USA > Kentucky > The history of Kentucky, from its earliest discovery and settlement, to the present date, V. 1 > Part 28
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To this it was answered, that women were in the habit of bringing water every morning to the fort, and that if the Indians saw them so engaged as usual, it would lead them to think their ambuscade was undiscovered; and that they would not unmask for the sake of firing at a few women, when they were hoping to gain complete possession of the fort by remaining con- cealed; that if the men should go to the spring, the Indians would suspect something to be wrong, and despairing of their ambuscade, would rush on them, shoot them, and follow them into the fort.
The decision was soon made. The bolder declared their willingness at once, and the younger and more timid acquiesced. They marched down in a body to the spring, under the death-dealing guns of hundreds of warriors, and in point-blank range. Some of the girls betrayed symptoms of fear. but the married women moved with a steadiness and composure that com- pletely deceived the Indians. Not a shot was fired. One bucket after another was filled, without interruption; and although their steps became quicker and quicker, and, as they neared the gate, degenerated into a rather unmilitary haste, attended with some ungraceful crowding in passing the gate, yet not more than one-fourth of the water was spilled on the entire way.
The defensive arrangements completed, thirteen men were sent out of the fort to attack the decoy party, with spirit and vigor, while the remainder of the garrison, with guns ready, waited for the ambushed foe to assault. The strategy succeeded. Girty, at the head of the main body of warriors, sprang out of concealment, and rushed toward the palisades, undefended as he thought. The Indians were thoroughly undeceived. as the riflemen poured several deadly volleys, in succession, into the dusky ranks, and with destructive fatality. In a daze of consternation, they scattered to the woods,
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and in a few minutes not one was visible. The smaller party of the garri- son, who had sallied out on the Lexington road, now came running safely into the fort again, elated at the success of their counterplot against the savages.
Tomlinson and Bell had been dispatched on fleet horses to Lexington for re-enforcements. On arrival, they found all the fighting men had marched to the rendezvous at Hoy's station, for its protection, having had intelli- gence of Holder's defeat. The couriers followed them at full speed, and overtaking them on the road, informed them of the attack on Bryan's. The attack on Hoy's was no doubt a diversion, to prevent aid going to Bryan s There were with them some from other stations, on the same errand, in all about fifty men, one-third of whom were mounted. The order of counter- march was promptly given, and as promptly obeyed, toward Bryan's station. By two o'clock in the afternoon, this force appeared before the station, as yet unconscious of the numbers of the enemy. With gallant resolve, they dashed forward to cut their way into the fort. The Indians had seen the couriers break through their lines early in the morning, and were upon the alert expectant for the arrival of re-enforcements, prepared to give them a bloody welcome.
On the left of the road to Lexington, within a short distance of the fort, there was a luxuriant field of Indian corn, of one hundred acres, standing at full height of ten feet, a dense wilderness of dark green; and upon the opposite side of the road, a forest of virgin growth. Here, on either side, lay three hundred painted warriors, well hid in ambush. Firing had ceased, and all was quiet. As the re-enforce neared the fort, in file along the narrow way, the horsemen spurred into a brisk gallop, at a venture, when suddenly they were saluted with a shower of bullets from the woods and the corn-field. The gallop was quickened to a run at full speed, through a rattling fire, for several hundred yards. Owing to the rapid pace, and to the friendly clouds of blinding dust raised by the horses' feet, they entered the fort by a miracle of escape, without a wound. The foot soldiers fared not so well. They had entered the corn-field to take advantage of its cover in making their way to the fort. Instead of following out this instinct of self-preservation, when they heard the firing, without reckoning the number of guns, they rushed toward the sound of battle, and suddenly found themselves within pistol- shot of three hundred savages between themselves and the fort. There was but a saving coincidence to avert an impending slaughter. The red men had not time to reload since their fire upon the horsemen, but rushed furi- ously upon the little band of riflemen with brandished tomahawks. The resolute whites cocked and pointed their deadly loaded rifles at the over- whelming enemy, who were ever cautious in rushing upon these weapons in the hands of skillful backwoodsmen. Falling back to reload, the Kentuck- ians ran rapidly and tortuously through the sheltering corn-stalks. The In- dians pursued, while the melee degenerated into a disorderly effort of every
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GIRTY FAILS IN NEGOTIATION.
