USA > Kentucky > The history of Kentucky : including an account of the discovery, settlement, progressive improvement, political and military events, and present state of the country > Part 4
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In July of that year Squire Boone, returned, as it had been agreed ; and a meeting was effected between the brothers at the old camp. The two, in this year, tra- versed the country to the Cumberland River ; and in 1771, returned to their families, determined to remove them to Kentucky.
In 1773, about the month of September, Daniel Boone sold his farm on the Yadkin, bade farewell to his less adventurous neighbors, and commenced his removal to Kentucky, with his own, and five other. families. In Powel's Valley, he was joined by forty men, willing to risque themselves under his guidance. The party were proceeding in fine spirits, when on the 10th of October, the rear of the company was attacked by a strong party of Indians, who killed six of the men ; and among them the eldest son of Daniel Boone. The Indians were re- pulsed, and fled ; but in the mean time the cattle apper- taining to the sojourning party were dispersed ; the relatives of the deceased greatly affected ; and the whole of the survivors, so disheartened, that it was thought best and most prudent, to retreat to the settlements on Clinch River, about forty miles from the scene of action.
This being accomplished without any further disaster, Daniel Boone remained with his family until June 1774. When he was solicited by the Governor of Virginia, to repair to the Rapids of the Ohio, to conduct from thence a party of surveyors, whose longer stay, was rendered peculiarly dangerous, by the increasing hostility of the Indians. This service was undertaken by Boone, who with Michael Stoner, as his only companion, traversed
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the pathless regions between-reached the place of des- tination with great celerity, and thence safely conducted the surveyors home-Having in the short space of sixty- two days, completed a tour of eight hundred miles on foot.
This year, there were open hostilities between the Virginians, and the Indians, northwest of the Ohio. Daniel Boone, being then in Virginia, was ordered by the Governor to take the command of three contigu- ous garrisons on the frontier, with the commission of Captain. The campaign of that year, after a battle ter- minated in peace, and the militia were discharged from the garrisons. Capt. Boone being now at leisure ; and Col. Henderson and conipany, of North-Carolina, hav- ing matured their project of purchasing the lands on the south side of the Kentucky, from the southern Indians, he was solicited by them, to attend the treaty pro- posed to be held at Wataga, in March 1775 ; and to negotiate and conclude a purchase of the country south of Kentucky River, the bounds of which were described to him. This service was accepted, and executed by Boone-who soon afterwards, at the re- quest of the same company, undertook to make a road, from the settlements on Holston to the Kentucky River, by the best practicable route. This duty was also performed with great promptitude, and des -- patch, notwithstanding the ruggedness of the way, and the repeated attacks of the Indians, in which Boone had four of his men killed, and five wounded. Arrived on the southern bank of the Kentucky, in the first of April 1775, Boone with the survivors of his party
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began to erect a fort at a salt-spring, where Boonesho- rough now stands. While building this fort, which employed the feeble party till the succeeding June, one man was killed by the Indians, who continued to infest the party, until the fort was completed.
This fort, consisted of a block-house, and several cabins, enclosed with palisades. This being done, Capt. Boone returned to Clinch River, and soon after moved his family to the first garrison in the country, as his wife and daughter were the first white women, ever known in Kentucky.
Capt. Boone, having given to the new population of Kentucky, a permanent establishment, and placed hi's own family in Boonesborough ; felt all the solicitude incident, to his situation, to insure its defence, and to promote its prosperity. We find him in 1776 pursuing with eight men only, a party of Indians, who had made several prisoners at Boonesborough, and gallantly rescu- ing them from captivity.
In 1777, he sustained two sieges in Boonesborough, with all the determined firmness of inherent courage, and all the vigilance of an active, and enterprising officer,
It would be unnecessary, were it practical to particu- larise, the assistance which he gave to emigrants, either on the road, or after their arrival, when the activity of his zeal, and the humanity of his character, are recol- lected, and duly appreciated. Suffice it to say that he was accustomed to range the country as a hunter, and ás & spy ; and that he frequently, would meet the
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approaching travellers on the road, and protect, or assist them into the settled parts of the country.
