THE LULL BEFORE THE STORM--ADVANCING TO THE ATTACK--THE ENGAGEMENT--WORK
FOR MARKSMEN--TIM'S SHOT--A CAPTURE--ROCHFORD UNDERTAKES A PERILOUS
ENTERPRISE--A HUNTING EXPEDITION--OUR SUCCESS--WE GO BACK TO THE FORT--
SPOTTED WOLF JOINS THE PARTY--ENCAMPED FOR THE NIGHT--LEJOILLIE NODS
DURING HIS WATCH--AN ADVENTURE--THE INDIAN DISAPPEARS WITH OUR HORSE--
SUPPLYING THE GARRISON WITH PROVISIONS--CARLOS'S SUSPICIONS CONFIRMED--
THE PARTING--REDUCED TO EXTREMITY--PREPARATIONS FOR RETREAT--THE WOUNDED
SOLDIER--DEATH OF THE TROOPER--THE MARCH COMMENCED.
An unusual silence appeared to reign in the woods surrounding the fort;
even the birds, whose notes were wont to be heard, were silent. The sun
had already risen above the tops of the trees, and shone down with
intense force into the confined space which enclosed us. Not a breath
of air stirred the leaves. It seemed as if all nature had gone to
sleep. The sentries paced up and down on the platforms, watching on
either side, for it was impossible to say on which the Indians would
make their threatened attack. I asked Rochford if he did not think,
after all, that they had changed their minds, and would not venture
near.
"I am very sure that they have not," he answered. "They know that you
are but ill supplied with provisions and ammunition; besides which, they
have vowed that they will drive all the Palefaces into the sea, and
their late success in destroying a large detachment has encouraged them
to continue their efforts to liberate their country. I acknowledge that
they are vain, for they are ignorant of the vast resources we possess,
and fancy that the power of the whites is represented by the few
hundreds of troops which they have seen. It would have been more
merciful if the United States Government had sent an overwhelming force,
which would have rendered resistance impossible. But even had ten times
as many troops as are at present in Florida been employed, they could
have proceeded but slowly in a country covered in all directions with
impenetrable thickets and swamps; and unless good roads are cut, the war
will not be brought to a close for many a year to come. Meantime, both
white men and natives will suffer cruelly. The great object should be
to show the Indians that the whites must conquer at last, and that is
what I have endeavoured to do; but the Redskins declare that the country
is their own, that they have right on their side, and that the Palefaces
will be the first to get tired."
While we were speaking, one of the men on guard shouted, "Here they
come!"
On springing on to the platform, we could see a large body of men, some
on foot, others on horseback; besides which, we could make out many more
emerging from a wood to the north-west. They halted, apparently
surprised at our numbers, as they saw the heads of our men appearing
above the stockade; for, with the exception of the sentries, all had
hurried over to the side towards which they were approaching. The enemy
were deceived in another way, by supposing that we should only fire down
upon them over the stockade, whereas the lower portion under the
platform was well loopholed. After holding a short consultation, during
which not a sound reached our ears, they again advanced, led on by their
chiefs, uttering the most fearful yells and shrieks. I had often heard
of the Indian war-whoop, but I little knew, until now, the extraordinary
power of which the human voice is capable when excited by rage and the
desire to inspire terror into the hearts of enemies. I confess that I
should have been not a little alarmed had I not known what effect our
bullets would soon produce on the advancing foe.
"Shout as ye like, ye yelpin' savages," cried Tim, who was standing near
me; "it won't make one of us wink an eye, an' we'll soon send ye to the
rightabout when you get within range of our rifles."
A few of the chiefs now dashed forward, flourishing their spears, but
quickly retreated behind the warriors on foot, who advanced rapidly
towards the fort. Captain Norton, as they approached, ordered us all to
jump down from the platform and take our posts at the loopholes, whence
we could pour a deadly fire on the ranks of the Indians, while we
ourselves would be under cover. No sooner was the order given to fire
than we began blazing away. The enemy, little expecting the reception
they met with, had fancied they could get close up to the foot of the
stockade, and climb over without opposition.
