"biographical sketche.s"

GENERAL NATHANIEL MASSIE,
GENERAL DUNCAN McARTHUR,
CAPTAIN WILLIAM WELLS,
AND
GENERAL SIMON KENTON:
WHO WERE EARLY SETTLERS IN THE WESTERN COUNTRY.
BY JOHN McDonald,
OF POPLAR RIDGE, KOSS COUNTY, OHIO.

DAYTON, 0.:
PtJBLIBHED AND SOLD BT D. OSBORN di SON.
1852.

Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1838,
BY JOHN McDonald,
in the Clerk's Office for the District Coun of Ohio.

PREFACE.

Is presenting the reader with the following narratives of the dis
tinguished men whose characters are attempted to be delineated, no
apology is deemed neoessaty. The subject is one in which all men,
who love to see portrayed from the stump, the rise, and progressive
improvements of our country, must feel a lively interest. Is there a
man whose feelings are so obtuse, as not to follow Qeneral Massie and
his compatriots, with intense anxiety, through the wilderness, sur
veying the country, and forming new settlements in the midst of
dangers and difficulties the most appalling 1 if such there be, I envy
him not his insensible stupidity.
The defects in the composition, none will more sincerely deplore
than myself; and I regret, more than any other can, that my attain
ments as an author are not more folly equal to the subjects on which
I have treated.
I have endured more pain, from diffidence and even timidity, in
presenting myself to the public as an author, than I have suffered
from fear in the most dangerous situation. It must appear novel to
see a man over sixty years of age, without any ofthe advantages of
education, having but little leisure, and always hard pressed to se
cure a living, turn his attention to the labor of composition in the
evening of life. Under these disadvantageous circumstances, little
eclat is expected ; if humble mediocrity is allowed I will be content.
I took up my pen to rescue from oblivion the names of men who
" have done some service to the state."
In this age of enterprise and intellectual improvement, shall it be
said by posterity, that, while the bones of our pioneer fathers are
iii

IV PREFACE.
mouldering into dust, no record of their useful labors shall be pre
served to perpetuate their memories 1 " The man dies, but his me
mory should live.''
There are certain epochs in the history of every country which
indissolubly fix themselves in the memory of its inhabitants, from
generation to generation. The war for independence, and the first
settling of the western country being simultaneous, these were the
starting points, from which we date our national existence. The
brilliant achievements performed by our forefathers to effect these
memorable objects appear to have formed the critical eua, on which
long hung, in doubtful suspense, the destiny of these United States.
It will be admitted by all, that the old Indian war was a continuation
of the war of the Eevolution. And; as Thomas Paine eloquently
said in his Crisis, " these are the times that try men's souls ; the
summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will in this crisis shrink
from the service of his country — but he that stands it out now de
serves the love and thanks of man and woman."
In many scenes of the grand drama, were tragedies performed
which, for boldness and sublimity of execution, throw romance into
shade. The names and characters of some of the actors have found
a place in the history of the country — but of many, very many, who
in that crisis performed brilliant exploits, the names and memories
are lost forever ; whilst the names of others are only remembered in
lingering, changeful, traditionary legends.
In attempting to describe the awful catastrophes and frightful
combats which took place on the western frontier, we sometimes
meet incidents to which language Is not equal. " The conception is
too bulky to be born alive, and in the struggle for expression every
finger tries to be a tongue." When we reflect on the bold assaults,
or the ingenious, masterly retreats of the old frontier-men — the
patient fortitude with which they endured fatigue and hunger — it is
evident, that man little knows till he is tried in the school of ad
versity what calamities and hardships are beyond his endurance.
The dangers from their enemies, though great, were only an item in
the catalogue of their sufferings. They had to travel through thick
woods without road or path, scratched with briars, stung by nettles,
or torn by thorns. When night approached, no shelter to protect
them from the " pitiless pelting of the storm," or comfortable
couch on which to repose their weary limbs ; the moist earth was

PREFACE. V
their bed, the firmament of heaven their covering ; tormented with
gnats and musquitoes, their nights were sleepless ; when moming
light returniMl, their cares and watchfulness were resumed, to guard
against the danger of being surprised by their bold, vigilant and
dexterous enemy.
It must be remembered that the period is almost at hand, when to
speak of the enterprising men who first settled on the banks of
the beautiful river Ohio, from, personal knowledge, will be closed
forever. Who, and what they were, and what they accomplished,
if not immediately recorded, can shortly be known only as tradition
ary legends. To cast his mite of information on this subject, to
those who may succeed him, is the principal design of the author.
When a retrospective glance is taken of the path pursued by the
old frontier-men, and the difficulties and dangers encountered and
overcome, all will admit, that they performed their fearful duties with
a firmness unsurpassed in the annals of history. Many of them bled
under the tomahawk of the red men, and to all their existence was
one connected period of toil, privation, and watchfulness.
Having been an humble actor in many of the scenes described,
the incidents which I did not witness were communicated by the
actors shortly after the events took place, so that the reader can place
the fullest reliance in the truth of the narratives related in the fol
lowing pages.
The biography of General Massie I had published in the Western
Christian Advocate some time since; and, as herewith presented, it
has been revised by Henry Massie, (son of the General,) and I have
no doubt is much improved on the original draft. Perhaps the work
would have pleased better had his friendly pen revised the other
parts of the volume.
It is unnecessary to inform the reader that the author of the fol
lowing pages makes no pretension to the accomplishment of learn
ing — this the learned reader will soon discover. My early life was
passed with hunters, boatmen, and soldiers, where there were but
rare opportunities of associating with men of leaming, or polite ac
quirements. I have the most humble opinion of my literary abilities ;
and when I engaged in writing and publishing in the newspapers
sketches of the lives of some of the old backwoodsmen, with whose
history I was well acquainted, it was without the most distant idea
of writing a book. The approbation with which my narratives ap-

pear to have been received by the public, together with the solicita
tion of some of my friends, has induced me to adopt my present
course. Having endeavored to present the reader with the manners and
customs of the old frontier-men, together with some interesting
events which will aid the historian of some future day, in delineating
the character of the early settlers as well as the early history of the
westem country, I now take my leave of the subject.
JOHN McDonald,
Of Poplar Ridge, lioss County, Ohio.

A SKETCH OF THE LIFE

GENERAL NATHANIEL MASSIE.

CHAPTER I.

The life of every man, of any distinction, is intimate
ly connected with many of the events that compose the
general history of his country. It is by his connection
with those events he is made to display his character,
and derive from his companions whatever reputation he
may merit. Nor can we, in writing the biography of
such a man, strictly confine ourselves to the immediate
occurrences of his own time ; but we must be permitted
to look back a little, and form a connected chain of
events, in order to make plain what would otherwise ap
pear obscure, and give a just importance to events
which would not otherwise seem to merit attention.
These are the reasons I beg leave to urge as an apology
for the following digression.
A short time previous to, and about the time the Re
volutionary struggle commenced, the attention of the
citizens of Virginia was drawn to the Kentucky terri
tory ; which was, at that time, and for many years after
wards, the western portion of that state. This attention
was produced by some hardy hunters of the mountains,
who accustomed to danger, and always seeking some
new and exciting field of enterprize, passed far beyond
the pale of civilization, and pushed their discoveries in
the riiih bosom of Kentucky. Returning to the settle- 7

8 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
ments, the fame of the exuberant richness of tlie soil
was spread throilghout the land. They told, that they
had passed beyond the wide chain of mountains, that
composed, at that time, the middle portion of Virginia,
and had reached the valley beyond, and found a beauti
fully rolling country, covered by a dense forest of large
trees, the ground beneath them carpeted by the luxuriant
growth of waving cane, and that the soil was rich be
yond any they ever beheld. Besides all this, what gave
the greatest joy to the hunter, was the fact, that game
of different kinds abounded in profusion ; so much so,
that the Indian tribes, from different p'ortions ofthe West,
had from time immemorial contested, in long and bloody
battles, the occupancy of the soil, during the hunting
season ; and, on this account, the country was known
among the Indians by the name of Kentucky, " the dark
and bloody ground."
Such glowing descriptions, in spite of the many and
embarrassing difficulties under which Virginia, at that
time, labored, soon excited the activity of many of her
citizens. That state owned an immense landed territory,
and had always been extensively liberal in its disposal.
The legislature foresaw, that the only mode to accom
plish the early settlement of their vast unappropriated
lands, was to be effected by the liberal encouragement
to settlers ; and, by an act for that purpose, every one,
who made a settlement by clearing a spot of ground,
erecting a cabin, and raising a crop of corn, on such
lands, was entitled to four hundred acres of land, includ
ing the settlement, and the preemption right to one thou
sand acres adjoining thereto. The settlement claims
were bounties given to settlers by the state ; the pre
emption claims were rights given by the state to the
settlers, to purchase before others and appropriate one
thousand acres adjoining their settlements. These claims
to land, in Kentucky, were of high standing and much

GENERAL NATHANIEL MASSIE. 9
respected, and generally prevailed beyond other claims,
when difficulties did not arise about the location of them.
A large portion of the state was quickly settled by this
liberal encouragement extended to settlers ; yet a very
short time was allowed to them. The unbounded rage
for the acquisition of western lands seized the specula
tors, and the greater portion of the country was soon
more than doubly appropriated by the, military and trea
sury warrants, issued in almost' as large quantities by
Virginia, as continental paper.
The wretched " every one for himself" system of loca
ting lands, at that time, gave rise to more than thirty
years continued litigation of the land claims. So much,
indeed, were they entangled, that in their adjustment,
more brilliancy of talent was displayed, and more ab
struse learning brought forward and applied, than it could
well be conceived possible such a subject could originate.
Happily, however, for the country, the rules of our laws,
when applied by great and discriminating minds, are
rules of reason, and when directed steadily to some
great end connected with human transactions, will finally
overcome all difficulties, and accomplish the desired ob
ject. In Kentucky, a system of land law was soon
erected, abstruse indeed, but founded in justice, as it
soon relieved their entangled and much litigated titles.
But to return.
For several years after the Kentucky territory was
explored, many difficulties were encountered in making
permanent settlements. The settlers were placed, as it
were, in a gauntlet, continually exposed to the inroads
of the Indians from the northwest of the Ohio, and also
from the tribes that bordered the southern part of Ken
tucky. These different tribes of Indians meeting yearly,
during their hunting and war season, found the country
possessed by the whites, who were looked upon by
them as a common enemy, who, they justly suspected.

10 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
had come to rob them of their possessions. Animated
by the wrong which was about to be done them, and also
by the thought that they were contending for the country,
which had been the glorious field of the warlike exploits
of their chiefs and warriors, they fought with that bra
very which borders on despair. For these reasons, their
warfare with the whites was of an exterminating charac
ter on both sides, and the scenes of bloodshed that en
sued were most terrific. Another great difficulty, under
which the settlers labored, was the distance they were
removed from the settlements. Supplies of absolute
necessaries were not easily transported so great a dis
tance, as no roads were then known, and the only mode
of transportation was the pack-horse, and the only guide
the compass and the experience of the woodman. Un
fortunately, at that time, no remedy could be applied to
remove these difficulties, as Virginia with the other col
onies were, at that time, engaged in the arduous struggle
for Independence, and no protection could, as heretofore,
be afforded to the settlers by troops levied for the fron
tier service.
Under. these and many other difficulties, the pioneers
of an early day labored. Is it not surprising that the
settlement of the country should have continued to pro
gress ? Every returning messenger, too, from the new
to the old country, had scenes of horror to relate of the
stealthy incursions of the savages, their deadly hatred
to the whites, and their indiscriminate and inhuman
butcheries of them. The thoughts of such things did
not discourage the pioneers. On the contrary, the tide
of emigration, year after year, began to swell in larger
and more regular streams, and the inhabitants soon
commenced a system of offensive, as well as defensive,
operations. Hitherto, the hunters and surveyors had
adopted, from necessity, the roving habits, the cunning,
and hardihood of the savages, and had carried on with

GENERAL NATHANIEL MASSIE. 11
them a desultory warfare, in which innumerable instances
of personal bravery were displayed, that showed them
to be men of more than Spartan courage. Many sad
lessons, however, had taught the settlers that their only
means of safety could be afforded by combinations of
the inhabitants. At their stations, they, therefore, con
structed block-houses and walls built of trees, as they
were found to be the most secure method of defence, and
always afforded a place of retreat from danger. In these
stations were placed the wives, the children, and the
moveable goods of the settlers, and a sufficiency of land
in the immediate vicinity was cleared and cultivated to
raise the necessaries of life. The men, during the greater
part of the year, were busily employed in locating and
surveying land.
This subject is so absorbing as to have carried me be
yond ray intention. It is impossible, indeed, to reflect
on the early settlement of Kentucky without being
deeply impressed with interest in its varied scenes, and,
at the same time, made to feel an almost unbounded ad
miration of the character of its early inhabitants. Enter
prize and courage gave to each one the knowledge of
his own capacity, while sincere friendship, strict confi
dence, and mutual dependence in times of danger cemen
ted them together like a band of brothers. They lived at
a time, when those manly and ennobling qualities were
necessary for their well-being, and a continuation of
these qualities among their descendants, have rendered
them celebrated, in our land, for their open and manly
bearing and other qualities connected with true courage.
I have made the above remarks, in order to connect
them with the subject of this biographical sketch. It
was at an interesting period of the settlement of Ken
tucky, that he entered upon the active duties of a sur
veyor, and to a man of capacity in that business an im
mense field of enterprize was opened.

12 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
General Nathaniel Massie was born, in Goochland
county, Virginia, on the 28th day of December, 1763.
He was the eldest son of Maj. Nathaniel Massie of that
county, who was a substantial farmer in easy circum
stances. The Major was a man of great plainness, in
dustry, and good practical sense, and although possessed
of means sufiicient,' he chose rather to give his sons such
educations as would prepare them to transact the com
mon business of life, than such as would be of no ser
vice to them in the employments he intended them to
pursue. Besides all this he had a large family of chil
dren, and acting rather contrary to the old Virginia sys
tem, he thought it better for his sons, that at an early
day they., should be placed in a situation to gain their
own livelihood. So soon, therefore, as they completed
their educations, he" perniitted them to select whatever
employment they preferred.. .Nathaniel, the eldest son,
chose for his occupation to learn surveying, and go to
the western country, which at that time held out great
inducements to enterprizing young men. Previously,
however, to this, at the early age of seventeen years
(1780), he was sent by his father as a substitute -for
himself, or some member of the family, in the draft of
soldiers,- made about that time, to recruit the army du
ring the revolutionary war. What length of time he re
mained, or at what post : stationed, is not known to the
author. The fact itself shows the confidence reposed in
him at that early age by his; father, and the excursion
was well calculated to make him better acquainted with
men and things, and it is highly probable gave a spring to
that latent ambition which distinguished him in after life
as a man- of uncommon enterprize.
After his return home from the army, he studied sur^
veying, and m'ad_e himself master of that science. In
the fall of the year ;1783, in his nineteenth year, he was
prepared to set out. in the world on his own footing. He

GENERAL NATHANIEL MASSIE. 13
has been described by an intimate acquaintance of his,
who saw him a short time previous to his departure for
the West, " as an uncommonly fine-looking young man.
That his form was slender, well made, and muscular,
and was calculated, from his good constitution and un
common activity, to endure fatigue, exposure, and priva
tions in an eminent degree. That his countenance was
open and expressive of great energy and good sense,
and well suited to gain favor from men of enterprize."
His father furnished . him with a horse well equipped,
and all necessary surveying instruments. A small
amount of treasury warrants were also placed in his
care, together with a letter of recommendation to Gen.
James Wilkinson, who was, at that time, a citizen of
Kentucky country, and a man of distinction.
The author, as he is personally unacquainted with the
early history of General Massie, has been obliged to de
pend on whatever information his children could afford
him, which was but little, as they have lived far away
from the home of his " youth and family connections.
What information he has derived from them of him>
while in Kentucky, is contained in some old letters,
from different persons to him. It is well known, how
ever, that very shortly after his arrival there he was ac
tively engaged in locating warrants and surveying lands ;
and from the property he accumulated, it would appear
great success had attended his industry. An extract
from a letter of his father, of an early date, is given on
account of its antiquity. " Goochland, Aug. 24, 178'4.
"Loving Son: — I received yours, per Mr. Under
wood, wherein you informed me that you were in good
healtli : likewise that favored by Mr. Parker; dated May
25, 178'4, wherein youinformed me, that ithe- warrant for
two hundred and fifty acres of land was joiiiing the othei

14 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
warrant, and that it was rather dangerous to have it
surveyed. I am glad to hear that it is the best quality,
equal to James river low grounds," &c.
The following letter, as it shows the manner in which
surveying was conducted, at that time, is worthy of an
insertion. " Hanging'forh, April 26, 1786.
" Dear Sir : — I am, at this time, unable to come over
on the business that I promised you. For my attend
ing the surveys it will not make the least difference, as
you can do it as well as if I was with you. I wish you
to divide the land that is surveyed, belonging to the
Dutchmen, and survey the entries that lay joining of
those lands, and divide the entries also. Survey that
land you purchased of Captain Owing, and survey the
one thousand and five hundred acre entry, that is located
at Logan's old camp on Bird's trace, about one mile from
another large camp. The old camp was made on the
first campaign, in the year '80, and the other the next
campaign. I wish you to survey the entries that are on
the heads of Grassy creek, in the name of Howard
Lewis. If you find where Creuss was buried at a camp,
you can easily find the entries. You must take the mark
ed way from the camp up a ridge, westwardly course,
about two miles, and the way is marked all the way of
the two miles with a tomahawk ; and then you will turn
down a hollow to your left hand, until you cross a branch
of Grassy creek, and you will see some stumps, where
there has been some fire-wood cut, on the east side of
the branch ; and continue the marked way the same
course, perhaps two and a half miles, near the heads of
said waters, and there you will find some trees marked,
as the entry calls for, on the west side of the black oak,
and some small trees marked near the said oak ; and you
will return down to the same branch to the creek, and

general NATHANIEL MASSIE. 15
down the creek to the fork, and cross the forks and go a
southeast course about four miles, until you come to a
creek ; then up said creek until you find a camp on said
creek, in the bottom, where you will see trees peeled,
and stumps, and an old camp, and there is Mr. Howard
Lewis's entry of two thousand acres. You will find the
beginning about fifty rods below the camp in a buffalo
trace, on an ash tree, marked M. black with powder, the
mark is facing down the creek ; I peeled the bark off
with my knife ; and survey Stephen's above Meam-
ey's and Young's preemption ; and that, I think, will be
as much as you can do at this time. Now, my good
friend, if you cannot do it, pray write a letter to me,
and direct it to Mr. Nagle, in Danville. But I would be
glad if you could do it, and I will give you five pounds
besides your fees. Promise your chain carriers goods
for their wages, which I will pay on your return ; and
am, sir, your friend and humble servant,
"JOHN MARTIN."
" Mr. Nathaniel Massie."
Who this John Martin was is not known, but this let
ter of instruction to Mr. Massie shows him to have been
a land speculator and a merchant. I have introduced
this letter to show the necessity of a surveyor's being,
what is termed, a woodsman, and also the manner in
which surveyors' fees were paid. Mere surveyors had
their fees regulated by law, and were illy paid for their
trouble, and as they were men of great enterprize and
much information as to good unappropriated lands, they
soon became locators of land on the shares. The loca
tors who were popular, and in whom confidence could
be placed, would get a fourth, a third, and, sometimes,
half, when locations could be made on first rate land.
Massie, at first, acted as a surveyor, but he soon dis
covered that it was a small business, and that the pro-
2

16 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
fitable land business fell into the hands of the locators.
As he was young and extremely active, and one of the best
footmen in the West, he soon became an expert woods
man, to be which was an indispensable qualification of
a land locator, as the country was then an entire and un
broken wilderness. No roads, or even paths, led from
one part to the other; and besides these difficulties, the
restless Indians were continually on the' alert to surprise
and cut off surveying parties. The surveyors, too, had
to explore the country, in order to find the most fertile
lands, and in doing this they were obliged to traverse
the woods in every direction, guess at courses, and judge
of distances. Young Massie soon became an expert sur
veyor, and it was a matter of astonishment, (as he was
raised in the dense population east of the mountains)
how soon he acquired the science and habits of the back
woodsmen. Although he never practised the art of
hunting, he was admitted by all, who knew his qualifi
cations as a woodsman, to be of the first order. He
could steer his course truly in clear or cloudy weather,
and compute distances more correctly than most of the
old hunters. He could endure fatigue and hunger, with
more composure than the most of those persons who
were inured to want on the frontier. He could live upon
meat without bread, and bread without meat, and was
perfectly cheerful and contented with his fare. In all the
perilous situations in which he was placed, he was al
ways conspicuous for his good feeling and the happy
temperament of his mind. His courage was of a cool
and dispassionate character, which added to great cir
cumspection in times of danger, gave him a complete
ascendancy over his companions, who were always will
ing to follow when Massie led the way.
The field of young Massie's activity seems not to
have been confined, during this period, to the business
of locating and surveying lands. In the fall of 1786,

GENERAL NATHANIEL MASSIE. 17
we find him interested with Gen. James Wilkinson in
speculations in salt, which on account of its scarcity,
and the absolute necessity ofthe article, rendered it very
valuable. There were then few places in the western
country, where salt could be made to any advantage. The
art of boring for salt water was then unknown, and the
few places where salt was made, were where the water
rose to the level of the earth, which from its great
mixture with fresh water, generally required eight hun
dred or a thousand gallons of the water to make fifty
pounds or a bushel of salt, which sold for two to five
dollars, per bushel. The principal manufactories in
Kentucky, were Bullitt's and Mann's licks near Louis
ville, from which the inhabitants of the West were scan
tily supplied at an enormous price. From two old let
ters from Gen. Wilkinson to Massie, which are inserted
below, we learn that Massie was about to start for Nash
ville, on the Cumberland river, with a barge load of salt.
Gen. Wilkinson, as the senior partner, directed the affairs
of the firm, and, from his letters of instruction to Massie,
shows hia remarkable cunning, and the means employed,
at that day, to keep from being overreached. The Gen
eral, at that time, was one of the largest dealers of mer
chandize in the West, and one of the most popular men
in the country, and was well known to be a man of the
first order of talents, and great discrimination as to the
character of men. Whether Massie made or sunk mon
ey in the salt speculation is not known, and the subject
is introduced chiefly to show in what articles of trade
the commerce of the country consisted, and the manner
in which it was conducted ; and also to show that Massie,
young as he was, had rendered his name respectable by
his industry and attention to business. The confidence
placed in him by Gen. Wilkinson shows the light in
which he viewed him. These letters further show the
manner in which business was transacted, and informa-

18 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
tion communicated between different parts of the country
This was done, generally, by means of expresses. It
was eight or ten years after that period, before post routes
and post offices afforded their facilities to the inhabitants
of Kentucky. " Danville, December 19, 1786.
" Dear Sir: — I beg you to proceed with all possible
dispatch to the falls. You will call by the lick, and
urge the provision of the salt ; and prepare some way
of conveying it to the river, &c. &c. You will make the
best of your way to Nashville, and there dispose of it
for cotton, beaver furs, racoon skins, otter, &c. You
must always observe to get as much cash as you can.
When you have coinpleted your sales, you will yourself
move with the horses, &c., by land, and commit the
other articles, with the barge, to Captain Alexander,
with directions to him to proceed up to the falls, there
secure the boat and property, and give me the earliest
advice of his arrival, by express or otherwise. The
goods which Captain Alexander carries down to the falls,
I wish you to exchange for horses, or elegant high
blooded mares, if you can get great bargains ; otherwise,
sell them for cash, peltry, or cotton. When you receive
the salt, take care to have it measured in a proper honest
way, with a spade or shovel, and no sifting, &c. One
Smith is preparing to go down with two or three hun
dred bushels from the lower lick. Endeavor to get off
before him, and if you cannot, persuade him to stay for
you ; but you must not wait for him a moment, as it will
be your interest to arrive before him. You will remem
ber you are going amongst a set of sharpers, and there
fore must take care of yourself. Write to me by every
opportunity, letting me know ho'w you come on. Don't
fail in this. God bless you and give you good luck.
" Yours sincerely,
" J. WILKINSON."

general NATHANIEL MASSIE. 19
" Fayette, 29th Dec. 1786, Friday Morning.
" Dear Massie : — I approve of your plan to go to
the port with two hundred bushels of salt, and sell for
cash or furs, but take no deer skins. Be sure and get as
many otters as possible. Be cautious in your move
ments, guard against the savages, coming and going, and
discharge your men the moment you get to the port.
The only thing you have to dread is the ice. To be
caught in the ice would be worse than the devil's own
luck. Act with decision and despatch in whatever you
do. God bless you. " J. WILKINSON."

CHAPTER IL
As much as could be learned of the life of General
Massie, while engaged in business in Kentucky, has been
related in the last chapter. We have now arrived at a
period in his life, when my own information will serve
me, instead of the scanty materials from which the nar
rative of his early life has' been gathered. The facts,
that I shall relate, will be connected with the exploring
and settlement of our own portion of the state, and I hope
will interest both the old and young. To the old settlers,
it will bring to remembrance the privations and hardships
endured, and the difficulties and dangers long since passed
through, and now almost forgotten in the lapse of time.
To the young of the land, it will be a bright example,
as it will place before them the hardy virtues of those
men, who by their bravery, enterprize, and industry,
have astonished the world by the power with which they
wrested our country from its savage inhabitants, and
have, within a few years, made it almost the garden spot
of the land. Mr. Trumbull, in his history of Conneoti-

20 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
cut, referring to the early history and settlement of new
countries, in his beautiful and appropriate language, says,
that " no man of genius, taste, and curiosity, can read the
accounts ofthe origin of nations, the discovery, settle
ment, and progress of new countries, without a high de
gree of entertainment. But in the settlement of his own
country, in the lives of his ancestors, in their adventures
and heroism, he feels himself particularly interested. He
at once becomes a party in their affairs, and travels and
converses with them, with a kind of filial delight.
While he beholds them braving the horrors of the desert,
the terrors of the savage, the distresses of famine and
war, he admires their courage, and is pleased with all
their escapes from danger, and all their progress in settle
ments, population, opulence, liberty, and happiness.
While he contemplates their self-denials and persever
ance, in surmounting all dangers and enduring all hard
ships, in turning the wilderness into gardens and fruitful
fields, and transmitting liberty and religion to posterity,
he is struck with a pleasing astonishment. The pious
man views a divine hand conducting the whole, gives
thanks, adores, and loves."
Many of the western pioneers were warriors by pro
fession and courted danger for danger's sake. These, on
account of their daring intrepidity, were welcome guests
wherever they went. Others there were, whose views
were more enlarged, and who with equal courage put
danger at defiance, keeping a steady eye to push forward
the bounds of civilization in the vast wilds of the west.
Such were the leaders of the hardy woodsmen, who were
engaged in making new settlements on the borders of the
river Ohio, audits tributary streams. Some one of these
master spirits led the way in each settlement which was
made, in spite of the Indians, wnose restieas and contin
ual incursions caused every cabin to be raised at the risk
of life, and every settlement to be made under the most

GENERAL NATHANIEL MASSIE. 21
trying and perilous circumstances. The rapidity of the
advance of arts and improvements seems so great in later
years, that the few weather-beaten pioneers who yet lin
ger amongst us look around them with surprise and won
der. The change seems so great and so sudden, that it
appears to them like the work of supreme creating power.
In a few years they beheld the country all laid out in
farms and under a high state of cultivation. Instead of
the log cabinfe, splendid mansions glitter in the sun ;
roads made, over which the traveler glides along in his
coach ; towns and cities erected, where the ingenious
mechanic displays his arts, and the busy hum of com
merce salutes his ear. Railroads formed over which the
traveler passes with the speed of the wind ; and to crown
the whole, artificial rivers are constructed to convey com
merce in every direction. The master spirits, who by
their toils prepared the way for changes such as these,
have in the history of their lives a degree of originality
and interest far beyond common men. The ever varied
scenes of their adventures and dangers, will (or should)
always render a narrative of their lives acceptable to
those who can relish a description of men of merit.
Every one should feel an interest to see such names
transmitted to latest posterity, and thereby render " honor
to whom honor is due."
I will borrow a few words from Mr. Doddridge's
notes. " Is the memory of our forefathers unworthy of
historic or sepulchral commemoration ? No people on
earth, in similar circumstances, ever acted more nobly or
more bravely than they did. No people of any country
or age made greater sacrifices for the benefit of their pos
terity, than those which were made by the first settlers
of the western regions. What people ever left such noble
legacies to posterity, as those transmitted by our fore
fathers to their descendants ?"
As the scene of the adventures of General Massie and

22 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
his companions, is confined to that part of our state,
known as the Virginia military district, I thought a brief
account of its history would be useful and interesting.
The state of Virginia, during the progress of tlie Revo
lutionary war, in order to engage the active services of
her citizens, and give an ample compensation to those
hardy officers and soldiers, who were devoting their lives
and fortunes to the good of their country, by several acls
of her legislature, granted them liberal bounties in new
unappropriated lands for their services. To satisfy these
bounties, a large tract of land was reserved in the Ken
tucky territory.
Shortly after the close of the war, in order to avoid the
confusion heretofore attendant on the careless locations
of lands, and also to do ample justice to those interested,
an act of the legislature was passed, authorizing certain
deputations of officers therein named, or a certain number
of them, from both the continental and state lines, to ap
point superintendents on behalf of their respective lines ;
and also nominate two principal surveyors, to be com
missioned as other surveyors ; and to contract with the
surveyors for their fees, who were authorized to select
their own deputies with the consent of the superinten
dents. By a further provision of this act, the holders
of warrants were required to place them in the
hands of the surveyors of their respective lines by a
specified day, and that then, the priority in the location
of their warrants should be decided by lot. The sur
veyors, after these preliminary arrangements, were
authorized to proceed to survey all the good land in that
tract of country lying between Green and Cumberland
rivers, as set apart by law for the officers and soldiers,
and then to proceed to survey on the northwest side of
the river Ohio, between the rivers Scioto and Little Mi
ami, until the deficiency of lands to satisfy all military
bounties should be fully and amply made up.

GENERAL NATHANIEL MASSIE. 23
Pursuant to this act of the legislature, the deputation
of the officers of the continental line, consisting of Major
General Charles Scott, Brigadier General Daniel Mor
gan, Colonel AVilliam Heth, Lieutenant Colonel Benja
min Temple, and Captain Mayo Carrington, elected
Colonel Richard C. Anderson to the office of principal
surveyor of the bounties of lands to be entered for the
officers and soldiers of that line. A contract dated the
17th day of December, 1783, was also entered into be
tween Col. Anderson and the deputation of officers, re
gulating the fees of the surveyor, and other matters con
nected with the business. A copy of that contract, in
the hand writing of Col. Anderson, is now before me,
and as an old document, of much importance in its time,
deserves notice, and is accordingly inserted.*
* CoL. Andehson's Conttiact.
Be it remembered this seventeenth day of December, in the year
of our Lord one thousand, seven hundred and eighty three, that
Kichaid Clough Anderson, of the state of Virginia, for and on the
part of himself, his heirs, executors and administrators of the first
part, and Major General Charles Scott, Brigadier General Daniel
Morgan, Colonel William Heth, Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Tem
ple, and Captain Mayo Carrington, a deputation on the part of the
officers and soldiers of the Virginia continental troops, for this pur
pose duly appointed ; for and on the part of the said officers and sol
diers, for themselves and their successors in such deputation of the
second part, have covenanted, promised, contracted and agreed, and
do by these presents, covenant, contract, promise, and agree ; to and
with each other in the manner and form following, that is to say ;
First : — The party of the first part being elected the principal sur
veyor for the purpose of locating and surveying the several bounties
of lands which have been given and granted by the General Assem
bly of this state to the said officers and soldiers, shall forthwith pro
ceed to obtain the legal qualifications for effectually executing his
said office of principal surveyor, and having obtained such qualifica
tion shall proceed as early as may be on the business of locating and
surveying the bounties of land aforesaid, for the several officers and
soldiers entitled thereto, as original grantees of the said state, and for
their heirs agreeable to their respective warrants, according to such
modes and regulations as have been, or shall hereafter be, establish
ed by the General Assembly; faithfully, and effectually, doing and per
forming at every stage of the business, whatever it is customary for
surveyors to do and perform. Secondly : — The said party of the first

24 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
In the spring or summer of the year 1784, Colonel
Anderson moved to Kentucky, and purchased a fine
farm near Louisville, where he finally established his
residence, and gave to it the appropriate name of the
" Soldier's Retreat." On the 20th day of July of the
same year, he opened his ofiice for the purpose of having
entries and surveys made of the lands in the Kentucky
reservation. Previous to this, however, on the 1st day
of March, 1784, Virginia, by her delegates, had ceded to
the United States her territory northwest of the Ohio, as
a common fund for the benefit of all the states, reserving
the country lying between the Miami and Scioto rivers to
be appropriated for the purpose of satisfying the conti
nental line warrants, in case the land reserved in Ken
tucky, would not be sufficient for that purpose. The
deficiency of good land in Kentucky was soon discover
ed, and the attention of the holders of warrants and the
part shall carry with him, and keep in service during the time of his
being on the said business, or until discharged by the superinten
dents, four effective men for chain carriers, markers, and hunters,
armed and furnished with ammunition, and also equipped with the
necessary utensils for performing the duties aforesaid, for each deputy
or assistant surveyor, he shall employ ; whose pay shall not exceed
three shillings per day to be paid by the said surveyor, and he to be re
imbursed therefor by the parties of the second part Thirdly : — The
party of the first part shall, out of his own fees, pay the college dues
which shall arise on this business, exonerating the said officers and
soldiers therefrom. Fourthly : — The parties of the second part, that
is to say, the said officers and soldiers, their heirs, executors, or ad
ministrators, respectively pay, or cause to be paid to the party of the
first part, his heirs, executors, administrators or assigns, the usual
surveyor's fees, as by law established ; three shillings whereof for
every thousand acres to be paid down at the time of lodging the war
rant or warrants, on which the said surveys are to be made.
In witness whereof the said parties have hereunto interchangeably
set their hands the date above written.
RICHARD C. ANDERSON.
(A copy.) DANIEL MORGAN, B. G.
WILL. HETH, Coi.
BENJAMIN TEMPLE, Lt. Coi,
M. CARRINGTON, Capt.

GENERAL NATHANIEL MASSIE. 25
land speculators was turned towards the reservation north
west of the Ohio.
This fine portion of our state, known and called as be
fore stated by the name of the Virginia military district,
possesses from its situation and soil many advantages.
On the east and north, its boundary is the Scioto river ;
on the west, the greater part of the district is bounded
by the Little Miami, -while the entire southern boundary
is washed by the Ohio, for upwards of one hundred miles.
The soil of this tract of country presents for ils extent, a
greater variety than probably any other of the like ex
tent in the United States. In the southeastern portion,
the uplands extending thirty or forty miles below the
mouth of the Scioto, and thirty miles north from the
Ohio, are hilly and the land poor, and at this time the
greater part of it is vacant. Below the mouth of Brush
creek, the hills along the Ohio, for a short distance from
the river, are rich and heavily timbered. Farther down
the river, the extent of rich land increases to the mouth
of the Litde Miami. The bottoms of the Ohio, Scioto,
Miami, and the large tributary streams, composed of a
rich and dark loamy soil, are celebrated for their fertility,
and the heavy crops annually taken from them, for a suc
cession of upwards of thirty years without rest or re
newal in any way, show that their celebrity is not with
out foundation. The middle portion of the country pre
sents, however, the greatest variety of soil. Although
the extent of bottom land along the streams is consider
able, yet the greater portion is upland of good quality, on
which wheat is raised in great abundance. A portion of
it is level land timbered with beech and sugar trees, which
at the first settlement of the country was considered
rather too flat and wet for cultivation, but since it has
been cleared and cultivated it is justly considered first
rate land, alone surpassed by the rich alluvial bottoms.
A part of the middle portion consists also of prairie or

26 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
barren land, the value of which has been lately discover
ed to be greater than ever was expected, as it presented,
at the first settlement of the country, a marshy appear
ance, whieh it was not supposed could be overcome by
cultivation. The industry of our inhabitants has over
come this obstacle ; and the barrens are fast becoming
very valuable land. The other part of the district
consists of barrens, and also of wet and flat land,
timbered with sugar and beech trees, and is at this time
quite unsettled. From this variety of soil great advan
tages arise. In our bottoms, we raise corn in great
abundance ; in our uplands, wheat and other small grain ;
while our barrens, or prairies, furnish most desirable
pastures for grazing. "We have thus a soil, in which an
equal portion of the inhabitants are engaged in raising
different articles of produce, and greatly assist each other
by furnishing a home market for different kinds of stock
and the produce of the soil. But to return.
In the winter and spring of the year 1787, Major John
O'Bannon and Arthur Fox, two enterprising surveyors
in Kentucky, passed over into the district to obtain a
knowledge of the country, for the purpose of making
entries of the land, so soon as the office should be open
ed for that purpose. They explored with their com
panies the whole extent of country along the Ohio, and
passed some distance up the Scioto and Miami rivers,
and some of their tributary streams. On the 1st day of
August, 1787, Colonel Anderson opened the office for
receiving the entries of lands in the district,, at which
time entries of the bottoms of the Ohio were made, and
also a large portion of the bottoms of the Scioto and
Little Miami rivers. About that time, or shortly before,
several expeditions from Kentucky made excursions into
the district, for the purpose of destroying the Indian
towns. Simon Kenton, a name celebrated among back
woodsmen, was along in almost all of these expeditions.

