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Wetzel, Lewis News_WheelingDailyIntelligencer18820213_3

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Lewis Wetzel Story 1882
The Wheeling Daily Intelligencer
Wheeling, West Virginia •
Mon, Feb 13, 1882 p3
CLIPPED BY
shannonhenry75_1 • Nov 24, 2022

•The Wheeling Daily Intelligencer, Monday Morning, February 13, 1882

• LEWIS WETZEL.
An Extract from "Indian Wars of the Ohio" by Hu ataxwell. Furnished for the Intelligencer by the Author, But, while the whole family of Wetzel was a rampart of defense, and each individual was tried in the fiery ordeal of those troubled times, and found not wanting in generous hospitality to friends and undying hatred to enemies, yet, of all that name, Louis Wetzel stands out pre-eminent, a Hector among his brothers.
It has been truly said that fighting Indians was his profession. It was the aim of his life. All his training, study and conof this one sole when this could be centration were devoted, to the perfecting no longer employed, when the battle of the Fallen Timbers had shattered forever the strength of the North Western Confederacy and the Indian wars were over, he became stupid and melancholy, and life seemed a burden. But, even then, he WILD by n0 means inactive; for, it is said that on one occasion he set out to travel two thousand miles in order to take revenge on a Spanlard who had insulted him.
Foster says that Louis Wetzel was five feet ten inches tall, strongly built and of a dark complexion, with eyes "piercing as the dagger's point." His hair was black as a raven and reached nearly to the ground, being fully five feet in length.
In the summer of 1874, when Wetzel was fourteen years of age, he first came into notico as an Indian combatant. He and his younger brother, Jacob, were some distance from the house when they were discovered by a gang of prowling savages. The first Intimation the boys! had of the presence of Indians was muzzle of a gun pointing around the The co next instant the gun was discharged, the ball, striking Lewis in the breast, carried away a part of the breast-bone, and so disabled him that he could not escape. He and his brother was thereupon captured. The Indians at once retreated with their prisoners, and crossing the Ohio near Wheeling, hastened forward toward their towns on the Muskingum. The captives were tied the first night. The second night they reached McMahon's Creek, at the Big Lick, when they, again encamped. They now omitted to tie the being far from the settlement, they would not be apt to attempt an escape. The savages fell to their night's rations, and having gorged their maw in a very imprudent manner, flung themseIves on the ground and were soon snoring.
Lewis moved unconcernedly about the fire, seeming to rebuild it, but only to test the soundness of the Indians' sleep. Finding that they did not stir, he aroused Jaooh. and whispered to him to get up and go home. Jacob was afraid to make the Venture, but Lewis finally got him started.
They had proceeded about one hundred yards when Lewi- observed that they could travel well without something on their feet." He went back to camp and got them each a pair of mocensine. Then, m bering that his father's rifle was in camp, he returned, and brought it off. Continuwug retreat, they soon heard the Indians in pursuit. The boys stepped to one side while the Indians passed on and then followed in the rear. They were heard coming back, when the boys again dodged to one side. In a few minutes two other Indians followed on horseback. By the same device they were avoided. The next day the boys reached the Ohio opposite Wheeling, be and fearing to call lest suvages might lurking near, they built a raft on which they crossed the river, and soon, reached their home.
WETZEL'8 RUNNING BATTLE WITH FOUR SAVAGES.

The next recorded adventure of Lewis Wetzel was in 1782, when he was 22 years of age. The third expedition against the Moravian Indians, led by Col. Crawford, had been defeated and well nigh cut to pieces by the allied Indians, the Shawnees, from Mad River, the Hurons from Sandusky, various the other Delawares from Fymochtee, with tribes,aided by a squadron of British cavalry from Detroit. Among those who had fled for their lives and who lad been so fortunate ns to reach the settlements, was A man named Thomas Mills. He had ridden his horse so hard that it gave, out and he was obliged to leave it at Indian Spring, about nine miles from Wheeling, and proceed on foot. He went to Van Metre's fort, and prevailed on Wetzel to go back with him for the horse. Wetzel admonished him of danger, telling him that the Indians would probably follow fugitives to the edge of the settlements, and to return for the horse would be exceedingly dangerous. However Mills did not like to lose his horse, and was determined to go, Wetzel accompanying. him, and they proceeded without molestation to the place where the animal had been left. As they approached the spring they discovered the horse tied to a tree. Wetzel took in the situation at a glance, and called to Mills, who was coming up to unfasten the horse, to stop, ns there was danger. Mills went on, and the instantaneous crack of a -dozen rifles verified Wetzel's suspicions. A large body of savages rose from their ambush. Mills, who had been shot in the heel, was overtaken and tomahawked. Wetzel singled out his man, took deliberate aim, fired, and an Indian was in eternity.

Hie Indians wheeled around and took flight. Four threw down their guns and drawing their tomahawks started in hot pursuit, certain of soon overtaking him. By long practice Wetzel had learned to load his gun while running at full speed, and now he was to realize the advantage of bia art. By the time he had run half mile his gun was loaded, and suddenly wheeling his about hie shot the foremost sayage in trucks. Again taking to flight, he loaded na he ran.

