The lead-hunters of the Ozarks

Front matter

THE

OF THE

HARDY L, WINBURN

Chapter I

Major Hartshorn sat moodily by tbe side of a great fireplace in tbe living-room of bis borne. Tbe yellow poplar-trees, tbe giants of tbe tulip family, waved bare branches over tbe fence around tbe yard, while farther off, where water-oak and red-gum mingled with hazel, elm, and black-walnut to make a dense timber-barrier for bis plantation, tbe edge of the Obion bottom loomed dark and mysterious in tbe light of the winter day now fast waning. Across tbe hearth from him, whittling the finishing touches upon a beautifully-balanced bow, made of white-hick¬ ory sapling, sat Hugh Littleton, a member of the household nearly all his life, though not re¬ lated by blood.

Major Hartshorn and his wife had taken Hugh into their home and their hearts when he was

J scarcely a year old. A band of marauding Choctaws had come up from the south and killed his father, and pneumonia, that scourge of the backwoods, had taken his mother soon after. The Hartshorns loved him as if he had been their own, and he repaid them with a warmth of de¬ votion that could not have been stronger if they had been his own parents.

Hugh,” said the Major, after a long silence, “ you are getting to be a man in years, as you long have been in growth and helpfulness, and I have been wondering what you would advise. The country is in danger, at the hands of a traitor. You have heard the rumors. You Imow what Burr is said to be planning. You know what his success would mean to the rest of us. With his border so near, there would be endless fighting and watchfulness. Burr is more danger¬ ous on our western border than many tribes of Indians. What will be the best policy for us? ” With the ready assurance of youth, but with some wisdom native to one who lived always in the shadow of dangers, the young man entered into the discussion when invited. “ It looks to me as if there were only one thing to do,” he answered. “ The Government ought to arrest

Burr and hang hini—and we must back the Gov¬ ernment. If he gets away and starts his schemes in the Southwest, they ought to send an army after him and break up his work as fast as he begins it. Finally they would catch him. He could not escape forever.’’

I hear that the President has ordered Burr and Mr. Blennerhassett arrested. But they are on an island in the Ohio Eiver, and the President is in the capital. That is a long way off. There is no telling what may happen. Burr has lots of friends throughout the North and some in the West.” The Major was on the point of carrying the discussion further when an interruption came.

Halloo! ”

The cry of the backwoods rang through the place. Looking out, both Hugh and the Major arose and started for the door. It was a man whom neither of them had ever seen before. He was mounted upon a splendid horse, dark bay in color and giving evidence of a hard day’s travel. Mud was caked on all four of its legs, and the riding-boots of the man were about as muddy.

Light, stranger, and come in,” called out the Major, advancing hospitably. ^^You look tired out, and your horse needs rest and atten¬ tion. Come in, and rest yourself.’’ The Major tapped a small farm-bell hanging near the front gate, and in answer to its summons a negro man came from the back of the house. Wash, take the gentleman’s horse and rub him down and feed him,” he ordered.

The stranger climbed wearily out of the sad¬ dle and advanced to meet the Major with poise and assurance. He was taller than his host, and larger every way. His dark hair was slightly streaked with gray. Deep and steady brown eyes looked at everything in sight without any appearance of haste. His strong, tanned face, unbearded, was expressive of pleasure at the meeting,—^as, no doubt, he was pleased to come to such a home after such a day in the saddle.

am William Clark, Colonel of the Fifth Virginia Cavalry,” he announced, extending his hand.

Colonel Clark, I am delighted to welcome you to my home, sir,” responded the host. I am Joshua Hartshorn, sometime Major of Militia in North Carolina, marching mainly under Marion.”

At the mention of the famous guerrilla chieftain Colonel Clarkes face lit up with a warm smile. kave met General Marion/’ he an¬ swered, and kave fougkt witk kim a little my¬ self. However, I was only witk kim about a montk, in tke little campaign ke put tkrougk late in 1780. He was a great soldier, sir, a great soldier. I wisk I kad known more of kim.”

