USA > Kentucky > The history of Kentucky : from its earliest settlement to the present time > Part 9
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The command was given to General St. Clair, an officer who was at that time, not only old and infirm, but one who had been very unfortunate in his military career during the Revolutionary war.
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ST. CLAIR'S EXPEDITION.
He was particularly unpopular in Kentucky, and no volunteers could be found to serve under him. The militia of Kentucky had been called on, and about one thousand reluctantly furnished by draft; but as they disliked to serve in conjunc- tion with a regular force, and were unfavourable to the commander-in-chief, many desertions took place daily.
The season was already advanced before St. Clair took the field. The whole force of regulars and levies, able to march from Fort Washington, did not much exceed two thousand men.
The object of the campaign was to establish a line of posts stretching from the Ohio to the Maumee; to build a strong fort on the latter' river, and by leaving in it a garrison of one thou- sand men, to enable the commander of the fort to send out detachments to keep the neighbour- ing Indians in awe.
The army took up its line of march on the 1st of October, and halted for a couple of days at Fort Hamilton, which was built on the Great Miami, twenty-four miles north of the infant city of Cincinnati. On the 4th, the march was resumed. At a distance of forty-four miles fur- ther north, the army was again halted, and Fort Jefferson erected near the present dividing line between Ohio and Indiana. On the 26th of Oc- tober, a reinforcement of several hundred Ken- tucky militia having reached the new fort, the
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march was continued. Encumbered by wagons and artillery, the progress of the army was both slow and painful. The militia from Kentucky, who were for the most part substitutes, were reckless and ungovernable. The levies from other states, also, having been supplied with very inferior clothing, grew discontented, while the term of those who had enlisted earliest was about to expire.
The Kentucky force dwindled at every step. On the 1st of November, a whole regiment de- serted in a body, and the first regiment had to be detached to protect the approaching trains of provision wagons, and escort them to the camp.
In the midst of this unfortunate condition of things, the mountain leader, a Chickasaw chief, doubtless foreseeing the probable result of such gross insubordination, withdrew his band of war- riors and returned home. St. Clair, however, continued his march, and on the evening of the 3d of November halted on one of the tributaries of the Wabash. A few Indians were seen, but they fled with precipitation. The troops en- camped ; the regulars and levies in two lines, covered by the stream; the militia, on the op- posite shore and about a quarter of a mile in ad- vance. Still further in advance, Captain Slough was posted with a company of regulars. His orders were to intercept small parties of the enemy if they should venture to approach the
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AMERICANS SURPRISED.
camp, and to give intelligence of any occurrences that might transpire.
Colonel Oldham, who commanded the remains of the Kentucky levies, had been cautioned to remain on the alert during the night, and to send out patroles of twenty-five or thirty men each, in different directions before daylight, to scour the adjoining woods.
In the course of the night, Captain Slough discovered the Indians approaching in such num- bers, that he drew in his men, and reported to General Butler. The latter, however, by a sin- gular and most fatal negligence, neither reported the information to the commanding general, nor took any measures to check the advance of the savages.
Early the next morning, about sunrise, just as the troops were dismissed from parade, the camp of the militia was suddenly attacked. The regu- lars, who composed the first line on the other side of the stream, formed at the earliest alarm ; but the flying militia rushed in disorder across the water and darted into the camp, closely fol- lowed by swarms of infuriated savages. Many of the latter, having reserved their fire, now poured it in continuous volleys upon the regulars, who, shaken by the distraction and tumult, were unprepared to return it.
The instantaneous exertions of the officers got the troops into some kind of order ; the fire
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HISTORY OF KENTUCKY.
was returned, and the assailants checked for a moment; but the regulars in front never re- covered from the effects of their first confusion. Immediately afterward, a most tremendous fire was directed upon the centre of the shattered front, upon the artillery, and next upon the second line. Firing from the ground, hidden behind trees, or logs, or brush, and never seen but when darting from covert to covert, the In- dians advanced in front, and on either flank, close upon the American lines, and up to the mouths of the field-pieces, from which the men were driven with great slaughter. The second line made several charges with the bayonet, be- fore which the Indians gave way ; but they soon rallied, and returned to the attack as fiercely as ever.
