Page:History of Delaware County (1856).djvu/375

DELAWARE COUNTY. 351 and ready equipped for the journey. They were formally introduced by the chief to Mrs. Leavenworth. The carriage that was to convey the wife and daughter, was a palanquin, so constructed that the occupants could sit •or recline at their pleasure, and this was to be their home for 700 long miles. We now behold them seated in their car- riage. The baggage is in order and firmly secured. Every- thing is ready. Four stout Indians step forward from their fellows, raise the palanquin on their shoulders, and commence their march. Five of the remainder walk before in Indian file — headed by their chief, and the remainder follow the palanquin in the same order. The curtain of the carriage is raised. Mrs. Leavenworth gazes on the scene with mingled feelings of hope and fear. She casts one long and lingering look on all around, as the last abode of civilization fades from, her view. Before her lies the pathless forest and the wide prairie, behind her the cultivated fields of the white man. Before her stands the rude wigwam of the savage, behind her the princely dwellings of her own countrymen. Before her roam the savages and ferocious beasts, behind her are the peaceful walks and shady retreats of America's enlightened sons. Before her is Nature in its wildest and most pictu- resque beauty, while behind her Art gives finish to the paint- ing, and renders it more attractive and beautiful. The day has nearly passed; night draws her sable curtain over all the earth ; The last rays of the setting sun gild the mountains, burnishing the western sky with a gold and purple light, as the Indians encamp for the night. A fire is kindled, and the evening repast neatly and comfortably prepared. The wild flowers and green grass serve as a carpet, a board forms the table, and the blue arch of heaven is spread over them as a canopy. The studied formalities of the white man enter not their circle. Order and neatness reign here. The frugal repast is finished. The hour of rest draws near. Weariness and sleep