- THE SPALDING RESEARCH PROJECT -
Go Directly to the Transcript of the Oberlin Spalding Manuscript
For published editions of the text see: The Writings of Solomon Spalding
Solomon Spalding, Sage of the Saga | The Conneaut Witnesses
Oberlin MS: Front Cover
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Oberlin MS: Sample Page
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The Oberlin Spalding Manuscript
An Overview by Dale R. Broadhurst
The manuscript on file in the Oberlin College Archives and cataloged under the author's name of "Spaulding, Solomon (1761-1816), is a verfied holograph of the Rev. Solomon Spalding. It was almost certainly written by him in Ashtabula county, Ohio during the second half of the year 1812. The document shows signs of having been re-written from an earlier draft and it is possible that Spalding wrote that first draft as early as 1811. It is also possible that the Oberlin Spalding manuscript is a re-write of the draft written in Ohio, but that it was actually written down after Solomon Spalding moved to Pittsburgh during the fall of 1812. Thus, its provenance is Ohio or Pennsylvania, c. 1811-13.
Dr. Kent P. Jackson describes the document in the "Editor's Introduction" to his 1996 book, Manuscript Found: The Complete Original "Spaulding Manuscript": "It consists of eighty-four almost equally sized sheets of paper, ca. 16.4 by 20.2 cm in dimension. Aside from the first sheets, which evidence some faded ink and deterioration of paper... the manuscript is in a good state of preservation. Today it is bound in a red leather cover, which was applied sometime in the twentieth century. The ink ranges from light brown to very dark brown or black."
Charles. M. Hyde, D. D., of Honolulu, examined the manuscript in Hawaii in 1884, before it was sent to Oberlin, and said, "The paper on which the manuscript was written is of poor quality, yellowed and softened by age, six and a half inches wide by eight inches long. One hundred and seventy-one pages are numbered and written out in full, but the threads which kept them together are broken, and pages 133 and 134 are missing. On the back of page 132 is the beginning of a letter in different handwriting." Hyde also added: "On the last leaf is written: "The Writings of Solomon Spalding. Proved by Aron Wright, Oliver Smith, John Miller and others. The testimonies of the above gentlemen are now in my possession. D. P. Hurlbut."
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The last page of Spalding's Oberlin manuscript (on the left), together with his undated
draft letter (on the right) -- this undated letter adds 4 pages to the bound volume).
Letter: page 2 (bound first), page 1 (bound second), page 4 (bound last)
D. P. Hurlbut's Certificate
External evidence points to D. P. Hurlbut having written in his certificate on the final page of the original manuscript on or about Dec. 31, 1833. At this time he is known to have visited with Aaron Wright in Conneaut and could have easily traveled from Wright's store to Henry Lake's inn, also located in the same village. The residences of Oliver Smith and John N. Miller were just across the Pennsylvania line, about 6 miles and 8 miles respectively, from Conneaut. Since the certificate does not name John and Martha Spalding, it seems unlikely that Hurlbut showed them his discovery. Artemas Cunningham did not live in Conneaut and Dr. Nahum Howard may have been unavailable when Hurlbut re-visited that p;ace.
An Early Description of the Manuscript
Writing from Oberlin College on July 15, 1885, RLDS Apostle Edmund L. Kelley described the manuscript he saw there as being "old and getting much worn; the outside leaves being in places thumbed and pinched to such an extent as to make it necessary, in a few instances, to supply words from the evident connections.... The manuscript contains 165 pages, and between forty-five thousand and fifty thousand words." Edmund's brother William H. Kelley accompanied him to Oberlin and, on July 23, 1885, added these comments to his brother's previous description: "Yesterday, in company with E. L., I... had the pleasure of examining the famed old Spaulding Manuscript... It has an antiquated appearance; leaves soiled by use and torn in places, and has a smoked, rusty appearance. The paper is thicker than ordinary writing paper now in use, and is not ruled. Water marks are easily traced upon it. The leaves are six and one half inches wide and eight long, and are closely written on both sides in an old fashioned cramped hand. The manuscript when lying loose on the table, measures three-fourths of an inch in thickness. A few leaves were stitched together with linen thread, thus forming them into little sections, or books, easy to handle. Take a sheet of paper thirteen inches wide and sixteen inches long, double twice, so as to leave it six and a half by eight inches, and you have the precise manner of the arrangement of the paper for use. I counted eighty-seven sheets in all. Some are missing. On the large wrapper enveloping the manuscript, the following is found written with lead pencil, "Manuscript Story. Conneaut Creek." It is known that writing done with lead pencil will remain legible for years. This wrapping paper, however, looks to be a little more modern in its make up than the manuscript paper, but shows age. It is of good consistency, and is a good, durable, buff colored wrapping paper. The most probable thing is, that this wrapper was put around the "Manuscript Story" by D. P. Hurlbut when he procured it from Mrs. Davison [in 1833]..."
Preserved section of wrapping paper bound with Oberlin MS
The Title on the Wrapper
Although RLDS Apostle William H. Kelley said in 1885, "It is known that writing done with lead pencil will remain legible for years," the penciled handwriting on the preserved wrapper of the Oberlin manuscript is today very faded and barely visible. Probably in extended spectrum photography the lettering could be made a little more readable than is indicated (with a broken purple line) in the above graphic. An alternate possible spelling for the creek name is "Conneaght." Since that part of the penciling is today practically invisible, the exact spelling of the creek name on the wrapper is uncertain. An enlargement photo of the penciling has been computer enhanced to show the alternate spelling, but that part of the enhancement is conjectural.