At length the Indians broke into the camp on the left flank, and flinging aside their guns, sprang upon the Americans and hewed them down with the tomahawk. They were again charged with the bayonet, and retreated ; but immediately the pursuit stopped, they returned again to the camp. These movements were frequently repeated, and always with the same result.
In these charges many officers fell ; and among them General Butler, the second in command. St. Clair, labouring under the effects of gout, was unable to leave his cot. The Indians had turned the left flank of the encampment. The artillery,
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DISGRACEFUL ROUT.
which had been captured and retaken several times, was no longer serviceable, every officer belonging to it being killed, except one, and he, badly wounded, was in the power of the enemy. A retreat was determined on. The shattered troops were collected toward the right of the camp : a charge was made as if to turn the right flank of the enemy, but in fact to gain possession of the road. No sooner was this accomplished, than the militia broke and ran. The other troops then followed in perfect and most irremediable rout. They strewed their arms all along the way, were deaf to every order, and perfectly ungovernable. The camp, artillery, baggage, and wounded, were left in the hands of the enemy. Most of the officers had already fallen. St. Clair made his escape on a pack-horse, which he could neither mount nor dismount without assistance.
The Indians soon gave over the pursuit, but the flying troops did not stop until they reached Fort Jefferson, where they arrived about sunset completely exhausted, one day's flight having carried them over a space which covered a fort- night's advance. Here the first regiment was found three hundred strong. Its presence in the field, in St. Clair's opinion, would not have altered the fortune of the day, as the troops pos- sessed too little discipline to recover from their first confusion, while its destruction would have completed the triumph of the enemy, and left
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the frontier without any organized defence. Leaving his wounded at Fort Jefferson, St. Clair retreated to Cincinnati, the point from which the expedition had started.
The loss in this disastrous enterprise amounted to upward of nine hundred men, including fifty- nine officers. Of these, six hundred were killed. The Indian force was supposed to have ranged some where between one thousand and fifteen hundred, including half-breeds and refugees, and among the latter the notorious Girty. The prin- cipal leader was said to have been Little Turtle, a chief of the Miamis, who had led on the attack against Harmar the year before.
CHAPTER XI.
Personal incidents of St. Clair's campaign-William Kennan- His strength and activity-Discovers the Indians-Is pur- sued by them-A race for life-His extraordinary leap-The retreat-Carries a wounded companion-His terrible recourse to relieve himself-Assists Mr. Madison, afterward Governor of Kentucky-Excitement in Kentucky-Scott and Wilkin- son call for volunteers-Wilkinson marches to the battle- ground-Horrid spectacle-Constitution of Kentucky-Its provisions-Legislative acts-Population of the state-Indian disturbances-Settlement on Elkhorn attacked-The Cooks killed-Resolute conduct of the widows-Escape of McAndre -Martin killed-Escape of Dunn-Murder of his two sons -Indians pursued.
AMONG the personal incidents connected with this unfortunate campaign, there are two related
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WILLIAM KENNAN.
of William Kennan, a Kentucky ranger, which afford fine illustrations of frontier character.
Kennan had long been remarkable for strength and activity. In the course of the march from Fort Washington, he had repeated opportunities of testing his astonishing powers in those respects, and was universally admitted to be the swiftest runner of the light corps.
On the evening preceding the action, his corps had been advanced in front of the first line of infantry, in order to give seasonable notice of the enemy's approach. Just as day was dawn- ing, he observed about thirty Indians within one hundred yards of the guard fire, approaching cautiously toward the spot where he stood in company with twenty other rangers, the rest being considerably in the rear. Supposing it to be a mere scouting party, and not superior in number to the rangers, he sprang forward a few paces in order to shelter himself in a spot of peculiarly rank grass, and, after firing with a quick aim upon the foremost Indian, fell flat upon his face, and proceeded with all possible rapidity to reload his gun, not doubting for a moment that his companions would maintain their positions and support him.
