USA > Kentucky > Madison County > Boonesborough > Boonesborough; its founding, pioneer struggles, Indian experiences, Transylvania days, and revolutionary annals; > Part 11
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18
We proceeded to Watawgo river, a tributary stream of Hol- steen, to the residence of Colonel Charles Robertson, now in the State of Tennessee, where a treaty was held by Colonel Richard Henderson and his associates, with the Cherokee tribe of Indians, for the purchase of that section of country we were going to visit, then called the Bloody Ground, so named from the continual wars and quarrels of the hunting parties of Indians of different tribes who all claimed the ground as their own, and the privilege of hunting the game; who murdered and plundered each other, as opportunity offered.
We continued at Watawgo during the treaty, which lasted about twenty days. Among others, there was a distinguished chief called Atticulaculla, the Indian name, known to the white
22
162
Boonesborough
people by the name of the Little Carpenter-in allusion, say the Indians, to his deep, artful, and ingenious diplomatic abilities, ably demonstrated in negotiating treaties with the white people, and influence in their national councils ; like as a white carpenter could make every notch and joint fit in wood, so he could bring all his views to fill and fit their places in the political machinery of his nation. He was the most celebrated and influential Indian among all the tribes then known ; considered as the Solon of his day. He was said to be about ninety years of age, a very small man, and so lean and light habited, that I scarcely believe he would have exceeded more in weight than a pound for each year of his life. He was marked with two large scores or scars on each cheek, his ears cut and banded with silver, hanging nearly down on each shoulder, the ancient Indian mode of distinction in some tribes and fashion in others. In one of his public talks delivered to the whites, he spoke to this effect : he was an old man, had presided as chief in their council, and as president of his nation for more than half a century, had formerly been appointed agent and envoy extraordinary to the king of England on business of the first importance to his nation; he crossed the big river, arrived at his destination, was received with great distinction, had the honor of dining with his majesty and the nobility ; had the utmost respect paid him by the great men among the white people ; had accomplished his mission with success ; and from the long stand- ing in the highest dignities of his nation, he claimed the confi- dence and good faith in all and everything he would advance in support of the rightful claims of his people to the Bloody Ground, then in treaty to be sold to the white people. His name is men- tioned in the life of General Marion, at a treaty held with the Cherokees at Kewee, in South Carolina, in the year 1762 or '63. The treaty being concluded and the purchase made, we proceeded
163
Appendix
on our journey to meet Col. Daniel Boon, with other adventurers, bound to the same country ; accordingly we met and rendezvoused at the Long Island on Holsteen river, united our small force with Colonel Boon and his associates, his brother, Squire Boon, and Col. Richard Callaway, of Virginia. Our company, when united, amounted to 30 persons. We then, by general consent, put our- selves under the management and control of Col. Boon, who was to be our pilot and conductor through the wilderness, to the promised land ; perhaps no adventurers since the days of Don Quixote, or before, ever felt so cheerful and elated in prospect ; every heart abounded with joy and excitement in anticipating the new things we would see, and the romantic scenes through which we must pass ; and, exclusive of the novelty of the journey, the advantages and accumulations ensuing on the settlement of a new country was a dazzling object with many of our company. Under the influence of these impressions we went our way rejoicing with transporting views of our success, taking our leave of the civilized world for a season.
About the 10th of March we put off from the Long Island, marked out our track with our hatchets, crossed Clinch and Powell's river, over Cumberland mountain, and crossed Cum- berland river -came to a watercourse called by Col. Rockcastle river ; killed a fine bear on our way, camped all night and had an excellent supper.
On leaving that river, we had to encounter and cut our way through a country of about twenty miles, entirely covered with dead brush, which we found a difficult and laborious task. At the end of which we arrived at the commencement of a cane country, traveled about thirty miles through thick cane and reed, and as the cane ceased, we began to discover the pleasing and rapturous appearance of the plains of Kentucky. A new sky and
164
Boonesborough
strange earth seemed to be presented to our view. So rich a soil we had never seen before; covered with clover in full bloom, the woods were abounding with wild game-turkeys so numerous that it might be said they appeared but one flock, universally scattered in the woods. It appeared that nature, in the profu- sion of her bounty, had spread a feast for all that lives, both for the animal and rational world. A sight so delightful to our view and grateful to our feelings, almost inclined us, in imitation of Columbus, in transport to kiss the soil of Kentucky, as he hailed and saluted the sand on his first setting his foot on the shores of America. The appearance of the country coming up to the full measure of our expectations, and seemed to exceed the fruitful source of our imaginary prospects.