man to run, or fight his way out as best he could. Some escaped through the corn and cane, some were shot down, and others kept up a running single-handed fight against the pursuers. A daring and active young man was hotly pursued by Girty and several warriors, when, after several feints at shooting, he felt himself compelled to pull the trigger, and Girty fell at the crack of the rifle. His red comrades stopped to gather around their leader, when the white man made good his escape. But Girty was not des- tined to die of that well-aimed messenger. The thick leather of his bullet- pouch caught the missive before it reached a vital point, and the concussive force but knocked the renegade down.
The corn-field was a lively theater for the life-and-death drama played for an hour. The rattling stalks of corn, as the pursued dodged the pur- suers, the frequent sharp report of the rifle, and the yells and war-whoops that arose above the waving tassels from unseen combatants, presented a grand medley of exciting incidents not often repeated. Only six of the Kentuckians were killed and wounded, and the remainder of those escaping made their way back to Lexington.
It was near the close of the day, and both sides had mainly ceased firing. The Indians had not been successful in strategy, nor in the issues of battle. Their losses, especially in the morning, had been severe and disheartening. They knew that the country was now well alarmed, and that the back- woods avengers would, by an early hour the next day, be upon them in force. The chiefs spoke of decamping at once, to which Girty, who had promised and boasted much, demurred. As a forlorn, though not very animating, hope, he would try the efficacy of negotiation. Shadowing him- self behind a large stump that stood not far from one of the bastions, and, crawling on his hands and knees immediately under its protection, he hailed the garrison. McClung pictures in lively words the serio-comic diplomacy that passed between Girty and a spokesman for the fort. Girty highly com- mended their courage, but assured them that resistance was madness, as he had six hundred warriors with him, and hourly awaited re-enforcements, with artillery, which would batter their fort walls like an egg-shell; that if the fort was taken by artillery and storm, it would be impossible for him to save their lives; but if they surrendered at once, he gave his word of honor that they should be treated as prisoners of war. He told them his name, inquired if they knew him, and assured them they might safely trust his word.
The garrison listened in silence to this speech, and many seemed dis- mayed at the mention of cannon, remembering the fate of Ruddle's station. But a young man by the name of Aaron Reynolds, highly distinguished for courage, energy, and gayety of temper, perceiving the effect of Girty's speech, assumed to reply to it.
To Girty's inquiry "whether the garrison knew him," Reynolds replied "that he was very well known; that he himself had a very worthless dcg, to which he had given the name 'Simon Girty,' in striking resemblance to
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the man of that name; that if he had either artillery or re-enforcements, he might bring them up and try them ; that if either himself or any of the naked rascals with him found their way into the fort, they would disdain to use their guns against them, but would drive them out with switches; and finally he declared that they also expected re-enforcements; that the whole country was marching to their assistance; and that if Girty and his gang of mur- derers remained twenty-four hours longer, their scalps would be spread out to dry in the sun on the roofs of the cabins."
Girty took great offense at the tone and language of the young Ken- tuckian, and retired, with an expression of sorrow for the inevitable destruc- tion that awaited the whites by the morrow. He quickly rejoined the chiefs. and instant preparations were made for raising the siege, and at daylight in the morning the deserted camp alone remained. Fires were still brightly burning, and several pieces of meat were left upon their roasting-sticks, showing the departure to have been just at daylight.
But the sequel to this episode of attack and repulse at Bryan's fort was as saddening to the homes and hearts of the frontiersmen as the discomfiture of the invading army had been dispiriting to Girty and his warrior hosts. On the retreat of the latter, the most energetic measures were taken to hasten forward for rendezvous at Bryan's, the re-enforcements already on the move forward from Harrodsburg, Boonesborough, Logan's fort, and other stations in calling distance. By the 18th, one hundred and eighty-one riflemen had gathered, and several hundred more were expected in less than twenty-four hours, under command of Colonel Logan, from the south side of the Kentucky river. All were but too eager for the pursuit and punish- ment of the savage hordes before they could recross the Ohio; and from premature action born of this eagerness resulted the disaster of Blue Licks.
