Page:Surprising life and sufferings of Peter Williamson.pdf/6

 paid them for every scalp of an English person 15l. Sterling.

Terrible and shocking to human nature were the barbarities committed by the savages and are not to be paralleled in all the volumes of history! Scarce did a day pass but some unhappy family fell victims to under-hand French chicanery and savage cruelty. Terrible indeed it proved to me, now happy in an easy state of life, blessed with an affectionate and tender wife, 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 that day went from home to visit some of her relations; as I staid up later than usual, expecting her return, none being in the house besides myself, how great was my surprise, terror, and affright, when about 11 o'clock at night, I heard the dismal war-cry, or war-whoop of the savages, and to my inexpressible grief, soon found that my house was, attacked by them; I flew to the chamber window, and perceived them to be twelve in number. They making several attempts to come in, I asked them what they wanted? They gave me no answer, but continued beating and trying to get the door open. Judge then the condition I must be in, knowing the cruelty and merciless disposition of those savages should I fall into their hands. Having my gun loaded in my hand, I threatened them with death if they should not desist. But how vain and fruitless are the efforts of one man against the united force of so many! and of such merciless, undaunted, and blood-thirsty monsters as I had here to deal with. One of them