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OLD 3
IOLI
EYA 3500(G) # 6860
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
3 1833 03534 9833
Gc 976.8 B6410 Bond, Octavia Louise ( Zollicoffer), 1846-1941. Old tales retold
Old Tales Betald
OR, PERILS AND ADVENTURES OF TENNESSEE PIONEERS
BY OCTAVIA ZOLLICOFFER BOND
BAIRD- WARD PRINTING COMPANY NASHVILLE, TENN.
COPYRIGHT, 1900
Allen County Public Library 900 Webster Street PO Box 2270 Fort Wayne. IN 46801-2270
TENNESSEE STATE FLAG. ADOPTED APRIL 17, 1905. (See description on page 4.)
TENNESSEE STATE FLAG.
(Designed by Capt. LeRoy Reeves, Johnson City, Tenn.)
AN oblong flag or banner in length one and two-thirds its width, the large or principal field of the same to be of red color, but said flag or banner ending at its free end in a perpendicular bar of blue of uniform width, running from side to side-that is to say, from the top to the bottom of said flag or banner-and separated from the red field by a narrow stripe or margin of white of uniform width, the width of the white stripe to be one-fifth that of the blue bar, and the total width of the bar and stripe together to be one-eighth of the width of the flag. In the center of the red field shall be a smaller circular field of blue, sepa- rated from the surrounding red field by a circular margin or stripe of white of a uniform width and of the same width as the straight margin or stripe first mentioned. The breadth or diameter of the circular blue field, exclusive of the white margin, shall be equal to one-half of the width of the flag.
Inside the circular blue field shall be three five-pointed stars of white distributed at equal intervals around a point, the center of the blue field, and of such size and arrange- ment that one point of each star shall approach as nearly as practicable without actually touching one point of each of the other two around the center point of the blue field, and the two outer points of each star shall approach as nearly as possible without actually touching the periphery of the blue field. The arrangement of the three stars shall be such that the centers of no two stars shall be in a line parallel with either the end or the side of the flag, but in- termediate between the same, and the highest star shall be the one nearest the upper confined corner of the flag. (Chapter 498, Acts of 1905.)
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PREFACE.
THE aim of this little book is to cause inquiry into the facts which it relates. To enjoy the whole story one must read the writings of the historians Haywood, Ramsay, Imlay, Bartram, Monette, Parton, Reid, Ea- ton, Roosevelt, Guild, Phelan, Gilmore, Paschal, Col- yar, and many others from which these fragments have been gathered and set in order. It is not expected that "Old Tales Retold" will take the place of text- books. That, as finger posts, they may point the way to the delights of Tennessee history is the sim- ple intent of THE AUTHOR.
5
DEDICATED On "Ridie" the Dear Sister Whose Encour- agement and Faith Were the Inspiration of These Pages
CONTENTS.
PAGI
INTRODUCTION
9
CHAPTER I.
THE GREAT CHIEF CHISCA ON THE MOUND. II
CHAPTER II.
A GENTLE SAVAGE
25
CHAPTER III.
LOST ON THE MOUNTAIN
39
CHAPTER IV.
THE INTERRUPTED
FEAST
52
CHAPTER V.
A SNAKE IN THE GRASS
63
CHAPTER VI.
INCIDENTS OF EARLY TIMES
74
CHAPTER VII.
THE VOYAGE OF THE ADVENTURE. 86
CHAPTER VIII.
THE HORNETS' NEST
93
CHAPTER IX.
ON TO KING'S MOUNTAIN
I02
CHAPTER X.
A FAMOUS RESCUE.
II
CHAPTER XI.
THE BATTLE OF THE
BLUFFS
123
7
Old Tales Retold.
CHAPTER XII. PAGE
THE SQUAW'S PROPHECY 134
CHAPTER XIII.
NIGHT ASSAULT ON BUCHANAN'S STATION 154
CHAPTER XIV.
NICKAJACK, OR PROPHECY FULFILLED
168
CHAPTER XV.
THE SOVEREIGN'S WILL.
176
CHAPTER XVI.
A TYPICAL PIONEER LIFE
180
CHAPTER XVII.
ON THE NATCHEZ TRACE WITH MERIWETHER LEWIS.
187
CHAPTER XVIII.
THE FIBER OF "OLD HICKORY"
198
CHAPTER XIX.
A RECKONING WITH THE SPANIARDS
214
CHAPTER XX.
A DAY WE CELEBRATE.
219
CHAPTER XXI.
THE FALL OF THE
ALAMO
230
CHAPTER XXII.
A TENNESSEEAN IN TEXAS.
239
CHAPTER XXIII.
