Page:History of Delaware County (1856).djvu/301

 DELAWARE COUNTY. 277 of a very few seconds^ a second volley was discliarged^ which came like a shower bath upon Steele and the horses, taking effect in the body of Steele, and also in both horses. Steele fell bleeding upon the ground, three balls having pierced his body, and others gone through his clothes. Edgerton's horse fell dead near Steele, another ball having passed through the saddle into his side. Sheriff More appealed to the Indians ' for G-od's sake to desist; they had done enough.' Edgerton and myself ran and took hold of Steele, and asked him how badly he was hurt : he replied that " two balls had passed through him, and that his bowels were all shot to pieces.'' We carried him into the house of Mr. Earle, where he survived between five and six hours, enduring the most excruciating pain. He fired once, and once only, and that luas after he was wounded in his right arm. Edgerton drew his pistol but did not fire, mine was not drawn ; I am sure that the Indians fired first, there can be no doubt about it. Drs. Peake and Calhoun were called, who rendered all the assistance in their power. While lying upon his bed in the agonies of death, Steele told Mr. Earle, that if he had paid his rent he would not have been shot ; and Mr. Earle replied, he should not pay it if it cost forty lives. Mr. Steele was on the ground only about half an hour before he was shot, during which time the Indians used towards him the most insulting and abusive language, as well as threats upon his life, to which he made not the least reply, maintaining that cool temperament and presence of mind for which he was so much distinguished. ^' The Indians remained upon the ground some two or three hours, holding an Indian pow-wow around the horses, and exulting in the blood of their victim. Thus has fallen a faithful and fearless ofiicer of the law, who died at the post of duty, suffering martyrdom for no other reason than because he was faithful in executing the laws of his country." 24