GENERAL NATHANIEL MASSIE. 27
and returning home attempted some entries of lands, in
which he was not successful, on account of his want of
sufficient skill in making them.
So soon as it was made known to Congress, that en
tries had been made in the district northwest of the Ohio,
by virtue of the continental warrants, an act was passed
in July, 1788, by which it was resolved, that Congress
would consider all locations and surveys made on account
of the troops, between the Scioto and Little Miami as in
valid, until the deficiency on the southeast side of the
Ohio should be ascertained and stated to Congress ; and
the Executive of Virginia was requested to inform Con
gress of the deficiency, if any, and the amount of it.
This act, together with the danger apprehended from the
Indians, obstructed further entries and surveys in the dis
trict until an act of Congress, passed in August 1790, re
pealed the act of July 1788, which removed all difficulties
as to the entries and surveys, previously made or subse
quently to be made. This act also regulated the mode
of obtaining patents, and was amended by the act of
1794, and other subsequent acts.
The difficulty about the early locations of lands north
west of the Ohio in this district, arose from the ignorance
of those engaged, as to the extent of jurisdiction ac
quired over those lands by the United States, from Vir
ginia, by her cession in March, 1784. This is shown
from the fact that the governor of Virginia issued patents
on a number of surveys in the district. These patents
were of course void, and were subsequently cancelled,
and patents issued by the President, under the seal of
the United States. We will now return.
The first excursion made by General Massie into the
interior of the district northwest of the Ohio, was in the
year 1788 ; but no account of the particulars of this ex
pedition or his companions is now known. He was pro
bably in company with Arthur Fox, who was at that

28 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
time engaged in surveying lands in the district, and a
particular friend and companion of Massie. A letter
from his father, about this time, refers to this expedition.
" Goochland Co. Oct. 4, 1788.
Loving Son : — I received yours, favored by Mr. Un
derwood, wherein you inform me that you had made a
trip over the Ohio ; that you had tarried there but a few
days. I am afraid that you venture too much. Should you
escape after doing what you have engaged, I would ad
vise you to drop venturing too much, &c. By your last,
you say that you can finish all you have undertaken by
spring. God send you a safe return, &c. I will keep
a cask of cider till the first of April expecting to see you,
if God is willing. " I am your loving father,
" NATHANIEL MASSIE."
For some time, during the prohibition of entries made
by the act of Congress, of the lands of this district,
Massie was engaged in writing in Col. Anderson's ofiice,
in order to acquire a complete knowledge of the business
of locating and surveying. His character for dispatch in
business and enterprize gained him the friendship and
confidence of Col. Anderson, who had the control of the
warrants, placed in his hands by his brother officers and
soldiers. A very large amount of these, so soon as the
act of Congress of August, 1790, removed all further
obstruction, he placed in the hands of Massie, to enter
and survey on such terms as he could obtain from the
holders of them. As the risk of making entries was
great, and as it was desirable to possess the best land,
the owners of warrants, in most cases, made liberal con
tracts with the surveyors. One fourth, one third, and
sometimes as much as one half acquired by the entry
of good lands were given by the proprietors to the sur-

GENERAL NATHANIEL MASSIE. 29
veyors. If the owners preferred paying money, the
usual terms were ten pounds, Virginia currency, for each
thousand acres entered and surveyed, exclusive of chain-
men's expenses. These terms cannot appear extrava
gant, when we consider, that at that time the danger en
countered was great, the exposure during the winter was
severe, and that the price of first rate land in the west
was low, and an immense quantity in market.
The locations of land warrants in this district prior to
1790, were made by stealth. Every creek which was
explored, every line that was run, was at the risk of life
from the savage Indians, whose courage and perseverance
was only equalled by the perseverance of the whites to
push forward their settlements. It was a contest for
dominion : and the bravery, the stratagem, and the bold
ness displayed by the Indians in executing their plans,
could only be equalled by their fearless onsets in attacks
and their masterly retreats when defeated.
The Indians, at this time, had among them a number
of master spirits, and it is greatly to be regretted that the
history of their exploits is lost forever. The patient re
solution and fortitude with which they contended against
superior discipline and numbers, the wiles and stratagems
displayed by them during their long and bloody wars,
proved that they possessed intellectual qualities of the
first order. Their fortitude in enduring pain, fatigue,
and starvation, was unequalled, except by such of the
whites as were long disciplined in the Indian school.
Besides exposure to the Indians while surveying, the
surveyors in the district had other difficulties to encoun
ter. By passing the Ohio, they placed that river between
them and their place of retreat, in case they were defeat
ed and pursued. The season of the year, too, chosen
by them for surveying was the depth of winter, as they
were then more secure from interruption ; as the Indians
were at that time of the year in their winter quarters, and

30 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
when hunting were found in small bodies. Against dan
ger and exposure, the surveyors were without shelter in
the district.

CHAPTER m.

It is now believed by many persons, that the men who
effected our independence and those who first settled the
western country, were more robust and hardy than the
present race of men. This is a mistaken notion. It was
their constant exercise of mind and body, which braced
and invigorated their constitutions to endure the constant
draught that was made upon them, that rendered them so
hardy. The weak and feeble, and all such as were pre
disposed to disease, who ventured on the frontier in those
days of peril and privations, soon fell by sickness, or in
sudden retreats lost their lives by the Indian's tomahawk,
and were no more heard of. The remnant of those
pioneers, who still linger amongst us, are the gleaning
of the most hardy of the original stock. Their long lives
prove much in favor of activity and hardihood, yet for
both qualities they were indebted to the circumstances by
which they were surrounded : the occasion made them
what they were. It is believed that man is, and has been,
the same in all ages of the world. He is civilized or
barbarous, strong and active, or weak and indolent, as are
his companions. The habits and manners of the old
frontier-men were a perfect state of nature, where every
one was his own judge, and righted his own wrongs and
was his own dependence in difficulties. It cannot now
be conceived or believed, how soon an active, lively, and
enterprizing young man would unlearn to practice the
artificial rules of civilized life, and acquire the customs
and habita of the frontier-men, or even the more ferocious

GENERAL NATHANIEL MASSIE. 31
habits of the Indians. This fact shows how much we
are formed by custom, and also that it is only in a dense
population, that the arts of civilized life unfold their pro
tecting and salutary beauties.
With men, such as these, hardy, robust, and daring,
and in the situation of the district as described in the
last chapter, Massie, in the winter of the year, 1790, de
termined to make a settlement in it, that he might be in
the midst of his surveying operations and secure his party
from danger and exposure. In order to effect this, he
gave general notice in Kentucky of his intention, and of
fered each of the first twenty-five families, as a donation,
one in-lot, one out-lot, and one hundred acres of land,
provided they would settle in a town he intended fo lay
off at his settlement. His proffered terms were soon
closed in with, and upwards of thirty families joined
him. After various consultations with his friends, the
bottom on the Ohio river, opposite the lower of the
Three Islands, was selected as the most eligible spot.
Here, he fixed his station, and laid off into lots a town,
now called Manchester ; at this time a small place, about
twelve miles above Maysville, (formerly Limestone)
Kentucky. This little confederacy, with Massie at the helm (who
was the soul of it,) went to work with spirit. Cabins
were raised, and by the middle of March, 1791," the
whole town was enclosed with strong pickets, firmly fix
ed in the ground, with block houses at each angle for
defence. Thus was the first settlement in the Virginia military
district, and the fourth settlement in the bounds of the
state of Ohio, effected. Although this settlement was
commenced in the hottest Indian war, it suffered less
from depredation, and even interruptions, from the In
dians, than any settlement previously made on the Ohio
river. This was no doubt owing to the watchful band

32 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
of brave spirits who guarded the place — men who were
reared in the midst of danger and inured to perils, and as
watchful as hawks. Here were the Beasleys, the Stouts,
the Washbums, the Ledoms, the Edgingtons, the Den-
ings, the Ellisons, the Utts, the McKenzies, the Wades;
and others, who were equal to the Indians in all the arts
and stratagems of border war.
As soon as Massie had completely prepared his station
for defence, the whole population went to work, and
cleared the lower of the Three Islands, and planted it in
com. The island was Tery rich, and produced hea-vy
crops. The woods, with a little industry, supplied a
choice variety of game. Deer, elk, buffalo, bears and
turkeys, were abundant, while the river furnished a
variety of excellent fish. The wants of the inhabitants,
under these circumstances, were few and easily gratified.
Luxuries were entirely unknown, except old Mononga
hela double distilled. This article was in great demand
in those days, and when obtained, freely used. Coffee
and tea were rare articles, not much prized or sought
after, and were only used to celebrate the birth of a new
comer. The inhabitants of the station were generally as
playful as kittens, and as happy in their way as their
hearts could wish. The men spent most of their time
in hunting and fishing, and almost every evening the
boys and girls footed merrily to the tune of the fiddle.
Thus was their time spent in that happy state of indo
lence and ease, which none but the hunter or herdsman
state can enjoy. They had no civil officers to settle
their disputes, nor priests to direct their morals; yet
amongst them crimes were of rare occurrence. Should
any one who chanced to be amongst them, prove trouble
some, or disturb the harmony of the community, his
expulsion forthwith would be the consequence ; and wo
be to him if he again attempted to in^de himself upon
them.

I'M

u *
1'
'f ' ^'^^
GENERAL NATHANIEL MASSIE. 33
That " there is a nobility above birth, and riches above
wealth," was clearly manifest in the lives of the old
pioneers. A distinguished Roman said, " the bravest
man was the noblest man." If this position be true, the
nobility of the frontier men remains unrivaled. That
there " are riches above wealth," was evidenced in the
lives of the citizens of the frontier stgitions. There were
no rival grades or castes in these small communities, to
create envy : in their society all stood on a par. Their
minds were buoyant with hope ; and when danger was
not apparent, they were the happiest, and of course the
richest people on earth.
The manners of the frontier men among themselves,
were affectionate and familiar. They addressed each
other by their Christian names only ; which custom still
appears to them, the most friendly and courteous mode
of intercourse. To one who looks back on what the
world was then, it seems as if " money-making and sel
fishness had frozen up the avenues to the heart. That
frank, friendly intercourse, which was the delight and
honor of this land, is gone, it is feared, for ever; and
the cold, calculating spirit of accumulation, or the worth
less emulation of show and splendor, has succeeded."
When this station was made, the nearest neighbors
north-west of the Ohio, were the inhabitants at Colum
bia, a settlement below the mouth of the Little Miami,
eight miles above Cincinnati, and at Galliapolis, a French
settlement, near the mouth of the Great Kenhawa. Look
at the map of the State of Ohio, reader. You will
there see the long and dreary waste, Massie and his com
panions, during their exploring expeditions through the
wilderness of the present State of Ohio, had to travel,
without roads or paths. They could not hear the agreeable
sound ofthe plowman's gee -haw, nor the keen crack of
the wagoner's or coachman's whip, nor the clink of the
blacksmith's Jiammer, nor the pleasant clitter-datter of

34 A SKETCH OF THE LIFK OF
the mill. All was the lonely and solitary gloom of the
dark forest. Then, too, could be seen the wide spread
prairie, dressed in nature's gayest herbage, where the
most beautiful and sweet scented flowers mingled in wild
confusion, where neither bush nor tree could be seen,
and where the blue sky appeared, in sublime grandeur,
to lean on the outer edge of the earth, like an immense
crystal bowl inverted. Here silence reigned with the
stillness of death, except when broken occasionally by
the cries of wild animals, and the appalling yell of the
Indian. Massie having permanently established himself in his
station, continued to make locations and surveys of land
in every direction. It was during this period that many
interesting events transpired, connected with the survey
ing parties. Great precaution was used while surveying)
and the invariable rule with Massie was, to keep spies
around him ; and if they came across fresh Indian signs,
and the enemy appeared to be numerous, then to de
sist from surveying, and, like the terrapins, return to
their cover. This precaution, though vigilantly adhered
to, did not always prevent the surveyors from meeting
with disasters, as will appear by the following incident.
Early in the spring of the year 1792, Massie pro
ceeded to make some surveys on a small creek, which
empties into the Ohio four miles above Manchester,
accompanied by Israel Donalson, and two others. They
meandered up the river to the mouth of the creek, and
sat down on a log, not far from the bank of the river, to
eat some junk. As they were eating and amusing them
selves with chit-chat, they were not a little startled to see
seven or eight Indians walk up the bank of the river
without their arms, having left them in their canoe at the
mouth of the creek. Massie and his party fled. The
Indians, yelling horridly, pursued them. When the sur
veying party reached the foot of the hill, they had a deep

GENERAL NATHANIEL MASSIE. 3i)
ravine to cross, about ten or twelve feet wide, and as
many in depth. Massie, and two others of his compan
ions, leaped the ravine ; but poor Donalson, being less
active in making the leap, plunged into the ditch. Mas
sie, and the two others, soon ran to Manchester, and gave
an account of their misfortune. He was ignorant whether
or no Donalson was killed. Early next morning he col
lected twenty men, and went to the ravine, and found
that Donalson must have been taken. The trail of the
Indians was pursued for some distance, when it was con
cluded, that if the pursuit was continued, and the Indians
were aware of it, they would immediately kill Donalson ;
but that if they were permitted to go off unmolested, they
would, in all probability, save his life. The pursuing
party immediately returned to Manchester, permitting the
Indians to pursue their course.
Some time passed before the fate of Donalson was
known at the station, and that was made known by his
own sudden appearance. From his account ofthe affair, it
appears the Indians had been trapping up Big Sandy
River, and were on their return to Wapatomaka town
(now Zanesfield), on Mad river. That the Indians had
passed from the mouth of Big Sandy, down the Ohio,
until they reached the mouth of the creek where they
landed, with their canoes, and had given pursuit to the
party. The foremost Indian, pursuing them closely, saw
Donalson make his unfortunate plunge, and before he
could recover, leaped upon him tomahawk in hand.
Donalson instantly surrendered, and was made a prisoner.
It was late in the evening when they took him, and they
immediately loaded him with their peltry, and made a
rapid march homeward. In a few days they reached the
Chillicothe town, on the Little Miami. At this time, he
began to think about effecting his escape, although the dif
ficulties against which he had to contend were great,
owing to the extreme caution and watchfulness of the

36 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
Indians. At night they confined him in the following
manner. They took a strong tug (a rope made of the
raw hide of the buffalo or elk), and fastened it around his
body, each end of the tug being tied around the body of
an Indian. The tug was tied so tightly, that it could not
be slipped, nor could he move to the one side or the other
without drawing the Indian after him. It was from such
a situation he had to extricate himself. One night, while
the Indians were tying him after the usual manner, he
puffed up his body to its full extent, by drawing in his
breath ; and when they had completed the process, he
found that there was a good deal of play in the noose of
the tug. He laid very still until the Indians were fast
asleep. Then, having partly undressed himself, he
began slowly and cautiously to slip from the noose.
After a long trial he succeeded in slipping himself out,
and found himself once more a freeman. He instantly
rushed to the thickets. The night was clear, and he
could steer his course by the stars. Striking off in a
southern direction, he traveled all night. The next day
he fell on Harmer's old trace, and followed its course to
the South. In two days he reached Fort Washington,
now Cincinnati. Here he remained a few days to recruit
himself, and then returned to his friends at Manchester,
where he was most joyfully received, as there had been
with them great anxiety as to his fate. The creek, at the
mouth of which he was taken, was called after him
" Donalson's Creek ;" which name it still retains, and
will retain when the event which gave birth to its name,
will be forgotten. Mr. Donalson is still living, the
patriarch of Manchester, and is, I believe, the only one
of the first settlers who lives there at this time. He held
many public offices. He was a member of the conven
tion which formed the constitution for the State of Ohio,
and uniformly preserved the character of an honest and
useful man.

OENERAL NATHANIEL MASSIE. 37
In the early part of the winter of 1791-92, Massie
was engaged in locating and surveying the lands on
Brush creek, as far up as the three forks, intending, as
soon as there was less danger from the Indians, to pro
ceed on a larger scale. It was in the spring of the same
year, that he was engaged in surveying the bottoms of the
Little Miami. He had advanced up the river as far as
the spot where the town of Xenia is now situated, with
out molestation. Early one morning, the party started
out to perform the labors of the day. Massie was walk
ing in advance of the party, when an Indian was per
ceived by General William Lytle, with his gun pointed
at Massie, and in the act of firing. Lytle, with uncom
mon quickness, fired, and killed the Indian. After this
occurrence they advanced cautiously, and soon found
themselves near an encampment of about one hundred
and fifty Indians. The party commenced a rapid retreat,
and were closely pursued by the Indians. The retreat
and pursuit continued without relaxation, until the party
safely reached Manchester, or, as it was then called,
Massie's station.
During the winter of 1792-93, Massie continued to
locate and survey the best land within a reasonable dis
tance of the station. As the Indians were always more
quiet during the winter, he employed two men, Joseph
Williams and one of the Wades, to accompany him to
explore the valley of Paint creek, and part of the Scioto
country. He found the bottoms rich beyond his expec
tations, and made entries of all the good land on that
creek. During that expedition, Kenton, Helm, and
others, who had accompanied the various detachments
from Kentucky, which had invaded the country, made a
few entries, but the large bulk of rich land was still
vacant. ,
In the spring of the year 1793, the settlers at Man
chester commenced clearing the out-lots of the town ;

38 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
and while so engaged, an incident of much interest and
excitement occurred. Mr. Andrew Ellison, one of the
settlers, cleared a lot immediately adjoining the fort.
He had completed the cutting of the timber, rolled the
logs together and set them on fire. The next morning, a
short time before daybreak, Mr. Ellison opened one of
the gates of the fort, and went out to throw his logs to
gether. By the time he had finished this job, a number
of the heaps blazed up brightly, and as he was passing
from one to the other, he observed, by the light of the
fires, three men walking briskly towards him. This did
not alarm him in the least, although, he said, they were
dark skinned fellows ; yet he concluded they were the
Wades, whose complexions were very dark, going early
to hunt. He continued to right his log-heaps, until one
of the fellows seized him by the arms, and called out in
broken English, " How do? how do?" He instantly
looked in their faces, and to his surprise and horror,
found himself in the clutches of three Indians. To re
sist was useless. He therefore submitted to his fate,
without any resistance or an attempt to escape.
The Indians quickly moved off with him in the direc
tion of Paint creek. When breakfast was ready, Mrs.
Ellison sent one of her children to ask their father home ;
but he could not be found at the log-heaps. His absence
created no immediate alarm, as it was thought he might
have started to hunt after the completion of his work.
Dinner time arrived, and Ellison not returning, the family
became uneasy, and began to suspect some accident had
happened to him. His gun-rack was examined, and there
hung his rifle and his pouch in their usual place. Massie
raised a party, and made a circuit around the place, and
found, after some search, the trails of four men, one of
whom had on shoes ; and as Ellison had shoes on, the
truth, that the Indians had made him a prisoner, was un
folded. As it was almost night at the time the trail was

GENERAL NATHANIEL MASSIE. 39
discovered, the party returned to the station. Next
moming, early preparations were made by Massie and
his party to pursue the Indians. In doing this they found
great difficulty, as it was so early in the spring that the
vegetation was not of sufficient growth to show plainly
the trail of the Indians, who took the precaution to keep
on hard and high land, where their feet could make little
or no impression. Massie and his party, however, were
as unerring as a pack of well trained hounds, and follow
ed the trail to Paint creek, when they found the Indians
gained so fast on them, that pursuit was vain. They
therefore abandoned it, and returned to the station.
The Indians took their prisoner to Upper Sandusky,
and compelled him to run the gauntlet. As Ellison was
a large man and not very active, he received a severe
flogging as he passed along the line. From this place he
was taken to Lower Sandusky, and was again compelled
to run the gauntlet, and was then taken to Detroit, where
he was generously ransomed by a British officer for one
hundred dollars. He was shortly afterwards sent by his
friend, the officer, to Montreal, from whence he returned
home before the close of the summer of the same
year. Another incident connected with the station at Man
chester, occurred shortly after this time, which, although
somewhat out of order as to time, I will take the liberty
to relate in this place.
John Edgington, Asahel Edgington, and another man
started out on a hunting expedition towards Brush creek.
They camped out six miles in a northeast direction from
where West Union now stands, and near where Treber's
tavern is now situated, on the road from Chillicothe to
Maysville. The Edgingtons had good success in hunt
ing, having killed a number of deer and bears. Of the
deer killed, they saved the skins and hams alone. The
bears, they fleeced ; that is, they cut off all the meat

40 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
which adhered to the hide without skinning, and left the
bones as a skeleton. They hung up the proceeds of
their hunt on a scaffold, out of the reach of the wolves
and other wild animals, and returned home for pack
horses. No one returned to the camp with the two
Edgingtons. As it was late in December, no one ap
prehended danger, as the winter season was usually a
time of repose from Indian incursions. When the
Edgingtons arrived at their old hunting camp, they
alighted from their horses and were preparing to strike a
fire, when a platoon of Indians fired upon them, at the
distance of not more than twenty paces. Asahel Edging
ton fell to rise no more. John was more fortunate. The
sharp crack of the rifles and the horrid yells of the In
dians, as they leaped from their place of ambush, fright
ened the horses, who took the track towards home at
full speed. John Edgington was very active on foot, and
now an occasion offered which required his utmost speed.
The moment the Indians leaped from their hiding place,
they threw down their guns and took after him. They
pursued him screaming and yelling in the most horrid
manner. Edgington did not run a booty race. For about
a mile the Indians stepped in his tracts almost before the
bending grass could rise. The uplifted tomahawk was fre
quently so near his head, that he thought he felt its edge.
Every eflbrt was made to save his life, and every exertion
of the Indians was made to arrest him in his flight. Edging
ton, who had the greatest stake in the race, at length be
gan to gain on his pursuers, and after a long race, he
distanced them, made his escape, and safely reached
home. This, truly, was a most fearful and well contested
race. The big Shawnee chief, Captain John, who head
ed the Indians on this occasion, after peace was made
and Chillicothe settled, frequently told the writer of this
sketch of the race. Captain John said, that " the white
man who ran away was a smart fellow, that the white

GENERAL NATHANIEL MASSIE. 41
man run and I run, he run and run, at last, the white
man run clear off from me."

CHAPTER IV.
A PERSON engaged in writing. upon a particular subject
will, as a matter of course, within the range of his in
formation, collect a mass of materials, from which it will
be his duty to select the most useful and interesting. To
do this, however, with skill sufficient to please the ma
jority of his readers, is a difficult task. A person usual
ly writes upon subjects about which he has bestowed
much thought, and in which he feels a deep interest.
Of course, matters which appear to him of great impor
tance, he will discover frequently to be overlooked by
the generality of readers. Of such treatment he must
not complain, but, on the contrary, he must strengthen
himself by a lar^e share of independence, which will
make him write with a consciousness, that his narrative
will meet with a kind reception from the intelligent, and
that it will be found useful for the future.
Such is my situation in writing this sketch. I know
that many things I have written may not entertain, yet I
believe them to be useful facts and have inserted them.
From this cause, and as I am writing the life of the most
extensive surveyor and land speculator with us in early
times, I shall take the liberty to describe the method by
which the titles to lands in the Virginia military district
were acquired and perfected, and also the method by
which surveying was actually conducted in our wild
country. I have said above, that the lands in this district were
entered and surveyed by virtue of military land warrants
issued by the state of Virginia to her officers and sol-

42 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
diers of the continental line. These warrants were issued
to satisfy bounties, promised by various acts of her legis
lature to these officers and soldiers, and prescribed the
amount of land to which each person should be entitled,
according to rank in the army and the time of actual
service. Each person after the expiration of the time of
service, received from the governor and council a certi
ficate of his rank in the army, the length of time of service
and the number of acres to which he was entitled, which
certificate was filed with the register of the land office,
and a warrant on printed paper and under the seal of the
office, was issued to the owner. In many cases, war
rants issued by virtue of special acts or resolutions of
the Assembly, and were usually known, on this ac
count, as resolution warrants. A warrant is merely a
direction and authority given to the principal surveyor
of land to survey and lay off, in one or more surveys for
the person entitled, his heirs, or assigns, the given quan
tity of acres specified in the warrant. These warrants
when issued were delivered to the owners, who were re
quired to file them with the principal surveyor, and pay
him a certain fee for receiving them. When filed they
at first took their legal order in location.
The holders of warrants were at liberty to locate them,
yet as they were unacquainted with the vacant land, they
usually employed the deputy surveyors, as their agents,
to enter and survey them, on certain agreed, or well
known terms.
The first step taken towards the acquisition of land by
a warrant is by means of an entry. An entry is the ap
propriation of a certain quantity of vacant land by the
owner of the warrant. It is made in a book kept by the
surveyor for that purpose, and contains the quantity of
acres intended to be appropriated, the number of the
warrant on which it is entered, and then calls for some
specific, notorious, and permanent object or objects by

GENERAL NATHANIEL MASSIE. 43
which the locality ofthe land may be known, and usual
ly concludes with a general description of the courses to
be pursued in a survey of it. This particularity was
required, that every person holding a warrant might be
enabled, without interfering with the prior locations of
others, to locate his own warrant, and this could not be
done with safety in a wild country, unless prior entries
were made with sufficient certainty as to their notoriety.
The defect of entries, in this particular, has given rise
to a greater amount of litigation in land titles, than any
other cause whatever.
Next, in order, came the survey, which is intended to
give a certain and regular form to the entry, by metes
and bounds actually marked, and established by the sur
veyor. The great requisite with the survey was a con
formity to a just and reasonable construction of the entry,
as to the land intended to be appropriated by it. A want
of conformity, in this respect, rendered the survey de
fective as to all lands without the calls of the entry. Sur
veys, when made, were returned to the general surveyor
with a fair plat of each particular tract of land, and a
description of the same by metes and bounds, and was
signed by the deputies who executed them, together with
the names of the chain-men and markers annexed, who
made each survey. The surveys were then recorded,
and the plats, with a certificate from the surveyor under
his seal of office delivered to the owner, together with
the original warrant and the assignments, if any, if the
warrant was satisfied ; if it was not, then a copy of the
warrant and certificate from the surveyor of the fact that
the warrant was still unsatisfied. The owner of each
survey could then obtain a patent for his land from the
President of the United States.
The system of entering and surveying lands, in the
irregular manner we find in this district, was adopted
from ths Virginia and Kentucky land system. In these

44 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
States, great inconvenience and litigation, have been the
result of it. The unsettled situation of the country, the
unbounded rage for speculation, and the immense quan
tity of land warrants afloat, and the little value attached
by Virginia to her lands, all combined to make land titles
hazardous in the extreme, and was the cause of much
innocent suffering. In this district, although much liti
gation has resulted from this system, yet the surprise is,
when we consider the unsettled state of the country at
the time entries and. surveys were made, that it has not
been greater. This may, in a great measure, be attribu
ted to the minute attention, the uniformity, and ability of
Col. Anderson in the discharge of his duties, and the ex
perience of his deputies, and their great confidence in
each other. Yet, under all circumstances, this may be
called a defective system, especially when we compare it
with the simple, the regular, and admirable system adopted
by the United States, in their surveys of public lands.
The plan adopted by Massie, in his various surveying
excursions at that time, was such as to secure safety to
the party. Three assistant surveyors, with himself ma
king the fourth, were generally engaged at the same time
in making surveys. To each surveyor was attached six
men, which made a mess of seven. Every man had his
prescribed duty to perform. Their operations were con
ducted in this manner : — In front went the hunter, who
kept in advance of the surveyor two or three hundred
yards, looking for game, and prepared to give notice
should any danger from Indians threaten. Then follow
ed, after the surveyor, the two chain-men, marker, and
pack-horse men with the baggage, who always kept near
each other, to be prepared for defence in case of an at
tack. Lastly, two or three hundred yards in the rear,
came a man, called the spy, whose duty itwas to keep on
the back trail, and look out lest the party in advance
might be pursued and attacked by surprise. Each man

OENERAL NATHANIEL MASSIE. 45
(the surveyor not excepted) carried, his rifle, his blanket,
and such other articles as he might stand in need of. On
the pack-horse was carried the cooking utensils, and such
provisions as could be conveniently taken. Nothing like
bread was thought of. Some salt was taken, to be used
sparingly. , For subsistence, they depended alone on the
game which the" woods afforded, procured by their un
erring rifles.-. In this manner was the largest number of
surveys made in the district.' But to return.
In 'the fall of the year 1793, Massie determined to
attempt a surveying tour on the Scioto river. This, at
that time, was a very dangerous undertaking; yet 'no
danger, unless very imminent, could deter him from ma
king the attempt.' For that purpose, he employed about
thirty men, of whom he choose three as assistant survey
ors'. These were John Beasley, Nathaniel Beasley, and
Peter Lee. It was in this expedition, Massie employed,
for the first time, a young man by the name of Duncan
McArthur as a chain-man or marker. This man had dis
tinguished himself remarkably on several occasions, and
particularly in Harmer's unfortunate expedition. He was
one of the best woodsmen of his age. He was a large,
strong, and muscular man, capable of enduring fatigue
and privations, equal to the best trained Indians. His
courage was unquestioned, to which was added ' an en
ergetic mind, which soon displayed its powers. He after
wards became a surveyor, and was one ofthe most acute
land speculators in the western country. Such - a man
Massie desired to have on an expedition of this char
acter. In the month of October, some canoes were procured,
and Massie and his party set off by water. • They pro
ceeded up the Ohio to the mouth of the Scioto, thence
up the Scioto to the mouth of Paint creek. While mean
dering the Scioto, they made ' some ' surveys on the bot
toms. After reaching the mouth of Paint creek, the sur-
4

46 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
veyors went to work. Many surveys were made on the
Scioto, as far up as Westfall. Some were made on
Main, and others on the North Fork of Paint creek, and
the greatest parts of Ross and Pickaway counties in the
district were well explored and partly surveyed. Massie
finished his intended work without meeting with any dis
turbance from the Indians. But one Indian was seen
during the excursion, and to him they gave a hard chase.
He, however, escaped. The party returned home de
lighted with the rich country of the Scioto valley, which
they had explored.
During the winter of 1793-4, Massie, in the midst
of the most appalling dangers, explored the different
branches to their sources, which run into the Little Mia
mi river, and thence passed in a northeastern direction to
the heads of Paint and Clear creeks, and the branches
that form those streams. By these expeditions he had
formed from personal observation, a correct knowledge
of the geographical situation of the country composing
the Virginia military district.
During the winter of 1794-5, Massie prepared a party
to enter largely into the surveying business. Nathaniel
Beasley, John Beasley, and Peter Lee were again em
ployed as the assistant surveyors. The party set off
from Manchester well equipped to prosecute their busi
ness, or should occasion offer give battle to the Indians.
They took the route of Logan's trace, and proceeded to a
place called the deserted camp, on Tod's fork of the
Little Miami. At this point, they commenced surveying,
and surveyed large portions of land on Tod's fork, and up
the Miami to the Chillicothe town, (now in Clark coun
ty) thence up Massie's creek and Csesar's creek nearly
to their heads. By the time the party had progressed
thus far, winter had set in. The ground was covered
with a sheet of snow, from six to ten inches deep. Du
ring the tour, which continued upwards of thirty days,

GENERAL NATHANIEL MASSIE. 47
the party had no bread. For the first two weeks, a pint
of flour was distributed to each mess once a day, to
mix with the soup, in which the meat had been boiled.
When night came, four fires were made for cooking, that
is, one for each mess. Around these fires, till sleeping
time arrived, the company spent their time in the most
social glee, singing songs and telling stories. When
danger was not apparent or immediate, they were as
merry a set of men as ever assembled. Resting time ar
riving, Massie always gave the signal, and the whole
party would then leave their coinfortable fires, carrying
with them their blankets, their fire-arms, and their little
baggage, walking in perfect silence two or three hundred
yards from their fires. They would then scrape away
the snow, and huddle down together for the night. Each
mess formed one bed, they would spread down on the
ground one' half of the blankets, reserving the other half
for covering.! The covering blankets were fastened to
gether by skewers to prevent them 'from' slipping apart.
Thus prepared, the whole party crouched down together
with their rifles in their arms, and their pouches under
their heads for pillows ; laying spoon-fashion, with three
heads one way and four the other, their feet extending
to about the middle of their bodies. When one turned,
the whole mess ' turned, or else the close range would be
broken and the cold let in. In this way, they lay till
broad day light ; no noise and scarce a whisper being
uttered during the night. When it was perfecfly light,
Massie would call up two of the men in whom he had
the most confidence, and send them to reconnoiter,
and make ' a circuit around the fires, lest an ambuscade
might be formed by the Indians to destroy the party
as they returned to the fires. This was an invari
able custom in every variety of weather. Self-preserva
tion required this circumspection. If immortality is due
to the names of heroes who have successfully labored in

48 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
the field of battle, no less honors are due to such men as
Massie, who ran equal risk of life from danger with less
prospect of eclat, and produced more lasting benefit to
the country.
Massie proceeded to survey up Caesar's creek, nearly
to where its waters interlock with the waters of Paint
creek. Late one evening, he came upon the tracks of
Indians in the snow. Some of his men were despatched
to search out the Indian encampment, while others were
sent in pursuit of the assistant surveyors, in order to col
lect the force into one body, that he might be prepared
to attack or defend as circumstances might direct. A
short time before sun-down, his force was collected. In
a few minutes after, the two men returned who had been
sent to discover the Indian camp. They reported, that
they had proceeded as near the Indian encampment as
they could with safety, and that it consisted of eight or
ten tents, and that from the noise about the camp, they
had no doubt but that there was a large number of In
dians. Massie, thereupon, concluded that it would be
too hazardous to attack them while the snow was on the
ground, believing it would endanger the whole party
if they would be compelled to retreat, encumbered with
any wounded. He therefore resolved to desist from sur
veying, and make a rapid retreat to his own station, not
doubting but that he would be pursued, as the Indians
would have no difficulty in tracking them through the
snow. The line of march was formed for home by the
party, who traveled until ten or eleven o'clock at night,
when they halted and remained until morning, when
they again resumed their march, moving in a southem
direction. About twelve o'clock, they came to a fresh
trail, which was made by four horses and eight or ten
footmen. This trail was crossed diagonally, and was
again struck upon after traveling a few miles. After a
consultation with some of the most experienced of his

GENERAL NATHANIEL MASSIE. 49
men, Massie concluded the Indians, whose trail had been
crossed, knew nothing of them, and determined to pur
sue them so long as they kept the direction in which
they appeared then to be going. The pursuit of the In
dians was kept up as fast as the men could walk, until
dusk without overtaking them. The party then halted to
consult as to their future operations. In a few minutes,
the Indians were heard at work with their tomahawks,
cutting wood and tent poles, within a few hundred yards
of the place where the party had halted. It was put to
vote, whether the Indian camp should be attacked imme
diately, or whether they should postpone it to day-light.
A majority were for lying by and attacking them in day
light. Two or three men were then sent to reconnoiter
their camp and bring away their horses. The horses
were brought away, and preparations made to lie by
for the night. Massie, who was more thoughtful than
the rest of the company, began to reflect on the critical
situation of the party. He told them, he did not approve
of the idea of lying by until morning, as there was no
doubt they were rapidly pursued by the Indians from the
head of Caesar's creek, and that by waiting until morn
ing, the pursuing Indians might come up in the course
of the night, and when day-light appeared, they would
find themselves between two fires. He said it was true
the Indians might be destroyed more effectually in day
light, but that it was dangerous to loiter away their time
on a retreat, and advised that whatever they did to the
Indians should be done quickly, and the march continued
towards home. It was resolved to follow his advice.
It was about two hours in the night when this occur
red. The day had been warm, and had melted the snow
which was eight inches deep, and quite soft on the top.
At night it began to freeze rapidly, and by this time there
was a hard crust on the top. In this situation, the crust
when broken by a man walking on a calm night could be

50 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
heard at the distance of three hundred yards. Massie,
under these circumstances prepared to attack the Indians
forthwith. The men were formed in a line, in single file,
with their wiping sticks in their hands, to steady them
when walking. They then commenced moving towards
the Indian camp in the following manner : — the foremost
would walk about twenty steps, and halt ; then the next
in the line would move on, stepping in the tracks of the
foremost, to prevent any noise when breaking the crust
of the snow. In this cautious and silent manner, they
crept within about twenty-five yards of the Indian en
campment, when an unexpected , interruption presented
itself; a deep ravine was found, between Massie and the
camp which was not perceived by the reconnoitering
party.' The Indians had not as yet laid down to rest,
but were ' singing and amusing themselves round their
fires, in the utmost self-security, not dreaming of danger"
in their own country, in the depth of winter. The bank-
of the ravine concealed Massie and his men, who were
on low ground, from' the light of the Indian fires. 'After
halting a few minutes on the bank of the ravine, Massie
discovered, a few paces above him, a large log whieh
had fallen across the ravine. On this log he determin
ed to cross the gully. Seven or eight of the men, on
their hands and knees, had crossed, and were within not
more than twelve or fifteen paces of the Indians, crouch
ing low, and turning to the right and left, wheifi too many
men at the same time got on the log ; and as it was old
and rotten, it broke with a loud crash. This started the
Indians. The whites, who had crossed over before the
log broke, immediately fired into the Indian camp, shout
ing as they run. The Indians fled, naked, and without
their arms.. No Indian was killed in the camp, although
their clothing and blankets were found stained with
blood. No attempt was made to pursue: them. Their
camp was plundered of the horses and arms, making al-

GENERAL NATHANIEL MASSIE. 51)
together considerable booty. The party, traveled - that
night and until noon the next day, when they halted to
cook some provisions, and rest . their -'wearied limbs.
After taking some refreshments, they loitered about the
fires a short time, and again commenced their march
through snow and brush^ and about midnight of the sec
ond day, arrived at Manchester,' after a fatiguing march
of tjvo days and nights from the head'^of Caesar's creek; '
On the last day of their march, about a mile north, of
where West Union now stands', . one of the. men who
carried a bag of Indian plunder, and, .rode" one of the,-
horses, dropped the bag, and did not miss it until they
arrived at Manchester. Sometime in the succeeding day,
two ofthe men took fresh! horses, and rode! back on the
trail, to look for the bag. !They found, the bag some dis-.
stance south ofthe brow ofthe hilirand concluded |they
would go to the brow and look over , for deei*; ¦ "When
they reached it, they were astonished to .'find: the. spot
where a large party of Indians had followed';. the trail to
the top of the hill, and there stopped to eat their break
fast, leaving some bones and sinewy jirk, that was. toO:
hard to eat. Had the Indians' pursued the trail one hun-:
dred yards farther, they would have found the.bag,"'and
laid in ambush for the whites to return, and would .'doubt
less have killed or taken the men who' returned for the
bag. This was truly a narrow escape.