Another half mile WAS gone over, and as he again turned to fire the front Indian was so near that the gun could not be brought to bear on him. At this the savage seized the gun and a desperate tight ensued. The Indian tried to wrench it from Wetzel's hands and Wetzel tried to get the Indian in front of it so that he could shoot him. A ferocious plunge of the savage threw Wetzel to his knees, but instantly regaining his feethe thrust the muzzle of the gun against his antagonist's neck and fired. This Anished a second pursuer, and the scout hurried off to escape the two remaning loos who were almost on him.

His rifle was soon loaded. He stopped till his pursuers should come in range. But they had taken the hint, and were shy of exposing themselves. Every time he would turn, they would spring behind trees, till he took the advantage of an open stretch of woods and turning shot one them, who had taken shelter behind a tree too small to shield him. The remaining savage became discouraged and gave up the chase, exclaiming, "No catch dat man, him gun always loaded." LOUIS WETZEL'S LONE HUNT.

The next recorded campaign of Wetzel was in 1786, when he wns 26 years of age. During this year the Indians had been pillaging and marauding through the settlements about Wheeling, and especially the Short Creek community, and had murdered a man at Bingo Bottom. An invasion of the Indian country was strongly urged, and a subscription of $100 raised and was offered to the man who would bring in the first Indian scalp. A force of twenty men was at once raised, and headed by Maj. McMahan, Beech Bottom, crossed the Ohio on the of August and rushed forward through Indian country.

Lewis Wetzel was one the party. They advanced by forced It marches to the Muskingum. Here a halt was made, scouts explored the country and reconnoirted the enemy, whom they found in a large encampment. They satisfied themselves that the Indians were far more numerous than the whites, and returning, to headquarters, reported. A council was called to determine what should be done.

All who wished bad a voice in deciding. The result was that an immediate retreat to Wheeling was mined upon. Wetzel sat on a log a little remote from the conference, and seemed to pay no attention to what was doing. As soon as it was settled that they should retreat, the men shouldered their equipage and begun to move off. Wetzel showed no disposition to join them, but sat sullen on the log, his rite resting across his knees.

Noticing this, thecommander saked whether he was not going back. He grufly answered that he had come out to fight Indians, and now that they were found, he did not propose to leave them and anenking back : with his Angers in his mouth like a fool. The arguing and pursuasion of the party was in vain. He was unbending in his determination to remain. He told them to go and he would come when he got ready.

Finding their endeavors availed nothing with the resolute man, they marched off, leaving him sitting sullen on the log; and, as they looked back till they lost sight of him in the distance, they thought that they had seen Lewis Wetzel for the last time. He was, indeed, in : a perilous situation, and one of great and impending danger. It was altogether probable that the enemy's spies were at that moment watching the movements of the expedition, and should he be discovered thus separated from his companions his escape, if made at all, would be due to the fact that he was Lewis Wetzel. As soon as his comrades had all disap. peared in the forest, he buckled his blanket about him, shouldered his rifle and set off in an opposite direction.

He knew the danger and was well prepared to meet it. He kept a sharp lookout in all directions Indians. It WAS his hope that he might And a small gang, and by tracking them to their lair, fall on them while they slept. He studiously avoided the prinon cipal the paths and the larger streams, the keeping hardest ground or in I woods he could find. All day till night that solitary man strolled through the forests, filled by the enemy and beset with manifold and unseen dangers.

Yet he met no foe. Thesun went down and night abruptly closed over the wilderness. It was dark, chilly and threatened rain. When he could no longer see to travel he halted for the night. To build a fire in the very midet of his enemies would have been almost certain destruction, as the light would lead them directly to the spot.

However, ceeded by in an getting ingenious with contrivance little he risk. sue. warm dug a small pit in the ground, made a flue of bark, and in the pit placed a few burnlog coals; then, sitting on the ground, en• circling the furnace with his legs and covering soon himself in entirely with his blanket, he a temperature, equal, as expressed it, "to that of a stove room." After he was thoroughly warm he lay down and slept soundly till near daybreak, and the first light of the dawn he was again upon the search of Indians. On and on through the woods he roamed during the greater part of the day. Toward evening he found a trail, and following it a few miles he came upon a tenantless camp.

He went to it, and found a kettle and two blankets. He conjecture them to belong to two Indians absent on their day's bunt. Accordingly he hid near the camp and waited for further discovery to develop further plans, About dusk an Indian came in, with with A load of game lashed to his back. He built the fire and commenced catering about supper, In a short time another came in, and the two devonred their supper, and settled down, as Wetzel thought, for the night. They seemed two jolly, goodhumored fellows.

They tulked and sang and roared and yelled for two or three hours. All this time the daring scout was within a few steps of them, and was maturing plans that were to end their hilarity forever. About 10 o'clock one of the Indians wrapped himself in his blanket, took his gun in one hand and a chump of fire in the other, and left the camp. Wetzel supposed that he had gone to watch a deer lick, and would be back withina few hours. He waited for the Indian's coming till the twittering of the birds admonished him that day was at hand.

