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VOL. I.
THK C Alii XU C
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SELKCr TALKS. i
From the Legendary.
THE MURDEtIEK’S GRAVE.
A f w hundred yard® from the small
stream which, known by the whites under
the appellation of ‘Line Creek’ divid is the
territory of the Muscogeea or Creek con
federacy from the stite of Alabama,
stands, or rather stood, a ruined cottage
of logs. Travelling through the wilder
ness, several years ago, I passed this des-i
olate*pnt. The walls, blackened by the
smoke of many fires, and in part already
decayed, stood tutering to their fall; the
yoof was entirely gone; a part only of the
chimney was left, built in the custom of
the country, of split sticks, and thickly i
plastered in the inside with mud. The
fences had fallen around a small field
which showed traces of former cultivation
and was fast filling up with briers, plum
bushes, and sedge grass, where the still
evident marks of the hoe and the corn
field gave proof that human beings had
once found there a home The mists of
night were closing around us, the dark
maglonia forest which frowned on the se
cluded spot, and the thick and gloomy
swamp of Line Creek, which stretched its
nnhealthfu! morass almost to the door,
gave to the whole scene the stillness and
horror of dea'li. Although habituated du
ring a journey of many days to the soli- j
tude and gloom of the wilderness, I was |
struck with peculiarly lugubrious aspect
of the scene; and with an indefinable feel
ing of melancholy, I stopped my horse to
survey it more at leisure. My compan
ion who had ridden a few yards in ad
vance, not hearing the accustomed sound
of my horse’s tramp, turned his head to
learn the cause of my lingering, and rode
back to the spot where I had halt'd
‘‘Here,*’ said he, “is Riley’s grave.
Remark that small m>>u id of earth resem
bling the heap of soil accumulated from
fallen, and which is, in truth, the eff-ctof
the trunk to which those decaying pine
knots once belonged; there the murderer
fell, and there he lies buried “’
Not being so familiar with the legend
of this wild region as to remember the
story of the man whose crimes and death
had given a name to this lonely scene of
desolation. [ inquired into his history, and
listened with deep and silent interest to
a tale of revenge and remorse, strongly
llustrative of she aboriginal character
Barney Rib y as lie was termed bv the
writers—his Indian appellation is now
forgotten—was a petty chieftain belonging
ito the confederacy of the Upper Creek
Being ‘a half breed,’ and, like most of the
mixed race, more intelligent than the full
blooded Indians, he acquired a strong in*
fluence among his native tribe. Regard
ing the people, his father allied to him in
b:ood and friendship, he took very early
a decided part in favor of the Unite I
Satesin the dissentions among the Creek
nation, and after the breaking out of the
war in 1812 joined Ihe American forces
with his small band of warriors. Brave
a r ’d hardy, accustomed to confront dan
ger and conquer difficulties, he led his
men to battle, and in many instances pro
ved by his activity of material service to*
the army. His gailantry and abilities at
tracted the notice of the commander in
chief, and Rileys name was coupled with
appl mse in many of the despatches dur
ing the campaign. On the restoration of
peace, he returned to his people, honored
with thanks of his‘Great Fater,’ and sat
down to culPV'te his tie’ds and pursu
the cha eas in times gone bv. Although
Although distinguished in war and m
council, he <\a® still young and devoter
himselft * his one wife, a lovely Indian
g*rl he seem and contented and happy.
About tins time, the tnitration of tran
tjuility and the opening of the rich lauds
VVfiiTciiton, •i cb mey 21, 1829.
jj, - ce Id tii iii.l U iucvl *H i-> I’O to n
p i rwaters of the Alabama, beg in t > a
tract numerous emigrants f on the Atiun
tic settlements, a till the military road vv.i
soon thronged with driven®, hastesng to
those f irtde countries at ihe west. Tm
country fro n the Oikmulgee toth-settl
meats on the Mississippi, was i-t II on
howling wilderness, and many and sconten
ed spirits am mg the conq-iered t ib-s std
meditated a h -tile stroke agai tsl then
white op <re -s irs. Travelling was ot
course haz unions and insecure, and per
sons who were no! able toassoc-i rte in par
ties strong enough tor mutual defence,
were fain to procure the guidance
tection of some well known warn r or
chief whose name and presence might en
sure a afe passage through those troubled
countries.
| Os this class was I,— - . 1 knew
him formerly, and had heard some remote
allusion to his f tte. Though bis tmsf >r
tune and embana-ments had driven him to
seo k a distant asylum, a warmer h nut beat
not in a human bosom. Frank and manly
! open to kindness, and prompt to meet
j friendship, he was loved by all who knew
him and unused to weep* glistened
in bidding ‘God speed!’ to th or <ll a®so
cute- It — ■ -had been a companion in
arm 9 with Riley, and knew his sagacity,
his courage and fidelity* Under his direc
tion he led his small family of slaves to
ward® the spot which he had fixed for his
his future home, and traversed the wild
and dangerous path in safely atul peace.
