that some who were going might never return. But the emergency was pressing, and each man was anxious to meet it. The ever active wife of the commander was at hand. Although her heart was full, her fortitude never failed her. In a firm voice she said, "John, my husband, take care of yourself; but be sure that you and the boys do not suffer those murderers to escape: no, not one of them." children about four years old, each with a stick in its | The parting was affecting, because it was very certain hand raking parched corn from the fire, apparently unconscious of what had happened, and absorbed in their employment. On being questioned, they stated, that hearing a noise they had crawled under the bed. Here and there were the remains of several infants, which it was evident had been taken by the heels and their brains beaten out against the walls of the station, and then thrown down. The spinning wheels, chairs and stools, were overturned. The carded cotton was flying After the party had fairly cleared the settlements, the in every direction, and that which was spun was scat-commander addressed them, and stated that the enemy tered over the floors of the cabins. Some of the quilts and blankets seemed to have been dropped as the marauders were endeavoring to take them away. Every thing bore the appearance of confusion and hurry. had gotten eighteen hours the start of them; that they had probably travelled the whole of the preceding night, but that they would slacken their pace, as was their custom when they were not soon pursued and overTowards evening all those who were to join in the taken. He believed that they would cross the Tennesproposed expedition, assembled. The party was well see on rafts, on which they would place their plunder. mounted. All night they were busied in the necessary Although the distance was so great, the commander preparations. No one thought of sleep. A small sack thought it most advisable to follow the foe to the river, of corn was fastened behind each saddle, and over each attack them there, and take them by surprise. At our was thrown a long, narrow wallet, with a small quan- first fire we must cut off as many as we can. Raistity of meat in the ends. All wore their summer hunting himself in his stirrups, and throwing his eye fiercely ing shirts. The force of the savages was about sixty; | around, he said then, each man must buckle to his man, that of the whites forty. Ten of them were detailed and not a soul of them will be able to save himself. to act as spies. John Gordon was appointed their cap- Passing on rapidly, the spies being half a mile ahead, tain; a post of great trust and peril. This precaution the party travelled four days. On the morning of the was indispensable, because the enemy had reduced their fifth, Gordon returned back in haste upon the main peculiar mode of making war to perfection. In order body, and reported that they had come to a fire from to decoy their victims into their power, they were ac- which the enemy could not have departed more than customed, when traversing the woods, to whistle like an hour. It was manifest that the Indians had set out partridges, to grunt like bears, to howl like wolves, and early with the view of passing the river by night-fall. to gobble like the wild turkies. A halt was ordered, and each man directed to pick his flint, reload, and prime anew. The horses were secured by their halters. The veteran enjoined it upon all, and particularly upon the young men, to fire deliberately and upon good aim. It was of great importance to ascertain the exact condition, position and employment of the enemy, before the fire of the whites was delivered. The captain of the spies was ordered upon this dangerous duty. If a leaf should be disturbed, these watchful sons of the forest might detect with the quickness of lightening the presence of their pursuers. In an instant they would vanish like shadows, plunge into the depths of the woods, and defeat the plan that The captain of the spies was an original. His height was not more than five feet five inches, but the symmetry of his person was perfect. His bodily activity was wonderful. From mere love of romantic adventure he had wandered away from his friends and joined a small company going to the west. Not one of these friends knew whither he had gone, or when he would return, if ever. He was reckless of the world's goods. He neither asked nor cared for any thing but enough to eat and to wear, and a faithful horse, dog and rifle. All his faculties seemed to be swallowed up in a passion for action. Looking always upon the bright side of the picture of human life, he