The identity of the writer who penciled in this title on the manuscript's wrapper remains unknown. Lewis L. Rice specifically stated that the writing was not his -- although the title in ink was added by him in 1884. The penmanship bears a superficial resemblance to that of Solomon Spalding, but that identification is by no means certain. A limited number of D. P. Hurlbut handwriting samples exist, including Hurtbut's Dec. 1833 certificate on the last page of the manuscript and his copy of an Aaron Wright letter written down at the same time. A comparison of the penciling to Hurlbut's handwriting appears to indicate only a partial resemblance. Neither D. P. Hurlbut nor Solomon Spalding can be ruled out as the writer on the wrapper. If the writing is Spalding's, that may indicate that he meant to call this particular unfinished work of fiction "Manuscript Story," a title sometimes used to identify the Oberlin document. On the other hand, if the writing belongs to Hurlbut, it might signify that he recovered more than one manuscript of Solomon Spalding's writings in New York in 1833, and that he penciled appropriate titles on each of the "manuscript stories" which fell into his hands. Other possible explanations might just as well be offered. A cursory inspection of the two penciled lines appears to indicate that they may have been written down at two different times, and not altogether, as a single four word descriptive title.
Read about the 1884 discovery of the Spalding Manuscript in Hawaii.
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The Dale R. Broadhurst Spalding Papers
Paper #02:
A Transcript of Solomon Spalding's Manuscript
Pending addditional permission from Oberlin College, only short excerpts are available here
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rage & fury his warriors maintained the conflict & redubled
their efforts in spreading death & carnage -- Even The mighty
Sambal trembled at the slaughter of his subjects warriors & began
to dispair of victory -- he began to fearing that his intended revenge was
turning upon his own head. -- During this slaughter of Sambals
forces Hanuck was engaged in battle with Habelan King of
Chiauga -- No part of the war raged with a more equal balance --
Warriors met warriors with such equal strength & courage that
it was impossible to determine on which side was the greatest
slaughter -- even their heroic chiefs prudently avoided a combat
with each other & emploied their swords in overthrowing those
of less distinction. The field was covered with the bodies of
heroes, bismeared with blood, which was spread thick on every
side. -- In the mean time Hamul & Taboon who led on
the other reserved bands of the Kentucks were fircely enga-
ged in spreading the war thro' the ranks of the sciotans -- Hamul
compelled to the division commanded by Sabamah to fall back,
but still they faught, as they slowly retreated -- & being reinfor-
ced by a body of troops in their rear they continued the con-
flict & maintained their position. -- The slaughter was
emence & each party boasted of the most brilliant atchiev-
ments. --
Taboon made his attack on the division of Ulipoon com-
-manded by Hamelick -- Their Sciotan ranks were broken & they
must have fled in confusion had not Rameck supported them
with his division warlike band -- The contest now became bloody furious --
& equal feats of heroism valour were displaied by contending heroes.
The thirsty earth was overspread with the dead & dying bodies
of thousands & saciated their its thirst by copious draughts of
human blood -- Hamelick himself was slain -- But not
until after his sword was crimsoned with the blood of enimies.
But The dubious war appeared at last determined -- Hambock
beheld his army giving ground on every part -- He rode
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throughout their divisions & endeavored to inspire them
with persevering courage -- But in vain they could not with-
stand the impetuosity, the numbers & strength of their Eni-
mies -- aided by the advantage they had obtained by the
arangement they had made to manage the conflict -- The Sci-
otans began to retreat -- & such was the situation of both armies
that they the Sciotans must have principally have been overthrow & destroyed
if the Kentucks had been permited to continue the havock &
slaughter they had begun. But how often are the most san-
guine expectations disappointed by the decrees of Heaven? -- At
this auful period -- whilst the atmosphere was replete with the
multifarious sounds of the clashing of swords & spears -- the playing melody
of the martial musick -- the shouts of the conquerors & the shriks &
groans of the dying, even then the heavens were overspread with clouds of
the most sable hue, which had blown from the west -- The
thunders roared tremendously -- & the flashes of Lightning
were incessant, The wind began to blow from the west with great
violence -- the hail poured down from the clouds & was carried
with great velocity full in the faces of the Kentucks -- They
were unable to see their enimy or continue the pursuit. --
Rambock & his princes immediately ralied their retreating
forces, & facing round encouraged them to fight courrageously
since the great & good Being had miraculously interposed
in their behalf. The Kentuck Army were were unable to
continue the conflict. -- They were obliged in their turn, to re-
-treat. But such was the violence of the storm that the sciotans
could not take any great advantage of the confusion of their
enemies -- They however pursued them to the hill, which had been
in the rear of the Kentucks -- overthrowing & kiling some in
the pursuit. -- But as the hill was overspread with trees
which broke the violence of the wind, Hamboon commanded
his men to face their pursuers -- The Sciotans finding
that their enimies had the advantage of the ground &
being intolerably fatigued with a battle which had lasted
near four hours, retired a small distance back -- & as soon as the
storm abated they marched beyond the ground which
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was strewed thick with the slain. -- Thus ended the great battle
on the plains of Geheno. -- Both There they encamped --
and as the storm had now subsided both armies proceeded to make
provision to refresh themselvs, being nearly exhausted by the
fateague fatigues of a most bloody contest which had lasted nearly
five hours. That day afforded them no time to bury their
dead -- The Sun did not tarry in his course but hid himself
below the Horizon & darkness spread itself over the face
of the earth -- The warriors with their spears in their hands
extended themselvs upon the earth, & spent the night in
rest & sleep -- Next morning they arose with renovated
vigor. Their tho'ts were immediately turned to the sanguine
field -- Many warriors say they lie there, pierced with mortal wounds
& covered with with blood -- Their spirets have assumed
etheriel bodies & they are now receiving the rewards assign
-ed to the brave on the plains of glory -- but they demand
of us that we should secure their remains from the voraci-
-ous jaws of carniverous animals Beasts by intering them in
the earth. But how can this be done unless both armies
will mutually agree to lay down their arms during
the interment of the remains of their respective warriors.
