|
INCIDENTS IN THE EARLY HISTORY OF THE SAGINAW VALLEY BY JUDGE ALBERT MILLER
The noise they made rushing along their paths over the frozen ground resembled that of a passing train of cars. They would all rush for the spot where I stood, and after they got quiet by finding and eating their salt I would go among them and pet them, and they seemed delighted with the notice taken of them.
During the fore part of the winter the ice on the bay was poor and the mare I drove would frequently break through. She soon became so accustomed to the process of rescue, that when in the water she would remain quiet without a struggle until she was hauled onto the ice and told to get up, when she would spring to her feet with great alacrity. While on the ice she would obey every motion or requirement of her driver. Being at the camp one night when the clouds denoted rain, and knowing I could not drive home if the ice weakened, I concluded to make a night journey and started at dark, taking with me George Whitfield, an educated Indian who was in my employ, for a pilot. Sending him ahead with his hatchet to try the ice I would follow with the horse and sleigh. Sometimes he would get on a strip of ice and proceed some distance before coming to weak ice or open water ahead, then retrace his steps, when the mare would walk backwards without opposition as far as required. About midnight the weather changed, blowing fearfully cold from the northwest. Soon afterwards, when near the mouth of the Saginaw river, George espied an Indian camp on shore and insisted on remaining the balance of the night. Not liking the crowded condition of the wigwam where George found shelter, I remained outside with the poor horse, shivering in the wind till daylight, when I pursued my journey home, sending the Indian back to the camp.
Michigan
Page 9
|
|
Please consider making a donation to help keep these sites alive.
Thank you
|