This was a grievous disappointment to the scout. He had formed his plans to attack the Indians while asleep, and has considered them safe. Nevertheless he determined to save one of them anyhow. So, noiselessly crawling to the side of unconscious sleep: er, he plunged his bowie-knife to the hilf in the poor fellows's breast. The Indian gave a quick jerk, a convulsive quiver, and was dead.

With the scalp he set out for home, which he reached only one day later than his companions. He claimed and received the e $100 reward. TILE RED GOBBLER. There is a cavern in the Creek Hill, not far Wheeling, and of this cave, there is a well founded tradition. It is said that un Indian was in the habit of concealing himself there, and by imitating the call a wild turkey, had, it was thought, on two occasions, allured persons to destruction.

This turkey call was a favorite device the Indians along the borders to decoy persons into their power. The call is so easily counterfeited, that to distinguish the true from the false was nearly impossible. Wetzel,s suspicions had been aroused and he believed the cave was the Indian's hiding g. place. If so, he determined offer bim some inducements to quit gobbling.

He knew the exact location of the cavern, and before day slyly proceeded a spot from which he could command entrance. Shortly after daylight he espied an armed and painted warrior crawl forth from the den, Straightening himself and stretching out his long Neck, he guye the loud and brill cry, M chug lug, chug-a-lug, chug Relieved of this much of it, the savage sank back from view. Wetzel leveled his rifle and waited for a repetition of the trick. Presently the swarthy wretch slowly raised himself, peeped about and was expanding himself for another effort, when the keen crack Wetzel's rifle startled the morning air, and the brains of the savage were spattered about the mouth of the cave. KILLING OF LEWIS WETZEL'8 FATHER.

In 1787, John Wetzel, father of Lewis, was killed by Indians at or near the mouth of Cuptinn. He was returning with some of his neighbors from Middle Island Creek, when an Indian OR the bank called them to come to shore. Not complying, several Indians rose from ambush and fired into the canoe Wetsel was mortally wounded; but ordering his companions lie down in the bottom of the boat he rowed them out of danger. He was carried to Baker's Station, and died. It said that his grave may yet be seen, marked by a stone on which is the inscription, , 1787." At this time Lewis was twenty -seven years of age From that time he was Koight says he was twenty.

three years age: but, according to Withers (tho highest author on the subject), this is facorrect. uncompromising Indian hater. Ail energies and ingenuities were devoted that one deep-rooted determination--revenge, first, last forever. Terribly its execution fall upon the Red Man's voted head. For seven years longer the war continued, and Lewis Wetzel, in common with his brothers, but superior to them, ever in the front rank.

It is doubiful there was A man on the Ohio from Fort Pitt to Louisville, who did more by individual exertion to drive, back the savage, than was done by Lewis Wetzel. Simon Kenton, chief of the "Bloody Kentuckians," is about the only one to dispute laurels with Wetzel. It has been computed that no fewer than one hundred Indians lost their lives at the bands of the Wetzel brothers, LEWIS WETZEL " TREED POUR INDIANS." Lewis Wetzel had a peculiar custom of taking an extensive ramble through Indian country every fall. Nothing allowed to interfere with this. Such an of pedition was always one of peril, and seldom made without encontering Indians.

One autumn (in what year unknown) set out for his hunt. He proceeded to the Muskingum without meeting adventure, But, while traveling late night he came in view of a fire. He cantiously approached, and saw that it was the camp of four Indians, all of whom appeared to be asleep. He paused to consider. There were four of them.

They were asleep. He was alone. He resolved to assail them, and take the chances. The fearless banter crept forward, rifle in band, knife and tomabawk in his belt. The camp fire had burnt low, and through the glimmering, fitful gleam be moved as silent as his own shadow.

Carefully leaning his gun against a tree, where it would be ready for an emergency, he drew his tomabawk. The dark faces of the sleepers were turned up death toward the dark sky, and the herald stood over them. A terrific blow cleft the skull of one of them. Quick 08 thought another was laid in the dreamless sleep of death. The other two awoke.

They sprang to their feet. They looked around in bewilderment. A third blow from the reeking batchet felled another dead to the earth. The only survivor became alarmed and darted off into the thicket. Wetzel followed, yelling like a byena, thinking, perhaps, like Gideon, that if he could not get bim any other way, he would scare him to death.

But the Indian got away, and Wetzel, having scalped the dead, returned to. Wheeling. Being asked what success he had met with, he replied that he had "treed four Indians, but one got away. LEWIS WETZEL "TREED" BY SIX INDIANS. On one occasion Wetzel was scouting about in the vicinity of Wheeling when night came on.

