REAPING THE WHIRLWIND.
A few days subsequent to the massacre of the Moravian Indians, Abe
Moffat made his appearance at the village, and reported their slaughter.
For days nothing else was referred to, and the minister, Edwards, was so
heartbroken that he started at once and alone through the wilderness to
satisfy himself of the full extent of horrors.
The distance to the scene of the massacre was great, and it was a week’s
journey to go and return; but an impetus, such as seldom influence the
motives of any one, impelled him forward. He arrived upon the ground
late at night. With a silent and cautious tread the divine emerged from
the forest and walked through the stricken village.
There was a faint moon overhead that threw a ghastly light upon the
scene, and the ripple of the muddy Tuscarora, as it flowed darkly by,
was the only sound that disturbed the solemn stillness. All at once, and
unconsciously to himself, he came upon the edge of the pit containing
the slaughtered bodies. At sight of the putrid Indians, piled
promiscuously together, and rendered doubly woful by the moonlight
streaming down upon them, a sudden faintness overcame him, and ere he
could withdraw, he fainted and swooned away.
He recovered in a few moments, and without trusting himself to look
again, turned and disappeared in the forest.
Late at night he started a fire against the dark trunk of a huge oak,
and lay down to rest.
The divine generally slept heavily; but the terrible sight which he had
so lately witnessed still haunted him in his dreams. He was feverish,
and often uttered words that showed upon what his mind was constantly
running. After a while he commenced dreaming. He saw the whole butchery
again, as his terribly excited imagination conceived it, and finally it
seemed that one of the Indians suddenly sprang up and brandished a
tomahawk over his head. He possessed no power of moving, and finally
awoke, covered with cold and perspiration. As he started up he found a
portion of his dream a reality. In the dim moonlight the glowing
eyeballs and gleaming visage of an Indian were visible close to his
face.
“Why, Wingenund, is that you? What is the matter that you look so?”
This Wingenund was a Shawnee chief who was known and respected by many
of the whites for the sterling qualities he possessed. He was brave,
honorable, and—what was almost a paradox in a Shawnee—was merciful. He
had taken little part, in the frontier wars, although, in the battles
with other Indian tribes, he was the bravest among the brave. He was a
middle-aged man, of much intelligence, and often visited the different
settlements. He spoke the English language very fluently, and avoided
that extravagant manner of expression so common among the North American
Indians. Hence, the astonishment of Edwards was natural at seeing him in
such a suspicious attitude.
“What is the matter, Wingenund? You would not take my life, would you?”
“I did not know you, good man, and came near doing it. But Wingenund
will never harm you.”
“Nor any other white man, I hope.”
“Wingenund has dug up the hatchet, and it shall never be buried again
until it has drank the blood of the cowardly white men.”
“What does this mean, good friend? I thought you were our friend.”
“I _was_, good man, but am no longer.”
“Not the friend of our settlement?”
“I am the friend of no man in whom a drop of pale-faced blood runs,
except of Simon Girty and his men.”
“Are you not a friend to me, good Wingenund?”
“If we meet in battle, there is nothing but enmity between us.”
“I am sorry for that, but I trust we shall never meet thus. But,
Wingenund, let me ask the meaning of this change, although I fear I know
the reason already.”
“Have you been yonder?” asked the savage, pointing his hand back of him.
“I have only just returned,” replied the divine.
“You have seen the Moravian Indians?”
“I have seen them, Wingenund.”
“And yet you ask why I have dug up the hatchet!”
“But, remember, Wingenund, that none of us undertake to justify the
cause of Williamson, and why should you seek to take vengeance upon the
innocent?”
The chieftain’s brow grew darker still as he replied:
“It cannot do, good man; the tribes who have fought each other will
unite together to make war upon you. I have passed through the villages
and stirred them up. I told them what Williamson and his men had done,
and that was enough. You must beware now.”
