Sun Goes Out in Darkness — Banished to St. Helena — His Death — Removal of His Remains to

Paris — Splendid Tomb of Napoleon 361

CHAPTER XXV. Duke of Wellington

Hero of Waterloo — Battle that Changed the Map of Europe — Features of the Battlefield — Furious Charges— "Up, Guards, and at Them." British Cavalry — Napoleon's Old Guard — Honors for the " Iron Duke " — Noble Character — Renowned Achievements — Distinguished in Peace as Well as in War — Great Public Demonstration at Funeral — Sarcophagus in Crypt of St. Paul's 374

COiNTKNTS. 11

CHAPTER XXVI. General Andrew Jackson

Hero of New Orleans — Character as a Boy — Leader Among Playmates — In the Army— Ordered to the Gulf of Mexico— Battle of New Orleans — Masterly Defenses — Firm and Resolnte as President- Received Title of " Old Hickory "—A Self-Made Man.. 388

Chapter XXVII

General T. J. ( u Stonewall") Jackson.

Son of an Enginer — Cadet at West Point — Handsome and Animated Face — Careful in Little Things — Commander of a Brigade in Our Civil War — Silent as a Sphynx — Brave as a Lion — Helps to Defend Richmond — Jackson in the Maryland Campaign — At Chancellorsville — In an Exposed Position — Wounded by His Own Men — Died from Pneumonia — Symptoms of Pleurisy — " Let us Pass over the River and Rest Under the Trees." 398

Chapter XXVIII

General George G. Meade.

Hero of Gettysburg — Illustrious Grandfather — Meade's Education — At the United States Military Academy — Leader in the Mexican War — Employed in the Construction of Lighthouses — Commands Second Brigade of Pennsylvania Reserves — Brigadier General of Volunteers — At Battles of Mechanicsville, Gaines's Mills and Glendale — At Second Battle of Bull Run — Drove Everything before Him at Fredericksburg — In Command of the Army of the Potomac — Great Victory at Gettysburg — Promoted to be Brigadier General in the Regular Army — His Name Held in High Honor 406

Chapter XXIX

General George E. Pickett.

Splendid Type of Hero — Man for Grand Deeds — Casts His Lot with Virginia — Brigadier General — At the Carnage of Seven Pines — Game Cock Brigade — Pickett Severely Wounded — Ready to Perform His Duty — Desperate Assault — Appalling Carnage — Wild Yells of Defiance — Men Riddled with Grape Shot — Field Strewn with the Dead — Pickett Retires to Richmond — One of the World's Greatest Cavalry Commanders 413

Chapter XXX

General Philip H. Sheridan.

Daring Cavalry Commander — Promoted for Efficient Services — Commands a Division in Army of the Cnmberland — At Battle of Stone River— " Here Are All that Are Left."— At Battle of the Wilderness — Enemy Routed and Scattered — "Face the Other Way, Boys." — Made Major General in the Regular Army — Personal Gallantry — Hero of Remarkable Exploit — Commands Department of the Gulf— Entitled to Respect and Admiration ... 421

Chapter XXXI

General William T. Sherman.

Member of a Distinguished Family — Graduate of West Point — Scholar and Soldier — Engaged in Various Pursuits — Brigadier General of Volunteers — Goes to Defense of Memphis — Promoted for Gallantry at Vicksburg — Great March to the Sea — Capture of Savannah — Receives Surrender of Johnston — Quiet Life after the War — Goes on the Retired List — Admired by Friends and Foes Alike 428

Chapter XXXII

General Robert E. Lee.

From Well Known Family— Felt Bound by His State's Act of Secession — Opinions Concerning It — Important Battle — Successful Plan of General Lee — His Military Tactics — Battle of Antietam — Capture of Harper's Ferry — Operations Around Fredericksburg—" Fighting Joe Hooker " — Attacks Grant with Smaller Force — Tried to Save the Lives of His Men — Defeated at Gettysburg — Duty His Watchword — Beloved by Associates 438

Chapter XXXIII

General Ulysses S. Grant.

Hero of Federal Army — His Career at West Point — In the Mexican War — In Service at Various Places — Hardware and Leather Clerk- Raised Company of Volunteers — Colonel of an Illinois Regiment- Capture of Forts Henry and Donaldson — At Corinth — Commander-in-Chief— Vast Plans for Campaigns — Aided by Able Generals — Final Campaign — Receives Surrender of Lee 447

CHAPTER XXXIV. President Theodore Roosevelt

Famous Leader of the Rough Riders — Belongs to Distinguished Family — Education at Harvar din the New York Legislature—Police Commissioner — On a Western Ranch — Assistant Secretary of the Navy — His Career in Cuba — Nominated for Vice-President — Noble Bearing When McKinley was Assassinated — Administration Signalized by Important Measures — Popular Hero 457