Being some distance from any dwelling, he took shelter in an old He waste gathered cabin a standing few on clapboards, the river and bottom. I them across the joists made himself a bunk laying for the night, and he was beginning to dose when he heard footsteps approaching, In a tered few moments six big Josty Indians a saunin and struck up a fire. Wetzel drew his knife, prepared to leap upon them. 1f they should for a moment suspicion that anything was on the shelf, nothing could still, prevent his determined, discovery. if discovered, He lay to perfectly tumble down, and, like Boone in the tobacco house, bring the whole loft with him, and then in the The confasion attempt an escape.

Indians spitted their meat, ent their smoked their pipes and floored theinselves for a night's sleep. As soon they were all snoring, the scout evacuated his couch, noiselessly glided apast the outstretched knaves and left the building. Wetzel was like Sogston, he never left a battle field without leaving something to show that he had been there. He walked a few steps from the door, and hid himself. He light was he waiting for the morning.

At dayexpected to give the Indians some advice. The morning came, and after some mustering about in the house, one of the Indians stepped through the doorway, and stretching up his arms and opening his big mouth, devoted his whole resources to one soul-stirring yawn. It was his last. The ball from Wetzel's rifle had found its way to sod his in vitals, the and he fell, beating the green paroxysms of death. Before those in the cabin could recover enough from their alarm to look out, the scout was far off in the forest.

WETZEL SITOOTS AT "GEORGE WASHINGTON." In the year 1780 General Harmar had command of the Indian affairs of the North West. He built a fort at the mouth of the Muskingum, where Marietta now stands. It was his wish to adjust the difficulty with the Indians without the further shedding of blood, if it could be done. Accordingly, he sent a flag of truce among the various tribes, inviting them to come to the fort. At the same time he published a proclamation declaring the war suspended till the utility of concluding a general peace could be investigated.

The Indians were always anything of the kind; for, in the uggregate treaties were to their advantage. Therefore, in acceptance of the offer a large number of them gathered in from various parts of the country, and pitched a general encampment on the Muskingum, a few miles above Marietta. Treaties with the Indians had grown so common, and were so universally disregarded and broken, that make new ones seemed a mere farce top The Indians were not always to blame for the violation of the treaties. but they generally were; and be this as it may, the peace war always of short duration, and conducive to no ultimate good. when Gen.

Harmar published his for proclamation, declaring the war suspended the time, many persons openly avowed their disapprobation of the measure, and declared themselves not bound by it Among them were Lewis Wetzel and Veach Dickerson. They publicly announced their intention of fighting the Indians in despite of Gen. Harmar and his proclaination. Accordingly they set out for the front, where the General was busily engaged in threatening, blarneying and haranguing the As perfidious savages to another peace. from the fort, and as camp they was would be distance almost Indian some constantly pussing back and forth between the two places, it occurred to Wetzel and of his companion that the most effective mode of attack would be to waylny the path between the two places.

This they did. of sought out a suitable place and set They themselves in ambush. Presently a big burly Indian, who was known by the name of George Washington, came called down the puth at full gallop. They on him to halt. He did not comply--probably not hear them on account of the cletter of his horse's feet.

to When he was apast them they decided to give him a shot anyhow, They fired, but re did not fall. He rode on and reached to the fort, where he gave the alarm. He had its been shot through and through, and died of his wounds that night. GEN.. HARSAR ATTEMPTS TO ARREST WETZEL.

As soon 118 it was known that an Indian a- had been killed, the chiefs and warriors became excited, and the consequences must have been serious, bad not General Harmar assured them that the dastardly deed was done without his knowledge, and against his orders, and that he would willingly punish the guilty parties, if be could get of them in his power. Thisallayed the storm of vengeance in the Indian camp. A rumor was soon circulated that the shooting had been done by Lewis Wetzel. This reaching the ears of Gen. Hamar, he was highly incensed, partly that the shameful affair had occurred in a time of truce, but more that it had been done in rebellion border against his authority, by one of the men--a class of people for whom he to never entertained much love, but whom he was finally compelled to respect.

He sent a company of men under Capt. Kingsbury to Mingo Bottom with orders to to take Wetzel dead or alive. There was an impossibility to Kingsbury's obeying this order, and he was speedily convinced of it. is He might as well have attempted to drag from his throne, as to take Lewis "J. Wetzel from the people of the Wheeling Border.

He was their idol, AB it were; | and, there was scarcely a man among them an who would not have shed blood, if necesof sarv, rather, than see him given up to be punished for shooting an Indian, even in time of truce. his A company an of the border men collected | to and set ambuscade, intending to massacro Kingsbury and his men. Major did McMahan intervened, persuading the men de- to desist, till he could see Kingsbury and endeavor to ladnce him to return. This was done, and what might have been a catastrophe was avoided. | WitS General Farmer was informed that if he if persisted in his efforts to capture Wetzel the whole country would be upon him, and he would have his hands full.