“Wingenund, I know you are a brave man, and do not believe you would
harm anyone whom you believed to be a friend. Listen, then, to what I
say. We heard, some months ago, that Colonel Williamson, with one
hundred men, was preparing to march against the Shawnees. The Shawnees
had broken in upon their settlements at night, had burned their houses
and scalped their women and children. They did this without provocation
upon the part of the whites, and we knew they would do it again. To
prevent this, these men were sent to chastise the offenders. They were
not sent to murder defenceless people, as they did. One of our men
joined them. He accompanied them to the Moravian towns, not dreaming of
their intentions. When he saw the awful work they were about to
commence, he told Colonel Williamson to his face that he was a base
coward and villain to undertake it. He appealed to the men to join him
in their resistance, running the risk of being shot himself while he did
so. Nearly a score besought their commander to spare the lives of the
Indians, and boldly stepped forward and demanded that it should be done.
But the others refused. They were determined that all in their power
should die, and those who first spoke against it, finally joined the
others. But he from our settlement did not. He did what he could to
prevent it, but could not. But he took no part in it. He was their
friend, and felt as all but these men did. When this man arrived, and
reported that he had seen these things, I could not believe him at
first. I hastened here alone to satisfy myself of what I saw. I have
told you how we feel, and, Wingenund, will you raise the hatchet against
us?”
The chief trembled at this question, and Edwards saw that he was deeply
affected. He remained silent a moment, and then answered:
“The good man has spoken truth. The other Shawnees and Indians may slay
your people, but Wingenund never will.”
“That rejoices my heart, my good friend.”
“But I warn you,” he added, impetuously, as he recoiled a step—“I warn
you, good man, of what is coming, that you may be prepared. The red men
have gathered like the stars in heaven, and they have sharpened their
knives and sung the war-song around the camp-fires. Wo to him who
crosses into the country! He shall never return. Our scouts are scouring
the woods, and none shall escape their eyes. Be warned, good man,
Wingenund has spoken.”
Before Edwards could intercept the chieftain or make a reply, he wheeled
around and darted away into the darkness.
The minister replenished his fire, and although he knew that the
warnings of his savage friend should be heeded, he did not hesitate to
lie down again in slumber. This time he was not disturbed, and when he
awoke the sun was shining high in the sky, and the songsters of the wood
were chattering gaily overhead. Slinging his rifle over his shoulder, he
turned his face toward home.
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.
On the 22nd of May, a glorious spring morning, Colonel Crawford marched
with his force into the Indian country. The first point visited was the
Moravian towns, which they found deserted and forsaken. Here Abe Moffat,
who had joined the company as spy, notified Crawford that their motions
were watched by numerous Indian spies, and that every preparation was
made to give them battle. The greatest care was necessary to avoid being
drawn into ambush, and Crawford ordered the men to march slowly, keeping
a good distance behind the rangers and scouts. There were nearly a dozen
of these constantly outlying the army, who communicated at all times
with it. As there was a score of Indian spies, most consummate tact and
cunning was called into play for the two forces to avoid each other. As
it was, personal encounters took place between the scouts, and the
soldiers often heard the report of their arms or the yells of conflict.
The Indian spies concealed themselves in the thick tops of the trees,
and as this was practiced by numbers of the white rangers, it more than
once happened that an Indian or American spy found themselves both
inhabitants of the same tree. In such a case a short contest, always
fatal to one and often to both, took place.
In this manner the American party marched forward, until at Upper
Sandusky they found themselves compelled to give battle to an
overwhelming force of Indians. The rangers warned Crawford that it would
be a desperate and bloody struggle, as the savages were exasperated to
the high pitch of fury by the slaughter of the Moravian Indians, and
they had learned that Colonel Williamson was with him.
Crawford formed his men in order of battle as quickly as possible,
addressing them, and awaking an enthusiasm which gave him great
confidence. The battle commenced immediately, Crawford’s force
preserving admirable order, and withstanding nobly the charge of the
savages. But at the next charge Crawford saw, with inexpressible
disgust, the cowardly Williamson (who feared the Indians were
endeavoring to secure him) turned in with the utmost confusion and make
a break for the woods. Crawford, in a voice of thunder, sprang forward
and endeavored to check the retreat; but it was impossible. A panic had
taken possession of them, and the exulting Indians gave them no chance
or opportunity to reform.