Colonel Clark’s appreciation of General Marion made kim at once welcome to anytking tke Major could do for kim. Tke Major kad lived for twenty-five years in tke memory of tkrilling days and nigkts following Tke Swamp Fox,” as kis ckieftain was called.

“ I was all but forgetting myself,” said tke Major a few moments later, as tkey entered tke wide kail, “ in tke pleasure of recalling tke figkting days witk Marion. Here, Hugk, come kere. Colonel Clark, tkis is my son, Hugk Littleton; let me introduce kim to you.”

^^Yery pleased, indeed, to meet you, Hugk,” said tke Colonel warmly. He skook kands witk tke youtk, and togetker tke tkree of tkem went into tke living-room. Here tke Major poked tke roaring fire industriously, tkrew on all tke wood in reack, and sent Hugk out to order more. Hav¬ ing drawn up ckairs and seen to tke replenisking of the wood-box behind the door, he invited tli6 visitor to be seated.

First, Major,^’ began Colonel Clark, let me get to my business. I am really not a guest, but a messenger. I presume that you have heard something of the sorry mess Colonel Burr has made—^what with plans and schemes and plots, and all, that come so near being treason that there is little use trying to see the difference.’^

On being told that the news of the plotting was well scattered throughout the South, Colonel Clark gave his hearers the latest gossip, flavored with some official information.

The shadows of evening deepened into night as the conference went on. Colonel Clark had shown the Major his credentials from the Gov¬ ernment Office, and the two had gone over care¬ fully, bit by bit, the matter about which the De¬ partment wanted Major Hartshorn’s evidence. The most disquieting feature of the whole situa¬ tion, it seemed, was the fact that many of the people of the West and North sympathized with Burr’s ideas. In case of the escape of the plot¬ ters from Blennerhassett Island it would be necessary at once to prepare to invade the South¬ west, beyond the Mississippi River, and to break up tlieir treasonable plans before tbey could be put into execution. To fail in this would em¬ broil tbe country with the French settlers and leave a potential enemy on that border whose ambition and craft knew no bounds.

But if the people of the North and West were not solidly behind the Government,” continued Colonel Clark, the question of supplies for our army of invasion would become acute from the start.”

That would be a small difhculty,” laughed Major Hartshorn. “ I could take a dozen Ten¬ nessee hunters and provision a thousand men in the country you speak of. Any good hunter could do the same.”

^^Ah, yes,” said the Colonel, ^^we know that. The difdculty is far deeper than the question of feeding an army. Our men can live on the coun¬ try, as Napoleon said. But they cannot get am¬ munition that way; that is, we fear they cannot. And this is the one point that I am sent from the Potomac to the Obion to see you about. It is recorded in Government archives, as reported by scouts and more especially by Spanish scouts, that there is lead in abundance in a range of mountains some two hundred miles beyond the great river. If tliat be so, we need have no fear. We can fit out an expedition that can munition itself that far. We can even furnish part of the munitions for the entire expedition. But wagon-

trains cannot travel in the swamps across the river. If lead is not found there, we shall be put to the necessity of going by sea to the mouth of the Mississippi Eiver, and thence up the stream to a convenient point. This, as you see, might bring us into trouble at the outset with the French and Creoles and Spaniards of the newlyacquired country. It is to be avoided at all cost. These people are not well disposed toward us, anyway, and the guerrilla warfare could easily last a generation. Tell me, what do you actually know about the reports of lead in those mountains? ’’

I actually know nothing,” replied the Ma¬ jor. “ I have heard the reports you speak of. I have an old Spanish map which purports to give the location of the mines. But I have never been into the country, and have never seen any one who has. What I know and what I think may be poles apart.”

The form of the reply struck the listening sol¬ dier. What you know, and what you think

He mused a moment. Then he said, Tell me what you think.”

The Major recounted his opinion that there was lead in the mountains of the Arkansas terri¬ tory, and gave his reasons for thinking so. At the last, though, he came back to solid facts.

What I know is positively nothing.”

