CHAPTER VI
WILLSHIRE TOWNSHIP
The Life of Its Founder, Capt. James Riley—His Terrible Experience in the Great Desert Among the Arabs, After Being Shipwrecked on the Coast of Africa—His Final Deliverance and His Later Life as a Surveyor in Western Ohio—Ansel Blossom and His Eccentric Ways—First Occurrences in the Town of Wiltshire—The Baptist Church—William White and His Wonderful Physical Development.
The town of Wiltshire was founded by Capt. James Riley in 1822. Captain Riley had a checkered career, extending through his entire life. He was born in the town of Middletown, in the State of Connecticut, on the 27th of October, 1777. His father, Asher Riley, was a farmer. James was the fourth child of a large family.
It being difficult for his father to support all, James at the age of eight years was placed with a neighboring farmer, and it was stipulated that he was to receive plenty of schooling. But as his help was quite valuable he was kept out of school most of the term, and when his father remonstrated with the man for this neglect, he was met with the excuse that he could not get along with his work without James, and that he had already plenty of schooling, as he was very forward and could spell and read as well as any of the boys of his age. That he could repeat whole chapters of the Bible by heart, and knew all the catechism and creed by heart, which was considered all important by the Presbyterians at that date, and could sing Psalms as well as
those that had studied music. These representations seem to have satisfied the lad's parents in a measure, although they wanted their boy to have a good common-school education. In conducting the schools, a male teacher was usually hired by the school directors of the district, to teach from October to March, at a salary of from $6 to $10 a month; and he was expected to board around with the scholars, making his stay with each family, as nearly as possible, in proportion to the number of children therein. The branches taught were spelling, reading and writing, and perchance, if the teacher was qualified, the simple rules of arithmetic. The minister was considered the head of the school, and was considered the most competent to judge the qualifications of the teacher.
Here James Riley remained, laboring on the farm, until his 15th year, when he concluded to go to sea and to visit foreign countries. After meeting strong opposition for a time, which he finally overcame and secured his parent's consent, he shipped on board a sloop bound for the West Indies. Having no
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influential friends he Made up his mind, in order to succeed, it would be necessary to acquire a knowledge of navigation, theoretically as well as practically, and at the age of 20 had passed through all the grades from cabin boy to cook, ordinary seaman, seaman, second mate, and chief mate on different vessels. He was now six feet one inch in height, and of good proportions. He considered the coast trade too circumscribed for his ambition. He went to New York, where he soon secured command of a good vessel, and for many years visited all the countries visited by American ships. For several years he had charge of cargoes, as well as ships, and enjoyed a share of prosperity until his ship, the "Two Marys" of New York, was seized by the French in 1808, when he took shelter from some English men-of-war at Belle Isle, in the Bay of Biscay. The ship, with its valuable cargo, was confiscated, under the memorable Milan decree, on the 17th of December, 1807, founded on the well-known orders in council of the 11th of November of that year. He remained in France until the ship and cargo were condemned, and did not return to America until the latter part of 1809. He had lost all, or about all, the property he had accumulated, but had occupied his time in learning to read and write and speak both French and Spanish. Not being able to secure a vessel to his liking, and the War of 1812 having driven the commerce of the United States from the ocean, he endeavored to get command of an armed vessel, but without avail. He joined a company of Artillerists and was chosen captain.
At the close of the war, in 1815, he was employed as master and supercargo of the brig "Commerce," of Hartford, Connecticut, belonging to Riley & Brown, Josiah Savage & Company, and Luther Savage. A light cargo was taken on board. The crew consisted of George Williams, chief mate; Aaron R. Savage, second mate; William Porter, Archibald Robins, Thomas Burns and James Clark; sea-men; Horace Savage, cabin boy, and Richard Deslisle (black), cook. With this crew he proceeded to sea on the 6th of May, 1815, and steered for the Bahama Islands, which they reached about the 21st. On the 22nd they passed Orange Keys; on the 23th they ran aground but got off with but little difficulty and ran along the Florida Keys, passing the Tortugas Islands on the 24th. On the 26th they arrived in the Mississippi River, and soon reached New Orleans, where they discharged their cargo, and took another on board, which consisted of flour and tobacco. Here Francis Bliss and James Carrington were dismissed and John Hogan and James Barrett shipped in their stead.
With this crew and cargo, Captain Riley sailed from New Orleans the 24th of June, and proceeded to Gibraltar, where the cargo was landed. They ten took on part of a cargo, consisting of brandies and wines, and some dollars, about 2,000, and set sail from Gibraltar the 23rd of August, 1815, intending to go by way of the Cape Verde Islands to complete the loading of the vessel with salt. They passed Cape Spartel on the 24th, intending to make the Canary Islands and pass between Teneriff and Palma, but the weather being very foggy they missed the Canaries. From that time on, the weather was foggy and it was impossible to get an observation.
On the 28th of August at 10 P. M., they were wrecked on the coast of Africa. Knowing that the vessel would soon go to pieces, they prepared to take on shore a supply of fresh water, wine, salt pork and bread, as well as a bucket full of dollars and trunks, clothes, books and charts. In the attempt to get a line on shore, the boat was swamped and Riley and
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Porter were thrown into the sea, but fortunately were carried to land, as also were their boat and line. The trunks, chests and everything else that would float were thrown overboard. The hawser was stretched from the wreck to land, and the long-boat, loaded with provisions, was attached to the hawser by rings and carried to land by the waves. As the long-boat was stove in and the small one could rot live a moment in the waves and as there ;was danger of the wreck going to pieces, it was important to get the crew to land. This was done by stretching the hawser taut and having one come on shore at a time. They were all saved and landed on shore.
The provisions, clothing, etc., were gathered and carried up out of reach of the waves, and they were in hopes that they would not be discovered by any human being, but in this they were mistaken for they saw a man plundering their clothing that was strewn along the beach.
He appeared to be about five feet eight inches tall, and of the complexion between the American Indian and the negro. His hair was long and bushy and sticking out about six inches from his head. His face resembled that of an ourang-outang more than that of a human being. His mouth was stretched nearly from ear to ear, and a long curling beard, which depended from his upper lip and his chin down upon his breast, gave him a horrid appearance. He was soon joined by two old women of similar a appearance, supposed to be his wives, who looked a little less frightful. They were followed by a girl of from 18 to 20 years and five or six children of different ages. They had with them an English hammer and a kind of an ax. They now began indiscriminate plundering—breaking open chests and trunks, and emptying the contents out and carrying the clothing up on the sand hills. Riley and his crew repaired the long-boat as best they could, although it could not be prevented from leaking. They placed a guard around their tent, which they had made out of part of a sail, and thus passed the night. As soon as it was light the old man came down, accompanied by his wives and two young men. Above his head he balanced a spear of iron, having a handle about 12 feet long and made motions as if to throw it at Riley and his men, ordering them off to the wreck. Pointing at the same time to a large drove of camels coming down, the women ran off whooping and yelling and beckoning to those in charge of the camels to approach. The old man would not allow the shipwrecked sailors to escape him in any direction but that of the wreck. They finally reached the wreck, although their boat was half filled with water.
The old man and the four young men, as two more had come with the camels, loaded the barrels of bread and the other provisions on their camels, which kneeled down to receive them, and sent them off with the children. They stove in the heads of the water casks and the wine casks and spilled the contents on the sand. Then they gathered up the trunks, chests and casks, with the sea instruments and charts, and burned them in a pile.
Riley and his crew now made what arrangements they could for putting to sea in their leaky long-boat. , Their first effort swamped the boat, but they finally righted it, Ind, after bailing out the water, succeeded in getting on board, with nothing in the way of irovisions, except few bottles of wine and some salt pork, as the bread had all been spoiled by being soaked with salt water.
At this stage the savages seemed to have some pity for the condition in which the crew were placed and made all signs of peace and friendship, beckoning Riley to come on shore,
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and carrying all their arms up over the hills. The old man made known that he wanted to go on board the wreck, while Riley was to remain on land, which was done. After satisfying himself that there was nothing on board that he wanted, he inquired for firearms and money, and finding none was about to return to land, whereupon Riley signaled to the crew not to let the old man come ashore until he was released, but they did not understand him. As the old man neared the beach, Riley was about to rise to meet him, when both of his arms were seized by two of the young men, one on each side, and the women and children presented their daggers, knives and spears at his head and breast. While the young men held him fast, the old man seized hold of his hair and with his scimitar made a motion as if to cut his throat or his head off. This seemed to be only to frighten him. The old man then ordered him to bring all the money on shore. One of the men, came on the hawser from the wreck to know what they should do, and was told by Riley that all the money they had should be immediately brought on shore, but the man being in the water and at some distance from Riley did not understand that the money was not to be delivered until Riley was released. The money, about r,000 dollars, was put in a bucket and slung on the hawser. Porter shoved it along before him and was about to take it to Riley, when the latter made him understand that he was to stay in the water. One of the young men brought the money to the beach and poured it into the old man's blanket, while the latter held his scimitar pointed at Riley's breast. When the money was divided, they made Riley rise and then all started to leave the beach, holding him by the arms with naked daggers pointed at him. Thereupon he made them understand by signs that there was more money on hoard the vessel. Turning about, they seated Riley on the sand, and commanded him to order the money brought on shore. There being no money on the vessel, Riley asked to have Antonio Mitchell sent on shore.
As soon as Antonio Mitchell knew what was wanted, he came on shore. The natives, expecting he would bring money, flocked around him and finding he had not became very angry, beat him, stripped off his clothing and pricked him with their knives. Riley told him to signify to them that there was money buried near where the tent had been. A spy glass, handsaw, and several other things had been buried and near them a bag with about four, hundred dollars. Antonio soon made them understand what he wanted and, taking them to the place, began to dig. During this time Riley, was seated on the sand with the old man on one side; with his spear pointed at Riley's breast and the young man with his scimitar within six inches of him, both intent on watching him. When the first articles were discovered and the guards for aninstant turned their heads in that direction, at that instant Riley sprang away and ran for, the water, into which he plunged head foremost and then swam under the water for quite a distance. The old man was within 10 feet of him in water up to his chin, and in the act of hurling his spear, when a wave rolled over Riley and dashed his pursuers backward on the beach. Riley managed to reach the boat and was taken on board. The natives were so enraged that they ran a spear through Antonio's body, killing him instantly.
Riley and his men made what preparations were possible, and put to sea in their leaky boat with a small quantity of water, some salt pork and a few figs. The boat leaked so badly that it required two men bailing all the time to keep her clear. On August 30. 1815, they fitted a
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sail, made what other preparations they could and started for the open sea. They were afraid to run along the coast for fear of being dashed against the rocky coast in the night.
On the 2nd of September, not having seen any sail and the men having become so weak that some of them could not take their turn bailing, and feeling that the boat could not possibly hold together another day, it was decided to make for the coast, in hopes of finding water to allay their thirst, which had become unbearable.
When they approached the land it seemed that it was formed of perpendicular cliffs, rising to great height, with no level place on which to land. At last finding a level spot only large enough to haul their boat up on, they landed. On September 8th, they left all that was cumbersome and started along the coast, as it was impossible to ascend to the top of the cliffs. They proceeded along close to the water's edge, as the rocks rose several hundred feet in height. The first day they were only able to make four miles, clambering through among the fallen rocks. On the 9th of September they could see a level piece of coast, but before reaching it they were met with an obstruction, that seemed to be impossible to overcome—an immense rock had fallen down, completely blocking the way. This rock, which appeared to be about half way to the level sand, had been washed full of holes, and was completely submerged with each incoming wave, but left bare when the wave receded. Riley felt that if he could reach this before another wave came in, he could hold on and let the wave roll over him and when it receded make for the level sand. This he did successfull and was followed by each of the crew in the same manner, holding onto the rock until the wave had swept over him and had recededand then running for, the level sand. They were all more or less bruised by being dashed against the rock by the waves, but were thankful to escape with their lives. Here they dug several holes in the sand, hoping to find water, but were disappointed. They then ascended to the plain above by clambering among the crevices in the broken rocks and were met with a barren waste of sand with not a green leaf or tree in sight. The men's thirst by this time had become unbearable, and they all recognized that it would be impossible to live for another day. The heat was intolerable. The sand here was packed as hard as a rock, with sharp stones projecting. They decided to try to find a place for the night's rest, where the sand would be more suitable for a resting place. While dragging their weary bodies along, they were cheered by beholding a light. Fearing to approach in the dark, they waited until daylight.