Capt. Boone relieved from one kind of service, was ever ready to engage in another for the relief of the gar- risons, or the service of the country-on the first of Ja- nuary, 1778, he, with thirty men went to the Blue Licks, on Licking River, to make salt for the different garrisons in the country ; who were now in great want of that article, without the prospect of supply from . abroad.
On the 7th of February following, as Capt. Boone was out hunting meat for the salt-makers, he met with a de- tachment of one hundred and two Indians, on its march to attack Boonesborough : That being a particular ob- ject of Indian resentment, and hostility ; probably on account of its being the first settlement, made in the country, by " the white intruders," as the Indians would naturally call them. At this time they wanted a pri- soner, from whom to obtain intelligence; and while Boone fled, some of their swiftest warriors, pursued, and took him. After eight days, they brought him to the Licks, where they made twenty-seven of his men pri- soners, by previous capitulation ; in which they pro- mised life, and good treatment. The other three men, had been sent home, with the salt, which had been made.
The Indians were faithful to their engagements, and treated the prisoners well, as savages could, both in their journey, and after their arrival at their town, of Chilico- the, on the Little Miami. They were three days in
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making this march, through the woods, in cold, bad, weather. Thus were twenty-eight of the brave defen- ders of the country carried captive into the enemies? towns ; without a prospect of liberation, or exchange.
A SPARTAN, would have consoled himself, that by the sacrifice of his own liberty, he had saved his country ; nor were these prisoners less patriotic, than Spartans. Had the Indians, after making Capt. Boone, and his party prisoners, instead of returning home with their captives, continued their march to Boonesborough, they right either have taken the place by surprise ; or using the influence which the possession of these prisoners gave them, might have compelled, a surrender of the fort : and progressively acting on the same plan, it is not improbable, they might have reduced every garrison in the country : for it is hardly presumable, that any, which had escaped surprise, would have permitted, the massacre of the prisoners in their view, rather than have surrendered. But owing to the address of Capt. Boone, or the habits of their country, having succeeded to so great an extent in capturing their encmies without loss on their part, they returned home ; leaving the garrisons in safety, to deplore the loss of their unfortunate com. rades, who had thus been captured, on an enterprise, undertaken for their mutual benefit. .
In the month of March following, Capt. Boone, and ten of his. men, were conducted by forty Indians, to Detroit, where the escort arrived the thirtieth, and presented the ten men to Governor Hamilton, the Bri-
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tish commandant at that post ; who treated them with great humanity and civility.
In the course of this time, the Indians had conceived an uncommon respect, and affection for Capt. Boone : and utterly refused to leave him with the Governor, who offered them one hundred pounds sterling for their pri- soner, on purpose to liberate him, on parole. It is more easy to conceive than express, the vexation and embarrassment, which these circumstances occasioned to Capt Boone ; he could not extricate himself; and he dared not to excite the jealousy, or suspicion of the Indians. Several English gentlemen present, sensibly affected by his situation, generously offered a supply to his want of necessaries, and conveniences ; but which he with thanks for their friendship, declined ; alledging that it might never be in his power to requite, such un- merited generosity.
Another event now approached, which put the sensi- bility of Capt. Boone, to a severe trial. He was told by his inflexible conquerors, that he must prepare to accompany them back to Chilicothe, while his ten faithful companions were to be left prisoners at Detroit.
This journey was soon afterwards undertaken, and performed in fifteen days. At Chilicothe, Capt. Boone was adopted into one of the principal families, as a son ; and judiciously accommodating himself to his situation, increased the confidence and affection of his new rela- tives, and old friends.