SAM DAVIS
248
8
INTRODUCTION.
I HAVE just read with unusual pleasure Mrs. Zolli- coffer Bond's charming new book entitled "Old Tales Retold," a series of stories of early Tennessee life and history. They are not fiction. Mrs. Bond has woven into these entertaining stories the substantial historical facts that form the basis of each of her retold tales. One is often surprised at her strict fidel- ity to the details of history.
She has followed the annals of Ramsay and Put- nam and the later historical chronicles with faithful and painstaking exactness, yet she has succeeded in selecting the most interesting incidents in the pioneer life of Tennessee, and has narrated them in a way so full of interest that they are sure to entertain and instruct all classes of readers, and especially our younger students, more than any history of Tennes- see yet written. No schoolbook can fill the place of these "Retold Tales." The author has successfully ventured into a new and fruitful literary field. She tells the story of Ferdinand De Soto in a few brief pages that give the young reader the charm of the real romance of this brilliant but ill-fated Spanish adventurer. The pathos and tragedy of the surrender of Fort Loudon will leave a lasting impression of the historic facts upon the mind of the reader.
The savage attack on the fort at Watauga, the es- cape of bonny Kate Sherrill, the thrilling story of King's Mountain, the assault upon Buchanan's Sta-
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Old Tales Retold.
tion, the "Battle of the Bluffs" at Nashville, are all told in such an engaging way that these stirring events in the early history of the State will be long remembered. In an incidental way these stories also give us a lifelike picture of the noble and rugged char- acter of James Robertson, the father and founder of Nashville, and of our brilliant and magnetic soldier- governor John Sevier, and of the intrepid heroism of Andrew Jackson. The author also carries us along the famous "Natchez Trace," and weaves into her story the tragic fate of the lamented young hero of American history, Meriwether Lewis.
But these entertaining stories must be read to be appreciated. They are elevating and instructive. They will give the rising generation of Tennesseeans more admiration and respect for the hardy and in- telligent pioneers who invaded the wilderness and built up our Western civilization.
Nashville, December, 1905.
G. P. THRUSTON.
IO
OLD TALES RETOLD.
-
I.
THE GREAT CHIEF CHISCA ON THE MOUND.
THERE was a time, long ago, when the Chickasaw Indians lived in a vast forest on the Mississippi River where Memphis, Tenn., now stands. The Chicka- saws were ruled for many years by the famous war- rior Chisca, whose lodge was on top of an ancient mound near the village called Chisca. The lodge was surrounded by a stout wall of logs, and could be reached only by climbing two long ladders placed one above the other against the steep side of the mound. The great chief had not been seen by his people since the days of his youth. He had shut himself in his lodge, which was guarded by chosen warriors night and day, and none but his nearest of kin, his counselors, and the mystery man of the nation were allowed to ascend the two long ladders. Chisca had hidden him- self from public view for so many years that only those who attended him knew what he looked like, though he was believed to be a man of marvelous strength, whose powers and youthful appearance would never leave him, no matter how old he might be.
In the village the young braves boasted of their king, saying: "Chisca is a tall sycamore tree. His strong arm is a bough of oak." The older warriors,
11
Old Tales Retold.
who obeyed the slightest command received from him through his counselors, declared their belief that "The word of our chief is the voice of the Great Spirit." And so far did the fame of his deeds extend that the boldest of unfriendly tribes dared not molest him. It was agreed among the neighboring chiefs that it would be unwise to attack the Chickasaws. "For," they asked, "who is strong enough to overcome Chisca in battle? What arrow is sharp enough to pierce the great chief of the Chickasaws, who bears a charmed life ?"
Safe under the protection of their chieftain's name, the Chickasaws would have feared nothing from out- side foes had it not been that an evil prophecy had come down to them through many generations of mystery men. Time out of mind, a great calamity had been foretold by each prophet of the nation. And now came Chisca's mystery man, also, beating his sacred drum in the village street, shaking the rattles on his arms, and crying dolefully: "Out of the land of the rising sun will come an army of pale-faced strangers who will kill all the red men and utterly destroy our nation."
Eclipses of the sun or moon, violent storms, and other convulsions of nature were accepted as warn- ings that the evil day was near. When, early one spring, the Miche Sepe (Great River, or Father of Waters) swelled to a flood, burst its banks, and rolled its yellow tide westward as far as the eye could see, the mystery man, streaked with paint and decked with buffalo horns and tails, danced up and down between the wigwams as he cried aloud: "A sign! The Fa- ther of Waters is angry with his children. A flood
12
Great Chief Chisca on the Mound.
of pale warriors is rolling to overwhelm us from the east."