In the morning, as they approached the camp, they found Arabs watering their camels. Riley, with Williams and Savage, advanced, bowing to the ground. The men approached with scimitars in their hands, but finding no opposition they proceeded to strip off Riley's clothing and also that of Williams, Savage and the cook, the whole crew being soon stripped. When those on the camels came up, those that stripped the prisoners threw sand into the air, as a signal of hostility, and there immediately commenced a scramble for the prisoners, a bloody fight ensuing in which scimitars were freely used. After the fight the prisoners were placed in the care of the women and taken to the well, where they were given water to drink out of a vessel placed on' the ground, being compelled to get down and drink like the camels. They were also given some sour camel's milk with water in it. When they
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asked, by signs, for something to eat, they found that the Arabs had nothing for themselves. There were about this well about 100 persons, men, women, and children, and about 400 or 500 camels. About 10 o'clock A. M. one company, having finished watering their camels, separated Williams, Robins, Porter, Hogan, Barret and Burns from the others and mounted them on camels, barebacked behind the hump, compelling the men to hold on by the hair. There remained with the party to which Riley belonged, Savage, Clark, Horace and Dick, the cook. The prisoners were forced to draw water for the camels. After filling several goatskins with water, the_ skins were slung by the legs on each side of the camels. The Arabs next put on the baskets in which the women and children rode, these baskets being made of camel's skins with a wooden rim around, so that three or four could ride in each with safety. These were fastened with ropes passing under the bellies of the camels. The prisoners were compelled to walk and drive the camels. The sand was so soft that they sank into it at every step and it was hot enough to cook an egg. The sun on the bare backs of the prisoners was more severe than can be imagined by any person that has never had the experience. After reaching the summit, five camels were selected and each prisoner placed on one, behind the hump. It was extremely difficult to hold on, especially as the camels were restless and ran around among the herd making a great bellowing. The sun had so blistered the bodies of the prisoners that they were soon afflicted with bad sores, while the insides of their legs were so chafed that they were bleeding. The men had gone on ahead at a trot, leaving the prisoners to the care of the women who urged us forward. Riley begged to he allowed to dismount, hut the women paid no attention to his entreaties and finally he let go his hold and fell off backward. He was then compelled to run to keep up with he camels. He says that here only the remembrance of his wife and children kept him from resorting to self-destruction. They made no stop until near midnight, when they had traveled about 40 miles. Here they milked the camels and gave each of the prisoners about a pint of warm milk to drink. They lay on the hard ground and suffered from cold, their bodies being entirely naked.
The morning of the 11th, the camels were milked and each prisoner allowed a pint of milk as before. There was here another dispute as to the ownership of the different prisoners, which was finally settled after some quarreling and drawing of knives. Toward evening a great many men having assembled, a halt was made and a council held, at which there were present about 150 men. Here Riley was questioned by an old man as to his nativity, and how they had reached the coast. He made the Arabs understand that they came in a ship by piling up sand and sticking sticks in for masts. They questioned him as to his knowledge of the country, and whether he knew where Morocco was, and the name of the emperor, all of which he answered to their satisfaction, also giving them to understand that if the prisoners were taken there they would be ransomed.
Having concluded their council, they separated, each master taking his slave and going his own way. Riley was delivered to an Arab named Bickri, who took him near his tent and made him lie down like a camel. Near midnight the Arab brought Riley about a quart of milk and water, which he drank and then lay down and slept. He had the most frightful dreams. He dreamed over all their past experiences since the shipwreck ; that they were being driven by the natives with red-hot irons,
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and made to pass naked and barefoot, with the flames up to his eyes, through a most dreadful fire for nearly a mile, which scorched off every part of his skin and wasted away his flesh by burning, roasting and drying it off to the bones. His torments seemed to be inconceivable. He now thought he looked up towards heaven and prayed to the Almighty to receive his spirit and end his suffering, when a bright spot like an eye, with rays around it in the midst of the flames, appeared above him in the firmament, with a point below reaching to the northeast. He thought if he went that way he would go right and turned from the south to the northeast. The fire soon subsided and he went on, still urged with spears, by those about him pricking him from time to time, over high sand hills and rocky steeps, his flesh dropping off as he went. Then, descending a deep valley, he thought he saw green trees, flowering shrubs in blossom, cows feeding on green grass, with horses, sheep and asses near him and as he moved on he discovered a brook of clear running water. His thirst being excessive, he dragged his mangled limbs to the brook, threw himself down and drank his fill of the most delicious water. When his thirst was quenched, he rolled himself in the brook and cooled his body, which still seemed to be consumed with heat. He then thanked God for his mercies. His masters in the meantime hurried him on in the way pointed out by the A11-Seeing Eye, which was still visible in the heavens above his head. Through crooked, thorny and narrow paths, over high mountains and deep valleys, past hosts of armed men on horseback and on foot, and walled cities, he went, until he met a tall young man dressed in the European and American manner, riding on a stately horse beside a brook, who on seeing Riley alighted and rushing forward with great joy caught him in his arms and pressedhim to his breast, calling him endearing names of brother in his own language. He thought he fainted in the young man's arms for excessive joy, and when he revived he found himself in a neat room with a table set in the best manner before him, covered with the choicest of meats, nuts, fruits and wines, and his deliverer pressing him to eat and drink. Finding him too much overcome to partake of the refreshments the young man said : "Take courage, my dear friend; God has decreed that you shall again embrace your beloved wife and children." At this instant he was called y his master. He awoke and found it a dream.
Riley was then ordered to drive forward the camels, which he did for about an hour, but his feet were so swollen and lacerated that he could not help stooping and crouching clown nearly to the ground. In this condition he was seen by Sidi Hamet, who became his first master. Going to Bickri, Hamet talked with him a good while, and then took off the blanket from his back and gave It to Bickri. Coming close to Riley, he motioned him to stop, made his camel lie down, and then fixed a skin over his hack behind the saddle, making the two ends fast to the girth to keep it from slipping off. He then had him mount while he got on his own saddle and steadied him until the camel got up. They continued on the same direction as before. The sun was very hot on his bare back and his head which seemed bursting, yet the recollection of his dream gave him courage. This was on the 12th of September. That evening he met Hogan and found that he and Hogan had been purchased by Hamet. At midnight Hamet gave each of them a pint of pure milk, which was very refreshing. On the morning of the 13th he saw Williams. but the latter's body was entirely naked and the skin burned off and the flesh so inflamed,
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that Riley only recognized him by his voice. His master arrived and they moved on, and he could see that the inside of his legs and thighs hung in strips of skin and was bleeding. About an hour after, his master beckoned him to come to him and a tall old man, nearly as black as a negro joined them. He was the most ill looking they had yet seen. After some bartering Riley was given to the old man. He and his two sons were on foot but walked faster than the camels, and Riley did his best to keep up, but when he could no longer do so the old man beat him on the bare back with his stick to urge him on. He was staggering and smarting under the wounds inflicted by the old man, when he was approached by one of the sons, who gave him a double-barreled gun to carry. He supposed this was intended as an additional punishment, but it was given in kindness as the old man ceased his beating. At about 4 P. M. having come near the tent his load was taken from him, and he was made to lie down in the shade of the tent. He begged for water, but could get none. The time now came for prayers which ceremony was performed very devoutly by the old man and his two sons. Then they went away. He was in so much pain that he could hardly contain himself and his thirst was more severe than it had yet been. He tried to soften the hearts of the women to get him some water, but they only laughed at him and drove him from the shade of the tent, and he was forced to remain in the scorching sun the remainder of the long day. Shortly after; sunset the old man and his two sons, with about 20 or 30 men, came and went through their religious ceremony in a very solemn manner. The women and children did not join in. Soon after this was over, Clark came in with the camels : every part of his flesh was exposed, and his flesh was excessively mangled, burned and inflamed. Clark said to Riley : "I am glad to see you once more, for I cannot live through the approaching night, and beg of you, if you ever get to our own country, to tell my brothers and sisters how I perished."
Riley encouraged him the best he could and told him that he believed that they would all be yet enabled to reach home. The old man had told him that as soon as it rained they would journey to the northeast to sell them. As night approached he begged the old master to allow them to go under the corner of the tent, to which he assented, but the women would not allow it and they were compelled to remain out until the men had milked the camels. Then each was given nearly a quart of milk. After the women were asleep, one of the young men, named Omar, the same that made Riley carry his gun the preceding day to keep his father from beating him, came and made them creep under the tent without waking the women. The soft sand served as a bed and the prisoners slept soundly. As soon as the women awoke, they were for thrusting them out, with blows, but the men pretended to be sleeping. The old man, looking on them seemed somewhat concerned lest he should lose his property, told the women to leave them alone, and as he was absolute they had to obey. They did not move the next day, and after they had milked and drank they gave the prisoners what was left. They were suffered to remain under the corner of the tent in the shade all day, and the next night were given a skill that would partly cover them and keep off the night wind. The Arabs gave them a good drink of milk when they drank themselves the second night, and Omar had given them about a pint of water in the middle of the day. The two nights and one day's rest had revived them very much. These were the 14th and 15th of September.
From the 15th to the 18th they journeyed
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toward the southeast in search of shrubs for the camels to subsist on. On the 19th a council was held, it which it appeared that Riley's master was looked up to as a man of superior judgment and influence, and they began a route back again towards the sea and the well where they were first made slaves. They had journeyed seven days, and it would take the same time to return, there being no prospect of water in any other direction and it was doubtful if the camels could live that long, as they were almost dry now, and their milk was all the provision that there was for all the people. In the course of the day Riley and Clark gathered about a handful of snails, which, with about a gill of milk, was all they had to eat in 24 hours. On the 10th they proceeded very fast in the direction of the seashore, and on the 21St they rested. Here they met Savage, Horace, Hogan and the cook, who were all very much emaciated and sore and had been carried on camels the last few days. They all felt they could not live another day. There were no snails to be had here, and they had not a drop of milk or water to drink. Horace, Hogan and the cook were employed in attending their master's camels, with two Arabs, who kept flogging them nearly the whole time.
Riley's master was quite wealthy and had from 6o to 70 camels. He was a kind of a priest and every evening he was joined in his devotions by all the old and most of the young men. They first washed themselves with sand, instead of water ; then each wrapped himself in a strip of cloth and turned his face toward the east. Then Riley's old master stepped out before them and commenced by bowing twice, repeating at each time " Allah Houakibar," then kneeling and bowing his head to the ground twice, then raising himself up on his feet and repeating "Hi el Allah Sheda Mohammed Rahsool Allah," bowing himself twice, and again prostrating himself twice, then "Allah Houakibar" was three times repeated. He was always accompanied in his motions and words by all present, who could see him distinctly as he stood before them. He then made a long prayer. All recited together a chapter in the Koran and then joined in chanting some hymn or sacred song. This ceremony being finished, they again prostrated themselves with their faces to the earth, and the services concluded.
About the middle of the day two strangers arrived, riding two camels loaded with goods. They came in front of Riley's master's tent and having made their camels lie down, dismounted, and seating themselves on the ground opposite the tent with their faces turned the other way. There were in this valley seven tents.
All the men had gone out hunting on their camels (for plunder), taking their arms with them. The old and young women went to see the strangers and, having no water, took with them a large skin with a roll of tent cloth to make them a shelter. The strangers rose as the women drew near and saluted them by the words "Labe, Labcz Salem, Labcz Alikom" ("Peace, Peace be with you"). The women returned the salute in the same words. They then fixed an awning, and took the bundles from the camels and the saddles and placed them in the tent. While the women were making these preparations, the strangers remained seated on the ground beside their guns, as each had a double-barreled musket. The women then seated themselves on the ground near the strangers and as near as Riley could gather asked where they came from, .how long they had been on the road and. what goods they had. Having satisfied their curiosity, the old woman went to Riley and told him that Sidi Hamlet had come with blankets and blue cloth to sell, :hat he came from the Sultan's dominions, and
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that he could buy Riley and carry him there if he chose, and where he might find his friends and kiss his wife and children. Before the men returned, Riley went to the tent of Sidi Hamet with a wooden bowl and begged for some water, showing his mouth. He looked at Riley and asked if he was Rias (the captain), which being answered in the affirmative, he told his brother to give him some water, which his brother would not do; then he himself took the bowl and poured out about a quart of clear water, saying "Sherub Rias" that is "Drink Captain." Riley drank about half of it and was going to take the rest to the tent where Clark lay stretched out on his back, a perfect wreck, breathing like a person in the last agonies of death, but Sidi Hamet would not permit him to carry the water away, bidding him drink it himself. After, Clark's condition was pointed out to him, Sidi Hamet permitted Riley to give Clark the balance. It was perfectly fresh and revived him exceedingly. He said, "This is good water and must have come from a better country than this. If we were once there and I could get one good drink of such water, I could die with pleasure, but now I cannot live another day."
The men soon returned and began with others of the tribe, who had received the news of the arrival of the strangers, to form a circle and chat with them and each other; this continued till night, and Riley thought there were at least 200 men present. After dark they began to separate, and by 10 o'clock at night none remained at the tent but Riley's old master's family and three or four of their relatives. On this occasion Riley and the other prisoners were turned out into the open air, and were obliged to pass the night without shelter or covering. It was a long and tedious night, but at the time of milking the camels the old master came to them and, as if afraid of losing his property by their death, and anxious that they should live, dealt out about a pint of milk to each. This milk tasted better than any they had yet tasted ; it was sweet and saved Clark from dissolution. .This was the first nourishment they had had in three days.
The next morning Sidi Hamet came toward the tent, beckoned Riley to come to him and bade him sit clown on the ground. Riley had by this time learned many words in their language, which was ancient Arabic, and could understand the general current of their conversation by paying attention to it. Hamet began questioning Riley about his country and the manner in which he had come there. Riley made him understand that he was an Englishman, and that his vessel and crew were of the same nation. Riley found that Sidi Hamet had heard of the shipwreck and of the English. Riley stated, as well as he could, the manner of the shipwreck and told him that they were reduced to the lowest depth of misery; that he had a wife and five children in his own country besides Horace, whom Riley called his eldest son, mingling with his story sighs and tears and all the signs of affection and despair which the recollection and his present condition called forth.