We felt ourselves as passengers through a wilderness just arrived at the fields of Elysium, or at the garden where was no forbidden fruit. Nothing can furnish the contemplative mind with more sublime reflections, than nature unbroken by art ; we can there trace the wisdom of the Great Architect in the con- struction of his work in nature's simplicity, which, when he had finished, he pronounced all good. But, alas! the vision of a moment made dream of a dream, and the shadow of a shade ! Man may appoint, but One greater than. men can disappoint. A sad reverse overtook us two days after, on our way to Ken- tucky river. On the 25th of March, 1775, we were fired on by the Indians, in our camp asleep, about an hour before day. Capt. Twetty was shot in both knees, and died the third day after. A black man, his body servant, killed dead ; myself badly wounded ; our company dispersed. So fatal and tragical an event cast a deep gloom of melancholy over all our prospects, and high calculations of long life and happy days in our newly-discovered country were prostrated ; hope vanished from the most of us, and
165
Appendix
left us suspended in the tumult of uncertainty and conjecture. Col. Boon, and a few others, appeared to possess firmness and fortitude. In our calamitous situation, a circumstance occurred one morning after our misfortunes, that proved the courage and stability of our few remaining men ( for some had gone back). One of our men, who had run off at the fire of the Indians on our camp, was discovered peeping from behind a tree, by a black woman belonging to Colonel Callaway, while gathering some wood. She ran in and gave the alarm of Indians. Colonel Boon instantly caught his rifle, ordered the men to form, take trees, and give battle, and not to run till they saw him fall. They formed agreeably to his directions, and I believe they would have fought with equal bravery to any Spartan band ever brought to the field of action, when the man behind the tree announced his name and came in. My situation was critical and dangerous, being then a youth, three hundred miles from white inhabitants. My friend and guardian, Captain Twetty, taken dead from my side, my wounds pronounced by some to be mortal, produced very serious reflections. Yet withal I retained firmness to support me under the presure of distress, and did not suffer me to languish in depression of mind.
But where shall I begin, or where can I end, in thanks and grateful acknowledgment to that benign and merciful Protector who spared and preserved me in the blaze of danger and in the midst of death! I trust I shall remember that singular and pro- tecting event, with filial sensations of gratitude, while I retain my recollections. We remained in the same place twelve days ; I could not be removed sooner without the danger of instant death. At length I was carried in a litter between two horses, twelve miles, to Kentucky river, where we made a station, and called it Boonsborough, situated in a plain on the south side of the river,
166
Boonesborough
wherein was a lick with two sulphur springs strongly impregnated. On entering the plain we were permitted to view a very inter- esting and romantic sight. A number of buffaloes, of all sizes, supposed to be between two and three hundred, made off from the lick in every direction ; some running, some walking, others loping slowly and carelessly, with young calves playing, skipping and bounding through the plain. Such a sight some of us never saw before, nor perhaps may never again. But to proceed, Colonel Richard Henderson, Colonel Luttrell, from North Car- olina ; Captain William Cock, since the Honorable Judge Cock, of Tennessee, and Colonel Thomas Slaughter, of Virginia, arrived in the month of April with a company of about thirty men. Our military forces, when united, numbered about sixty or sixty- five men, expert riflemen. We lived plentifully on wild meat, buffalo, bear, deer, and turkey, without bread or salt, generally in good health, until the month of July, when I left the country.
Colonel Richard Henderson, being the chief proprietor in the purchase of the bloody ground ( indeed so to us), acted as Gov- ernor, called an assembly, by election of members, out of our small numbers; organized a government, convened the assembly in May, 1775, consisting of eighteen members, exclusive of the speaker, passed several laws for the regulation of our little com- munity, well adapted to the policy of an infant government.
This assembly was held under two shade trees, in the plains of Boonsborough. This was the first feature of civilization ever attempted in what is now called the Western Country.
This small beginning, that little germ of policy, by a few adventurers from North Carolina, has given birth to the now flourishing State of Kentucky. From that period the population increased with such rapidity, that in less than twenty years it became a State.