With this, the matter was dropped for the time. Whether Harmar really intended to the hang Wetzel (as he threatened), has been questioned; but be was surely in earnest about his arrest. This may have been in part affected to appease the fury of the Indians, and allow the negotiating treaty to be concluded. Wetsel, thinking that the worst was now of over, and that no more attempts would be the made to molest him, shortly after, and was while General Harmar was still at Mariex- etta, got into a canoe and started down the was Ohio for Kentucky: It was one of bis characteristics never to remain long in one he place. He was Imost constantly moving about between Pittsburgh and Louisville.

any The greater part of this distance was wild one forests, filled with beasts and Indians, yet he roamed back and forth, heedless of the danger that surrounded him. Wherever he went be was an honored quest and felt bimself at home He was a general favorite, and was the pride of the border. GEN. MARMAR CAPTURES WITZEL-ESCAPE. He proceeded down the Ohio with his canoe, and stopped for the night with a friend named Carr.

This man lived on an island not far from the fort. By some known means, Gen. Harmar discovered that Wetzel was on the island, and he determined to take him, probably thinking thereby to atone for his previous failure and have revenge on the man who had so vauntingly defied his authority. That night be sent a squad of soldiers to the island. They noiselessly surrounded Carr's house, and breaking in, seized Wetzel while asleep, and binding him hand and foot burried bim off to Gen.

headquarters. There he was loaded with fetters and chains, and placed in close conAnement. For a short time he endured this ignominy without inurmur; but it soon grew too intolerable to be longer borne by a man of such restless and unfettered spirita. Ele sent to Gen. Harmar and requested n visit.

When the General went, Wetzel told him that he had shot the Indian, but did not want to be hung, as that would be too confining, and would be attended with something of disgrace. He then asked as A favor that Gen. Harmar would deliver die him up to the Indians, where he might like a man. He said that the Indians might form in a hollow ring, and place him in the center. The Indians armed with knives and tomahawks, and him with a it tomahawk.

Then let him them fight out the way they could. The General looked at him a moment in mingled wonder and admiration, for he saw that Wetzel meant what he said, would willingly fight the whole Northwestern Confederacy of Indians rather than remain in manacles and hobbles, confinded in a smothery room. "I am an officer appointed by the law," said Harmar, and I must be governed by the law. The law does not authorize me to make such a compromise; " therefore, L cannot grant your request The General then took his leave, and the restless was left chalued down to the floor oPals cell. He endured few days longer, and again sent for General Harmar, and told him that he was used to a life of treedom, and could not live much longer in confinement-that if he were not unchained and allowed some room to walk about in, be " would be dead in a few days.

The General, probably ashamed of himself, ordered Wetzel unbound, ail but his and allowed him to walk about the grounds under the keeping of a strong guard. No sooner had Wetzel gotten into the open air than he began to dance and run about in a gleeful manner, playing and tantalizing his guards. He would sturt off as though trying to escape, and when the guards started in pursuit, he would walk back, teasing and laughing at them. turn, No sooner would they become settled than another dash in the direction of the woods would induce them to follow, thinking that be wus surely trying to escape. lle would stop and leisurely walk back.

Thus he annoyed and worried them till they refused to pay any more attention to him. He continued the sport, and it was begining to grow monotonous, when he suddenly started at full speed for the woods. His guards did not notice this change in his tactics till he had well nigh reached the thicket. They then caught up their guns and fired at him. All missed, and he reached the woods.

A motley pack of Indians and Harmar's myrmadons were Ile howling knew at his the heele.,. well and could be have gotten free from his manneles he would have groat advantaga of his pursuers. Ag it was be got out of sight of them and ran into the densest forest be could find. He concealed himself under a log and awaited results. As soon as Harmar knew of his flight he set nearly all the soldiers and Indians of the fort and camp upon his track.

They traveled the woods in every direction, and he could hear them yelling and bellowing on all sides. Nor, was this all. He had scarcely become settled in his concealment when two Indians made their appearance. They were following his trail. They stood on the log over him.

He heard them, but could not see them. They talked of how they wonld drag him back to camp. He expected nothing but discovery. ilad he been unbound he would have made his own terms with the Indians. But he was entirely defenseless, and could only wait and hope.

The Indians moved on. He again breathed free. His pursuers were several times in sight,and he could see them scouring the thicket, frequently passing near him. As darkness came on, the woods became quiet, and he resumed flight. But, where to go was the question." He did not apply for assistance to any person on the side o of the river; for he knew not Ohio whether they would be friends or enemies.

He had plenty of friends on the Virginia side, but to cross the river, bound and ironed, swimmer was the difficulty. He was a good but was afraid to risk the water without the use of his hands. lle was aware that where guards would be placed at every point he might obtain a canoe, and therefore he carefully avoided such places. By a circuitous route he reached the Ohio three or four miles below the fort. On the opposite shore he had a friend named Wiseman, in whom he could confide.

When he reached the river he observed his friend fishing on the other bank. Fearing to call, lest be should alarm enemies, who might be, he knew not how -he attracted Wiseman's attention by splashing the water and waving his hat. His friend came to his rescue, and carried him across the river. By the aid of a file and bammer the handcuffs were removed. WETZEL RECAPTURED BY GEN.