Our men had been ordered not to throw a shot away. They fully carried
out their instructions. At the very first discharge fully a dozen
Indians were either killed or wounded. Staggered by this warm reception
they halted, when again their chiefs cried out to them to advance, which
they did after discharging a shower of bullets and arrows. The former
came pinging against the thick posts which formed the stockade; the
latter flew over our heads and fell into the fort, without, however,
injuring any one. Half of the garrison only had fired; the remainder at
once took their places, while the first party reloaded. We were thus
able to keep up a successive fusillade, which evidently greatly
astonished our foes. Still they continued to assail us with their
missiles, both from fire-arms and bows; and with remarkable courage they
again rushed on to the assault. We let them approach until they were
close up to the stockade, when we once more opened so withering a fire
that few made the attempt to climb up, and those who did quickly dropped
down, either with cloven heads or hands well-nigh chopped off. The
whole force, apparently seeing that they had no chance of getting into
the fort, hurriedly retreated, dragging away, as they did so, the bodies
of the slain.
Our men cheered, under the belief that we had won the victory; but the
Indians, though they had abandoned the assault for the moment, did not
consider themselves defeated, and halting as soon as they had got beyond
the range of our rifles, once more faced about. From their costumes and
wild appearance Captain Norton declared that they were not Seminoles,
but probably some of the allies who had, it was said, lately joined the
rebels from the north. Such, certainly, were the chiefs on horseback;
who now, having again arranged their men, and encouraged them to renewed
exertions, dashed on towards us at full speed, waving their lances and
shrieking at the top of their voices.
"Let them play that trick as long as they like," cried the captain.
"Wait until some of them get near enough, then bring down their horses.
It will require a good shot to kill the riders; but if their steeds
fall, we can easily capture them, and they would be of the greatest use
to us. However, do not throw a shot away, and wait patiently until they
come near. Perhaps they think our ammunition is exhausted; and if they
find we don't fire, they may come close up to the stockade."
The captain's orders were strictly obeyed. The warriors continued
wheeling round and round, now advancing, now retreating, but still
keeping at a respectful distance from the fort. At length they got so
near, it seemed to me that we might have knocked over the whole of them.
Captain Norton, however, did not allow us to fire. This, as may be
expected, made them still bolder, and at length they came sweeping on at
full speed, shaking their spears and shouting defiance, till they got
within fifty yards of us.
"Now give it them, lads!" exclaimed Captain Norton.
As we had but a limited supply of ammunition, only such men as were
looked upon as the best shots had been told off to fire. Among these
was Tim, near whom I was standing. He was the first to draw trigger,
and so sure was his aim that he shot the horse of one of the chiefs
through the head. Down came the animal on its rider, over whom it
rolled, crushing his leg, and preventing him from rising. The rest of
the chiefs, however, throwing themselves over the sides of their horses,
so as to be completely concealed, galloped off like the wind, and as far
as I could see, not a man or horse was hit.
"Now, lads, let's get hold of that fellow before he gets on his feet,"
cried Tim; and, jumping over the stockade, followed by three other men,
he ran towards the prostrate chief, who in vain, flourishing his spear,
called on his companions to rescue him. Finding that none of them
returned, he made a desperate lunge with his spear at Tim, who, however,
leaping on one side, warded it off with the butt of his rifle, and dealt
the Indian a blow on the head which rendered him incapable of further
resistance. The Irishman and his companions then seized the
nearly-stunned warrior by the shoulders, and dragged him to the gate of
the fort. It being opened for their reception, all in another minute
were safe within, and the gate again closed.
Our captive soon recovered his senses, and looked about like a wild
beast when it finds itself in a cage, seeking for some means of escape.
His countenance fell when he saw the strong palisades and the number of
armed men by whom he was surrounded. He, however, showed no other signs
of fear, and appeared to resign himself to his fate, expecting,
apparently, that he would at once be put to death. Captain Norton, who
spoke the language of the Seminoles with perfect ease, inquired why he
and his companions had attacked the fort.
"Because the desire of the red men is to drive their enemies the
Palefaces out of the country, and regain their rightful heritage,"
answered the chief.