Hamboon dispached a Messenger to Rambock, who agreed
to an armistice for the term of two days & that ten
thousand men might be employed from each army
in burying the dead. --
It was indeed a meloncolly day. -- The contest was
not desided -- Neither army had gained a victory or had
reason to boast of any superior advantages obtained
or any heroic atcheivments, which were not matched by
contending warriors[.] An emence slaughter was made.
Near one hundred thousand were extended breathless
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on the field -- This was only the beginning of the war --
& what must be its dreadful calamities if it should
continue to rage -- if a few more battles should be faught.
& the infuriated conqueror should turn his vengful sword
against defencless women & children & mingle their
blood with the blood of heroes, who had fallen bravely fight[-]
ing in their defence. When both armies viewed the
emence slaughter that had been made of their respec-
tive friends -- instead of cooling their ardor for the war, it
only served to encrease their malice & their thirst for re-
venge. --
Ten thousand men from each army, without arms, marh-
ed to the field were the battle was faught -- & having selected
the dead bodies of their respective warriors -- they carried
[them they] as many of them together as what could be
done with convenience -- & then diging into the ground
about three feet deep & throwing the dirt around in
a circular form upon the edge of the grave -- they then
deposited the bodies in it, covering the ground over which
they had dug with the bodies -- & then placing others upon
them until the whole were deposited -- they then proceeded
to thro' dirt upon them & to raise over them a high
mound -- In this manner they proceeded until they
had finished the interment. The bodies of the chiefs that
were slain, were carried to their respective armies -- &
performing many customary sollemnities of woe, they
were intered & prodigious mounds of earth were raised
over them. -- After the funeral rites were finished & the
armistice had expired, the hostile Emperors must
now determine on their further plans of operation.
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The field was widely strewed, & in many places thickly covered
with human bodies -- extended in various positions -- on their sides
their backs & faces -- some with their arms & legs widely spread
some with their mouths open & eyes stairing -- mangled with swords
spears & arrows & besma[r]d with blood & dirt -- Most hedious
forms & dreadful to behold! Such objects exicted horror & all the
sympethetic & compassionate feelings of the human heart. --
As both Emperors had agreed to the suspension of arms for
the purpose of burying the Reamins of those of the heroic warriors
ten thousand men from each army entered the field & began the
mournful employment -- They dug holes about three feet deep
& in a circular form & of about twenty or thirty feet diamiter.
In these they deposited the bodies of their deceased heroes & then
raised over them large mounds of earth -- The bodies of the Chiefs
who had fallen were carried to their respective armies & buried,
with all the sollemnities of woe -- over them they raised prodi-
gious mounds of earth -- which will remain for ages, as monu-
ments to commemorate the valiant feats of these heroes & the
great Battle of Geheno. --
After the funeral Rites were finished -- & the armistice had ex-
-pired, the hostile Emperors must now determine on further plans of
operation.
Rambock requested the advice of his principal officers, who
were unanimus in opinion that it was their best policy to retire back
to retire back to the hill which was opposite to the place where
they landed -- & there wait for reinforcements. This they effected
the next night without being perceived by their Enimy. --
Hamboon on the next day marched towards them -- but not thinking
it good policy to attack them at the present, took possession of a
hill in plain view of the Sciotans & there encamped with
his whole army.
As the Sciotans sallied out in parties to plunder & to ravage the
country, these were pursued, overtaken or met by parties of the
Kentucks -- Many bloody skirmishes ensued with various success
& many feats of heroism were displaied on both sides. Wherever the
Sciotans marched devastation attended their steps -- & all classes of
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people without distinction of age or sex, who fell into their hands
became the victems of their infuriated malice -- The extermination
of the Kentucks appeared to be their object, not considering that
it might soon be their turn to have such horrid cruelties reta-
liated upon themselvs with a threefold vengence. They likewise
had a further object in view, which was to provoke Hamboon to attack
the main army, whilst posted in an advantageous situation. --
But it was Hamboon's policy by placing garrisons in different
stations & by patroling parties to prevent the sciotans from
plundering & destroying his towns -- & from geting provisions
from his country -- & in this way to compel them to cross the
River or to attack his army in the position he had taken. --
While the Two Emperors were thus manoevering -- & seeking
by various arts & stratigems to gain an advantage over each
other, a very extraordinary intance of heroism & the display of the most
sincere & ardent friendship transpired were displayed transpiredwhich is worthy a place
on the historic page instance transpired of heroism & friendship --
In the dominions of Hamboon there lived two young men who
were bred in the same vilage -- Having minds formed for the exer-
cise of the noblest principles & possessed of congenial tempers they early
contracted the greatest intimacy[,] & formed toward each other the
strongest attachment. -- They joined the standard of Hamboon
& in the great battle of Geheno they faught side by side & performed
exploits equally bold & heroic. -- They eat at the same board & drank
of the same cup -- & in all their excursions they attended each other
& walked hand in hand. -- As these two friends were seting
in their tent one evening -- Kelsock [==] who was the oldest, says
to Hamkoien, something whispers me; that this night we can
perform a most brilliant Exploit -- The Sciotans have held a great
festival & until midnight they will be emploied in music & dan-
cing & in various diversions -- Being greatly fatigued, when they
lie down to rest, their sleep will be sound -- We may then enter
their camp by slyly geting round their centinels unperc-
eived & make a most dreadful Slaughter. -- Your plan, replied
Hamkien, is excellent, it is worthy the character of an hero. -- I will
join you -- & will either triumph with you in the success of the
enterprize or perish in the attempt. Perhaps we may atcheive
a glorious deliverance to our country, by destroying our cruel enemie[s.]