never desponded. His play-had been laid for their total destruction. The spy proful fancy was forever on the wing. He filled every one about him with delight, as though he bore the wand of a charmer. His wit was almost attic. Gordon's gifts were indeed so rare, that he was a universal favorite. In his intercourse with the gentler sex, he exhibited the greatest delicacy and generosity of sentiment. No man was braver in battle, and yet a more humane spirit never dwelt in human bosom. When he was bent on attaining any object that was dear to his heart, he was as secret and silent as the grave; still those who scanned him slightly, regarded him as a babbler, and supposed that if a single thought which he held, was pent up within him for a moment, that he must burst. The commander saw the peculiar qualities of this individual and appreciated them correctly. The new duty assigned him, required the exercise of all his talent, because on his skill and vigilance the life of each man of the party imminently depended. All were ready at the first dawn of the morning. The women and children gathered around to bid farewell. ceeded fearlessly to the discharge of his perilous undertaking. When he came within twenty-five or thirty yards of the bank of the river, the bluff being not more than twelve or fifteen feet high, he laid down and drew himself along by seizing upon the grass with his right hand, and trailing his gun after him in his left. Having reached the brink, he raised his head a few inches, and peeped over. The Indians were scattered along the sandy beach. The morning was beautiful; not a breath of air disturbed the wide and placid sheet of water that was slowly moving by. Some of the enemy were picking up pieces of driftwood and carrying them on their shoulders lazily to the spot where others were constructing the rafts. Several had cut grape vines, with which to tie the logs together, and were dragging them after them. Five or six were looking idly on, and about as many were stretched out asleep. There were five young and handsome squaws with the party. These were standing in a group, each dressed in a frock and bonnet, that had been taken off at the time of massacre. They were in a joyous humor, and were laughing immoderately at each other. First one and then another would walk off with an air and strut, and the rest would pursue her with loud peals of merriment. Gordon returned and gave all the necessary details. Henry then offered a suggestion which was unanimously adopted; that only twenty of their men should fire from the top of the bank; that the other twenty should leap down the bluff and make at the Indians, whilst those who had discharged their guns should reload on the instant, and come to the assistance of those who would be in advance and actually engaged. All moved with the silence of death, and each took deliberate sight. When the whites delivered their fire, there ICELAND. We have heretofore reviewed an epic poem from Sweden, with copious extracts. Perhaps to most readers the following paragraph, giving some hints of the literary state of Iceland, as long ago as 1819, may be even more interesting. It is extracted from Blackwood's Magazine, for April, 1819. ICELANDIC LITERATURE. Netherlands. An Almanack of the Muses in Dutch for 1820, to include the productions of the most celebrated living poets, is announced. Russia. modern literature of Iceland, we learn, that a From some interesting accounts respecting the translation has been made of Milton's Paradise Lost, and of the first fourteen books of Klopstock's arose a long and loud shriek. Those whose rifles were Messiah, into the language of that country, by still loaded, fairly threw themselves down the precipice, John Thorlakson, a native. This poet is a minisrose to their feet, and pushed on rapidly. The enemy ter at Baegisa, and lives in a little hut, situated seized upon their arms; the women flew along the shore. between three high mountains, and in the neighThe warriors were so completely surprised that they | borhood of torrents and foaming cataracts. The could not run without being overtaken. They resolved room in which he studies and sleeps, is scarcely as it were instinctively to make battle and die despe- large enough to contain a bed, a table, and a chair, rately. Turning upon the whites, they dispersed to and the entrance is not four feet in height. His some extent, and each naturally selected an opponent. whole income does not exceed six guineas a year, Henry G. preserved his self-possession, but his spirit although he serves two parishes. So little is was on fire. His attention was arrested by the saucy