Page:Eventful life, and curious adventures of Peter Williamson.pdf/7

 9 The Life of Peter Williamson. 10

instead of trumpets and drums, committing great devastations. They suddenly break out into furious, rapid outrages and de- vastations, but soon retired pre- cipitately, having no stores or provisions but what they met with in their incursions; some indeed carry a bag with bis- cuit, or Indian corn therein, but not unless they have a long march to their destined place of action. Terrible and shocking to hu- man nature were the barbari- ties daily committed by the savages. Scarce did a day pass but some unhappy family or other fell victims to French and savage cruelty. Terrible indeed it proved to me, as well as to many others. I that was now happy in an easy state of life, blessed with an affectionate and tender wife, who was possessed of all amia- ble qualities, to enable me to go through this world with that peace and serenity of mind, which every Christian wishes to possess, became, on a sud- den, one of the most unhappy and deplorable of mankind; scarce can I sustain the shock which for ever recoils on me, at thinking on the last time of seeing that good woman. The fatal 2d of October 1754, she I that day went from home to visit some of her relations; as I staid up later then usual, expecting her return, none be- ing in the house besides myself, how great was my surprise, ter- ror, and affright, when about 11 o’clock at night, I heard

the dismal war cry, or war- whoop of the savages. I flew to the chamber window, and perceived them to he twelve in number. They making several attempts to come in I asked them what they wanted? They gave me no answer, but conti- nued beating, and trying to get the door open. Judge then the condition I must be in, knowing the cruelty and mer- ciless disposition of those sa- vages, should I fall into their hands. To escape which dread- ful misfortune, having my gun loaded in my hand, I threatened them with instant death, if they should not de- sist. But how vain and fruit- less are the efforts of one man against the united force of so many! and of such merci- less, undaunted, and blood- thirsty monsters, as I had here to deal with. One of them that could speak a little En- glish, threatened me in return, “ That if I did not come out, “ they would burn me alive in “ the house;"telling me far- ther what I unhappily perceiv- ed, “ That they were no “ friends to the English, but “ if I would come out and sur- “ render myself prisoner, they “ would not kill me.” My terror and distraction at hear- ing this is not to be expressed by words, nor easily imagined by any person, unless in the same condition. Little could I depend on the promises of such creatures; and yet, if I did not, inevitable death, by be- ing burnt alive, must be my