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They both taking their swords & tomehauks repaired towards the camp of the Sciotans
on order to reconoiter & find where they could enter & not be perceived
by the centinals -- The Moon shone bright but would set about three
Oclock in the Morning -- this was the time they had fixed upon to
begin the massacre of their enemies -- At length all became silent
-- the Moon disappeared & these young heroes had accomplished
their plan in geting into the camp of the Sciotans unperceived
They found them lying in a profound sleep -- for the fatigues of
the day & revels of the night had bro't weariness upon them -- & conside-
ring, when they lay down that the vigelence of their guards would
secure them from surprize, they slept with unusual soundness, but
their vigelence could not prevent an unsuspected destruction. The
Tomehauks & swords of these daring youth, soon caused hundreds
to sleep in eternal slumbers -- & so anxious were they to finish the
destruction of their enemies, that the day began to dawn before they
had cleared themselvs from their camp of their enemies -- Scarce how-
-ever had they past the last centinal, & the alarm was given --
The Sciotans beheld a most terrible slaughter of their warriors & being
fixed with indignation sallied forth in parties in every direction --
Kelsock and Hamko had nearly gained the encampment of the Ken-
tucks & Haloon with a party of the Sciotans had overtaken
Hamko -- Kelsock was so far in advance, that he was now safe
from all danger -- but turning his eyes round he beheld Ha[k]oon
seize his friend, who was attempting to defend himself against
the party -- Kelsock turned instantly, & runing furiously back
cried, spare O spare the youth, he is innocent -- I alone con-
trived the slaughter of the Sciotans. -- too much love to his friend
induced him to join me in the enterprize -- Here is my bosom --
here take your revenge -- Scarce had he spoken & Haloon plun-
ged his sword into the heart of Hamko. -- The young hero fell -- &
with a groan expired -- Kelsock instantly rushed upon Haloon
& darted his sword thro his heart -- prostrate he tumbled at
the feet of Hamko[o] -- but Kelsock could not long survive --
A spear peirced him in the side -- he cast his eyes onthe lifeless Body ofhis friend
& fell upon his lifeless body it -- he embraced it & never breath
-ed again. Ah heric youths in friendship youe lived -- & in life
& death youe were joined. --
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Forty days had now expired since the two armies had taken
their different positions -- Each received large reinforcements
which supplied the places of the slain. Experience had taught
them to use stratigem instead of attacking under great dis-
advantages, & yet to remain long in their present situation
could not possibly, terminate the war successfully on the part
of the Sciotans. -- Rambock[,] considering the obsticles, which
attended the prossecution of every plan, at last, by the advice
of Sambal & Ulipoon, determined on a most rash & desperate
enterprize -- an enterprize which would in a measure saciate
their revenge, provided that it should even produce the annihilation
of their Army. -- As soon as darkness had overspread the earth at
night -- Rambock marched his whole army towards the city
of Gamba -- & such was the stillness of their movments that
they were not perceived -- nor was it known by Hamboon that
they had marched until the morning light. -- As soon as
the Kentucks per[c]eived that the Sciotans had abandoned the
place of their encampment & found the direction they had gone[,]
they immediately pursued them with with the utmost expediton. --
But too late to prevent the intended slaughter & devastation.
The Sciotans without delaying their march by attacking any forts
in their way, merely entered the vilages, killing the inha-
bitants who had not made their escape & burning their
houses -- They arived before the City of Gamba -- Great in-
deed was the surprize, the consternation & terror of the citi-
zens -- Many fled to the fort -- A band of about three thousand
resolute warriors seized their arms, determined to risk their lives
in the defence of the city. The leader of this band was La-
-moch the eldest son of Labanko -- He inherited the virtues of his
excellent Father & even thirsted to revenge his death by sacrifiesing
to his manes the blood of his cruel enimies. He posted his warriors in
a narrow passage which led to the city. -- The Sciotan
Emperor immediately formed his plan of attack -- A large host
selected from all the grand devisions of his army marched
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against them -- They were commanded by Moonrod -- He
led them against this gallant & desparate band of Kentucks
& made a most furious & violent charge upon them, But they
were resisted with a boldness, which will forever do honour to
their immortal valour. -- Many hundreds of their Enimies
they perced with their deadly weapons & caused heaps of
them to lie prostrate in the narrow passage. -- Such pro-
digious havock was made on the Sciotans by this small
band of valiant citizens, who were driven to despira-
tion & whose only object was to sell their lives dear to their
enimies, that even Moonrod began to dispair of forcing his
march into the city thro' this narrow passage -- Being in-
formed by a trecherous Kentuck of another passage, he imme-
diately dispatched a party of about four thousand from his
band to enter the city thro' that passage & to fall upon the
rear of the Kentucks -- This plan succeeded -- These heroes
now found the war to rage both in front & rear & part
facing their new assailants they attacked theirm new assailants with incredible
fury -- What could they do? resistance was now in vain.