The Indians, however, rushed forward in such overwhelming masses, that the rangers were com- pelled to fly with precipitation, leaving young Kennan in total ignorance of his danger. For-
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tunately, the captain of his company had observed him when he threw himself in the grass, and suddenly shouted aloud, " Run, Kennan ! or you are a dead man !" He instantly sprang to his feet, and beheld the Indians within ten feet of him, while his company was more than one hun- dred yards in front.
Not a moment was to be lost. He darted off with every muscle strained to its utmost, and was pursued by a dozen of the enemy with loud yells. He at first pressed straight forward to the usual fording-place in the creek, which ran between the rangers and the main army ; but several In- dians, who had passed him before he arose from the grass, threw themselves in the way, and com- pletely cut him off from the rest.
By the most powerful exertions, he had thrown the whole body of pursuers behind him, with the exception of one young chief, probably Messhawa, who displayed a swiftness and perseverance équal to his own. In the circuit which Kennan was obliged to make, the race continued for more than four hundred yards. The distance between them was about eighteen feet, which Kennan could not increase, nor his adversary diminish. Each for the time put his whole soul into the race.
Kennan, as far as he was able, kept his eye upon the motions of his pursuer, lest he should throw the tomahawk, which he held aloft in a menacing attitude, and, at length, finding that
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WONDERFUL LEAP.
no other Indian was immediately at hand, he determined to try the mettle of his pursuer in a different manner, and felt for his knife in order to turn at bay. It had escaped from its sheath, however, while he lay in the grass, and his hair almost lifted the cap from his head when he found himself totally unarmed. As he had slackened his pace for a moment, the Indian was almost in reach of him when he recommenced the race ; but the idea of being without arms lent wings to his flight, and for the first time he saw himself gaining ground. He had watched the motions of his pursuer, however, too closely to pay pro- per attention to the nature of the ground before him, and suddenly found himself in front of a large tree, which had been blown down, and upon which brush and other impediments were heaped to the height of eight or nine feet.
The Indian, heretofore silent, now gave a sharp quick yell, as if sure of his victim. Kennan had not a moment to deliberate. He must clear the impediment at a leap, or perish. Putting his whole soul into the effort, he bounded into the air with a power which astonished himself; and clearing limbs, brush, and every thing else, alighted in perfect safety on the other side. A loud yell of amazement burst from the band of pursuers bringing up the rear, not one of whom had the hardihood to attempt the same feat.
Kennan, however, had no leisure to enjoy his
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triumph. Dashing into the creek, where the high banks would protect him from the fire of the enemy, he ran up the edge of the stream until he found a convenient crossing-place, and rejoined the rangers in the rear of the encampment, pant- ing from the fatigue of exertions which had seldom been surpassed. But little breathing time was allowed him. The attack instantly commenced, and was maintained for three hours with un- abated fury.
When the retreat took place, Kennan was at- tached to Major Clarke's battalion, which had the dangerous service of protecting the rear. This corps quickly lost its commander, and was completely disorganized. Kennan was among the hindmost when the flight commenced, but exerting those same powers which had saved him in the morning, he quickly gained the front, passing several horsemen in his flight. Here he beheld a private in his own company, an intimate ac- quaintance, lying upon the ground with his thigh broken, who, in tones of the most piercing dis- tress, implored each horseman as he hurried by to take him up behind. As soon as he beheld Kennan coming up on foot, he stretched out his hands and entreated him to save him. Notwith- standing the imminent peril of the moment, his friend could not reject so passionate an appeal, but seizing him in his arms he placed him upon his back, and ran in that manner several hundred yards.
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DREADFUL ALTERNATIVE.
At length, the enemy was gaining upon them so fast, that Kennan saw their death was certain unless he relinquished his burden. He accord- ingly told his friend that he had used every pos- sible exertion to save his life, but in vain ; that he must relax his hold about his neck, or they would both perish. The unhappy man, heedless of every remonstrance, still clung convulsively to Kennan's back, until the foremost of the enemy, armed with tomahawks alone, were within twenty yards of them. Kennan then drew his knife from its sheath, and cut the fingers of his com- panion, thus compelling him to relinquish his hold. The wounded man rolled upon the ground in utter helplessness, and Kennan beheld him tomahawked before he had gone thirty yards. Relieved from his burden, Kennan darted forward with an activity which once more brought him to the van. Here again he was compelled to neg- lect his own safety to attend to that of others.