Like most men of his eager and sanguine
temperament, L was easily excited
to aoger, and though ready to atone for
the injury done in the warmth of feel
j ing, d.d not always control his passions be
foie they outburst. Some slight cause of
‘altercation produced a quarrel with Jiff®
j guide, and a blow from til hand of L ,
was treasured up by Riley, with deep
threats of vengeance. O i the banks ol
yonder creek ti; watch ul his tune, and
ithe billet too truly aimed, closed the ca
reer ofone t who little dieimed of death at
the moment. His slaves, terrified at the
death of their master, fled in various di
rections and carried the news of his mur
der to die neatest settlements.
The story of L— -- ’s unhappy end
soon reached his family, and his nearest
relatives took .immediate measures to
bring the murderer to jus ice. Riley
knew that punishment would speedily
follow his crime, but took no sreps to e
vrde or prevent his doom The laws
of retaliation among his conn
trymen are severe but simple
‘blood for blood’—and he ‘might run who
read them.’ Oi the fi st notice of a de
mand, he boldly avowed his deed, and
gave himself up for trial. No thought
seemed to enter his mind of denial or es
cape. A deep and settled rem r e had
possessed his thoughts, and influenced his
conduct. He had no wish to shun the
retribution which he knew was required.
When his judges wee assembled in the
council at the public square, he stood np
and addressed them.
‘Fathers, ’ said he, ‘I have killed my
brother—my friend. He struck me, and
I slew him. That honor which forbade
me to suffer 3 b ! ow without inflicting
vengeance, forbids me to deny the deed,
or to attempt to escape the punishment
you may decree. Father 4 ! 1 have no wish
to jive. My I ife is forfeited to your law,
and l offer it as the sole return for the
life 1 have taken. All I ask for is to die
a warrior‘3 death. Let me not
die the death of a dog, but boldly con
front it like a brave man who fears it not.
I have braved death in battle. Ido not
fear it. I shall not shrink from it now.
Fathers! bury me where I fall, and let no
one mourn for the man who muidered his
f iend. —He had fought by my side—he
tt usted me. i loved him, and had sworn
to protect him.’
Arrayed in his splendid dress of cere
mony, he walked slowly and gravely to
tae piac p of execution, chanting in a
steady voice hi - death s ’tig, anti recount
ing his deeds of prowess —Seating him
self in front of the a*er.U and tribe upon
yon ler fall* n tree, and facing the dedin-
in„ ui ho jo i. ii .a- 11. HI of his cm
ir >ii!eivd shii t. and, crossing his hanilsj
o i us breast, gave with hi® o >n voice 1
‘h> signal of death,unmoved and uu.ippd
d. Six bills parsed thro'b-dh his hands
4j* hasain, ad lie fell luck"’ird® s con
is> dly a® not to lift hi® fe’ from the
ira®s on vhith they rested. II * wa® bil
led where he fell, and that small mound
it.n k® the scene of his ptmi-h ne.ut; that.
• ii'd,.k is tue murderer’s grave; that hoy i
and \vho®e ruins maik the sp *f. wl® erected;
I r hi® widow, wlie lingered a few seasons 1
m sorrow, supporting a wretchpd xi®- ’
’ nee bv cultivating yonder little field
>h 1 was ne’ er seen to smile, or to min
w'^l *'° r I'ibe. she field no more in- j
t ’rco’.irse with hr fellows than was Una
voiil b;e and accidental, and now sloops’
by the side of her husband.—The Indi-|
a • shuns tie spot, for he dreams that the;
sprit of the munferer inhibits it. The
livelier views the with curiosity!
and horror, on account of its story, and
pausing for n t<>w mom-nts to survey this
lonely and dos ,| ife glade, hastens on to!
mure cheerful and liappv regions. With
tins short n irrative we put spurs to our
horses, and hurrying along the road, in a
lew moments found ourselves beyond the
gloomy and tanked firsts of the creek.
Hanover. P.:. Juu. 20.
1 Buried alive ’ —We are informed that
week b< fore last, during the cold and
windy weather, a young man, a market
tender by profession, living several miles
west of this place, on hi-* return from
Baltimore, whither he had been to dis
po.-e of his cargo, finding the piercing
sharpness of the wind and cold exceed
ingly unpleasant, resolved to creep into
an old enifty chest he had on Ids waggon
in ordinary use fir stowing awav market
articles, but then empty, lie had scarce
ly time to feel snug and condor table in his
new quarters, before a stick. p'a ed as a
supporter of the lid of the chest gave way;
it fell, and being we suspose a spring
lock, closed firmly on him and all his ♦ f
I >ris to force it open were unavailing.
Being thus buried alive, and finding it
imp >B-ib!e to extricate himself, in the ex
tremity ol Ins terror, he sciearned sliouti and
and hallooed, but all to no purpose; the
chest was tight and the wind high, and
the sound of his voice could not penetrate
his sarcophagus, Hi 9 horses accustomed
to the road, travelled on unconsciou® of
their master’s unpleasant incarceration
and proceeded three miles, when at least
the (supposed) absence of the owner exci
ted attend- n. The horses were stopped,
and having at last made himself heard, he
was released from his uncornforta
hie durante, with great pleasure to him
self, and the amusement of his deliverers
Nat. Journal.