CHAPTER V.

The winter of 1794-95 was attended by no disturb-
ances from the Indians, as the , defeat they had sustained
the summer before from General Wayne, had completely
checked them in their depredations. In the spring of
1795, Massie again prepared a party to return to the.

52 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
waters of the Little Miami, Paint creek, and the Scioto,
for the purpose of surveying. He employed three
assistant surveyors, with the usual complement of men.
Every man carried, as usual in these surveying tours, his
own baggage on his back. No one, indeed, was exempt
from this service ; and when the weight is taken into
consideration, and the encumbrance from it, there seems
to be little ground for the complaints, which have latterly
been made, about the inaccuracies of early surveys. In
deed, it is really astonishing, how they could be made so
accurate as they are found to be.
Early in March the party set off from Manchester.
The weather was fine, and the spring appeared to have
commenced in earnest. Massie commenced surveying
on the west fork of Ohio Brush creek. The woods then
furnished game in great abundance, such as turkeys and
bears, of the finest quality. A description of the
method in which bears were taken, although familiar to
the old backwoodsmen, will be perhaps interesting to
their descendants, as these animals have become scarce
since the settlement of the country. It is well known
that bears retire to the hollows of rocks or trees, about
the last of December, and remain in a dormant state until
the winter breaks, be it early or late. When the weather
becomes wann, they will bustle out of their holes to the
nearest water, once in two or three days. In walking
from their holes to the water, they are careful to step in
the same track ; and as the earth at that season of the
year is soft and spongy, the feet of the bear, in passing
and repassing, make a deep impression. These impres
sions are called by the old hunters, " the bear's stepping-
place." When the hunter finds the stepping-place, he
can easily follow the track, until he finds the tree in the
hollow of which, or in some cave or hole in the rocks,
the animal lies at ease. They are then, by various
means used, driven from their holes, and shot. During

GENERAL NATHANIEL MASSIE. 53
this expedition, a young man, by the name of Bell, who
was very active in climbing trees, exhibited great bold
ness in driving them from their holes. When a bear was
tracked to a tree, this man, when the tree was not very
large and smooth, would climb up and look into the hole,
and punch the bear with a sharp stick until it would come
out. Bears at this season are very lazy and difficult to
move. By punching them, however, for some time,
they will move heavily to their holes, and slowly drag
themselves out. As soon as they were clear of their
holes, some one or two picked marksmen would shoot
them. Bell, so soon as be would provoke the bears to
come out, would slip out on a limb, and wait with perfect
composure until the marksmen would shoot them. These
feats are specimens of Bell's daring. He was, altogether,
one of the most hardy, fearless, and thoughtless men of
danger, I ever saw. In this way numerous bears were
found and killed. The fat part of the meat, boiled or
roasted with turkey or venison, makes a very luxurious
repast. But to return.
The weather, for some time, continued quite pleasant,
while the party surveyed towards the head waters of
Brush creek. They thence passed to the Rocky and
Rattlesnake forks of Paint creek ; thence crossing Main
Paint, they passed up Buckskin, and across to " the old
town," on the north point of Paint creek. While sur
veying in this section of the country, the weather became
cloudy, and commenced snowing and hailing. The snow
continued to fall and drift for two days and nights ; and
when it ceased, the ground was covered between two and
three feet deep. The camp was on the ground, at this
time the farm of Colonel Adam Mallow, four miles above
Old town (or Frankfort, as it is now called.) About tbe
time it ceased snowing, the weather became warm, and a
soft rain fell for a short time. Suddenly it became in
tensely cold, accompanied by a frost, which soon formed

54 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
a Strong crust on the snow, which had been previously
softened by" the rain. The snow, although somewhat
settled by. the rain, was at least' two feet deep, with a
cmst that would bear about ,half the weight of a man.
This was the deepest snow I ever saw, before or since,
in the western country. The turkeys, and ' other small
game, could run on the crust of snow, which disabled
the hunters from pursuing and killing game ; and as the
party had no provisions with them, the' doleful prospect
of death by starvation stared them in the face.
This tour was subsequently called the starving tour;
and the remnant of those who are on this side of the
grave, yet remember with horror their situation at that
time. The prudence exercised by them heretofore, of
sleeping away from their fires,"was not attended to. The
party lay around their fires by day and night, anxiously
praying? for a change in the weather. Some of the
strongesi .and most spirited among the party, several
times made ineffectual attempts to kill game. Among
these hunters. General Duncan McArthur, of Fruit hill,
near Chillicothe, and William Leedom, of Adams county,
were conspicuous. ' Oil the third day of the storm, they
killed two turkeys. They were boiled, and divided into
twenty-eight shares or parts, and given equally to each
man. This little food seemed ' only ' to sharpen their
appetites. Not a particle of the turkeys was left.' ,The
heads, feet, and entrails, were devoured, as if most
savory food.
The fourth morning of the continuance of the snow,
Massie, with his party, turned their faces homeward.
The ' strongest and most hardy of the men were placed
in front, to break through' the snow. This was a fatiguing
and laborious business, and was perfoirmed alternately by
the most spirited "and strongest ofthe party. They thus
proceeded in their heavy, and disconsolate march the
whole day, and at night reached the mouth of the Rattle-

GENERAL NATHANIEL MASSIE. 55
snake fork of Paint creek, a distance of about ten miles.
In the course of that day the sun shone through the
clouds, for the first time since the storm commenced, and
by its warmth softened the crust on the snow. This
rendered the traveling less laborions. As the party
descended the sloping ground towards the bank of Paint
creek, they came across a flock of turkeys, and killed
several. These were cooked, and equally divided among
the men. That night the party lay by their fires without
guards or sentinels ; and as the night was warm, the
snow gradually melted. Early next morning the most
of the party turned out to hunt, and killed a number
of turkeys, some deer, and a bear. When these were
brought to camp, a feast ensued, which was enjoyed
with a zest and relish, which none can properly appre
ciate, but those who have been so unfortunate as to be
placed in a similar situation.
The writer of this narrative accompanied General
Massie on this tour, and had previously passed through
many trying and distressing scenes ; but the hardships
and privations' of this tour were the most trying to the
firmness, resolution, and fortitude of men, he ever saw or
experienced. Only reflect, reader, on the critical situation
of twenty-eight men, exposed to the horrors of a terrible
snow-storm in the wilderness, without hut, tent, or cov
ering, and, what was still more appalling, without provi
sion, without any road or even a track to retreat on, and
nearly one hundred miles from any friendly aid or place
of shelter, exposed to the truly tremendous and pitiless
peltings of a storm of four days continuance, and you
can fancy to yourself some faint idea of the sufferings of
this party.
Although more than forty years have passed, I can
scarcely think of our sufferings, even at this length of
time, without shuddering. The people of the present
time, who now inhabit our western country, and are

56 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
sheltered from tempestuous storms in comfortable and
elegant mansions, and are blessed with peace and plenty,
can scarcely appreciate the sufferings and privations of
those who led the way in settling our western country.
Under all the hardships of this tour, Massie always
showed a cheerful face, and encouraged his men to hope
for better times. Nothing like despondency ever clouded
his brow, nor did his good humor forsake him during
the gloom and despair of this trying occasion.
The storm being passed, fine weather and plenty
ensued, and the party again went cheerfully to work.
Massie surveyed all the land he at first designed, and
returned to Manchester without any adventure worthy
of relation.
The summer of the year 1795 passed off without any
disturbance from the Indians. This was doubtless owing
to the check given them, the summer previous, by Gen
eral Wayne ; and also from the fact, that they were at
that time stipulating with General Wayne a treaty of
peace. Although not much faith was placed in Indian
treaties, yet the settlements of the whites began to extend
from the town of Manchester into the country. Massie
sold a large amount of land to actual settlers upon credit,
and many cabins were raised along the Ohio, and on
Brush and Eagle creeks ; but they were uninhabited
from the fear of the Indians.
The fertility of the soil on Paint creek and throughout
the Scioto valley, began to attract the attention of many
Kentuckians to that quarter of the country. As General
Massie had, some years previously, entered and surveyed
the land in that section of the country, and was the
owner of large tracts of first-rate land, he determined, at
all hazards, to attempt a settlement at some spot in the
Scioto valley, whether the attempt would result in peace
or war. For the purpose of attracting settlers, he issued
a notice, that he intended to lay off a town at some ad-

GENERAL NATHANIEL MASSIE. 57
vanta'geous site on the Scioto river ; and offered as a
donation to the first one hundred settlers, one in-ftft and
one out-lot of four acres in the town, provided they would
build a cabin on their lot, or otherwise become perma
nent settlers of the town or its vicinity.
This notice soon attracted the attention of several
respectable citizens of Kentucky. Among these were
Captain Petty, an old soldier, and the Reverend Robert
W. Finley. A party was soon raised to explore the
country and select the situation of the town. A short
and correct description of this expedition is given by an
anonymous writer, over the initials of " F. B." in the
Western Christian Advocate, of June 13th, 1834, which
is in all probability from the pen of the Reverend J. B.
Finley, now or lately a presiding elder of the Methodist
Episcopal church, and the son of the Reverend Robert
W. Finley. I take the liberty of makmg an extract from
that piece, as it is connected with the subject.
" In the year 1795, while Wayne was in treaty with
the Indians, a company came out from Manchester on the
Ohio river, to explore the north-western territory, and
especially the valley of the Scioto. General Massie was
in this little band. After proceeding several days cau
tiously, they fell on Paint creek, near the falls. Here
they found fresh Indian signs, and had not traveled far
before they heard the bells on the horses. Some of the
company were what was called raw hands, and previous
to this wanted much ' to smell Indian powder.' One of
the company, who had fought in the revolutionary war,
and also with the Indians, said to one of these vaunting
fellows, ' If you do, you will run, or I am mistaken.'
A council was now called. Some of the most expe
rienced thought it was too late to retreat, and thought
it best to take the enemy by surprise. General Mas
sie, Fallenach, and R. W. Finley, were to lead on the
company, and Captain Petty was to bring up the

58 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
rear. ' The Indians' were encamped on Paint creek,
precHlly at what is called'Ree've's crossing. They came
.'oh them by surprise,: and out of forty men, about twenty
¦oif them '1 fought, s Those fellows 'who wanted to smell
powder so much, ran the other way,'and hid behind logs,
'and Captain Petty reported afterwards that they had the
'ague, they, were so much affrighted. The battle was
soon ''ended in favor of the whites,' for the Indians fled
across the creek,' and left all they had but their guns.
-Several were killed and wounded,' and one white man, a
iMr.; Robinson, 'was' shot through the body, and died im-
mediately\ .These Indians had- one male prisoner with
<thiem, . who made ¦ his escape to the whites, and , was
brought home to his" relatives.' As soon as the company
could gather" up all the horses and skins, and other plun
der, they retreated for the settlement at Manchester, on
:theOhio river. Night 'overtook them on the waters of
i Scioto Brash creek, and as they expected, to. be followed
/by, the Indians, they made preparation for the skirmish.
'The next morning, an hour before day, the attack was
made' with vigor on the part of the Indians, and resisted
as manfully by. a few of the whites. There being a sink
hole near,' those bragging cowards got down into it, to
prevent the balls from hitting them. Several horses were
killed, and one man, a Mr. Gilfillan, shot through the
thigh. After an hour's contest, the Indians retreated ;
and the company arrived at the place they started from,
having lost one man, and one man wounded. Thus ended
the exploring of the valley of the' Scioto this year.
" In this expedition, our fellow citizen, the late Gen
eral James Menury, was present, and sustained through
out his character of a brave iman, being one of the first
to engage with the enemy. This was the last Indian
fight during the old Indian war.
" The fall and winter of 1795 passed off without any
thing worthy of note taking place in the settlement.

aSCD
9

J- p ^f.Mil'f Mil bW

GENERAL NATHANIEL MASSIE. 59
General Wayne had concluded a treaty of peace with the
Indians, which was looked upon rather as a truce than a
permanent peace. Numerous treaties of peace had been
made with them during this long and bloody war, which
treaties lasted no longer than till an opportunity offered
to make some successful assaults upon the whites. In
deed, the whites themselves, at that day, were not very
scrupulous of violating the terms of treaties, both parties
being exasperated against each other, on account of the
many horrid massacres which had reciprocally taken
place in a border war of thirty years. But, fortunately
for the whites, Wayne seemed to have turned in earnest
the spirit of the Indians, as the treaty of Grenville re
mained inviolate, with a very few exceptions, until
1812." This was the last Indian fight on the waters of the
Scioto river.
Notwithstanding that I was bom and raised on the
frontier, I am unable to describe to the life, the terror,
tumult, and confusion of an Indian alarm. Although I
have, when young, repeatedly run clinging to my mother's
gown from our cabin, to a place of more safety — the con
fusion and distressing scene of a family in flight, their
cabins in flames, their all destroyed, the thousand rest
less cares and tender sorrows, to which they were inces
santly exposed, language fails in describing. To see
whole families wandering from their homes, seeking
shelter and safety, was only a common occurrence on the
frontier. Such scenes as these tried the worth of men,
and proved who were the soldiers. Happily for our
country, no repetition of such scenes of distress and
terror, are to be anticipated in future.

60 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF

CHAPTER VL
The failure of the expedition to select the situation of
a town on the Scioto river, as related in the last chapter,
did not deter Massie from making a further attempt.
About the last of February or first of March, 1796, a
party was again collected at Manchester. Some of the
party went by water up the Ohio and Scioto, and others
by land, and met at the mouth of Paint creek, at a place
afterwards known as the " Station prairie." The party
who arrived by water, brought in their boats, besides a
few of the necessaries of life, farming utensils, and
other articles necessary to make a permanent settlement.
On the first day of April of that year, they landed
their goods, commenced the construction of their cab
ins, and prepared for planting corn. Three hundred
acres of rich prairie were quickly turned up by thirty
ploughs ; and the land for the first time resounded with
the cheerful sound of the plowman's voice.
That season was attended by great prosperity to the
settlers. Although they suffered, at one time, greatly
for the want of some of the necessaries of life, yet in
this they were soon relieved by the luxuriant crops of
their plantation. No disturbance ensued from the Indians,
who mixed with the whites in the most friendly manner,
showing every disposition to preserve inviolate, the con
ditions of their treaty of peace. Indeed, the behavior
of the Indians was entirely peaceful for many years,
unless they were ^excited by the cupidity of the whites,
in selling them ardent spirits.
While these things were transpiring at the settlement,
Massie was engaged in making a selection for the site of
a town, which was at last located on the Scioto river.
That stream (the greater part of it) mns in very regular

GENERAL NATHANIEL MASSIE. 61
channel from the north almost due south. About four or
five miles, however, above the mouth of Paint creek, the
river suddenly makes a bend, and runs a short distance
east, thence southeast to the mouth of Paint creek. That
stream, the largest tributary of the Scioto, for four or five
miles above its mouth, runs almost parallel with the
Scioto. Between these two streams there is a large and
beautiful bottom, four or five miles in length, and varying
from one to two miles in breadth, and contains within
the space upwards of three thousand acres. This bottom,
(as also the bottoms of the Scioto and Paint creek gen
erally,) is very fertile ; the loam, of alluvial formation,
being from three to ten feet in depth. These bottoms,
when first settled, were generally covered by a heavy
growth of timber, such as black walnut, sugar tree,
cherry, buckeye, hackberry, and other trees which denote
a jich soil. A portion of them, however, were found
destitute of timber, and formed beautiful prairies, clothed
with blue grass and blue sedge-grass, which grew to the
height of from four to eight feet, and furnished a bounti
ful supply of pasture in summer and hay in winter, for
the live stock of the settlers. The outer edges of these
prairies were beautifully fringed around with the plum
tree, the red and black haw, the mulberry and crab apple.
In the month of May, when these nurseries of nature's
God were in full bloom, the sight was completely grati
fied, while the fragrant and delicious perfume, which
filled the surrounding atmosphere, was sufficient to fill
and lull the soul with ecstasies of pleasure.
The westem boundary of this valley, between the two
streams, is a hill, two or three hundred feet in height.
Its base to the south is closely washed by Paint creek,
and when this stream first enters the valley, it terminates
in an abrupt point, and then extends up the valley of the
Scioto, in a north-west and north course, for many miles,
and forms the western boundary of the bottoms along

62 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
that Stream. From the point where the hill abruptly
terminates at Paint creek, running north-north-east, at the
distance of about one mile across the valley, you reach
the bank of the Scioto, at the sudden bend it makes to
the east. The valley between this bend of the Scioto
and Paint creek, immediately below the point of the hill,
was selected as a site for the town. This part of the
valley was chosen, as it, consisted of high and dry land,
not subject to the floods of the river, which frequently
inundated the valley towards the mouth of Paint creek.
The town was laid out on a large tract of land owned
by General Massie, and contained two hundred and
eighty-seven in-lots, and one hundred and sixty-nine out-
lots. The in-lots were six poles in width in front on the
street, and ran back twelve poles to the alleys ; except
the in-lots on Market or Front street, which ran with the
river, and extended back irregularly. The out-lots ad
joined the in-lots, and contained four acres, almost in a
square. The streets were laid out of uncommon width,
two of them being six poles wide ; two, five poles ; and
the others, four poles.
After the necessary steps had been taken to run off the
lots, streets, and alleys of the town, by blazing and
marking the trees of the thick woods, the proprietor held
a consultation with his friends, and gave to the town the
name of Chillicothe. This name was derived from
among the many names, given by the aborigines of our
country to different objects. In their language, it was a
general name for " town." They had two towns, called
alone by this general name ; " The Old Town," on the
north fork of Paint creek, and " New Chillicothe, or
Town," on the head of the Little Miami river.
One hundred in and out-lots in the town, were chosen
by lot, by the first one hundred settlers, as a donation,
according to the original proposition of the proprietor.
A number of in and out-lots were also sold to other per-

GENERAL NATHANIEL MASSIE. 63
sons, desiring to settle in the town. The first choice
of in-lots were disposed of for the moderate sum of ten
dollars each. The town increased rapidly, and before
the winter of 1796, it had in it several stores, taverns,
and shops for mechanics. The arts of civilized life soon
began to unfold their power and influence in a more
systematic manner, than had ever been witnessed by
many of its inhabitants, especially those who were born
and raised in the frontier settlements, where neither law
nor gospel were understood or attended to.
In the sales of lands, his policy showed great foresight
in reference to the rapid and permanent settlement of the
country, which seemed to be his constant aim. He di
vided off large bodies of land into small tracts of one and
two hundred acres each, and by low prices, and liberal
terms of payment, every one, as well those with, as
those without the means, were induced to purchase, as
time was granted them to pay for their land by means of
their own industry. In the settlement of a new country,
no other course pursued in the disposal of lands will in
duce a rapid settlement. Every farm in a new country,
always enhances in value, in proportion to its actual im
provement, and the value is sometimes more than ten
fold the cost of the original purchase. Besides this, farms
of small dimensions, in a free country, are always culti
vated with more care, neatness, and actual profit, than
large farms, and add far more to the population and in
trinsic wealth of a country. This observation can be
made by any one who will look at the situation of our
country. In those parts where the land is divided into
small and well cultivated farms, the prosperity of the in
habitants is greater, and the country more intrinsically
rich, than where the land is held in large bodies.
Large quantities of fine bottom land, on the Scioto
river and Paint creek, were sold by General Massie, at
the sum of one and two dollars per acre. These lands

64 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
quickly rose in value, and at this time, not quite
forty years since first sold, the owners would be unwill
ing to dispose of them at forty dollars per acre. Such
has been the unparalleled prosperity of our country !
Gen. St. Clair, governor of the northwestern territory,
placed great confidence in General Massie, and through
him transacted most of the business with the settlements
above the little Miami. Through him, as Colonel Massie,
the militia of that part of the northwestern territory were
first organized.
In the year 1800, General Massie was married to a
daughter of Colonel David Meade of Kentucky, formerly
of Virginia. In 1802, Congress passed a law, author
izing the people of that portion of the northwestern ter
ritory, comprising the state of Ohio, to form a constitu
tion and state government. Members were elected to
compose that convention, which met at Chillicothe, on
the first day of November 1802, and after a session of
about three weeks, the present constitution of our state
was formed. General Massie was a very efficient mem
ber of this convention. He was elected a member with
great unanimity, as he was by far the most popular man
between Limestone and Zanesville. Indeed his good
offices to the first settlers of the country were so numer
ous, that it would be risking a good deal, to speak irre
verently of the man, who made most of them by his in
dulgence freeholders.
General Massie was elected to the senate from Ross
county, the first session the assembly met under the new
constitution, and was elected speaker during the session.
This duty he performed to the entire satisfaction of the
body over which he presided.
Under the constitution, a new organization of the mi
litia was to be made. Massie was elected the first Major
General of the second division of the militia of Ohio,

\

GENERAL NATHANIEL MASSIE. 65
having held the office of colonel under the government
I of the northwestern territory.
General Massie was, at this time, one of the largest
landholders in the state of Ohio, and as he was now
ijiarried, he began to think about selecting a suitable
f^ace for a residence. Around the falls of Paint creek,
in Ross county, he had a large body of excellent land,
consisting of several thousand acres. The advantage of
thi. situation on account of the fine water privileges, and
the^xcellent situation of the farm for raising stock, in
due^ him to select it as a place of residence. Here, he
builtV large and comfortable mansion.
ThV country, at that time, was very much visited by the
citizen of Virginia, as they owned large quantities of
land inthis section. General Massie's residence was the
usual reprt, where they always met with a welcome re
ception S)d were hospitably entertained. In his hospi
tality, inched, he rather bordered on extravagance, espe
cially whiij visited by any of his old war-worn and
woods coriijanions. No gratification, which he could
afford, but "ras freely extended to those who followed
him in time^of danger. His lady although raised in
polished and \ishionable life, took great pleasure in ren
dering his a^ward woods companions easy and at
home. I wellVmember it was in Mrs. Massie's room
I first saw tea ynded around for supper, which I then
thought foolish bginess and still remain of that opinion.
There is no beW evidence of the truth, " that a free
people are capablV of self-government," than the fact,
that the first settlerW this country transacted their busi
ness, and dischargeithe ordinary duties of life, with the
greatest decorum and^punctuality, without the interven
tion of magistrates i enforce laws. It was expected
that every 6ne would k ,vith due regard to the well be
ing of society, and whoever any one was disposed to
act otherwise, the loversW good order would instantly

66 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
put things to right. Early, however, in the year 1797,
the governor of the northwestern territory, appointed
Thomas Worthington, Hugh Cochran, and Samuel
Smith, as justices of the peace for the settlement a
Chillicothe. The last mentioned justice transacted tte
principal part of the judicial business. His prompt ard
decisive manner of doing business rendered him very
popular. His docket could be understood only by hin-
self. Scarcely was a warrant issued by him, as he pre
ferred always to send his constable to the accuse! to
bring him forward to have prompt justice executed. No
law book was of any authority with him. He aways
justified his own proceedings by saying, " that al laws
were intended for the purpose of enforcing justice, and
that he himself knew what was right and wiat was
wrong, as well as those who made the laws, and that
therefore he stood in need of no laws to goveri his ac
tions." In civil and criminal cases, he ws always
prompt in his decisions, and sometimes amuing in his
mode of executing justice, as will be seen fpm the fol
lowing case, which was brought under his cognizance.
A man, by the name of Adam McMurdy, c'itivated some
ground in the station prairie below Chfficothe. One
night, some one stole, during his absence his horse col
lar. McMurdy, next morning, examinti the collars of
the plowmen then at work, and discoved his collar in
the possession of one of the men andJaimed it of him.
The man used towards him abusive L-iguage, and threat
ened to whip McMurdy for charginfhini with the theft.
McMurdy went immediately to Sqi^re Smith, and stated
his case. The Squire listened unt his story was told,
and then despatched his constablfwith strict orders to
bring the thief and collar forth-'tth before him. The
constable quickly returned bring'g 'with him, in the one
hand, the collar, while with the^ther he grasped tightly
the accused. The Squire imi«diately arraigned the ac-

GENERAL NATHANIEL MASSIE. 67
cused in his court, which was held in the open air, on
the bank of the Scioto. It was then asked of the accus
er, how he could prove the collar to be his 1 McMurdy
replied, " If the collar is mine, Mr. Spear, who is pre
sent can testify." Mr. Spear was then called to testify.
Before he was sworn, he came forward and said, " that
if it was McMurdy's collar, he himself had •written Mc
Murdy's name on the inner side of the ear of the collar."
The Squire turned up the ear of the collar, and found ac
cordingly McMurdy's name written there. " No better
proof could be given," said the Squire, and ordered the
accused to be immediately tied up to a buckeye, to re
ceive five lashes well laid on, which was accordingly
done. Thus ended the case to the satisfaction of all, ex
cept the culprit. The trial did not occupy five minutes
of time. Such was the Squire's summary manner of
dispensing justice. Squire Smith was an honest and
impartial man, with a vigorous and discriminating mind,
always disposed to do justice in his own way.
The settlement in and round Chillicothe, was, I be
lieve, the first made in peace west of the mountains.
The progress of improvement in the town and country
was rapid, and the country was soon filled with a dense
population. This was the second settlement General Massie had
the honor of forming in the westem wilderness, an honor
that reflects much credit on him, as his labors and en
ergy have added greatly to the wealth and strength of
the nation, and the comfort and prosperity of the people
of the land. Had it not been for him and a few other
daring spirits sent by Providence to prepare the way,
our country might have remained a wilderness, the abode
of " wild beasts and men more wild and savage than
they." From the time of the settlement at Chillicothe, Gen.
Massie lived alternately, as his business demanded at-

68 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
tention, in the state of Kentucky and the northwestern
territory. His knowledge of the situation, the quality,
and the owners of land in the Virginia military district,
gave him great advantages as a speculator. On his own
account, and as a partner of several land companies
formed in Virginia, he purchased and sold a large quanti
ty of the most valuable land in the district.
In the year 1807, General Massie and Col. Return J.
Meigs were competitors for the office of governor of
Ohio. They were the most popular men in the state.
Col. Meigs received a small majority of votes. The elec
tion was contested by Massie on the ground that Col.
Meigs was ineligible by the constitution, in consequence
of his absence from the state, and had not since his return
lived in the state a sufficient length of time to regain his citi
zenship. The contest was carried to the General Assembly,
who after hearing the testimony, decided that " Col.
Meigs was ineligible to the office, and that Gen. Massie
was duly elected governor of the state of Ohio." Massie,
however desirous he might have been to hold the office,
was too magnanimous to accept it when his competitor
had a majority of votes. After the decision in his favor
he immediately resigned.
General Messie, after this time, represented Ross
county in the Legislature, as often as his leisure from
other pursuits would admit. In the 'year 1810, he re
signed the office of Major General of the Ohio militia.
In the spring of the year 1813, when the British and
Indians besfcged the army, under the command of the
brave General Harrison in Fort Meigs, the news of the
danger with which our army was threatened, roused
Massie from his retreat at the falls of Paint creek. Al
though now getting in years, a spark of his youthful
fire still remained unquenched. As soon as he learned
that his countrymen were in danger, he shouldered his
rifle, mounted his horse, and rode to almost every house

GENERAL NATHANIEL MASSIE. 69
on Paint creek, urging to his fellow citizens every argu
ment that patriotism could suggest to take the field with
out delay, and relieve our army from its perilous situation.
Although he had no legal right to command, this did not
deter hira from joining his countrymen in arms. Num
bers joined him from Paint creek. With these he pro
ceeded to Chillicothe. There, likewise, a number joined
him. There was no time to organize, as delay might be
fatal to our countrymen, who were cooped up in ,Fort
Meigs, surrounded with thrice their number of white and
red savages. The party being on horseback moved ra
pidly to Franklinton, gathering strength as they went
along. At Franklinton, there was a depot of public arms.
Arms and ammunition were there distributed to upwards
of five hundred men, and Massie was elected commander
by acclamation. They left Franklinton without delay,
and as the men were all mounted they dashed ahead as
fast as their horses could carry them to the scene of ac
tion. When they had nearly reached Lower Sandusky,
they were met by an express from General Harrison
with the news, that the enemy had raised the siege of
Fort Meigs and returned to Canada. Massie and his
volunteers returned to Chillicothe, where they disbanded
themselves and returned every man to his farm. Thus
ended the expedition, after the absence of a few days.
This was General Massie's last act in public life.
General Massie still resided at his residence at the
falls of Paint creek, where he had erected a large furnace
for the purpose of manufacturing iron. He had just
commenced the business with every prospect of success,
and was arranging his much extended land transactions.
He had been blessed in the partner of his bosom, and
with sons and daughters. His life had hitherto been
spent in toils and action in the midst of danger and pri
vations, and he was now preparing to spend the evening
of his days iu a quiet and happy retirement. We are

70 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE, ETC.
never, " but always to be blessed." How inscratable
are the ways of Providence ! This useful man could not
be exempt from the common lot of humanity. Although
he had uniformly been one of the most healthy of men,
he was suddenly attacked with disease which termina
ted his mortal career. On the third day of November
1813, he breathed his last and was buried on his farm.
General Massie left a widow, and three sons and two
daughters. These are all grown, and occupy a respec
table rank in society. They are just such children as
will make a parent's heart glad; all industrious, tem
perate and moral.
I have now recorded all the material incidents in the
life of this good and useful man, so far as they have
come to my knowledge. There are doubtless many
interesting events in his life, during his residence in
Kentucky, which are now lost for ever. His character
was well suited for the settlement of a new country ;
distinguished, as it was, by an uncommon degree of
energy and activity in the business in which he was
engaged. His disposition was ever marked with liberality
and kindness.
General Massie's private character, in all the relations
of husband, father, and friend, was worthy of imitation :
but still it is not claimed that he was " one of those fault
less monsters the world never saw ;" " to err is human, to
forgive divine." So we will permit his frailties to sleep
with him in his grave.

[Face 71.]

Gen. Duncan McArthur

A SKETCH OF THE LIFE

GENERAL DUNCAN McARTHUR.

CHAPTER L

General Duncan McArthur was born on the 14th day
of January, in the year 1772, in Duchess county, state
of New- York. His parents were natives of the High
lands of Scotland. His mother was of the Campbell
clan, which is illustrious in Scottish story. General
Mc' Arthur had the misfortune to lose his mother when
quite a youth.
In 1780, he being eight years of age, his father moved
to the western frontier, in the state of Pennsylvania.
Our revolutionary war was then in progress. All the
energies of our citizens were concentrated to protect
themselves from Indian depredations, and to win inde
pendence from foreign oppression. Under these trying
circumstances, subsistence and clothing were difficult to
be procured, and schools in the western country were al
most unknown. However, by the time he was twelve
or thirteen years of age, he had learned to read and write.
Duncan being the eldest child, was, as soon as he was
able to work, kept at hard labor, to aid in supporting his
father's numerous family of children. His father was in
indigent circumstances, and as soon as his crop was laid
by, Duncan was either hired out by the day, or month,
to the neighboring farmers.
6 71

72 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
At the date of which I am writing, there were no
wagon roads across the Alleghany mountains. They
were a frightful world of rocks and forests. All the mer
chandise (and many articles were indispensable), such as
powder, lead, salt, iron, pots and kettles, and above all,
beloved rum, then used in western Pennsylvania, were
conveyed over the mountains on pack-horses. McArthur,
when very young, made frequent trips with packers.
Men who were raised in the western country, and are
now over sixty years of. age, look back with astonish
ment at the change which has taken place within their
remembrance. The world, as they knew it, has been
transformed. At that time it was almost an every day
occurrence, to see a long line of pack-horses, in single
file, cautiously wending their way over the stupendous
Alleghany, on a path scarcely wide enough for a single
horse. When surmounting the dizzy heights, they often
turned round the points of projecting rocks, where the least
jostle, or a slip of the horse's foot, would have precipitated
it into the abyss beneath, and crashed it to atoms. So
narrow and dangerous were the passes in many places,
that a horse loaded with bulky articles could not pass
these projecting rocks, without first being unloaded. The
difficulties of the road were not the only danger they had
to encounter ; the wily Indian frequentiy lay in ambush
to massacre the traveler.
So good judges were they of the easy passes over the
mountains, that scientific engineers have selected nearly
the same tracks, on which the western packers passed
with their brigades of pack horses in single file ; where
now are constructed turnpikes and railroads, on which
the traveler glides, or rather floats along through air se
curely, and almost with the rapid speed of the bird of
Jove. Such have been the happy results produced by
the daring enterprise and useful labors of the western
pioneers. Notwithstanding that their lives were con-

GENERAL DUNCAN m' ARTHUR. 73
tinued scenes of privation, danger, and patriotic devotion
to their country, it is not claimed that they were free
from errors. Not having been fettered by laws, and
each one being the guardian and avenger of his own
rights and wrongs, they grew up in a state of rude inde
pendence. Their prejudices were strong, their passions
warm, and they were frequently hurried into excesses.
« They were as free as nature first made man.
Ere the base laws of servitude began^
When wild in woods the noble savage ran."
Their courage in surmounting danger, their fortitude in
enduring hardships and privations, their hospitality, their
patriotism and ardor for fame, were conspicuous in every
period of their history.
The subject of this narrative grew up to manhood on
the western frontier, without fortune, without the aid of
friends, without the advantages of education, without that
society which is essential to mental improvement, until
he was considerably advanced in years. General Mc
Arthur, notwithstanding he saw as much of the world,
its pageantry, and polished society, as most of those who
have filled the same stations, yet retained the frank
manners of the old backwoodsman. His good sense
always rendered even his frankness, and apparent blunt-
ness of manner, not only acceptable, but agreeable. That
young man is worthy of commendation, who, raised in
poverty, and without education, builds up a reputation by
energy and perseverance. It must be instructive to the
young men of the country, in a land where all must Tie
the artificers of their own fortunes, to study the history
and character of Duncan McArthur, from his earliest
youth to his honored old age. Political honor, and fre
quently wealth, are the rewards of energetic devotion to
the good of mankind. In early life McArthur was buried
in a western wilderness ; in maturer years we see him,
a distinguished military officer in time of war, and a skil-

74 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
ful legislator in time of peace. The young men of our
country, who read the incidents of his life, will learn
what is to be gained by industry, energy, and firmness
of purpose. Those who have small means, and few
friends in their youth, should not despond : their future
destiny depends much upon themselves. But I must
return to my narrative.
In the year 1790, Duncan McArthur, in the eighteenth
year of his age, left his father's house. The incursions
of the Indians kept the frontier settlements in continual
alarms, and all the force which the stations could com-
inand, was constantly kept in requisition for defense.
The government of the United States was then under the
direction of the great Washington, who had used every
means in his power to induce the Indians to live in friend
ship with their white brethren. But his benevolent ef
forts' were ineffectual, and he determined to employ a
force which, if properly directed, would keep the savages
in awe. The command of the expedition was conferred
on General Harmar, a popular soldier of the revolution.
A requisition was made on western Pennsylvania and
Kentucky for volunteers, a call which was promptiy
complied with. Duncan McArthur Enrolled himself with
the Pennsylvania volunteers, who forthwith sailed down
the Ohio to Fort Washington (now the. city of Cincin»
nati). At this place they were joined by Some regular
troops, and a regiment of volunteers from Kentucky,
commanded by Colonel Hardin.
From fort Washington the army proceeded north
wardly, through an unbroken wilderness, carrying their
subsistence with them. When they arrived within thirty
miles of the Indian towns, a detachnient of six hundred
men, under the command of Colonel Hardin, were sent
in advance, -with orders to make forced marches,' and, if
possible, to surprise the Indians and destroy their towns
before they would have time to collect their united forces

GENERAL DUNCAN Jtt'ARTHUR. 75
for ilefense. Our young adventurer accompanied this
detachment. They proceeded at a rapid march until
they arrived at the towns ; but the birds had flown. The
wary enemy had been apprised by their watchful spies of
the approach of danger, and had fled to the woods and
swamps for protection. These towns were situated at
the junction of the rivers St. Mary and St. Joseph, where
fort Wayne was erected, in 1794, by General Wayne.
From this place the river takes the name of Maumee, or
Miami of the Lakes.
Four days after Colonel Hardin's detachment took
possession of these towns. General Harmar arrived with
the main army, and remained several days on the ground,
destroying all the Indian property he could find. During
this time none of the Indians showed themselves, but
permitted their towns to be destroyed. Having com
pleted the destraction ofthe place. General Harmar turned
the face of his army homeward, marching about ten miles
the first day, where he encamped for the night. He had
left a few trasty spies to linger in concealment about the
Indian towns, to observe any movements which they
might make. In the evening of this day, these faithful
sentinels discovered a number bf Indians returning to
their ruined towns. The spies forthwith retreated to the
camp, and informed the general that the Indians had re
turned to their towns.
Upon receiving this intelligence, General Harmar
again detached Colonel Hardin, with the Kentucky vol
unteers and a company of regular troops, to the Indian
towns. They made a quick march, and arrived near the
towns about daybreak. Before making the attack, the
detachment was divided into two divisions ; the one com
manded by Colonel Hardin, the other by Major Hall.
To Major Hall's division young McArthur belonged.
Colonel Hardin's division crossed the St. Mary's, and
attacked the Indians. A severe battle ensued, in which

76 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
Hardin was defeated with considerable loss. Major Hall
fell in with another party of Indians ; a sanguinary battle
was fought, the Indians were defeated, and driven several
miles up the St. Joseph. Major HaU then returned to
Harmar's camp, before he was apprised of the total defeat
of Hardin. Thus the horrors of this severe fight were
divided, but the Indians had the fraits of an entire victory.
Without making any further attempts to gain his with
ered laurels. Gen. Harmar immediately returned to Fort
Washington, and there the army was disbanded. The
Kentuckians returned to their homes, and the Pennsyl
vanians, in detachments, went up the Ohio river in keel-
boats. On their return up the river, an occurrence took place
which shows the energy and perseverance of our young
adventurer in his early life. Between Limestone (now
Maysville) and Massie's station (now Manchester), Mc
Arthur and another young man left the boat early in the
morning, and went back into the country to hunt, intend
ing to head the boat before night. The day was cloudy,
and they were total strangers to the country. They
missed their direction, and at night when they came to
the river, they were lower down than when they left
their company in the morning. They stayed that night
at a William Brooks', three miles above Maysville.
Their boat and companions were one day in advance,
and no settiement above them nearer than the mouth of
the Big Kanawha, a distance of two hundred miles, and
many streams which emptied into the Ohio to cross. In
addition to these difficulties, the Indians were constantly
on the alert to destroy small parties who might be pass
ing up or down the Ohio river. These difficulties did
not deter our young adventurer from making the attempt
" to push ahead," to overtake his boat. They left Mr.
Brooks' on foot, trailing at times along the foot of the
hills, at other times along the margin of the river, till

GENERAL DUNCAN m'aRTHUR. 77
they arrived at the mouth of Big Sandy river, late in the
evening. This stream was exceedingly high from recent
rains, its current shooting nearly across the Ohio ; their
boat was in view, and their companions were only two
or three hundred yards above its mouth. They hallooed
and called at the highest pitch of their voices, but they
were not heard on account of the tremendous roaring of
the angry waters. Early next morning they had the
mortification to see their companions move off with their
boat without them. There was no time to be lost in
fruitless repining, but with the perseverance common to
the backwoodsmen of that time, they set off up the Big
Sandy several miles, where they constructed a raft, and
with much difficulty crossed the river, and then traveled
as fast as they could to overtake their companions ; but
their efforts were ineffectual. All the streams above Big
Sandy had risen, and they were compelled to constract
rafts to cross them. In this manner they were so much
delayed, that when they arrived at the mouth of Big
Kanawha their boat had gained several days on them.
Here they gave up the pursuit, and rested their weary
bodies a few days, when they again commenced their
toilsome journey on foot for Wheeling, where they arriv
ed about the first of December. From thence McArthur
returned to his father's home.