The late Governor Madison, of Kentucky, who afterward commanded the corps which defended themselves so honourably at the river Raisin, was at that time a subaltern in St. Clair's army. Being a man of feeble constitution, he was totally ex- hausted by the exertions of the morning, and was found by Kennan sitting calmly upon a log, wait- ing the approach of his enemies. Kennan has- tily accosted him, and inquired the cause of his delay. Madison, pointing to a wound which had
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HISTORY OF KENTUCKY.
bled profusely, replied, he was unable to walk farther, and had no horse. Kennan instantly ran back to the spot where he had seen an ex- hausted horse grazing, caught him without diffi- culty, and having assisted Madison to mount, walked by his side until they were out of danger. Fortunately the pursuit ceased soon after, as the plunder of the camp presented irresistible at- tractions to the enemy. The friendship thus formed between these two young men continued through life ; but Kennan never entirely re- covered from the immense exertions he was con- strained to make during this unfortunate expe- dition. .
The disastrous defeat of St. Clair created the greatest alarm, not only in Kentucky, but throughout the whole northwest territory. At first it was believed that St. Clair was besieged in Fort Jefferson, and both Scott and Wilkinson issued calls for volunteers to march to his relief. The subsequent intelligence of his arrival at Fort Washington, and that nothing more was to be attempted than his remaining force was able to effect, quieted in some respect the public mind ; and the volunteers, who had commenced rapidly assembling, returned for the present to their homes.
About two months after the battle, Wilkinson, who had mean while been appointed to command the second regiment, marched from Fort Jeffer-
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HER FIRST CONSTITUTION.
son, with two companies of regulars and one hundred and fifty mounted militia, to visit the field. Though covered with snow a foot deep, it presented a horrid spectacle. The dead were buried ; one piece of cannon was brought off; the carriages of the other pieces remained, but the guns themselves were not to be found. There was not a tree or bush in the neighbour- hood unmarked by musket balls. No Indians anywhere appeared. Yet, during Wilkinson's absence from Fort Jefferson, a party of the gar- rison, having wandered a mile or two from the fort, had been set upon, and several of them killed.
It has been already mentioned, that the ninth and last convention met at Danville, in April, 1792, and formed the first constitution of the state of Kentucky. In some of its prominent features it departed very widely from that of the parent state, Virginia. In the representation by counties, numbers were established as the basis. Suffrage was universal, and sheriffs were elected triennially by the people. But the popular ele- ment infused into the constitution was not admit- ted without certain strong checks. The execu- tive, the senate, and the judiciary were entirely removed from the direct control of the people. No pecuniary qualification was required either in voters or officers; but representatives must be twenty-four years of age, senators twenty-seven,
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the governor thirty, and all of them citizens of the state for two years.
The representatives were to be chosen annually, by the votes of the free white citizens. The governor was chosen by electors, who were elected by the people every fourth year. The members of the senate were appointed by the same elec- toral college which chose the president, and might be selected indifferently from any part of the state. The judiciary were appointed by the governor during good behaviour, but subject to removal on an address to that effect from two- thirds of both branches of the legislature.
The supreme court had, however, original and final jurisdiction in all land cases. This last fea- ture was engrafted on the constitution by Colonel Nicholas, and was found most expensive and mischievous in practice.
The constitution was adopted, and the officers elected in May, 1792. Isaac Shelby, an old Revolutionary officer, who had gallantly dis- tinguished himself at King's Mountain and Point Pleasant, was elected the first governor of Ken- tucky. Alexander Bullitt was chosen speaker of the senate, and Robert Breckenridge, of the house of representatives. James Brown was ap- pointed secretary of state, and George Nicholas attorney-general. John Brown and John Ed- wards were elected by joint ballot senators to
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INCREASE OF POPULATION.
Congress. Frankfort was fixed upon as the fu- ture seat of government.