Simon Girty took part in this memorable conflict, and during the retreat
dashed into the woods and took prisoner—Abe Moffat! This he would never
have accomplished had Abe not labored under the greatest disadvantages.
He had broken the lock of his rifle so as to be unable to fire it, and
was singled out by Girty, who being mounted ran him down before he had
the slightest chance of concealing himself. Giving him in charge of
several Indians, Girty again took to the woods and captured two more
whites. Upon arranging them, it was found that there were over forty.
Among these was Colonel Crawford himself. A council was immediately
held, and the whole were painted black, and condemned to the stake!
We shall dwell upon the fate of but two of these—Colonel Crawford and
Abe Moffat.
At the village resided the Indian chief, Wingenund. This chief had been
known to Crawford sometime before, and had been on terms of true
friendship with him, and kindly entertained by him at his own house; and
such act of kindness, all red men remember with gratitude. Wingenund
does not appear to have been present when the preparations were made for
burning of the prisoners, but resided not far from the village and had
retired to his cabin that he might not see the sentence of his nation
executed upon one calling him his friend; but Crawford requested that he
might be sent for, cheering his almost rayless mind with the faint hope
that he would interfere and save him. Accordingly Wingenund soon
appeared in the presence of the bound and naked white men.
He was asked by Crawford whether he knew him, when the Indian said he
believed he did, and then asked:
“Are you not Colonel Crawford?”
“I am,” replied the colonel.
The chief displayed much agitation and embarrassment.
“Do you not recollect the friendship that always existed between us?”
said Crawford.
“Yes,” said the chief, “I remember that you have been kind to me and we
have often drank together.”
“I hope the same friendship continues,” said Crawford.
“It would, of course, were you where you ought to be.”
“And why not here?” urged the colonel. “I hope you would not desert a
friend in time of need. Now is the time for you to exert yourself in my
behalf, as I should do for you were you in my place.”
“I cannot. The King of England himself, were he to come to this spot,
with all his wealth and influence, could not interfere. The blood of the
innocent Moravians, more than half of them women and children, cruelly
and wantonly murdered, calls too loudly for revenge!”
“My fate, then, is fixed,” said the wretched man, “I must prepare to
meet death in its worst form.”
Wingenund, shedding tears, and deeply affected, then withdrew.
The colonel, observing terrible preparations going forward, called to
Girty, who sat on horseback, and asked if the Indians were going to burn
him. Girty replied in the affirmative. The colonel heard the
intelligence with firmness, merely remarking that he would bear it with
fortitude. At this juncture a Delaware chief arose and addressed the
crowd in a tone of great energy, pointing frequently to the colonel. As
soon as he had ended, a loud whoop burst from the assembled throng, and
they all rushed at once upon the unfortunate Crawford.
A terrible scene of torture was now commenced. The warriors shot charges
of powder into his naked body, commencing at the calves of his legs, and
continuing to his neck. The boys snatched the burning hickory poles, and
applied them to his flesh.
The squaws would take up a quantity of coals and hot ashes, and throw
them upon his body, so that in a few moments he had nothing but fire to
walk upon!
While this awful scene was being enacted, Girty rode up to the spot
where Dr. Knight stood. After contemplating the sufferings of the
colonel for a few moments, Girty told the doctor that he had a foretaste
of what was in reserve for him. He swore that he need not expect to
escape death, but should suffer it in all the extremity of torture.
The terrible scene had now lasted more than two hours, and Crawford had
become much exhausted. At length he sunk in a fainting fit upon his
face, and lay motionless. Instantly an Indian sprung upon his back,
knelt lightly on one knee, made a circular incision with his knife upon
the crown of his head, and clapping the knife between his teeth, tore
the scalp off with both hands.
Scarcely had this been done when a withered hag approached with a board
full of burning embers, and poured them upon the crown of his head, now
laid bare to the bone. The colonel groaned deeply, arose, and again
walked slowly around the stake. But why continue a description so
horrible?
Nature at length could endure no more, and at a late hour in the night
he was released by death from the hands of his tormentors.
When Colonel Crawford was stripped and painted black for the stake, his
shoes were also taken off and cast away.
Moffat stood by when this was done, and the action seemed to have given
him a thought, for he kicked off his own moccasins, and walking forward
to where the shoes lay, he managed to work his feet into them.
