WAKARTJSA WAR — INCIDENTS. 
139 
Now is the time when they ought, and would be, prepaiing for 
winter. 
As we looked out into the chilly night, we saw the great fires 
blazing around the forts, and the men busily plying their shovels. 
Night and day, taking turns by fifties, with unaibated ardor, the 
work goes on. There will be five strong forts commanding the 
river and all the entrances to the town. 
The men, as they work the hard-frozen earth, think of home, 
wife and little ones. Some are here, but some are far away, not 
dreaming of the dire evils which threaten the loved one. They 
think of their country and their God, and courage and the con¬ 
sciousness of doing well fill the heart, and strength nerves the 
arm. A tyranny less outrageous than this was overthrown by 
their fathers, and shall they falter when more precious rights are 
in peril ? 
As the faithful time-piece says the night is fast waning towards 
its mid hour, there is a welcome knock at the door, and, opening 
it, I find our Scotch friend is standing close to the door, with a long 
rifle by his side. I had tried to persuade him not to go down 
town after so much excitement and weariness of the last two days 
and nights ; but his enthusiasm in the cause will not let him rest, 
— besides, he is one of the general’s aids, and has been attending 
the council of war held this evening. He says, “It is decided to 
send a messenger to Gov. Shannon, to ask him what is the mean¬ 
ing of this armed body of men quartered near our town; why 
he allows them to commit robberies upon our people and harass 
travellers, disarming them and taking them prisoners ; requesting 
him also to order their removal.” To my inquiries, Mr. P. said, 
“ There is danger in the undertaking, but L. and B. are going. 
They are acquainted with the governor, and they know the pass¬ 
word.” We hope they may get through without detention. 
After making beds upon the floor, and putting extra blankets 
on the lounge for any who may drop in for a nap before morning, 
replenishing the fire, I leave for my own room. And before sleep¬ 
ing, I wonder if we do indeed live in America, — the so-much- 
boasted land, — or whether, in her prosperity, her love of power 
and aggrandizement has proved the grave of all honor, patriotism 