CHAPTER H.

The energy of McArthur's character began to unfold
itself in very early life. No danger could appal him, nor
fatigue deter hira from the pursuit of an enterprise. Let
us trace his early history.
In 1791, he was elected an ensign in a company of
militia, and received his commission from Governor

78 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
Mifflin, of Pennsylvania. Every militia officer in those
trying times was expected to be shortiy called upon to
take his station in the " tented field." Consequently,
the citizens were generally careful to select the best men
the country afforded. There is no doubt that young
McArthur felt more elated at that time, with an ensign's
commission in his pocket» than he did in after life, when
he was elected governor of Ohio.
In 1792, he joined, as a private, a volunteer company
commanded by Captain William Enoch. This com
pany was stationed at Baker's fort, on the river Ohio,
some distance below Wheeling. A younger brother of
Captain Enoch was lieutenant of the company. Shortly
after their encamping on the river, and at a late hour in
the evening, a few Indians were discovered across the
river from the fort, on the Ohio shore, carelessly walking
about. There is no doubt but these Indians showed
themselves for the purpose of inviting the whites across
the river, and if they could succeed, intended to lay in
ambush and destroy them. Early the next morning
Lieut. Enoch with fifteen men, amongst whom was Mc-
.Arthur, crossed the river before day. As soon as it was
light enough to distinguish objects at a distance, Lieut.
Enoch and his party went to the place where the Indians
had showed themselves the previous evening, and found
the trail of five or six Indians, and incautiously pursued
them over the river hill to Captina creek, about one mile
from the river, and not much further from the mouth of
the creek. As the party of whites were pursuing the
trail, they went down a small drain, with a narrow bot
tom. On the right of the drain was a steep, rocky bank,
fifty or sixty feet high ; on this bank thirty or forty In
dians lay concealed. The whites passed on till they
came in front of the Indian line, when a tremendous fire
was opened upon them ; the fire was instantly returned
by Enoch and his party. Both parties took shelter be-

GENERAL DUNCAN m' ARTHUR. 79
hind trees, logs, or rocks, and the battle was continued
with animation on both sides for some time. Lieutenant
Enoch and McArthur were treed near each other, and
loaded and shot several times. The hills along Captina
creek are steep, high, and craggy, the valleys narrow,
so that the keen crack of the rifles, added to the deaf
ening shouts of the combatants, causing the echo to vi
brate from hill to hill, made it seem that those engaged in
this strife of arms were fourfold the actual number. At
length a ball from an Indian's rifle pierced the breast of
the brave Lieut. Enoch ; he fell, and immediately ex
pired. Six others of his little band were slain, and some
badly wounded.
Their commander being killed, and many of their gal
lant little band being slain or disabled, the remainder de
termined upon a retreat. No officer was left to com
mand, and although McArthur was the youngest man in
the company, in this time of peril he was unanimously
called to direct the retreat. The wounded who were
able to walk were placed in front, whilst McArthur, with
his Spartan band, covered the retreat. The moment an
Indian showed himself in pursuit he was fired upon, and
generally, it is believed, with effect. The Indians were
so severely handled in the fight, that they soon gave up
the pursuit. The same day the remains of the brave
Lieut. Enoch's command returned to Baker's fort, the
place from which they set out in the morning.
In this engagement, McArthur had several fair shots ;
a man of his steady nerve would not often miss his
mark. The Indians were commanded in this battle by a
Shawnee chief, known to the whites about Chillicothe
by the name of Charley Wilkey, (the same who took
Samuel Davis prisoner). He told the author of this nar
rative, that the battle of Captina was the most severe
conflict he ever witnessed ; that-although he had the ad
vantage of the ground and the first fire, he lost the most

80 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
men, half of them having been either killed or wounded.
The carnage was indeed most fearful, considering the
small numbers engaged. More than one half of each
party were killed or wounded. I have never seen in
print any account of this severe conflict with the savage
foe. McArthur's intrepid conduct in the Captina affair ren
dered him very popular with the frontier men, as far as
Ihe account of this sanguinary conflict extended. Al
though he had with equal energy and boldness discharged
his duty as a soldier in the battle fieldxm the St. Joseph's,
in the campaign with General Harmar, yet the dexterity
and courage of a private soldier could not be so easily
distinguished where large numbers were engaged.
During the winter of 1792 and 1793, he went down
the Ohio river to the neighborhood of Limestone (Mays
ville), in Kentucky, his restless disposition not permit
ting him to tarry long at the stations, which were then
" few and far between," on the banks of the Ohio. Al
ternately he engaged in the laborious avocations of the
new settlers, or in the toilsome vocation of hunting in the
sequestered and lonely forests. Occasionally he was
employed about thirty miles above Maysville, at a salt
lick, one of those establishments which were all-impor
tant to the early settlers ; and thus he spent some portion
of his early life, always seeking employment, and render
ing himself useful to his fellow men, and promoting
thereby his own advancement. We revert to these em
ployments of the earlier part of young McArthur's life,
with the full conviction that no honest employment is
disreputable, and to show the steps by which industry,
capacity and integrity, may rise to affluence and honor
able distinction, from the most humble beginnings.
At this salt establishment he first became acquainted
with Gen. Joseph Vance, who was then a mere youth,
but who labored in those days with McArthur in the

GENERAL DUNCAN m'aRTHUR. 81
same vocations. Unaided by patronage, and self-taught,
by the force of his own genius, and by perseverance, he
has risen from that humble condition to competence and
distinction. When the Indian wars ceased, his father
settled on Mad river, near where the town of Urbana
was subsequently erected. He has been repeatedly a
member of the general assembly of this state, fourteen
years a member of the lower house of congress, and is
now the governor of the state of Ohio. It is to sterling
worth that this tribute of respect is paid. In this country,
where the system of entails is cut up by the roots, the
persevering poor of one generation may become the rich
of the succeeding generation.
In the spring of 1793, General Nathaniel Massie was
collecting a party to go to the Scioto country on a sur
veying tour. McArthur left the salt works and went
with Massie as a chain carrier, or marker. Although
this was a period of Indian warfare, Massie, and a party
of about thirty men, went up the Ohio to the mouth of
the river Scioto, and up the Scioto to the mouth of Paint
creek. Their baggage was taken by water in canoes,
whilst the surveyors leisurely meandered the Ohio and
Scioto rivers, making occasional surveys as they went
forward. When they arrived at the mouth of Paint
creek, they sunk their canoes in deep water for conceal
ment, and went to work with spirit. The country around
where Chillicothe was subsequently laid out, was sur
veyed, and up the Scioto as far as Westfall. Surveys
were also made up the north fork of Paint creek, as far
as Old Town, with meeting but one Indian, who made
his escape. They saw in several places fresh signs
made by Indians, but Massie and his party were too
vigilant and numerous to be successfully attacked by a
few stragglers. The Indians, therefore, sought safety in
flight. There is no doubt that if Massie had remained
much longer in that part of the country, a sufficient num-

82 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
ber of Indians would have collected and destroyed them.
But his party returned to Manchester after an absence of
several weeks, without any loss.
This bold enterprise of about thirty men, proceeding
more than one hundred miles into the enemy's country,
and remaining in the neighborhood of their first encamp
ment, to survey a large scope of country, astonishes us,
and indicates the recklessness and daring of the early
backwoodsmen. In the fall of this year, the Indians were very trouble
some to the frontier settiements along the Ohio river. The
government of Kentucky employed spies, or rangers, to
traverse the frontier country in every direction, and to
give the alarm to the frontier stations, should Indians be
found lurking about their neighborhoods. There was as
much competition amongst the bold backwoodsmen of
that day, for those posts of honor and danger, as there is
now exhibited by office-hunters in seeking " the loaves
and fishes." It would seem that every age has some
peculiar events which answer to stir up the passions, and
keep them in a state of excitement, as if " the passions
were the elements of life." On the fidelity of these
spies depended the lives, the property, and safety of the
frontier settlements. It is not surprising, then, that the
eyes of all the citizens were turned towards the conduct
of those who were selected as sentinels, to watch the
motions of a restless and insidious foe. A young man
who had the good fortune to establish and maintain
a character for intrepidity and honesty, was a special
favorite, not only with the men, but amongst the ladies,
no matter how rough his exterior, or uncouth his man
ners. Even in those trying times of Indian hostility,
and the deprivations in settiing a new country, to secure
the smiles and approbation of the fair was an object of
peculiar interest with young ambition.

GENERAL DUNCAN m' ARTHUR. 83

CHAPTER HI.
Duncan McAtthur had the good fortune to establish
such a character for energy, perseverance, and strict in
tegrity, during the surveying expedition up the Scioto,
that he was recommended as a man well qualified for the
services of a spy or ranger, and he was accordingly em
ployed. He and Samuel Davis, with two others, were
directed to range the country from Limestone to the
mouth of Big Sandy river, which is the extreme eastern
boundary of the state of Kentucky, and never was a trast
confided to more faithful and competent sentinels. In
this employment they remained until the severity of the
winter procured rest to the settlers. An incident occurred
in one of these tours of duty, worthy to be related.
When McArthur and Davis were together, going up
the Ohio, they had with them a light canoe. One pushed
it up the stream, while the other walked in advance to
reconnoiter. They stopped for the night a short distance
below the mouth of the Scioto river. Early next morn
ing they crossed the Ohio, and went back across the bot
tom to the foot of the hill, where they knew of a fine
deer lick. This lick is situated about two miles below
the town of Portsmouth, and near the residence of Judge
Collins. The morning was very calm, and a light fog
hung over the bottom. When they got near the lick,
McArthur halted, and Davis proceeded, stooping low
among the bushes and weeds, to conceal himself. He
moved on with the noiseless tread of the cat, till he was
near the lick, when he straightened up to see if the
ground was occupied. At that instant he heard the crack
of a rifle, and a bullet whistied by his ear. As the morn
ing was still and foggy, the smoke from the Indian's gun
settled around him, so that he could hot see whether the
shot had taken effect or not. Davis raised his rifle, and

84 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
as the Indian stepped out of the smoke to make observa
tions, shot him dead. Davis immediately reloaded his
rifle, and by about the time he had charged his gun, Mc
Arthur came running to him, knowing that the shots he
had heard were in too quick succession to be fired by the
same gun. Running at the top of his speed to the aid
of his companion, just as he reached the spot where
Davis stood, they heard a heavy sound of footsteps, and
in an instant more a number of Indians made their ap
pearance in the open ground near the lick. McArthur
and Davis were standing in thick brash and high weeds,
and being unperceived by the Indians, cautiously retreated
to their canoe, crossed the Ohio, and were out of danger.
Early in the spring of 1794, spies were again employed
to range through the country, along the frontier line of
stations. On the line from Maysville to Big Sandy,
were employed Duncan McArthur, Nathaniel Beasley
(late a major-general of Ohio militia, and frequently a
member of the general assembly from Brown county,
Ohio, and at the time of his death, one of the canal com
missioners of this state), Thomas Treacle, and Samuel
McDowel. These spies were generally divided into two
squads. While two of them were going up the Ohio, the
others were coming down. In this way they were con
tinually on the alert, to watch the motions of their un
merciful enemies. During this summer the attacks of the
Indians were not so frequent, nor made by such large
parties as in the preceding years, owing to the circum
stance of General Wayne having invaded their country
with an overwhelming force. This kept them in con
siderable check, but at the same time small parties made
frequent inroads into the frontier settiements.
This summer, the government of the United States,
for the first time, employed men at the public charge, to
carry a mail from what was then termed the old settle
ment (Wheeling, in Virginia, was then called the most

GENERAL DUNCAN M ARTHUR. 85
western point of the old settiement), to Maysville, and
as far down the Ohio as Cincinnati. Previous to 1794,
when intelligence, either public or private, was sought to
be conveyed, those interested employed express carriers
at their individual expense. This rendered correspond
ence, of every sort, between the isolated new settiements
and the old, very uocertain and insecure. The mail was
carried in what was called a packet-boat. This boat was
light, and could be rowed by six men up the stream at a
rapid rate. Propelling the packet-boat up the stream was
the most laborious and dangerous employment which can
be imagined. The Indians were unceasing in their ef
forts to destroy small parties of whites, as they were'
passing up or down the river Ohio. There were then
but few places between Cincinnati and Wheeling, for the
packet-boat to rest at night in safety. But such were the
enterprise and daring of the backwoodsmen, either on
land or water, that they were ready to undertake any en
terprise within the power of man to accomplish.
During this summer, as the packet-boat was on her
way up, near the mouth of the Scioto, a party of Indians
fired into the boat as it was passing near the shore, and
one man, John Stout, was killed, and two brothers by the
name of Colvin were severely wounded. The boat was
hurried by the remainder ofthe crew into the middle of
the stream, and then returned to Maysville. The four
"spies" were at Maysville, drawing their pay and am
munition, when the packet-boat returned. Notwithstand
ing the recent and bloody defeat sustained in the packet-
boat, a fresh crew was immediately procured, and the
four spies were directed by Colonel Henry Lee (who
had the superintendence and direction of them) to guard
the boat as far as the mouth of Big Sandy river. As the
spies were on their way up the river with the packet-
boat, they found concealed and sunk in the mouth of a
small creek, a short distance below the mouth of the

86 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
Scioto, a bark canoe, large enough to carry seven or
eight men. In this canoe a party of Indians had crossed
the Ohio, and were prowling about somewhere in the
country. Samuel McDowel was sent back to give notice
to the inhabitants, whilst the other three spies remained
with the packet-boat till they saw it safe past the mouth
of Big Sandy river.
At this place the spies parted from the boat, and com
menced their return for Maysville. On their way up
they had taken a light canoe. Two of them pushed the
canoe, whilst the others advanced on foot to reconnoiter.
On their return, the spies floated down the Ohio in their
¦ canoe, till they came nearly opposite the mouth of the
Scioto river, where they landed, and McArthur went out
into the hills in pursuit of game. Treacle and Beasley
went about a mile lower down the river and landed their
canoe, intending also to hunt till McArthur should come
up with them. McArthur went to a deer lick, with the
situation of which he was well acquainted ; made a blind
behind which he concealed himself, and waited for game.
He lay about an hour, when he discovered two Indians
coming to the lick. The Indians were so near him be
fore he saw them, that it was impossible for him to
retreat without being discovered. As the boldest course
appeared to him to be the safest, he determined to permit
them to come as near to him as they would, shoot one
of them, and try his strength with the other. Imagine
his situation. Two Indians armed with rifles, toma
hawks, and scalping-knives, approaching in these cir
cumstances, must have caused his heart to beat pit-a-pat.
He permitted the Indians, who were walking towards
him in a stooping posture, to approach undisturbed.
When they came near the lick, they halted in an open
piece of ground, and straightened up to look into the lick
for game. This halt enabled McArthur to take deliberate
aim from a rest, at only fourteen steps distance. He fired.

GENERAL DUNCAN m' ARTHUR. 87
and an Indian fell. McArthur remained still a moment,
thinking it possible that the other Indian would take to
flight. In this he was mistaken. The Indian did not
even dodge out of his track, when his companion sunk
lifeless by his side.
As the Indian's gun was charged, McArthur concluded
it would be rather a fearful job to rash upon him ; he there
fore determined upon a retreat. He broke from his place
of concealment, and ran with all his speed. He had ran
but a few steps, when he found himself tangled in the top
of a fallen tree : this caused a momentary halt. At that
instant the Indian fired, and the ball whistled sharply by
him. As the Indian's gun, as well as his own, was now
empty, he thought of turning round and giving him a
fight upon equal terms. At this instant several other In
dians came in sight, rashing with savage screams through
the brush. He fled with his utmost speed, the Indians
pursuing, and firing at him as he ran. One of their balls
entered the bottom of his powder hom, and shivered the
side of it next his body into pieces. The splinters of his
shattered powder-hom were propelled with such force
by the ball, that his side was considerably injured, and
the blood flowed freely. The ball, in passing throngh
the horn, had given him such a jar, that he thought for
some time it had passed through his side. But this did
not slacken his pace. The Indians pursued him some
distance. McArthur, though not very fleet, was capable
of enduring great fatigue, and he now had an occasion
which demanded the best exertion of his strength. He
gained upon his pursuers, and by the time he had crossed
two or three ridges, he found himself iree from pursuit,
and turned his course to the river.
When he came to the bank of the Ohio, he discovered
Beasley and Treacle in the canoe, paddling up the stream,
in order to keep her hovering over the same spot, and to
be more conspicuous should McArthur make his escape
7

88 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
from the Indians. They had heard the firing, and the
yelling in pursuit, and had no doubt about the cause, and
had concluded it possible, from the length of time and
the direction of the noise, that McArthur might have ef
fected his escape. Nathaniel Beasley and Thomas
Treacle were not the kind of men to fly at the approach
of danger, and forsake a comrade. McArthur saw the
canoe, and made a signal lo them to come ashore. They
did so, and McArthur was soon in the canoe, in the
middle of the stream, and out of danger. Thus ended
this day's adventures of the spies and their packet-boat,
and this was the last attack made by the Indians upon a
boat in the Ohio river.
Till late in the fall of this year he was retained in
this arduous and dangerous employment. At the
approach of the winter, and after the severe chastise
ment of the Indians by General Wayne's army, there
was a cessation of arms, and the spies were discharged.
McArthur's disposition was for constant action. When
he was unemployed he was as restless (to use one of
the backwoods' comparisons) as a wild animal chained.
The winter of 1794 and '95 was just setting in. He
could choose either to return to the salt lick and make
salt, or go to the woods and hunt and trap. While he
was settling a plan for his winter operations, he fell in
with Mr. George Hardick. an experienced hunter and
trapper, who was never at ease but when he was ranging
through the solitary woods. McArthur and Hardick
were kindred spirits, who never quailed at danger, or
wearied by labor. They agreed to go in partnership for
a winter hunt. They made a light canoe, ammunition
and beaver traps were procured, and our adventurers set
off from Manchester, down the Ohio to the mouth of
the Kentucky river, thence up the Kentucky river far
above the settlements. Game of every description was
found in abundance. Deer and buffalo were killed for

GENERAL DUNCAN m' ARTHUR. 89
their tallow and hides. Beaver and otter were the prin
cipal game pursued, and were caught in considerable
numbers. They went up the Kentucky river as far as
they could find water to float their canoe. About the
middle of January the river froze up, and they could
neither move their canoe backward nor forward. Here
they built a close hut, in which to secure the proceeds
of their hunt from the depredations of wolves and other
wild animals. They left their canoe, peltry, &c., pack
ed their traps, ammunition, and blankets, on their backs,
and proceeded up the main branch of the Kentucky river,
as far as the beaver could find water in which to swim.
In this way, these two backwoodsmen spent their winter
in the midst of the spurs of the Cumberland mountains,
more than one hundred miles from the habitations of
civilized men. Although their hunting range was some
times on one side and sometimes on the other of the old
war-path, on which the Indians from the south went to
visit and assist their friends north of the Ohio river, yet
during the winter they saw no fresh sign of Indians.
As soon as the winter broke, and the ice and snow
melted, they returned to their hut, loaded their canoe,
and leisurely went down the river, stopping to trap
wherever they saw signs of game. They continued
down the Kentucky river to its mouth, thence up the
Ohio to Cincinnati. Here they disposed of the proceeds
of their hunt to some advantage. They then returned to
Manchester. Look, reader, at the map of Kentucky,
and trace the route of these men from Manchester in
Ohio, to the mouth of the Kentucky river, thence up the
Kentucky river to the Cumberland mountains, and you
can form some faint idea ofthe toils and labors overcome,
and of the perseverance of the old backwoodsmen, in
pursuing any enterprise which once engaged their at
tention. In the month of March, 1795, he again went on a

90 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
surveying tour with General Massie. This expedition
was subsequentiy called the " starving tour," for a des
cription of which read the life of General Massie. On
this distressing expedition McArthur distinguished him
self for his patience under the most severe privations.
Being strong and robust, he was capable of enduring
more toil than most men. His perseverance rendered
him valuable in such trying circumstances. From this
time forward his destiny was closely linked with that
of Gen. Massie.
During the summer Gen. Wayne made a treaty of
peace with the Indians, and the prospects of the white
settlers in the western country were more flattering than
at any former period in their history. The ground on
which every station was erected in the western country,
had been heretofore battle ground. While working their
corn-patches, sentinels were constantly required to guard
those at labor. Notwithstanding the utmost vigilance,
many were shot or tomahawked by the enemy. Their
steady perseverance had caused a day of brighter aus
pices to break forth. The red man, notwithstanding "his
soul is great — his arm is strong — his battles full of fame,"
with all his bravery and stratagem, was compelled to
yield to his more civilized neighbor. A new epoch is
just dawning. The vast wilds of the west are now open
to emigration. The dense population east of the Alle
ghany mountains are standing on tip-toe, watching the
issue of this long and direful conflict of arms. At length
in the month of August, 1795, from Fort Greenville,
Gen. Wayne sends forth the glad tidings to the west,
that peace is made with the red man. No more sentinels
were necessary to guard the plowman at his labor. The
population east of the mountains, and also from Europe,
make a rush into the western wilderness, and a new
world arises. The states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Mis
souri, and Michigan, now sustaining their millions of

GENERAL DUNCAN M' ARTHUR. 91
inhabitants, were trophies won in a fifty years' war, by
a few pioneers of western Pennsylvania, western Vir
ginia, and Kentucky. The nation owes a debt of grati
tude to the men, whose march was in the van in those
trying times. Their memories should be held in vener
ation by the millions who now reap in peace and quiet
the fraits of their toil and labor.

CHAPTER IV.
A LARGE district of country had been ceded by the
Indians, at the treaty of Greenville. The backwoods
men, who had spent a great part of their lives in the
front of the war by which these lands were acquired,
believed the country of right belonged to the conquerors.
In consequence of this opinion, during the winter of
1795-96 they poured into the newly acquired territory
by thousands ; each endeavoring to select the most ad
vantageous site for a farm, on which they could pass the
evening of their days in peace and quiet. Parties of
explorers would sometimes meet with others on the
same errand, on some inviting tract of first-rate land ;
quarrels would ensue, about priority of discovery and
improvement, which frequently ended in battles, and
sometimes in the death of some of the parties. During
this winter, McArthur made tomahawk improvements in
rnany of the finest bottoms on the east side of the Scioto
river. This pleasing dream of wealth was of short du
ration : the pioneers soon discovered they had no favors
to expect, for conquering and defending the country.
They were generally poor, did not understand farming
for profit, and were entirely unacquainted with trade and
traffic ; and when peace came, they were far behind the
new emigrants, who settied among them, in all the arts

92 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
which distinguish civilized life. The old backwoodsmen
were strangers to the various arts of making money :
hunting, trapping, and war was their trade ; and before
they could change their habits and customs to the new
order of things which a state of peace brought about,
they found themselves elbowed out of the way by the
more wealthy and dexterous emigrants.
Duncan McArthur, while engaged on the numberless
surveying tours with General Massie, would sometimes
settle the compass to the proper course, and sometimes
would be permitted to run lines ; in this way he became
familiar with the face of the compass. Being then in
the twenty-fourth year of his age, he went to school a
few weeks, and studied arithmetic, till he mastered the
rule of Three. He then exchanged his rifle, his beaver
traps, and other hunting accouterments, for a surveyor's
instruments, determined at least to learn the practical
part of surveying. This was a new and hopeful era in
his life.
Duncan McArthur studied surveying about as long as
the illustrious Patrick Henry is represented to have
studied law, and with the same intuitive success.
Neither knew but little of the theory of their professions
when they commenced their career, yet both excelled in
their vocations. Mr. Henry was an unrivaled orator, and
only a theoretic statesman, and from indolence was un
versed in the details of legislation. General McArthur
was no orator, but by his habits of close investigation
and persevering industry, he was a competent surveyor,
and a practical statesman, understanding the wants and
the condition of the people, and pursuing that course in
his public career, best calculated to promote their inter
ests and happiness.
Duncan McArthur's ambition would have been com
pletely gratified at this period of his life, could he have
then acquired a competent estate in lands, free from in-

GENERAL DUNCAN m' ARTHUR. 93
cumbrance, on which he could live, in a state of inde
pendence. How little we know what would be our feel
ings and conduct under a change of circumstances.
Having now a surveyor's compass, he was prepared to
become an assistant surveyor to the first who would fur
nish him employment.
General Nathaniel Massie was a man of enterprise,
largely engaged in locating warrants and surveying lands.
An assistant surveyor of McArthur's energy and perse
verance was, to General Massie, an invaluable acquisi
tion. He soon became a competent and skilful surveyor.
At no period of his life did he possess a very sprightly
and active mind ; but although his conceptions were
slow, what he once acquired he never lost. In whatever
business he engaged, he was distinguished for an untiring
diligence, and an energy that never yielded to difficul
ties. In February, 1796, General McArthur was married to
Nancy, daughter of William and Effie McDonald, and
sister to the author of this narrative.
In the month of March, in this year. General Massie
was preparing and engaging a party to make a new set
tlement somewhere in the fertile valley of the Scioto
river. The inducements held out by Massie, to encour
age emigrants to follow him into the wilderness, were an
in-lot and an out-lot in the new town, which he intended
to lay out, and one hundred acres of land for eighty
dollars. A numerous party, principally from Kentucky,
collected at Manchester. Some of them went by water
in canoes, taking with them plows, hoes, axes, &c., &c.
The residue of the party went by land, with their horses,
to meet those who went by water, at the mouth of Paint
creek. They met at that point ; and the site on which
Chillicothe was erected, was selected for the new town.
The town was laid out into lots, and all went to work
with spirit. This was the first settiement made in the

94 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
western country in peace. It was a new era in their
lives. McArthur, now an assistant surveyor to General
Massie, aided him in laying out the town of Chillicothe ;
and whilst thus engaged, Massie employed him for one
year, for one in-lot and one out-lot in Chillicothe, and
one hundred and fifty acres of land in the vicinity. This
land soon became the residence of General McArthur;
and to this small tract, others were soon added by indus
try and economy, and form the delightful residence of
the general yet, so well known as " Fruit Hill."
The present appearance and beauty of this residence,
is such as to command the admiration of all the lovers
of beautiful scenery.
Much information was derived by McArthur from his
skilful and experienced employer, and he derived all that
an assistant surveyor could from a constant inspection
and examination of Massie's plats and connections of this,
then, new country. This year the contract of McArthur
and Massie was fulfilled, to the mutual satisfaction of
both parties.
McArthur having located himself in a cabin, on his
land thus acquired, commenced the business of locating
and surveying Virginia military warrants, on his own
account. He was unable to progress with any extraor
dinary rapidity, in the first stages of his»business, hut
only proceeded industriously and slowly, like most
young men, in the business which he had selected for
himself. Having, at this time, but a slight knowledge
of books, and exhibiting in his manners the unpolished
backwoodsman, it was not until after some slight expe
rience and labor in his new vocation, obtained him a
reputation for promptitude and unquestionable capacity
in the discharge of the important duties of a locator
of warrants in the Virginia Military District, that he
acquired the confidence of holders of warrants, then con-

GENERAL DUNCAN M' ARTHUR. 95
stantiy visiting this region of country. But he soon
acquired a reputation equal to any in this business,
and combining with it the purchase and sale of warrants
and land himself, he soon began to reap the rewards of
industry and perseverance, in the acquisition of property,
and in establishing a decided character, as a man of
business, and most competent locator and surveyor.
In 1798, after Ross county was organized, he was ap
pointed and commissioned a captain in the militia, by
Governor St. Clair.
McArthur continued his land business with his wonted
industry. Fortune favored his efforts, and with his ac
quisitions of property, he acquired a popularity equal to
any of those, who had been favored with an early edu
cation and patronage. He was now largely engaged in
land speculations, and used all the means within his
power, to inform himself in the land laws of Virginia
and Kentucky. His entries and surveys were made so
special and correctly, that few, if any, of them could be
interrupted or interfered with. Notwithstanding his care
and precaution in this business, he had to cope with
many men of unsurpassed energy and unquestioned
capacity, and who, anxious, like himself, to promote
their interests by every laudable and legal means, have
had with him much litigation. Controversies relative to
land and land titles, have given him an immense deal of
trouble, vexation, and litigation. This has tended to
impair his good opinion of mankind, and somewhat al
loyed his happiness, but his success was as signal and
general as he could have expected.
Having acquired more wealth than any of his fellow
citizens in the Scioto valley, he began to take an active
part in the politics of the country. Gen. Massie was
then one of the most popular men in Ross county. He
admired McArthur for his persevering industry, and close
application to business ; and was upon all occasions his

96 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
supporter and friend. In 1805, he was a candidate for
the House of Representatives in the General Assembly
of Ohio ; and as all the old pioneers were his personal
friends and supporters, he was elected triumphantiy, not
withstanding the violent opposition of many settlers of
talents and capacity about Chillicothe.
I have now sketched his character from his boyhood,
as a packer across the Alleghany mountains— a private
soldier — a salt boiler — a hunter and trapper — a spy on
the frontier — a chain-carrier — a surveyor — and now a
member of the legislature of Ohio. In every situation
in which he was placed, he endeavored to lead those
with whom he was associated. He was now placed in
a situation of a new kind, and which required acquisi
tions of a different character from those he already pos
sessed. To attain these, he devoted himself to study.
Not content to be a silent and passive member of the
legislature, he soon exhibited his capacity for his new
station and was heard with attention and respect, when
ever any subject was discussed in which he felt a pecu
liar interest.
He became, unquestionably, the most popular nlan in
Ross county, and continued to represent this county in
the legislature, as often as his other avocations would
permit. He was exceedingly popular with the members
of the General Assembly, as is evidenced by his being
elected speaker, to preside over the deliberations of that
branch of the General Assembly of which he was a
member. In 1806, he was elected Colonel ofthe first Regiment,
second brigade, second division of Ohio militia. This
division was then under the command of his old and tried
friend Gen. Nathaniel Massie.
When the United States had purchased Louisiana from
France, it was rumored that Spain would refuse to sur
render the possession of the country to the United States,

GENERAL DUNCAN m'aRTHUR. 97
agreeably to her compact with France. Under these cir
cumstances, Congress authorized the President of the
United States to raise a sufficient number of Volunteers,
to take forcible possession of Louisiana, in case Spain
should refuse peaceably to surrender the country. On
this subject intense interest and excitement prevailed in
the western country. It was there our trade must cen
ter. To be deprived of the advantage of this out-let for
trade, the mouth of the Mississippi river, would it was
supposed completely ruin the prospects of the western
farmers. The state of Ohio was called upon to furnish
her quota of men to be in readiness to march, to move
on New Orleans, when required. When the call was
made on the second division of the Ohio militia, the
Scioto valley, although its population was sparse, furnish
ed a full regiment of men. The company officers of the
regiment assembled in Chillicothe, and unanimously
elected Duncan McArthur to the command of the regi
ment. Happily for the country; these troops were not
called into service. The extensive country of Louisiana
was obtained, and peaceable possession given, through
the wise and moderate measures of President Jefferson.
During the session of the General Assembly of 1807
-8, General Massie resigned his commission as Major
General of militia, in the state of Ohio. His office being
vacant, the General Assembly elected Duncan McArthur,
who was commissioned Major £reneral of the second
division of Ohio militia, on the twentieth day of February
A. D. 1808.

98 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF

CHAPTER V.
In the spring of 1812, the difficulties which had been
long increasing, between the United States and the Eng
lish nation were drawing to a crisis. The British had
so long, and so wantonly, vexed our commerce by re
strictions, confiscations, and impressing our seamen,
that they had completely exhausted the patience of the
country. In consequence of the many vexations prac
tised by that government upon our commerce and citi
zens. Congress authorized the President of the United
States to enroll and organize a number of volunteers, to
hold themselves in readiness for marching at the shortest
notice. McArthur, now a major general of mililia, is
sued orders for his division to assemble by regiments,
to see how many men would enroll themselves to march
in the defence of the country, and to redress the wrongs
which our citizens had suffered. He attended in person
every regimental muster in his division, employing every
argument in his power, which might induce his fellow-
citizens to take the field. A sufficient number enrolled
themselves to form a regiment. They were immediately
organized into companies. McArthur enrolled himself
as a private in a company raised in Chillicothe, com
manded by Captai'n William Keys.
As soon as the companies were organized, they had or
ders to march to Dayton, the place of general rendezvous
for the volunteers of Ohio. Here they were organized into
battalions and regiments. The company officers, agree
ably to the laws of the state of Ohio, proceeded to elect
their majors. Gen. James Denny of .Circleville was
elected to command the first battalion, and Mr. William
Trimble of Highland county was elected to command
the second battalion. The company officers and majors
immediately went into an election for a colonel to com

GENERAL DUNCAN M ARTHUR. 99
mand the regiment ; when on counting the ballots, Mc
Arthur received the unanimous vote of the officers of
the regiment, and was accordingly commissioned Colonel
of the first regiment of Ohio volunteers, on the 7th of
May, 1812.
Two other regiments of volunteers were enrolled in
the state of Ohio, and rendezvoused at the same time
and place. The one was commanded by Col. Lewis
Cass, the other, by Col. James Findlay of Cincinnati.
To these volunteer regiments, was added the fourth regi
ment of United States infantry, commanded by Colonel
James Miller. These troops, when united, were placed
under the command of Brigadier General William Hull
of the United ^tates army. Gen. Hull had been a sol
dier of some distinction in the war of the Revolution.
James Taylor of Newport, Kentucky, was appointed
Pay, and Quarter Master General.
Our country had been so long blessed with peace, that
organizing and equipping an array was new to the offi
cers. The necessary camp equipage to prepare the army
for marching was slowly procured. This army of about
eighteen hundred men, were camped in the environs of
Dayton, till some time in June, before they were pre
pared to set forward on their march.
From Dayton to Manary's Block-house (now Belle-
fontaine) there was something like a wagon road for the
army to march on. This was then the most northwardly
settlement in the state of Ohio. From Manary's Block
house to Detroit was one unbroken wilderness ; a part
of the way without even a foot-path. The country is
remarkably level, intersected with swamps, marshes, and
rivers. No provisions had been previously laid up
by the government in advance of the army. They were
compelled to carry their subsistence and forage in wa
gons. The road was to be made through the thick
forests. Bridges were to be constructed over the marshy.