HARMAR. He remained that night with Wiseman, and the next morning, having been suplied with a canoe, gun and ammunition, he again pushed off for Kentucky. Ho went ashore at Point Pleasant to see some friends. Captain Kinsbury wits then stationed there, of which fact Wetzel was ignorant. remained in the town a few days, and while leisurely walking along the street he met Kinsbury.

Both were much surprised. Kinsbury had not heard of Wetzel's| escape, and thought him with Harmar, till by meeting him he learnt better. Each stopped short and stood eyeing the other. Neither spoke for some time. Wetzel was waiting for Kinsbury to make the first it.

move. was Kinsbury afraid had no intention of doing He of Wetzel. After both had stood at hay for sometime, Kinsbury exclaimed, "Get out of my sight, you Indian killer !" Wetzel seconded the motion and sided off, cautiously watking that no advantage was taken, and thinking it imprudent to long remain at that place, he set forward in his canoe for Kentucky. Once there he felt safe from the clutches of Gen. Harmar and his ruffians.

He had friends all over the country. With them he spent his time hunting, scouting, running and wrestling. For some time things went well. Gen. Harmar removed to Fort Washington (Cincinnati), and learning that Wetzel was in the country, he offered a large reward for his arrest and delivery at Fort Washington.

Not one of the soldiers was willing to make the attempt. Some were too generous, and some too cowardly. It would have been worth as much as their lives to have openly attempted to take him from the midst of the Kentuckians. However, some were influenced by other motives than fear. At Maysville and Washington Wetzel made his headquarters, and was there when Harmar issued his proclamation offering a reward for his arrest.

Wetzel was a trusted friend and special favorite of almost every man in Kentucky, and it would not be safe for a small party to atteropt to drag him off. While Harmar was at Fort Washington bickering and powwowing with the Indians, Wetzel attended a shooting match at Maysville. That evening after the sport was he sat in a tavern joking with his friends. Lieut. Lawler, of the U.

S. A., was then passing down the Ohio with a convoy of soldiers; and putting to shore and strolling through the town he saw Wetzel at the tavern. Returning to his bouts he brought up a squad of soldiers, seized Weizel and hurried him off to the boats, and shortly after delivered him to Harmar. WETZEL PUT ON TRIAL FOR HIS LIVE The hardy scout was again loaded with chains and thrown into prison. Harmar considered his victim safe now, and made preparations for his trial, the result of which he hesitated not to my would be condemnation and execution.

But he was getting into dangerously deep water. Although he knew it not, he was really Wetzel. in more danger of execuuon than He had forgotten that the better part when of valor was on the discretion, particularly trampling wishes of the frontier men of Kentucky. The news spread up and down the whole country: Lewis Wetzel was under urrest, and was likely to hang for the crime of said shooting they, an Indian! "A pretty pass this," "bung a man for killing an Indian, when they are killing some tour men every day !" Petitions for Wetzel's, pardon came in all from all parts of the country, and signed by conditions of society. To these Harmar paid no attention.

When this was known the bordermen were more furionthan ever, and affairs began to assume a foreboding appearance. Meanwhile the trial came on, and the condemnation of the prisoner was grow ing more certain, when a scout, who bad been sent into Kentucky by Harmar to note the drift of affairs there, came into Fort Washington and informed the General that the whole country was rising in arms, and nothing but a speedy release of Wetzel could saye the garrison from massacre. Harmar now saw that he had gone too far, and that something must who appease would the make wrath short of the work, Kentuckians, extremes. Judge Lyman was informed of the critical state of affairs, and stepped in mediator between the parties. He issued a writ of habeas corpus in the case.

John Clawson and other hunters from the settlements went Wetzel's security for his good behavior, and he was set at liberty, probably as much to the relief of Harmar us to himself. He was carried like a victorious Roman General back to Columbia by the triumphant tive of populace, the fact and was made a representathat "the people always conquer." WETZEL ITAS MORE ADVENTURES. Wetzel remained in Kentucky a short time and then returned to Wheeling. Not Jong after, a friend of his from Dunkard's creek invited him home with him. The invitation, as a matter of course with Wetzel, was accepted.

He set with the friend, proceeded a young, man, and they leisurely through the woods, hunting and enjoying themselves as they went. Nothing and of they note reached occurred Dunkard's during the journey, when creek in safety. But, they reached the spot where had stood the house of the young nothing was to be seen but a heap of ashes! Indians had been at work. Wetzel curefully examined the premises, and the trail by which the savages had retreated, and found that the marauding party consisted of four Indians (or, as was afterwards certained, of three Indians and one renegade white man). It was also, observed that they had one prisoner.

This was a young lady, the afllanced of Wetzel's friend. At this discovery nothing could repress the young from immediate pursuit. He would listen to no plans of sending for more force. He placed himself under the guidance of Wetzel, and set forward upon the trail. This they ardently followed for several miles, when it suddenly disappeared.