Riley found Sidi Hamet to be a very intelligent man, for although he knew no language but the Arabic, he comprehended so well what Riley wished to communicate, that he actually shed tears at the recital of their distress, notwithstanding that among the Arabs weeping is regarded as a womanish weakness. He seemed to be ashamed of his own want of fortitude, and said that men who had beards like him ought not to shed tears. And he retired wiping his eyes. Finding that he had awakened Hamet's sympathy, Riley thought he would try by offers of large amounts of money to induce him to buy himself and his compan-
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ions and carry them out of the desert. So the first time he saw him alone, he went to him and begged him to buy him and carry him and his companions up from the desert to the Sultan of Morocco or Marockah where he (Riley) could find a friend. He said "No," but he would carry him to Swearah, describing it as a walled town and seaport. Riley told him that he had seen the Sultan and that he was a friend to his nation. He then asked Riley many other questions about Mohammed Rahsool. Riley bowed and pointed to the east, then towards Heaven, as if he thought he had ascended there. This seemed to please Hamet, who asked how much money Riley would give him to carry him up; upon which Riley counted over 50 pieces of stones, signifying that he would give as many dollars for himself and each of his men. "I will not buy the others," he said,
"but how much more than 50 dollars will you give me for yourself, if I buy you and carry you to your friends. Have you any money in Swearah ?" asked he by signs and words, "Or do you mean to make me wait till you get it from your country?" Riley replied that his friends in Swearah would give him the money so soon as he was brought there. "You are deceiving me," said he. Riley made the most solemn protestations of his sincerity. "I will buy you then," said he, "but remember if you deceive me I will cut your throat," (making a motion to that effect). This Riley assented to and begged him to buy his son Horace also, but he would not hear a word about any of the others of the crew, as it would be impossible, he said, to get them up off the desert, which was a great distance. "Say nothing about it to your old master, nor to my brother, nor any of the others." He then left Riley, who went out to seek for snails to relieve his hunger. Riley saw Savage and Hogan and brought them with Clark near Sidi Hornet's tent, where they sat down on the ground. He came out to see them, miserable objects as they were and seemed very much shocked at the sight. Riley told his companions that he had great hopes that they would be bought by this man and carried up to the cultivated country. But they expressed great fears that they would be left behind. Sidi Hamet asked Riley many questions about his men, and wished to know if any of them had died and if they had wives and children. Riley tried all he could to interest him in their behalf, as well as his own. Riley found that his companions had been very much stinted with milk as well as himself, and that they had had no water. They had found a few snails, which had kept them alive, but even these now failed.
On the 24th they journeyed on all day toward the northwest, the whole tribe, or nearly so, in company and the strangers also. When Riley's mistress pitched her tent near night, she made up one for, Sidi Hamet also. Riley begged of him on his knees, every time he had an opportunity, for him to buy his companions, and on the 25th he had the happiness to see Hamet pay his old master for him, giving the old Arab two blankets or coarse hoicks, one blue cotton covering and a bundle of ostrich feathers, with which the old man seemed much pleased, as he had now three suits of clothing. They were a long time making the bargain.
This day Horace came with his master to fetch something to the tent. At his approach Riley went to meet him and embraced him with tears in his eyes. Sidi Harriet was fully convinced that Horace was Riley's son. Riley had found a few snails this morning; these he divided between Mr. Savage and Horace before Sidi Hamet, who signified to him in the afternoon that he intended to set out with Riley in two clays for Swearah ; that he had tried to buy Riley's son, but could not succeed, for his
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master would not sell him at any price. Then said Riley, "Let me stay in his place." He said he would be a faithful slave to his master as long as he lived. He asked Sidi Hamet to carry Horace up to Swearah saying that his friend would pay for him and send him home to his mother, whom Riley, himself, could not see unless he brought her son with him. "You shall have your son, by Allah," said Sidi Hamet. The whole tribe were gathered in council relative to this business, as Riley supposed. In the course of the afternoon they debated the matter over and seemed to turn it every way ; they fought, besides, three or four battles with fists and scimitars, in their warm blood and loud discussion in settling individual disputes. In the evening he was told that Horace was bought, as the tribe in council had forced his master to sell him, though at a great price.
Riley now redoubled his entreaties with his new master to buy Savage, Clark and the remainder of the crew, telling him that he would give him a large sum of money if he got them up safe; but Sidi Hamet told him that he would be compelled to carry them through bands of robbers, who would kill him for their sakes, and that his company was not strong enough to resist them by force of arms. Riley fell on his knees and implored him to buy Savage and Clark at any rate, thinking if he should buy them he might be induced to purchase the remaining part of the crew. Riley's mind had been so busy employed in schemes of redemption as to almost forget his own sufferings, since Sidi Hamet had bought him. He had given Riley two or three drinks of water and had begged milk for him from his former master.
On the morning of the 26th Riley renewed his entreaties for him to purchase Savage, Clark and Hogan: the others he had not seen since the second or third day after they were in the hands of the Arabs. Riley did not know where they were and could not designate them to his new master Hamet, though he told the latter all their names. Hogan and Savage looked much more healthy and likely to live than Clark, and Sidi Hamet insisted that it was impossible that Clark could live more than three days and that if he bought him he would lose his money.
Riley told him he should not lose his money, for whether Clark should live or die he should have his money. Clark was affected with scald head, rendered a raw sore in consequence of his sufferings; and his hair, which was very long, was of course in a very filthy condition. This attracted the attention of Sidi Hamet and his brother, the latter of whom was very surly and cross looking. They poked the hair and scabs with their sticks and demanded to know what was the occasion of the filthy condition. Clark assured them that it was in consequence of his exposure to the sun and as that was the reason attributed by Riley for the horrible sores and blisters that covered their bodies and half-wasted flesh, they said it might be so, but asked why the heads of the rest were not so. They next found fault with Riley's shins, which had for a long time been very sore, and they examined every bone to see if it was all right in its place, with the caution that would be taken with the purchase of a horse.
Sidi Hamet finally informed Riley that he had bought Savage and Clark, and had bargained for Hogan, and that he was going to kill a camel that night for provisions for the journey. The water had been expended for two days and all the other families were alike destitute. Riley did not get more than a gill of milk and a small handful of snails in 24 hours. The snails served in a small degree to allay
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their hunger. Riley was extremely anxious for the killing of the camel. He and Clark spent the afternoon gathering sticks to make a fire. A little after midnight Hamet showed them where to carry the wood they had collected. It was in a little gully that it might not be seen by the neighbors, while their former master was leading the camel up to the same place. On its arrival they made it lie down in the usual manner. It was a very old one and very poor, so that it was not able to keep up with the drove during the journey. Sidi Hamet told Riley that he had bought it for a blanket. The camel being down, they put a rope around its lower jaw with a noose, then hauling its head around made the rope fast to its tail. Then they brought a copper kettle that would bold about three gallons. Thus prepared, Sidi Hai met opened a vein in the right side of the camel's neck, close to its breast; the blood streamed out into the kettle and soon filled it half full. This they set over the fire and boiled, stirring it all the time until it became thick and of the consistency of calf liver. Then, taking it off the fire, they passed it to Riley, saying "Coole Riley" ("Eat Riley"). Riley did not wait for a second bidding but fell to, with Clark. Their appetites were voracious and they soon filled themselves with this delicious food.
Notwithstanding the lateness of the hour, and the privacy observed in killing the camel, many of the hungry neighbors had found it out and came to assist in the dressing and eating of the animal. They insisted on having some of the blood, and would snatch a handful, in spite of all the masters could do to hinder them. They were very officious in helping to take off the hide. The entrails were rolled out and they put the small entrails into the kettle (without cleansing them of their contents), with what remained of the liver and lights, butthey had no water to boil them. Then one of them went to the camel's paunch, which was. very large, and, cutting a slit in it, dipped out some water in a bowl, thick with the camel's excrement; this they poured into the kettle and set it to boiling, stirring it and now and then taking out one of the entrails and biting it to see if it was cooked.
During this time a half dozen hungry wretches were at work on the camel, which they would not leave, under the pretense of friendship for the owners, and would not suffer the strangers to work; and it being dark they managed to steal and carry away more than half of the camel's bones before morning, with half the meat and half the skin.
The masters, though they bought the camel and were as hungry as any of them, could scarcely get a bite of the entrails without fighting for them. Though the masters saw the natives in the very act of stealing and carrying off their meat, they could not prevent them, fearing worse consequences, it being a standing maxim to feed the hungry, even if the owner of the food be obliged to rob himself and family to do it.
Notwithstanding the blood Riley and Clark had eaten was perfectly fresh, their thirst increased in consequence of it. In the morning a boy came running and stuck his head in the paunch and commenced drinking. Riley's. master, seeing that Riley's mouth was very dry, told him to pull the boy away and drink. this was soon done, putting his head in up to his shoulders and drinking of the contents. The liquid was very thick, but not salt, and allayed their thirst.
The morning was spent in cutting off the little meat from the bones and spreading it to dry; the bones were roasted on the fire for their masters, who cracked them between two stones and sucked out the marrow. Near noon Horace
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was brought to where Riley was ; he was very hungry and thirsty and said he had had nothing for the last three days. Sidi Hamet said to Riley, "This is your son, Rias." He seemed to be real glad that he had been able to purchase him and gave him some of the entrails to eat that he had saved for that purpose. Riley also gave him some of the thick camel's water, which he found to be very delicious. Burns came up soon after, and Sidi Hamet asked if he was one of the crew, to which Riley replied that he was. Sidi Hamet said that Burns' master wanted to sell him, but he was old and good for nothing, adding that he could buy him for a blanket, showing Riley a very poor old one. "Buy him," said Riley; "he is my countryman, and I will pay as much for him as for the others." Thereupon Sidi Hamet went out and bought Burns and gave him something to eat. Poor Burns was greatly rejoiced that there was a prospect of getting his liberty and of getting something to eat. Sidi Hamet that afternoon bought Hogan, and the latter came and was given something to eat. By night the natives had stolen so much that there only remained 15 pounds of the camel. Hogan's late master now claimed one more blanket than had been agreed upon. As he was a stout fellow, Sidi Hamet would not be imposed upon. Riley begged very hard for poor Hogan, all to no purpose, and his old master drove him away, laying on his back with a stick unmercifully. Hamet's eyes seemed to fairly flash as he left them. Hogan's hopes had been raised, now to be blasted and to be driven away like a criminal.
The day was employed in making preparation for their departure. Their masters made them sandals of camel skins, a small knife was hung on Riley's neck as a token of authority, and he was placed in command of the rest of the slaves. In the evening Sidi Hamet told Riley that Savage would be with them by and by, and that they would start in the morning for Swearah, and that he hoped they would again be free. He then told Riley how much he had paid for each of them ; that he had expended all of his property and that if Riley had not told him the truth he would be a ruined man. He then made Riley repeat before his brother Riley's promises to him, and the penalty of having his throat cut if his words did not prove true. Late that evening Savage arrived. He was very thankful to get something to eat, as Sidi Hamet had saved some of the entrails for him, which were now given him. They saved what water remained in the camel's paunch and put it in a goatskin, straining it through their fingers to get out the thickest of the filth.
On the morning of the 28th they were called and made to load the camels. All the Arabs in the valley set out in the morning to drive their camels to water; they had now been without water for i8 days; and were now at least two days' journey from the well where Riley and his men had been taken prisoners. Soon after sunrise Archibald Robins came with his master to see Riley and the others. Riley begged on his knees, for Sidi Hamet to buy Robins,. but he said it was impossible and hurried them on. Riley told Robins of his present hopes and urged him to keep up his courage and that if he were successful in gaining his freedom, he would endeavor to effect Robins' release also.
Sidi Hamet and Seid, his brother, had two old camels on which they had ridden and they also bought a young one that was not broke for riding. They were now joined by a young Arab, called Abdallah—he had been Savage's master and owned a camel. Sidi Hamet had a kind of saddle for each of the old camels, but nothing to cover the bones of the young one.
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He placed Savage, Burns, and Horace on the big one, and Riley and Clark on the other one. Seid and Abdallah took seats on the one belonging to Abdallah, and Sidi Hamet mounted the young one, sitting behind the hump bareback, breaking him. Thus they started at a long trot. They started at 9 A. M. and continued for about three hours, when they stopped to rest in a little valley. Here Sidi Hamet pulled out a checked shirt and gave it to Riley; he said he had stolen it and that he had tried to get one for Horace, but could not. He said, "Put it on, your poor backs need it."
The next morning they started before daylight and only stopped about 15 minutes, traveling fully 105 miles. That night the men were forced to lie on the bare ground, without any covering, with the cold wind blowing a gale; they did not sleep a bit. If placed upon the rack, their sufferings could not have been greater. Sidi Hamet seemed greatly grieved at their condition, and said that they would soon come to good water, where they could drink all they wanted and then they would not travel so fast. On the 29th they were placed on the camels a little after daylight, having nothing to eat and only a little camel's urine to drink, which they preferred to their own; though bitter it was not salt. Proceeding on their journey at a long trot, they came to what appeared to have been an arm of the sea or a river, but was dry. After searching for some time, they found a spring of sweet water, of which they drank their fill. Here the camels were watered. Here Riley learned the quantity of water a camel could drink. They filled a goatskin that would hold at least four gallons 15 times, and one camel drank all of it. Having finished watering the camels, they started on their journey. They this clay traveled about 50 miles.
That night they ate the last of their camel's meat, which was not more than an ounce apiece. On the morning of the 30th, they started very early and let the camels walk, although their walk required those of the party that were afoot to keep on a trot to not fall behind. About 2 o'clock P. M. Sidi Hamet said, "Riley Shift Gemel" (Riley, I see a camel"). He was very much rejoiced and so were his companions. But neither Riley nor his companions could see anything of the kind for at least two hours; then they saw a camel approaching like a speck on the horizon, but it did not come up until sunset. They had traveled about 40 miles. They were in a terrible condition, worn to skin and bone, chafed and sore in every joint and muscle, and were compelled to lie on the hard ground, not even loose sand, for a bed. About 11 o'clock P. M. Sidi Hamet brought a bowl of cooked meat which was divided among them.