What more terrifying than the prospect of an in- vasion of white men in a land where none but red men were known? The stoutest-hearted brave, in awe of the dire prophecy, could only answer him with a dejected "Ugh;" while the weaker squaws wept and wailed in fear.
About this time there was a rich king of Spain far to the eastward, beyond the "big water" of the Atlantic Ocean, who sat dissatisfied on his gilded throne be- cause he did not own quite all the earth. King Charles I. of Spain (and V. of Germany) had vast posses- sions in Europe, besides principalities in Mexico and Peru, and he owned the island of Cuba, yet he cov- eted the rest of the red men's country in America. So he ordered his skillful general, Fernando De Soto, to pick and choose the bravest and youngest of the Spanish soldiers, and go forth with them to conquer the great part of the North American continent, which in those days was called Florida. De Soto was ap- pointed by his sovereign to be commander of the army, governor of Cuba, and adelantado of Florida. There were wonderful stories afloat about treasures of gold and silver and cities paved with gold in the unknown Indian country. Sailors from those strange shores told "yarns" of marvelous birds that flitted through perfumed groves and of a fountain of perpetual youth which flowed from the earth somewhere in the land of Florida. The Spanish cavaliers who flocked to join De Soto, in shining armor, on prancing steeds, were of the proudest families of Spain. They were eager to follow him to a land where, as they were told, "the
13
Old Tales Retold.
sun ever shines and flowers ever bloom," in search of the treasure and the fountain. Although others of their countrymen had searched for them long and thor- oughly without success, under Ponce de Leon and Narvaez, yet De Soto's cavaliers counted on better luck. In their overconfidence many of them sold all their possessions for means with which to buy armor, horses, and accouterments of war. The highborn ladies of Spain also parted freely with castles, lands, and jewels in order either to help the men to prepare for the expedition or to go themselves. For they were as eager for the treasure as the cavaliers, and more keen, perhaps, than they to sip the magic water that had power to keep them young forever. When the glittering array of plumed knights marched, with ban- ners flying, on board ships for the voyage, their wives and sweethearts, for the most part, were with them. Amid sounds of laughter, merry songs, and bursts of martial music they sailed away for Cuba.
.
After reaching Havana the knights and ladies spent a full year in the leisurely enjoyment of balls, tourna- ments, and bullfights, while the final preparations to conquer Florida were being made. At last every- thing was ready. Interpreters to speak the Indian lan- guage, bloodhounds to track the natives, and heavy iron chains to bind them when caught were all on board the ships. Then the cavaliers, about to sail for the shores of the mainland, bade the ladies good-by for a short while, saying: "Have no fear but that we will quickly conquer the ignorant savages. Wait here until we return to lead you to the fountain of youth."
The fair señoritas smiled contentedly as they watched the vessels move out upon the summer sea,
14
Great Chief Chisca on the Mound.
bound for the land of gold and silver, and never-end- ing youth. It was in May, 1539, that De Soto's fleet, sailing along the western coast of the peninsula of Florida, entered the bay of Tampa. Scarcely had they weighed anchor when the knights sprang ashore and planted a Spanish banner on the beach in token that they claimed the country for King Charles. Im- mediately a smiling party of Indians appeared. Not . guessing the meaning of the white men's actions, they came forward in the most friendly way to meet them, making every sign of welcome to reassure the stran- gers. Whereupon the simple savages were seized by the invaders, loaded with chains, and brought before De Soto. The commander, through his interpreters, sternly ordered the unlucky captives to lead him at once to the gold-paved cities, and show him the way to the fountain of youth. This was the adelantado's first mistake. It changed the friendly Indians instantly into bitter enemies. Every red man in the forests learned from this and other cruelties practiced on them by the white army to hate the Spaniards. They missed no chance to do the strangers harm. By cun- ning design the captured guides led them astray, en- ticing them far from the coast into the depths of the forest, decoying them into miry swamps, or leading them into ambush, where dark warriors crouched be- hind rocks, trees, or shrubs, waiting to shoot poisoned arrows into the white host as they passed.
On their part, De Soto's men drew the Indians into open battle whenever they could, and killed great num- bers of them with their superior European weapons ; yet there were still red men in the woods to fight, still poisoned arrows to encounter, no matter which
15
Old Tales Retold.
way the Spaniards turned. Moreover, they did not know how to conduct their search through the track- less woods, and there was no one on whom they could rely to show them the right direction. Although De Soto tried many different guides, they all alike de- ceived and misled him.