They challenged him to the shooting match, in which he found it more difficult to avoid their jealousy,
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and to suppress their envy, than to beat them at an exercise, in which they thought themselves invincible. They invited him to accompany them on hunting parties, and frequently applauded his dex, terity in killing the wild game. The Shawanese King? took particular notice of him, and always treated him with the most profound respect. While Boone on his part, took care to improve these favorable impressions, by frequently bestowing on him the spoils of the woods, and otherwise expressing duty to him, as THE KING. If Capt. Boone, could have dispensed with the beneficial ideas of civilization ; and if he could have eradicated from his heart, the affections of an husband, and a father, his condition among these savages, would have been as contented to himself, as it was enviable to most of them. But he had a wife, and family ; and he had a country, and companions, of his former labors and perils, for whom he felt the utmost anxiety. The indulgen- cies which were now extended to him, fostered the idea of escape, which he continually meditated. And thus was the honest simplicity of his nature, compelled to dissemble the main purpose of his heart, under the smiles and caresses, which he bestowed on, or received from those, whom he meant to desert, on the first fair occasion.
The first of June in that year, a party of these Indians set out for the Sciota Salt Licks, and took Boone with them, in order to make salt. After effecting this object, they returned to Chilicothe, without affording to their prisoner a suitable opportunity for escape.
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He there found four hundred and fifty Indian warriors, armed, and painted, in a most fearful manner ; ready to march against Boonesborough. For once he derived plea- sure from his captivity, as it possessed him of information, which he determined by immediate escape, to convey to his garrison ; and which might cave it from destruction.
On the sixteenth of the same month, Capt. Boone, at the usual time of hunting in the morning, arose, and departed apparently for the woods, but really for Boones- borough ; which he reached on the twentieth, by a journey of one hundred and sixty miles ; during which he eat one meal of victuals.
He found the fortress in a bad state for defence ; but the intelligence which he brought, and the activity, which he inspired, soon produced the necessary repairs, and the garrison began to wait with impatience, the re- ception of intelligence from the enemy : when at length, one of the other prisoners, escaping from them, arrived with information, that the Indians had, on account of Boone's escape from them, postponed their march for three weeks. In the mean time, however, it was disco- vered they had their spies in the country, watching the movements of the different garrisons ; and whatever was their report, but little consolation was derived from the increase of strength to the forts, and of numbers to the garrisons, of the country in general, and of Boonesbo- rough, in particular.
The enemy still delaying their meditated attack on Boonesborough ; Capt. Boone, with a party of nineteen men, left the garrison on the first of August, with a view
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to surprise Paint Creek Town, on Sciota. Advanced within four miles ofthe town, Capt. Boone, met a party of thirty Indians, on their march to join the grand army, from Chilicothe, then moving towards Boonesborough. An action ensued between these detachments, which terminated in the flight of the Indians, with one man killed, and two wounded ; without any loss on the part of Boone; who took three horses, and all the Indian plun- der.
Capt. Boone, then despatched two spies, for intelli- gence, who returned with, a report, that the town was evacuated ; upon which he marched for Boonesborough, with all practicable despatch, that he might gain the van of the enemy's army ; place his party in a state of secu- rity ; give timely intelligence to the garrison ; and pre- pare for the approaching storm. On the sixth day, he passed the Indian army ; and on the seventh, arrived in safety at Boonesborough. On the eighth, the Indians, commanded by Captain Duquense, eleven other Canadian Frenchmen, and some of their own chiefs, invested the place, with British colors flying, at the head of four hundred and fifty painted, savage, warriors.