On the morning of October. 1st they started early. Sidi Hamet called Riley and told him that this man had his spy glass and wanted to know what it was worth, this and some other things, that convinced Riley that they were in the vicinity of the place where they were shipwrecked. About 4 P. M. they fell in with some Arabs, who had been to the northward to water their camels. They continued with them over night. Riley and his companions. 'found some soft sand to lie on and slept until midnight when they were awakened and given a good drink of milk. They had traveled about 40 miles.
On the 2nd day of October, the tribe did not move as Sidi Hamet said they would remain in camp for the purpose of feasting his party. This tribe, like all the others that Riley net, took no nourishment except a drink of milk at midnight. On October 3rd they left :his hospitable tribe of Arabs, who had fed :hem, and traveled about 30 miles.
On the 4th they set out, all on foot, driving
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their camels. Here the sand was loose and difficult to walk in. They now came to immense sand hills, and the wind blowing almost a hurricane, blew loose sand in their faces, which cut like knives. At dark they made a shelter from the wind and sand with their saddles, for their masters and themselves. They had made about 30 miles that day.
On October 5th Riley and his companions started to drive the camels into camp, when they stampeded and all their exertions could not stop them. Sidi Hamet, seeing their predicament, came to their relief and after some time succeeded in bringing the camels back. They could only make about two miles an hour in the deep sand. The sand was as hot as coals to their feet. They now had nothing to eat. About midnight Riley was awakened by a roaring sound and supposed it was a sand storm, that would soon bury them; but as it did not come nearer and the wind did not increase they concluded it was the ocean. This was the first time they had heard the sea roar, since the 10th of September. This proved that their masters were going toward Morocco.
On the 6th of October they started early, and Sidi Hamet said they would get no more milk. About noon their masters discovered two camels and as they approached near unsheathed and primed their guns. They found. the camels loaded and drove them along quietly. Sidi Hamet found the owners asleep and snatched a bag from near their heads. He overtook Seid and Abdallah, made the camels lie down, opened the sacks and found them filled with barley, the first bread stuff the prisoners had seen. They took about 5o pounds of barley and tied up the sacks. The small sack that Sidi Hamet had taken from near the heads of the sleepers contained barley meal. One of them overtook the party. Sidi Hamet motioned the man to go back but he continued to advance ; thereupon they halted and when the man came up he said he had lost a part of his property and believed they had it; that he was their brother and would rather die than commit a bad action or suffer others to do one with impunity ; that they had firearms, but that he did not fear them. They seated themselves upon the ground, and Sidi Hamet and his brother justified themselves, as their, slaves were starving. After a long discussion they decided to restore what they had taken, and the barley was poured out on the ground in a clean place, and the sack of meal, much lightened, was also returned. They said this was all that was taken. After they had prayed together, they all mounted and proceeded on their way. Late in the evening, when hearing voices of men hallooing, the masters seemed much frightened, and kept still and passed down a steep bank, having traveled about 56 miles. After they had fettered the camels, they took their guns, saw that they were primed and went up to the top of the plain, where they made their slaves follow; there they set up a most tremendous howling, one counterfeiting a tiger, another a lion, and the other a wolf.. The next morning after ascending to the plain, a man was seen approaching on a camel, who was recognized as the one that had been plundered. Riley and Savage had noticed their masters bury two small bags, which they had stolen from the strangers the day before. The man came up and accused them of having stolen his goods, and of having deceived him. They protested their innocence, and said he had accused them wrongfully and that they had nothing of his in their possession and, calling upon God as their witness, asked him to search their camels. This seemed to satisfy the stranger and he departed. Sidi Hamet then dug up the bags and said that the man wanted his bags, and showed Riley what he supposed to be
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opium and some hollow sticks that he thought were filled with gold.
On the 8th they started early and rode rapidly until about 4 P. M., when they came in sight of a large drove of camels feeding. Their owners asked Sidi Hamet and his men to remain with them for the night. They here bought a kid and killed and dressed it. The entrails, which were not cleansed, were given to Riley and his companions, but they could not wait till they were thoroughly cooked, so ate them half raw. They gave them a good drink of water, and at midnight, the usual time for Arabs to take their refreshments, they brought Riley a bowl containing about four or five pounds of hasty pudding with a hole in the middle, in which was poured a pint or more of good sweet milk.
On the 9th they set out early and traveled about 10 hours, at the rate of four miles an hour. They came to a well where a company of men were watering their camels. They traveled about 40 miles this day. As soon as daylight came on the 10th, they started and traveled until after dark, making about 45 miles.
On the 11th they set off early and traveled about 70 miles that day. On the 12th they traveled about all day and came to where there was a flock of goats. Sidi Hamet caught four of them and tied them until he could settle for them. He told the owners that he had left a good camel up on the plain that he would give for the goats. He had left a camel, but not a good one, as it was lame and had given out. But it was that or nothing so the trade was consummated. They killed one of the goats and gave the entrails and, small piece of meat to the slaves, who were allowed to drink some of the broth in which the entrails were cooked.
On the 14th they traveled along the seashore about 20 miles and stopped with a family of Arabs. The man's name was Hassar and his wife's was Tamar. She said that she had at one time saved the lives of some Spaniards that were shipwrecked on the coast, and that she had gone to Langarote (one of the Canary Islands) for some goods the captain had promised her father. Her father had kept three of the crew as hostages until her return.
On October 15th Hassar and his family struck their tents and traveled all that day with Sidi Hamet until night. On the 16th they I started early and Sidi Hamet told Riley that there were many robbers and bad men that would endeavor to seize them and carry them off. They only traveled 15 miles before sunset. As night came on, their masters mounted Savage, Clark and Burns on camels and drove them forward at a great rate, having their guns with them. Riley and Horace, who were on foot, could not at times keep up, and one of their masters always staid with them and hurried them on in this manner. They at length descended without making any noise into a valley full of high drifts of sand. All the women and children at this time were running on foot. Riley and Horace were placed on the camels and Clark and Savage were made to walk. Soon after Clark came running up and said that Savage had fainted and they were beating him. Riley slipped off his camel and ran back to where Seid was beating Savage's apparently lifeless body, while Hassar, who had caught him by the beard with one hand and in the other held a scimitar, was in the act of cutting his throat. Riley seized Hassar and jerked him away, and caught Savage's body in his arms and called for water. Hassar would have run Riley through, but Sidi Hamet prevented him. Sidi Hamet ordered the camel brought near and gave Savage some water. When he revived, this Arab shed tears and then put him and Clark on one camel, one to steady the other. Sidi Hamet desired Riley to get on with
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Horace, saying with a sneer, "The English are good for nothing; you can see our women and children can walk and run."
On the 17th, they started early, still on the inclined plain, between the first and second bank of the sea. The black tops of high mountains appeared in the east. The ground was beaten with good camel paths. Towards night they came to water and grass, and later to where the ground was cultivated and where there was a heap of barley straw. Here the masters gave the men some putrid remains of a goat, that had hung on the neck of a camel for four days. To the famished men this was delicious.
On the 19th they pursued their journey, all on foot, except Burns, who was too weak to walk. Suddenly about 2 o'clock a beautiful stream appeared to view, the banks covered with bushes and grass, while on the other side were cows, asses and sheep feeding.
They rested here on the 20th. While they remained here, an old man that could speak some Spanish questioned Riley about his country, and his friends in Swearah. He said he knew all the consuls, giving their names—Renshaw; Josef, Estevan and Caste. He said he was going to Swearah and would carry a letter for. Riley if his master would let him write. Riley informed him that his friends name was Renshaw, guessing that he was the English consul.
Here the company was divided and Sidi Hamet and his men climbed a high mountain. Riley was satisfied that he did so for fear he would be followed and robbed of his slaves.
On October 22nd they started and marched along the seashore. As they were proceeding along a narrow strip of beach, four armed men sprang out from behind a jutting rock to intercept their march. Sidi Hamet and Seid unsheathed their guns and started to meet them although only two to four. The enemy stood in line across the beach. Sidi Hamet, holding his gun ready to fire, demanded if it was peace and extended his hand to receive that of the fellow. Sidi Hamlet gave him his right hand, suspecting no treachery. But the fellow grasped it fast and would have shot him had not, at this juncture, two of Hassar's men come running like the wind, each of them with a double-barreled gun in his hand ready to fire. The robbers saw them turn the point, and the one that held Sidi Hamet's hand dropped it, saying with a loud laugh that he only did it to frighten him. This excuse was accepted for want of force sufficient to resent it. They proceeded on their way, but these fellows, who were stout and active, hovered around the slaves, endeavoring to separate them from their masters in hopes of seizing on them as their own. Sidi Hamet, observing this, ordered the slaves to keep close to the camel's heels, while he and his company, now strong though none of them had scimitars, kept between the robbers and the slaves. When they found that Sidi Hamet's party were too vigilant for them, the robbers left off going along the beach. After ascending the bank that night, Sidi Hamet told Riley that they would have killed him and Seid and have taken the slaves away where they would never have gotten to see their wives.
That night Seid brought in four large fish. Sidi Hamet asked Riley if they were good to eat. Riley said they were. He then told Riley to take them but to be careful and not choke on the bones. They had traveled about 40 miles this day. They now passed several small towns walled in with stones laid in mortar. These towns were generally protected on the outside with dry thorn bushes and their stock was driven within the walls at night. In the afternoon a company of 10 men, all armed
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and on horseback, rode toward the party on the plains, making a loud jingling noise with their spurs against their stirrups, and crying out "Hall! Hah ! Hah !"
Our party consisted of Sidi Hamet, Seid, two of Hassar's men, Abdallah and one stranger who had joined them that day, all being .armed with double-barreled muskets and some scimitars. They all sprang from their camels, unsheathed their gulls and primed them anew, and stationed themselves in front of their property in line ready for action. The horsemen rode up within five yards of Sidi Hamet's men at full speed and then stopped their horses short. The chief of the horsemen then demanded, in a loud imperious manner, who they were? Where they came from? If they knew Sidi Ishem? What countrymen their slaves were? And where they found them? Sidi Harriet replied to all their questions in a sharp, quick manner, as briefly as possible, and in his turn demanded, "Who are you? Where do you come from ? And what right have you to ride up to me in such a manner and stop me and my slaves on the road ?" A loud dispute was kept up on both sides for half an hour, when it closed and the party were allowed to proceed. The others rode to the south.
On the 23rd they were awakened without any noise being made, two hours before daylight and went on their way. Riley and his men suspected that some roguery was going on, and had not traveled for more than two leagues when just at the dawn of day they heard the sound of horses' feet coming up at full speed behind them. The clanking of their arms and spurs made a great noise. The masters and their men stripped the covers from their guns and gave them to Riley to carry. The horsemen, four in number, came up by this time and, passing Sidi Hamet's party a short distance onthe right, rode around the camels and stopped them. Sidi's men were five in number, four of them with double-barreled guns. Bidding Riley' to keep as close to them as possible with the men, they ran at their greatest speed to the encounter, whilst Riley and his men followed after as close as they could, fearing to be separated from them and falling into the hands of the banditti. The two parties approached each other with loud cries, the voices of those on horseback sounding like trumpets, and those of the masters being but little lower, so that the mountain rang again with the sound. The slaves expected every moment the slaughter would commence. Each one attempted to yell louder that his opponent. Riley had approached near his master and could distinctly hear one of the horsemen accuse Sidi Hamet of a breach of hospitality and reproach him in the most opprobrious terms for some wrong, which he alleged had been done him. The others were at the same time wrangling with the other men. This war of words having subsided a little, one of them asked Sidi Hamet what his name was and after considerable delay on account of punctilios (each insisting that the other should tell his first) Sidi Hamet gave his, and the other then said that his was Ali Mohammed. Then ensued a long dispute between them, each charging the other with perfidy. During this interval and as daylight appeared, the opposing party were being strengthened by being joined by many armed and unarmed men running on foot. According as their opponents increased in force the members of Sidi Hamet's party lowered their voices, but the clamor was still so loud that Riley could understand nothing of what was said. The Arab that had joined the company with two camels, the day before, had not set out with the party this morning, but he now came running
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up. Sidi had driven off his camels and this was the cause of the uproar that was raging. The purloined camels were then in the drove, and while the others were quarreling he ran around and drove them back. When the masters could not keep what they feloniously had taken, they began to lower their voices. At length Sidi Hamet spoke to Ali Mohammed in a low tone of voice and asked him to ride apart from the others with him. Sidi Hamet now told Ali that his party had no intention of driving off any camels except their own, and the mistake had been occasioned by the darkness. He then protested that he was incapable of committing an unworthy action, that he abhorred a thief and that, as he was entirely innocent of intentionally driving off the man's camels, he would not acknowledge that he had done wrong designedly. He would sell his life as dearly as possible in maintaining his character. Ali Mohammed appeared satisfied with this, and said to him, "I am el Rias (the chief), and am your friend because you are a brave man." So making Sidi Hamet's excuse to those around him, and the lost camels being recovered, they were allowed to pursue their journey. Hassar's men with their camels and Abdallah with his camel now filed off to the left, leaving only the original party.