Month after month the covetous cavaliers were drawn by false reports through tangled thickets, across rushing rivers, and over steep mountains. Now far to the north, now east, now west, and again south they roamed, until their ideas of distance and direc- tion were in confusion. With all their marching they saw nothing of the fine cities, nothing of the rich kings they had come to this distant land to find. The only towns they came across were straggling villages of rude wigwams, and the kings, or "caciques," of the country were merely half-naked savages, with no treasures more valuable than their weapons of war, unless one was found possessed of a marvelously col- ored "match coat" of bird plumage as brilliantly va- riegated as mottled silk, or perhaps a royal mantle en- riched with pearls by the patient fingers of the squaws. And these their simple owners preferred to keep for themselves.
They also objected to having strangers come into their ancient hunting grounds and claim them for an unknown king. Looking upon the Spaniards as rob- bers and tyrants, they fought them persistently all along their route.
Two years of vain search and weary marching passed in this way, and the Spanish knights were 110 nearer than at first to the objects of their search. As far as ever from the fabled fountain and the treasure,
16
Great Chief Chisca on the Mound.
they were still being tolled on by beguiling natives, who said, "Only three days' journey to the north is a rich king who has untold treasure," or "You have but to cross yonder mountain to reach a city that is paved with gold." Time and again they were told of a fountain of magic water not far away ; but after toiling over tiresome miles to reach the spot, they invariably found only an ordinary spring at their journey's end. Thus the adventurers were enticed month after month through the depths of the forest. Numbers of them died on the march. Of the few hundreds who were left at the end of two years, many were sick from being drenched with rain, and all were travel-worn and bedraggled with the mud of the quagmires through which they had been led. The forlorn wanderers would scarcely have been recognized by their friends as the gay cavaliers who had left Havana with the as- surance of victory on their lips. The most hopeful among them were discouraged, and they might have all turned back without another effort to find the treas- ure and the fountain had they not been so ragged and soiled that they were not fit to be seen by the fair ladies they had left behind. They were about to despair, when hope was once more held out to them. An In- dian in whom they had some confidence assured them that they were almost within reach of their aim. "A little way off toward the setting sun," said the Indian, "flows the Father of Waters through the land of silver and gold. It is the land where lives the great chief Chisca on the mound. Arrows cannot kill the great chief of the Chickasaws. He bears a charmed life. Chisca grows not old with years." His words made De Soto's heart glad. "Surely," he thought, "a chief
17
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Old Tales Retold.
who grows not old has drunk of the fountain of youth."
With renewed courage he and his band turned west- ward, and before long they did indeed hear the roar of a mighty stream, and presently they saw the Father of Waters, the great Mississippi, which no white man before them had ever seen. Yelling and whooping with delight, the troops spurred their horses forward toward the swollen river, shouting as they dashed into the little town on its eastern bank: "Now for the land of gold and silver! Now for the fountain of youth !"
As they clattered through the village on steel-mailed horses, up and down the street, around and between the wigwams, the terror of the Chickasaws was great indeed. Never in all their lives had they seen a horse, and never before had they heard the noise of a gun. In their surprise they were easily taken prisoners. All were captured, men, women, and children, with the exception of a few swift runners who escaped and raised the alarm at the foot of the mound on which Chisca lived. "The palefaces have taken the village," they said in gasps, at which the mystery man groaned and cried: "Who can keep off the evil that is to be? It has come to pass as our fathers foretold."
With doleful face he bore the news to Chisca. While he was clambering up the ladders on his unhappy er- rand, warriors came hastening in from all directions. Four thousand of them armed with bows and arrows, stone hatchets, and scalping knives crowded around the foot of the mound to protect their king, and run- ners were sent to distant parts to summon still other fighting men. At the same time the councilors were assembling in the presence of King Chisca. The chief
18
DE SOTO'S DISCOVERY OF THE MISSISSIPPI
Great Chief Chisca on the Mound.
lay sick upon his buffalo robe ; but when he heard what had happened, he forgot if he were sick or well, weak or strong. His anger burned so hotly against the for- eigners who had dared to enter his town and take his people prisoners that he rose from bed, snatched his war hatchet, many a year unused, and rushed out of doors, calling aloud: "Come all and drive away the invaders."
The councilors followed close behind, praying him to have patience, and begging him to listen to their "talk" before risking all in battle.
"You do not know," argued the. councilors, "how many of these strange beings are hidden in the woods. Their numbers may be as great as the leaves on the trees. Think how mysteriously they came. Others may follow."
"Think also," added the mystery man, "on the an- cient prophecy which declares that 'The palefaces will not fail to destroy utterly the whole race of red men.' It is useless to oppose those who are destined to suc- ceed."
At this advice the king's rage knew no bounds. He stamped his foot and exclaimed : "Weak and cowardly is he who fights not for his country !"
