"The Gap is near half way betwixt our settlements on Holston and Kentucky, and a post there would be a resting place for our poor citizens going back and forward, and would be a great means of saving the lives of hundreds of them. For it seldom happens that Indians will kill people near where they trade; & it is thereabouts the most of the mischief on the road has been done.... I view the change I propose as of great importance to the frontier of Washington, [County] to our people journeying to & from Kentucky, particularly the poor families moving out...."[14] It was, throughout the eighteenth century, exceedingly dangerous to travel Boone's Road; and those who journeyed either way joined together and traveled in "companies." Indeed there was risk enough for the most daring, in any case; but a well-armed "company" of tried pioneers on Boone's Road was a dangerous game upon which to prey. It was customary to advertise the departure of a company either from Virginia or Kentucky, in local papers; in order that any desiring to make the journey might know of the intended departure. The principal rendezvous in Kentucky was the frontier settlement of Crab Orchard. Certain of these advertisements are extremely interesting; the verbal changes are significant if closely read: Notice is hereby given, that a company will meet at the Crab Orchard, on Sunday the 4^{th} day of May, to go through the wilderness, and to set out on the 5^{th}. at which time most of the Delegates to the state convention will go[15] A large company will meet at the Crab orchard on sunday the 25^{th} of May, in order to make an early start on Monday the 26^{th} through the wilderness for the old settlement[16] A large company will meet at the Crab Orchard on the 15^{th}. day of May, in readiness to start on the 16^{th}. through the Wilderness for Richmond[17] Notice Is hereby given that several gentlemen propose meeting at the Crab-orchard on the 4^{th}. of June in perfect readiness to move early the next morning through the Wilderness[18] Notice A large company will meet at the Crab-Orchard the 19^{th}. of November in order to start the next day through the Wilderness. As it is very dangerous on account of the Indians, it is hoped each person will go well armed[19] It appears that unarmed persons sometimes attached themselves to companies and relied on others to protect them in times of danger. One advertisement urged that everyone should go armed and "not to depend on others to defend them."[20]