The conference was broken at this point by the announcement of the evening meal. The men entered the dining-room where they found the rest of the family awaiting them. Colonel Clark was introduced to Mrs. Hartshorn, the five children, and Wano, an Indian youth who was an inseparable friend of Hugh’s. The mother was fair and well preserved in spite of her frontier life. Many slaves about the place relieved her of drudgery that made such terrible havoc of the lives of frontier women in other sections of the United States. Her matronly face was as full and her hands as smooth and her form as well kept as those of many a lady of the eastern cities. Her eldest child, a daugh¬ ter, had the same well-kept appearance. The smaller children carried out the suggestion of health and abundant care. Indeed, both mother and father, in their younger days, the one In

North Carolina and the other in Maryland, had known the best that wealth and culture could command in a new country. Such a home and such a life they were providing for their children in this far-away wilderness of the wheat-lands of western Tennessee.

The stately dining-room was panelled with yel¬ low poplar between gleaming holly-wood mould¬ ings. The wainscoting was of white oak and panelled with the same golden poplar-wood. Each was in its natural color, but was weathered and seasoned, and wore the air of use and care and the friendly spirit of home. When lighted, as it was th^n, by dozens of glowing candles in silver and porcelain holders, it was a room to delight the heart of an artist. The table followed the colonial lines of simple dignity and strength. The appointments of china, glass, and silver were evidently heirlooms from other days and other times, and had brought a graceful art with them. Snowy table linen completed the appearance of easy affluence and access to good markets. Busy servants stood ready to anticipate every wish of the diners.

After a brief grace by the Major, the talk be¬ came general. Mutual acquaintances were discovered, and common interests in many places and incidents came to light. The meal passed all too quickly, especially for the children, who lis¬ tened eagerly to the talk of the visitor as he told of places to them strange and distant. The Ma¬ jor and his guest fought over again the brief campaign under Marion, lasting scarcely more than a month, in which The Swamp Fox com¬ pletely ruined the Hencoops of Tarleton,” as the British encampment on the Pedee River was called. Shortly before the meal was over the talk turned upon the present crisis, and the ne¬ cessity for careful leadership now.

If we only knew for sure whether or not there are lead mines in those mountains,said the Colonel, our problems would at least be very much simpler. We can provision an army in all other ways without unusual difficulty.^’

“ Colonel Clark,” said the host, I have given much thought to what you have said about that. There is just one way to know. And that way I have decided in my own mind must be followed out.”

^^What do you mean, Major?” inquired the soldier.

I mean, simply, that the one way to know whether or not there is lead in those mountains is to go and see. I do not mean, of course, any suggestion to you, but I do mean that some of us will find out.’’

It is more than I w^ould have asked,” added the Colonel. But it is clearly the sensible thing to do; that is, provided men can be found whose discretion can be trusted. I should think that any men you yourself recommended could be trusted in this matter.”

A negro girl came quietly behind Mrs. Harts¬ horn and whispered something to her. She turned to the Major and said: “ Mr. McSpinney is at the door. Perhaps he can help solve the matter.”

The Major rose from the table, followed by several others, and the party began to adjourn from the dining-room as he went to the front door to admit the latest guest.

Mr. McSpinney was a tall, spare man with eyes of keenest blue, and a face tanned and hardened by the exposure and hardship of the frontier. His garb was well-made, well-worn, and wellchosen. He had on leggings of deerskin, moc¬ casins of the same material, and a shirt, or tunic, made of the skins of fawns tanned to the fineness of chamois. His long rifle he set up in a corner of the hall, and his cap, made of the skins of several minks, he hung over the muzzle of the gun. When^ he came into the light of the liv¬ ing-room where the company had now gathered, his face was seen to have an expression of shrewd kindliness not apparent in the shadows of the hall.

“ Colonel Clark has been telling us of the plans of Burr,” the Major informed the new¬ comer, when introductions were completed and all had found seats about the great fire. ^^It seems that there may be need of knowing for certain about the rumor of lead across the Mis¬ sissippi River, which we have discussed many times.”