167
Appendix
In justice to Colonel Henderson, it may be said, that his message or address to the assembly alluded to was considered equal to any of like kind ever delivered to any deliberate body in that day and time.
In the sequel and conclusion of my narrative I must not neglect to give honor to whom honor is due. Colonel Boone conducted the company under his care through the wilderness, with great propriety, intrepidity and courage; and was I to enter an excep- tion to any part of his conduct, it would be on the ground that he appeared void of fear and of consequence-too little caution for the enterprise. But let me, with feeling recollection and lasting gratitude, ever remember the unremitting kindness, sympathy, and attention paid to me by Col. Boone in my distress. He was my father, my physician, and friend ; he attended me as his child, cured my wounds by the use of medicines from the woods, nursed me with paternal affection until I recovered, without the expec- tation of reward. Gratitude is the only tribute I can pay to his memory. He is now beyond the praise or the blame of mortals, in that world unknown from whose bourne no traveler returns. I also was kindly treated by all my companions, particularly John Kennedy. From Captain Cock I received kind and friendly attentions.
We continued in our station ; our men were out viewing and exploring the country choosing such tracts of land as suited them, plenty for all, and thought all was our own.
Colonel James Herod, my old acquaintance in North Carolina, come up to see me tarried a few days. Being a little recovered, I went home with him to his station, since called Herodsbough, where he had a few men. I tarried there two weeks, and returned to Boonsborough. These two stations contained the whole popu- lation of that country, which did not exceed in number one hun- dred men.
168
Boonesborough
The company in our station continued to traverse the country through woods and wilds, choosing their lots of future inheritance, until the month of July, when I returned home to my father's residence in North Carolina, and have not seen Kentucky since, which I have often regretted.
I have been often solicited to make a publication of this adventure, but still declined. Until late, there appears some- thing like it in the newspapers, which is not correct.
I, therefore thought it incumbent on me, as one of the com- pany, and in possession of all the facts, to make this statement, and give it publicity, which I know to be truth by hard experience ; and perhaps I may be the last solitary individual of that number left to give a correct relation of that adventure.
H BOONE'S LETTER OF APRIL 1, 1775.
ADDRESSED TO "COLONEL RICHARD HENDERSON - THESE WITH CARE."
(From the Original, copied by Judge James Hall in 1835.)
APRIL THE FIRST, 1775.
Dear Colonel :
After my compliments to you I shall acquaint you of our mis- fortune. On March the 25 a party of Indians fired on my Company about half an hour before day and killed Mr. Twetty and his negro and wounded Mr. Walker very deeply, but I hope he will recover. On March the 28 as we were hunting for provisions we found Samuel Tate's son, who gave us an account that the Indians fired on their camp on the 27 day. My brother and I went down and found two men killed and sculped, Thomas McDowell and Jeremiah McPeters.
Appendix 169
I have sent a man down to all the lower companies in order to gather them all to the mouth of Otter Creek. My advise to you, sir, is to come or send as soon as possible. Your company is desired greatly, for the people are very uneasy, but are willing to stay and venture their lives with you, and now is the time to fluster- ate their intentions and keep the country, whilst we are in it. If we give way to them now, it will ever be the case. This day we start from the battle ground, for the mouth of Otter Creek, where we shall immediately erect a fort, which will be done before you can come or send-then we can send ten men to meet you, if you send for them. I am sir your most obedient
DANIEL BOONE.'
N. B .- We stood on the ground and guarded our baggage till day, and lost nothing. We have about fifteen miles to Cantuck at Otter Creek.
I
JUDGE RICHARD HENDERSON'S JOURNAL OF A TRIP TO "CANTUCKEY" AND OF EVENTS AT BOONESBOROUGH IN 1775.
(From the Original in the Library of the Wis. S. Historical Society.2)
Monday March 20th 1775 Having finished my treaty with the Indians at Wataugah set out for Louisa.
Tuesday 2Ist. Went to Mr. John Seviers.
1 Boone's signature, opposite page 89, is a fac-simile from the original of this letter.
2 The original of the journal here given in part, comprising eighty pages of a memorandum book used by Judge Henderson, was loaned by Pleasant Henderson to Mann Butler when that writer was preparing his History of Kentucky. Mr. Butler seems to have deposited the little book
23
170
Boonesborough
Thursday 23d Still at Mr. Seviers because our horses were lost though not uneasy as Messrs. Hart and Luttrell made a poor hand of traveling.