100 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
spongy ground, where none but the solitary red, or white,
hunter, or the Indian trader with his Canadian ponies
had ever passed. The energy and perseverance of the
Ohio volunteers overcame all the difficulties placed by
nature in their way.
Although war was not declared, the signs of the times
were such, that the secretary of war sent an express rider
after General Hull, with orders for him to hasten his
march with all possible expedition to Detroit.
General Hull employed through the recommendation
of General McArthur, the most efficient men for pilots.
These guides were, first, Mr. Isaac Zane (brother to
Col. Zane of Wheeling) who was then an old man. He
had been taken prisoner by the Indiaqs, when quite a
youth ; he had married an Indian woman, and raised a
numerous family. He had lived near the head of Mad
river, (where Zanesfield now stands,) about fifty years ;
and had been passing through the country to Detroit
almost every year, either on hunting or trading ex
peditions. No man could be better acquainted with the
localities and features of the country. A Mr. McPher
son, an old Indian trader and a man of vigorous mind,
who had been passing through the country, for upwards
of twenty years, on similar business with Zane, was
another ; and Mr. Robert Armstrong, who had been taken
prisoner by the Indians when a child, and raised by
them, was also selected. He had married a daughter of
Mr. Zane, and was acquainted with every spot of ground
between Manary's block-house and Detroit. To these
was added Mr. James L. Reed, an Indian trader for many
years, and who, in his frequent travels to and fro, through
the country, between Mad river and Detroit, was well
acquainted with every marsh and swamp in the country.
With these efficient men for pilots, the army commenced
its march, with a numerous train of wagons. The
making a new road through a wilderness country, inter-

GENERAL DUNCAN m'aRTHUR. 101
Dcrsed with rivers, marshes, and swamps, where few
civilized men had ever passed, was, in itself, an enter
prise of considerable magnitude.
The army went forward, till it arrived at Manary's
block-house, then the outward settlement of Ohio. From
this point north, a road was to be constructed. Colonel
McArthur and his regiment went in advance, to make the
road. The arms, and other accouterments, belonging to
the regiment, were carried in wagons. The guides went
forward, and with tomahawks marked the way. Mc
Arthur divided his regiment by companies, and gave each
company a distance of the road to make, in proportion
to their numbers. Axes, grubbing-hoes, spades, and
shovels, were provided ; and the regiment went to work
with spirit. McArthur, accustomed to hard labor and a
life in the woods from his youth, was perfectly at home
while constructing the road through the wilderness. He
showed the men, by his own example, that he was de
termined to do as much labor as was required of
any of them. No difficulties discouraged him. By his
example and encouragement, he excited such enthusiasm
in both officers and privates, that every man worked as
though the completion of the road depended on his single
arm. He excited emulation amongst the companies,
each endeavoring to do more than the others. With his
regiment he constructed a road from Manary's block
house to Fort McArthur, a point on the Scioto river, in
two days ; a distance of thirty miles. It is probable
that more labor was performed in those two days, than
ever was done in the same time by the same number of
men. Colonel McArthur's regiment was relieved, and the
other regiments now in turn went in advance, to construct
the road. Notwithstanding there was rain almost every
day, there was no skulking or dodging : every regiment
used all the exertions that were in the power of man, to
8

102 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
forward the work. There was probably as much talent
and ambition in this litde army, as was ever collected in
one mass of equal numbers. Animation, enterprise,
ambition, and emulation, concurred to enhance the pro-
gr-ess of this determined band. Here was Colonel James
Miller, of the fourth regiment of United States infantry :
a man of as cool, intrepid courage, as ever drew a blade
to glitter in the sun. And Colonel Lewis Cass, who,
though naturally of a good humored and indolent temper,
would, when roused by emulation or danger, do all that
man could be expected to do. There was Colonel James
Findlay too, who, though usually dilatory, was now ex
cited by patriotism and ambition, to use every effort to
outstrip the subject of this narrative. He had no supe
rior in his energy and decision, when stimulated, as he
now was, by the call of his country, and competing
with such men as Cass and McArthur in his country's
service. To show that it was not a mere flash of popularity,
which placed these gentiemen in the command of regi
ments, it is only necessary to point to their services in
their subsequent career. In the tremendous batfle near
the Falls of Niagara, it was Colonel Miller who com
manded the successful assault, with the point of the
bayonet, which took possession of the British artillery.
He was promoted to the rank of brigadier-general, and
as such, when the war closed, was retained in the peace
establishment of the army ; and subsequently appointed
governor of Arkansas territory.
Colonel Findlay was a citizen of Cincinnati, and had
long possessed the confidence of the government, as well
as of his fellow-citizens. When peace blessed our land
with her smiling presence, he was elected a member of
congress. He was an efficient member of that body,
always acting independently, without permitting himself
to be trammeled by the intrigues of party. A Uttie more

GENERAL DUNCAN m' ARTHUR 103
than a year since, he was commanded by the Judge of
the universe, to render an account of his stewardship.
It is believed, by those who knew him weU, that his
vouchers will be found genuine, and that no defalcations
will be found against him.
Colonel Cass was subsequentiy appointed a brigadier-
general in the United States army ; and when peace was
made, he was appointed governor of Michigan territory.
He recently filled the office of secretary of war, and now
is our minister plenipotentiary at France.
The two majors of Colonel McArthur's raiment,
were men who could be relied on in all situations.
Major Denny, of the first battalion, was a gentieman of
talents and unquestioned courage. He was frequently
elected a member of the legislature, clerk of the county
and supreme courts, and also a major-general of militia.
He has long since passed " the bourn whence no trav
eler returns." He was buried in the city of Philadelphia.
Major Trimble, of the second battalion, was a young
man of much promise. He was promoted to the rank
of colonel in the United States army ; and when the war
ended, he was retained on the peace establishment of the
army. He was subsequently elected a senator in the
congress of the United States, by the general assembly
of Ohio. His public career was of short duration. He
had received a severe wound in the battie of Fort Erie ;
from the effects of which he never recovered, and which
no doubt sent him prematurely to his grave.
Colonel McArthur appointed for the staff-officers of
his regiment, the following persons, ¦viz. William
Henry Puthuff, Adjutant; Richard Douglas, Quarter
Master. Adjutant Puthuff was a man of talents and education,
and unquestioned bravery ; very energetic and punctilious
in the performance of his duty ; and in exacting the sub
ordination of others. He has long since paid the debt

104 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
of nature ; and now lies buried on the banks of Lake
Michigan. The quarter-master was a man of eccentric genius and
of singular humor. He has been a member of the Ohio
legislature, and is now a practising lawyer of distinguished
eminence. The humble author of this narrative received the
appointment of paymaster to the regiment. Of his
character and actions it would be improper for him to
speak. Suffice it to say, that he served in the army, in
various situations, to the close of the war, free from
censure. This circumstance is only referred to, to show
how he came by a knowledge of the men and things
of which he writes. Having endeavored to do his duty
in the army, he is now attempting to record, for flie
gratification of posterity, the characters and actions of
men, who risked their lives in defence of their country.
I will now return from this digression to the army.
The army went forward without making a halt, till they
arrived at the foot of the rapids of the Maumee. Here
one day of repose was allowed the soldiers, to rest their
weary limbs. The march was again resumed, with
renewed •vigor. On their march, between the Maumee
and the river Raisin, an express rider from the secretary
of war, came up with the army, with official inteUigence,
that congress had declared war. This official news put
the army out of suspense. They now knew that they
would soon be engaged in very different labor than in
constracting roads. The army went on at a rapid pace,
passed the river Raisin, and went on till they came to
the river Huron. This river was so deep, that it could
not be forded with the numerous train of wagons. It is
nearly three hundred feet over, and it was necessary to
construct a bridge. The bridge was erected in one day,
and by night the army and baggage were safely across
the river, and camped for the night on the north bank

GENERAL DUNCAN M ARTHUR. 105
of the river Huron. The bridge was nearly a mile from
lake Erie. Late in the evening of this day, the enemy's
brig. Queen Charlotte, came sweeping up the lake, and
hovered about the mouth of the river Huron, to make
observations on the movements of our army. When
daylight returned, the Queen Charlotte was not to be
seen. The army resumed its march, and that evening,
the fifth of July, arrived at Detroit, the place of their
destination. Here a few days of repose was allowed the
weary soldiers.

CHAPTER VI.
The artillery, which lay in the fort and batteries in
and around Detroit, were in the worst possible condition.
The gun carriages were old and decayed, and in every
respect unfit for immediate use. The artificers were set
to work to repair the artillery carriages ; every means in
the power of man was exerted, to place the army in a
situation to march upon Fort Maiden, only eighteen miles
distant. Repose and inaction did not suit the enterprising
character of General Hull's field officers. The unavoid
able delay in preparing the artillery for effective service,
appeared like eternity to the fiery spirits under the com
mand of General Hull. Among the most impatient and
restless at this delay, was McArthur. He urged General
Hull to cross the river Detroit with the army, and attack
Fort Maiden without delay ; insisting that the present
was the auspicious moment to carry the fort ; that the
garrison consisted only of a few regular troops and some
Canadian miUtia; that, from unquestioned information,
the walls of the fort were in a state of dilapidation, the
pickets rotten, and that the Canadian militia were not
disf.osed to risk much in its defence. General Hull

106 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
thought the enterprise more hazardous than his field
officers were wiUing to admit, and did not wish to invade
Canada, and attack Maiden, till his artillery was repaired ;
he would then be prepared to batter down the walls,
should the enemy refuse to surrender the place.
As soon as two or three of the gun carriages were re
paired, the cannon were placed on them, and the field
officers again urged General Hull to cross into Canada.
They contended, that if the army would cross the river
Detroit, and camp in Sandwich, that it would cut off the
communication between Maiden, and the settlements on
lake St. Clair and the river Thames, and thus weaken
the resources of the enemy. At length. General HuU,
to get rid of the importunities of his field officers, issued
orders for the army to prepare to invade the enemy's
country. The morning of the 12th of July was fixed
upon for the purpose. Boats were prepared, and rowed
up the river with muffled oars, to opposite the lower end
of Hog Island, about two miles above the city of Detroit.
McArthur, during this busy night of preparation, had
marched his regiment down the river to a place called
Spring Wells, three miles below the city, and had floated
down the river some old boats to the same place, and ap
peared to be making every demonstration of crossing the
river Detroit at this place. This maneuver was only a
feint, to draw the attention of the enemy to defend a
point where no attack was meditated. There was con
siderable marching and counter-marching kept up till
near day, when a few men were left at Spring Well, to
keep up a noise, while McArthur silenfly drew off his
regiment, and marched up in rear of Detroit, to opposite
the lower end of Hog Island, where he joined the main
body of the army. Here a sufficient number of boats
were provided, in which to convey two regiments of
troops at a time. To Colonels Cass and MiUer was con
fided the honor of leading the van. The men composing

GENERAL DUNCAN m' ARTHUR. 107
the regiments were seated in the boats ; and as soon as it
was Ught enough to distinguish objects at a distance.
General Hull gave the word to shove off with the boats
for the Canada shore. The boats were crowded with
soldiers, the oars were double manned, and moved off in
a line, and kept their front well dressed : not a word was
spoken by the soldiers in the boats, nor by those on land ;
every eye was strained towards the Canadian shore.
The river is a mile broad at this place : it took a good
while to row the heavy loaded boats across. The anxiety
and intense feeling which pervaded that part of the army
on shore, as well as the citizens of Detroit, who were
viewing the scene, was painful in the highest degree.
When they had got about half way across the river, two
men in British uniform came riding up the river at full
speed. The question of interest was, were they backed
by soldiers, to attack our companions, when they would
reach the shore. The boats went on in good order,
keeping abreast of each other, and went ahead in the
most profound silence. As they had neared the shore,
the two British horsemen galloped down the river. The
boats having kept their line well dressed, they nearly aU
made the shore at the same time. The moment the
boats touched land. Colonels Cass and Miller were the
first to leap on shore. Their men followed, and rushing
up the bank of the river, formed in line without any re
sistance. Now was raised a tremendous shout. The
boats returned with all possible expedition, and one
regiment after another crossed the river in quick succes
sion. In a few hours the main army was safely landed
on the Canadian shore. The maneuver played by Mc
Arthur the previous night, about Spring 'VVeU, had drawn
the attention of the enemy, to guard against an invasion
from that quarter ; and as there was but a small number
of the enemy at the place, as soon as they knew our
army had landed above them, they retreated to Maiden.

108 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
The army marched down the river, opposite the city
of Detroit, and less than a mile above the village of Sand
wich ; and commenced making a regular encampment.
The baggage, tents, ammunition, and provisions, were
brought across the river the same evening, and the army
now appeared to be perfectiy at home in the enemy's
country. So much can ambitious, energetic spirits, ac
complish in a short time, when their whole souls are
fixed on any particular enterprise.
The army having safely landed without opposition.
Upper Canada appeared to have fallen without a blow.
The northern army, under the command of General
Dearborn, it was understood, would simultaneously in
vade Canada from Black Rock, and so divide the force
and attention of the British general, that he would be
unable to send any efficient aid to his forces in the neigh
borhood of Maiden. Our troops were too sanguine:
they were entire strangers to the manner of carrying on
war with a people, as full of resources as was the Brit
ish nation. In General Hull's army, there were few
who had ever smelled the smoke of enemies' powder ;
and the few who had seen any thing like war, were
those frontier men who had been engaged in the old In
dian wars. An Indian campaign .was like a horse race-
it was soon ended. As neither the Indians nor whites
of that day had stores, or resources, except such as were
carried with them in their armies, neither could remain
long in the field. A battle must be immediately fought,
or tiieir armies must disband for want of subsistence.
As soon as the army were camped near Sandwich,
there was then no material obstruction in the way to
Maiden ; and Colonels McArthur and Cass urged an im
mediate attack on Maiden, which was only eighteen
mUes distant. General Hull represented an attack on a
fortified place, without artillery, as an act of rashness,
for which he would not be responsible ; that the army

GENERAL DUNCAN m' ARTHUR. 109
would be in danger of meeting a repulse, which might
damp the ardor of the troops, and thus essentially injure
the service.
General Hull had previously employed some confiden
tial men, who were friendly to the United States and
residents of Canada, to pass through the country around
lake St. Clair, and up the river Thames, and down lake
Erie as far as Long Point. From the report of these
men, he had learned, that the enemy had considerable
military stores collected on the Thames ; and as Colonel
McArthur appeared to be the most restive and uneasy in
a state of inaction. General Hull concluded to find him
some employment, and ordered him, with a detachment,
to proceed up lake St. Clair and the river Thames, to
seize, if possible, the stores which the enemy had col
lected at that place.
Being now in the enemy's country, some circumspection
was to be used, that the object of the expedition should be
crowned with success. The country through which his
detachment had to pass, along lake St. Clair and up the
Thames, was filled up with a dense population ; and to
effect his object Secrecy and dispatch were indispensable
in his movements. He left General Hull's camp a Uttie
after night set in, with Major Denny's battalion of infan
try and a few horsemen, and made a rapid march up the
river Detroit, and up lake St. Clair. At morning light
he was more than twenty miles on his way. As delay
would enable the enemy to conceal, or move the stores
out of his reach, no time was lost on the march.
In passing up what is there called the king's highway,
an incident occurred which caused a short halt. A deep,
narrow stream runs into lake St. Clair, over which creek
is constructed a good frame bridge, and near this bridge
was an Indian trading establishment. Here were some
British Indians, who, a few minutes before McArthur's
detachment arrived at the place, had, by some means

110 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
been apprised of his advance, and immediately got into
their canoes, and pushed up the creek. As soon as Mc
Arthur was informed of their movement, he took with him
some horsemen, and pursued the Indians up the creek,
at full speed. The low ground along the creek was a
prairie. This open ground afforded the Indians an op
portunity of seeing their pursuers at a distance. When
they discovered themselves pursued, they landed their
canoes, and took to flight on foot, and made for the
thick brush ; and were soon out of danger from horse
men. Search was made for them, but all in vain. " The
birds had flown." As they were about giving up the
pursuit, they found, in the thick top of a fallen tree, con
cealed, an Indian woman and two papooses, the one
about two years old, the other about four or five. These
poor creatures were almost frightened to death : they
were the most perfect representations of despair I ever
witnessed. They were conveyed back to their canoes,
and thence down the creek to the bridge : here they
were set at liberty. This Indian woman appeared to he
about twenty-five years of age, with a full formed and
interesting person. She expected that herself and her
Uttie ones would be instantly put to death. When she
found herself undeceived, and that she and her litde pa
pooses were treated with kindness, I never witnessed
such a transformation in the countenance of a human
being. From a fixed state of gloomy, sullen despera
tion, her countenance brightened with gratitude, and in
an instant she was transformed into a lovely and interest
ing female. This Uttie incident detained the detachment
probably an hour.
The march was resumed with fresh vigor, and late in
the evening they arrived at what was called the Dolson
settiement on the river Thames. The detachment had
marched one night and day without taking any repose.
So rapid had been the march, that no tidings of their

GENERAL DUNCAN m' ARTHUR. Ill
approach had reached his majesty's loyal subjects on
the Thames. The detachment were considerably weari
ed by the hard march and want of sleep, and camped
this night around the house of a Mr. Dolson ; this Dol
son was a man of wealth ; the moment he saw the de
tachment, he fled to the woods. After the camp was
formed, and sentinels stationed, Mrs. Dolson invited the
officers to take supper with her ; the invitation was cheer
fully accepted. McArthur inquired for her husband, she
replied "that her husband was not very distant; but
that he did not feel himself quite safe at home, on the pre
sent evening, and had stepped out of the way." Mc
Arthur assured her, that the Americans only made war
on soldiers with arms in their hands, that neither private
citizens nor private property would be disturbed ; that if
her husband was within reach he would like to see him
at the head of the table. Upon this assurance, and the
privilege of passing the watchful sentinels, Mrs. Dolson
sent a messenger, and in a little time Mr. Dolson came
in and presided at the table. The evening passed off in
as social glee, as if war had never been heard of.
By the dawn of day, McArthur had his detachment in
motion, and proceeded rapidly to Col. McGregor's miUs,
the place of his destination. This Col. McGregor was
a man of large property, a member of the Canadian par
liament. His mills and warehouses were on an exten
sive scale. In his warehouse was found upwards of
three hundred barrels of flour, branded " for his majesty's
service ;" there was also found a number of bales of
merchandize, marked for the " Indian department :"
several keel boats were lying near the miUs to convey
the flour and merchandize to such places, as they might
be most needed.
McArthur took possession of the property, and passed
receipts to Col. McGregor for these stores, that Col.
McGregor should be able to show his majesty how they

112 A SKETCH OF 'THE LIFE OF
i ¦''
had been disposed of ; and sthen stowed them into the
keel boats which were before prepared for that purpose.
As spon as.tthe boats were loaded, Major Denny was
placed in charge of them, and proceeded down the
Thames wifh the booty.' As Col. McGregor was a
member of the Canadian parliament, McArthur made a
prisoner of him, but permitted him to go on parole. The
tew horsemen who accompanied the expedition were
divided into two squads ; one squad went in advance of ,
the boats, to reconnoiter lest some ambuscade might be
planned fo intercept their return ; the other squad re
mained in the rear of the boats lest they might be pur
sued and surprised ; they moved on rapidly till they ar
rived in Lake St. Clair, at the mouth of the Thames.
Here McArthur in person took command of the boats,
and went down Lake St. Clair with them to Detroit ;
whilst Major Denny took charge of the horsemen and
made a rapid move for General HuU's camp. No
accident or loss happened during this excursion of up
wards of sixty miles into the enemy's country. This
expedition was performed in three days and nights ;
and shows the activity and perseverance of the command
er of the detachment. The flour lent by his majesty on
this occasion was a very seasonable supply, as the store
in our army was not abundant.
WhUst Col. McArthur was on the expedition up the
Thames, General Hull was using every effort in his
power to cause the artiUery to be prepared for effective
use. Two large floating batteries were constructed, on
which to carry the large thirty pounders, to drive the
enemy's brig, the Queen Charlotte, from her anchorage
above Maiden, and to aid in battering down the waUs of
Maiden. On the same evening that Col. McArthur retumed to
the camp with his detachment, in his absence General
HuU had ordered Col. Cass with his regiment down the

Creii. Cass.

GENERAL DUNCAN m' ARTHUR. i 113
V -
river Detroit, to the neighborhood of Maiden to make ob
servations. Col. Cass had proseeded down nearly to the
mouth of the river Auxcanard, which is very deep and
narrow, over which was constructed a good frame bridge ;
near the bridge lay a detachment of the enemy, for the
purpose of preventing our troops from crossing. By his
reconnoitering parties. Col. Cass was advised ofthe pro
bable number and situation of the enemy at this place.
There was a ford on this river, about three miles above
the bridge ; he concluded that if he could cross the
country and pass the river at this shallow ford unper
ceived, that he could come down the river on the Mai
den side, and take or destroy the party of the enemy,
who were guarding the bridge. His plan was well laid,
and as promptly executed, but without the success which
was anticipated. Military affairs sometimes appear to
be the sport of chance : a few minutes of time, sooner or
later in occupying a particular point decides favorably,
or frustrates the best laid plans. Col. Cass crossed the
river, and got within about half a mile of the enemy before
he was discovered. Some of their reconnoitering parties
had espied him, and gave the alarm. The enemy re
treated rapidly, and Cass pursued, keeping up a
scattering and distant fire, which did but little injury.
The enemy retreated under the walls of Maiden, and
Cass pursued them till he was within range of their
cannon ; he then retired, and returned to camp withont
being pursued or disturbed on his march. In this skir
mish several lives were lost on both sides.
The British coraraander believed that Col. Cass com
manded the advance of Gen. Hull's army, and under this
impression, he began to prepare himself to endure a siege.
He concluded the retreat of Cass only a feint to draw out
the garrison ; under this belief he permitted a handful of
men to depart unmolested. Cass and McArthur returned to
camp about the same time. McArthur's success added to

114 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
the resources ofthe army ; Cass obtained a personal know
ledge of the difficulties to be encountered on their future
march to Maiden.
The artillery were at length in a state of preparation
for effective nse, and the long-looked for time to make a
descent on Maiden, appeared to be fast approaching.
Troops were kept constantiy on the road between Sand
wich and Maiden ; several unimportant skirmishes took
place on and near this road. The enemy constantly kept a
guard at the Auxcanard bridge ; and any of our small parties
who had a relish for a fight, knew where they could be ac
commodated. If they went to the bridge, they were sure
of meeting some of the red coats, or Tecumseh with his
Indians. Here Col. Findlay had a bout, in which he
took and lost some lives. Here, Captain Snelling of the
fourth infantry had some practice. Here, McArthur had
a flurry with the Indians, in which he had several men
wounded and his horse shot in the top of the forehead ;
the horse reeled but was not materially injured. Here,
too, the brave Major Denny had a severe brush with the
Indians, in which he lost seven or eight men kiUed, one
taken prisoner, and several wounded. The prairies and
woods in the neighborhood of the bridge were the theater
of considerable maneuvers, where the raw soldiers were
drilled and practised to the sharp whistle of the enemy's
balls. On tiie seventh of August, General Hull issued orders
for the troops to be in readiness to march for Maiden the
next morning. The artiUerists had their guns prepared,
the heavy thirty-two pounders were placed on the float
ing batteries. The infantry scoured and oiled their fire
arms ; the horsemen sharpened and oiled their swords,
that they might be easUy drawn from their scabbards.
Every officer and private appeared as anxious for the
combat, as ever bride or bridegroom were for the wedding
night.

GENERAL DUNCAN m' ARTHUR. 115
The long-looked for morning came, the word for
marching was given by the General, not upon Maiden,
but to retrace our steps to the American side of the river
Detroit. Surprise and amazement shrouded every face in
sullen gloom and disappointment ! Was it caprice, or
cowardice, or was it treason in the General, which so
suddenly and unexpectedly changed the destination of
the army ? Mystery appeared to hang over the move
ment ! No explanation for the retrograde movement of
the army was given. Major Denny of McArthur's regi
ment, was left, on the Canadian shore in charge of our
old camp ; and before night, the main army was stationed
in the forts, and on the commons of the city of Detroit.
By this sudden, retrograde movement of the army.
General Hull lost the army's confidence ; a kind of
gloomy suspicion of the General's patriotism was open
ly expressed, by officers and privates. No council of
officers was called before this hasty retreat was made :
the army was completely at fault, no reason having been
assigned for this mysterious movement.
It is believed, when General HuU first invaded Can-
adaj that if he had gone down (it was only eighteen
miles distant) and paraded his army before Maiden, that
the garrison would have surrendered without an effort at
defence. This might have been the case, but it might
not. Had his troops been repulsed with loss of men,
the world would have reprobated his rashness in at
tempting to take a fortified garrison 'without artillery.
The delay necessary to repair the gun carriages was a
misfortune for which he was not responsible. For this
delay the then administrators of government were culp
able ; at least the secretary of war, who was acquainted
with the views of the administration, should have caused
the artillery, at the most exposed frontier post, to be in
a state of such repair as to be fit for immediate use.
It is necessary now that \.he cause of General Hull's
9

116 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
retreat from Canada should be given. On the seventh
of August, he received some letters sent by express, by
General Hall and General P. B. Porter, who command
ed the American troops on the Niagara frontier, inform
ing him that a large British force from the neighborhood
of Niagara were preparing to move up Lake Erie to
Maiden. In addition to this startling intelligence, as
previously stated, General Hull had employed some
Canadians, in whom he had the utmost confidence, to
travel through Canada, to observe the motions of the
enemy, and give him intelligence of their movements.
On the night preceding the contemplated attack on fort
Maiden, a Mr. Watson, one of his confidential Canadian
spies, arrived in camp, and assured General Hull, that
the British General Brock was at fort Erie collecting all
his disposable force, and placing them on board ships and
boats destined for Maiden. That as soon as he (Watson)
learned the destination of General Brock, he mounted
his horse, and came with the utmost speed to acquaint
General Hull with the reinforcements with which Mai
den would be strengthened. The letters from Generals
Hall and Porter, and the communication made by Mr.
Watson, all came upon General Hull simultaneously,
alarmed hira, and were the cause of his retreat from
Canada. That the intelligence received by General HuU
was correct, is proved by the fact, that General Brock
arrived at Maiden in a day or two after, with six hun
dred regular troops. To understand this movement of
the British army, we must turn our attention to the con
duct of General Dearborn, who then commanded the
American armies on the northern frontier ; that on the
Niagara, down Lake Ontario, and on the St. Lawrence.
General Sir George Prevost was the commander in chief
of the enemy's armies. The English govemment had
repealed their " orders in councU," which " orders" were
one of the prominent causes of the war. On the repeal

GENERAL DUNCAN m' ARTHUR. 117
of these " orders in council," General Prevost made ap
plication to General Dearborn for a cessation of arms,
thinking it probable that a repeal of those vexatious " or
ders in councU" would pave the way to a restoration of
peace. General Dearborn, without reflecting on its con
sequence, in an unguarded moment, agreed to a cessa
tion of arms on the whole length of his line of command,
for forty days, commencing on the first day of August,
1812. As soon as a copy of the arrangement for this
armistice reached the city of Washington, it was obvious
that General Dearborn had been overreadied by his an
tagonist. As General Hull's field of operation was not
included in the armistice, the British General would now
have an opportunity of concentrating all his forces, and
overwhelm General HuU's army during the continuance
of the armistice.
The secretary of war "promptly informed General
Dearborn that the arrangement was disapprobated by the
President of the United States, and peremptorily ordered
to put an end to it as speedily as possible." The arm
istice was broken off on the twenty-ninth day of August,
but not before the British General had effected the de
struction of General Hull. Of all the mUitary blunders
during the late war, that produced the most fatal conse
quences. It was the primary cause of the capitulation
of the garrison of Detroit ; General Hull's surrender was
the cause of preparing the ¦way for those scenes of sa
vage butcheries and miseries, that were perpetrated in
Michigan and on the frontiers of Ohio, which clothed
Kentucky and Ohio in mourning.
Had it not been for that fatal armistice, the American
troops from the lower end of Lake Erie, would have in
vaded Canada at the same time that General HuU
was preparing to attack Fort Maiden, and thus would
have kept the British General Brock in play on the
Niagara frontier; and General HuU would doubtless

118 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
have taken Maiden ; the Indians would then have been
quiet, and the upper lakes, for. a time at least, would
scarcely have heard the alarms of war.

CHAPTER VII.
About the time General Brock was concentrating his
forces at Maiden, Captain Henry Brush, of Ohio, with a
company of volunteers, consisting of about a hundred and
fifty men, raised in the town of Chillicothe and its vicin
ity, arrived at the river Raisin, thirty-six miles south of
Detroit, escorting a large supply of provision for our
army. General Brock received intelligence of the ap
proach of Captain Brush, and as this escort would neces
sarily have to pass Brownstown, which is opposite to
Maiden, and only four miles from thence, he determined
to, intercept Captain Brush's convoy. General Brock
placed his Indians, and a few regular troops to give the
Indians confidence, at Brownstown, to 'watch the motions
of Captain Brush, and to cut off the communication
from Ohio with Hull's army.
Captain Brash was a lawyer of distinguished eminence,
a man of talents, and a vigUant officer. He was advised
ofthe trap laid by the enemy, to intercept him on his
way to the army ; and sent an express rider through the
¦woods to General HuU, to advise him of his critical, sit
uation. General HuU sent Major Vanhorn, with a bat
taUon of troops, to meet Captain Brush, and to escort
the convoy of provisions to Detroit. The British and
Indiansmet Major Vanhorn's detachment at Brownstown,
a battle ensued, ; and Vanhorn was defeated with consid
erable loss. : This has been, called the battie of Browns
town.,-, f
. As provision was running short at Detroit, and as

GENERAL DUNCAN m' ARTHUR. 119
Captain Brash had a considerable quantity with him.
General Hull determined to make another effort to aid
his advance. For this purpose, he sent Colonel MiUer
with the fourth regiment of United States infantry, and
Major Vanhorn with his battalion of volunteers, to bring
in Captain Brush's convoy of provision. When this de
tachment had marched to an old Indian town, called
Maguagua, three miles above Brownstown, they were
met by a numerous party of British and Indians. A se
vere and stubborn battie ensued: the enemy were de
feated. Colonel Miller, with the energy and promptitude
which distinguished him in numerous battles since, drove
the red coats and yeUow jackets from their coverts with
the bayonet. The loss of the enemy in this obstinate
affair was very considerable ; nor was the victory cheaply
gained. We had a number of men killed, and about
eighty wounded : nearly one-fourth in all. Colonel MU-
ler camped on the field of battle. He sent an express to
General Hull, with the intelligence of his victory, and
the loss he had sustained in the batfle. The express
from Colonel Miller arrived in Detroit some time before
midnight. General Hull ordered Colonel McArthur to
take two hundred of his regiment, and proceed forthwith
to Colonel Miller's camp, and bring up the wounded to
head quarters. Colonel McArthur procured some boats,
in which he went down himself, and as many of his men
as could procure horses went down by land. Some time
after midnight, the detachment set off for Miller's camp.
The night was dark and stormy, the rain fell in torrents,
the thunder rolled in long vibrations along the broad
river Detroit ; but the poor soldier had no choice : he
had voluntarily placed himself as the sentinel and guard
of his country ; he must endure the storms of the ele
ments, as well as repel the storms of the enemy. The
detachment arrived at Colonel Miller's camp some time
after daylight, a distance of fifteen miles. About this

120 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
time it ceased raining. Arrangements were soon made
to place the wounded in the boats, in order for their re
moval to head quarters. Colonel McArthur sent two
companies in advance of the boats, to keep a look out,
lest the enemy should ky in ambush along the shore ;
whilst he iu person directed the movements of the boats,
to encourage the boatmen and soldiers to propel them up
the heavy current, with all possible dispatch. The
Gros Isle, which is eight mUes long, is situated be
twixt Colonel MiUer's camp and Maiden; the main
channel for large vessels is to the Maiden side of the
island, MUler's camp is opposite the middle of the island,
and Maiden nearly opposite the lower end. That part
of the river whieh runs between MiUer's camp and the
island is about four hundred yards over. On this busy
day the British and Indians were seen running up and
down the island, watching the motions of our troops on
the main land. From the other side of the island, they
could communicate by signals to their friends in Maiden
the movements of our troops.
McArthur was making all the head way he could with
his squadron of boats along the shore. The enemy's
brig Hunter, well manned, was discovered saiUng up the
river with a fair breesse, to intercept our boats, as soon
as they should pass the upper point of the island. The
boats being crowded with the wounded, to attempt pass
ing the enemy's ship, which was mounted with twelve
guns of six and nine pounders, would have been mad
ness. The Hunter came round the point of the island,
within two hundred and fifty yards of the American
shore, and dropped anchor with her broadside facing the
shore. McArthur was now placed in an unexpected
dilemma ; to pass the enemy's ship in safety was im
possible ; he had no wagons or other carriages in which
to convey the wounded to Detroit ; be landed his boats
and sent an express to Colonel MiUer with the intelU-

GENERAL DUNCAN m' ARTHUR. 181
gence of his critical situation. Col. Miller had three
wagons and two carts with his detachment, which were
sent to McArthur, and into these, the wounded were
literally stowed away, and the escort commenced its
march. When they came opposite to where the enemy's
ship rode at anchor, the road passed immediately on the
bank of the river, in fuU view of the enemy. A marshy
quagmire from the land side reached nearly to the river
edge, so that it was impossible to go with the wagons
through tiie marsh, and no other alternative presented it
self than to drive the teams at full speed past the ship.
The distance on the road, on which the wagons would
be exposed to the enemy's broadside, was a Uttie over a
hundred yards, after that distance, the wagons would be
covered by thick woods. When the first team was
driven near this exposed piece of road, the driver halted,
and refused to drive the team where he knew he would
be exposed to the fire of the enemy's broadside. A Mr.
Robert Smith, from the neighborhood of ChUlicothe,
came up, and swore he would drive the team through,
if the enemy should send at him a storm of thunder and
lightning. He mounted the saddle-horse, and with his
whip fretted the team, and then at full speed set off to
pass the enemy. As soon as Smith was in the open
ground, as was expected, the enemy fired a broadside at
the wagon. The wind was blowing a moderate gale,
this caused the ship to rock with the waves, so that their
aim was uncertain. The wagons and carts were all pass
ed at full speed, at every one of which was fired a
broadside, from which no "injury was received. This
rapid drive of the wagons and carts, there is no doubt,
was the ultimate cause of the death of several of the
wounded. When the teams were running at fuU speed,
and when the wagon wheels would come in contact with
a stump, a root, or a stone, the jar would throw the
wounded soldiers, in heaps upon each other ; in this way

122 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
the bandages would eome loose, and the broken bones
be torn from their places, and their wounds bleed afresh ;
by the time the carriages had passed, the road was made
slippery with the blood of the poor wounded soldiers.
After passing this place, Colonel McArthur proceeded
without meeting any further difficulties till he arrived
at Detroit, where the wounded where placed in hospitals
under the care of the surgeons. The next day. Colonel
Miller returned to head quarters without having effected
the object of his expedition, which was to meet Captain
Brush's detachment, and escort the miUtary stores to
head quarters.
Dangers were now thickening around Gen. HuU and
his troops, and to add to his other*perplexities provisions
were growing short with the army. It was understood
that Captain Brash, with his detachment and military
stores, StiU remained at the river Raisin, only thirty-six
miles distant on the direct road. Gen. Hull determined
to make another effort to bring forward Captain Brash
and the stores he had with him. For this purpose, he
detached Colonels McArthur and Cass with five hundred
men, with instractions to proceed in a southwest direc
tion, on a path which leads from Detroit to Fort Wayne,
so far that an east course would make the settlement
of the river Raisin : by taking this circuitous direction
they would shun the dangerous, though direct, road
passing through Brown's Town ; but the distance to the
river 'Raisin, where Captain Brash lay would be greatiy
increased. Guides who were well acquainted with the
country were procured to pilot the march of the detach
ment, which on Friday the 14th of August set off on
this secret expedition. As the detachment were on foot,
they went forward without baggage or provision. Gen.
Hull having assured them that he would send provisions
on pack-horses after them. The provisions were sent,
but the packers lost their way, and did not find the de-