I can see the value of that,” commented Mr. McSpinney. It might come to be a vital mat¬ ter.”

Again the whole situation was gone over for the benefit of the newcomer. Colonel Clark made it most explicit and clear that while it was very important to him that some one voluntarily go into the territory under consideration, and take time to find out unquestionably about the lead, it was not at all advisable that one go as an emissary of tlie Government of tlie United States. Trouble with tbe settlers must be avoided.

When the whole situation had been gone over, and he had taken time to think it out, Mr. Mc- Spinney startled the little company somewhat by his suggested solution of the problem.

The Major cannot possibly go on this expedi¬ tion,” he said. The Government would be im¬ plicated at once if he moved. For similar reasons all the men of substance and prominence are barred. There remain only two sources of help. One would be to commission some friendly Cherokees, and the other would be to encourage some boys of the settlement to get up a huntingexpedition.”

The clarity of the reasoning was apparent to every one. Either plan would avoid all political consequences, and if successful, would give them the information they needed.

No Cherokee,” said Wano, the Indian youth.

Talladega, the outlaw chief, him gone to moun¬ tains of the Arkansas. Cherokee braves would have fight all the way, and no come back alive.”

The lad is right,” said the Major. And, be¬ sides, we should not be perfectly sure of our re¬ ports if we got them.”

If you will hear me, I will solve your prob¬ lem,” said Hugh. It was the first time be bad spoken since tbe discussion began. He bad been sitting on a window-seat, bearing all and seeing all, and seeming to pay but little attention. His solution of tbe problem showed that be bad com¬ prehended every necessity that bad been brought out.

^^Witb no suggestion from any one, with no official knowledge of any complications being possible, and with as much sldll as I can bring to bear on tbe task, I will start to-morrow and make my way into the mountains of tbe Arkansas. I will learn whether or not lead is there, and will report what I find to Mr. Mc- Spinney within three months.”

This plan from Hugh came out sentence by sentence, slowly, clearly, and covered every re¬ quirement of the case. Colonel Clark sprang up, rubbing his hands with delight. Major Harts¬ horn beamed with prideful confidence in his foster son^s patriotism and courage.

Hugh, dear,” protested Mrs. Hartshorn, ^^you are not serious. We could not think of letting you go off over there alone.”

Ko, not alone,” added Wano. ^^Me go with.”

The young Indian spoke quietly, as if the matter were settled.

There was one to whom the plan came as a peculiar shock. Unnoticed by any one, Arsena, the eldest daughter, turned pale and quickly put her hand to her mouth. There was a catch in her breath, and it seemed to her that her throat would burst. She saw, as in a flash of inspiration, the dreary horrors of the forests of the Arkansas, the terrible denizens of those forests, and, clear¬ est of all, the stalwart Arkansas tribesmen, de¬ stroying Hugh. They were near enough to the same age to have lived their lives together, but she was a girl—and her development had made a little mother out of her spirit long before Hugh had realized anything more serious than shoot¬ ing-matches, working the farm-hands, and riding the colts. Bred in the forest, he was a child of the forest, learned in its myriad secrets and skilled in its many ways, but little else in the way of spirit and intellect had developed in him, while her maternal spirit had developed long enough ago to cause her to consider herself his natural protector. She rebelled instantly and keenly against this assumption of risk on his 1 part, though she said no word of her feeling.

On into tlie night the debate and discussion ran. With the customary and necessitous way of the times the men made their plans, and over¬ rode the objections of the women. Women have always become more influential in matters of counsel and state as civilization worked its way farther from the sterner battling for life. In the salon a woman’s suggestion may topple a throne. On the frontier, likely as not it will not be heard until after the event is passed, and then com¬ mented on merely with sentiment. These hardy and powerful men loved their women as faith¬ fully as did any men of any age, but they did not show it in the ways of later and more polite developments.

