In 1779, a Mr. Morgan, of Prickett's Fort, West Virginia, was surprised in
the woods by two Indians, who immediately gave chase. Being old and
somewhat infirm, he faltered in the race, and was obliged to take refuge
behind a tree; the Indians did the same, but one of them exposing his
body, was shot by Morgan, and, after falling, stabbed himself. Morgan
again fled; but his surviving antagonist gained rapidly upon him, and at
length raised his gun to fire. Morgan adroitly stepped aside, and the ball
passed him. Then each rushed to closer combat.
Morgan, while striking with his gun, received the Indian's tomahawk, which
cut off a finger, and knocked the gun from his grasp. Being an expert
wrestler, he closed, and threw his antagonist; but he was speedily
overturned, when the Indian, uttering the customary yell of triumph, began
feeling for his knife. Its hilt was entangled in a woman's apron, which
the savage had tied round his waist; and this apparent trivial
circumstance saved the prostrate hunter. During the search, Morgan had
seized his antagonist's fingers with his teeth, a position in which he
used all becoming exertions to keep them. Meanwhile he assisted in the
search for the knife. The Indian at length seized it, but so far towards
the blade, that Morgan caught hold of the upper portion of the handle, and
drew it through his adversary's hand, inflicting a deep wound. Both sprang
erect, Morgan still holding on to the Indian's fingers, and having his
body within his grasp. He had therefore all the advantage, and while his
foe was struggling to disengage himself, he plunged the knife to the hilt
in his body. The daring hunter returned to the fort in triumph.
[Illustration: VIEW OF WYOMING.]
[Illustration: COLONEL ZEBULON BUTLER.]