Distressing case of Hydrophobia.
An old acquaintance, residing in
Nanseinond county, related to us a few
days since, the following melancholy and
distressing case of ifydrophobia, to which
he was an eye witness in every stage cd
its progress:—The victim to this awful
disease was a young man who acted as
an overseer for Mr. Thomas Godwin,
at the Sleepy Hole Ferry farm, by the
name Joshua Brown, aged 24 year®.
He is represented as a man of exemplary
industry, of good moral character, and in
ve-y respect worthy of the friendship
and confidence of his employer, which
he enjoyed in an eminent degree.—On
the 27th r 28th Sept, last, while in dis
charge of his duties, walking in the road
near the ftou®e and whollv unconscious of
danger, ad? g suddenly sprung on him
from behind and bit him in two or three
places on the Ii ft arm. a little above the
elbow Making an effort to rescue him
s •if. bv seizing t lie animal by the Or oat
he w is ugain bitten seveily in several pla
ces on the other arm. Satisfi- and that the
animal was under the influence of hydro
pnobui he proceeded to this place anil had
as one reputed to be efficacious in ex
trading the poison from the bite of a ra
bid animal, applied to the wounds, thu*
occasioned Upon his return home hes
itatcdtoMr- Godwin that he felt much
relieved and as it, i> a-not ti.itil'tiie diy
before Christmas [two months and 13
days af or.] that any apprehen.-ioo was
fit from t!u* bite of the dog () • the
morning of that day. be appeared very
much distressed, and several times de
clared to Mr. Godwin his conviction that
lie was going mad Mr. Godwin endciv
e I to pacify him, and to divert Ins mind
from so shocking an impression, hui in
vain, be again and again assut. and bun that
such was his unhappy condition, begging
that lie would not permit him to mur
dered, as lie hid somewhere read was the
fate oi persons becoming mad from such a
cause. In the course of the afternoon his
malady increased, lie made a noise re
sembling the howling of a <1 ‘g, and often
during the evening and night, en
deavoured to bite his attendants,
snapping at th*m with great vio
lence and foanvng at the mouth.
Water was several times off red to him,
hut lie rejected it with violence. After
many solicitations from Mr Godwin to eat
something, tff whMi fie replied, that his
throat was sore, & lie could not swallow,
lie consented to m ike an eff-ut to eat a
piece of sweet putatoe, which was near
him, and upon its being presented to his
mouth, lie snapped at it bk rt a dog, became
much convulsed, but would not cat His
sufferings nntil the ensuing morning,
when death came as a welcome me®s<*nger
to arrest thmn were such as no eye could
behold without dropping the tear of sym
pathy and commiseration.
Our informant understood since, that
the same dog had bitten a woman near
Everitt’s Bridge, whence he came, who
also died in the same distressing m inner*
Norfolk Beacon.
I We copy (lie following anecdote
from the Boston Evening Bulletin;
“The Attorney General, now near
ly eighty years of age. and said to bo
[more competent to the discharge of
the arduous duties of his highly ho
norable station than almost any prac
titioner at the bar. on account of his
rgreat learning and experience, as
■;w<ll as a remarkable retention of
I incn’al power, was managing a case
’ in behalf of the commonwealth, in
Mid til esex county, where a man was
indicted for gouging out the eyes of
• a girl, because she had made oath
that he was the father of her illegiti
mate child. Her brother, an intelli
gent lad of nine years of age, was on
the stand, as a Government witness;
and his relation of the facts which he
saw, produced an electrical effect on
the whole audience.—The girl was
also present, in total blindness; and
every circumstance attending the in
vestigation of this horrible barbarity,
was highly exciting. The boy stated
the preliminary circumstances, and
then said;—*l was cutting bean poles
artiud the ham, and my sister was
milking; I heard her scream, and
then I ran with a pole in my hand,
and sis I came up, I saw that he h id
pulled her over backwards; then he
looked over his shoulders to see who
was cosnming, and I struck him with
the pole and broke’ his jaw*—Why,
did you not repeat the blow ?* ex
claimed the Attorney General, carri
ed away with the tremendous interest
—‘Why did you not repeat the blow,
and knock his and and brains ou ?*
•Mr. Attorney,* said the Judge, you
well know that profanity in Court is
a high offence, punishable with im
prisonment; but in consequence of the
unusual excitement of the case, it will
in this instance, be overlook.’
At a wedding in tiermany, many years
since, while the company were playing
‘hide and go seek’ the bride concealed
herself in the garret, io a cheat which had
a spring-lock.—She was searched for in
vain. A long time after, the chest was o
pened and her remains discovered wrap
ped in the bridal vestments.
No. 38.