CHAPTER XXXV. DuChaillu, Livingstone, Stanley, Franklin, Kane and Peary

Paul DuChaillu — Explorations in Africa — Discovered Animals and Birds — First Explorer to Capture a Gorilla — Encounter With a Savage Beast — David Livingtone — Renowned Medical Missionary — Travels in Africa — Discoveries of Great Importance — Henry M. Stanley — Finds Livingstone— Adventures in the Dark Continent — Public Welcome on His Return — Sir John Franklin — Hero of Arctic Discovery — Efforts to Find Him and Afford Relief— Elisha Kent Kane — Went in Search of Franklin — Renowned for His Achievements — Lieutenant Peary . . 465

Chapter XXXVI

Florence Nightingale, Clara Barton, Mrs. Joseph Hawley, Etc.

Early History of Miss Nightingale — Member of a Wealthy Family — Terrible Sufferings of Soldiers in the Crimea — Goes with a Band of Trained Nurses — Idolized by the Sick and Wounded — Longfellow's Beautiful Tribute to Her — Clara Barton — Heroic Services in Our Civil War — Ministering Angel in Many Battles — Joins the Red Cross Relief Corps — In Europe — Her W T ork in Cuba — Harriet F. Hawley — Excellent Work Among Wounded Soldiers — Annie E. Wheeler — Daughter of General "Joe" Wheeler — A Natural Nurse — Well Known in War with Spain — Appreciated Services 522

CHAPTER XXXVII. Heroes and Heroines of Life Saving Service

Dangers of the Great Deep — Story of Grace Darling — Great Admiratior: for Her Heroic Act — Feted by Titled and Wealthy Persons — Captain

Joshua James — Saved Over One Hundred Lives— Wreck on Massachusetts Coast — Heroes of Monomoy — Boston's Liberality 578

CHAPTER XXXVIII. Model Heroism

Frances E. Willard — Family History — Career as a Teacher — Her Work of Reform — Founder of Woman's Temperance Union — Her Brilliant Gifts — Ellen Stone — American Missionary in the East — Kidnapped by Turkish Brigands — Her Recovery — Sammy Belnap — How He Helped " Old Put "—A Juvenile Hero 589

WASHINGTON IN THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR

" " ; — . .. , —7- — —

ADMIRAL JOHN PAUL JONES

PIONEER HEROES

AND THEIR

THRILLING ADVENTURES

Chapter I. Daniel Boone

HIS EARLY LIFE — HOME IN THE WILDERNESS — DANGERS AND HARDSHIPS. BATTLES WITH THE INDIANS — WONDERFUL ESCAPES FROM HIS FOES. HEROIC LEADER OF CIVILIZATION — HIS ROMANTIC HISTORY.

THE name of Daniel Boone, as one of the pioneers, has gone aronnd the world. Long ago it was celebrated wherever men admired courage, or loved to read stories of individual sacrifice and daring. Captain Cook had sailed around the globe, bringing home with him accounts of men that were scarcely known in the popular imagination ; but Boone set out with calmness, as if he were obeying a religious inspiration, and buried himself in the wilderness. It required great resolution to do what he did ; and yet it seemed to come to him as easily as play to a child.

Daniel Boone was born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, in the year 1735, on the nth of February, and was nearly three years youngei than Washington, at the time of the Revolution. He was a boy of remarkably good constitution, which was about the best inheritance his parents could leave him. At three years of age he removed, with the family, to what is now the city of Reading, Berks County— then, however, but a meagre and exposed post on the outskirts of the wilderness. The Indians threatened the peace of the settlement at all times. It was not safe to go out of the reach of the dwelling, unless precautions were taken against sudden attacks from the red men. Ambushes were likely to be sprung upon the settlers on every side.

It was in a school of danger like this that Boone, then scarcely more than a child, received his first lessons in life ; and it may be 2 17 believed they were rugged and lasting ones. There he learned all about the tricks and traits of the Indians. The talk was chiefly upon them and their wily habits. He learned the dangers of the life his parents led, and was, at the same time, taught to love perfect simplicity.

FAMOUS AS A SHARPSHOOTER.

Of course he learned to use the gun as soon as he had the strength to carry it about with him. He became an expert marksman very early. Sharp shooting, in fact, was necessary almost to his existence ; and if not so at the time, it became so in a great many startling adventures afterwards. As he grew up, his love of hunting and solitude became more and more noticeable.

He would go off alone in the woods, with nothing but his gun for company, all day. Many a story is told of his wonderful feats, such as the number of animals he brought down with his unerring bullets, or the fierce and successful encounters he was wont to have with the denizens of the forest. Trie whole settlement looked upon him with pride, if not with hope ; for they saw in him those shining qualities that give lasting fame to the frontiersman and pioneer.