required to support life in Iceland, that, formerly, and defying look of a warrior, about his own age, re- the ministers had not more than thirty shillings markable for the elegance and admirable symmetry of his person, his great elasticity of limbs, and his free and for their annual stipend. unconstrained movements. He fled, and Henry pursued him; but after he had run about fifty yards he halted suddenly, turned, and raised his rifle, so did Henry, and both, in their anxiety and hurry, missed. On the advance of his antagonist, the young warrior again retreated, turning occasionally and watching for In the Russian language, a geographical manual his foe. At last he stopped, wheeled, and in an instant of the Russian Empire, in two volumes by C. M. threw his tomahawk with all his might, which struck de Broemsen, who, during twenty-five years Henry between his left nipple and the joint of the left active peregrination of this vast country, has shoulder. The wound was deep, and the blood stream-been enabled to visit the greater part of it. The ed down, but he was now excited almost to madness. Grasping and raising his tomahawk, he aimed to strike the head of his enemy, but it glanced and took off the thumb and fore-finger of the left hand. Each of the parties then had his butcher's knife left, and both were wounded. Both drew in a twinkling and rushed at each other; but Henry dodged the blow of the Indian who raised to strike, threw himself under him, as it were, clasped him round, and attemped to throw him. At last they fell side by side, and now it seemed that the final result of the combat must depend on which should be able to turn the other. The hand of the Indian was disabled, and Henry was already exhausted by the loss of blood from his breast. Seeing that all hope of preserving his life would soon be ended, each struggled to the uttermost. Fortunately the loss of part of the hand of the young warrior, gave his antagonist a decided advantage, and at length Henry turned him and got upon top. Gathering up his knees, he placed them upon the arms of the Indian, drew his large knife across his throat, with the utmost violence, and cut it from ear to ear. The brave fellow uttered a deep groan, his muscles relaxed, and he quickly expired. Henry rolled over by his side, and wholly overcome by the desperate effort in which he had been engaged, he soon became senseless. In this condition the two were found after the battle was over. work includes particular observations on the soil; and on the industry, commerce, manners, and customs of its inhabitants. Spain. The Lancasterian System of Education is about to be published in Spanish, and dedicated, by permission, to king Ferdinand. Sweden. The literature of Iceland has lately become an object of research in Sweden and Norway; and the royal library at Stockholm possessing a great number of Iceland MSS. the Professor Lilliegren is now occupied in translating and preparing them for publication. The first volume has appeared, and a second is in great forwardness. We are reluctantly compelled to postpone several inte resting bibliographical notices until our next number; in the meantime we renew the invitation to publishers and authors to forward their works without delay. ERRATA.--In the biographical sketch of General Hugh Mercer, published in the April number of the Messenger, an from the top. Instead of "Dolley," it should have been printed error occurred in the last paragraph, page 218, fifteenth line "Dolby," the venerable sexton's name. The existing arrangement of Lines on the Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac, and the Louisa Rail Roads, renders much improved this DAILY LINE To Charlottesville, Staunton, and the Virginia Springs. Also, to Guyandotte, Lynchburg and the Southwest. Passengers for Charlottesville, take their seats in the Mail Train, both from Fredericksburg and Richmond, at 4 o'clock, A. M., and arrive at Frederickshall soon after 9 o'clock. Having then only 44 miles of Stage travelling over an excellent road, they arrive in Charlottesville by or before dark, thus accomplishing the WHOLE JOURNEY BY DAY-LIGHT IN ONE DAY! As the Proprietors of the Stage Lines in connection with this road, own all the Lines running into Charlottesville from the West and Southwest, Passengers are secured against all risk of detention. This Line is equally advantageous to Passengers from Charlottesville to Richmond. Leaving Charlottesville about noon, they arrive at Frederickshall at an early hour in the evening, and leaving there at 4 o'clock the next morning, meet at the junction the mail trains both for the north and the south, and arrive at Richmond or Fredericksburg by 10 o'clock the same morning. Ample provision is made to accommodate the largest number of Passengers which may offer. The connection between these Lines and the regular Mail Lines from North to South, the perfect regularity with which all the Lines on these Rail Roads are maintained, and the regard which is had to the comfort and safety, as well as the expedition of Passengers, give them peculiar and important advantages. No Passenger has ever been injured on either of these Rail Roads. Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac Rail Road Office, June, 1838. J. W. STEVENSON, COUNSELLOR AND ATTORNEY AT LAW, VICKSBURG, MISSISSIPPI. NEW PRINTING OFFICE, RICHMOND, VIRGINIA. P. D. BERNARD Respectfully announces to his friends and the public generally, that he has OPENED A NEW PRINTING OFFICE, On the Street leading to Mayo's Bridge, Six Doors below the Methodist Conference Journal Printing Office, Where he proposes to execute every description of Letter Press Printing-such as P. D. B.'s qualifications as a Printer, have become well known during his long connection with T. W. White's office. He will personally attend to his own business, with able assistants, and will endeavor to do all work he may be favored with, in such manner as to give satisfaction. A Press and Types of the largest size, are among the materials of his office, for printing Posting Bills and other large jobs. Also, a new Patent Miniature Press, for fine small work. Fancy Printing done in a superior style, in any color desired, or in gold or bronze. P. D. B. has all the materials, of the best kind, necessary to print a paper of the largest size, and would be willing to undertake the printing of one, or any other periodical publication, at a fair price. Checks, Notes, &c. printed on an improved plan, with feint lines, at short notice. Orders for work may be left with T. W. White, at the office of the Messenger, opposite the Bell Tavern, or may be handed in at P. D. Bernard's Printing Office. RICHMOND, VA., JUNE 11, 1838. P. K. CHAMBERLAYNE, late of Richmond, Virginia, CARROLLTON, PICKENS COUNTY, ALABAMA. HENRY M. MORFIT, ATTORNEY AT LAW, WASHINGTON CITY. 433 6. New Views of the Solar System: the distances of the 9. The wife is ay welcome that comes with a crooked ox- NO. VII. ORIGINAL PAPERS-(CONTINUED.) PAGE for a reconciliation; meeting of the commissioners and Cherokees in council; speeches of the Indian chiefs; restoration of peace; exchange of prisoners; meeting of Henry and Emily, and Mrs. B. and her children; joyous arrival of the late prisoners among their friends at Nashville, and marriage of Henry and Emily. By L. M., of Washington City. (Concluded.).. 14. The Busy Body. No. III: Knowledge of the World. No. IV: "The Man of Feeling.". 462 469 15. Yet More About Trees; with extracts from ancient and modern poets on the subject. By J. F. Otis, Esq.....474 16. On Health. To Mothers. By Mrs. L. H. Sigourney.. BIBLIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. .....476 17. Cromwell. An historical novel. By the author of "The Brothers," " &c...... .....478 18. Mexico versus Texas. A descriptive novel. By a Texian. 479 19. Slavery in America: being a review of Miss Martineau on that subject. By a South Carolinian.... ....478 20. The Lady of Lyons, or Love and Pride. A play, in five acts. By E. L. Bulwer...... 478 21. The Last Man. From the Press of E. Ruffin, Petersburg. 480 22. A Valedictory Address, delivered to the Students of the University of North Carolina, by William Hooper, Esq. 450 441 23. Speeches of Joseph Hopkinson and Charles Chauncey, on the Judicial Tenure. Delivered in the Convention of Pennsylvania for revising the Constitution...... 490 24. The Hawaiian Spectator, Vol. 1, No. 1; Conducted by an association of gentlemen. January, 1838. Honolulu, Oahu, Sandwich Islands. 1838... 441 10. Notes and Anecdotes, political and miscellaneous, from 12. Francis Armine; A Romance. By a Novice. Chapters I, 13. The West Fifty Years Since. Chapter IV: battle with the Indians; their defeat; five squaws taken prisoners by the settlers. Chap. V: separation of Mrs. B. and her children, and arrival at the hut of her Indian master; war dance by the Indians; death of a warrior; celebration of the green corn dance. Chap. VI: proposals 480 26. 25. The Hesperian, or Western Monthly Magazine. Edited 480 490 452 ORIGINAL POETRY. This work is published in monthly numbers of 64 pages each, at $5 the vol. in advance: the postage on each No. for 100 miles or less, is 6 cts.-over 100 miles, 10 cts. RICHMOND, Va. T. W. WHITE, PRINTER, OPPOSITE THE BELL TAVERN. |