THREE YERAS IN SLAVERY.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XVI, Issue 119, 20 May 1881, Page 4

THREE YERAS IN SLAVERY.

A thrilling story of the dangers encountered by the settlers in Ike "Far West," lias been communicated to the "Western Mail by one of the parties principally interested. The hero is John Williams son of John and Maria Williams ot" Tyn-y-pant, Ystradowen, near Cowbridge. Some years ago he left home to seek his fortune in the States, and his parents were regularly informed of his doings. Nearly four years ago, however, bis letters suddenly ceased, and no tidings could bo learned of what had become of him. At the beginning | of tliis present month the fears of Mr. • and Mrs* Williams were set at rest by I receiving a letter from their long-lost son, informing them of his safety, and fully accounting for his long silence. His tal 1 © is one of treachery by Indians, stubborn fighting, ultimate defeat and capture ; ns the letter is of much interest, we have been favoured with a copy of ifc. It is dated from Fort Leavenworthy in Kansas, and after a few expressions of gladness at being able to write, William proceeds. — "You will think it lucky that I am writing to you now when yon hear where I have been since I last wrote. About a week after my last was sent I went out West to the Black Hills with a party of miners for the purpose of prospecting for gold. We were getting on well, when one day we were attacked by a large number of hostile Indians, who surrounded us and killed several of my j companions before we could defend ourselves. We then fought the redskins for about six hours, until all our party were killed, except three, myself \ and two others. The savages rushed upon us, bound us, and carried us to one of their villages. Of course we did not. think we had long, to live, but we were disappointed. The skunks took a .fancy to us, and told us we would have to join their tribe, which we were very glad to do, for I tell you from experience that "very" few white i men who fall into their hands ever live to get away. The first thing the Indians now did was to separate us, and we were sent one into each of the three principal villages. Here my hardships began. I had to work hard, with no one to talk to. I got desperate and tried many times to escape. Once I managed to get away but wsa captured and punished. After that they - watched me so closely that I could do nothing but ' grin and bear it,' as they say. Sometimes I felt so sad that I almost wished to die, but then I got better and hoped that I should get •away some day. After I had been kept a close prisoner for two years, I heard the State troops were out against the Indians, and I hoped they would come to where I was. And they did , very soon. There was a big battle, in which a lot of the redskins were killed and captured. I was among those taken to the fort by the victorious forces. I was released as soon as I itold them my , story and they treated, me first-class.* There was nothing too r good for me. After, I had been there a ishort time the officer asked me if I should like to be a soldier. I Baid I would, and they enlisted me for five years. It's a long time but I think I shall like it." The letter concludes |with many remembrances to the parents, and a promise to write and tell tliem more about hjs sufferings when in' ttje hands of the Indians.— "Glasgow Mail, March 19.