Of this last signal and sanguinary contest by the invading enemy upon Kentucky soil, so fatal to many of our brave ancestors, and yet so like an expiring effort of desperation on the part of the implacable foe, we find a graphic account from an able and eloquent pen : 1
"The Indian chiefs were dispirited by the failure of the expedition, and insisted on a retreat before the arrival of large numbers should make retreat too dangerous. The prompt response already shown warned them that the settlements would send in all their best men, and they felt how hazardous their position might become.
"Girty yielded reluctantly, or with assumed reluctance, to the demand for retreat, and siege was raised on the 17th in the forenoon. 2 Camp-fires were left burning, and pieces of meat were upon the roasting-sticks. The retreat was ostentatious, and it was supposed that the Indians were in full march for their towns beyond the Ohio. The Indians trailed their way silently, yet defiantly, northward, inviting better opportunity.
I Colonel John Mason Brown's oration at Blue Licks' Centennial.
2 Boone's letter of 30th of August, 1782, to the Governor of Virginia.
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THE PURSUIT AND MARCH.
"The remainder of the day was spent by the Kentuckians in assuring themselves that the retreat was genuine and not a mere pretense, and in de- liberation as to the advisability of immediate pursuit.
"It does not appear that there was any serious diversity of opinion among the chiefs of the Kentuckians. A very large proportion of those present bore commissions in the militia, and the militia of Kentucky at that time was a body constantly employed on serious duty. The haste of the summons, the urgency of the danger, and the determined purpose of them all, made the question of military rank the least important of their consid- erations. In the companies that were extemporized, captains and lieutenants took places in the ranks without quibble or contention. It would seem likely, too, considering the smallness of the force, and its composition of citizen soldiery, that the interchange of opinion was general and free. There were few present whose experience of frontier life did not warrant their joining in the discussion. The pursuit was resolved on, and the march commenced.
"Following the well-defined trace south of and not far from the present turnpike road that connects Lexington with Paris and Maysville, the pur- suers crossed David's Fork and the dividing ridge; thence down Houston creek and along the north bank the route lay until at a point near the present village of Houston, in Bourbon county, it forms one with the great main road reaching north-eastward.
"The evidences of the Indians' sudden retreat were numerous and seemed conclusive. In the abandoned camp the fires were left burning and cooked meat untasted. The trail was compact, as though the entire force had been called in to march off in a body. It was not a great while before the line of the Indian retreat was certainly ascertained. and it became clear that, instead of turning northward at some point near the present town of Paris and pushing by the shortest road, past where now are built Cynthiana and Falmouth, for the mouth of the Little Miami and the Pickaway towns, the Indians were moving along the main trace toward the Lower Blue Licks. They were following the straight path that the unerring instinct of the buffalo indicated to our engineers as the route for a great thorough- fare.
"The night of the 18th brought renewed consultation, for Stoner's creek had been crossed near Martin's station, three miles north of where Paris now is, and Hinkson forded near Millersburg, and the little army halted on the trail. The camp-fires passed during the day, marking the place where the Indians had halted for the previous night, had been noted by the observant pioneers. Their number was few, and they were near together, giving ground for the inference that the Indians either felt confidence in their superior numbers, and were inviting pursuit, or that they were guard- ing cautiously against an attack by the whites. The trees along the trace showed marks of the tomahawk, and this betokened a march free from
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hurry and trepidation. Perhaps, thought some of the pioneers, Girty does not know that he is followed, and it may be that by another day's rapid marching he can be surprised in his camp. Perhaps, thought they, he fancies the perilous country already passed, and the safe bank of the Ohio so near as to put him beyond reach. The able renegade had so well con- ducted his force that the most experienced pioneer could not divine that he meant an ambuscade and fight.