But the cautious councilors persisted in saying : "These strangers are unlike other foes. Our father the king should wait until all his braves are gathered together before he gives battle to creatures who ride on unknown sort of beasts and who carry war clubs that roar like the thunder of the Great Spirit."
At last, by dint of persuasion, the chief was led back to bed, but later he sent a messenger to the Spaniards, who said to them for the king, through an interpreter :
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Old Tales Retold.
"Insolent intruders! We mean to fall on you and destroy you utterly. You rob the poor, you oppress the defenseless, and have not the courage of men."
The fury of the sick chief did not lessen with time. He rose from bed in a few days and tottered to the wall that surmounted the mound. His kinsmen were clinging to him, begging him not to endanger his sa- cred person, but already he had started down the lad- der. His foot was on the first round. In vain the women wept and lamented and the men tried to hold him back. He was beginning to descend, when a loud shout was heard from a party of Spaniards at some distance, who were calling and signaling to the war- riors around the mound. "We are messengers," they said, "from the great Fernando De Soto, Governor of Cuba and Adelantado of Florida, who wishes to beg pardon of King Chisca. The Governor is sorry for what he has done; and if the Chickasaws will for- give him, he will promise to go away and do them no more harm."
Chisca was unmoved by the apology. "I want none of their promises !" he exclaimed angrily. "Bring me their heads and I will receive them joyfully."
Hot words from the furious chief and friendly mes- sages from the Spanish general went back and forth in quick succession. The councilors again persuaded Chisca to his bed, while they urged him to make peace, saying: "If we insult De Soto, he will burn the town and kill the prisoners outright." The Chickasaw chief answered: "As for me and my people, we choose death before the loss of our country."
But De Soto was one not to be refused. Plainly seeing that he had gained nothing by bad behavior,
20
Great Chief Chisca on the Mound.
and knowing that he had not enough soldiers to fight the thousands of braves he saw surrounding the mound, he determined, if possible, to pacify the chief of the Chickasaws by fair words. In truth, nearly all of his men were sick with the fever of the country, and were at that moment lying stretched on the rude beds in the wigwams of Chisca. They were also suf- fering from hunger, having some time since eaten all the food they had found packed in a number of earth- en jars in the village. They had not only seized on what they needed to eat, but had taken possession on sight of all the rich furs and all the pretty mats, mantles, and moccasins which pleased their fancy.
It was hard in the beginning to bring the chief on the mound to terms, but De Soto's flattering speeches and the councilors' advice finally prevailed. Chisca consented to let the Spaniards go in peace, but he in- sisted that they must first free all the prisoners and re- store every piece of stolen goods. He required the governor's messengers to promise also that not one of the white men should venture to climb the ladders to look on the great chief's face. This being agreed to, peace was declared. Then Chisca generously sent bearers carrying baskets of provisions to the famish- ing strangers, accompanied by a messenger, who said: "I am come in the name of the king to offer you all the comforts we can give."
This unexpected kindness encouraged De Soto to hope for still other favors. He felt sure that Chisca's reason for hiding himself was that he was marvel- ously young and handsome through having used the water from the fountain of youth. The Spaniard be- lieved that he might be able to induce the Indian chief,
21
Old Tales Retold.
if he could only get an interview with him, to tell where the fabled fountain was concealed, and to direct him where to find the mines of gold and silver he was seeking. So he began to beg to see the king. "Let me stand in great Chisca's presence only for a moment to thank him for his gifts," he pleaded, hoping to get at least a glimpse of the perpetually young warrior. But he was told that it was contrary to the custom of the king to receive strangers. Refusal only whetted De Soto's curiosity. He continued, during the six days in which his soldiers were getting well enough to move, to plead for an audience with the king. On the last day of the six his petition was granted. The guards at the mound were ordered to let the adelan- tado pass. With a show of barbaric ceremony he was escorted to the foot of the lower ladder. How quick- ly it was mounted! The upper ladder next trembled under De Soto's excited grasp as he climbed to the highest round. He leaped over the wall that topped the mound and hastened to the royal lodge, impatient to see for himself an example of perpetual youth and strength. For it was well known that Chisca was still a mighty man, and had he not been a famous chief long before the oldest warriors were infants swinging in papoose cases under the trees? Surely it was true that he had drunk of the wonderful fountain. On tiptoe with expectation, De Soto pushed aside the deer-hide door curtain, eager to behold the great chief on the mound, the marvel of all the ages. He lifted up his eyes and saw lying before him on a couch of wild beasts' skins only a miserable, little, old Indian, the most shriveled figure of a man he had ever seen in all his journeyings. De Soto shuddered at sight of
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