Wetzel, the Scout; or, The Captives of the WildernessEllis, Edward Sylvester
General
Wetzel, the Scout; or, The Captives of the Wilderness
Ellis, Edward Sylvester
Dime novels; Frontier and pioneer life -- Fiction; Ohio River Valley -- Fiction; Shawnee Indians -- Fiction
The savages had comparatively little success along the frontier. The
different settlements were so thoroughly armed and prepared, and the
rangers so watchful and vigilant, that it was impossible to come upon
them unprepared. Stragglers and hunters underwent the most danger, as
they were followed and attacked by superior numbers in the woods, and
rarely escaped their implacable foes. The great Tecumseh at this time
was but a mere boy, yet the valiant deeds of his companions fired his
soul, and he gave evidence even at this early day, of that wonderful
prowess and courage which has since rendered his name immortal.
The Indians, growing bolder and more exasperated at their ill-success,
finally crossed the frontier and attacked the settlers in Western
Pennsylvania and Virginia. Several houses were burned, and their inmates
either put to the torture or carried away into captivity. This was a
bold proceeding, and demanded punishment immediately. A call was made
for volunteers, and the incensed settlers collected together at once.
Nearly five hundred men enrolled themselves for the campaign, and to
show the feeling which actuated the settlers, we have only to mention
that the monster, Williamson, was elected leader; and he made no secret
of his intention to murder the remaining Moravian Indians. This created
so much indignation among the men and subordinate officers that Col.
Crawford, a brave and humane man, was appointed to the command, with
power to control the actions of the entire force.
On account of the unexpected change in the aspect of affairs along the
frontier, Irene had informed Kingman that she considered it best to
defer their marriage day until there was peace, or at least, a nearer
approach to it than at present. In the midst of war, when their own
people were engaged in it, it seemed hardly proper their marriage should
take place. Kingman saw the justice of what she said, and agreed that an
indefinite postponement was demanded.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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