Friday 24th. Set off in pursuit of Hart and Luttrell, overtook them both, and lodged at Capt. Bledsoes.
Saturday 25th Came to Mrs. Callaways.
Monday 27th Employed in storing away goods.
Wednesday 29th Continued our journey.
Thursday 30th Arrived at Capt Martins in Powells Valley. Friday 3Ist-Employed in making house to secure the wagons as we could not possibly clear the road any further My wagon & Saml. Henderson came up,-also Mr. Luttrell in the evening.
Saturday April Ist. - Employed in making ready for packing. Mr Hart came up.
Tuesday 4th-Waiting for the wagon-the same evening the wagon arrived though so late we could not proceed.
Wednesday 5th Started off with our pack horses ab't 3-o'Clock. Traveled about 5 miles to a large spring-the same evening Mr Luttrell went out hunting and has not yet returned. Nathl Henderson & Jas Durring went in pursuit of him-The same evening Saml Hendersons & John Farrars horses took a scare with their packs and ran away with same.
Next morning Saml. Henderson & Farrar went in pursuit of their horses.
Thursday 6th Traveled about six miles to the last settlement in Powells Valley, where we were obliged to stop and kill a beef
with the Kentucky Historical Society about the year 1839, after which it came into the hands of the late Lyman C. Draper of the Wis. His. Society. It is one of the very few souvenirs extant of the Transylvania Company and of the founding of Boonesborough. The copy we present was made directly from the original, and, while not entire, is the most complete ever published in historical form, including, as it does, every thing of real value and relevancy in the original that pertains to our subject.
171
Appendix
wait for Saml Henderson &c. Saml Henderson & John Farrar returned to us with their horses packs and everything safe- we having waited at our camp 10 miles below Martins for them.
Friday 7th About break of day begun to snow. About II o'clock received a letter from Mr Luttrells camp that five persons were killed on the road to the Cantuckee, by Indians. Capt Hart, upon the receipt of this news retreated back with his company and determin'd to settle in the Valley to make corn for the Cantuckey people.
The same day received a letter from Daniel Boone that his company was fired upon by Indians who killed two of his men though he kept the ground and saved the baggage &c.
Saturday 8th. Started about 10 o'clock. Crossed Cuniberland Gap. about 4 miles away met about 40 persons returning from the Cantuckey on account of the late murders by the Indians. Could prevail on one only to return. Several Virginians who were with us returned home.
Sunday 9th Arrived at Cumberland River where we met Robt Wills & his son returning.
Monday 10th Dispatched Capt Cocke to the Cantuckey to inform Capt Boone that we were on the road. Continued at camp that day on account of the badness of the weather.
Tuesday IIth Started from Cumberl'd. made a very good days travel of near 20 miles, kill'd beef &c.
Wednesday 12th Traveled about 5 miles-prevented going any further by the rains and high water at Richland Creek.
Thursday 13th Last night arrived near our camp Stewart and ten other men who camped within half mile of us on their return from Lousia. Camped that night at Sorrel River-they had well nigh turned three or four of our Virginians back.
Saturday 15th Travel'd about 18 miles and camped on the
I72
Boonesborough
North side of Rock Castle River-this river a fork of Cumber- land. Lost an ax this morning at camp.
Sunday 16th About 12 oclock met James McAfee with 18 other persons returning from Cantuckey. Travel'd about 22 miles and camped on the head of Dicks River where Luna from McAfees camp came to us resolved to go to the Louisa.
Monday 17th. Started. About 3 o'clock prevented by rain. Travel'd 7 Miles. Tuesday 18th Travel'd about 16 miles. Met Michael Stoner with pack horses to assist us. Camp't that night in the eye of the rich land. Stoner brought us excellent beef in plenty.
Wednesday 19th Travel'd about 16 miles and camped on Otter Creek - a good mill place.
Thursday 20th Arrived at Fort Boone on the mouth of Otter Creek, Cantukey River where we were saluted by a running fire of about 25 Guns, all that was then at Fort-The men appeared in high spirits and much rejoiced on our arrival.
