CHEROKEE PHOENIX AND INDIANS' ADVOCATE
Wednesday June 10, 1829
Vol. II, no. 10
Page 4, col. 1a

 From the blood stained track of ruthless war,
 An Indian boy had fled;
Remote from his house in the wild woods far,
 A moss bank pillowed his head.

His glossy hair was damp with dew,
 His air was mild and meek-
And it seemed that a straggling tear or two
 Had wandered down his cheek.

For he saw in his dream the bayonets gleam,
 He saw his kindred fall;
And he heard his mother's dying scream,
 And the crackling flames take all.

In his feverish sleep he turned and rolled,
 'Mid the fern and the wild flowers gay;
And his little hand fell on a rattlesnake's fold,
 As coil'd in the herbage it lay.

His head the stately reptile rais'd
 Unclos'd his fiery eye;
On the sleeping boy for a moment he gazed,
 Then pass'd him harmless by.

'Twas well, young savage, well for thee,
 It was only the serpent's lair;
Thy fate perchance would different by,
 Had the white man slumbered there.

This transcription from the Cherokee Phoenix is presented as part of the historical record, and includes historical materials that may contain negative stereotypes or language reflecting the culture or language of a particular period or place including terminology that may not be deemed appropriate today. While an effort has been made to verify the transcription against the original text, complete accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Researchers are urged to match the transcription against the original article to authenticate exact quotes. Issues of the Cherokee Phoenix are available on microfilm. Please check your local library for availability or to inquire about interlibrary loan of a microfilm copy.

Send comments or questions to: George Frizzell
Special Collections . Hunter Library . Western Carolina University . Cullowhee, NC 28723 . 828-227-7474