GENERAL DUNCAN m' ARTHUR. 123
tachment. McArthur went on till Saturday afternoon,
the 15th of August, when he was overtaken by an ex
press rider from head quarters, with instructions to re
turn to Detroit with all possible expedition. He was
informed that Gen. Brock had come up from Maiden,
and camped in the vicinity of Sandwich, immediately
opposite to Detroit, and had demanded the surrender of
the American array. This news was unexpected, pain
ful and alarraing. McArthur with that promptness which
marked his character through life, commenced retracing
his steps for Detroit. This was in the evening of Satur
day, he was now more than thirty mUes from head quar
ters, his detachment had been two days without subsis
tence. The path on which they had to march was nar
row, muddy, and full of logs and brush ; the soldiers
were nearly exhausted by hunger and fatigue. The
startiing intelligence that Detroit, the head quarters of
the army, was in danger of falling into the hands of the
enemy in their absence added spurs to their march, they
went on without a murmur as long as they could see the
path ; at length they were halted, and supperless lay
down to rest their weary limbs. Here they rested till
the moon rose, which was some time before day-light,
when they resumed their toUsome and feeble march.
This was Sunday morning, August the 16th, and the
third day they were without subsistence. About sunrise
they had got within ten mUes of Detroit ; they began to
hear the roar of cannon ; the sound of the artillery was
distinctiy heard rolling up the river Rouge ; there was
no doubt but that the two armies were engaged in deadly
strife. Our faithful soldiers pressed steadily forward till
they came within about four mUes of Detroit. The fire
of artUlery had ceased for some time. Here they discov
ered a Canadian Frenchman running through a prairie.
Col. McArthur sent some horsemen in pursuit, who
overtook and brought in the fugitive. This man was a

124 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
Canadian who had joined our army, and who was now
fleeing to bush to save his neck from the halter. He in
formed Col. McArthur, that Gen. Hull had surrendered
the town, fort, and army to the enemy : that just as he
had left the city, the English were marching into the
fort ; that when he saw this, he knew that it was time
for hira to take to the woods to save his life. McArthur
did not know whether to place confidence in the French
man's story or not. He continued his march on what
was called the back road, and dispatched some horse
men to go in the rear of Detroit to make observations.
These men returned with the assurance that the British
colors were waving over the fort. Col. McArthur and
his detachment were now placed in a most critical situa
tion ; the enemy in front and famine in the rear. This
was the third day they had been without subsistence,
and aU the time engaged in forced marches ; such are the
distresses, hardships, and privations common in a sol
dier's life. Not a murmur nor complaint was uttered
during this painful and perplexing scene. Here were
five hundred of the choice spirits from the Scioto and
Muskingum valleys, commanded by their favorite offi
cers. McArthur now ordered a retreat. After they had
marched about two miles, a large ox was discovered
feeding by the road side. Notwithstanding the critical
and perplexing situation of the detachment, a halt was
made to satisfy our pinching hunger. The ox was con
sidered a " God-send," he was shot, and fires were pre
pared in a shorter time than ever before witnessed. The
ox was slaughtered in less time than any professed
butchers could have done the deed.
WhUst they were roasting their meat, two men on
horseback, dressed in British uniform, and two Indians,
were discovered with a white flag approaching us. The
white men were Major Chambers and Captain EUiot,
both of the British army, accompanied by two Indian

GENERAL DUNCAN M ARTHUR. 125
chiefs ; they carried with them the articles of capitula
tion of the American army by Gen. Hull. The bearers
of the flag were placed under guard; Col. McArthur
called all the comraissioned officers together to consult
about the propriety of embracing, or rejecting the prof
fered terms of the capitulation. After the most mature
deliberation, it was concluded, that the chance of ef
fecting our retreat to Fort Wayne, which was the
nearest place that supplies could be obtained, was
too desperate to be effected by men already nearly ex
hausted with fatigue and famine : the proffered terms of
the capitulation were acceded to, and the detachment
forthwith marched into the city of Detroit, grounded their
arms, and were prisoners of war. We were treated with
kindness by the enemy. The terms of the capitulation
were scrupulously compUed with by the British general.
The regular troops, with Gen. HuU at their head, were
sent to Quebec. The volunteers and mUitia were soon
on their way to their respective homes ; where they
safely arrived among their friends and relatives withont
any thing occurring worth relating.
Thus was closed the disastrous expedition under the
command of General Hull. I am aware that it is fashion
able to call General Hull a traitor ; and perhaps I may risk
my character for patriotism, for doubting the aUegation.
Gen. Hull was surrounded with difficulties, which were
not at the time sufficiently estimated. A wilderness of
nearly two hundred miles in his rear ; add to this, the
enemy had the undisputed command of the lakes ; they
could convey their troops and military supplies by wa
ter to any point on which they wished to act, their men
could step out of their ships fresh for action. This gave
the British General a decided advantage. Numerous
were the difficulties which General Hull had to encoun
ter during the last eight days previous to the capitulation.
The first, in importance, was the fatal armistice, by

126 A SKETCH OF THB LIFE OF
which General Dearborn was overreached by Sir George
Prevost, the British commander; which afforded the
enemy an opportunity of concentrating all their troops
on the lower lake, as well as on lake Erie, to act against
General Hull. About this time. Captain Henry Brush
arrived at the river Raisin, with about one hundred and
fifty men, and a considerable quantity of military stores.
The river Raisin is about thirty-six miles south of De
troit ; and fort Maiden, the head-quarters of the enemy,
about half way betwixt Detroit and the river Raisin : of
course. Captain Brush, to go to Detroit, would have to
pass near Maiden. Between the eighth and sixteenth of
August, two battles were fought, with a view of aiding
Captain Brush forward. The first at Brownstown,
where Major Vanhorn was defeated. The second at
Maguagou, where Colonel MiUer defeated the enemy,
but with the loss of nearly one fourth of his men killed
and wounded. Such was his loss of men, that he was
compelled to return to head-quarters without effecting the
object of the expedition. General Hull, by express car
riers, who passed through the woods, kept up a corre
spondence with Captain Brush, As Brush commanded
a volunteer company of the elite citizens of ChiUicothe
and its vicinity. Colonel McArthur, being their neighbor,
felt more than the usual interest to get them forward ;
and as two previous expeditions had failed to effect that
object. Colonels McArthur and Cass, with five hundred
men, were detached to escort Captain Brush and the
mUitary stores from the river Raisin. It wUl be recol
lected, that General Hull's army consisted of only
eighteen hundred men, exclusive of the citizens of De
troit. He had lost many of these in battle, more were
disabled by wounds, and more stiU by disease : McAr
thur and Cass absent, with five hundred effective men,
when the British general assailed him. Under aU these
untoward circumstances, something like despondency

GENERAL DUNCAN m' ARTHUR. 127
might show itself in a mind more vigorous than General
Hull possessed, without any traitorous design. Had
General Hull been advised that Colonels McArthur and
Cass were within five or six miles when he capitulated,
he should have been shot ; but this was impossible for
him to know.
How much of what appears to be accident, has a pow
erful influence in fixing the character and destiny of man.
Had Colonels McArthur and Cass arrived at Detroit
only three short hours sooner, no capitulation would
have taken place ; a battle would have been fought, and,
in all probability. General Hull's head would have been
covered with laurels of victory.
It was thought strange at the time, that the British
general permitted Captain Brush to linger quietiy for
eight or ten days, within eighteen miles of Maiden, when
he could have sailed in two hours within a mile of
Brush's camp, and thus with an overwhelming force have
crushed him at a blow. General Brock displayed con
siderable generalship in not crushing Captain Brush, nor
frightening him off. Captain Brush's long presence at
the river Raisin, kept General Hull continually maneu
vering to relieve him. General Brock kept a strong
force at Brownstown, through which place he knew
Brush must pass to go to Detroit. Had General Brock
crushed Brush, or driven hira off. Colonels McArthur
and Cass, with their flve hundred men would have been
in Detroit at General Brock's approach, and would, I
have no doubt, have defeated him. Such is the uncer
tainty of war, that a few hours sooner or later in occupy
ing a particular point, changes tiie destiny of an army,
and the character of its commander. The gross negli
gence and imbecUity of the war department, in neglecting
to have the artiUery in repair at the most exposed fron
tier post, was culpable in the highest degree, liad the
artillery been fit for use when the array arrived at De-

128 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
troit, there is not a doubt General HuU would have taken
Maiden. But could he have retained its possession, with
his small force divided for the protection of Detroit as
well as Maiden, had he possessed thej cautious intre
pidity of General Brown, or the fiery, impetuous spirit
of General Jackson ? every mUitary man wiU answer
" No." The enemy having the undisputed control of the
lakes, this combined with the advantage of the armistice,
would have afforded the British general an opportunity
of concentrating his forces, without resistance from any
other quarter, to act against either post, and so have
beaten him in detail. General Hull's proper course was,
to have retreated to Ohio. True, he would have been
censured as a pusillanimous wretch ; but he would
have saved his army, and time, which unfolds dark
things, would have retrieved his character. He had not
sufficient courage to endure the ignominy attached to a
retreat, nor the firmness to meet the enemy in the field
under disadvantageous circumstances. He stood waver
ing and irresolute, till he lost the confidence of his sol
diers : whUe dangers were crowding around him, he lost
the proper time for action, and thus fell a sacrifice to his
irresolution.

CHAPTER VIH.
General McArthur retumed to his residence on Fruit
Hill, near Chillicothe. He was now a prisoner of war
on parole, not to serve in the army against the enemy,
till regularly exchanged. It did not comport with his
ambitious, enterprising genius, to be an idle spectator in
such stirring times, when the very existence of his
country's civil institutions was at stake. Although the
expedition under the command of General Hull had been

GENERAL DUNCAN m' ARTHUR. 129
most disastrous, none of the disgrace was attached to
him. His courage, and active perseverance in every
situation in which he had been placed during the expe
dition, increased his popularity with the army, with the
administration, and with his fellow citizens generally.
Although he could not serve in the array, he was eli
gible to serve his country in a civil capacity. In the fall
of this year (1812), the democratic or war party brought
him out a candidate for a seat in the House of Repre
sentatives of Congress ; and he was elected by an over
whelming majority. This was direct evidence, that al
though he was second in command on the unfortunate
expedition with General Hull, none of the stigma of that
disastrous affair was attached to him.
The session of 1812-13, Congress passed a law to
employ a large additional number of regular troops ; and
although McArthur was still a prisoner of war, not being
exchanged, the President of the United States nominated
him Colonel to the twenty-sixth Regiment of United States
Infantry, and the Senate confirmed the appointment. On
the 20th day of February, 1813, his commission was
dated, and immediately forwarded to him. He accepted
the appointment. He was authorised by the President
of the United States, to appoint the company officers of
his regiment. The platoon officers were soon appointed ;
and immediately engaged with enthusiasm in the enlist
ment of soldiers for the war. He was now active in
stimulating the mUitary feelings of the citizens of the
country. By his energy and perseverance, the recruiting
business went forward as well as could be expected, and
the ranks of his regiment were fast filling.
Although the regimental officers were appointed and
commissioned, for the large addition made to the regular
array of the United States, no general officers were yet
appointed. On the 23d day of March, 1813, the Presi
dent of the United States, by and with the advice and

130 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
consent of the Senate, appointed and commissioned him
a brigadier-general in the regular army. His prospects
were now flattering. As a politician, he was the most
popular man in the Scioto valley. Military promotions
were crowding upon him ; and if ambition could be sat
isfied, it would be supposed that McArthur, in his rapid
rise to distinction, would now be happy. This was not
the case. All the honors conferred upon him, he con
ceived only foretastes of what was laid up in store for
him. When he read history, he discovered that many
others, before they arrived at his age, had climbed much
higher on the ladder of fame ; and he could not rest sat
isfied with a character which only placed him in medio
crity. When Bonaparte had conquered half the world,
and was acknowledged dictator to half Europe, he was
as far from being satisfied as when he was an humble
lieutenant of artillery. So true is it, that "man never is,
but always to be, blest."
In April, 1813, General McArthur was officially in
formed by the war department, that the prisoners cap
tured at the surrender, of Detroit by General Hull, were
exchanged. He was again free to act in the army. He
then resigned his seat in the House of Representatives
of the Congress of the United States ; preferring the
honors and dangers, and thrUling excitements of the
" tented field," to the dull round of tautology in civil
life. General Harrison then commanded the north
western army ; and to his head-quarters McArthur re
paired, with as much glee as ever young man or maiden
went to a splendid ball, to riot in the pleasures of the
lively dance.
Th^ fall of Detroit into the enemy's possession, af
forded them the means of controlling the movements of
the north-western Indians. This advantage, together
with the hitherto uncontrolled navigation of lake Erie,
' afforded the enemy ari easy and speedy means of concen-

GENERAL DUNCAN m' ARTHUR. 131
trating their whole force at any point, where they might
think proper to invade our frontier. General Harrison
had now a critical and responsible duty to perform. The
enemy having the command of the lakes, could move
from place to place without risk or danger; and if any
of our advanced posts were weakly guarded, they could
attack them, and fly to their shipping before their auda
city could be punished. In this predatory warfare, the
enemy kept our frontier settlements, from Cleveland to
fort Meigs on the Maumee bay, in continual alarm ; as it
was impossible for General Harrison to keep a strong
force at every exposed post.
About the time the enemy were preparing to make the
attack on fort Stevenson, at Lower Sandusky, where the
brave Major Croghan commanded. General McArthur
was at ChiUicothe, arranging some money matters for the
supply of the army. General Harrison sent an express
to General McArthur, with orders to hurry on to the
scene of action, and bring with him all the militia he
could ; as the enemy, both white and red, were collecting
in force, and were hovering on the coast of lake Erie,
and were preparing to strike a fatal blow at some of the
exposed posts. McArthur had not resigned his office of
major-general of Ohio militia ; and as time would be lost
in making a regular draft on the militia, he ordered the
second division of militia to march in mass. This
march of the mUitia was named the " general caU." As
soon as Governor Meigs was advised of the call made by
General McArthur, he went forward and assumed in per
son the command of the mUitia now under arms. Gen
eral McArthur went forward to the scene of action, and
the militia followed in thousands. So promptly were his
orders obeyed, that in a few days the Sandusky plains
were covered with nearly eight thousand men, mosfly
from the Scioto valley. This rush of mUitia to defend
the exposed frontier of our country, bore honorable
10

132 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OP
testimony that the patriotism of the citizens of the Scioto
vaUey did not consist of noisy professions, but of prac
tical service in defense of their country. This general
turn-out of the raUitia, proves that General Massie, and
the few pioneers who followed him into the wUderness,
and assisted him in making the first settlements in the
fertUe valley of the Scioto river, had infused their own
daring and enterprising spirit into the mass of the com
munity. Among these eight thousand militia, were found
in the ranks, as private soldiers, judges, merchants, law
yers, preachers, doctors, mechanics, farmers, and labor
ers of every description ; all anxious to repulse the ruth
less invaders of our soil. Indeed, the Scioto country was
so stripped of its male population on this occasion, that
the women, in their absence, were compelled to cany
their grain to mill, or let their children suffer for want.
The wife of the author of this narrative went to mill sev
eral times, sitting on her bag of wheat, during his ab
sence ; and he trusts she would do it again, if the same
exigency should take place.
At the time this host of militia arrived in the Sandusky
plains. General Harrison's head-quarters was at fort
ISeneca, nine miles from fort Stevenson. The brave Ma
jor Croghan, of Kentucky, was entrusted with the com
mand of the . latter fort, when the British general, with
his mongrel host, made a violent attack on the place.
The enemy were resisted by some of the best game blood
of the westem pioneers ; and although the enemy made
repeated and most desperate assaults on the place, they
were repulsed at every onset, with considerable loss in
killed, wounded, and many prisoners. The enemy, after
receiving this severe drubbing, hauled off to their den in
fort Maiden.
About the same time. Governor Meigs arrived at
Upper Sandusky with his thousands, and formed what
was called the " grand camp of Ohio militia." During

GENERAL DUNCAN m' ARTHUR. 133
the time of these transactions. Commodore Perry, and
his artificers and crews, were using every effort to pre
pare a fleet of ships, to contend with the enemy for the
mastery on the lakes. The Kentucky volunteers, con
sisting of four thousand men, under the command of the
venerated Governor Shelby, were shortiy expected on the
coast of lake Erie. General McArthur was detaUed to
assume the command and defense of fort Meigs. Gen
eral Harrison directed Governor Meigs, to discharge all
his men but two thousand. Commodore Peny at length
was on the lake with his ships and crews, seeking the
enemy's fleet. Governor Shelby was on his march with
his four thousand volunteers, all was bustie and prepar
ation for the invasion of Canada. These were stirring
times : Kentucky and Ohio's best blood was in motion.
General Harrison had now more force under his control,
than was deemed necessary to accomplish the object of
the expedition. Governor Meigs was directed to dis
charge the remaining two thousand Ohio troops under his
command. This order gave great offence to the officers
of Ohio militia, as they were anxious to be employed on
the expedition against Canada. On the morning of the
day on which they were discharged, the officers held a
grand caucus, in which they passed some resolutions,
disapprobating the conduct of General Harrison. They
were now in ill humor, and remembered that they had
suffered numerous grievances at his hands. General
Harrison had given orders to the commissaries of provi
sion, first to issue such flour as was " in a damageable
state." This order was construed to mean, that General
Harrison had ordered the Ohio troops to be fed on dam
aged flour. The trae cause of this UI humor among the
Ohio officers, was chagrin on account of being disap
pointed, in not being employed on the meditated expedi
tion against Upper Canada. They were wrathy that the
Kentuckians were to have the honor of breaking up the

134 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
Maiden hornet's nest. They blamed General Harrison
for partiality in favor of the land that breeds " half horse,
half alligator, tipped off with the snapping turfle."
Commodore Perry, with his fleet, touched at the San
dusky bay ; General Harrison lent him all the aid in his
power ; and furnished him with as many men, to man
his ships, as could find room for action. It was now
evident, that could we force the command of the lakes, a
host would rush upon the Canada shore, that would be
irresistible. On the 10th of September, Commodore
Perry met the British fleet : a desperate conflict ensued,
but victory crowned " the star-spangled banner." The
enemy's fleet were defeated, and all captured. " This
victory removed the principal barrier to the conquest of
Maiden, and the recovery of the Michigan territory, and
was the signal for active offensive operations," to recover
what had been lost under General Hull.
Commodore Perry's splendid victory gave a fresh
impetus to the army. " Immediately all was busfle and
preparation. The General began to concentrate his
forces at the mouth of the Portage river. Gov. Shelby
was on his march to join him with 4000 volunteers from
Kentucky. General McArthur had arrived at Fort
Meigs. Gen. Cass had also reached Upper Sandusky.
Col. Hill with a regiment of Pennsylvania volunteers
was advancing from Erie. In short about 7000 men
were in motion for the long-delayed invasion of Canada.
The greatest activity was visible in camp. Boats were
collected ; beef jerked ; bread baked, and the superfluous
baggage secured in block houses.
" On the 17th September, Gov. Shelby at the head of
4000 volunteers from Kentucky arrived at the mouth of
Portage. This formidable corps were all mounted;
but it was deemed best for them to act as infantry. In
order to secure their horses against escape, it was only
necessary to build a substantial log fence from Sandusky

(Face 134.)

Perry's 'Victory.

GENERAL DUNCAN m' ARTHUR. 135
bay to Portage river, about two mUes distant from each
other ; this done, the horses were provided with a lux
uriant natural pasture of nearly 100,000 acres. The
number of horses left on the peninsula, during the ab
sence of the army in Canada, was upwards of 5000, for
the most part, of the fiifst size and condition !
" On the 20th, Gen. McArthur's brigade, from Fort
Meigs, joined the main body at Portage, after a fatiguing
march of three days down the lake coast, and through a
part of the immense prairie that skirts the southern shore
of Lake Erie from Portage river to within a few miles
of Brownstown. In this toilsome march, the guides of
ten lost the point of direction as they were struggling
with the thick and lofty grass that impeded their pro
gress. Frequently it became necessary, to hoist a sol
dier until his feet rested upon the shoulders of another,
before he could get a view above the top of the grass to
ascertain their course.
" Col. Johnson's regiment remained at Fort Meigs,
but had orders to approach Detroit by land. Such of
Col. Hill's Pennsylvania detached mUitia as chose not
to cross into Canada, were ordered to guard the British
prisoners, taken by Com. Perry, to ChiUicothe. The
different posts on the American side of the lake were
left in charge of the Ohio militia. Fort Meigs was re
duced in its picketing from eight acres to one. About
five hundred Kentucky volunteers remained on the pen
insula to guard the horses and stores.
" Every thing being now ready, the embarkation of
the troops commenced at the dawn of day, on the 21st.
For the want of a sufficient number of boats not more
than one third of the array could embark at once. There
is a range of islands extending from the head of the pen
insula, to Maiden. These islands render the navigation
safe, and afforded the array convenient depots for bag
gage and stores, as well as halting places. Put-in-bay

136 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
island, sixteen miles from Portage, was selected by the
general as the first point of rendezvous ; the first stage
in his passage across the lake. The weather was favor
able. As soon the first division of boats reached the
island, men were immediately detached to take back the
boats for a fresh load. Such was the eagerness of the
men to accelerate the embarkation of the whole army,
that they, in most cases, anticipated this regulation bv
volunteering their services to return with the boats.
Every one courted fatigue. The fleet of Commodore
Perry was busUy engaged in transporting the baggage of
the array.
" In the course ofthe 22d, the whole army had gained
the island, and encamped on the margin of the bay,
which forms nearly a semicircle. The Lawrence and
the six prize ships, captured from the enemy, were at
anchor in the center of the bay, and in full view. With
what delight did the troops contemplate this interesting
spectacle ! The curiosity of the troops was amply in
dulged ; every one was permitted to go on board the
prizes to view the effect of the battie. The men were
highly pleased with this indulgence of the General and
the Commodore. The scene was calculated to inflame
their mUitary ardor which was visible in every coun
tenance. " The army was detained in Put-in-bay during the 23d
and 24th by unfavorable winds. On the 24th, a soldier
of the regular forces was shot for desertion. He had de
serted three times ; had been twice before condemned to
suffer death, and as often pardoned ; he met his fate
with stoical indifference, but it made a very sensible im
pression on the troops. Two platoons fired on him at
the distance of five paces, and perforated his body like a
sieve. " On the 25th, the army again embarked partiy in
boats and partly on board the fleet, to take a nearer

GENERAL DUNCAN M ARTHUR. 137
position to the Canadian shore. The flotilla arrived a
little before sunset, at a small island called the Eastern
Sister, eighteen miles from Maiden and seven from the
coast. This island does not contain more than three
acres, and the men had scarcely room to sit down.
" On the 26th, the wind blew fresh, it became necessary
to haul up the boats, to prevent their staving. The
General and Commodore in the Ariel, made a reconnois
sance of the enemy's coast and approached within a
short distance of Maiden. Capt. Johnney* was dispatch
ed to apprise Col. Johnson of our progress. Gen. Cass,
Col. Ball, and Capt. McClelland were busy in arranging
and numbering the boats. At sunset the lake had risen
several feet ; indeed, such was the violence of the surf
that many entertained serious fears that the greater part
of the island would be inundated before moming. How
ever, the wind subsided at twelve and relieved our ap
prehensions. " On the 27th, at nine in the morning, the army made
its final embarkation. The day was fine, and a propi
tious breeze made our passage a pleasing pastime. It
was a sublime and delightful spectacle to behold sixteen
ships of war and one hundred boats filled with men,
borne rapidly and majestically to the long-sought shores
of the enemy. The recollection of this day can never be
effaced from my memory. There was something truly
grand and animating in the looks of the men. There was
an air of confidence in every countenance. The troops
panted for an opportunity to rival their naval brethren in
feats of courage and skill, they seemed to envy the good
fortune of our brave tars. They were ignorant of the flight
of the enemy, and confidently expected a fight ; indeed
the belief was current among the troops that the enemy
* A large Shawnee Indian chief; the same that defeated the Edg
ingtons. See Massie's Life, page 40.

138 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
were in great force ; for it was believed that Dixon's In
dians as well as Tecumseh's were at Maiden.
" We landed in perfect order of battle, at 4 P. M.,
three miles below Maiden. The Kentucky volunteers
formed the right wing. Ball's legion and the friendly
Indians the center ; the regulars on the left. The troops
were almost instantiy in line and shortiy commenced
their march, en echellons for Maiden. The troops had
been drilled to marching in and out of the boats and to
forming on the beach. Every man knew his place ; and
so well were they masters of this very necessary piece
of service, that a company would march into a boat, de
bark and form on the beach in less than one minute, and
that too without the least confusion.
" As we approached Maiden, instead of the red coats
and war whoop of the Indians, a group of well-dressed
ladies advanced to meet us, and to implore mercy and
protection. They were met by Governor Shelby and
Col. BaU who soon quieted their fears by assuring them
that we came not to make war upon women and chUdren
but to protect them. The array entered Maiden by
several parallel streets, and we marched through the
town to the thunder of " Yankee Doodle." The ruins
of the fort and the naval buildings were still smoking.
All the loyal inhabitants followed the British array in its
retreat. The fort is surrounded by a deep ditch and two
rows of heavy pickets. What cannon and small arms
they were unable to carry away were sunk in the river.
The enemy in their haste had left an eighteen pounder
in this battery. Three mUes above the fort is an Indian
viUage which we found deserted, and so suddenly, that
many essential articles of Indian furniture, such as brass
kettles, were left in the houses. Here we procured a
plentiful supply of green corn, potatoes, &c. This vil
lage was not bumt.
" In thri evening after our arrival at Maiden, Col. Ball

GENERAL DUNCAN M' ARTHUR. 139
dispatched an officer and twenty men to prevent the
enemy's destroying the bridge across the Aux Canards.
The enemy were found on the bridge, having just set
fire to it. Our party fired on them ; they dispersed and
the bridge was saved.
" On the 28th we passed the Aux Canards, and en
camped two mUes beyond the river in a neat French
settiement. A smaU party of British horse showed
theraselves at the bridge and then scampered off.
" The next day we reached Sandwich at two o'clock
in the afternoon.* At the same time the fleet came up
the river to Detroit. The General made dispositions
for passing the river. Governor Shelby's corps remain
ed at Sandwich, whUe Ball's legion and the brigade of
Gen. McArthur passed over to Detroit. The Indians ap
peared in groups, on the bank of the river below Detroit ;
a few shots from the gun boats caused them to disperse.
The Indians did not leave Detroit till the boats con
taining the troops were half way across the river. Just
before we landed on the American side the inhabitants
hoisted the United States' flag amid the acclamations
of thousands. The army were received by the inhabi
tants with demonstrations of unfeigned joy. They had
suffered all that civilized and savage tyranny could in
flict save death. The Indians had lived at free quarters
for several months. It was therefore natural for them to
hail us as deliverers. The enemy had set fire to the
* Two miles below Sandwich, one of Governor Shelby's volun
teers in the flank guard discovered an Indian at the distance of two
hiindred yards, in the act of leveling his rifle at our men ; he instant
ly left the ranks, made for the Indian and received his fire ; the
Indian retreated, but Vfas closely pursued by the volunteer, who soon
gained on his foe ; he fired and brought him to the ground ; but the
Indian had previously reloaded his piece, and in his tum fired on the
volunteer, who received the contents in his leg ; he was at this time
half a mile from his comrades, but did not retreat till he had dis
patched the wounded Indian, and secured his scalp, which he bore in
triumph to his company.

140 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
buildings within the fort, but the walls and picketing re
mained entire. The public store, a long brick building
near the wharf was injured only in the roof, which our
men soon repaired. In the course of the night there was
an alarm in camp, the fires were extinguished, and the
men ordered to lie on their arms.
" On the 30th Col. Johnson's regiment arrived from
Fort Meigs : they immediately commenced the passage of
the river in boats ;* Gen. McArthur with the greater part
of the regular troops was charged witii the defence of
Detroit. It was the general opinion of the inhabitants
that there were a thousand Indian warriors, under Mar-
pot and Split Log, lurking in the woods between the
river Rouge and Huron of lake St. Clair. The friendly
Indians took several prisoners in the immediate vicinity
of Detroit, in less than two hours after we landed.

CHAPTER IX.

" On the 2d of October every arrangement was com
pleted for pursuing the retreating British army up the
Thames. The force selected for this service were the
mounted regiment of Col. Johnson, three companies of
Col. Ball's legion and the principal part of Gov. Shelby's
volunteers. " From Sandwich to the Moravian towns is eighty-
* The entrance of the mounted regiment into Detroit presented a
fine military spectacle. At 2 P. M. the advance of the column began
to emerge from Belle Fontaine, and were visible at the distance of
two miles from the town. The width and shortness ofthe road gave
the military and citizens a full view of hs approach. Both sides of
the street for a considerable distance were lined with spectators. Sud
denly our ears caught the thunder of 1100 horse in full motion. The
whole regiment was rapidly approaching ; and in a moment it was
in the midst of us upon full speed and in admirable order.

GENERAL DUNCAN m' ARTHUR. 141
four miles. We found the roads for the most part good.
The country is perfectiy level. The advance of the
troops was rapid ; so much so, that we reached the river
Riscum, twenty-five mUes from Sandwich, in the even
ing. The . enemy had neglected to destroy the bridge.
Early in the morning of the 3d, the General proceeded
with Johnson's regiment, to prevent the destruction of
the bridges over the different streams that fall into Lake
St. Clair and the Thames. These streams are deep and
muddy and are unfordable for a considerable distance in
to the country. A lieutenant of dragoons and thirteen pri
vates, who had been sent back by General Proctor to
destroy the bridges, were made prisoners near the mouth
of the Thames : from whom the General learned that
the enemy had no certain information of our advance.
" The baggage of the army was brought from Detroit
in boats, protected by a part of Commodore Perry's
squadron. In the evening the army arrived at Drake's
farm, eight miles from the mouth of the Thames and en
camped. This river is a fine deep stream, navigable
for vessels of considerable burden, after the passage of
the bar at its mouth, over which there is generally seven
feet water. The gun boats could ascend as far as Dal-
son's, below which the country is one continued prairie,
and at once favorable for cavalry movements and for the
co-operation of the gun boats. Above Dalson's the as
pect of the country changes ; the river, though still deep,
is not more than seventy yards wide, and its banks high
and woody.
" At Chatham, four miles from Dalson's and sixteen
from Lake St. Clair, is a small deep creek, where we
found the bridge taken up and the enemy disposed to
dispute our passage, and upon the arrival of the advanc
ed guard, commenced a heavy fire from the opposite
bank as weU as a flank fire from the right bank of the
river. The army halted and formed in order of battie.

142 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
The bridge was repaired under the cover of a fire from
two six pounders. The Indians did not relish the fire
of our cannon, and retired. Colonel Johnson being on
the right, had seized the remains of a, bridge at Mc
Gregor's mills, under a heavy fire from the Indians. He
lost on this occasion, two killed and four wounded. The
enemy set fire to a house near the bridge, containing a
considerable quantity of muskets ; the flames were extin
guished and the arms saved. At the first farm above the
bridge, we found one of the enemy's vessels on fire,
loaded with arms and ordnance stores. Four miles higher
up, the army took a position for the night ; here we
found two other vessels and a large distillery filled with
ordnance a,nd other stores to an immense amount, in
flames. Two twenty-four pounders, with their carriages,
were taken, and a large quantity of ball and shells of
various sizes.
" The army was put in motion early on the morning
of the 5th. The general accompanied Colonel Johnson ;
Govemor Shelby followed with the infantry. This
morning were captured two gun-boats and several bateaux,
loaded with provisions arid ammunition. At nine we had
reached Arnold's mills, where there is a fording place,
and the only one for a considerable distance. Here the
army crossed to the right bank; the mounted- regiment
fording, and the infantry in the captured boats. The
passage, though retarded for want of a sufficient number
of boats, was completed by twelve.
" Eight miles above the ford, we passed the ground
where the British force had encamped the night before.
The general directed the advance of Colonel Johnson's
regiment to accelerate their march, for the purpose of
ascertaining tiie distance of the enemy. The officer
commanding it, shortiy after sent word back, that his
progress was stopped by the enemy, who were formed
across his Une of march. One of the enemy's wagon-

GENERAL DUNCAN m' ARTHUR. 143
ers was taken prisoner, from whom the general obtained
much useful information. BATTLE OF THE THAMES.
" The army was now within three miles of the Mora
vian town, and within one of the enemy. The road passes
through an open beach and maple forest, generally within
a few rods of the river. The enemy had made choice
of a judicious position, two miles below the Moravian
village. Two narrow but deep morasses run parallel
with the river for a considerable extent. The first, at the
distance of three hundred yards ; the second, about a
quarter of a mile. The British, interspersed with a few
Indians, occupied the ground, in two lines forty paces
apart, from the river to the first swamp. Six brass and
two iron carriage guns were planted in different parts of
this short line. The Indian line of battle commenced at
the first swamp, and ran to the second, extending down
its margin about a quarter of a mUe, forming an imper
fect hollow square. The Indian force disposed in this
order, amounted to from twelve to fifteen hundred war
riors, under the command of Tesuraseh, Walk-in-the-
Water, and other daring chiefs. The British regulars and
Indians in the first line, amounted to about seven hun
dred. Such was the position, the order of battie, and
the numbers of the eneray. A deep river on the left, an
almost impenetrable swamp on the right.
" The troops at the disposal of General Harrison
might amount to three thousand men ; yet from the nat
ural strength of the enemy's position, and the peculiar
nature of the ground, not the half of this force could dis
play to advantage. To turn the eneray in flank was im
practicable. There was therefore no alternative, but to
attack in front, and that without cannon. To advance to
the combat on foot in regular order, was to render a se
rious loss of lives certain, and success doubtful. The
11

144 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
decisive mind of Harrison did not permit him to hesitate.
A plan of attack, at once bold and original, was instantly
conceived ; which was to overwhelm the enemy with
consternation, and paralize his energies, by an unex
pected and irresistible shock.
" For this purpose the raounted regiment, which from
the active nature of the service it had previously per
formed, might be termed the veterans of the army, was
drawn up in close column in advance, with orders to
charge and break through the British line. Colonel
Johnson had, however, a discretion either to attack the
British with his whole force, or with one battalion, re
serving the other for the attack of the Indian line.
" The Kentucky volunteers, under Major General
Henry, formed close in the rear of Johnson's regimentj
in three lines extending from the river to the first swamp.
General Desha's division covered the rear of the left bat
talion of Johnson's regiment. In the rear of Henry's
division. Colonel Simral was placed with a reserve of five
hundred Kentucky volunteers. Governor Shelby was ati
the crotchet formed by the intersection of Generals
Henry and Desha's divisions. General Cass and Com
modore Perry volunteered as aids to General Harrison,
who placed himself at the head of the front Une of in
fantry, to direct the movements of the mounted men and
to give them the necessary support. Such was the gen
eral order of battle. Now for the disposition of the
mounted regiment.
" Colonel Johnson perceiving that there was not suf
ficient room for his whole regiment, increased by fresh
volunteers to eleven hundred men, to act advantageously
against the British line only, determined to make a sim
ultaneous charge upon the' red and white enemy. Ac
cordingly, he divided the regiment equally; gave the
command of the first battalion, and the honor of charging
the British line, to his brother. Lieutenant Colonel James

GENERAL DUNCAN m' ARTHUR. 145
Johnson ; leading the other battalion in person against
the Indians. The advance guard of the regiment, con
sisting of a hundred and fifty men, under Major Suggett,
were dismounted and placed in a line parallel with the
enemy, in front of the first battalion. This line had the
double advantage of distracting the attention ofthe enemy,
and of keeping up a fire and maintaining the ground if
the horses should recoil at the British fire (which was
the case). The line was weak, but was supported by
four charging columns of double files, with intervals of
not more than sixty paces.
"Colonel Johnson also dismounted a hundred and
twenty men under Captain Strieker, and extended them
from the first to the second swamp, paraUel with the In
dian line and in front of the second battalion, which he
formed in two charging columns, with an interval of four
hundred yards ; Colonel Johnson led the right column
in person ; Major Thomson the left.
" The dispositions for the attack were completed.
The American army had arrived within a short distance
of the enemy. It was now four o'clock in the afternoon ;
both armies were ready for the work of death. An aw
ful silence succeeds. Soon, however, it is broken by the
sound of the regimental trampet, the signal for the com
mencement of the action.
" In an instant eleven hundred horse are in motion,
at full speed; a fire of tremendous sound, at least,
from the British line, checked for a moment the progress
of the first battalion ; but its gallant leader soon gives it
an increased and irresistible momentum. The last fire
of the enemy, although delivered at pistol-shot distance,
had no other effect than to confirm the victory. The
charging columns broke through the British ranks,
wheeled and formed in their riear. Never was terror
more strongly depicted on the countenances of men ;
with their pieces unloaded, their bsivonets unfixed, bro-

146 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
ken, huddled in confusion or trampled under the horses'
feet, and surrounded beyond the possibility of escape,
officers and men were seen throwing down their arras,
and, with uplifted hands, exclaiming ' quarter.'
" So unexpected was the shock, that they were totally
unprepared to meet it ; the whole was the work of a
minute. Their artiUery, which from its number and po
sition ought to have been an efficient defense, was per
fectiy harmless to the assailants. There was something
terrible in the sudden appearance of several hundred
horsemen, clad in a motley garb, screaming like a band
of furies, and approaching at full gallop through the
woods ! Besides, an opinion prevailed among the Brit
ish troops, that the Kentuckians, vindictive of the mas
sacres of the rivers Raisin and Miami, were resolved on
giving no quarter. It is, therefore, not surprising, that
terror and despair paralized their exertions. Six hun
dred British regulars were the fraits of this charge.
" On the left, between the two swamps, the contest
was more serious. Colonel Johnson most gaUantiy led
the head of his column into the hottest of the enemy's
fire, and was personally opposed to Tecumseh. At this
point a condensed mass of savages had collected. Yet,
regardless of danger, he rashed into the midst of them ;
and as he broke through their line, so thick were the In
dians, that several might have reached him with their ri
fles. He rode a white horse, and was known to be an
officer of distinction. A shower of balls was discharged
at him ; some took effect ; his horse, his saddle, his
clothes, his person, were pierced with bullets. His men,
as they advanced to his support, were successively kiUed,
wounded, or dismounted. The combatants were now
closed upon the whole line, and a desperate conflict en
sued. Many of the Indians disdained a shelter, and
fought openly ; others lay concealed behind logs, trees,
or bushes. More pmdent than their white aUies, they