The mortifying result of the morning had made Seid very ill-natured. He had claimed Horace from the beginning as his slave, and Savage also belonged to him. He had always doubted Riley's word to his brother, and would not believe that a miserable. creature like Riley could find a friend to advance money to ransom them, although he, Hassar and all the company had a high opinion of Riley's courage since he had put his own life in jeopardy to save Savage's life. Seid had endeavored to sell his slaves at every place they came to after leaving the desert. Hassar as well as othershad taken a particular fancy to Horace, and had offered a large sum for him, in camels and other merchandise, but the interference of Sidi Hamet, who had sworn that Horace should not be separated from Riley, and aided by Riley's entreaties and tears whenever he heard it suggested, had saved him thus far. Seid now determined to take his slaves and make the most of them. When they stopped the preceding night, the Arabs strove hard to get possession of Horace. Seid had made a bargain to sell Horace in the morning, but was dissuaded by his brother. Sidi Hamet was riding on his big camel before the rest, when Seid caught hold of Savage and Horace and stopped them. It was now that Sidi Hamet's wrath was kindled. He leaped from his camel and, darting like lightning up to Seid, laid hold of him and disengaged Savage and Horace from his grasp. They clinched each other like lions and with fury in their looks strove to throw each other to the ground. Seid was the largest and the stoutest man. They writhed and twisted in every shape until they fell to the ground, but Sidi Hamet was underneath. Fire seemed to flash from their eyes. They writhed and twisted until they finally got to their feet. Each grasped his gun at the same moment, retired a few paces, tore from it the cloth and presented it at the others breast with dreadful fury. Sidi Hamet fired both barrels of his gun in the air. Now he threw it on the ground, bared his breast and advanced with a firm step toward Seid and said. "I am unarmed ; now fire." Seid now hesitated. Sidi Hamet, finding his brother's mind wavering, ran to Horace and sent him to Riley, telling his brother he could have Clark in his stead. but Seid would not consent, whereupon he added Burns, which was two for one. Seid had made Savage sit down and had placed one of his feet on him, while his brother ordered Horace and Riley to
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go first to the south and then to the east, following the camels and then bade Savage to follow, but Seid presented his gun and told Savage that if he attempted to go he would blow his brains out. Sidi Hamet told him to run and he obeyed. When they came near, they were ordered to stop, and the two brothers sat on the ground and figured in the sand with their fingers. Clark and Burns were again offered for Horace, but Seid would not consent. He would keep the slave he had bought. "You shall not separate Horace from his father; I have sworn it." "Then I will destroy him," exclaimed Seid furiously; springing up, he seized Horace by the breast and dashed him to the ground with all his might. The force of the blow beat the breath out of his body .and he lay apparently dead. Seid's passion began to subside a little and Sidi Hamet, going to Horace, took him by the hand, raised him up on his seat and his breath returned and he revived. Sidi Hamet was melted to tears at the sight, and in a tender voice he said to Horace, "Go to Riley." The brothers then seated themselves on the ground to discuss their affairs, when some strangers came in sight, which reminded them that it would require their united force to defend themselves and their property, and they decided to resort to some village for further discussion. Sidi Hamet would not trust himself with his brother alone, so he hired a stout young fellow to go along, by the name of Bo Mohammed.
Sidi Hamet called Riley to him and said that he should set out in the morning for Swearah in company with their host, Sidi Mohammed, where he hoped to arrive in three clays, as he would ride on a mule and push on, night and day ; and that Riley must write a letter to his friend which he would carry. "If your friend will fulfill your engagements and pay the money for you and your men, you shallbe free. If not, you must die for having deceived me, and your men shall be sold into slavery for what they will bring." "I have fought for you," he added, "suffered hunger and thirst and fatigue to restore you to your family for I believe God is with you. I have paid away all my money on your word alone. Seid and Bo Mohammed will guard you during my absence."
This night was spent in great anxiety by Riley, as he knew no one to whom to write ; he knew no one in Madagore, yet he must take his chance. He remembered his remarkable dream. It had literally come to pass so far; why should he doubt its whole accomplishment ; yet he could not rest. The next morning Sidi Hamet said, "Come Riley, write a letter," giving him a scrap of paper as wide as his hand and about eight inches long. Riley begged hard to be taken along, but he would not consent. Riley wrote the following letter:
SIR—The brig "Commerce" from Gibraltar for America was wrecked on Cape Bagdose on the 28th of August last. Myself and four of my crew are nearly naked in barbarian slavery. I conjure you by all the ties that bind man to man, by those of kindred, blood and everything you hold most dear,. and by as much as liberty is dearer than life, to advance the money required for our redemption, which is nine hundred and twenty dollars and two double-barrelled guns. I can draw for any amount the moment I am at liberty—on Batard, Sampson & Sharp, London ; Cooper & Benson, Liverpool ; Munroe & Burton, Lisbon ; or on Horatio Sprague, Gibraltar. Should you not believe me, my life must instantly pay the forfeit. I have a wife and five helpless children to deplore my death. My companions are Aaron R. Savage, Horace Savage, James Clark and Thomas Burns. I left six more in slavery on the desert. My present master, Sidi Hamet, will hand you this and tell you where we are. He is a worthy man. Worn down to the bones by the most dreadful of all sufferings, naked and a slave. I implore your pity, and trust that such distress will not be suffered to plead in vain. For God's sake send an interpreter and a guard, if that is possible. I speak French and Spanish.
JAMES RILEY,
Late Master and Supercargo of the Brig “Commerce.”
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After Sidi Hamet had left for Swearah, Riley spent the time in fear and trembling. He had pledged his word that if the money was not forthcoming for his ransom, he was to have his throat cut, and the rest of the crew sold for what they would bring; and as he did not know a person in Swearah, he had every reason to fear.
On the sixth day after Sidi Hamet's absence, a man arrived that Seid recognized and called Sheik Ali (Ali, the chief). In his deportment he was grave and dignified. He raised his voice terribly on occasions, and spoke in tones almost of thunder, yet when he wished to please, it trilled on the ear like softest music. This chief was often conversing in a low tone of voice with Seid respecting Riley and his men. He said that he didn't doubt but that Riley's friends would raise any amount of money for his ransom and he was sorry that he had not met Sidi Hamet before he started for Swearah. He questioned Riley as to his friends, family, property, etc. He also wished to know the story of the shipwreck and was very curious to find out how much money and other property fell into the hands of the people that first met them. He examined their bodies and finding a cross in India ink on Clark's arm, he pronounced him a Spaniard, and said he should not be ransomed but go to the mountains and work for him.
On the seventh day after Sidi Hamet's absence, one of the most fierce and ill-looking men they had ever seen appeared and hailed Seid by name, and demanded that he open the gate directly. Seid demanded to know his name, he replied, "Ullah Omar," that he came from Swearah and had met near that place Sidi Hamet, who requested him to call and tell Seid where he was and that God had prospered his journey so far. The gate was now opened and he entered. He was a powerful man and heavily armed. After shaking hands all around and hearing that Riley was captain, he addressed him, and told him that he had seen his friend within one day's ride of Swearah. That he no doubt would be with them tomorrow and hoped that Riley's friend in Swearah or Magadore would be as true to Riley as Sidi Hamet was. After they had eaten and washed together, and prayed together,~ Ullah Omar took his leave. During the whole time they remained here, their keepers washed their whole bodies twice a day, at noon and evening, and their hands before and after eating.
Riley was now in a fever of excitement to know what his fate was to be, dreading yet anxious to know what it would be. His remarkable dream was all that kept him up, as it had all transpired so far as he had dreamed. The eighth day passed slowly, but in the evening a Moor came to the part of the yard where they were and called out in English, "How-de-do Captain." Riley eagerly seized his hand and begged to know what his doom was, and if Sidi Hamet had come back. He then spoke in Spanish and told Riley that he came from Magadore, that Riley's letter had been received by one of the best of men, an Englishman, who was his friend and had shed tears on reading the letter. That the Englishman had paid the money to Sidi Hamet immediately, and had sent him (the Moor) off immediately, without giving a moment's time to take leave of his wife, and that he had been on his mule ever since, traveling night and day as fast as possible. At this moment, the Moor handed Riley the following letter.
MAGADORE, October 28th, 1815.
I have this moment received your two notes by Sidi Hamet, the contents of which I hope you will be perfectly assured have called forth my most sincere pity for your sufferings and those of your companions in captivity.
By a Gibraltar paper I discovered, under the ar-
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rivals from the 5th to the 11th of August, the name of your vessel, and that she was American, from which I conclude both you and your crew must be subjects of the United States. Had it not been for this paper, some delay would have occurred as your paper does not state to what nation you belong. I congratulate you most sincerely on the good fortune you and your fellow sufferers have met, by being in the hands of a man who seems to be guided by some degree of commiseration.
I can in some measure participate in the severe and dangerous suffering and hardships you must have undergone, but, my dear Sir, console yourself, for thanks be to God I hope they will soon have a happy issue; for which purpose I devoutly pray the great Dispenser of all things will give you and your unfortunate companions health and strength once more to visit your native land.
This letter will be delivered to you by Rais-bel-Cossin, in whom you may place the fullest confidence. He speaks Spanish and has directions to pay attention to your orders and render you every care your severe misfortunes may require. Be pleased to write me immediately, stating every particular relating to yourself, your crew and vessel, as I have given orders to the Moor to forward it to me without delay. I have agreed to pay the sum of nine hundred and twenty hard dollars to Sidi Hamet on your safe arrival in this town with your fellow-sufferers. He remains as a kind of a hostage for your safe appearance.
I have been induced to place implicit confidence in your word, and the respectable references you have given, confident that those gentlemen or yourself will readily reimburse me the whole of the expense that may be incurred in obtaining your redemption. I have the most sincere pleasure in acquainting you that you will be at liberty to commence your journey for this town on the receipt of this letter. And make what stages you please on the road, as I do not advise you in the eagerness of all you must feel to run into danger by over-exertion and fatigue. I would therefore recommend the greatest precaution on this point. I have sent, under charge of Rais-bel-Cossin, shoes and cloaks, which I have no doubt you will find very useful in preserving you from the rain and cold on the road.
I have also forwarded you some provisions and spirits that you may enjoy a foretaste of returning liberty.
I beg to recommend the greatest secrecy of your circumstances until your arrival here, for should the Moors suppose you able to pay more they would throw difficulties in the way and thereby much retard your redemption.
I shall send off an express tomorrow to the United States Consul General, at Tangiers, and a letter to Horatio Sprague of Gibraltar, informing them of your loss and of the favorable hopes I entertain of your immediate release. I have appointed with Rais-bel-Cossin on your arrival at a short distance of Magadore to wait at a garden of a friend of mine and send me notice of the same, when I shall immediately set out to meet you. I hope there is no occasion for me to say how truly I commiserate you and enter into all your misfortunes. When God grants me the pleasure to embrace you, it will be to me a day of great rejoicing.
I hope you will assure every one with you with my truest regard, and with sentiments embittered by the thoughts of the miseries you have undergone. But with the most sanguine hope of a happy end to all your suffering, I subscribe myself with the greatest esteem, my dear Sir,
Your friend,
WILLIAM WILLSHIRE.
After reading and fully comprehending the full import of such a letter from a total stranger, of whose name they had not even heard, they were melted to tears of rejoicing.
Amidst these heart-rending sensations, was heard the voice of Sheik Ali in thundering tones storming most furiously that Sidi Hamet had given up Riley and his companions for so paltry a sum. He said that Sidi Hamet must be a fool and a mad man to put himself in the power of a villainous Christian, who would undoubtedly murder him and take back his money, so soon as they should arrive in Swearah.
The Moor now spoke up and said that he had bought Riley with his own money, paid to Sidi Hamet, before he left Swearah, and that Sidi Hamet had voluntarily stayed at Swearah as hostage for his (Rais-bel-Cossin) safety as well as for the safe delivery of the slaves. "We are of the same religion" added Rias "and owe these Christian dogs nothing; but we have an undoubted right to make merchandise of them and make them carry our burdens like camels. That fellow (pointing to Riley) calls himself captain of a vessel. He has deceived his master and you, for he was nothing more
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than the cook on board, and the captain has long been dead." This the Sheik would not believe. "If it was so, how could he write a note to induce a stranger to pay so much money for him and his men. It was only a short one and the writer must be a man of much consequence, as well as knowledge. I fear you have leagued with a Christian against Sidi Hamet, first to rob him and then to take his life." Rais-bel-Crossin retorted, "No, by Allah! I am incapable of such an act of treachery." He told the Sheik that Riley was indeed only a cook, but being a stout fellow was able to endure fatigue better than the others. He said that if he would give them paper he would see that they could write even better than Riley.
This controversy continued a long time. But Rais-bel-Cossin was a man of great courage, knowledge and eloquence and displayed great address in checking the avaricious calculations of the Sheik in insisting upon Riley not being captain, and thus depreciating his value as a slave. It being late, Sidi Mohammed conducted the whole company into an apartment, that had served from its appearance as a stable for mules. They loudly insisted that they should lodge in the same place where they had been confined before, but Rais-bel-Cossin would not consent and declared that his slaves should stay by his side both day and night. They had cost him a great deal of money and he was determined not to lose them. Thus they were put into comfortable quarters, and some hard biscuit, boiled tongue and some rum being given them, and their cloaks produced, they were soon comfortable for the night.
Rais-bel-Cossin, Seid, Bo Mohammed, and Sheik Ali lay on a platform slightly raised from the ground. Early in the morning Rais-bel-Cossin desired Riley to make tea. So he took out the kettle, had it filled with water, made a fire and soon had the tea ready for drinking.
The Moor directed Riley to pour a cup of tea for each of them, which he made thick with sugar. None of the people had ever seen a teacup or tasted tea. Riley waited on them until they had finished, when Rais-bel-Cossin turned to Sheik Ali and said, "I told you before that Riley was. the cook, and now you see with your own eyes that he is the only one that can wait on us."
