Three Score Years and Ten | Page 2

that, and our
separation is not for days and months, it may be for years; how can I
endure it? And we were so happy here in our snug little cottage--you in
the midst of early friends and beloved relatives, your childhood
companions and associations all about you; and I with my duties as
recruiting officer. We had reason to hope and expect at least a year
longer of this life, and this sudden blasting of our hopes seems cruel.
Oh, Charlotte! how can you bear the thought?" As he thus poured out
his heart, her eyes regarded him with wonder, and when he ceased she
drew him to his favorite chair, and, seating herself on a low stool
beside him, took his hand in hers, and, looking up at him through her
tears, said with ineffable tenderness: "My own dear husband; how
could you for a moment imagine that this order means separation?
Could you believe that I would remain here in comfort, and suffer you
to go alone to that far-off region where, if ever, you will need me to
cheer and aid you? If my marriage vows mean anything, they mean that
I am not to forsake you at such a time as this. What would the comforts
of this dear home, what the society of relatives and friends be to me,
with you in a wild country, in the midst of a savage people, deprived of
almost everything that makes life dear? No, no, my beloved; where
thou goest I will go; thy people shall be my people; entreat me not to
leave thee, or to refrain from following after thee, for naught but death
shall part thee and me."
The young soldier took his true, brave wife to his heart, and, holding
her close, exclaimed: "How deep and sacred is the love of woman! who
can comprehend its entire unselfishness?" and both found relief in
blessed tears of love and thankfulness which cleared away all doubts
and anxieties and filled them with hope and happiness. Over the
evening meal future plans were cheerfully discussed, dangers and
difficulties were looked bravely in the face, and feeling that, with
undying love for each other and entire trust in God, they could meet
and conquer whatever lay in their way, these young people rested
peacefully during that night, which had shown them how firm was the

bond which held them to each other, and were strengthened to meet the
storm of opposition that broke upon them in the morning from the
relatives and friends of the young wife and mother.
Preparations were rapidly made; household goods disposed of; all
things necessary for a long, toilsome journey packed; heart-breaking
"good-byes" were spoken, and the faces of the travelers were turned
westward.
A wearisome stage journey of many days brought them to Buffalo,
where, after resting a short time, they embarked in schooners for
Detroit on the 1st of May, which city they reached in time to move
forward with the regiment by water to Green Bay; thence in batteaux
they ascended the Fox river to Lake Winnebago. Col. Leavenworth,
then in command of the regiment, having received instructions to
conciliate the Indians, and avoid everything which might arouse the
opposition of these owners of the soil, determined to stop at this point
to hold a council with them, and crave permission to proceed on their
journey. This being announced to the chiefs of the tribe, they
assembled to hear what the "white brother" had to say. The day was
beautiful; the troops, all in full uniform, "with bayonets glancing in the
sun," made an imposing display, and everything was done to render it a
memorable and impressive occasion. The ladies of the party--Mrs.
Leavenworth, Mrs. Gooding, with their young daughters, and Mrs.
Clark, with her baby boy were seated on the turf enjoying the novelty
and beauty of the scene, when some Indian women, attracted by the
unusual sight, drew timidly near and gazed in wonder at what they saw.
One of the officers, Major Marston, the wag of the party, learning that
one of them was the head chief's wife, desired to show her some
distinguishing mark of respect, and, leading her into the group of ladies,
said, with due ceremony, "This is the Queen, ladies; make room for the
Queen;" but as this specimen of royalty was almost too highly
perfumed with a mingled odor of fish and musk-rat to suit the
cultivated taste of her entertainers, they did not hail her advent with any
marked enthusiasm.
When all was in order, Colonel Leavenworth stepped forth, and,

through an interpreter, formally requested of the Chief permission to
pass peaceably through their country. The Chief, a very handsome
young brave, advanced, and, with his right arm uncovered, said, with
most