GENERAL DUNCAN m' ARTHUR. 147
reserved their fire until our men were within ten or fif
teen yards of them. Colonel Johnson, after receiving
four wounds, perceived the daring Tecumseh command
ing and attempting to raUy his savage force, when he in
stantly put his horse towards him, and was shot by Te
cumseh in the hand as he approached him. Tecumseh
advanced with a drawn weapon, a sword or tomahawk,
at which instant the colonel, having reserved his fire,
shot his ferocious antagonist dead at his feet, and that too
at the moment he was almost fainting with the loss of
blood, and the anguish of five wounds. Yet he after
wards rode his bleeding horse several rods to the rear
of the line, where he was helped from his horse, which
immediately died.
" The death of Tecumseh was to the Indians an irrep
arable loss. They immediately gave way ; but continued
obstinately to dispute the ground for a considerable dis
tance. Frequently the same tree would be occupied by
the parties, but on opposite sides. The battle lasted about
one hour and a half, not at one point, but from its com
mencement, where Tecumseh fell, to the extreme left,
where the Indians attempted to flank Major Thomson's
line, but were prevented by the timely reinforcement
from the reserve under Colonel Simral, whose fire soon
became too warm for the enemy.
" Of the mounted regiment twenty-five were killed or
mortally wounded. About fifty were besides wounded,
most of them slightly. Of Governor Shelby's corps,
two were kUled and six or seven wounded. About fifty
horses were kiUed or disabled.
" Having considerable personal knowledge of the offi
cers and men composing the mounted regiment, the wri
ter cannot dismiss the subject without giving the reader
some additional particulars of the character and services
of this distinguished corps. It was raised in Kentucky
in the spring of 1813. It was soon filled, although the

148 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
busy season of the year was unfavorable for obtaining vol
unteers. It entered the service about eight hundred strong,
but was increased to thirteen hundred from arrangements
proper on such occasions. On the 5th of October, it
amounted to a thousand men in round numbers ; a part
having been before dismounted by order of General
Harrison. " Its first service was an expedition to the banks of the
St. Joseph of lake Michigan. This excursion covered
the Ohio frontier, and prevented a large party of British
Indians, collected at Chicago, from marching to besiege
Fort Wayne. The inhabitants of the Ohio frontier felt
perfectly secure when this regiment was protecting them.
The greater part of the officers and privates were pious
men, and when off duty, were often heard singing reli
gious airs, or engaged in serious and instractive discourse.
Indeed it resembled in this respect a religious congrega
tion. Discipline and obedience was cheerfully observed.
There was not an instance of desertion, and only two
died of sickness tUl after the battle of the Moravian town.
It is almost superfluous to speak of the courage of this
corps, since it is now so well known. Yet there are
some who deserve particular notice.
" Let us first speak of the gallant dead. Col. WiUiam
Whitley a man of seventy years of age, a soldier of the
revolution, and possessing an ardent patriotism, had
fought the Indians in twenty battles and skirmishes, with
out injury. Having a particular esteem for Col. Johnson,
he volunteered as a private in Capt. Davidson's com
pany, although in easy circumstances. His love of
country was an example to all around him, and would
make common individuals ashamed at not being able to
feel as he felt. When speaking of the war and his
country's rights, he would say, " if I am kiUed the ene
my will only deprive me of a few days." Col. J. had
selected from fifteen to twenty individuals to assist hira

GENERAL DUNCAN m' ARTHUR. 149
in breaking the Indian line. The command of this for
lorn hope was given to Col. Whitley. This select com
pany was placed immediately in the rear of Col. John
son and a few paces in advance of the charging column.
A moment before the action commenced. Col. Johnson
turned to Col. Whitley and observed : " Your presence
animates me, it will insure victory to our brave Ken
tuckians." With an aspect of uncomraon firmness he
tumed to his men and said, " Boys, we have been select
ed to second our Colonel in the charge, act well your
part ; recollect the watch-iyord ; victory or death." He
led on his Spartan band. The battie comraenced ; he
feU without a groan the first fire, but his exaraple was
not lost.
" With the solitary exception of Samuel Theobalds,
who alone remained on horseback with Col. Johnson,
the whole of Col. Whitley's command were dismounted
in ten minutes, by death or wounds, or horses shot un
der them ! Theobalds, by order of Col. Johnson, never
discharged his piece, keeping it in reserve for a case of
necessity, if it should occur.
" Lieut. Logan was mortally wounded. He lived in
honor and died gloriously, regretting his death only be
cause he left a wife and several children to mourn his
fate. A young printer of the name of Mansfield, was
also mortaUy wounded. Joel Johnson and others were
anxious to put him in a place of security, as the battle
still raged. But he would not consent to be removed,
saying, " I shall die in a few minutes, return to the
charge and gain the victory that I may die in peace."
" The mounted regiment was greatiy indebted for its
extraordinary discipline to the indefatigable exertions of
Lieut. Col. James Johnson, brother to the Colonel, who
has always been remarkable for mUitary discipline. He
is about thirty-eight years of age : has been in several
expeditions, even whUe a boy, against the Indians living

150 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OP
on the Wabash, and has served in many civil situations
in Kentucky, which has given him celebrity and standing.
He was first a magistrate, then sheriff of Scott county,
and afterwards senator in the legislature of Kentucky.
He had two promising sons in the action ; the eldest
named Edward a few months above fifteen, and WiUiam,
fourteen years of age. Such was the ardor of these
young Spartans, that the officers had frequentiy to re
strain their eagerness ; they were both mounted and of
ten among the first in pursuit. The youngest is now
(1815) a cadet at West Point.
" Major Duval Payne, of the 1st battalion, inspired
confidence wherever he appeared. He is now about
fifty years of age. In 1792, he distinguished himself in
a personal renconter with an Indian in a'n expedition
against them ; he succeeded in disarming his savage foe
of his gun, tomahawk, and scalping knife, after having
thrown the Indian several times, who as often extricated
himself by rising with his antagonist !
" Major Thompson commanded the charging column
on the extreme left. He dismounted his command ;
faced to the left and extended his line parallel with the
second swamp, in order effectually to oppose the flank
line of the Indians, previously formed. His line were
instantiy engaged and sustained their share of the action.
He is apparentiy between thirty-five and forty years of
age. Justice of the Peace, Colonel of a mUitia regiment,
and Senator in the Kentucky Legislature ; sensible and
mild, but daring and undismayed in the hour of peril.
" Captain Jacob Strieker, who commanded the dis
mounted line in front of the second battalion, was not in
ferior to Tecumseh in his fame among the old Indian
fighting men of Kentucky ; a man remarkably taciturn
and reserved, except in battle, when his character in
stantly changes. Always in front of his men his example
was surprising, and his well-known voice was heard in

GENERAL DUNCAN m' ARTHUR. 151
every direction. He is fifty years of age, and his at
tachment to Col. Johnson carried hira into the field at a
time when he had given up all expectation of adding to
his well-earned fame.
" Capt. James Davidson was wounded and fell from
his horse, and in attempting to give command fainted with
the loss of blood ; but this did not discompose his men ;
his subaltern officers knew their duty ; and whUe their
brave captain lay bleeding upon the ground, led their
company furiously to the charge.
" Capt. James Coleman and men did not less distin
guish themselves. After Col. Johnson was severely
wounded, he ordered these companies to dismount and
strengthen the line of battle, under Strieker ; animated by
the voice of Capt. Coleman, the most determined courage
was displayed.
" Major Thomson's column was composed of Captains
Rice and Comb's companies. Capt. Rice was without
his superior in bravery or discretion, tie was not less
distinguished than Strieker for his early and gallant con
duct in numerous batties with the Indians.
" Capt. Combs, a man of thirty-five, had fought under
General Wayne, as a private volunteer, and whose looks
and remarkable large whiskers strack the spectator with
strong impressions of his firmness and bravery.
" Captains McCobe, Ellison, Matson, and Hamilton
of the 1st battalion deserve great praise for their intre
pidity. They are all men of intelligence and reputation.
Each led a charging column through the British lines.
Capt. Ellison received several rifle balls in his clothes
and saddle. In breaking through the British ranks, a
soldier of the 41st attempted to fix his bayonet. At one
stroke of his sabre, Capt. E. severed his head and brought
him to the ground : a second made a show of resistance
and shared the same fate. Shortiy afterwards the Capt.
led his company against the Indians. It was then that

152 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
his temerity had nearly cost him his life ; an Indian
seized the bridle of his horse, and attempted a blow with
the tomahawk ; but the sabre again prevented and the
Indian lost his scalp.
" John Berry had^his hand shot to pieces, but refused
to retire ; he loaded his gun twice and fired, and the
third time was prevented from the 'blood which filled the
pan of his gun.
" Major James Suggett who commanded the dismoun
ted line in front of the 1st battaUon, and at other times
the advanced guard, was a baptist preacher, about thirty-
five years old, of stentorian lungs, considerable oratory,
and remarkable for his personal courage from infancy.
Associated with him were Captains Church, Berry, and
Reding, men of distinguished valor and discretion, and
whose men were equal to the most trying occasions.
" The forlorn hope were truly a Spartan band. Samuel
Theobalds and Joseph Taylor, the first a lawyer, were
both young men of promise. Benjamin Chambers, a
member of the Kentucky legislature, a young man self-
taught and of a strong mind. Eli Short, assistant dep.
Quarter-master, Garret Wall, Forage-master, Robert
Payne, WUliam Webb, all equally determined, formed a
part of this little corps, and survived the terrible ordeal.
" The greater part of Governor Shelby's corps had not
an opportunity of participating in the action. This cir
cumstance was very much regretted by them. Those
that met the enemy on the left flank distinguished them
selves. From Sandwich to the Moravian town the
greater part marched on foot, and with a rapidity that
was almost incredible. But their noble Governor was at
their head.
" The Indians fought bravely and sustained a serious
loss. Sixty-five warriors were left dead on the battle
ground. Their loss was a hundred and twenty-five kill
ed, besides wounded. Six Americans and twenty-two

GENERAL DUNCAN m' ARTHUR. 153
Indians fell within twenty yards where Tecumseh was
killed, and the trails of blood almost covered the ground.
" Among the trophies of this day were six brass field
pieces, captured from the British at Bennington and
Saratoga, surrendered at Detroit by Hull, and again re
covered. May cowardice never again be entrasted with
their defence. About five thousand stands of arms were
also taken between the mouth of the Thames and the
Moravian town.
" The day after the battie, a part of the army took pos
session of the Moravian town, which was deserted, but
where was found most kinds of vegetables in abundance,
which were very acceptable to men who had subsisted
several days on fresh beef without bread or salt. Exten
sive corn-fields afforded an excellent range for the horses.
So panic-strack were the Indian women at the advance
of the troops to the town, that some of them actuaUy
threw their young children into the Thames, to prevent
their being massacred by the Americans !* The flight of
the Indians from the town was so sudden, that their ket
tles were yet boiling over their fires. The town was
destroyed by the troops previous to their leaving it.
Among the reasons assigned to justify the measure, it
was alleged that these Indians had been among the fore
most in massacring our men at the river Raisin, and that
the town, if it were spared, would afford a convenient
shelter for the British allies during the winter, and from
which they could easily pass into the Michigan territory,
to plunder and murder the inhabitants.
" General Proctor abandoned his army at the very
moment Johnson's bugle sounded the charge. An escort
of forty dragoons and a few cowardly Indians accora-
* I had this fact from an American gentleman, who was at Ox
ford, when Proctor and the Indians passed through there on theii
way to Burlington heights. The squaws were then bewailing the
loss of their children.

154 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OP
panied him. A few of Governor Shelby's men, who
had procured horses, pursued him ; and at one time were
within a hundred yards of him, but were too few in num
ber to attack his guard. His flight was rapid, for in
twenty-four hours he was more than sixty mUes from the
scene of danger. His carriage, wife, sword, and papers,
fell into the hands of his pursuers. The carriage of
Colonel Elliot was also taken.
" Three wagons loaded with specie escaped. A depot
of three hundred barrels of flour was at Oxford. General
Harrison having no orders to advance to Burlington
heights by the way of Grand river, ordered the army to
commence its march back to Detroit.
" At the skirmish near the niouth of the Thames, an
Indian squaw was mortally wounded : she was left to
shift for herself. Her little girl, six years old, remained
with her. On the return of the army from the Moravian
town, they were found in the woods, at the distance of
half a mile from where she was wounded : to appearance
she had been dead three days. The girl was stUl living.
When our men approached the spot, she instantiy raised
her hands, and distinctiy articulated " dont!" She was
taken to Detroit, where her fate and sprightliness excited
universal interest. An officer of Governor Shelby's corps
took her to Kentucky, with the humane and honorable
intention of adopting her in his family, and of giving her
an education.
" While General Harrison was pursuing Proctor up
the Thames, the Ottawas, Chippewas, Pottowatamies,
Miamies, and Kikapoos, proposed to General McArthur,
a suspension of hostUities, and agreed to " take hold of
the same tomahawk with the Americans, and strike all
who are, or may be enemies of the United States,
whether British or Indians.'' They brought in their
women and children, and offered them as hostages for
their good behavior.

Face 135.

Wttltin-the-water.

GENERAL DUNCAN m' ARTHUR. 155
" The army returned to Detroit. Captain EUiot, of
the Niagara, volunteered his services to command a naval
expedition against Michilimackinac and fort St. Joseph ;
but the weather proving unfavorable for a number of days,
the season became too far advanced to risk the squadron
on lake Huron, till spring.
" Lieutenant Le Breton arrived at Detroit on the 15th
bearing a flag, and a letter frorii General Proctor to Gen
eral Harrison. This letter requested humane treatment
to the prisoners, and a restoration of certain property and
papers taken on the 5th. As the letter was addressed to
the general, " at Moravian towns," he saw no reason for
Le Breton's journey to Detroit, and ordered him to join
General Proctor by the way of Buffalo and fort George.
" After the return of the commander-in-chief to De
troit, Walk-in-the-water, who had been in the battie of
the Thames, came in to implore peace. When he crossed
from Sandwich, the white flag which he bore in his hand
had attracted a great crowd to the wharf, all anxious to
get a near view of the distinguished chief. I was struck
with admiration at the firmness and apparent nonchalance
with which he ascended the bank, and passed through
the ranks of the Kentucky volunteers, whom he had so
gallantly opposed in battle but a few days before. I
never saw more real dignity of carriage, or a more stri
king firmness of countenance. Yet his situation was cal
culated to depress his spirits and produce humility. His
town was in the power of the Americans ; the British
were all taken ; the Indians had just suffered a signal de
feat; almost all the other chiefs had submitted; he was
without the means of living or resistance : still, his man
ner was that of a conqueror.
" A few days after Proctor's defeat, the town was so
fuU of famished savages, that the issue of rations to them
did not keep pace with their hunger. I have seen the
women and children searching the ground for bones and

156 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
rinds of pork, which had been thrown away by. the sol
diers ; meat, in a high state of putrefaction, which had
been thrown into the river, was carefully picked up and
devoured : the feet, heads, and entraUs of the catUe
slaughtered by the public butchers, were collected and
sent off to the neighboring villages. I have counted
twenty horses in a drove, fancifuUy decorated with the
offals of the slaughter yard.
" Governor Shelby's corps and the twelve month's
volunteers, were all honorably discharged. Traveling be
came safe, and business at Detroit began to resume its
wonted course, but the price current of the territory was
exorbitant for every thing to eat, drink, or wear.
Whisky sold at four dollars a gaUon, beef at twenty-
four cents a pound, cheese sixty cents a pound, butter
seventy-five ; potatoes two dollars a bushel. The
army was well supplied with rations, as were also about
three hundred of the inhabitants of Michigan, and about
two thousand Indians, men, women, and children, who
had no other means of subsistence. Adventurers soon
came on with a sufficient supply of dry goods.
" On the 23d of October, General Harrison, with all
his disposable regular troops, embarked on board the fleet,
and sailed for Buffalo, in obedience to the orders from
the secretary of war. Previous to his departure, he ap
pointed General Cass provisional governor of the Michi
gan territory ; the civil ordinances, as they stood at HuU's
surrender, were proclaimed in force. General Cass was
left with about one thousand men, not more than seven
hundred of whom were effective. The men were indus
triously employed in preparing winter quarters at the
fort. The Scorpion and Ohio schooners were engaged
in transporting the supplies from Erie and Cleveland, for
the troops during winter. Troops were stationed at
Maiden and Sandwich. The campaign closed."*
* Brown's History of the Late War. 1815.

GENERAL DUNCAN m' ARTHUR. 167

CHAPTER X.
The winter 1813-14 was sedulously employed by
Generals Harrison and McArthur, in providing ways and
means to move an army of Ohio and Kentucky troops
down lake Erie ; that when they should join our northern
army, they would form such an overwhelming force as
would be able to break down all the enemy's strong holds,
from fort Maiden to Quebec.
The number of volunteers and militia called into ser
vice by General Harrison, had created a debt of large
amount. The then secretary of war complained loudly
of the expensive manner in which the war was con
ducted by the north-western army. General Harrison
admitted that he had employed considerable numbers of
volunteers and mUitia; that numbers were requisite to
render success certain ; that he had succeeded in every
object the government expected; that by his success he
had afforded peace and security to more than one thou
sand mUes of exposed frontier, on the lakes, on the
rivers Wabash and Mississippi. The secretary of war
determined not to be satisfied, kept up such a continual
grumbling about the expenses of the war, that General
Harrison felt sore at his continual complaining, and in
disgust resigned the command of the army.
General McArthur being the senior brigadier-general,
the command of the north-western army devolved upon
him ; and with that command his responsibUity in
creased. As this was the first time he was placed in a
situation to be in chief command, he must have been
proud of his exalted stand among his fellow men. He
was popular with the army and with the administration ;
and was determined that no exertions on his part should
12

153 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
be wanting to retain that popularity, which cost him so
much labor and frequent risk of life to secure. As he
was large, strong, and healthy, and inured to toU and
privations from his youth, the inconvenience of hard
living, and exposure to the eleraents, did not depress his
spirits. He was found at every post where his presence
was necessary, enforcing discipline in the army, and
stimulating his fellow-citizens to engage in the war with
spirit. General McArthur had, previous to the war, built an
elegant stone mansion on his farm on Fruit hill. From
his house is the most delightful prospect : the town of
ChUlicothe is as plain to the view as a map : from his
door can be traced the serpentine windings of the Scioto
river, by the range of white sycamore trees which over
hang the margin of the stream : farms, without number,
present themselves to the eye, as far as vision can reach :
the hills on each side of the Scioto river, rising to con
siderable heights, some gradually sloping off, whilst
others shoot up in sugar-loaf peaks, whose summits at a
distance appear to touch the blue sky : a more delightful
prospect can scarcely be imagined. If an elevated situa
tion, with a variety of beautiful scenery, has any effect
in inspiring the poet's muse with rapturous, melodious
strains, here would be the spot for inspiration. Such
was his place of retreat from the toils and cares of labor,
or from the storms of war. " Riches take to themselves
wings and fly away ;" all our care and prudence cannot
guard and secure us against the vicissitudes of life.
About ten o'clock of the morning of Uie 1 5th of April,
1814, his splendid mansion was discovered to be on fire.
The laborers on the farm were aU out at work; none
were about the house but females. The fire first broke
out in the upper story : the citizens of the town of ChU
licothe, only two miles distant, could distinctiy see the
fire and dense smoke, and with praiseworthy activity

GENERAL DUNCAN m' ARTHUR. 159
hastened to the scene of action ; some on horseback,
others in carriages, and many on foot. The progress of
the fire was slow, owing to the circumstance of all the
partition walls being of stone ; and the fire proceeded
from room to room, by the burning and faUing in of the
roof. This afforded time to save all his papers, and aU
the furniture, except such as was in the upper rooms
where the fire commenced. It was supposed that the
fire was accidentaUy communicated. In one of the upper
rooms, a chest had been laid in the fire-place, and a con
siderable quantity of cotton clothing had been piled on
the chest. A heavy bunch of soot may have taken fire,
and rolled down the flue of the chimney on the cotton
clothing, and caused the conflagration. This pecuniary
loss, though great, did not in the least check his exertions
in the army.
As the enemy had retired discomfited from the upper
end of lake Erie, and the Indians were suing for peace,
most of the regular troops under his command were or
dered by the secretary of war to be transferred to the
army on the Niagara frontier. McArthur had a number
of small forts to garrison along the frontier ; whilst he
kept his main force at Detroit and Maiden, to overawe
the Canadians, and the scattering Indians stiU in the
British interest. The summer of 1814 was passing
away, on the north-western frontier, without affording
his enterprising genius an opportunity of striking a blow
at the enemy. The dull monotony of going from post
to post along our extended frontier, was not the kind of
service which was agreeable to his active and energetic
mind. He began to think of making an excursion through
Upper Canada, to pass through the enemy's country, till
he should join the army of General Brown, near the falls
of Niagara. On the propriety of his intended expedition,
he consulted his old commander. General Harrison, and
likewise General Cass. They approved of his plan.

160 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
The continual growling of the secretary of war, deterred
him from employing such a force as he wished. He
called on the governor of Kentucky for a few hundred
mounted volunteers ; a call which was promptly complied
with by the brave and generous Kentuckians ; to whom
were joined a few mounted volunteers from Ohio; and
the detachment set off on the expedition. The following
is his own detailed report of his expedition through
Upper Canada. " Head Quarters, Sth M. District,
Detroit, 18 Nov. 1814.
' Sir : — I have the satisfaction to report to you the
safe return of the mounted troops to this place on the
17th inst.
" In a former communication, I had the honor to in
form you, that the mounted volunteers were marched in
this direction in consequence of the regular troops having
been withdrawn, and the apprehensions that were enter
tained for the safety of this Territory, of which I was
advised by his ExceUency Govemor Cass.
" The mUitia detached from Kentucky and Ohio
having arrived, they were assigned for the more imme
diate protection of this place ; it was then deemed ex
pedient from the ardor and species of the force, that the
mounted volunteers should be actively employed in the
territory of the enemy, with a view to destroy their re
sources, and ultimately paralize any efforts which might
be made against this place during the winter.
" The valuable miUs at the head of Lake Ontario, and
in the vicinity of Grand river furnished large supplies to
the army in the peninsula, their destruction was desirable ;
to that effect the mounted troops, consisting of six hun
dred volunteers, fifty U. States Rangers, and seventy In
dians were put in motion on the 22d of October to pur
sue the route along the western shore of Lake St. Clair,

GENERAL DUNCAN m'aRTHUR. 161
and pass into the enemy's territory near the mouth of
that river.
" The real object of the expedition was masked by the
general impression, that it was destined against the In
dian towns at Saguia. To favor that idea, boats were
prepared for the reception of artillery, to be conveyed
through lake St. Clair, up that river into lake Huron,
and to co-operate with the mounted troops in the attack.
The boats were, however, employed in the transportation
of the troops and horses across the river St. Clair and
Bear creek, which empties into Beldoon river. This
movement was absolutely necessary to secure that se
crecy to the expedition, which could alone render it suc
cessful. All mUitary movements in this direction, are
rapidly communicated to the enemy from Sandwich and
this place : it was therefore deemed improper to pass the
troops across this river, but to proceed over the river St.
Clair, down to the Scotch settlement on the Beldoon, up
Bear creek about thirty miles, and across to the Moravian
towns, a few miles above the lower settlement on the
Thames, where the detachment arrived on the 30th of
October. " We were very fortunate at this place, in taking a ser-
geantin the Britishservice, who was proceeding to Burling
ton, with the information that the detachment had passed
into the enemy's territory. The capture of this sergeant, at
the commencement of the "long woods" between the
Moravian towns and Delaware, enabled us to reach the
latter place undiscovered. On our approach, the rangers
were detached to move across the Thames below the
settlement, pass in the rear of it, and guard the different
roads leading into the interior, whilst the troops were en
gaged in swimming their horses, and transporting their
baggage on rafts.
" We were thus enabled to arrive at the town of Ox
ford, one hundred and fifty miles distant from Detroit,

162 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
before the inhabitants knew that a force was approaching.
They were promised protection to their persons and
property, upon condition that they remained peaceably
at their respective houses ; otherwise, they were assured
that their property should be destroyed. However, not
withstanding this injunction, and the sacred obligations
of a previous parole, two of the inhabitants escaped to
Burford with the intelligence of our arrival. Their
property, consisting of two dwelling houses, two barns,
and one shop, were instantly consumed.
" On the succeeding day, the 5th instant, the detachment
proceeded to Burford, where we were informed that the
militia had been embodied about ten days previously to our
arrival, in consequence of reports received from Sandwich,
that our expedition was expected to move from Detroit
against Burlington. A few hours before our arrival, the
enemy retreated from Burford to Malcolm's mills, ten
miles distant, on the road leading from Dover to Burling
ton, when they were joined by the militia from Long Point.
It was my intention to cross Grand river as soon as pos
sible, without regarding the mUitia collected at Malcolm's
miUs, and attack Burlington. To my great mortification,
on onr arrival at the river, we found it high and rapid
from the late excessive rains, and learned that General
Brown had recrossed the Niagara, leaving only a strong
garrison in fort Erie. No means were presented of even
passing the river on rafts, and had it been effected, upon
our return, the mUitia, contemptible as they were, might
have been encouraged to attack when a rapid river divided
us. Major Muir, with about fifty Indians and fifty mil
itia, was preparing to contest the passage : a battery was
also erecting, as was understood, for three pieces of ar
tUlery, distant twelve miles on the road from Burlington.
" These considerations presented serious objections to
any attempts to pass the river. It was also due to the
past sufferings, and the future safety of the gallant de-

GENERAL DUNCAN m' ARTHUR. 163
tachment under my command, that a direction should be
given to its movements, calculated to afford compensation
for the former and secure the latter. It was therefore
determined upon, to attack and defeat or disperse the
militia at Malcolm's mills, move down the Long Point
road through the Grand river settlement, destroy the val
uable mills in that quarter, and then retum to our terri
tory, either by a movement across Grand river at the
mouth to fort Erie, or along Talbott's street to the
Thames. To that effect, a detachment was directed to
remain and engage the attention of the enemy, whUst the
principal force should be withdrawn and marched to Mal
colm's miUs. We found the enemy consisting of four
or five hundred miUtia and a few Indians, fortified on
commanding ground, beyond a creek deep and difficult
of passage, except at a bridge immediately in front of
their works, which had been destroyed. Arrangements
were made for a joint attack on the front and rear. The
Ohio troops, with the advance guard and Indians, were
accordingly thrown across the creek under cover of a
thick wood, to approach the enemy in rear, whUst the
Kentucky troops were to attack in front, as soon as the
attention of the enemy was engaged by the attack in the
rear. " The enemy would have been completely surprised
and captured, had not an unfortunate yell by our Indians
announced the approach of> the detachment destined to
attack their rear. They were, however, defeated and
dispersed, with the loss in the skirmishes on that day,
of one captain and seventeen privates kiUed, nine privates
wounded, and three captains, five subalterns, and one
hundred and three privates made prisoners ; whilst our
loss was only one kUled and six wounded. Early on
the 7th instant the enemy was pursued on the road to
Dover, many made prisoners, and five valuable miUs de
stroyed.

164 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
" Apprehensive that the troops could not be supplied
on the route to fort Erie, and that difficulties would occur
in the passage of Grand river, together with the uncer
tainty which existed as to the position of our army be
low, I was induced, on the 8th instant, to commence my
return to this place, by the way of Talbott street and the
Thames ; which was happily effected on the 17th instant,
" In this excursion, the resources of the enemy have
been essentially impaired, and the destruction of the val
uable miUs in the vicinity of Grand river, employed in
the support of the army in the peninsula, together with
the consumption of the forage, and provisions necessary
for the troops, has added to the barrier, heretofore inter
posed by an extensive and swampy frontier against any
attempts which may be made this winter in the direction
of Detroit.
" With the exception of nine thousand rations, and
eight hundred bushels of forage, the detachment subsisted
entirely on the enemy. Gf private property, no more
was destroyed than was absolutely necessary for the sup
port of the troops, for which regular payments or receipts
were given. It is, however, much to be regretted, that
there were some partial abuses produced by the unfortu
nate example presented by the Indians, whose customs
in war impel theiri to plunder after victory ; but for this
blemish there was some excuse, in their correct and gal
lant conduct before and during the battle. It is also grat
ifying to know, that they were forgetful of the atrocious
deeds committed by the Indians in the service of the
enemy: neither the innocent or disarmed have been
massacred or molested.
" The honorable deportment of the chiefs Lewi*
Wolfe and Civil John, was truly animating to all the
troops. " It was essential to the progress of the expedition,
that the horses of individuals should be taken to supply

Civil John.

GENERAL DUNCAN m'arTHUR. 105
the place of those that were disabled and lost on the
march : in all cases receipts were given. The Michigan
militia were invited to accompany us on the expedition :
not more than twenty accepted it. Of those, six deserted
near Delaware, and the remainder were permitted to re
turn on the next day. Lieutenant Ruland, of Captain
Audrain's company of rangers from Detroit, was distin
guished for zeal and intrepidity.
" The patriotic volunteers under my command have
just claims on the gratitude of their country, when it is
recollected that they tendered their services with no
other assurances than the approbation which always at
tends disinterested sacrifices ; that they have performed
much severe service duly, at an inclement season, through
an extensive and swampy district, frequently intersected
with deep and rapid rivers ; that they have penetrated
two hundred miles into the enemy's territory, destroyed
two hundred stand of arms, together with five of their
most valuable mills, paroled or dispersed the greater por
tion of the efficient militia of that part of Upper Canada
west of Grand river ; and the whole detachment has re
turned in safety to this place, with the exception of one
kiUed. " The ardor which the troops always evinced when
they expected to meet the enemy, was not more con
spicuous or praiseworthy, than the cheerfulness with
which they conformed to the rules of military propriety.
The officers and privates of the detachment, with a very
few exceptions, merited my warmest approbation.
" I was much indebted to the zeal and intelligence dis
played on all occasions by Major Dudley, commanding
the Kentucky battalion, and was ably assisted by the
zeal and assiduity of Doctor Turner, of the seventeenth
infantry. Captain Bradford, of the nineteenth infantry,
my brigade-major, already distinguished at fort Meigs
and Tehoopcaw, is entitied to my sincere thanks for his

166 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
exertions under every difficulty, and I have the support
of the troops in assuring you, sir, that to the military
talents, activity, and intelligence of Major Todd, who
acted as my adjutant-general, much of the fortunate
progress and issue of the expedition is attributable ; and
I cheerfully embrace this occasion to acknowledge the
important services which he has at all times rendered me
whilst in coinmand of the district. His various merits
jusfly entitle him to the notice ofthe government.
" I have the honor to be, very respectfully,
" Your obedient servant,
" DUNCAN McARTHUR,
" Brig. Gen. U. S. Army Com,
" To the Hon. James Mosroe, Sec. of War."
After returning from this successful expedition, the
war languished in the north-west. The Indian tribes
had mostiy sued for peace ; but it was still necessary to
garrison the exposed posts along our frontier. This was
done by a few companies of militia. At Detroit, a few
companies of regular troops and a regiment of Ohio mil
itia, guarded that place.. At fort Maiden, a regiment of
Kentucky militia and a battalion of regular troops were
stationed. During the winter 1814-15, McArthur, now com
mander of the eighth military district, was straining
every nerve to prepare a large force, to be in readiness to
take the field as early in the season as the state of the
roads would permit the moving of armies. The govern
ment had, by fatal experience, discovered the impro
priety of sending small detachments (such as General
HuU had commanded), to do the work which could only
be effected by large armies. War is a trade which re
quires experience to learn it, as any other trade. " The
greatest masters in the art of war may err : he that wars
walks in 'a mist, through which the keenest eyes cannot
always discern the right path." The plan in preparation

GENERAL DUNCAN m' ARTHUR. 167
by the war department, was that General McArthur
should cross from Detroit into Canada, with an army of
seven thousand men from Ohio and Kentucky, and
sweep Upper Canada to York on lake Ontario; and
there unite with the northern army, and proceed down
the lake Ontario and the river St. Lawrence, and at one
determined sweep break up all the enemy's strong holds
to Quebec. While the generals of our armies were ma
turing ways and means, to carry these grand and splen
did military projects into execution, the news of a treaty
of peace, happUy for our country, reached our ears. The
bustie, toils, and vexations, incident to preparing armies
for the " tented field," were abandoned. The clangor
of the horsemen's trampet, the rolling of the drum, nor
the shrill whistle of the fife, was scarcely heard in our
land. The militia and volunteers were discharged, and
returned to their homes ; and peace again blessed our
land. Congress being in session, when the treaty of
peace was brought from Europe, a law was passed di
recting the president of the United States to disband the
army. Our country stood in need of repose, especially the
north-western frontier. The inhabitants on the shores
of lake Erie, on the river Raisin, upon the river Detroit,
and up lake St. Clair, and up the river Thames in Upper
Canada, had suffered more than the pen can describe.
This district of country was alternately occupied by the
American and British armies. The suffering soldiers
paid little respect to the rightof property: provision,
clothing, and shoes, were taken wherever they were
found ; and in many instances, the dwellings of the in
habitants were torn down by the soldiers and used for
fuel ; whilst the miserable inhabitants were left without
subsistence, clothing, or even a roof, under which to
shelter from the storm. General McArthur represented
the sufferings of the citizens of this district of country to

168 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OP
the government of the United States. He stated that the
sufferings and privations of these wretched inhabitants,
were brought about by causes over which they had no
control ; that humanity required of the government to
extend to them relief. His representations had the de
sired effect : the president directed that half rations
should be distributed to these suffering inhabitants. Had
it not been for this relief, many of these unfortunate
people must have perished of famine during the severe
winter of 1814-15. In giving a relation ofthe sufferings
of the inhabitants of Detroit, Sandwich, and Maiden, the
author is not drawing upon his imagination for fanciful
pictures of distress, nor trusting to hearsay: he was
upon the spot, a witness to their sufferings ; he com
manded a regiment of Ohio troops, that was stationed in
Detroit, when the grateful news of peace was sounded
in our ears.
The inhabitants of the city of Detroit, and the citizens
of the town of Sandwich in Upper Canada, before the
war took place, although under different governments,
were as social, and as friendly in their daily intercourse
with each other, as are the citizens of Cincinnati in
Ohio, and Covington of Kentucky. The war had for a
time estranged them from each other ; but as soon as
peace was proclaimed, all antipathy created by the war
was dissipated, as if by magic. The inhabitants were
seen running in groups across the river Detroit on the
ice, and in tears of joy embracing each other in the most
affectionate manner.
The sound of war, to warm spirits, has something
captivating in its thrilling various freaks of fortune ; but
let its frightful front come stalking to our homes, and
then to witness the horrible sight of dwellings in flames,
wives, and children, and feeble old age, fleeing to the
woods and swamps, for concealment and protection from
the destroying hand of their feUow man. Such scenes

GENERAL DUNCAN m' ARTHUR. 169
are the constant companions of war. May our country
never engage in any other than defensive War ; and let
all the people say, amen.

CHAPTER XI.
In the course of the summer 1815, the regular army
was disbanded, and General McArthur bade adieu to the
" tented field," and returned to his family and home, to
attend to the domestic affairs of private life.
Previous to the war, he had deeply engaged in land
speculations, as well as in locating land warrants, and in
surveying. During the time he was employed in the
army his speculations stood still ; others had taken the
field, he now found himself in the rear of other land
speculators ; he was now determined; by renewed vigor,
to make up, by unceasing industry in that business, for
the time he had lost in the war.
Although immersed in business, he could not refrain
from taking a part in the politics of the day. In the fall
of the year 1815, he was again elected a member of the
general assembly ; and was upon all occasions the leader
of the party with whom he acted.
He had now been acting on the public stage for a num
ber of years, in various responsible situations, and his
talents and business habits were found upon all occasions
equal to any draft which was made upon him. What
confidence the then administrators of government had in
his capacity and integrity, the following letter wUl
explain. " Departmmt of War, Uth Feb. 1816.
" Sir — Information has beeil received, that the princi
pal chief of the Wyandotts of lake Erie, has lately died ;
and that the whole nation is disposod to sell their present
possessions, and remove into other re;<^ons.