They could no longer maintain the bloody contest against
such a mighty host. Lamoch then commanded the survi-
vors of his little Band to break thro' the ranks of his
last assalants & to retreat. to the fort. It was impossible
to withstand the violence of their charge -- they broke thro'
the ranks of their enimies & made a passage over the bo-
dies of heroes, thro' which they retreated & marched to the
fort -- About seven hundred with their valiant leader thus
made their escape & a[r]ived save in the fort -- The remainder
of the Three thousand sold their lives in defence of their friends
& their country -- This Battle checked the progress of the enimy
which prevented an emence slaughter of citizens -- As the greatest
part had opportunity by this meins to gained the fort. --
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As soon as all resistance was over come & had subsided, the Sciotans
lost no time -- but marched into the city & commenced a general
plunder of all articles which could conveniently be transported.
Ulipoon, tho careful not to expose his person to the deadly wea-
pons of an enimy -- was however very industrious in this part
of the war -- None discovered so much engagedness as himself
to grasp the most valuable property in the city. -- But expecting
the Kentuck Army to arive soon they must accomplish their
mischief with the utmost expedition -- The City they sat on
fire in various places -- & then retired back & encamped near
the fort, intending on the next day, unless prevented by the
arrival of Hamboon with his Army, to storm the fort,
& massecre the whole multitude of citzens which were there
collected. -- Behold the conflagration of the city, -- the
flames in curls assend towards heaven -- & as the darkness
of the Night had now commenced -- this added to the
horror of the scene -- The illumination spread far & wide &
distant vilages beheld the redning light assend -- as a certain pio-
neir of their own conflagration, should the war continue to rage.
But mark the sorrow & lamentation of the poor citizens
now incircled by the walls of a fort -- Happy that they
had escaped the intended massacre of a barberous unrelen-
ting Enimy -- but indignant & sorrowful at beholding the
ruins of all their property. -- & even filled with the greatest
anxiety lest Hamboon should not arive in season to pre-
vent the storming of the fort. -- But their anxiety soon vanished.
When the shades of evening began to overspread
the earth, Hamboon and his Army had arrived within
five miles of the city. They beheld the flames begining to assend.
The idea was instantly reallized that an indiscrimate slaughter
had taken place. -- What were the destracted outcries of the
dwellers of the city. -- Fathers & mothers -- Brothers & sisters, wives
& children.
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In addition to the distrucktion of all their property, they now had
a reallizing anticipation of the massecre of the dearest friend[s]
& relation. Such was their anxiety to precipitate their march
that it was scarcely in the power of their commanders to retard their
steps, so as to prevent them from breaking the order of their ranks.
They made however the utmost expedition -- determined if they found
their enimy to take ample vengence. But when they arrived &
found that the greatest part of the citizens were safe in the fort
this afforded no small aleviation to their anxiety & grief -- But
their thirst for revenge & their ardent desire to engage the enimy
in battle did not in the least abate.
Determined that the Sciotans should have no chance to improve
the darkness of the [e]nsuing night to make their escape -- every preparation
was made to attack them the next morning. -- This was expected
by the Scitans, who were wishing for another opportunity to mea-
sure swords with the Kentucks. & as soon as the morning light
appeared they marched a small distance to a hill & paraded their [they] paraded
in proper order for battle. -- Scarce had they finished their
arangements when they beheld Hamboon's Army marching
towards them -- He halted within about half a mile of the
Sciotans -- & sent out a small party to reconoiter & disco-
ver their situation -- In the mean time he ordered Hanock
his son to march with twelve thousand men round the Sciotan
Army & to lie in ambush in their rear in order to surprize
them with an attack after the battle should commence.
As the two armies were paraded in fair view of each
other the expectation was that a most bloody en-
gagement would take place immediately. -- The
cowardly mind of Ulipoon was not a little terrified
when he beheld the number & the martial appear-
ance of the Enimy -- But his inventive genius was not
long at a loss for an expedient, which he immagined
would extricate himself from all danger -- He repairs to
Hambock & addressed him to this effect. May it please
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your your majesty. During the first battle it was my mis-
fortune to be prevented by sickenss from being at the head of
my brave warriors & displying my valour. It is my
wish now to perform feats of heroism which shall place me
on equal ground with the most valiant princes of your em-
pire -- With your permision I will lead on my division
& storm the fort of the Kentucks -- This will fill their
warriors with consternation & terror -- You may then obtain
an easy victory -- & destroy them with as much facility
as you would so many porcupines. -- Besides by attacking
the fort at this time when they are not suspecting such a
manoever -- the imperial family will be prevented from
making their escape & I shall then be able to restore to your
majesty your daughter Lamesa. -- The Emperor being
pleased with the plan granted to Ulipoon his permision
to carry it into effect. -- Ulipoon did not wait a mo-
-ment -- But immediately returned back & commanded
his forces, which consisted of about seventeen thousand
to march -- He was careful at the same time to see that
that they carried with them all the plunder they had
taken in the city of Gamba -- & particularly that portion
which had been set apart for himself. -- But nothing
was farther from the heart of Ulipoon than to fulfil his
[------------] promise -- He had no intention to risk
his person in the hazardous attempt to storm the fort --
but his determination was to march with the utmost
expedition to his own dominions & to carry with him
his rich plunder Having marched towards the fort until
they had got beyond the view of the Sciotan Army = he
then ordered them to turn their course towards the great
River -- to the place where the left their Boats. --
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In this direction they had not proceeded far when they were
seen by a number of pioneirs, whom Hanock had sent
forward to make discoveries. -- As his band were not far dis-
tant they soon gave him the inteligence -- He immedi-
ately dispach an express to Hamboon -- informing him
that he should pursue them as their object probably
was to ravage the country -- & recommending not
to attack the Sciotans until further information
from him. -- Hanocks devision were not discovered
by Ulipoon -- & of consequence he proceeded in his march
without suspecting any anoiance from the Enimy, hap-
py in the reflection that he had greatly enriched himself
by a prodigious mass of plunder, & not in the least troubled about
his fellow warriors, whom he had deserted on the eve of
a most hazardous engagement. -- Hanock pursued
him, but was careful not to be discovered -- When the sun
was nearly down Ulipoon halted & encamped. -- During
the Night Hanock made his arangements -- he formed
his men into four Divisions & surrounded the Enimy.
