Front matter
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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 acliievemeuts, 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, Moll}' 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 wlio 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 thiy 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 dving 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 worth}- of ministering angels, illumine the glowing pages of this sumptuous work.
Their smile cheered the wear}' 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 experieuces 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 ever}- person in oiir country. It is worthy of a place in every American home.
CHAPTER I. Daniel Boone
His Early Eife — Famous as Sharpshooter — Captive among the Indians — Adventures on the Frontier — Capture of Three Girls bj' 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 Discovei'ed to the Pacific Coast — High Honors Bestowed on Fremont — Nominated for President So
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 ou the Euemy— Vessel Badly Shattered— Brave Repl)^ 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 Masterof the Sea— Strong and Original Genius- Called by Tennyson the Greatest Sailor 125
CHAPTER VL Commodore Stephen Dec.\tur.
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 VH.
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 T48
CHAPTER VIII.
Commodore Thom.\s 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 b}' Over a Hundred Balls- Gallant Conduct of American Officers — M'Donougli's Splendid Skill and Bravery — Victory Receives Universal Praise i68
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 XL 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 Dewev.
Hero of Manila — Parentage and Early Education — Anecdotes of Young
Dewe}' — Encounter with a School Teacher — Naval OflScer Under
Farragut — Saves Life of a vSailor — 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 fioni 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 vSchley.
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 — Waiuwright'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 of 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 Wounded — 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 — Assault With Eighty-Three Soldiers — Patriotism of the Americans — ''In the Name of the Great Jehovah and the Continental Congress"— Allen Sent to Canada — Captured and Held as a Prisoner
— Finally Exchanged— Graud 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 Young 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 Onh' One Life to Loose for His Country — Compared by Depew with Andre — Monument to Hale in
His Native Town 352
CHAPTER XXin.
MoLLv 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 Cr3?pt of St. Paul's 374
CONTENTS. H
CHAPTER XXYI.
General Andrew Jackson.
Hero of New Orleans — Character as a B03' — Leader Among Plaj-mates —
In the Army — Ordered to the Gulf of Mexico — Battle of New
Orleans — Masterly Defenses — Firm and Resolute as President —
Received Title of '" Old Hickory"— A vSelf-Made Man 388
CHAPTER XXVII.
General T. J. ("Stonewall") Jackson.
Son of au Engine!- — Cadet at West Point — Handsome and Animated Face — Careful in Little Things — Commander u[ a Brigade in Our Civil War — Silent as a Sphynx — Brave as a Lion — Helps to Defend Richmond — Jackson in the Marj-land Campaign — At Chancellorsville — In an Exposed Position — Wounded by His Own Alen — 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 Mechauicsville, 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 Cavalrj^ Commanders 413
CHAPTER XXX.
General Philip H. Sheridan.
Daring Cavalry Commander — Promoted for Efficient Services — Commands a Division in Army of the Cumberland — At Battle of Stone River— "Here Are All that Are Left."— At Battle of the Wilderness — Enemy Routed and Scattered — " Face the Other Wa}^, 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 Arm}- — 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 tiie 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 Work 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 XXXVIL 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 Oue Hundred Lives — Wreck on Massachusetts Coast — Heroes of Monomoy — Boston's Liberality 57S
CHAPTER XXXXIU.
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 Recover\ — Sammy Belnap — How He Helped " Old Put "—A Juvenile Hero 589
I -.1 i: \L STONEWALL" JACKSON THE FAMOUS CONFEDERATE CCMMANDE8
HEROISM OF COLONEL GAZE AT THE BATTLE OF INKERMANN
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 uanie of Daniel Boone, as one of the pioneers, lias gone around tlie 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 obej-ing 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, iu the year 1 735) "'1 the nth of February, and was nearly three years youngei. than Washington, at the time of the Revolutiou. He was a bo] of remarkably good constitution, which was about the best inheritanct his parents could leave him. At three vears 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, uuless 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 fi'"st le.'jsons iu life ; and it may be 2 17 believed they were nigged and lasting ones. There he learned all about the tricks and traits of the Indians. The talk was chiefl}' 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 carrj- it about with him. He became an expert marksman very earl}-. 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 iu the woods, with nothing but his gun for company, all day. Man}- a stor}- is told of his wonderful feats, such as the number of animals he brought down with his unerring bullets, or the fierce and successful encovinters he was wont to have with the denizens of the forest. The 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 finall}' went out from beneath his father's roof and biiilt 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 bowlings made a dismal concert for him at night. He was alone ; yet the solitude never became oppressive to him. He had 3'earned for just such a life since he began to know^ what life was worth. The walls of his hut were himg around with skins of animals, trophies of his skill and faring.
Thinking to better their condition, the Boone family, in 1753, moved to North Carolina. Here young Daniel Boone lived until he arrived at manhood. Aboiit this time great events were transpiring in the world, and grander ones were preparing. The French and Engli.sa were at war with each other, and the contest was transferred to this continent, where it was waged with terriiic fnry. It was along throiigh 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 \'alley. Boone's love of the wilderness not being sufficientlv gratified here, he planned an expedition into Kentuck}', then almost unknown. In June, 1769, he halted with five companions on the Red River, a branch of the Kentucky.
PARTED IN THE \VILDERNESS 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. The}- 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^h^f, .'•.iiiiself narrated, the Indians surprised him and his companion when they ought to have been on the watch, and carried them off prisojiejs. This was an entirely new pliase of life for our forest hero. A ;uan who, all his life, has had the free range of forest and field, would not be likely to keep quiet in a state of sudden imprisonment. His spirit would chafe sorel}', 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 uphis mind to keep calm and resign himself to his fate. Bv 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 sagacitv, as Boone had, to see that his fate hung entirel}' 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 tawnj' guard, and disposed themselves for sleep. At the still midnight hour, wlien 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, h" ^-i-' ^v *-hey were fast locked in slumber. Then, he felt, his opportuniL^' bau 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. Tliey both felt that discovery would have been certain death ; and therefore they pu.shed forward in tho 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 mysterj '''^'hether thej- fell victims to the bloody rage of the Indians, who had surpi ibt.^- 'M^X V^ *'heir fancied security-, or they had wandered awa}- iu different directions, and, wearj^ and despairing, had laid their bones in the undiscovered solitndes 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 wliose vivid reports of this new western paradise kindled enthusiasm in so manv bosoms on the banks of the peaceful Yadkin.
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