If men of no standing and substance went on the expedition, trouble would inevitably arise. If men of substance and standing went, there would be political complications. If Cherokees were sent, there would be war among the Indians, and the report would be untrustworthy. It seemed that the only solution of the matter was for this youth to take it upon himself to go. Even the stranger was so fully impressed with the presence and strength of Hugh that he felt satisfled to leave this delicate matter to him, and all those who knew him knew that it could not be left in better hands. And so, along toward midnight, after studying every side of the matter, the conference was concluded with the word of Colonel Clark:

^^We have had a most interesting talk. The Government has not appointed an emissary to go into the territory of the Arkansas. Hugh Littleton and Wano have merely decided to hunt a while over beyond the Father of the Waters. They will, no doubt, encounter difficulties, and perhaps some dangers, but there will be no call for national protection, and there will be no official reports of any expedition.’’

Major Hartshorn’s jaw tightened, and a glint came into his eyes at the mention of no Govern¬ ment protection. There are five hundred white men and as many Indians in western Tennessee, though, who will see to it that protection is forthcoming,” he muttered, as if to himself.

Mr. McSpinney heard, and, laying an arm across the shoulder of the Major, he pressed his friend against his own body with warm signif¬ icance. The party soon adjourned and retired for the night.

Chapter II

The sun was not clear of tlie tiniber-line tlie next morning when Major Hartshorn and Mr. McSpinney were to be found in close conference. They w^ere at the side of the yard, standing by the horse-block, with their heads close together, out of hearing of any of the busy servants about the place. How- long this conference had lasted no one else knew. They were seen there when Colonel Clark emerged from the front door and started toward the horse-lot, preparatory to re¬ suming his journey.

Well, Colonel,” called the Major cheerily, it has been a joy to meet you and to have you in my home, sir. I would like to persuade you to stay longer, if possible. However, I understand the necessity of your going, and shall not insist.”

I thank you. Major Hartshorn,” replied the soldier. The pleasure of this little visit with one of Marion^s men will be long remembered. Your hospitality is just what I was led to expect, and I wish I had leave to prolong my stay.” The men shook hands heartily, and the Colonel was soon in the saddle and off again on his long ride.

^^Mac, I must confess that I feel some little hesitation about letting the boys go off over into the country of the Arkansas. And yet I should be greatly disappointed if they did not offer to go. It is a call that all true men ought to answer, and I hope my boys are that, always.’’

do not believe you need have any uneasi¬ ness, Major,” replied Mr. McSpinney. That boy of yours is the wiliest woodsman, the surest trailer, and the straightest shot in western Ten¬ nessee, right now. He can take care of himself, and, what is more, he can get the information we need. As for Wano, he is as safe in the woods as a timber-wolf, and as dangerous to an enemy. The two of them will be more than a match for the job, you mark my word.” Here the two stopped to repeat to each other tales of the prowess of the youths, both because they loved to linger over the stories and because they were doing their best to reassure each other.

“ I will see them safe to Chickasaw Bluffs, myself,” continued McSpinney, as I am now on my way there to trade a little. My boat is in the Obion. They can go with me, and at the right time they can disappear over the river and no one will ever know where or why they went.”

That simplifies matters some,” said the Major. There will be no neighborhood talk of their being sent over. It furnishes a good excuse and opportunity.”

Returning to the house, the men called Hugh and Wano, and the four of them together eagerly made the plans and preparation for the journey. They were deeply impressed by Colonel Clark’s statement of the case. President Jefferson had already bargained with the court of France for the immense Louisiana Territory, but nego¬ tiations had not won the hearts and alle¬ giance of the settlers, as was desired. The in¬ habitants, both French and Spaniards, resented the transfer. Any false move on the part of America now might complicate that situation very badly. On the other hand, Burr felt that the negotiations had brought him the oppor¬ tunity of a lifetime to assuage his loss of the Presidency, and he was planning to lead a seces¬ sion movement that would put him at the head of a powerful country in the Southwest. From there he could harry the border and make end¬ less capital out of intrigues. The prestige and possessions of the United States would be de¬ pleted, and the seceders enriched. And the state of lawless self-assertion on the part of so many of the people of the West and North made the plans of the arch-plotter quite likely to carry through.