This was the most formidable force ever arrayed against Boonesborough ; and such, as upon comparison; was calculated to fill the garrison with alarm. But the equanimity of Capt. Boone's temper was but little affected by it ; when he received a summons in the name of his Britannic Majesty, to " surrender the fort." Two day's consideration was requested, and granted. This was an
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awful interval. The little garrison was summoned to council. Not fifty men appeared ; the case was stated to them-a manly defence, with the chance of success, or of being taken by storm, and devoted to destruction on the one side was presented to their consideration ; on the other, a surrender upon articles of capitulation, in which the most favorable terms were, to be made prison- ers, and stript of their effects. The deliberation was short ; the answer prompt and unanimous ; " We are determined to defend our fort as long as a man of us lives." The garrison then dispersed, to collect their cattle, and horses ; which they secured within their walls. And being now prepared for the conflict, and the two days respite expired ; Capt. Boone from one of the bastions of the fort, announced to the listening com- mander of the adverse host, the determination of the garrison ; to which he added his own personal thanks, for the notice of their intended attack, and the time al- lowed for defence. Evident disappointment, was seen to depict itself on the countenance of Duquesne ; who however, instead of an immediate attack, in concert with others, formed a scheme to deceive the garrison, by de- claring it was their orders from Governor Hamilton, to take the garrison captives, and not to destroy, or rob the people : That if nine of the principal persons in the garrison would come out and treat with them, they would forthwith, depart from the walls of the fort and return peacibly home, with the prisoners-or liberate them, if they would swear allegiance, and accept of his Britannie Majesty's protection. This, said Boone, F
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sounded grateful in our ears, and we agreed to the propo- sal to treat ; but not without strong suspicions of Indian honor. The treaty was opened within sixty yards of the fort-gate and the articles formally digested, and 1 signed, by the parties, in the presence of many Indians ; who were standing about with an unusual appearance of solicitude. But this was the moment for crowning the stratagem, with success. Boone, and his companions, were told by the leaders of the opposite party, that among Indians, it was customary for them upon occa - sions like the present, to evince the sincerity of their friendship, by two Indians, shaking each white man, by the hand. This was also assented to, and immediately two Indians approached each white man, and taking his hand, instantly grappled him ; with intent to drag him off, a prisoner. On this occasion the defensive instinct, required not to be prompted, by the effect of deliberation ; but each man at the same moment, by an instantaneous effort, extricated himself, and from the midst of hundreds of the savages, who discharged a heavy fire, all escaped into the fort without injury, except one man; who was wounded:
Having failed in this stratagem, the enemy commenc- ed the premeditated attack on the fort which they kept up with little intermission, for nine days : and which was well returned by the garrison, directed by Capt Boone.
In the meantime, the enemy began to undermine the fort, which stood on the bank about sixty yards from the margin of the Kentucky River ; and this new mode of attack may without doubt be ascribed to the Frenchmen;
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who were with them This mine was commenced in the bank of the river, and was discovered by the muddy water, which continued to pass down frem the place ; indicating the solution of new earth thrown into it. The object of this measure could not be doubted, and Capt. Boone, ordered that a trench should be opened inside of the fort, so as to intersect the subterranean canal of the enemy ; and the earth as taken up, was thrown over the fort-walls, By this the enemy were apprised of what was going on, within, and desisted from their min- ing project. Being now convinced that they could not effect the conquest of the place, by either open force, or secret fraud; and their stock of provisions being nearly exhausted ; on the 20th of August they raised the siege, and abandoned the object of their grand expediti- on ; and with it, the last hopes of the campaign.
During this siege, the most formidable that had ever taken place in Kentucky-from the number of Indians, the skill of the commanders, the fierce, and savage countenances of the warriors, made even more dreadful by art, than by nature ; the effect of which was aug- mented ten fold, by the yell, and the war whoop ; there were only two men killed in the garrison, and four others wounded. On the part of the savages, they had thirty- seven killed, and many wounded, who were agreeably to custom, immediately removed.
After the siege, the people of the garrison picked up, one hundred and twenty-five pounds weight of bullets, that had fallen on the ground, besides those which stuck; in the fort.
HISTORY OF
This seems to have been the last effort of the Indians, to take Boonesborough. In the autumn of this year Capt. Boone, went to North-Carolina, in pursuit of his wife, who during his captivity, with the Indians, des- pairing of his return, had removed to her father's house. In 1780, he returned, and re-settled himself at Boones- borough.
Among the hardy sons, of that hardy race of men de- nominated woodsmen, and hunters, was James Harrod.
We regret that we know so little of him as not to be able to say with certainty whether he was a native of Monongahela, from whence he came to this country. From Kentucky he went home, in 1774, by the mouth of the Great Kanhawa, where he led a party of his followers, to the battle at the Point ; and the next year he returned to Kentucky, and established himself at. Harrodsburgh.
