The Adventures of Col. Daniel Boon: Containing a Narrative of the Wars of Kentucke — John Shaqi
The Adventures of Col. Daniel Boon: Containing a Narrative of the Wars of KentuckeFilson, John
History
The Adventures of Col. Daniel Boon: Containing a Narrative of the Wars of Kentucke
Filson, John
Boone, Daniel, 1734-1820; Indian captivities -- Kentucky; Kentucky -- History -- To 1792; Pioneers -- Kentucky -- Biography
On our retreat we were met by Col. Logan, hastening to join us, with
a number of well armed men: This powerful assistance we unfortunately
wanted in the battle; for, notwithstanding the enemy's superiority of
numbers, they acknowledged that, if they had received one more fire from
us, they should undoubtedly have given way. So valiantly did our small
party fight, that, to the memory of those who unfortunately fell in the
battle, enough of honour cannot be paid. Had Col. Logan and his party
been with us, it is highly probable we should have given the savages a
total defeat.
I cannot reflect upon this dreadful scene, but sorrow fills my heart. A
zeal for the defence of their country led these heroes to the scene of
action, though with a few men to attack a powerful army of experienced
warriors. When we gave way, they pursued us with the utmost eagerness,
and in every quarter spread destruction. The river was difficult to
cross, and many were killed in the flight, some just entering the river,
some in the water, others after crossing in ascending the cliffs. Some
escaped on horse-back, a few on foot; and, being dispersed every where,
in a few hours, brought the melancholy news of this unfortunate battle
to Lexington. Many widows were now made. The reader may guess what
sorrow filled the hearts of the inhabitants, exceeding any thing that I
am able to describe. Being reinforced, we returned to bury the dead, and
found their bodies strewed every where, cut and mangled in a dreadful
manner. This mournful scene exhibited a horror almost unparalleled: Some
torn and eaten by wild beasts; those in the river eaten by fishes; all
in such a putrified condition, that no one could be distinguished from
another.
As soon as General Clark, then at the Falls of the Ohio, who was
ever our ready friend, and merits the love and gratitude of all his
country-men, understood the circumstances of this unfortunate action, he
ordered an expedition, with all possible haste, to pursue the savages,
which was so expeditiously effected, that we overtook them within two
miles of their towns, and probably might have obtained a great victory,
had not two of their number met us about two hundred poles before we
come up. These returned quick as lightening to their camp with the
alarming news of a mighty army in view. The savages fled in the utmost
disorder, evacuated their towns, and reluctantly left their territory
to our mercy. We immediately took possession of Old Chelicothe without
opposition, being deserted by its inhabitants. We continued our pursuit
through five towns on the Miami rivers, Old Chelicothe, Pecaway, New
Chelicothe, Will's Towns, and Chelicothe, burnt them all to ashes,
entirely destroyed their corn, and other fruits, and every where spread
a scene of desolation in the country. In this expedition we took seven
prisoners and five scalps, with the loss of only four men, two of whom
were accidentally killed by our own army.
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