9th.—Some of the colonels and chief commanders wondered how I came through so many difficulties, and how I could rule and bring these people to reason, making no use of gun or sword. I told them, it is done by no other means than by faith. Then they asked me, if I had faith to venture myself to come safe through with my companions. I told them, it was in my heart to pray for them, “you know that the Lord has given many promises to his servants, and what he promises, you may depend upon, he will perform.”—Then they wished us good success. We waited till almost noon for the writing of the general. We were escorted by an hundred men, rank and file, commanded by captain _Haselet_;[84] we passed through a tract of good land, about six miles on the old trading path, and came to the creek again, where there is a large fine bottom, well timbered; from thence we came upon a hill, to an advanced breast work, about ten miles from the camp, well situated for strength, facing a small branch of the aforesaid creek; the hill is steep down, perpendicular about twenty feet, on the south side; which is a great defence; and on the west side the breast-work about seven feet high, where we encamped that night:[85] our _Indian_ companions heard that we were to part in the morning, and that twelve men were to be sent with us, and the others, part of the company, to go towards fort _Duquesne_. Our _Indians_ desired that the captain would send twenty men, instead of twelve; that if any accident should happen, they could be more able to defend themselves in returning back; “for we know, say they, the enemy will follow the smallest party.” It began to rain. Within five miles from the breast-work we departed from captain _Haselet_; he kept the old trading path to the _Ohio_. Lieutenant _Hays_[86] was ordered to accompany us to the _Alleghenny_ river[87] with fourteen men. We went the path that leads along the _Loyal Hanning_ creek, where there is a rich fine bottom, land well timbered, good springs and small creeks. At four o’clock we were alarmed by three men, in _Indian_ dress; and preparation was made on both sides for defence. _Isaac Still_ shewed a white token, and _Pesquitomen_ gave an _Indian halloo_; after which they threw down their bundles, and ran away as fast as they could. We afterwards took up their bundles, and found that it was a small party of our men, that had been long out. We were sorry that we had scared them; for they lost their bundles with all their food. Then, I held a conference with our _Indians_, and asked them, if it would not be good, to send one of our _Indians_ to _Logstown_ and _fort Duquesne_, and call the _Indians_ from thence, before we arrive at _Kushkushking_. They all agreed it would not be good, as they were but messengers; it must be done by their chief men. The wolves made a terrible music this night.