The Boy Who Saved The Hamlet

Northern Advocate, 30 March 1937, Page 8

The Boy Who Saved The Hamlet

During the North American Indian War of 1855 one of the most daring acts was that of a boy named Goodman, fifteen years old, so young and yet so brave that his name is honoured by whites and even by the Indians themselves.

He belonged to a family who, when the eastern States became over-popu-lated, decided to move west. and. enchanted by the beauty of Paget Sound, settled on its shores, north of California, on the Pacific coast. Our hero was but nine years old at that time, but he could use his bow and arrow and his rifle as well as many older than himself, and could manage the paddle as well as any Indian. As -;ime passed many families from other States flocked to this part of the country, and the coming of the people so al.'lrmed the Indians that they determined to kill or drive out all the white folk. The white folk knew nothing of this until men, women and children were suddenly massacred, when the Indian tribe rose in a body against the whites. Warned of the coming danger, Goodman sent his wife and his two

little girls to a village some miles away, and- remained with his son to guard the home.

The people set to work speedily to build a fort and provision it, and all who could handle a rifle or a gun prepared for the defence, knowing that a cruel death would befall them if captured by the enemy. At noon the next day a fleet of war canoes appeared, and a fierce battle began; but, though numbering', twenty times those in the fort, the Indians were beaten off at night and compelled to retire. .' ; J

They, however, had no idea of giving up the attempt. They retreated half a mile, beached their canoes, lit the camp fires, and began their wardante. Young Goodman, then forjned a daring plan. He resolved to -go alone and seize the enemy’s canoes, knowing that, the Indians could then do no further harm. ' Leaving the fort after dark, he stole through the woods to the camp. The savages were so intent upon their dancing, and became so tired and sleepy, that they did not see the boy as he approached, and Goodman set to work to cut all the canoe ropes. Then, as the tide rose, he pulled the canoes afloat.

Having cut the canoes adrift, he got into one of them,.-tied another large one to it, and began to paddle to the fort.

As daybreak dawned the Indians awoke to find their canoes drifting away. With a wild shout they sprang into thfe waves to seize them, but Goodman opened fire upon them and drove them back.

Making his way to the fort, he told his people what he had done. The men went out and secured the large canoes, and the Indians, finding their fleet gone, beat a rapid retreat through the woods.