228 DAUNTLESS REPUBLICANS. 



they, discarded by the fostering hand of maternal care, shall assume the 

 energy of a giant's power and shine with the brightness of innate 

 effulgence as a distinct nation, depends much upon the prompt and judi- 

 cious action of our government upon this momentous subject. 



During our stay at Fort Hall an incident connected with its early histo- 

 ry was narrated to me, which, as it tends much to illustrate the bold daring 

 and spirit of inbred republicanism possessed by the mass of trappnig parties 

 frequenting the mountains, I am tempted to transcribe. 



Soon after this post came into the possession of its present owners, sev- 

 eral squads, on returning from their regular hunts, rendezvoused in its vi- 

 cinity. According to the custom of the Hudson Bay Company on such 

 occasions, the British flag was hoisted in honor of the event. Thereupon 

 the proud mountaineers took umbrage, and forthwith sent a deputation to 

 solicit of the commandant its removal ; and, in case he should prove un- 

 willing to comply, politely requesting that, at .east, the American flag might 

 be permitted a place by its side. Both of which propositions were per- 

 emptorily refused. 



Another deputation was then sent announcing that, unless the British 

 flag should be taken down and the stars and stripes raised in its place wfth- 

 in two hours, they would take it down by force, if necessary. To this was 

 returned an answer of surly defiance. 



At the expiration of the time named the resolute trappers, mustering en 

 masse, appeared before the Fort, under arms, and demanded its immediate 

 surrender. 



The gates had already been closed, and the summons was anwered by a 

 shot from the bastion. Several shots were forthwith exchanged, but without 

 much damage upon either side ; the trappers directing their aim principally 

 at the British flag, while the garrison, feeling ill-disposed to shoot down 

 their own friends in honor of a few yards of parti-colored bunting, elevated 

 their pieces and discharged them into the air. 



The result was that the assailants soon forced an entrance, took down 

 and tore in pieces the hated flag, and mounted that of their own country in 

 its stead, amid deafening huzzas and successive rounds of riflery. 



The commandant and his sub-cronies, retreating to a room, barricaded 

 the entrance, when the trappers promptly demanded their surrender upon the 

 following terms : 



1st. The^merican flag shall occupy its proper place hereafter. 

 2d. The commandant shall treat his captors to the best liquors in his 

 possession. 



3d. Unless the ofl^enders comply with these conditions, the captors will 

 consider Fort Hall and its contents as lawful plunder and act accordingly. 

 After a short parley the besieged agreed to a capitulation. Incompli- 

 ance with the second article of the terms, a barrel of whiskey, with sugar 

 to match, was rolled into the yard, where the head was knocked out, and 

 the short but bloodless campaign ended in wild frolicking, as toast after 

 toast was drunk in fancied honor of the American flag, and round after 

 round of responsive cheers told who were they that stood ever ready to 

 proudly hail it and rally beneath its broad folds. 