James Harrod, was a man six feet high, well propor- tioned, and constructed, for strength and activity. His complexion was dark, his hair, and eyes black; his countenance animated, his gait firm, his depertment grave ; liis conversation easily drawn out, but not often ostruded ; nor could he but imperfectly, read, or write. And it may be asked what there can be in the character of such a man, that merits, the notice of an his- torian. It is true indeed, that education, enlarges, illu - minates, and brings into action, with multiplied advan- tages, those qualities which nature gives to men. But it cannot be affirmed that education creates any new organ, or faculty of the mind, or gives a quality, not
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other wise inherent. Before the establishment of schools, and before the term education was known ; even before books, or pens, were made, the human heart was the seat of kindness, of generosity, of fortitude, and of magnani- mity. The mind of man taught itself justice, and the beneficial effects of doing for others, what was required of them.
Then without knowing how to read, or to write, James Harrod, could be kind and obliging to his fellow- men ; active and brave in their defence; dexterous in killing game, and liberal in the distribution of his spoil; he could be expert in the woods, and by his knowledge, guide his followers to their destined point, with equal certainty and safety ; in fine, he could be a Captain, over others as illiterate as himself, and less endowed, with the useful and benevolent qualities of the head, and of the heart-And he was so. He was vigilant, active, and skilful, with his rifle ; with this, he killed the deer, the bear, and the buffaloe-and with this, he was always ready to defend his country, and companions, against the Indians. At Harrodsburgh, news was brought him, that the Indians had surprised a party at a spring four miles hence, and killed a man. " Boys (says he) let us go and beat the red rascals." And accordingly he runs at the head of his party. He hears, that a family are in want of meat, he takes up his gun, and repairs to the forest where he kills the necessary supply, and brings it to the cabin-door of the sufferers. A plough horse is in the range, and the owner not yet used to the woods, or apprehensive of the danger, attending the research, says
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to Harrod, " My horse has not come up, I cannot plough to-day." What kind of horse is yours, enquires he. The answer is given, Harrod disappears -- and presently the horse is driven to the man's door. In these traits, we discover not only the character of Harrod, but the circumstances of the country ; therefore they merit a - place in history. A man may be useful without educa- tion; and usefulness, is merit. But a fort was too cir- cumscribed a field, for the active disposition of James Harrod ; to breathe the fresh air of the forest ; to range the country, and to hunt the wild game; to trap the otter, the beaver, and the wolf, were more congenial to his feelings, and occupied the most of his time. Such however was the importance of his services, and the sense entertained of them by his countrymen, that he was raised to the rank of Colonel in the militia ; and was actively engaged, on sundry scouting parties, and several expeditions, against the Indians ; in which the dexterity of the woodsman, and the bravery of the soldier, were conspicuous in his conduct. There was no labor too great for his hardihood, no enterprise too daring, for his courage. After the country became ex- tensively populated, and when the husband, and father of a family, and in circumstances to have enjoyed, every social comfort, such was the effect of habit? or of a disposition ever predominant, that Harrod would leave his home and repair to the distant unsettled parts of the country, and remain for weeks at a time, obscured in the forest, or buried amidst the knobs. On one of these excursions, he lost his life ; but whether by natu-
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ral death, the fangs of wild beasts, or the tomahawk of the savage, is not known. . He left one daughter, and with her an ample patrimony, in the rich lands of Kentucky.
If he who leads a party under any description can be said to want ambition, James Harrod seems to have been free from that passion. Simple in his manners, frugal in his diet, independent in his sentiments-open in his councils-complying in his manners-seeming to command, because always foremost in danger, without legal authority and destitute of art, he had a party ; be- cause, were even the social principle extinct, yet, when men are surrounded by danger, they seek a leader, to con- centrate their force, and direct their enterprise ; and this leader is their favorite companion, the man in whose cou- rage and perseverance; they have the greatest confidence.
Had James Harrod lived, he never would have entered into the contests of political intrigue ; not merely because he was illiterate, (for we often find that ignorance is no restraint on ambitious designs, only as it amounts to positive incapacity to effect an object) but because he disliked, the task and drudgery of a political partizan ; and had never cultivated a disposition for such enter- prise. If he ever felt a propensity to be a leader, it was because he saw himself surrounded, by willing friends, whose safety he regarded, and whose obedience was as voluntary, as their affection was spontaneous-beloved, he was obeyed.
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