The Indians had either discovered the pursuit, or in anticipation of it, had obliterated their trail. Wetzel had satistied himself that they were striking for a certain point on the Ohio, and if it should prove that he was correct, it mattered little whether they left the trail or not. He set off in a right line for that point, hoping to head them there. The two men hurried on over hill and dale, following deer paths, which are always the shortest route between two points, since the sugacity of these animals teaches them to cross knolls rather than follow the meanderings of mountain streams. Night came on but the men halted not, They except long enough to eat a bite of supper.

traveled by the starlight till a late hour, when the sky was overcast with clouds and it became so dark that they were the obliged to halt till morning. At first dawning of the day they were up and advancing. For an hour or two they traveled along a ridge and at its termination found themselves in a deep and quiet of valley, which had not the appearance having ever before invaded by human feet. But upon a close examination the trail of the Indians and their prisoner WILS discovered. A small shoe nized with nails in the heel, was recogprint, young man as being that of his allianced and he became almost ungovernable in his determination to rush ahead; threatening.

but what Wetzel by reasoning retrained and what by him. The discovery of the trail in this place was uttexpected, as it had not been conjectured that the Indians would a retreat by that route. Nevertheless, Wetzel and his friend pressed forward with more ardor that ever. They now had little dificulty in following. They crossed hills and valleys, vales and dells, and occasionally found where the savages had taken to the beds of streams, thinking thereby to elude pursuit.

that device was too common, and did them no good at all. They could not throw Wetzel from their trail in that manner. Late in the afternoon the scout came in sight of the Ohio at the mouth of Cuptina. On the other shore they saw the Indian camp. Waiting till it was dark, they fastened their guns and equipage to a slab of wood, and swam across the Ohio, towing the slab after them.

When they had spiel out Indian camp and noted the position of the the prisoner, Wetzel deemed it advisable to wait till day before making an attack. This the young man strenuously opposed. He saw his betrothed in the possession of savHe ages, could and was almost frantic with anxiety. idle not see the policy in remaining till morning. He hud vengence in store for the red wretches, and he wanted to "give it to them now and be done with the fuss." Wetzel commanded him to be cool, or gO for back home, for there was no necessity being so rampant.

With that he submitted of the Wetzel's Indian plan, and they sat down in sight camp and awaited the day. As soon as the dawn began to the savages- -three Indians and one appear, white man--arose and stood moping around the fire. Wetzel told his friend to draw n fine bead on the white man, and himself would let drive at one of the ludiane. Both Bred at the same instant. Tiro sav.

RyeS fell. Wetzel nnd his friend rushed forward, yelling, shrieking and gesticulating. The two remaining Indians durted off into the woods without guns. The young man hurried forward a and released the captive. With him, this done all that done.

seemed to have forgotten there were two savages left-at least. he made no move toward assisting Wetzel, who was running in pursuit of the fugitives, loading us ho ran. This ungrateful and cowardly conduct on his part came well nigh being fatal to Wetzel, who was now some distance away and in critical cirstances. He bad lost eight of the and believing them hidden behind trees, Indiana, he discharged his gun at random to draw them from their coverts. This schene was rather more successful than he wished: for, 18 5000 18 be Bred, the two up a few steps from him, and, instead savages sprung of retreating a8 he had expected, they made at him with uplifted tomahawks, yelling in a down terrific his manner, and and ordering him to luy arms surrender, Bur, Lewis Wetzel and was not in the habit of surrendering, instead of complying with their demand, he took k to his heels and com menced loading his gun They put forth their utmost exertions to take him and thought that they were coot to succeed, when he suddenly wheeled and shot one of them dead.

The remaining Indian was now closing in on bim, apparently certain of getting the scalp, for which he and his nation had longed and pined through no many hopeless years. But Wetzol wan not yet ing and ready to dodging part from with tree it; and, tree, kept leapbluck to his long hair flying in the wind, till his gun was again louded, and turning, killed the last savage and was master of the field. WETZEL IN TROVALR WITH THE SPANIARDS. years Wetzel bad desired to visit the For far south, and He about this time (1790) WAS gratified, took passage on a boat bound for New Orleans, and nothing more wAS heard of him for montha. At lost news came that be bad been taken by the Spaniards, and was in prison at New Orleans.

Nothing was known of the cause of his confaement. It was charged by the Spanish anthoritiesthat he had found coonterfeit money, but his innocence of that was soon established. Then it was claimed that he had disturbed the peace and private relations of a Spanish family. Be tuat us may, lie was kept in close confinement and trented with great rigor for two years. We have no account of be W he passed the time or what his exact condition was, but he must have suffered, for those who saw him alterward say that his after personal appearanco was much changed his He would probably have died in prison the United States interferred and procurred his manumission.

He WALA carried Philadelphia and thence made his way to Wheeling. LAST YEARS OF WETZEL'S LIFE. He remained at Wheeling but a short time, and again left for New Orleans, yowing vengeanceon Spaniard, whom he believed had been the cause of his fasprisonment. Months and montbs passed and no tidings came of him, till one day he leisurely sauntered into Wheeling. Where he had been und what he had been doing are unknown.