Having acquired the fame of a hunter, it was natural enough that he should think of no other occupation in life. So he soon began to grow restless under the restraints of home, and finally went out from beneath his father's roof and built a little hut in the forest, where he played the hermit and woodsman to his heart's content. The wild beasts roamed all around him by day, and their howlings made a dismal concert for him at night. He was alone ; yet the solitude never became oppressive to him. He had yearned for just such a life since he began to know what life was worth. The walls of his hut were hung around with skins of animals, trophies of his skill and .daring.

Thinking to better their condition, the Boone family, in 1753, moved to North Carolina. Here young Daniel Boone lived until he arrived at manhood. About this time great events were transpiring in the world, and grander ones were preparing. The French and English were at war with eacli other, and the contest was transferred to this continent, where it was waged with terrific fury. It was along through these years that Israel Putnam was getting his valuable experience as a soldier in the neighborhood of Lake George, fighting bravely against the French and Indians. Washington, too, was schooling under Braddock in the Western wilderness, having already acquired the quick eye and firm foot, in his perilous enterprises as a surveyor in the depths of the forest.

Daniel married Rebecca Bryan, the daughter of a worthy neighbor, and with his young bride set out to make a home for himself in the wilderness, some distance from the place where the Boone family resided. Here they lived a life of solitude, surrounded by Indians and wild beasts, their cabin being the only one for a long time in that part of the Yadkin Valley. Boone's love of the wilderness not being sufficiently gratified here, he planned an expedition into Kentucky, then almost unknown. In June, 1769, he halted with five companions on the Red River, a branch of the Kentucky.

PARTED IN THE WILDERNESS NEVER TO MEET AGAIN.

For a long time, matters went on swimmingly. They were becoming more and more accustomed to their new life, and even began to calculate upon the propriety of returning to North Carolina for their families. Fearing nothing from the approach of the red man, they presently forgot to take those precautions which were, in fact, essential to their daily safety, and so invited dangers when they might just as well have repelled them. It was a fatal mistake for this little party of pioneers to separate ; yet they were thoughtless enough to do so, and the most disastrous consequences followed. They divided up- — one party being composed of Stewart and Boone ; the other four men went exploring in another direction. Henceforth their ways diverged forever. Neither party saw the other again.

As Boone has himself narrated, the Indians surprised him and his companion when they ought to have been on the watch, and carried them off prisoners. This was an entirely new phase of life for onr forest hero. A man who, all his life, has had the free range of forest and field, wonld not be likely to keep quiet in a state of sudden imprisonment. His spirit would chafe sorely, and he would find himself impatient once more to be free. But Daniel Boone was a philosopher, and could see at ; a glance what was most prudent and safe. As soon as he comprehended his novel and dangerous situation, he made up his mind to keep calm and resign himself to his fate. By this means he would disarm the suspicions of the savages, and have more abundant opportunities to make his escape. Patience is a rare virtue, all the books and moralists tell us ; and few men would have had the sagacity, as Boone had, to see that his fate hung entirely on his practice of that one quality.

A CAPTIVE AMONG THE INDIANS.

He was a captive for seven days. At the end of that time, they lay down at night in the midst of their tawny guard, and disposed themselves for sleep. At the still midnight hour, when the silence of the wilderness is indeed awful, Boone raised his head and looked around him. By the deep and steady breathing of his savage captors, he knew they were fast locked in slumber. Then, he felt, his opportunity had come. Cautiously awakening his companion, they both regained their feet, took their rifles from the keeping of the Indians, and crept out of the little camp. They both felt that discovery would have been certain death ; and therefore they pushed forward in the midnight gloom with redoubled courage and energy. But they succeeded in eluding their captors, and commenced their wanderings together again.

They went to their old camp ; but their former companions were gone. Everything betokened disappointment and desolation. The camp had been broken up, and appearances indicated violence and plunder. From this point they never again found traces of those four men. Their fate remains to this day a sealed mystery. Whether they fell victims to the bloody rage of the Indians, who had surprised them in their fancied security, or they had wandered away in different directions, and, weary and despairing, had laid their bones in the undiscovered solitudes of the wilderness, no man lives that can tell. And thus sadly ended the career of the discoverer and early eulogist of Kentucky, John Finley ; that man whose vivid reports of this new western paradise kindled enthusiasm in so many bosoms on the banks of the peaceful Yadkin.

LIVED BY HUNTING GAME,

Boone and Stewart were therefore left alone Their sole reliance, both for subsistence and defence, was on their unerring rifles. They built a hut to protect themselves against the influence of the wintry weather, and hunted and watched, waiting patiently for the spring to open. In the month of January, they espied a couple of men coming towards them. Looking closer they saw they were white men. What must have been the feelings of our hero to find that one of them was Squire Boone, his youngest brother ! Squire brought news from Daniel's wife and children ; and Stewart was rejoiced to get intelligence from the settlement. The circumstances that led to the discovery of Boone's little camp by the new comers, were never described ; but it seems, at least, like the most marvelous piece of good fortune on record.