Of course his actions were observed by the Indians, but they supposed
that nothing was intended by it further than to secure a protection for
his feet.
When Crawford, in his torture, was compelled to walk barefooted over the
living coals, Girty turned upon his horse and spoke to Moffat:
“Ah, that’s what you put on them shoes of his’n for, is it? Never
mind—when we come to toast you, they won’t do you no good.”
One or two more of the prisoners were burned upon the spot, when it was
determined to march the others to the Shawnee towns, where hundreds of
others might feast themselves with the sight. For this purpose the
prisoners were separated, and under the guardianship of either one or
two Indians, marched off singly into the wood.
Dr. Knight, the companion of Crawford, as said before, was given in
charge of one warrior, from whom he managed to escape in the wood during
the march. The others, who had any appearance of stubbornness, or who
seemed likely to give trouble, were given over to well-armed savages to
watch their motions.
Such was the case with Moffat.
The Shawnee towns were a long distance away, and, as the prisoners were
compelled to keep separate by their masters, the march required
considerable time.
Moffat was the very last one who started. He rejoiced at this, as it
left the coast clear behind him, and Girty had accompanied those in
front.
The ranger could see, from the looks the two savages gave him, that they
were anxious to ascertain his feelings. If his eye sparkled, or he
retained his usual vivacity, their suspicions would be aroused; and he
accordingly feigned the deepest despondency and despair.
During the day, Moffat’s hands had been simply tied behind him, and he
marched in front of the two savages. At night, he well knew he should be
more securely bound, and it was his determination to elude his enemies,
if possible, before that time.
In the afternoon he feigned sickness, beseeching the savages to halt and
rest at short intervals. Although hungry, he refused all food, and on
one or two occasions actually dropped to the ground, as if with
faintness.
The suspicions of the Indians were naturally roused at first, but the
sickness of their captive was so well assumed and carried out, that they
were finally deceived. They halted several times, and allowed him a few
moment’s rest. As Moffat lay upon the ground, at such times, he groaned
and rolled and writhed as though in great pain; but, in reality, he was
working at the thong which held his wrists. By doubling his foot beneath
him, catching it and twisting the thong over the shoe, he succeeded in
getting it in such a position as to allow him to chafe and rub it
against the nails in the shoe. Now, it is no easy matter for a person to
bring his foot and hand together behind him and keep them in that
position for any length of time; and if one is disposed to doubt it,
they can easily satisfy themselves by a trial. But with the lithe,
muscular ranger it was quite an easy matter. His great hope was to chafe
the ligature until it could be broken by a desperate tug. In this he was
more successful; for, as he lay upon the ground, rolling and writhing as
usual, he felt the cord part behind him, and his hands were free. In a
moment he arose, of course keeping them behind him, and the string in
its position as much as it was possible for him to do so.
From the manner of the savages, it was evident they suspected nothing.
Abe, however, rather overdid the matter at last. He became so faint, and
sank to the ground so often, that the savages began to get out of
patience. They ordered him to his feet several times, and once, when he
did not rise soon enough, he was brought up all standing by a rousing
kick. This did not suit him very well; but under the circumstances he
concluded to pocket the insult, for the good reason that there was no
other course for him to pursue.
At last darkness commenced settling over the forest. The savages were
anxious to reach some point ahead, and as their frequent halts for their
prisoner had delayed them, they now hurried forward and traveled later
than they otherwise would. One savage, as stated, walked in front of
Moffat, and the other behind.
As they were walking in a part of the forest darker and denser than
usual, Moffat suddenly wheeled upon his feet, and before the hindmost
savage could suspect his intention, struck him a stunning blow that
felled him like a death-stroke. As he darted away the rifle of the other
Indian was discharged and he started in pursuit. But he was out of
sight, and in the forest—that is all a Western ranger asks. The whole
night was before him, and he would have every opportunity that he
wished.
He had run but a few rods when he settled down to a walk, for he felt
that his escape was effected. The settlement was reached in due time,
where he was gladly received by his friends. His escape may be
considered one of the most remarkable that he had yet met with.