"But you and your people have signed a treaty agreeing to leave the
country in possession of the United States Government, and you have
broken that treaty by remaining and attacking the whites."
"The treaty was signed by traitors, and could not be binding on the rest
of the people," answered the Indian. "We have once more dug up the
war-hatchet, and have resolved to regain our own. I have spoken. You
have me in your power; my life is in your hands; do as you list."
"Do you wish to live or die?" asked Captain Norton, detecting less
confidence in the Indian's tone than his words, of which I give a very
meagre translation, appeared to exhibit.
"Black Hawk has no desire to die. He has many in his lodges who would
mourn his loss," was the answer.
"Your life is in your own hands, then," answered Captain Norton. "If
you will promise to render us faithful service, you shall live, and
obtain an ample reward, with which you can return to your own and
gladden the hearts of your squaw and children."
The Indian's countenance brightened, and Captain Norton at once saw that
in spite of his boastful bearing he would be easily tempted to act any
part required.
"Our desire is to make the red men our friends, and we have no wish to
induce you to betray your people: but we require information, and if you
have the power of giving it, and will enable us to attain our object, we
shall be content," said the captain.
"What is it the white chief desires to know?" asked Black Hawk.
"One of the daughters of the Palefaces was carried off some weeks ago by
your people. Is she residing anywhere in this neighbourhood; and if so,
will Black Hawk undertake to restore her to those to whom she desires to
return?" said Captain Norton.
The Indian, for some time, made no reply to this question. He was
apparently considering how he should act. Should he be unable to assist
us, or refuse to do so, he would lose his reward, and perhaps be put to
death. At last he answered:--
"Black Hawk wishes to serve those who have saved his life. He cannot do
so if his own people suspect that he has allied himself to their foes.
The daughter of the Paleface chief is alive, and living in the lodges of
our great chief Oceola, where she was brought some time back. It is
said that he desires to wed the damsel, but that she has refused to
become his bride, and that he is unable to compel her."
"So far what you tell us is satisfactory," observed Captain Norton.
"Can you conduct a party to the lodges of your chief, so that the
damsel, should she desire it, may return to her home?"
"The undertaking would be difficult and dangerous," observed the Indian.
"Still, if the white chief wills it, Black Hawk will go; but it would
be certain destruction to all those who might form the party, should
Oceola discover the attempt made to carry off his intended bride."
Rochford had been an attentive listener to this conversation, of which I
give only a few particulars as they were interpreted to me. He had been
sufficiently long with the Indians to understand the greater part of the
conversation.
"If Miss Kearney be held captive in the lodges of the Seminole chief, I
will undertake to bear any message to her which her uncle or brother
desires to send, and endeavour, should she be willing to accompany me,
to escort her to her family," he said. "I have the means of
communicating with the Indians in all parts of the country; and in spite
of dangers and difficulties, I am sanguine of success."
"But should the Indians find out that you have communicated with us,
they will look upon you as an enemy to their cause, and will probably
detain you, if they do not take your life," observed my father.
"Anxious as I am to recover my niece, I think it right to point out to
you the danger you incur."
"I have considered all the difficulties, Captain Kearney, and I count
them as nothing compared to the object to be attained," answered
Rochford. "I would set out this very day, but I think it is of
importance to know whether our late assailants have taken their
departure; for should I fall into their hands, they might detain me
until Black Hawk was delivered up to them; or, should they think him
killed, they might take my life in revenge for his in spite of Oceola's
safe-conduct. Besides, I am very sure that you require a larger supply
of provisions than you now possess; and as none of your party can with
prudence venture far from the fort, I propose spending a day in hunting.
I have a sufficient reason for this, as I have greater hopes of being
able to conduct Miss Kearney to this fort than I have to reach her
father's house; and if you are compelled to abandon the fort for want of
provisions, my plan would be defeated."
Both Captain Norton and my father agreed to Rochford's proposals, but it
was a question whether the Indians could be trusted. They might prove
faithful, but it was more likely that they would play him some
treacherous trick. He, however, was not to be turned from his purpose.