Their orders were as soon as the morning light began
to appear, to rush into Ulipoon's encampment & to
massecre his warriors without discremination. --
The fatal moment had arived, & punctual at the very
instant of time the attack was began on every part.
& such was the surprize & terror which it produced that
the Sciotans were thrown into the utmost confusion --
& it was impossible for their oficers to form them into
any order to make defence -- Every man at last at-
tempted to make his escape -- but wherever they rushed
forward in any derection they met the deadly spears
of the Kentucks == It is impossible to discribe the horror of the bloody --
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scene for even humanity recoils at beholding Humanity --
sympathy & compassion must drop a tear at beholding
the uproar & confusion, the distress & anguish, the blood
& carnage of so many thousand brave warriors who was great
misfortune was to have a coward for their commander. --
who were reduced to this dreadful situation by the cowar-
dize & nigardly & avaricious dispostion of their comman-
-der. But only three thousand made their escape. As for
Ulipoon he was mortally wounded & laid prostrate on the
field -- After the slaughter was ended in passing over the
field of the Slain, Hanock beheld this illfated prince -- an ob-
ject truely pitiable to behold -- In the agonies of death
& wreathing under the most acute pain, he exclaimed.
Alas my wretched situation -- It was avarice, cursed avarice
which induced me to engage in this horrid war & now my
the mischief & cruelties intended as the means to acquire
wealth & agrandizement, are justly turned upon my own
head -- He spoke & deeply groaning, he breathed no more
The galant Hanock, droped a tear -- & feeling no enmity
towards the lifeless remains of those, who had been his
enimies, he ordered three hundred men to bury remain
on the ground & commit their bodies to the Dust -- This
says he is the will of him whose compassion is infinite.
He then directed Co[nc]o his chief captain to pursue the sur-
vivors of Ulipoon's Army & to destroy them if possible. --
With the remainder of his own troops, he returned, to carry back
to cary into effect the order of Hamboon. -- Conco over[-]
took & killed about a thousand of the wretched fugitives -- the
remainder escaped to their own land.-- except about fifty who
fled to the army of Rambock -- & gave him the dreadful
inteligence of Ulipoon[']s distruction. --
Great were the amasement & consternation of Rambock &
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& his whole army. They now beheld their situation to be extremely
critical & dangerous & saw the necessity of the most vigorous &
heroic exertions. What says Rambock to his princes, is our
wisest course to pursue? Sabamah, Rancoff & Nunapon
Advised him to retreat without loosing a moment, for say
they, we have taken ample revenge for the crime Elseon. --
To effect this we have thrown ourselvs into the heart of their
country. -- have lost a large division of our army -- & are
so weakened by our losses that we are in the utmost dan-
ger of being defeated & even anihilated. -- It must therefore
be the height of folly & madness to prossecute the war
any farther in this country. -- But Sambal & the other
other princes condemned this plan as pusilanimous &
disgraceful & proposed to steal a march on the Kentucks
& to storm their fort before before they should be apprised of
their design. This last advice met the approbation of
the Emperor; "Nothing says he can save our army from
destruction, but the most daring atcheivments. That they
might gain the fort without being perceived by the Kentucks
It was necessary that they should march some distance in
the direction, where Hanock had encamped, in order to coop-
-erate with Hamboon, when he should commence the engage-
ment -- When the night had far advanced Rambocks forces were all
in readiniess & began their march for the fort. They proceeded
about two miles -- & a small party in advance, discovered
Hanocks warriors -- This discovery produced an alteration
in Rambock's plan -- He directed Sambal to proceed against
the fort -- whilst he, as soon as the light should appear, would
attack Hanock -- Sambal was highly pleased with this com-
mand -- as a victory would ensure him the capture of Lamesa --
& afford him an opportunity to obtain revenge. He arived
at the fort just as the blushing morn began to appear. --
Great indeed was the surprize which his arrival produced --
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On three sides he stationed small parties who wer[e]
ordered to massacre all the citizens who should attempt
to make their escape -- With the main body of his
Army he made an assault upon the fort --
Amazement & terror seized the minds of the whole
multitude of citizens; in the fort -- This enterprize of
the Sciotans was unexpected -- As the Kentucks as they were were
unprepared to defend the fort against such a formi-
dable force. Lamock however placed himself at
the head of about one thousand warriors & attempted
to beat them back from the walls & prevent their
making a breach. But it was imposible with his small
band to withstand the strength of such a mighty
army -- They broke down part of the palasadaes & enter-
ed the fort thro' the breach == And immediately began
the massacre of the defenceless multitude without regard to age
or sex -- Sambal being anxious to find Lamesa
rushed forward with a small band & surrounded a small block
-house -- He then broke down the doar & entered -- Here he
beheld all the ladies of the imperial family & many
other Ladies of distinction -- He instantly sprang towards
Lamesa in order to seize her -- but was prevented by
Heliza who steped betwen them & falling upon her
knees implored him to spare the life of Lamesa --
Scarce had she spoken when the cruel monster buried
his sword in her bosom & she fell lifeless before the eyes
of her dearest friend -- Lamesa gave a scream, & looking
fiercely on Sambal she exclaimed. Thou monster of
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vilany & cruelty, could nothing saciate your revenge but
the death of my dear friend, -- the amiable, the innocent Heliza
Here is my heart -- I am prepared for your next victem. --
Ah no, says Sambal, your life is safe from my sword.