During the first session of the legislature, acts were passed establishing the supreme court, con- sisting of three judges, county courts, and courts of quarter sessions,-the latter having common law and chancery jurisdiction. A court of oyer and terminer was also formed, composed of three judges, having criminal jurisdiction, and sitting twice a year.
The new state of Kentucky was rapidly rising into importance. By the census, which had been taken in 1790 under the authority of the United States, the population of Kentucky numbered at that time, seventy-three thousand six hundred and seventy-seven souls. Of these, sixty-one thousand one hundred and thirty-three were free white persons ; twelve thousand four hundred and thirty slaves ; and one hundred and fourteen free coloured persons, excluding Indians. One- half of the white people, at least, and probably three-fourths of the slaves, were from Virginia ; the residue being mainly from Pennsylvania, Maryland, and North Carolina.
Notwithstanding this amazing increase of popu- lation within a few years, the Indians, elated by their brilliant victories over the large forces sent against them, still continued to prowl about the thinly-settled portions of the state, and after
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HISTORY OF KENTUCKY.
murdering the settlers, eluding pursuit by a rapid retreat.
About Christmas, in the year 1791, a new set- ment was made on main Elkhorn, between three and four miles from Frankfort, by two brothers named Cook, their brothers-in-law Mastin and Dunn, and two other persons by the names of Bledsoe and Farmer ; all of whom had families. ;
On the 28th of April, 1792, an attack was made on three several points of the settlement, almost simultaneously, by about one hundred In- dians. The first assault was made on the Cooks. The brothers were in their cabins, one engaged in shearing sheep, the other looking on. The sharp crack of rifles was the first intimation they received of the proximity of the Indians, and that fire was fatal to both the brothers. The elder fell dead immediately, and the younger was mortally wounded, but was enabled to reach his cabin. The two Mrs. Cooks, with three children, were instantly collected in the house, and the door, a very strong one, made secure.
The Indians, unable to enter, discharged their rifles at the door, but without injury, as the balls did not penetrate the thick boards of which it was constructed. They then attempted to cut it down with their tomahawks, but with no better success.
While these things occurred without, there was deep sorrow, mingled with fearless determination
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HEROIC WOMEN.
and high resolve, within. The younger Cook, mortally wounded, immediately the door was barred, sank on the floor and breathed his last ; and the two widows were left the sole defenders of the cabin with the three children.
There was a rifle in the house, but no balls could be found. In this extremity, one of the women got hold of a musket-ball, and placing it between her teeth, succeeded in biting it into two pieces. With one she instantly loaded the rifle.
The Indians, failing in their attempt to cut down the door, had retired a few paces in front, doubtless to consult upon their future operations. One seated himself upon a log, apparently appre- hending no danger from within. Observing him, Mrs. Cook took aim from a narrow aperture and fired, when the Indian gave a loud yell, bounded high in the air, and fell dead.
This unexpected event infuriated the savages, who, being able to speak imperfect English, threatened to burn the house with all its inmates. Several speedily climbed to the top of the cabin, and kindled a fire on the boards of the roof. The devouring element soon began to take effect, and with less determination on the part of those within, would soon have enveloped the whole of them in destruction. One of the women instantly ascended to the loft, while the other handed her water with which she extinguished the fire. Again and again the roof was fired, and as often
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extinguished. The water failing, the undaunted women procured some eggs, which were broken, and their contents thrown upon the fire. Their next resource was the bloody waistcoat of their husband and brother-in-law ; the blood with which this was profusely saturated checked the further progress of the flames, which, with a few subse- quent efforts, were at length fully subdued. The savage foe yielded, and the fruitful expedients of female courage triumphed. One Indian, in bitter disappointment, fired at his unseen enemy through the boards, but did not injure her. They now descended from the roof.
About the time the attack commenced, a young man named McAndre escaped on horseback in view of the Indians. Supposing he would give the alarm to the older settlements ; as soon as the savages descended from the roof, a few of them climbed some trees in the vicinity and in- stituted a sharp look-out. While in the trees, one of them fired a second ball into the loft of the cabin, which cut to pieces a ball of yarn hanging near the head of Mrs. Cook, but with- out doing further injury. Soon after, they threw the body of the dead Indian into the adjacent creek, and fled precipitately.
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