On hearing of his intended hunting expedition, Tim volunteered to
accompany him; and I, after a considerable amount of persuasion, induced
my father to let me go also. Rochford, having thought over the matter,
consented to accept our assistance, believing that he could be
answerable for our safety. It was impossible that so large a body of
Indians could move through the country without leaving a well-defined
trail, and we should thus be able to ascertain the direction they had
taken, and to keep out of their way. Both Tim and I, having so long
lived in the wilds, were well able also to take care of ourselves; and
we promised not to go farther from the fort than was necessary to reach
the ground where game was to be found.
Rochford promised to leave his dog behind him, as not only might its
trail be discovered, but, though the animal was useful in many respects,
it was not required for deer-shooting. A small party like ours was much
more likely to escape observation than a large one, so that we hoped to
get back to the fort without difficulty.
Taking with us an ample supply of ammunition, and some cooked food to
prevent the necessity of lighting a fire, we set out a short time before
daybreak, so that, should any of the Indians by chance be approaching
the fort, our departure might not be discovered. Rochford led, followed
by Tim and me in Indian file, we all three keeping our eyes around us,
and our ears open for any sounds which might show the presence of an
enemy. We had reached the thicker part of the forest by the time the
bright streaks in the east announced the rising of the sun. We soon
discovered a track made by the deer on their passage to a neighbouring
pool. Rochford stationed Tim and me behind some thick bushes where we
could lie concealed and have a good chance of shooting a couple of the
animals on their passage to or from the water; while he carefully
explored the country farther to the north, to ascertain whether the
Indians, as he supposed was the case, had really gone in that direction.
It was truly hunting under difficulties. Should any Indians be near,
the sound of our shots would reach them, and it would be no easy matter
to conceal ourselves from their keen eyes, which would discover the
trail we could not avoid making. However, we had not waited long, when
a fine stag, followed by two does, came walking leisurely along, little
suspecting the fate awaiting them. Tim fired, and knocked over the
stag, while I killed one of the does. The other was bounding off, when
Tim brought her down with his second barrel.
Delighted at our success, we rushed out, eager to secure our prey,
forgetting altogether the possibility that enemies might be in the
neighbourhood. We were busily employed in clearing out the inside of
the deer, so that we might the more easily carry them, when I heard a
sound among the trees a little distance off. Both Tim and I, having
reloaded our rifles, retreated behind the bushes from which we had
emerged, and knelt down, ready to defend ourselves against any enemy who
might appear. Our minds were soon relieved, however, as we saw Rochford
step out from the brushwood. He looked somewhat astonished at seeing
the three deer on the ground, and greeted us heartily, as we presented
ourselves, on our success. He was satisfied, he told us, that we might
continue our hunting, as he had discovered the Indian trail leading due
north, and had no doubt that the party had been summoned by Oceola to
proceed in that direction. Having packed up the venison so that we
might carry it, we secured it to the boughs of a tree, and continued our
search for more deer. We were fortunate enough to kill three or four
others in the course of the morning.
As it was necessary to convey the venison to the fort without delay, we
set off, each loaded with as much as he could carry, intending to return
with a horse and a couple of men for the remainder. Our arrival was
hailed with infinite satisfaction by our friends, and Lejoillie and
another man volunteered at once to accompany us. Spotted Wolf, seeing
us about to set off, begged that he might also go. As he had come into
our camp voluntarily, it was difficult to refuse him without showing
that we suspected his honesty. On perceiving that Captain Norton
hesitated, he declared that he was as willing to remain as to go; but he
thought that he might be of service in assisting to obtain game, and
that he had another reason for offering to join the party.
Notwithstanding the suspicions which had been entertained of him,
somewhat to my surprise Captain Norton consented.
"We shall have to repent it, depend upon that," said Carlos. "I should
like to go too, for the sake of keeping my eye on him; but Uncle Michael
says he won't allow me. He has the right to permit you to run any risk,
but he has to answer for my safety to my father. Still, I advise you to
watch him narrowly; and do not scruple to shoot the fellow should he
show any inclination to play you a treacherous trick."
I replied that I could not undertake to shoot the man, but should watch
him as far as I had the power.