"Girty showed a soldiership in retreating by a new route, for Clark, with a good force, was at the Falls of the Ohio, and might well take him in flank if he passed down to the mouth of the Licking. Boone and Todd were trained in Indian war-as, indeed, were all their comrades-and rightly interpreted the motive that controlled Girty. The pursuit up to the time of the battle was justified by soundest considerations.
"The march, which had already traversed that lovely succession of hill and dale, fairest of all fair views to the Kentuckian's eye, and had reached beyond the present county of Bourbon, was resumed with the coming of dawn.
"Monday, the 19th of August, came. As the morning advanced, the speed of the pursuit was quickened, for many unerring signs betokened that the enemy could not be very far distant. Still, all was order and circumspec- tion, for the leaders were as prudent as they were brave, and every man was a veteran. The advance continued, still following the trace and the well- marked route of the foe. Yet, not an Indian was seen nor any preparation for resistance observed. Farther still the Kentuckians pressed on, vigilant against surprise and wary of ambuscade, and still the enemy were un- reached.
"But as the column approached the Licking river the advanced guard caught the first sight of Indians on the further bank. Girty had safely crossed the stream, and felt that he had the vantage ground, as well as su- periority of numbers.
" The Indians, when first seen, were leisurely ascending the rocky ridge that leads up from the river on its northern bank. They were but few. They paused, and seemed to regard the whites with indifference, and then disap- peared over the crest of yonder hill.
"The trace which the pursuers had followed. coming down to the stream by a narrow and difficult approach on the south bank, led up the bare ac- clivity on the other side, surmounting its crest where a narrow ridge gave passage way between two ravines that spread on either side, with easy sweep toward the stream.
"Here it was that the Indians chose their battlefield. A better choice could not have been made, whether the purpose were to resist an assault or lay an ambuscade. The warriors were carefully secreted within the dense shrubbery that filled the ravines, and there awaited the approach of the whites.
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BOONE'S ADVICE TO THE WARRIORS.
"The pioneers stopped on the southern bank for consultation. It must be plain to all who will recall the circumstances of the assembly and the march, and bear in mind that the whole country was aroused and in motion to re-enforce them, that the pioneers had but little cause to fear an attack. Their position was strong. Flanked by difficult hills, and protected by the river in their front, they might well have counted on repelling assault and holding good their own until the coming up of their friends would enable them to take the aggressive. There was no cause or reason for retreat; but the question of advance was one of profound moment.
"Whose voice should have weight in such a crisis? Whose counsel should control or whose opinion govern ? All eyes turned to the veteran, who, better than living man, knew the foe before them, and all listened with respectful attention to the brief reply he gave when interrogated by Todd. His plan was simple. It was to await the arrival of Logan, already on the march with more than two hundred men. With such a re-enforcement, the Indians could be attacked and victory fairly expected. And when Logan should arrive, the old veteran further counseled that the attack be not made directly up the rocky point, but by flanking the hills and ravines, so obvi- ously dangerous.
" Boone knew the locality perfectly well, for he had repeatedly visited it, and four years before had been captured near the spot and led away a pris- oner. He was entitled by every right to advise, and his advice met the approval of all the wiser and cooler men present.
"In this critical moment, the age and experience of Daniel Boone in Indian warfare insensibly attracted the attention of every one present to solicit his advice at this perilous moment, to obtain which Colonel Todd ad- dressed Colonel Boone as follows: ' Skilled in Indian warfare, and familiar with the ground in the vicinity of this place, we require your opinion on the expediency of attacking the enemy in their present position.'
"The veteran woodsman, with his usual unmoved gravity, replied that their situation was critical and delicate; that the force opposed to them was undoubtedly numerous and ready for battle, as might readily be seen from the leisurely retreat of the few Indians who had appeared upon the crest of the hill; that he was well acquainted with the ground in the neighbor- hood of the Lick, and was apprehensive that an ambuscade was formed at the distance of a mile in advance, where two ravines, one upon each side of the ridge, ran in such a manner that a concealed enemy might assail them at once, both in front and flank, before they were apprised of the danger. It would be proper, therefore, to do one of two things-either to await the arrival of Logan, who was now undoubtedly on his march to join them, or if it was determined to attack without delay, that one-half of their number should march up the river, which there bends in an elliptical form, cross at the rapids, and fall upon the rear of the enemy while the other division attacked in front. At any rate, he strongly urged the necessity of recon-
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noitering the ground carefully before the main body crossed the river. The advice was such as seemed reasonable to the more thoughtful present.