Friday 2Ist On Viewing the Fort, and finding the plan not suf- ficient to admit of building for the reception of our company and a scarcity of ground suitable for clearing at such an advanced sea- son, was at some loss how to proceed, Mr Boone's company having laid off most of the adjacent good lands into lots of two acres each and taking as it fell to each individual by lot was in actual possession and occupying them. After some perplexity resolved to erect a fort on the opposite side of a large lick near the river bank which would place us at the distance of about 300 yards from the other fort the only commodious place near or where we could be of any service to Boone's men or vice versa. On communicating my thoughts to Mr Luttrell on this subject with my reasons for preferring this place to a large spring over a hill about three quarters of a mile from Fort Boone, he readily gave
173
Appendix
his assent and seemed pleased with the choice. Mr. Hart said in a very cold indifferent manner "he thought it might do well enough." Accordingly 'twas resolved, that a fort should be built at said place and we moved our tents to the ground-i. e. Mr Luttrell and myself and our particular company lodged there Saturday night 22d.
Sunday 23d Passed the day without public worship as no place provided for that purpose. Monday proceeded with the assistance of Capt. Boone & Col. Callaway in laying off lots, finished 19 besides one reserved round a fine spring. Tuesday finished the lots in all 54 i e new ones.
Saturday 22d finished running off all the lots we could con- veniently get, to-wit 54 & gave notice of our intention of having them drawn for in the evening but as Mr Robt McAfee, his brother Saml & some more were not well satisfied whether they would draw or not, wanting to go down the river about 50 miles near Capt Harrods settlement where they had begun improve- ments and left them on the late alarm. Informed by myself in hearing of all attending, that such settlements should not entitle them to lands from us. Appeared much concerned and at a loss what to do. On which the lottery was deferred til next morning at sun rise ; thereby giving them time to come to a resolution.
Sunday 23 Drew lots.
Tuesday 25. Had a second lottery at the end of which every body seemed well satisfied. I had been able by one way or other to obtain 4 lots for the fort garden &c.
Wednesday 26 Other people coming, employed in showing lots for their use. Sowed small seed, planted cucumbers &c.
Thursday 27 Employed in clearing Fort lot &c. Mr Luttrell, Nat Henderson & Saml Henderson all that assisted me. Mr Hart having made choice of a piece of ground for his own & people's
I74
Boonesborough
cultivation adjacent to the town lands said, Mr Luttrell reported, that he would have nothing to say to the Fort, things were managed in such a manner, tho' cannot guess the reason of his discontent.
Friday 28th Mr Luttrell chose a piece of ground about 34 of a mile from the fort and set three of his people to work. Two remained with me to assist in clearing about where the fort is to stand.
Saturday 29-Built or rather begun a little house for magazine but did not finish it.
Wednesday May 3d Finished the magazine. Capt John Floyd arrived here conducted by one Jo. Drake from a camp on Dicks River where he had left about 30 men in his company from Vir- ginia, and said he was sent by them to know on what terms they might settle our lands-That if terms were reasonable they would pitch on some place on which to make corn, or otherwise go on the north side of the River. Was much at a loss on account of his message as he was Surveyor of Fincastle under Col Preston who had exerted himself against us. We thought it most advisable to secure them to our interest if possable. Accordingly though the season was too far advanced to make much corn, yet promised them land.
We restrained these men to settle some where in a compact body for mutual defense, and to be obedient to such laws as should from time to time be made for the Government of all the adven- turers on our purchase and gave them leave to make choice of any lands not before marked by any of our men, or a certain Capt & his men who were settled some where about 50 miles west of us on the head of Salt River of whom we could form no con- jecture, but thought it best to prevent any interuption to him or his men 'til we should know, what he intended with respect to us
175
Appendix
and our titles. The day before this one Capt Collomes and Mr Berry with five other men arrived here from Virginia, and gladly treated with us for lands and other indulgences which we granted.
Thursday 4th Capt Floyd returned home, seemed highly pleased with gaining his point and expressed great satisfaction on being informed of the plan we proposed for legislation which is no more than the peoples sending delegates to act for them in Gen. Convention &c.
Friday 5th-Nothing material-let Mr Wm Cocke have five yards & a half oznaburgs off my old tent for which I charge him 5s 6d Va. money.
Sunday 7th Went into the woods with my brother's Nat, Saml. and Capt Boone after a horse left out on Saturday night. Stayed till night & on our return found Capt Harrod & Col Thomas Slaughter from Harrods Town on Dicks River.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.