All the morning and until the middle of the afternoon Hugh and Wano, aided by the Major and Mr. McSpinney, were busy with prepara¬ tions. The youths who were to make the trip could have set out in a half-hour, but the Major and his wife insisted on having everything just so, and most things were planned and done at least twice. Finally, shortly before three o’clock by the giant hall-clock at the foot of the stairs, preparations were completed. Kits were packed, guns were oiled, and ammunition was stored for the journey. The boys were ready to start.

The whole family, servants and all, wanted to accompany the travellers to the boat, but the ' Major decided against it. Farewells were said at the house. A suspicious redness showed around the eyes of Mistress Hartshorn as she kissed Hugh good-by. Be very careful,” she enjoined. “ Those terrible Arkansas tribesmen will bear the utmost watching. We shall be anxiously waiting for your return. You ought to be able to get back in three weeks, instead of three montlis, it seems to me,” slie added, with a mother’s anxiety.

do not know how long it will take us, Mother,” Hugh answered, ^^but the knowledge that you all are waiting for us and praying for our safety will be a mighty big help.” He kissed her tenderly, patting her cheek and smiling.

The stalwart young man folded the little chil¬ dren one by one in regular ^^bear hugs” and kissed them good-by. When he came to Arsena, not even Hugh or her mother noticed the in¬ stant’s hesitation that came over her. The powerful arms of the lad went round her as if she had been a child, and, half lifting her from the floor, he kissed her warmly, smiled unaf¬ fectedly, and turned away, saying: ^^Be good. Sis. Have us a squirrel pie when we get back.” Then, leaving the family on the front porch, as they had already said good-by to Wano, he seized his small kit, swung it to his back, and strode off in the wake of Mr. Me Spinney and the Indian.

As soon as they were out of the yard Major Hartshorn turned to his desk and began to write hurriedly. Four separate notes he* penned, sealed, and addressed. His wife crossed the room absent-mindedly, poked the fire needlessly, placed a book or two on a shelf by the side of the mantel, replaced them at least twice, then came and stood by the Major^s chair and began running her fingers through his hair.

What on earth is the matter with yon, Fran¬ ces? ” asked the Major. You act like a cat with wet feet. Why don^t you sit down and com¬ pose yourself?” The Major’s voice was harsh, as if he were choking.

am about as composed as you are, my dear,” answered his wife. You need not try to make out that you do not care. I do, and I don’t care who knows it. I am nervous, and I wish those boys were back home. I don’t care whether Mr. Burr gets away or not. Let him, if he wants ‘ to, and I’ll wager anything those Arkansas In¬ dians will scalp him. Besides, if anybody is to get scalped, I would much prefer that it be he instead of Hugh or Wano.” And without fur¬ ther ado, she broke down and cried.

The Major was helpless in the case. What to do with a crying woman was well beyond his knowledge or experience. He had the presence of mind, however, to do nothing, which was probably the best he could have done, anyway. Seizing upon what seemed to him an opportune moment, a little later, he began to tell her what was in the notes he had just written.

Ill bet,” he roared, that whether the Gov¬ ernment can afford to protect our boys or not, there will be protection enough. I am getting off notes to James Larkin, Henry Smithers, Milt Horner, and Dave Bennett. If these four, with my help, cannot raise enough men to take care of two boys, counting Indians in with the settlers, I’d like to know why? And I will know why. These notes will go by runners to the men to-day, and at a given signal we can get together six hundred fighting men such as this country has not seen since Marion’s day. They will swim into the Arkansas country, if necessary, and carry enough lead on their backs to sink the whole tribe. You’ll see.” And having delivered himself of his growing nervousness, he sprang up and stamped about the room, circling about his wife as if she were to blame for the whole situation. After a moment or two his face fiushed dull red, he smiled a little sheepishly, and sat down again and finished sealing his packets. Binging for Wash, his body-servant, he ordered that four negro men be dispatched with the notes at once, and instructed to make all haste.