d at last arrived. The northern
half of the little open space was filled with loaded wagons of every
description, to which horses, mules, and even oxen, were being rapidly
hitched; while women and children were clambering in over the wheels,
perching themselves upon the heaps of camp accoutrements, and rolling
up the canvas coverings in order that they might the better see out and
feel the soft refreshment of the morning air.

The officers of the post were moving here and there among the throng of
workers, grave of face, yet making no effort to curb the unusual gaiety
of the enlisted men. For the time, all reins of discipline seemed
relaxed. The few settlers and plainsmen who had gathered within the
Fort for protection looked on stolidly, either lying in the shade of
the log wall or lounging beside their horses already equipped for the
trail; while the Miamis were gathered restlessly about their breakfast
fires, their faces unexpressive of emotion, as usual, although many
among them had blackened their cheeks in expectation of disaster.

Evidently the hour fixed upon for our final desertion of Fort Dearborn
was close at hand; and I hastened to seek opportunity for a bath and
breakfast. I do not recall now, looking back after all these years
upon the events of that day, any dreading of the future, or serious
thought of the coming ordeal. The bustle of excitement about me, the
high spirits of the men, were like a tonic; and I remembered only that
we were east-bound once more, and my chief concern was to be ready to
ride out promptly with the column.

It could not have been far from nine o'clock when every preparation was
completed, and the echoing bugle called the laggards from their
quarters into the open parade. The officers, already mounted, rode
about quietly, assigning each driver and wagon to position in the
marching column, and carefully mustering the troops. The many sick of
the garrison were brought forth from the barracks in their blankets,
and gently lifted to places beside the women and children in the loaded
wagons; while the men fit for active duty fell in promptly along the
southern wall, the right of their slender column resting opposite the
barred entrance. I was assigned to ride with the rear-guard beside the
wagons, in company with the few settlers and fifteen of the Miamis
under command of Sergeant Jordan. Captains Heald and Wells, the latter
with face blackened so that at first glance I sca