I shall conduct you to my palace & you shall be honour-
ed with me for your partner. Insult me not, says
she, thou malicious bloody villain -- either kill me
or be gone from my sight -- my eyes can never indure
the man who is guilty of such monstrous crimes. --
Set your heart at rest says he my dear Lamesa -- I
will convince you that I am a better man than your belo-
ved Elseon -- his head shall soon saciate my revenge
& then you shall be the Queen of Sciota -- At this
Instant a loud voice was heard -- The Kentucks
are marching with a prodigious Army toward[s] the
fort. -- Sambal turning to his warriors present
ordered them to guard the women in that house &
not permit any of them to escape -- for says he I must
go & destroy that army of Kentucks. Great alrea-
dy had been the slaughter which the sciotans had made
of the citizens in the fort -- Those who had attempted to
escape thro' a gate which was thrown open were
met & massacred by the Sciotan warriors on the
outside -- But their progress was arested by the ap-
pearance of Elseon at the head of thirty thousand
warriors -- They had marched with the greatest
speed -- for they were informed by an express that the
Sciotans had invested the Fort. When Sambal beheld
them he instantly concluded to draw his army out of the
fort & to try a battle with them in the open field. --
His orders were immediately spread thro' every part of
the fort where his men were employed in killing the de-
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fenceless & in fighting Hanock Lamoch the little band of desperate heroes
whom Hanock commanded. -- The Sciotans were soon
formed & marched out of the fort & paraded in proper order --
for battle. -- Elseon observing this, commanded his to
men to halt, & made his arangements to rush for-
ward & commence the attack -- Having brandished his
sword as a token for silence he then Spoke. My
brave warriors. "The glorious period has arrived for
arrived us to display our valor in the destruction of our
enimies. -- What monstrous cruelties have they perpetrated -- Be-
hold your city in ruins -- listen to the cries of your murdered friends
whose innocent blood calls for vengence -- consider the situation
of those who are surrounde[d] by the walls of yonder fort. How
many thousands are massacred -- & how many must share
their fate unless you fight like heroes -- By our valour
we can effect their deliveranc, & rid our country from the most fero-
cious band of murderors that ever disgarced humanity --
Their standard is that of the Sciotan King -- whose ma-
lice & vengeful disposition have produced this horrid war.
Urged on by his malignant passions he has engaged un-
-dertaken a most dangerous & mad enterprize -- He has thrown
himself & his army into a most critical & dangerous si-
tuation -- Fight as you did at the great Battle of Ge-
heno & your enimies will be prostrate in the dust --
& your names shall be illustrious. Rush forward my
brave warriors -- & let your motto be victory or
death. Not a moment, when his warriors were
st[e]mulated for the combat did Elseon tarry -- but marched
with pricipitation, prepared to make a most furious charge.
Sambal was ready to meet him -- & marchd forward with
equal boldness & celerity. The charge was tremendous.
Not the dashing aganst each other of two mighty ships, in a hurricane upon
the boisterous ocean, could have been more terrible. Each
warrior[,] fearless of danger, met his antagonist, determined
to destroy his life or loose his own in the contest -- ----
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The battle extended thro' every part of both armies -- As
warriors fell in the front ranks, their places were supplied
from the rear -- & reserved Bands rushing betwen the
divisions were met by others of equal strength &
valour. -- Helicon the intimate friend of Elseon be-
held Sambal -- who was encouraging his warriors to
fight bravely, as no other alternative remained for them
but victory or death. -- When Helicon beheld him
his youthful mind felt the impulse of ambition -- he
sprang towards Sambal & chalenged him to the combat.
Sambal gave him no time to repeat the chalenge, but
rushed upon him, with more fury than a tiger[,] & with
his sword he struck Helicon's head from his body -- Thus
fell the brave, the amiable youth whose thirst for glory
impeled him to attempt an exploit too rash & daring --
Warriors fell on every side & the field was covered with
dead & dying heroes -- A messenger ran & told Elseon
of the fate of Helion who commanded the left wing of
his army & that Sambal had broken their ranks & was
making indis[c]ribable havock of his warriors -- What
intelligence could have been more shocking? Elseon
could not refrain from tears for a moment -- Ah Heli-
con says he, thou hast been more dear to me than
a brother -- Heaven demands that I should revenge
thy cruel death. He instantly selected a small band
& marched, with the utmost speed to the left wing of his
army -- He ralied his retreating warriors & inga-
ged in the conflict with tenfold fury -- Soon he be-
held the mighty Sambal whose sword was crimson-
ed with the blood of his friend, & Sambal cast his eyes
upon him & as he beheld him his malice instantly inkin
-dled into such a furious flame, that his reason fled for
a moment, & he raved like a madman. == Both heroes
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sprang towards each other -- Their warriors beheld
them & being mutualy inspired with the same sentiments
the respective bands retired back & left the two indig-
nant champions in the space betwen. -- Ah exclaimed Sambal ingrate
Robber & perfiduous scoundrel after seducing the Emperors
daughter who was & my wife & transporting her from our dominions,
have you the temerity to meet my conquering sword. --
This sword which perceid Labanco. & cut off the head
of Helicon & which has destroyed hundreds of warriors more
mighty than yourself -- shall be plunged into your coward-
ly heart -- & your head shall be carried in triumph into
the city of Talang[as] -- & there it shall be preserved as a trophy
trophy of my superiour strength & valour. --
Vain Boaster, says Elseon -- I rejoice to meet you. that
The Benevolent Being will now terminate your carere
of bloody crimes -- This sword shall peirce your malignant
heart & cut of that head, which has ploted the ruin of my
country --- Sambal eager for revenge, could hear no more,
He sprang forward & aimed a thurst of his sword at Elseon's
Heart but Elseon turned the point of his sword from him
with his own -- & then darted his sword into his left
arm which caused the blood to gush forth -- Sambal
was now more indignant than ever -- & raising his
sword he threw his whole strength into one mighty
effort, with an intention to divide his body in twain.
