Petrarch.—Petrarch, the celebrated Italian poet, recommended himself to the confidence and affection of Cardinal Coloma, in whose family he resided, by his candor and strict regard to truth. A violent quarrel occurred in the household of this nobleman, which was carried so far that recourse was had to arms. The cardinal wished to know the foundation of this affair; and, that he might be able to decide with justice, he assembled all his people, and obliged them to bind themselves by a most solemn oath to declare the whole truth. Every one submitted to the examination; even the cardinal’s own brother was not excused. Petrarch, in his turn, presented himself to take the oath; the cardinal said, “As to you, Petrarch, your word is sufficient!”
Attakullakulla.
On the river Tennessee, in former times, there was situated a fort, called Fort Loudon. This fort was far back in the woods, 500 miles from Charleston, and at a distance from any white settlement. It was built in 1756, for the purpose of preventing the encroachments of the French, who used to steal down from Canada, and annoy the white English inhabitants, who were forming settlements in that part of the country. At the same time, it was a safeguard against the Indians, numerous tribes of whom lived round about. These Indians, at all times savage and cruel, were particularly hostile to the whites; and more so, as they perceived them forming settlements in their neighborhood.
In the above fort, at the time my story commences, there were but few soldiers. This fact the Indians, by some means, discovered, and they determined to make an attack upon it; and, if possible, to massacre the soldiers.
The plan was conducted, as usual, with much secrecy and cunning; and, before the soldiers were aware, the fort was surrounded by a large number of savages, thirsting only for their blood. The fort was strong, however; the gates were shut, and the Indians found it impossible to enter. But they could watch it. They might perhaps in time force the soldiers to surrender, because their provisions could not last always. A guard was, therefore, constantly kept round about; and so vigilant were they, that not a single white man durst venture abroad, nor could any come to their assistance.
For a time, the provisions in the fort held out well; but, at length, the soldiers were obliged to resort to the flesh of their horses and dogs, which, by reason of scanty food, had dwindled away nearly to skeletons. For two long months, however, the soldiers bore up under the pressure of confinement, and stinted fare. The enemy that surrounded them, they well knew, were at all times savage and cruel; but now they would be doubly so, having become exasperated by watching for so long a period.
The soldiers had stout hearts and good courage; but, at length, they told their officers, that they could hold out no longer. Upon this, the officers came together, and, after due consultation, it was agreed to surrender, and to obtain the best treatment from the Indians they were able.