After Rochford, Tim, and I had taken some food and rested, we set out
with our fresh companions. We were again successful. In the evening we
agreed to camp out, hoping to kill the next morning as much deer as we
and the horse could carry together. Lejoillie was in high spirits, his
volubility contrasting with Rochford's taciturnity. We camped in the
centre of a wood, so that the flames of our fire might be concealed; and
we took good care to examine the neighbourhood, to ascertain that no one
was concealed there. We had, of course, an abundance of venison for
supper. Having finished our meal, we lay down to rest, Lejoillie
volunteering to keep the first watch. I was to have the second, and
Rochford and Tim the third and fourth; for we did not invite the Indian
and the other men to keep guard. We lay down as close to the fire as we
could, that the smoke might assist in keeping off the mosquitoes and
other stinging insects. Spotted Wolf, observing that he was indifferent
as to their bites, rolled himself up in a blanket which had been given
him at the fort, and lay down a short distance off, at the foot of the
nearest tree. I remember, as I closed my eyes, seeing Lejoillie walking
up and down, his rifle in his hand, now approaching the horse, which was
tethered close at hand, at a spot where the grass was abundant, now
taking a look at the Indian, who appeared to be sound asleep. It seemed
to me not a minute after my eyes had been shut that I heard Lejoillie's
voice rousing me to keep my watch. The fire was lower than I expected
to find it. I asked him why he had not kept it up.
"Better not to have more blaze than we can help," he answered. "It is
just possible, too, that I may have dozed for a moment while I sat down
against a tree. However, no harm is done; and I will now finish my
nap." Saying this, he threw himself on the ground in the place I had
just left vacant.
"I suspect that our friends, as you also, will thank me for putting some
more sticks on the fire," I observed. "The smoke will help to drive off
the mosquitoes, which have been biting abominably; and I heard them
buzzing round my ears the moment you called me."
I found by my watch that Lejoillie had allowed nearly an hour to pass
since he ought to have aroused me, and that I should in consequence have
but a short time to stand sentry. Taking up my rifle, I determined to
be more wakeful than he had been. I stepped towards where Spotted Wolf
was lying. He appeared to me to be sleeping soundly, with his head
covered up in his blanket, and his feet thrust into a heap of leaves.
The horse was farther off than it had been before, and I supposed that
Lejoillie had shifted its tether so as to allow it to obtain more grass.
I continued pacing up and down, now and then stopping to throw a few
more sticks on the fire. The stars shone bright overhead, but there was
no moon, and the lean-tos threw a dark shadow over the ground around, so
that, except when the flames burst up, I could distinguish nothing
clearly at any distance from the camp. The usual sounds which were wont
to reach our ears during darkness in the forest were alone heard: the
screeching of some night-bird, the croaking of frogs, the burr and buzz
of insects innumerable, and occasionally a rustling among the dry
palmetto leaves, which I knew was probably produced by a rattlesnake. I
was thankful when I saw that it was time to call up Rochford. While I
was arousing him, I thought I heard the sound of a horse moving rapidly
over the ground.
"Hark!" I exclaimed, "can that be our horse which has got loose?" We
both looked in the direction where we had last seen the animal, but it
was nowhere visible.
"It has got loose somehow or other. We must try to catch it," cried
Rochford.
Before I followed him, I sprang forward to where I supposed the Indian
was sleeping. I lifted the blanket,--a heap of leaves alone was beneath
it. He was gone. There could be no doubt that he had carried off the
horse. We might as well try to overtake a fleet deer as to attempt to
catch him on foot. I shouted to Rochford, fearing that he might be led
too far from the camp to be able to regain it.
"Spotted Wolf has escaped, and has gone off with the horse!" I cried
out.
My voice aroused our sleeping companions, who sprang to their feet.
Fortunately Rochford had heard me, and came back. We at once held a
consultation as to what was to be done. It was the general opinion that
Spotted Wolf would rejoin our late assailants, and probably bring them
down upon us. We therefore agreed to load ourselves with the venison,
and set off at once for the fort. Lejoillie was very much ashamed of
himself, as it was evident that the Indian had made his preparations for
escaping while he had been dozing. The stars served to guide us, and
although we frequently stumbled over logs of wood and branches, we
managed to get some distance before daylight. We then pushed on as fast
as our weary legs and heavy loads would allow us.