He would tell nothing. He must have been about thirty-tive years of age at this time. He was in the very prime of life, but his work was about over. The Indians were departing toward we wanu ur the setting sun, and with that his labor was finished. The battle of the Fallen Timbers had crushed and torn asunder tho formidable confederation of the Six Nations, and the long series of wars was drawing inactive.

to a close. Still he was not altogether He roumed the woods us much us ever. He went on hunting expeditions far into Ohio. During one of these, he was carelessly he strolling along one morning, when discovered an Indian with gun leveled on him, in the het of shooting. Quick as thought, Wetzel sprang behind a the The Indian did likew.se.

Lagn stood stall, waiting for the other to make a move. To peep out was exceedingly dangerous. They stood in strained suspense, watching and waiting, till it begun to grow wearlsome. Weizel, not liking the idea of remaining there all day, determined to hring matters to an issue. He placed his bear skin cup on the end of his ramrod, and with slow, hesitating and uncertain movements, he poked it aronnd the tree, as though caution.

he were peeping with the extremest This tooled the Indian, and he blazed away at the cap, tearing a holo in it, but nothing more. His gun was now empty. Weizel rushed forward. The surprised and frightened Indian now turned to run, but it was too late. The ball from Wetzel's rifle pierced him through and through, and springing high into the air, he stretched out dead and tell Lu 1Le ground with a thad.

Wetzel once accompanied John Madison. brother to President Madison, on an exploring tour on the Little Kanawha. They came to an Indian camp, which being tenantless, each took a blanket and rode on. Shortly after, while crossing the Little Kanawhu they came to an Indian camp, which being tenantless, each took a blanket and rode on. Shortly after, while recrossing the Little Kanwwha, they were fired upon by a party of Indians.

Madison Wus killed, but Wetzel, us a matter of course, escaped. In 1803 Lewis and Clarke were making preparations for their famous expedition across the Rocky Mountuins to the Pacife. The fame of Wetzel had reached there, aud they were desirous of his company. They sent a messenger to him, and after much hesitating be consented to go. He accompanied them three months, then deserting, he returned home.

In this his inferiority -or at least his dissimilitude-to McCleland, with whom he has been compared, is visible. However, he and M'Cleland were not the same sort of men. Wetzel was a Pope and M'Cleland was a Dryden. Wetzel WaS daring, but reserved; M'Cleland was during, but fiery and impetuous. If Wetzel went to New Orleans to take revenge on a Spaniard, M'Cleland went far into the unknown wilds of Dakotah to demand satisfaction of an Indian trader By a strange coincidence--not very strange either-M'Cleland was one of Clarke's and Lewis' company, from which Wetzel deserted.

This man, like. Wetzel, had been in an hundred fierce hand to hand encounters with the Indians, and now, that the Indian wars were over, like Weizel he WAS out of employment. But, unlike Wetzel, he did not desert, but stood by his friends in every phase of fortune, from the luxuries of summer to the famine of winter, when the carcass of a starved wolf was a feast. In this M'Cleland is visible us a more adventurous, a more persevering and a more perfect man than Weizel. What remains of Wetzel is easily told.

He still yearned for the sunny South, and a third time set out for that land and never returned. He made his home with a friend near Natchez during this visit. McIntyre sow him there in April, 1808, and Wetzel said then that it wits his intention to return to Wheeling following summer. But, alas! his journey that mysterious realm from which no traveler returns. At the time of his death he wus about forty-eight years of age.

Several able writers, eminent among whom is Defuss, have thoroughly explored and searched out the incidents of his life, aud the result is he now appears in a much more favorable light than was formerly thrown around him. He was by no means a beast or savage. He possessed many of those higher and nobler qualities which are too frequently wanting in persons of higher elevation in society than Lowis Weizel. Regulate the Secretions. In the cretory well citic Use drastic prompt both gists ONE remedy.

a our endeavors to preserve health it is of utmost importance that we keep the sosystem in perfect condition. The known remedy Kidney-Wort, has apeaction on the kidneys, liver and bowels. it instead of dosing with vile bitters or pills. It is purely vegetable, and is but mild in action, It is prepared in dry and liquid form and sold by drugevery where - Reading Eagle. MWAW HUNDRED DOLLARS reward for a better Williams' Indian Pile Ointment is cure for Piles the W RESTAURANTS, MARTIN THORNTON, No.

1226 Market Street. DINING ROOMS FURNITURE, CARPETS, &C. FURNITURE AND CARPETS. We have the largest and most line ever brought to Centre Wheeling, cousiating in one of wiret stock Fine' Chamber and Parlor Suits, And a largo live of Carpets, Oil Cloths and Window Shades, eon Which be ba we bight wEll in re the les low make as L goods Colo nod like see quality and get our prices and you will tiny of. us.

UNDERTAKING Promptly Telepuune and No carefully Cal tended wered tr. day night, at all hours. Cor. Market and WA. K & SON.

Twenty.

United States
West Virginia
Wheeling
The Wheeling Daily Intelligencer
1882
Feb
13
Page 3
Lewis Wetzel Story 1882

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