All things beilig soon packed and loaded on mules, they started. The company consisted of Sheik Ali, Sidi Mohammed, Seid their master, Bo Mohammed and Rais-bel-Cossin, all well-armed. After giving Rais-bel-Cossin a brief history of the shipwreck trials and suffering, at his request, the Moore raised his eyes toward Heaven and said, in Spanish, "Praised be God the most high and holy for his goodness," and added, "You are the first Christians passing the Great Desert for such a distance. Sidi Hamet admired your conduct, courage and intelligence." Riley now inquired who Sheik Ali was, and why he was going on in company and said he much feared him. Raisbel-Cossin informed him that all he knew about him he had learned from Sidi Mohammed. which was that he was the chief of a great and powerful tribe of Arabs. That Sidi Hamet had married his daughter but had since been at war with him; that his father-in-law had destroyed Sidi Hamet's town, taking back his daughter, but afterward restored her after making peace. He said that he feared it was for no good that he was going along, but that God would turn their evil machinations to their good. They passed several ruins, where the walls had been battered down with a battering ram, and were finally stopped by Sheik Ali at a town which was walled and had a heavy gate that was shut at night and barred by heavy timbers, and a guard set on the wall.
All this day Sheik Ali had been lost in
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reverie ; he would seldom speak and when he did it was in a low tone to Seid, and Riley strongly suspected that some mischief was brewing.
On the 30th of October they made an early start, and were traveling rapidly over a plain, that seemed to be cultivated and was in full view of the Atlas Moutains, from which chilling blasts swept over the plain. Sheik Ali was very attentive to Riley all the morning, and had, in imitation of Rais-bel-Cossin, called him "Captain," and had endeavored to convince him that he had better go with him to the mountains, southward, where he had large possessions; that he would give him one of his daughters for a wife, and make him chief in his nation. He had stopped the whole company two or three times to talk over his own affairs and it appeared that Seid was leagued with him and that they were bent on doing Riley and his men some mischief. They had traveled about 50 miles and were both tired and hungry when they approached the gate of a city. Seid and Sheik Ali entered and soon Sidi Mohammed and Rais-bel-Cossin were also invited in, leaving Riley and his men outside. in charge of Bo Mohammed (who stood in Sidi Hamet's place) and two others. Burns and Clark were so far exhausted that they could not sit up, and Riley, Horace and Savage were in so weak a state that Riley very much feared they would not be able to keep on for the remainder of the day.
About this time dark clouds came up and a heavy downpour of rain ensued. They were then allowed to enter under the gateway for shelter. Riley for a long time now looked for Rais-bel-Cossin to come out and began to fear some disaster or treachery on the part of Sheik Ali, whose loud voice they could hear roaring within. This tremendous clamor between the Sheik and the others continued about two hours, when Rais-bel-Cossin made his appearance, escorted by a number of men. His intelligent countenance bespoke fear, grief and indignation. He called Riley aside from his companions and told him that Sheik Ali was the intimate friend of Muley Ibrahim, the king or governor of the city and that Sheik Ali had claimed Riley and his men as his property, alleging that Sidi Hamet owed him a large amount of money. That as Sidi Hamet was now held as a hostage or slave to a Christian in Swearah, he insisted that they should not proceed one step farther until 1,500 dollars were produced, together with Sidi Hamet, the husband of his daughter, and that in conjunction with Seid he had contrived to stop them here by the power of the Prince.
Rais-bel-Cossin further informed Riley that he had argued the matter every way but all to no purpose ; that he had promised the money required, 600 dollars as soon as they should reach Santa Cruz in the Emperor's dominions and that he would have the Prince and the Sheik go along and receive it there, and there await for the return of Sidi Hamet. "But they will not hear to me, and I must set off immediately to carry this discouraging news to Mr. Willshire, leaving you here until my return in three days." He was about to mount his mule, when Sidi Mohammed, who went in the first place with Sidi Hamet to Swearah, came near him and said : "Rais, Muley Ibrahim and Sheik Ali have determined you shall not go to Swearah ; they fear you will cause war to break out between them and the Sultan." Sidi Mohammed, observing Riley in tears, took him by the land and said, "Don't be cast down, Riley, I will go to Swearah and carry a letter from Rais and from you to Mr. Wiltshire, and if he wants a hostage I will stay. I have two wives, and seven children, and houses and lands, and herds of cattle. I will be a more valuable hostage than Sidi Hamet. He is your friend, and
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will come immediately and relieve you." Rais now joined Sheik Ali and the Prince, who with many attendants were seated on the ground in a circle outside the city gate. Here they debated the matter over again. Rais insisted they were his slaves; that neither the Prince nor the Sheik had a right to detain what he had bought with his own money, much less to stop him like a criminal ; that it was contrary to their religion (which made them all brothers) to commit such an outrage on hospitality. Sheik Ali on the other hand claimed that Sidi Hamet and Seid owed him money to a large amount, that the slaves were their joint property and that he had an undoubted right to detain them and carry the slaves off to his own dominion to his own tribe, and there keep them until Sidi Hamet should return and pay the debt. Rais insisted that he had paid his money and had nothing to do with Sheik Ali's claim. However, after extolling the justice and virtue of the prince to the highest degree, they both agreed to leave it to Muley Ibrahim to decide what should be done. Muley Ibrahim now asked Sidi Mohammed and Bo Mohammed, what they knew concerning the business, They gave testimony in favor of Rais-bel-Cossin, previous claim. Thus prepared, Muley Ibrahim said: "You, Sheik Ali, my old friend, and Rais-bel-Cossin, both of you claim these five Christian slaves as your property and each of you has some reason on his side, yet as it is not in my power to decide whose claim is the best founded I am resolved with a strict regard to justice and without going into further evidence to keep the slaves in my own city, carefully guarded until messengers can be sent to Swearah, who shall bring down Sidi Hamet, when you three being confronted may settle your claims as shall be found most consistent with justice."
He then proposed that Rais should remain with him like a friend and have nothing to fear. This plan was agreed to by all parties and they shook hands upon it like friends.
This done, the slaves were conducted into the city and into a house adjoining where the prince lived, and sentinels with muskets were placed at the door and at the gate.
Muley Ibrahim, the Sheik and Rais were conversing the whole night. In the morning of the 2nd of November, Rais furnished Riley with a pen, ink and paper, and told him to write to Mr. Wiltshire, stating their present situation as near as he could. At an early hour Seid, Sidi Mohammed and Bo Mohammed set out for Swearah, taking the letters and promising to return as soon as possible. Sheik Ali also soon after left, promising to return in four days. Being now left alone with Rais-bel-Cossin Riley was told by Rais that their detention would be only for a few days, and would be for their benefit, and that he hoped to make a friend of the Prince, in whose power they now were. Riley told him that he almost despaired of living to regain his liberty, as he was extremely feeble and would soon perish. "What! said Rais, "dare you distrust the power that God, who has preserved you so long by miracles !" Rais then called Muley Ibrahim and had a long conference with him. By the tenor of the conversation they could understand that Rais was flattering him highly, but in a delicate way. He asked in a very delicate way about the Prince's wives ; understanding he had only one, he inquired if she had any children and was answered that she had none. He next wanted to know if she had any tea or sugar, and was answered in the negative. Rais now managed to get a little wood and some water, and Riley made a fire and boiled some coffee—this was done by the help of a small negro girl, who was a slave to Muley Ibrahim and during the absence of the Prince. Rais by giving
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the girl a small lump of sugar persuaded her to carry a large lump to her mistress and also a cup of coffee, thick with sugar. The girl returned and told Rais that her mistress was much obliged to him and would keep the cup and saucer and that she had never seen one before. She begged to know what she could do to serve him. Rais sent back word that she could serve him best by trying to make the Prince his friend. About an hour after, the Prince came in and asked Rais what he had been doing with his wife, saying at the same time, "You had no need of gaining my friendship through her, for you had it already." He asked Rais to accompany him to the mosque. and when they returned about two hours later, it was to be seen that all was right between them, and that he had all the liberty he required. In the evening the Prince came and prayed with Rais. After the Prince retired, Rais told Riley that he had sent off a rich man, an old acquaintance of his, for money to pay Sheik Ali his demand. "But," said Rais, "God made Muley Ibrahim my friend, and he has given his princely word to protect both me and my slaves, and if force is necessary will provide sufficient escort to the Emperor's dominion. And he will provide fowls and eggs for you in the morning, and tell your shipmates that they have nothing to fear."
The next morning, November 3rd, Muley Ibrahim brought some salt and some eggs which were cooked for breakfast, and gave Rais half a dozen fowls. And Rais, taking the fowls wings in his left hand and turning his face toward the east, after saying "Bismillah" (" In the name of the Most Holy God"), cut their throats and Riley and his men dressed and cooked them after their own fashion. The Prince and Rais had a bowl of soup and some of the fowl, and the Prince insisted on Riley eating out of the same dish with him.
To the circumstances of this stoppage alone and the friendship of the Prince and his protection, Riley attributed under Providence the salvation of their lives. On the second day of their detention, the old man Rais-bel-Cossin had written to for assistance came to see him, after riding all night to be with Rais in time. The old man had two mules, one laden with provisions, and said he had brought $500 for his friend's use, as he had been requested. But Rais had now become the friend of Muley Ibrahim and did not need the money. The old man said that if Rais would say the word he would go and collect his friends and take the slaves of Rais by force of arms, in spite of Sheik Ali's opposition and would carry the slaves safe to Santa Cruz. But as Muley Ibrahim had given his word, on which Rais said he could depend, to see them safe to Santa Cruz, and to use all the force and influence that was necessary, the old man returned home. Rais by making a present to a pious man of great influence prevailed upon him to use his influence with the Sheik to allow the slaves to be removed to Santa Cruz, stating that Sidi Ishem whom the Sheik knew and feared, would set out from his city the next day with a force, in order to seize upon the slaves whom he had tried so hard to purchase, and if they were not in the Emperor's dominion before he came, another day would place them in Sidi Ishem's hands and the Sheik would not only lose the slaves, but get into a war with that powerful chief. When the Sheik returned to the prison, in which the slaves were kept, Rais contrived to find out what had passed between the Shariff and the Sheik by meeting the Shariff at the gate as had been arranged.
Sheik Ali in the meantime was unfolding his plan to Muley Ibrahim and trying to gain the latter's consent to let the slaves be carried off by night by surprise. but the Prince would
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not consent. They. were now within his walls, and he had given his word that they should not be removed until the disputed right of property was settled by all parties face to face. This he should insist on. Finding that his plan would not work and fearing Sidi Ishem's arrival, he addressed Rais-bel-Cossin and told him in a flattering way that he had found him to be an honorable man, and wished to be his friend; that he did not doubt Rais' word since he knew his character and would therefore consent to go on with the slaves the next morning as far as Santa Cruz, where they would await the arrival of Sidi Hamet, and settle the right of property amicably. Rais, as crafty as the Sheik, being in the whole secret, was careful not to evince any desire to go on and told the Sheik that he had stopped him and his Christian slaves, in the first place, contrary to the laws of justice and hospitality, and that as he had kept them so long a time he had no wish to remove them at this time, but would wait with patience the arrival of Sidi Hamet, who would convince the Sheik that he had done wrong in detaining them. At last he suffered himself to be persuaded by the united voices of Sheik Ali and Muley Ibrahim, but on the express condition that they were to be escorted to Santa Cruz by the Prince, who was a party to the whole secret. Rais-bel-Ibrahim had previously agreed to accompany them with 200 horsemen as a guard on the road in order to prevent any treachery on the part of Sheik Ali, who might already have troops stationed along the route to seize and carry off the slaves to the mountains.
On the morning of the 4th of November, the slaves being placed on camels which were saddled much better than any that had hitherto been furnished, they set off from Stuka, accompanied by Rais-bel-Cossin. Maley Ibrahim and his two servants, and Sheik Ali with his attendant. They continued on until about noon when Santa Cruz was pointed out. It is situated on the summit of a high mountain, and can be seen a great distance. When they approached within about two miles of Santa Cruz, the sun had not set and Rais informed Riley that he did not want to enter the lower town until dark, and did not mean to go near the 'fortress if he could help, for fear of insult and detention. A little while after sunset, they entered the lower town or port as it was called. The street was filled with Moors, men and boys, who saluted the slaves by spitting on them, pelting them with stones and sticks, and addressing them with foul epithets, but some of the old men now and then uttered, "How de do Christians," in broken English or Spanish. They were conducted through the street to the northern part of the town.
After supper Rais bel Cossin told Riley to keep a good lookout, that he should watch the motions of Sheik Ali; who he feared was still plotting against the liberty of the slaves. Riley informed his companions that they were now in the dominions of the Emperor of Morocco, and would be liberated in a very few days. He exhorted them to bear up and exert all their remaining strength in order to reach Swearah (or Magadore).