"In all the remarkable traits which the unique character of Boone pre- sents, none is more striking than his constant self-possession and calm good sense in every emergency. No peril ever overcame his judgment; no dis- aster impaired his presence of mind. An unvarying tranquillity gave force to his advice, as it so often secured success to his boldest undertakings. No man in our history has so singularly blended the constant pursuit of a haz- ardous life with a contemplative nature and a prudent habit of thought.
" It is quite evident from the written accounts that have been prepared by various hands, and from the oral traditions which still linger in families that draw their descent from the pioneers-those stories of the olden time now dwelling in the memories of aged men as their grandfathers told them years ago-that the better opinion coincided with Boone's counsel.
"Todd and Trigg and Harlan certainly wished to await Logan's arrival. The enemy had been brought to bay, as it seemed, and a decisive battle might be fought, with every hope of success should the re-enforcements arrive. The concurrent judgment of the four-Boone, Todd, Trigg, and Harlan-decided the question, for they were the superior officers; and, what was more important in such a command, it satisfied the rank and file that to wait was expedient and not inconsistent with the truest courage, for the courage of each was proverbial, and the conduct of each had been proven in many ways and amid many dangers.
"The name of Boone was the synonym for all adventure and bold cau- tion. The others were worthy to be his compeers.
"The four officers chief in rank agreed that Logan's arrival should be waited for. The junior officers, Majors Levi Todd and McBride, Captains Patterson, Gordon. Bulger, and others acquiesced. The entire command was content to obey the order to halt from those whose courage and judg- ment they implicitly trusted.
"But there was one man whose restless and insubordinate nature and rash indifference to danger could not brook the delay. To his charge has justly been laid the disorder, the tumultuous and blind rush, the heedless and unhappy disregard of Boone's counsel and Todd's commands, the brave lives lost on that sad day.
"The name of Major Hugh McGary will be remembered until Ken- tuckians forget the story of the pioneers. It will be mentioned whenever men tell of the battle of the Blue Licks. It will remain conspicuous in the annals of our earlier times. Even his virtues of courage and endurance come down to us, and will be further transmitted in our history, clouded by the great misfortune of which he was the cause. He was a rude, brave, violent man. No early discipline, either of the family or the school, had taught him deference to the authority of others, or formed the habit of self-control. The resolute and tranquil philosophy of Boone he could not
2II
M'GARY'S IMPETUOSITY.
understand. The large and noble character of Logan was beyond his com- prehension, and he despised the accomplishments of Todd and Trigg. His daring was proverbial, and his adventures as rash as they were numerous. But his bravest feats were ofttimes the outgrowth of mere turbulence, and soiled by the inspiration of personal revenge. He rose not to the noble thought that a new people and a great State were to honor in the coming years those who, with unselfish courage, should lay the foundations of the Commonwealth.
"He was foremost in every peril, and prominent in every strife. His hot blood made him dangerous even to his friends. But the courage and reckless daring with which he courted peril made him a man of mark and value in those dangerous times.
"McGary chose to construe as a want of proper courage the obvious prudence of his superior officers. A few hot words passed as he spoke with Todd and Boone, and then, with headlong impetuosity, he turned his horse's head and dashed into the stream, calling on all who were not cow- ards to follow him.
"The unfortunate example was contagious. Whether it was that they imagined that the order for advance had been given, or whether because of mere unreasoning enthusiasm, the hunter-soldiers followed with a shout, and rushed in disorder across the ford. It was in vain that Todd and Boone and Trigg and Harlan endeavored to restrain the excited crowd. Their men were deaf to entreaty and to command. The entire force passed the river, and they had no choice but to follow. With utmost difficulty a halt was induced, after the crossing was accomplished, on yon low ground where the ridge comes down with its rocky base to join the narrow plain. Dis- order reigned, and authority had been defied.
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