But Elseon, quck as the Lightning sprang back & Sam-
bals sword struck the ground with a prodigious force
which broke in the middle. -- He himself had nearly
tumbled his whole length -- but recovering & beholding
his defenceless situation, he ran a small distance, & sei-
-sing a stone sufficiently big for a common man to lift
he threw it at Elseon -- It flew with great velocity & had
not Elseon bowed his head his brains must have quited
their habitation -- his cap however was not so for-
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tunate; haveng met the stone as he bowed, it was
carried some distance from him & lodged in the
ground. Elseon regardless of his cap, ran swiftly upon
Sambal, whose feet having sliped when he threw the
Stone had fallen upon his back & had not recovered -- Terror
now seized his mind -- Spare, O Spare my life says he
& I will restore peace to Kentuck & you may en-
joy Lamesa. -- No peace sais Elseon do I desire with
a Man, whose sword is red with the blood of my friends
He spoke & plunged his sword into Sambals heart. --
The Sciotans beheld the huge body of their King
pale & lifeless -- Consternation & terror seized their minds
They fled in dismay & confusion -- Elseon pursued
them with his warriors & overthrew & killed thousands
in the pursuit -- About two thousand made good their
escape -- & carried the doleful tidings of Sambals death
& the emence slaughter of his army to their own Land.
And indeed their escape was owing to the great anxiety
of Elseon & his warriors to viset their friends in the fort &
to assertain the extent of the massacre that Sambal &
his Army had made. -- After pursuing the Sciotans
about six miles Elseon & his army returned in great haste & entered the
fort. -- Great, inexpressably great, was the joy of the citizen[s]
when they beheld them returning with the laurels of
of Victory & when they were informed of the destruc-
tion of so many thousand of their enimies. -- But as great
was their grief & lamentation, when they beheld & reflected
on the vast number of citizens & of Elseon's warriors, who
had fallen by the sword of the Sciotans. -- But No death
produced such universal regret & sorrow as those of Helecon
& Heliza. The one was the intimate friend of elseon &
the other of Lamesa. -- They both possessed hearts which wer[e]
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formed for the most ardent friendship & love. -- Their acquaintanc
produced the most sincere attachment -- They exchanged vows
of perpetual fidelity & love to each other -- & only waited for the
termination of the war to fulfill their mutual engagement
to unite their hands in wedlock -- But their pleasing antici-
cipation of conjugal felicity was destroyed by the cruel Sword
of Sambal -- Naught availed the innocence & the amiable ac-
complishments of the fair Heliza? She must fall a victem to
saciate the revenge of a barbarous Tyrant -- Had Hilicon known when
he attacked the savage Monster that he had sword had peir-
assassinated his beloved Heliza, it would have inspired
him with the most ardent desire for revenge & added vigor
to his arm & keeness to his sword. -- Ah said A Ken-
tuck Bard represented the erial form of Heliza as ariving
on the celestial plain -- & being told that she must wait a
short time -- & Helicon would assend & conduct her as his part
-ner to a delightful Bower which was surrounded by the most
beautiful flowers & delicious fruits -- & where the singing
of musical Birds would charm them with their melody. --
When Elseon had entered the fort, he found that Lamock
with the survivors of his little band of warriors had
made prisoners, of the Sciotans whom Sambal had
left to guard the imperial Ladies -- & that these Sciotans
had done them no injury nor even insulted them with
words -- Says Elseon for this honourable treatment
of my friends I will shew these enimies compassion -- Go
says he to them, return in peace to your own land -- & tell
your friends that Elseon will not hurt an Enimy, who has
done him a favour. --
The time of Elseon was precious -- He spent but a few
moments with Lamesa, in which they exchanged mu-
tual congratulations -- & expressions of the most tender
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& sincere affection. -- She conjured him to spare the life of
her father & brother & not to expose his own life any farther than
his honour & the interest of his country required. I shall cheerfully
says he[,] comply with every request. which will promote your happiness.
He embraced her & bid her adue. --
As the situation of Hamboon's army might require his imme-
diate return, he lost no time to regulate matters in the
fort -- but leaving five thousand men to bury the dead, & defend
the citizens, he marchd with the remainder, which consisted of
about twenty thousand, towards Hamboons encampment. --
When Sambal marched his division against the fort
it was Rambock's intention to have attacked Hanock the
next morning -- but perceiving that Hamboon had been appri-
zed of his movement, & was then within a small distance
ready to cooperate with Hanocks division, Rambock altered his plan
& determined to wait for the return of Sambal. As for Ham-
boon he concluded to wait until Elseon's return, -- These deter-
minations of the hostile Emperors, prevented in this intervail
of time, any engagement betwen the two grand armies. --
But when the fate of Sambal's division was decided -- & Elseon
had returned with the joyful news of his victory, the Kentucks were all
anxious for an immediate Battle.
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