Soon after midnight Rais appeared and, finding Riley awake, aroused the owners of the camels and requested them to go on speedily, and then told Riley that Sheik Ali had stolen off quietly and visited the governor who had agreed on his representations to take the slaves into custody in the morning at daybreak, and assist in extorting the money the Sheik demanded, or connive at the slaves being stolen and carried hack by Sheik Ali's men to Suse. "I have
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learned this from an old friend of mine, that I had commissioned to watch the Sheik," said
Rais. "Awaken your shipmates; you must depart this instant; the drivers know the road; it
is very rocky; you must tell your men to hold on as tight as possible and remember if you are
four leagues from this town before daylight your liberty is secured; if not, you will be
again the most miserable slaves. Encourage your men to their utmost exertions. I will join
you as soon as possible." The camels being ready, the slaves were put on them and proceeded up the rocky slope in profound silence, although as rapidly as possible. Sleep seemed to literally seal the eyes of the Moors in the lower town and batteries that they passed. They had been hurrying on as fast as possible for about two hours, and had gained the distance of probably three leagues from Santa Cruz, when their ears were struck with the clinking sound of iron against the stones, which announced the approach of horsemen. Though it was still dark, they discovered close by them on the right a considerable number of men riding on mules and passing the other way. Not a word was uttered on either side, nor could the faces of any be distinguished, though they were not more than three or four rods apart. A thought darting across Riley's mind suggested to them that it was their old master. Riley called out "Sidi Hamet," and was quickly answered, "Ascoon Riley," ("Who is it, Riley"). The whole company stopped immediately and the next moment Riley was kissing the hand of his old master, Sidi Hamet. Seid, Sidi Mohammed and Bo Mohammed were in the party besides three or four Moors, whom their friends had sent down, charged with the money and mules for their ransom and conveyance. The principal Moor, who had charge of . the money until the slaves were delivered over according to the wish of Sidi Hamet, spoke
Spanish and questioned Riley and wanted to know where Rais-bel-Cossin was, and Riley told him he was at Santa Cruz. Sidi Hamet wanted to know where Sheik Ali was, whereupon Riley informed him that he was satisfied they had left him in Santa Cruz in company with Rais-bel-Cossin and Muley Ibrahim, and said that Sheik Ali was a bad man and did not fear God. Seid also pretended to be much rejoiced that the slaves were on the road to Magadore, but Riley thought that he could discover that he was trying to play a deep game of artful duplicity. But old Sidi Mohammed was truly glad to find them in the Emperor's dominions.
Having now been absolutely delivered over to Bel Mooden, the Moor who had charge of the money paid it over to Sidi Hamet. Bel Mooden and his charges proceeded toward Swearah and Sidi Hamet went on to Santa Cruz. They had proceeded in this way until about 10 o'clock, when they were joined by Rais-bel-Cossin, Sidi Hamet, Seid and Sidi Mohammed. Riley now inquired what had become of Muley Ibrahim and Sheik Ali, and their attendants, and was told that they had set out for their respective homes. Rais-bel-Cossin told Riley that when his friend told him the Sheik's plan, "I stole away softly and sent you away, without the Sheik's knowledge, but Muley Ibrahim was in the secret and remained with the Sheik to prevent alarm if he should awake in the night." Rais-bel-Cossin said that as soon as Riley and his party were on their way, he laid down across the door so that the Sheik could not pass without awakening him. The Sheik awoke in the morning and, waking Rais-bel-Cossin, told him that they had better :all upon the governor, which Rias consented to do, but wanted to see the slaves first so as to lave some coffee made. This was assented to, but when they came to where they had slept Ind found none there nor their drivers, Rais
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broke out into a violent passion and accused the Sheik with having robbed him of his slaves during the night, and said he would instantly have him seized and delivered up to the governor, to be punished according to the Moorish law.
Muley Ibrahim, who knew the whole affair, joined with Rais, protesting he could no longer hold friendship with a man who was capable of committing such an act which he considered to be one of the worst breaches of faith that ever disgraced a man of the Sheik's high character. Sheik Ali was thunderstruck by this unexpected event, declared in the most solemn manner that he knew nothing about the slaves' escape, and begged that he might not be delivered up to the governor. He acknowledged he had laid a plan the preceding evening for the detention of the slaves and asked Rais to leave the governor a small 'present and proceed on the road toward Magadore in the hope of finding his slaves, saying, "They must have gone that way, as the gates were shut on the other. side, and there was no possibility of turning back by any other route." The Sheik added, "I am in your power and will go on with you and my friend Muley Ibrahim, without any attendants to prove to you that I am innocent, and that I place greatest confidence in your friendship." Thus they agreed to pursue and endeavor to overtake the supposed runaways. But soon .after they had mounted the hills north of Santa Cruz, meeting Sidi Hamet and Seid, with Bel Mooden and Sidi Mohammed, who had the slaves as before mentioned, they stopped and talked over their affairs. Sheik Ali insisted that Sidi Hamet had treated him very ill; that he and Seid owed him 400 dollars, which they were to pay him on their return from the desert, but that they had passed by his lands a three days' journey with their slaves without even calling on him to eat bread. He added he wouldhave gone with them himself and with an armed force through Sidi Ishem's country to prevent that chief taking their property. "But you wished to cheat me of my money as you did of my daughter," said he, addressing himself to Sidi Hamet. Sidi Hamet, whose voice had been very high before, now lowered his 'tone and said it was better to settle their disputes than to quarrel. So he acknowledged he owed his father-in-law 36o dollars for goods, but asserted that they were not worth half the money. He would, however, pay the principal but no interest, which would have swelled the debt to more than 500 dollars. The Sheik agreed to accept the principal which was counted out in silver dollars, for he would not take gold doubloons as he did not know their value. He then delivered up Sidi Hamet's bond and said he would return to his tribe.
Rais-bel-Cossin gave Muley Ibrahim a present in cash and they separated, having first vowed everlasting friendship and joined prayers for the succes of their several journeys.
Riley and the party traveled on without incident until about 8 o'clock, the third day, when mounting the side of one of the sand hills through which they had been traveling, Swearah broke suddenly on their view, with the island of Magadore forming a harbor, in which was a brig riding at anchor with the English colors flying. "Take courage, Captain," said the good Rais, "there is Swearah," pointing toward the town. "and there is a vessel to carry you to your country and family; if God please, you will soon see the noble Willshire, who will relieve you from all your misery. I thank God your sufferings are nearly at an end, and that I have been found worthy to be an instrument in the hands of the Omnipotent to redeem you from slayery." He next returned thanks to the Almighty in Arabic
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with all the fevor and devotion so peculiar to Mohammedans and then ejaculated in Spanish, "May it please Almighty God to have preserved the lives of Riley's wife and children."
They now proceeded down the sand hills toward the city, but very slowly. Sidi Hamet had now been missing for some time. He had gone forward to be the first to carry the news to Willshire of the approach of the captives. And now Bel Mooden and Sidi Mohammed left Riley and his men for the same purpose and made their way toward the city. The various emotions that filled the minds of Riley and his men can only be conjectured. Near the western angle of Swearah or Magadore, they were taken off the mules and seated on the green grass near a stream of pure water. They now beheld the American flag floating over a part of *the distant city. Wiltshire, who had been informed of their arrival, had caused the American flag to be hoisted as a signal and had mounted his horse and ridden out of the city and come to where they were seated. As they approached, Rais said in Spanish, "Alla estom," ("There they are"). At the sound they looked up and beheld their deliverer, who had at that instant turned his eyes upon them. He started back one step in surprise. His blood seemed to leave his face for a moment, but recovering himself he rushed forward, clasping Riley to his breast, saying, "Welcome to my arms. My dear sir, this is truly a happy moment. He next took each of the others by the hand and welcomed them to their liberty while tears ran down his cheeks. Then turning his eyes toward heaven he said, "I thank the great Author of my being for Thy mercy to these my brothers."
Rais-bel-Cossin was so much affected that he hid himself behind the wall to conceal his tears, for the Moors as well as Arabs hold shedding of tears to be a degrading weakness.
After this interview, they were escorted to Mr. Willshire's house by a squad of soldiers that were necessary to keep the rabble from doing them violence. They were then ordered before the bashaw, who was a Moor of about 6o years. He was sitting crosslegged on a mat spread on the floor. His dress was a haick (blanket). He asked Riley (through an interpreter) of what country he was? Where their vessel was wrecked? How many men there were in all and if the remainder were alive. How long they had been slaves and if the Arab, their last master, had been kind to them? He wanted to know how much money from the vessel fell into the hands of the Arabs? And what other cargo she had on board?
Having satisfied his inquiries, he said they were now free and he would write to the Emperor respecting Riley and his men and hoped he would give them leave to go home to their country. He then dismissed them.
Upon arrival at Mr. Willshire's house, some Jews were ready to shave off their beards. Their heads were also in an unpleasant condition, being literally filled with vermin. As their beards and heads underwent the operation of the scissors and razors, their 'bodies were cleansed with soap and water, and their sores rubbed with sweet oil. Riley's mind that had withstood all his trials and hardships now for a time gave way, but it returned as he gained in strength.
Mr. Willshire was untiring in his care tor Riley and his men, sparing no expense that would contribute to their comfort. Clark and Burns were mere skeletons, and Savage and Horace nearly as much reduced. At the request of Mr. Willshire, Riley was weighed and fell short of 90 pounds, although his normal weight had been 240 pounds.
Shortly after their arrival at Magadore,
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Riley received by courier from Consul General Simpson at Tangier to Mr. Wiltshire, the following letter.
GIBRALTAR, 13th November, 1815.
My Dear Riley:
I will not waste a moment by unnecessary preamble. I wrote to Mr. Wiltshire that your draft on me for twelve hundred dollars or more shall be duly paid for the obtainment of your liberty and those with you. I have sent him two double-barreled guns to meet his promise to the Moor. In a short time after the receipt of this, I hope to have the happiness to take you by the hand under my own roof again. You will come here by the way of Tangier.
Your assured friend,
HORATIO SPRAGUE.
On the 4th day of January, 1816, Savage, Burns, Clark, and Horace shipped for Gibraltar on a Genoese schooner sailing under the English flag, and Riley started overland for Tangier to visit the American consul general residing at that place, in order to make effectual arrangements for the redemption of the remainder of the unfortunate crew, should they yet be alive. The company consisted of young Zagury, an old Jew named David, a Jew servant, two Moors, who were the muleteers, and an imperial soldier for their guide.
On the evening of the 19th of January, Riley arrived at Tangiers, where he was conducted before the governor, who ordered him to be escorted to the American counsul's house, where he soon arrived, and was received by the American consul general, James Simpson.
On the 29th of January, Riley left the home of Mr. Simpson and sailed for Gibraltar, where he arrived the same evening but too late to land until the next morning, when he met his friend Horatio Sprague, who had so cheerfully paid his drafts from Magadore. On the 2nd of February, 1816, they set sail for New York in the ship "Rapid," Capt. Robert Williams, and arrived at New York March 20, 1816. Hehastened to Middletown, where he found his family in good health. He only spent one week with them, when he hastened to Washington and called upon Hon. Samuel W. Dana, United States Senator, who introduced him to Hon. James Monroe, Secretary of State.
The administration paid from the treasury his and his crew's ransom, amounting to $1,852.45. The Secretary and many members of Congress advised him to publish a narrative of his experience. He resolved to abandon the sea and spend the remainder of his lifein his native country. The next two or three years were spent in preparation for the profession of a civil engineer, and in June, 1819, he was appointed a deputy surveyor by Edward Tiffin, Surveyor Guard of the United States. The appointment was subject to the pleasure of the Surveyor General.
In July, 1819, Captain Riley reached St. Marys and commenced surveying the lands purchased from the Indians in 1818, at the treaty of St. Marys. In the winter he returned to Washington, where he spent the winter. In the spring of 1820, he moved his family from Middlesex county, Connecticut, to Chillicothe, Ohio, in a two-horse wagon, by way of New York City and thence through New Jersey, to Cumberland, Pennsylvania, then following the National Road to Ohio. They were six weeks on the way. He left his family at Chillicothe until 1821, where he removed them in January to what the Indians called "the rapids", at Willshire.
In 1820, Captain Riley surveyed the land between the Auglaize and the Maumee rivers. In 1821 the whole family were taken down with chills and not one was able to wait on the other. On the arrival of James Watson Riley with a surveying party, they were placed on beds on wagons and hauled to Piqua, 6o miles distant, to receive medical treatment. Captain Riley
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was elected a member of the Legislature in 1823, from the district composed of Darke, Shelby, Mercer, Van Wert, Paulding and Williams counties.
In 1824 the surveying of Ohio lands was completed and Captain Riley gave his attention to his mill and other interests until January, 1826, when he was attacked by an affection of the head and neck and was taken to Fort Wayne for treatment, and thence to Detroit on a bed arranged in a boat, and from there in the same manner on a vessel on Lake Erie, to Buffalo, and thence on the Erie Canal to New York. In 183o he was so far recovered that he returned to the ocean, the object of his first love. In 1831 he visited Magadore to see his benefactor, Mr. Willshire, and established a trade there, making nine voyages to that country. The winter of 1839-40 he spent in Magadore and the city of Morocco. In March, 184o, he left New York in his brig "William Tell," for St. Thomas, in the West Indies, and died when 13 days out and was buried at sea.
His town at that early day bid fair to make a thriving town, but railroads and canals drew the settlers to other centers.
ANSEL BLOSSOM
Was among the very early settlers of the county. He was the first justice of the peace elected in the county and served as the first to the Board of County Commissioners.
He came from Maine, where he had taught a school. On his arrival in the town of Willshire he worked for, Captain Riley at $1 a day and board until there was due him $100, with which he entered 8o acres of land. He erected a log cabin, moved upon the property in the fall and commenced clearing. He was particular to have his clearing exactly square and not getting his field square he would not plow it in the spring.
He imagined himself a second Benjamin Franklin, and imitated him even to sticking his thumbs in his waistcoat armholes ; on no account would he go faster that a walk, even to escape a sudden thunder shower, as it was undignified to run.
He had a wife named Mercy and a large family. To make sure that his sons should bear great names, the eldest was named Horatio Gates; the next Edward Preble; then Ira Allen, Benjamin Franklin, Smith Mathias, James Monroe, and John Quincy Adams. Benjamin Franklin worked for Captain Riley, while the rest of the great men were clearing up the Blossom farm.