Our friends were very much surprised at seeing us arrive without the
horse.
"I thought so!" exclaimed Carlos, when we told of the Indian's flight.
"I knew that fellow was trying to play us a trick from the first; and he
would have done so before now, had we not kept a watchful eye on him."
We brought venison enough to last a couple of days, or even longer on
short commons, provided we could manage to dry it in the sun or smoke
it.
Rochford told me that he had resolved to set out immediately, and make
his way to the lodges of Oceola. Captain Norton, on hearing of his
determination, though anxious to recover my cousin, saw clearly the
danger our friend would run, especially since the spy had made his
escape, and coming into the hut where we were standing, spoke earnestly
to him on the subject.
"Spotted Wolf will tell the Redskins that you have been with us," he
said. "They, of course, considering that we are their enemies, will
treat you very differently to what they might previously have done."
"I am fully prepared for every danger I may have to encounter," answered
Rochford, as he took the captain's hand; "but I have resolved, at the
risk of my life, to restore Juanita to her family, if she be willing to
intrust herself to my care. I have become acquainted with Oceola, and
know him to be as generous as he is brave, although he may not have been
able to restrain his followers from committing the cruel and sanguinary
deeds of which they have been guilty. We shall meet again, I trust, ere
long; and if not, those here will know that I have fallen in a righteous
cause."
Captain Norton, on receiving this reply, no longer endeavoured to
dissuade Rochford from his enterprise. "I believe that your plan, from
its boldness, is more likely to succeed than any I can devise," he
answered. "Go; and may success crown your efforts!"
Rochford's dog, which stood by, looked up into its master's face, as if
asking leave to accompany him.
"Yes, my faithful Rob," he said, patting the animal's head, "I will not
leave you behind this time. You have already saved my life, and will, I
know, keep a careful watch over my solitary camp at night."
Having bade us all farewell, and wrung his cousin's hand for the last
time, Rochford, followed by Rob, hastened from the fort, and was soon
lost to sight among the trees.
We remained for the next two days, in the hope of receiving information
from the commandant of Fort King; but neither of the two trusty scouts
who had been despatched thither returned. At last our provisions had
come so nearly to an end that Captain Norton considered, unless we could
obtain a fresh supply, it would be necessary to proceed there at once.
Had Spotted Wolf not deserted us, we might have sent out a hunting party
in the neighbourhood; but as it was thought that he would to a certainty
give information to our enemies, and that they would in all probability
return and cut off any small party outside the fort, arrangements were
made for recommencing the march. Our chief difficulty in a forced
march, such as we intended to make, was to convey the wounded man, the
sole survivor of the massacred party we had discovered. A strong litter
had been prepared, and several men had volunteered to carry him. He
had, however, made no progress towards recovery, and the evening before
we were to start he was evidently worse.
Tim, who had assisted my father in doctoring him, entered the little
room appropriated to the officers. "I am afraid, sir, that Mike Dillon
is going to slip through our fingers after all," he said. "He has asked
to see you and the captain, but I fear, by the time you get to him,
he'll have little power to say anything."
On receiving this summons, we hastened to the hut, where, on a rough
pallet, lay the wounded trooper. His eyes turned towards us as we
entered.
"The Indians have done for me, gentlemen; and I want to thank you for
the care you have taken of a poor fellow," he gasped out. "If any of
you get back, and ever visit Philadelphia, I would ask you as a favour
to visit my poor mother, Widow Dillon, and tell her how I came to my
end. Give her my love, and say I died in the hope that she would
forgive me for the trouble I had caused her." His words grew fainter as
he spoke.
Captain Norton promised that he would carry out his request; and in a
few minutes after the young soldier breathed his last.
We buried him that night, just outside the fort, not far from where its
former defenders lay. We none of us could tell how soon we might share
his fate. Captain Norton, well aware of the dangers to which we should
be exposed, charged the scouts to keep a vigilant look-out, so as to
avoid being led into an ambush, or surprised in any other way.
Next morning, no messenger having arrived from Fort King, or from any
other direction, we commenced our march.