The first wedding in Van Wert County was that of Philip Froutner and Miss Bolenbaugh. About a week before that time Mr. Blossom was elected justice of the peace by his own vote and was entitled to perform the marriage ceremony. Philip had postponed his wedding rather than go to St. Marys or Fort Wayne. But one morning the squire on going to his milk house' saw a pole cat quietly drinking milk from a milk pan. He very deliberately went into the house and asked Mercy to hand him the fire shovel, to her inquiry, "What do you want it for," replying, "You will be addressed presently." Finding the animal with its head over the pan, he brought the shovel down upon its neck cramming its head into the milk with the intention of drowning it, but the animal gave him such a sprinkling as to render him blind for a time and to perfume his clothes, including his only white shirt with a high collar, which he wore on great occasions, starched so that it had the appearance of holding his bald head up by the ears. He instantly called for Mercy to help him into the house, changed
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his clothes as soon as possible and buried them to get rid of the offensive odor. This made poor Phil put off his wedding. After two weeks, thinking that the Squire's garments were in condition to be worn on such an occasion as intended, Phil presented himself at the Squire's for the purpose of engaging his services ; seeing that he had on his hickory shirt, he was about to depart but finally mustered up courage and said, "Squire Blossom have you a clean white shirt to put on?". To which with becoming dignity the Squire asked, "Why?" "Wall, if you have, I want you to come out to Peter Bolenbaugh's and marry me to his sister, I got the license of Riley in my pocket." "Mercy are my best shirts ironed?" Being answered that they would be ironed in time, all were invited to the wedding and of course all went, great and small. A sumptuous supper was served and thus ended the first wedding in Van Wert County, which took place in the fall of 1822.
The first well dug in the county was put down by Captain Riley. It was dug down to the level of the rock in the river, was walled up with limestone and was a good well of water.
This determined Ansel Blossom to dig him a well. But as the stone for walling had to be hauled for over half a mile and he had no team and considering himself a great genius, he concluded to give his well such a start like a funnel that it would not need to be walled, particularly as he found a solid mass of blue clay. He dug a hole about 10 feet in diameter, and expecting to reach water in 30 feet gave it the proper slope to have it, when done, not over two feet in diameter at the bottom, where he expected to find solid rock like in the Riley well. All told him to have a wooden curb and stone on hand ready to curb and wall it up as soon as he struck water. But all to no purpose. When he had dug about 30 feet, the came to hardpan. He dreamed that he struck a crowbar clown and struck water. He did so; lost his crowbar and sure enough the water gushed up so fast that he had barely time to climb out on the ladder he had used for carrying up the dirt, when it began to cave in. Before night the water rose to the top and ran over and he was obliged to fill it up as it was near his house.
He concluded to try again. About six rods east of his house there was a very large and thrifty beech tree not less than three feet in diameter. He philosophised upon the matter and came to the conclusion that so thrifty a tree must have a large body of water under it, into which its tap roots penetrated and that he would not have to dig so deep by at least 10 feet. This time he had his stone hauled and a wooden curb to put down to keep out the quicksand. He commenced by cutting down the tree in the usual way two or three feet above the ground. Instead of digging out the stump and getting it out of the way, he dug all around it, only leaving the "tap roots" as he called them. When he had got a large hole some six feet deep, he cut off the bottom roots without taking any means to prevent the stump from falling over, which it did. Then he found that with all his boys he could not move the stump. He borrowed a yoke of oxen and chain, hitched the chain to the stump but the angle was too great, and the stump was only pulled against the side. He and his boys worked half a day and finally the chain broke and the cattle started for home, but as his dignity (being squire) would not let him run a few steps to stop them, they got into a full run. As the chain was broken, the hands at the mill feared that something dreadful had happened. In about half an hour the Squire very deliberately walked into the sawmill, with his thumbs in the armholes of his vest and his fingers meeting over his chest, and made known the diffi-
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culty. The men took both yoke of cattle ant: more log chain, placed some sticks down the side of the stump and, making one end of the chain fast above the ground and passing the other around the stump, taking what they called a "rolling hitch," rolled it out in five minutes.
Then he was ready for the windlass to haul up the dirt and was offered the one used at the Riley well, but he said it required too much work to work the windlass and he had a plan that would save all that work, and his two sons, Benjamin Franklin and Edward Preble, could do it all so the other boys could farm and clear land. To accomplish this, he had an old-fashioned well-sweep erected ; each side of the heavy end he erected two poles some 25 feet long, like two ladders; they were fastened together at the top and had holes bored through them both ways about a foot apart, rounds put in the side to use as a ladder and holes through across about a foot apart into which a pin could be fitted, so that when Ben wanted to go down Ed got astride the butt end of the sweep, pulled out the pin that was through the poles above and Ben, being the older and heavier, came down and Ed went up. When down Ben called to Ed to put in the pin; then when the bucket was full Ed pulled out the pin that held the sweep up, which let it down and brought the bucket up. Then he emptied it and lowered it, and Ben held it until Ed climbed up his ladder and inserted the pin beneath the sweep until the bucket was filled. It was a very slow process, but the boys persevered and had gone about 25 feet, which was the height of his ladder, when a new one 30 feet in length had to be erected. After much delay and labor the work progressed a few feet more, when one morning Benjamin Franklin stepped into the tub to go down without seeing that Edward Preble was astride and without the latter's counterbalance he dropped to the bottom, which was composed of sand, and broke through into water. Not being much hurt and believing that Edward Preble had been astride and that he must have been thrown into the air like a stone from an ancient catapult, he screamed out "Ed !" just as Ed called out "Ben !" This soon brought out the whole family. They found water coming in very fast. Ed climbed his ladder, mounted his teeter and soon had Ben to the surface. Horatio Gates was dispatched to the mill for hands to help, who were promptly on the ground and the wall was finished before night.
Ansel Blossom was peculiar even in his manner of shaking with the ague. Instead of wrapping up in more clothes, he would take off his coat and vest, have his shake and when the fever came on put on his coat. He was very proud of being bald-headed, as he thought it was a sign of great intellect. He said, "Captain Riley, have you noticed most all great men were bald-headed? I remember many were; Julius Caesar of old, our John Quincy Adams and also our Benjamin Franklin, decidedly great men, were bald. Did you ever notice that I am bald."
* * *
The first celebration of the Fourth of July held in Willshire was in 1825. The table wasspread under the giants of the forests. The meats for that occasion comprised bear, venison, wild turkey, with a good supply of fish of the finest quality. The oration was by Captain Riley and was grand and patriotic, but as so much space has been given to the account of his life it will be omitted.
The first religious services were held at the house of Captain Riley. One of the missionaries was a Mr. Antrem. He was a large and powerful man and was considered a revivalist. He called the excitement and shouting the work
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of the Holy Spirit, and when the excitement was at its height he would exhort them telling them that hell was raging just beneath them with fire and brimstone. "Yes," said Freshour, "I know it is just under Shane's Prairie, cause I dug a well last week and the water was so full of brimstone and sulphur that they couldn't use it, and it turned everything black and caved in. I don't believe but hell is right under there." The minister would quote from the Bible, from Dante, Bunyan and Milton.
The first school was taught by Ansel Blossom in a one-story log house used for a post-office, afterward for Court House and jail. The school opened January 1, 1836, with six pupils, two Majors, two McManuses and two Reichards.
The first dry goods store was opened by Henry Reichard in 1836. In the spring of 1837 Charles Mount came to Wiltshire with a small stock of goods and was the leading merchant for many years.
The first hotel was built by William Case and kept by him until 1839, being then rented to a man by the name of Alsap, a Winebrennerian preacher. He did love wine and it is said that when not too full he could preach a good sermon.
In 1850 Dr. J. W. Pearce built the second tavern in the place, at that time the best house in Van Wert County.
The first frame schoolhouse was built on the Public Square in 1848.
The first temperance organization was the Sons of Temperance, organized in 1848. . It was kept up for many years and exerted a great influence.
THE BAPTIST CHURCH
Of Willshire is one of the oldest in the Auglaize Association, having been first organized in 1837 and admitted to the Mad River Association. Nothing is known of the church until 1843, when the history of the Mad River Association states that the church dissolved, and that it was later reorganized and admitted again. The minutes of the church state that on September 2, 1843, the church was organized in the Willshire schoolhouse. Elder Fuson was moderator and Elder Sleeper, clerk. The constituent members were : R. D. Tisdale and wife, of Bethel Church, Iowa; Isaac Rose and wife, of Sunbury, Ohio; Griffin Johnson, Susannah Fuller and William Case and wife. The visiting brethren constituted a council of recognition and gave the hand of fellowship. The first meeting house was erected on Decatur street in 1849. The second house was purchased from the Methodists just before the war. In 1845 the church was dismissed from the Mad River Association along with others to organize the Auglaize Association. In 1865 the church was dismissed from the Auglaize Association and joined the Salamonie River Association (Indiana), but came back to the Auglaize Association in 1884. The present house of worship was built in 1893 and dedicated free of debt in 1894 in the pastorate of Rev. W. H. Gallant. On account of difficulties that seemed insurmountable, the church was reorganized in August, 1897. Since then there has been steady work in solidifying and strengthening the things that remain. During the church's connection with the Auglaize Association, the pastors have been : Revs. D. D. Johnson, J. Larue, W. F. Woods, J. C. Skinner, W. W. Robertson, V. D. Willard, S. A. Sherman, W. H. Gallant, J. F. Smith, D. B. Reckard and J. C. F. Scherich.
A Sunday-school has been maintained since 1882. The Baptist Church has a good brick meeting house, well furnished with baptistry and robing rooms and is well equipped for carrying on the work. The present pastor lives
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at Wiltshire and serves the Mercer (Ohio) and Pleasant Mills (Indiana) churches. The outlook for the church has never been better, and it is confidently expected that the church will meet its opportunity.
WILLIAM WHITE.
Among the early settlers, a young colored man came to Wiltshire, William White. He had been a slave and on account of his wonderful development physically his master decided to have him trained as a prize fighter so as to make money by exhibiting him in the prize ring. For that purpose he was trained and he entered upon it with his usual energy and soon became a scientific boxer, so quick of eye and motion that ere long his best trainer could not stand up before him. His master then sought an antagonist and found one that was considered the champion in the South.
They entered the ring with the betting largely in favor of White's antagonist, but the contest was of short duration. White with his wonderful strength and quickness forced his right past his adversary's guard and taking him on the shoulder broke it so completely that he had to be carried from the ring.
White then told his master that he would never fight another prize fight, that he might send him South to the cotton fields, or do anything else with him but match him for the prize ring. His master shortly after gave him his liberty and he came to Wiltshire. The author well recollects him as a young man, when he used to come to Van Wert to see Nancy Young, who afterward became his wife. She was working for the writer's uncle, Robert Gilliland. He was over six feet tall and weighed about 250 pounds, and not a pound of surplus flesh either. He was as black as any of the Southern darkness, but had such a pleasant countenance that none could help liking him. You recognized him as a powerful man on the instant.
He was industrious and applied his powerful strength to good advantage. He would not use a common axe but had one made to order, weighing six pounds, and would swing it the whole day with apparent ease. He would put up his six cords of wood with as much ease as other choppers would two or three. One instance of the tremendous strength he could put forth is very well remembered by the writer. It was shortly after the railroad was built through Van Wert and goods and groceries for Wiltshire were hauled from the former place to Wiltshire by wagon. One day three teamsters were loading their wagons from the car. In rolling out a barrel of coal oil, it got the advantage of them and slipped off into the mud. The three of them had been working for some time trying to get it up on the wagon, ' only to have it slip from the wet plank back into the mud, when White happened along and accosted them with, "What are you trying to do, boys." "Oh! Mr. White, won't you help us," they cried with one voice. "Certainly," he said and walked over, to the wagon. "Take away the plank," he said. "But we want to roll it up on that," they replied. "Take it away; we don't need it," he said, and taking hold of the chime at each end and drawing it up slowly on his knees the gave it a toss into the wagon with apparently as much ease as an ordinary man would a keg of nails.
J. S. Eyler tells that at one time White had hauled five barrels of coal oil from Van Wert to them (Casto & Eyler) and drove into the alley back of the wareroom, there were posts set so that he could not drive nearer than 10 or 12 feet of the wareroom. Eyler was getting a plank to roll them, when White said, "You do not need that ;" taking out the end
134 - HISTORY OF VAN WERT COUNTY
gate, he took the first barrel, walked with it to the wareroom, set it down and turning around said, "Roll out the next." This continued until the five were safely deposited in the wareroom apparently without an effort.
At one time he and some of his neighors had gone to the Grand Reservoir in Mercer County to enjoy some fishing. A party from Auglaize County were there. Hearing White's name called, one of them said, "Are you the White they say is the best man in Van Wert County ?" "Oh, no," said White, "there are plenty of better men in the county." "Well," said the man, "J have whipped the best man in Allen County and the best man in Auglaize County and the best man in Mercer County and now I am going to whip you and then I will be the champion of four. counties." White told him that he. would not fight him. The man said, "Take off your coat; you will have to fight." White only laughed and replied that he guessed not. The man said, "Prepare yourself," and struck at White, who dodged andcaught the man's arm and threw him about 15 feet into the reservoir. His friends had to jump in and help him out and the man carried his head on one side for several weeks, the jar had so nearly dislocated it.
At one time during the War of the Rebellion, White came to town and two toughs that were the terror of the community determined that they were going to fight him. White could have picked them up and cracked their heads together but instead staid in Swineford's grocery until they were tired watching for him. Some of the citizens urged him to go on the street and if attacked to give them a good thrashing, but he said it would not be right as that would be inviting the trouble and while they deserved a thrashing, yet it he could avoid it, it was better.
He lived to a good age and was never known to do an act that could not be endorsed by his neighbors. He was a good neighbor and respected by every one.