170 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
" It is an object of considerable importance to obtain
the cession 'of their lands, if, as it has been represented,
they will connect the settlements of Ohio with those of
the Michigan territory. It is, at the same time, desirable
to avoid all appearance of solicitude to make this, or any
other purchase from the Indians in that quarter ; as such
an impression could not faU to be injurious to the interests
of the United States.
" Before any attempt to negotiate for the cession of
their lands, is made, it is proper that their disposition to
sell, should be distinctly ascertained. If they are will
ing to sell, it is extremely desirable that the proposition
for that purpose should come from them.
" As it has been represented to this department, that
the person who has been chosen in the room of the late
chief, is personally attached to you, I have been induced
to believe, that this service can be more effectually ren
dered by you than any person. I wUl thank you, there
fore, immediately after the receipt of this letter, to adopt
the necessary measures to accomplish the views of the
government. Information of the situation and extent of
their possessions, the manner in which the cession would
connect the settiements of Ohio with those of Michigan,
will be of great importance in deciding the question of
ultimate negotiation upon this subject.
" If the limits of their possessions should be found to
be indistinct, and require the intervention of other tribes
in its adjustment, the presence of those tribes at the con
templated treaty, will be necessary. It is also desirable
to ascertain where they intend ix> settie, as that fact may
have some influence, not ouly upon the price, but the
mode in which it shall be ivaid. Should the information
which you shall obtain aiid communicate to this depart
ment, lead to a treaty hr the cession of those lands, you
wiU be appointed Cje of the commissioners,
" For any expe uses which you may incur in executing

GENERAL DUNCAN m' ARTHUR, 171
the requests contained in this letter, you are authorised
to draw on this department,
" I have the honor to be,
" Your most obedient servant,
" Wm, H, CRAWFORD,
"Gen, DuNCAJT McAbthuk,"
In pursuance of the authority delegated in the fore
going letter. General McArthur took immediate measures
to ascertain the views of the Indians on the subject.
The belief was, that the Indians were disposed to make
a cession of part of their land. Commissioners were
appointed, he being one, to negotiate with the Indians.
The treaty was held at a place called Springwell, three
miles below the city of Detroit. The commissioners
succeeded in confirming former treaties, which were
made with the Indians previous to the late war, and in a
cession of some of their lands, but not to the extent the
government wished. This treaty was approved by the
president, and ratified by the senate of the United Slates.
During the summer 1817, General McArthut, .3*f?r
Qovernor Cass of Michigan territory, were appointed
commissioners to hold a treaty with the western Indians.
Fort Meigs, at the lower end of the Maumee rapids, was
appointed the place tp hold the treaty. An immense
number of Indians assembled, and a large scope of
country was ceded by them. This treaty was concluded
on the 29th of September, 1817. In order to induce
some of the principal chiefs to accede to making large
cessions of land, the commissioners had stipulated, that
these chiefs should hold separate tracts in fee simple, and
exclusive of the general reservations around their towns.
When this treaty was. laid before the senate of the
United States for their ratification, the senate passed the
foUowing resolution. 13

172 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
" In senate ofthe United States, Feb. 5, 1818.
" Resolved by th6 senate, that the further consideration
of the treaty, concluded at the foot of the rapids of the
Miami of Lake Erie, on the 29th day of September,
1817, with the Wyandotts, Seneca, Shawnee,- Delaware,
Potowatimy, Ottaway, and Chippeway tribes of Indians,
be postponed ; and that it be recommended to the Presi
dent of the United States, to proceed to further negotia
tion with the said tribes, or either of them, in order that
the provisions, whereby it is stipulated that the United
States shall receive from the said tribes a cession of cer
tain lands, and grant the same in fee simple to the said
tribes, for the uses therein described ; and also the arti
cles and schedule of the said treaty, which provide for
the division and grant of the said lands, by the chiefs of
the said tribes, to individuals thereof, and so that the
grantees may convey the same to any person whatever,
be expunged from the said treaty ; and that such portion
of the lands belonging to the said tribes, as shaU not
be ceded to the United States, be reserved to the said
tfffees, in like manner as has been practised in other and
siraUar cases.
"Attest, (Signed) CHARLES CUTTS, Sec"
As the consequence of this resolution of the senate
was to set aside the late treaty, the president of the Uni
ted States again appointed General McArthur and Gov
ernor Cass, commissioners to revise the former treaty
with the Indians. The Indians were requested to con
vene at St. Mary's, early in the month of September.
The Indians met the commissioners at the time and place
appointed. A treaty was held, and further cession of
their land was made, and concluded on the 17th of Sep
tember, 1818. This treaty and cession of land, was ap
proved by the president, and ratified by the senate of the
United States.

GENERAL DUNCAN m' ARTHUR. 173
In the faU. of the year 1817, General McArthur was
again elected a member of the general assembly in the
house of representatives. The competitors for the speak
er's chair were General McArthur, and Mr. Charles
Hammond, the present able editor of the Cincinnati
Gazette. McArthur succeeded by a small majority.
The political war against the bank of the United States,
commenced this session of the assembly. Mr. Ham
mond, who is a man of energy and talents, was the leader
of those who were opposed to the United States bank
locating branches in the state, without first obtaining the
consent of the state. McArthur defended the right of the
bank to place branches wherever it should think proper ;
as the bank Jiad paid fifteen hundred thousand doUars as
a bonus for that privilege. Mr. Hammond was much
the best speaker, and assailed the bank and its supporters
with every argument calculated to make proselytes to his
cause : sarcasm, irony, and ridicule, were resorted to.
General McArthur made no pretensions to a display of
oratory, yet he was by no means a silent member. He
spoke often, and with eflect ; his home-spun speeches
thwarted the eloquence of Mr. Hammond. The bill for
taxing the branches of the United States bank to death,
was defeated this session of Assembly.
The summer of 1818, party strife on the bank question
was violent. Every man that was able to scribble a par
agraph for the newspapers, was engaged on one side or
the other of this momentous question. McArthur used
his pen and his tongue without avail. He was a candi
date for re-election, and was defeated. A considerable
majority of the members elected this year, were opposed
to the United States bank. Mr. Hammond was again
elected a member of the assembly, and by his talents,
and readiness in wielding his pen, together with his
strong and confident manner of speaking, was able to
dictate law to this assembly. A law was passed at this

174 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
session of the legislature, taxing each branch. of the United
States' bank located in the state of Ohio, fifty thousand
dollars. When the time arrived for collecting this tax,
the branch banks refused to pay. Mr. Hammond had
provided in the law for a case of this kind: the coUetor
was authorized, in case the bank refused to pay the tax,
to employ armed force, and enter the banking house, and
seize on the money ; and this was actually done. The
collector, with an armed force, entered the branch bank
in the town of ChiUicothe, and took what money he
thought proper.
The bank brought suit in the United States' circuit
court against all the state officers concerned in this forci
ble collection.
Mr. Hammond, who is a distinguished lawyer, with
other eminent counsel, were employed by the state of
Ohio to defend this important cause. The district court
decided the law of Ohio, levying the tax, unconstitu
tional, and, of course, null and void ; and made a decree,
directing the state to refund to the bank the money thus
forcibly taken. The cause was appealed to the supreme
court of the United States. Mr. Hammond defended the
suit, in all its stages. The supreme court decided this
cause against the state of Ohio. Thus was settled this
knotty and vexatious question, which for a time, threat
ened the peace of the Union.
Although the bank question estranged the majority of
the citizens of Ross county against General McArthur,
for a time, yet the many important services he had ren
dered the country, could not be forgotten : he was again
elected, in 1819, a member of the assembly, by his usual
majority. In the summer of 1822, General McArthur's friends
placed him in nomination as a candidate for a seat in the
house of representatives in congress. Some iUiberal and
ungenerous efforts were used to prejudice the public

GENERAL DUNCAN m' ARTHUR. 175
mind against him, on account of some deserters, whom
he had permitted to be shot, in pursuance of the decision
of a general court-martial during the late war. These
deserters had been previously condemned by a court-
martial, and pardoned by General Harrison, and again
had deserted, were taken, and brought in to head quarters.
General Harrison's disposition was such a mixture of
sympathy, kindness, and humanity, that he was like my
Uncle Toby — he would not hurt, even a fly, unless it
was in self-defense : indeed, the facility with which par
dons were procured from him, had a pernicious effect on
such soldiers as were discontented with the service. They
concluded, if they deserted and effected their escape it
was well ; if they should be apprehended and condemn
ed by a court-martial. General Harrison would save them
by his pardoning power. Under this state of things, the
public service suffered, and some examples were called
for, to check the daily desertions which were taking
place. McArthur was a man of sterner mould. When
the command of the western army devolved upon him in
1814, he convened a general court-martial in the town of
ChUlicothe, for the purpose of trying the numerous de
serters that had been apprehended and brought to head
quarters. The court-martial was in session more than a
month. At the close of this session, twenty six of the
deserters were condemned to be shot. All were pardon
ed but four. These four had deserted several times, and
were retaken. On these four General McArthur permit
ted the sentence of law, as expressed by the court-martial,
to be executed. For this, during the canvass of the election,
he was bitterly assailed. He was charged with being a cruel
tyrant — a monster, thirsting for blood. Although these
charges were rung against hira in the bitterest language
of malice and envy, and with all the changes that the
genius of his opposers could invent — and some of them

176 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
were men of talents — yet all their abuse did not avail
them : he was elected by a triumphant majority.
He now took part in a scene that was new to hira.
The congress of the United States was generaUy made
up of men of the first talents in the nation. McArthur
was a new man, who, without education or influential
friends, by the force of his own genius, had slowly but
SteadUy wormed his way out of the deepest obscurity to
distinction among his fellow-citizens. In his politics, he
was an enthusiastic republican of the Jeffersonian school.
His oldest son he named Thomas Jefferson. He was an
admirer of Presidents Madison and Monroe. In congress,
he was a firm, undeviating supporter of what was then
termed the American System. This system of policy
was mainly introduced and supported in congress by Mr.
Henry Clay. The object of those politicians, who sup
ported the American System, appeared to be to engage
the general government in a system of internal improve
ments ; and to carry out those measures, that congress
should levy taxes for the purpose of making roads and
constructing canals, for the convenience of commercial
transport between the states : and secondly, to levy heavy
duties on all articles of foreign importation, which could
be manufactured within our own country, in order to
prevent foreign manufacturers from coming in competi
tion with American manufacturers. This was called the
high tariff. Of this plan of policy McArthur was a de
voted and efficient supporter. Although he was slow and
deliberate in forming opinions, when formed, he never
yielded to opposition.
Whilst General McArthur remained a member of con
gress, he had considerable influence in that body. His
persevering industry, his energetic mind, his sound judg
ment, and practical business habits, rendered him a very
efficient member. He would sometimes make short'
pithy remarks on the business before the house, but

GENERAL DUNCAN m' ARTHUR. 177
made no attempts at those flourishes of eloquence, which
tickle the fancy and please the ear. After having served
two sessions in congress, he decUned a re-election, being
determined to devote all his efforts to arrange his domes
tic concerns. He left the field of politics to others, and
engaged with an unremitted attention to settie his land
business. Having at all times prided himself in the adroitness
and dexterity with which he could take the advantage of
any defects in the locations or surveys of other land
speculators, he was involved in a labyrinth of litigation.
He appeared to take as much pride in overreaching other
land speculators, as ever ambitious general did in outman-
euvering his adversary on the field of battle. Although
he has succeeded in amassing a large fortune, mosfly by
land speculation, yet, the evening of his days is clouded
by turmoil, vexation, and the uncertainty of the law. If
wealth, generally, affords no more peace of mind than it
has to General McArthur, it is not worth the coveting.
Although he has been successful in his land speculations,
his conduct in this line of business is not worthy of imi
tation, but rather reprehensible, and has created him more
vexation and enemies, than all the other acts of his life.
The summer of 1830, General McArthur's friends,
against his inclination, placed his name in nomination as
a candidate for the office of governor of the state of Ohio.
At this time. General Jackson had come into power, and
his partizans were well organized. It was well known,
that General McArthur was a supporter of the internal
improvement system ; he was also in favor of what was
called the high tariff; and what was more odious to the
Jackson party, he was in favor of rechartering the United
States bank. The Jackson party assaUed his character
with all the animosity and virulence that party strife en
genders. The affair of permitting the deserters to be
shot, was again brought forward in a new, extended and

178 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OP
frightful edition. The party, in their zeal, depicted Gen
eral McArthur, as a monster, whose delight was in blood :
they had forgotten, that their own chief was, at least,
equally, if not more, obnoxious to censure in this respect.
Perhaps both were actuated by a sense of duty for the
good of their country. McArthur's land speculations
were depicted in the most horrid colors. From these
publications, it would appear, that he had dispossessed
of their homes almost every widow and orphan within
his reach. So far from this being a trae representation
of his land law suits — ^he generally contended with none
but other land speculators ; and this was a war of " Greek
to Greek." All the weapons of the party, though weU
aimed and dexterously handled, did not avail them : he
was elected by a considerable majority.
His duty, as Governor of the state, was discharged
Y^ith fidelity. No party clamor was raised against him.
The pardoning power, intrusted to the Governor of the
state, is a delicate trust. Every criminal has friends,
who will use every means to procure pardons — ^by peti
tions, letters, and personal applications by mothers, by
wives, by fathers, by sisters and brothers. To resist
such applications, requires some firmness. Governor
McArthur was applied to for the pardon^of two criminals
in such a courtly manner, that the petition itself will be
interesting. The petition is dated " October 25th, 1832,"
and reads in the following courtly words : " To his ex
cellency, Duncan McArthur, commander in chief of the
state of Ohio — Sir, we are sorry that we are necessita
ted to address you at present, but your executive acts
have been such that compels us to do so. You have
pardoned John Murry a most notorious villain, and has
left Lawrence Lynch in prison, who is an innocent man
who happened to be in company with Murry when he
was arrested. To be plain with you, you have been in
the habit of pardoning those who were most guilty, and

GENERAL DUNCAN M ARTHUR. l79
suffering those who were innocent to remain in prison.
We know you to be a soldier, who has risked your life
in defence of your country, and some of us was soldiers
in the war and fought in the same battles, we are sorry to
have recourse to harsh means therefore as you have the
power you will release Lawrence Lynch and Owen
McCormack, who is another innocent man~-if you do
not we are sufficientiy numerous and fully determined
and will bring fire and destruction on your property first
and if that faUs we will in the end take your life —
Remember we are soldiers and swom to do it or die.
Remember." It is unnecessary to say this modest peti
tion had no effect on a man of McArthur's nerve ; neither
did these courteous petitioners make an unmeaning and
empty threat. On the night of the tenth of November
(only fifteen days after the date of the above letter) about
nine o'clock at night, his large barn, being full of grain,
was discovered wrapped in flames. As the citizens of
Chillicothe had not then retired to rest, and the bam be
ing in full view of the town, the citizens, with praise
worthy activity, rushed to the fire. As a Mr. John Harly
was running to the fire on foot, he saw a horse with a
bridle on, near the road side. Harly mounted the horse
and rode him to the conflagration. This horse must
have belonged to the incendiary who put the fire to the
barn. Mr. Harly advertised the horse in several news
papers, but no person ever appeared to claim him. Some
months after the burning of the barn, an elegant saddle
was found in a deep hollow below the barn. The horse
was exhibited at public meetings in several counties, but
no one knew hira. The incendiary must have come
from a distant place, or the horse would have led to his
discovery. General McArthur's terra of Governor expired without
any thing further occurring worthy of notice. He was
again a candidate for a seat in the house of representa-

180 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
fives of congress, and lost his election by one vote.
Here, then, is closed the history of his public life. '
I have omitted to notice, in its progressive date, a cir
cumstance that befell Gen. McArthur, which accident has
been the ultimate cause of clouding the evening of his day.s
in misery. On the 6th day of February, 1830, as he was
passing in the street ofthe city of Columbus, on a side walk
with a covering like a porch projecting twelve feet into tho
street, the roof of this projection being covered with a
heavy fall of snow, the slight frame-work gave way just
as McArthur came under it, and crushed him on the
pavement. The roof was moved from him as soon as
possible. In one of his knees all the joints were broken ;
and he was otherwise horridly bruised in every part of
the body — so much so, that his life was despaired of for
some time. He, at length, partially recovered : the broken
knee still remains crippled, and gives way as easy back
wards as forward. From the severe Crushing his body
received in this melancholy accident, his bodUy powers
have been constantly on the decline. His once powerful
and energetic mind appears to sink and give way with
his bodily strength. The once athletic and ambitious
Duncan McArthur, is now neither an object of envy to
his enemies, nor much attended to by those who formerly
professed to be his devoted friends. Almost ever since
the accident happened him, he has been confined to his
room, only occasionally taking a little exercise in his
carriage. Instead of being that strong, athletic man, that
exposure nor hardship could weary, nor danger appal, he
is now a helpless old man, that requires assistance to rise
or lie down. Such a contrast as is exhibited in this man,
should humble the pride of strength and ambition.
Although it is but a few years since the fatal accident
took place, he appears to be already almost forgotten by
all, but more especially by the gay and fashionable, who
in the days of health and prosperity, fluttered around him,

GENERAL DUNCAN m' ARTHUR. 181
like satellites around a brilliant planet. He is now almost
a stranger, where, a short time since, his word was law.
Such are the changeful vicissitudes in human affairs. It
is in the time of adversity that the value of a real disin
terested friendship proves its worth. He had one friend
who clung to him in his afflictions, and used every means
in her power to sooth his mind and anticipate his wants
— his wife, the partner of his fortune, stood by him in
his time of suffering ; and diligently watched over his
couch, night and day, till her frail frame gave way by
constant watching and fatigue. She sickened, and died
on the 23d of October, 1836, in the fifty-seventh year of
her age. She was an exemplary and religious woman,
well versed in business, and whose prudence and care
over her husband's domestic affairs, contributed largely
to his happiness and interest. No woman, in Chillicothe
or its vicinity, more generously relieved the necessities
of the poor. By her wealth she was enabled to be libe
ral ; and her strong and discriminating mind could clearly
discover the proper objects of charity. May her chil
dren imitate her moral, prudent, and industrious example,
and prove themselves worthy of such a mother !
Since the death of his wife. General McArthur remains
with but little change : the lonely occupant of his room,
he is indeed " solitary and almost alone." His mind is
in such a morbid state, that it presents no picture of what
it once was. Absent and indifferent on most subjects,
it can only be occasionally roused to reflection on his
own affairs.
General McArthur's private character, in many respects,
was worthy of imitation. His energy and untiring in
dustry in whatever pursuit he engaged, deserves the
highest praise. Wherever he came across an old
frontier man in distress, his purse was open for his
relief. His hospitality at his own mansion, was bor-

182 GENERAL DUNCAN M ARTHUR.
dering on extravagance ; no one left him hungry or
thirsty. Notwithstanding that he was liberal in feeding
the hungry, and clothing the naked, he was admitted
to be a close and severe dealer.

'"" ¦ ^'''m/'f'-m'"

A SKETCH OF THE LIFE

CAPTAIN WILLIAM WELLS

OF GEN. 'WAYNE'S ARMY. IN 1794.

CHAPTER I.

It is possible that the author claims more merit for
the achievements of the old frontier men, than the men
of the present day are wiUing to admit. However that
may be, he here presents to the reading public a few
acts, which took place on the campaign with Gen.
Wayne, in 1794.
Gen. Wayne had a bold, vigilant, and dexterous en
eray to contend with. It became indispensable for him
to use the utmost caution in his movements, to guard
against surprise. To secure his army against the pos
sibility of being ambuscaded, he employed a number of
the best woodsmen the frontier afforded, to act as spies
or rangers. Captain Ephraim Kibby, one of the first
settlers at Columbia, eight miles above Cincinnati, who
had distinguished himself as a bold and intrepid soldier,
in defending that infant settiement, commanded the prin
cipal part of the spies. The writer of this article, and
his brother Thomas, were attached to Captain Kibby's
company of rangers. This will account for the author's
intimate knowledge of the subject of which he is giving
a relation. A very effective division of the spies was
commanded by Captain WiUiam Wells. 183

184 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
Captain Wells had been taken prisoner by the Jndians
when quite a youth ; he grew to manhood with them,
and consequentiy was well acquainted with all their wiles
and stratagems. From causes not now remembered,
about eighteen months previous to the time of which I
am writing, he left the Indians, and returned to his re
latives and friends in civilized life. Being raised by the
Indians, well acquainted with the country which was
about to be the theater of action, talking several of their
languages fluently, and withal desperately brave, such a
soldier was a real, effective acquisition to the army.
Captain Wells was the same gentleman named by the
Rev. 0. M. Spencer, in the narrative of his capture by
the Indians, and release from captivity. It was to Capt.
Wells that Mr. Spencer was primarily indebted for his
liberty. (See Spencer's Narrative, page 105.) I am
particular in describing this corps of the army, as they
performed more real service than any other.
Attached to Captain Wells' command were the follow
ing men : Robert M'Lelland (whose name has been
since immortalized by the graphic pen of Washington
Irving, in his " Astoria"), was one of the most athletic
and active men on foot, that has appeared on this globe.
On the grand parade at Fort Greenville, where the ground
was very little inclined, to show his activity, he leaped
over a road-wagon with the cover stretched over ; the
wagon and bows were eight and a half feet high. Next
was Henry Miller. He and a younger brother, named
Christopher, had been made captives by the Indians
when young, and adopted-into an Indian family. Henry
Miller lived with them till he was about twenty-four
years of age ; and although he had adopted all their
manners and customs, he at that age began to think of
returning to his relatives among the whites. The longer
he reflected on the subject, the stronger his resolution
grew to make an attempt to leave the Indians. He com-

CAPTAIN WILLIAM WELLS. 185
municated his intention to his brother Christopher, and
used every reason he was capable of, to induce his
brother to accompany him in his flight. All his argu
ments were ineffectual. Christopher was young when
made captive — ^he was now a good hunter, an expert
woodsman, and in the full sense of the word, a free and
independent Indian. Henry Miller set off alone through
the woods, and arrived safe among his friends in Ken
tucky. Captain Wells was well acquainted with Miller
during his captivity, and knew that he possessed that
firm intrepidity which would render hira a valuable cora-
panion in time of need. To these were added a Mr.
Hickman, and Mr. Thorp, who were men of tried worth
in Indian warfare.
Captain Wells and his four companions were confi
dential and privileged gentlemen in camp, who were only
called upon to do duty upon very particular and interest
ing occasions. They were permitted a carte blanche
among the horses of the dragoons, and when upon duty
went well mounted ; whilst the spies commanded by
Captain Kibby went on foot, and were kept constantly
on the alert, scouring the country in every direction.
The head quarters of the army being at Fort Green
ville, in the month of June, Gen. Wayne dispatched
Captain Wells and his company, with orders to bring in
to camp an Indian as a prisoner, in order that he could
interrogate him as to the future intentions of the eneray.
Captain Wells proceeded with cautious steps through the
Indian country. He crossed the river St. Mary, and
thence to the river Auglaize, without meeting any strag
gling party of Indians. In passing up the Auglaize
they discovered a smoke : they then dismounted, tied
their horses, and proceeded cautiously to reconnoiter the
enemy. They found three Indians camped on a high,
open piece of ground, clear of brush, or any underwood.
As it was open woods, they found it would be difficult
14

186 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
to approach the camp without being discovered. 'WTiilst
they were reconnoitering, they saw not very distant from
the camp, a tree which had lately fallen. They returned
and went round the camp, so as to get the top of the
fallen tree between them and the Indians. The tree-top
being full of leaves, would serve as a shelter to screen
them from observation. They went forward upon their
hands 'and knees, with the noiseless movements of the
cat, tUl they reached the tree-top. They were now
within seventy of Eighty y«f11s!(|gf . the camp. The In
dian's were sitting 'or staiiaih^>ab"0t^'4l^}'.fire, roasting
their venisofl, feu^Mng anathialiifig So^er merry'^ntics,
littie dreaming .'that'death was (about.st^^ling a march' up
on them. , Arrived at the fallen tree, thcirf purpose of at
tack was soon settled ; they determined to kill two* of
the enemy, and make the third.,j)risoner. McLelland,
who it wiU be remembered, was almost. as swift on foot
as a deer of the forest, was to catch the Indian, whilst to
Wells and Miller was confided the duty of shooting • tht
other two. One of them was to shoot the one on the
right, the other the one on the left. Their rifles were in
prime order, the muzzles of their guns were placed on
the log of the fallen tree, the sights were aimed for the
Indians' hearts — whiz went the balls, and both Indians
fell. Before the smoke of the burnt powder had risen
six feet, McLelland was running at full stretch, with
tomahawk in hand, for the Indian. The Indian bounded
off at the top of his speed, and made down the river ;
but by continuing in that direction he discovered that
McLelland would head him. He turned his course and
made for the river. The river here had a bluff bank,
about twenty feet high. When he came to the bank he
sprang [down into the river, the bottom of which was a
soft mud, into which he sunk to the middle. While he
was endeavoring to extricate himself out of the mud,
McLelland came to the top of the high bank, and with-

CAPTAIN WILLIAM WELLS. 187
out hesitation sprang upon him, as he was waUowing in
the mire. The Indian drew his knife — McLelland raised
his tomahawk — told him to throw down his. knife, or he
would kiU him instantiy. He threw down his knife,
and surrendered without any further effort at resistance.
By the time the scuffle had ceased in the mire, Wells
and his companions came to the bank, and discovered
McLelland and the Indian quietly sticking in the mire.
As their prisoner was now secure, they did not think it
pradent to take the fearful leap the others had done.
They selected a place where the bank was less preci
pitous, went down and dragged the captive out of the
mud, and tied him. He was very sulky, and refused to
speak either Indian or English. Some of the party went
back for their horses, whilst others washed the mud and
paint from the prisoner. When washed, he turned out
to be a white man, but still refused to speak, or give any
account of himself. The party scalped the two Indians
whom they had shot, and then set off with their prisoner
for head quarters. Whilst on their return to Fort Green
ville, Henry MiUer began to [admit the idea that it was
possible their prisoner was his brother Christopher,
whom he had left with the Indians some years previous.
Under this impression he rode alongside of him, arid
called him by his Indian name. At the sound of his
name he started, and stared round, and eagerly inquired
how he came to know his name. The mystery was soon
explained — their prisoner was indeed Christopher Mil
ler ! A mysterious providence appeared to have placed
Christopher MiUer in a situation in the camp, by which
his life was preserved. Had he been standing on the
right or left, he would inevitably have been killed. But
that fate which appears to have doomed the Indian race
to extinction, permitted the white man to live, whilst the
Indians were permitted to meet that "fate they cannot
shun."

188 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
Captain Wells arrived safely with their prisoner at
Fort Greenville. He was placed in the guard house,
where Gen. Wayne frequentiy interrogated him as to
what he knew of the future intentions of the Indians.
Captain Wells and Henry Miller were almost constantly
with Christopher in the guard house, urging him to leave
off the thought of living longer with the Indians, and to
join his relatives among the whites. Christopher for
some time was reserved and sulky, but at length became
more cheerful, and agreed, if they would release him
from confinement, that he would remain with the whites.
Captain WeUs and Henry Miller solicited Gen. Wayne
for Christopher's liberty. Gen. Wayne could scarcely
deny such pleaders any request they could make, and
without hesitation ordered Christopher Miller to be set
at liberty ; remarking, that should he deceive them and
return to the enemy, they would be but one the stronger.
Christopher was set at liberty, and appeared pleased
with his change of situation. He was mounted on a fine
horse, and otherwise well equipped for war. He joined
the company with Captain Wells and his brother, and
fought bravely against the Indians during the continuance
of the war. He was trae to his word, and upon every
occasion proved himself an intrepid and daring soldier.

CHAPTER H.
As soon as Captain Wells and company had rested
themselves and recruited their horses, they were anxious
for another bout with the . red men. Time, without ac
tion, was irksome to such stirring spirits. Early in July
they left Greenville ; their company was then strength
ened by the addition of Christopher MiUer ; their orders

CAPTAIN WILLIAM WELLS. 189
were to bring in prisoners. They pushed through the
country, always dressed and painted in Indian style ;
they passed on, crossing the river St. Mary, and then
through the country near to the river Auglaize, where
they met a single Indian, and called to him to surrender.
This man, notwithstanding that the whites were six
against one, refused to surrender. He leveled his rifle,
and as the whites were approaching him on horseback,
he fired, but missed his mark, and then took to his heels
to effect his escape. The undergrowth of brush was so
very thick that he gained upon his pursuers. McLelland
and Christopher MUler dismounted, and McLelland soon
overhauled him. The Indian, finding himself overtaken
by his pursuers, turned round and made a blow at Mc-
LeUand with his rifle, which was parried. As McLel-
land's intention was not to kill, he kept him at bay tiU
Christopher Miller came up, when they closed in upon
him, and made him prisoner without receiving any in
jury. They turned about for head quarters, and arrived
safely at Fort Greenville. Their prisoner was reputed
to be a Potawotamie chief, whose courage and prowess
was scarcely equaled. As Christopher MUler had per
formed his part on this occasion to the entire satisfaction
of the brave spirits with whom he acted, he had, as he
merited, their entire confidence.
It is not my intention to give a detailed account of the
various actions performed by the spies attached to Gen.
Wayne's army, although it would be a narrative most
interesting to western readers. I have selected only a
few of the acts performed by Captain Wells, and his en
terprising followers, to show what kind of men they
were. History, in no age of the world, furnishes so
many instances of repeated acts of bravery as were per
formed by the frontier men of western Pennsylvania,
western 'Virginia, and Kentucky ; yet these acts of ap
parent desperation were so frequently repeated by num-

190 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
bers, that they were scarcely noticed at the time as being
any other than the common occurrence of the day.
I have no doubt, that during General Wayne's cam
paign. Captain Wells, and the few men he comraanded,
brought in not less than twenty prisoners, and killed
raore than an equal number. Desperate as they were in
combat, that bravery was only a part of their merit, is
demonstrated by the following circumstance.
On one of Captain Wells' peregrinations through the
Indian country, as he came to the bank of the river St.
Mary, he discovered a family of Indians coming up the
river in a canoe. He dismounted, and concealed his men
near the bank of the river, whilst he went himself to the
bank, in open view, and called to the Indians to come
over. As he was dressed in Indian style, and spoke to
them in their own language, the Indians, not expecting
an enemy in that part of the country, without any sus
picion of danger went across the river. The moment
the canoe struck the shore. Wells heard the cocks of his
comrades' rifles cry, " nick, nick," as they prepared to
shoot the Indians ; but who should be in the canoe but
his Indian father and mother, with their chUdren ! As
his comrades were coming forward with their rifles
cocked, ready to pour in the deadly storm upon the de
voted Indians, Wells called upon them to hold their hands
and desist. He then informed them who those Indians
were, and solemnly declared, that the man who would
attempt to injure one of them, would receive a ball in his
head. He said to his men, " that that famUy had fed
him when he was hungry, clothed him when he was
naked, and kindly nursed him when sick ; and in every
respect were as kind and affectionate to him as they were
to their own children."
This short, pathetic speech, found its way to the sym
pathetic hearts of his leather-hunting-shirt comrades.
Although they would have made but a shabby appear-

CAPTAIN WILLIAM WELLS. 191
ance on being introduced to a fashionable tea-party, or
into a splendid ball-room, amongst polished grandees, or
into a ceremonious levee, , to pass through unmeaning
becks, bows, and courtesies — the present was a scene of
nature, and gratitude the motive ; they all, at once, en
tered into their leader's feelings. I never knew a truly
brave man, who could hold back the tear of sympathy at
the joy, grief, or sorrow of his fellow man : it is the
timid coward who is cruel when he has the advantage.
Those hardy soldiers approved of the motives of Captain
WeUs' lenity to the enemy. They threw down their
rifles and tomahawks, went to the canoe, and shook
hands with the trembling Indians in the most friendly
manner. Captain Wells assured them they had nothing
to fear from him ; and after talking with them to dispel
their fears, he said, " that General W^ayne was approach
ing with an overwhelraing force ; that the best thing the
Indians could do was to make peace ; that the white men
did not wi.sh to continue the war. He urged his Indian
father for the future to keep out of the reach of danger."
He then bade them farewell : they appeared grateful for
his clemency. They then pushed off their canoe, and
went down the river as fast as they could propel her.
Captain Wells and his comrades, though perfect des
peradoes in fight, upon this occasion proved they largely
possessed that real gratitude and benevolence of heart,
which does honor to human kind.

192 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF

CHAPTER HI.
Early in the month of August, when the main army
had arrived at the place subsequentiy designated as fort
Defiance, General Wayne wished to be informed of the
intentions of the enemy. For this purpose. Captain
Wells was again dispatched to bring in another prisoner.
The distance from fort Defiance to the British fort, at
the mouth of the Maumee river, was only forty-five
miles, and he would not have to travel far before he.
would find Indians. As his object was to bring in a
prisoner, it became necessary for him to keep out of the
way of large parties, and endeavor to faU in with some
stragglers, who might be easUy subdued and captured.
They went cautiously down the river Maumee, tiU
they came opposite the site on which fort Meigs was
erected by General Harrison, in 1813. This was two
miles above the British fort, then caUed fort CampbeU.
On the west bank of the Maumee was an Indian viUage.
Wells and his party rode into the vUlage, as if they had
just come from the British fort. Being dressed and
painted in complete Indian style, they rode through the
village, occasionally stopping and talking to the Indians
in their own language. No suspicion of who they were
was excited, the enemy believing them to be Indians
from a distance, coming to take a part in the battie which
they all knew was shortiy to be fought. After they had
passed the village some distance, they fell in with an In
dian raan and woman on horseback, who were returning
to the town from hunting. This man and woman were
made captives without resistance. They then set off for
fort Defiance.
As they were rapidly proceeding up the Maumee river,
a littie after dark, they came near a large encampment of

CAPTAIN WILLIAM WELLS. 193
Indians, who were merrily amusing themselves around
their camp-fires. Their prisoners were ordered to be
silent, under pain of instant death. They went round
the camp with their prisoners, till they got about half a
mile above it, where they halted to consult on their future
operations. After consultation, they concluded to gag
and tie their prisoners, and ride back to the Indian camp,
and give them a rally, in which" each' should kill his In
dian. They deliberately got down, gagged, and fastened
their prisoners to trees, rode boldly into the Indian en
campment, and halted, with their rifles lying across the
pummels of their saddles. They inquired when last
they had heard of General Wayne, and the movements
of his army ; how soon, and where it was expected the
battle would be fought. The Indians who were standing
around Wells and his desperadoes, were very communi
cative, ans'wering all their interrogatories without sus
pecting any deceit in their visitors. At length, an Indian,
who was sitting some distance from them, said in an
under tone, in another tongue, to some who were near
him, that he suspected that these strangers had some mis
chief in their heads. Wells overheard what he said, and
imraediately gave the preconcerted signal, and each fired
his rifle into the body of an Indian, at not more than six
feet distance. The Indian who had suspected them, the
moment he made the remark, and a number of others,
rose up with their rifles in their hands, but not before
WeUs and his party had each shot an Indian. As soon
as Wells and his party fired, they put spurs to their
horses, laying with their breasts on the horses' necks, so
as to lessen the mark for the enenay to fire at. They
had not got out of the light of the camp-fire, before the
Indians shot at them. As McLelland lay close on his
horse's neck, he was shot, the ball passing under his
shoulder-blade, and coming out at the top of his shoulder
Captain Wells was shot through the arm on which he

194 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
carried his rifle ; the arm was broken, and his trusty
rifle fell. The rest of the party and their horses received
no injury.
What confidence, what self-possession was displayed
by these men, in this terrific encounter! They beat
General Marion and his sergeants hollow ! They had
come off unscathed in so many desperate conflicts, that
their souls were cStUous to danger. As they had no
rivals in the army, they aimed to outdo their former ex
ploits. To ride into the enemy's camp, and enter into
conversation with them, without betraying the least ap
pearance of trepidation or confusion, proves how well
their souls were steeled. This action of real life even
rivals the fictions, though sublime muse of the Grecian
poet. Homer sends forth his invincible hero, protected
by the invulnerable panoply of Jupiter, to make a night
attack upon the enemy. Diomede makes the successful
assault upon sleeping foes. Not so our western heroes ;
they boldly went into the midst of the enemy, whUe
their camp-fires were burning bright, and openly com
menced the work of death.
After having performed this act of mUitary superero
gation, they rode at full speed to where their captives
were confined, mounted them on horses, and set off for
fort Defiance. Captain WeUs and McLelland were se
verely wounded ; and to fort Defiance, a distance of about
thirty miles, they had to travel, before they could rest or
receive the aid of a surgeon. As their march would be
slow and painful, one of the party was dispatched at full
speed to fort Defiance, for a guard and a surgeon. As
soon as Captain Wells' messenger arrived at fort De
fiance, with the tidings of the wounds and perUous situ
ation of these heroic and faithful spies^ very great sym
pathy was manifested in the minds of all. General
Wayne's feeling for the suffering soldier, was at all times
quick and sensitive : we can then imagine how intense

CAPTAIN WILLIAM WELLS. 195
was his solicitude, when informed of the sufferings and
perils of his confidential and chosen band. Without a
moment's delay, he dispatched a surgeon, and a company
of the swiftest dragoons, to meet, assist, and guard these
brave feUows to head-quarters. Suffice to say, they ar
rived safely in camp, and the wounded recovered in due
course of time.
As the battle was fought, and a brilliant victory won,
a few days after this affair took place, Captain Wells and
his daring comrades, were not engaged in any further
acts of hostUity, till the war with the Indians was aus
piciously concluded by a lasting treaty of peace.
A new and happy era was about dawning on the west.
A cruel and exterminating war, of nearly fifty years' con
tinuance, was closed by a general peace with the red
men of the forest. The name? and meraories of these
brave men, whose march was in the front of danger,
should be held in veneration by the millions who now
repose in peace and quiet on the territory they acquired
at the risk of their lives, in a thousand batties.
It is very natural for the reader to inquire, what be
came of these men after the war terminated ? What
became of Thorp, Hickman, and the two MiUers, I have
never learned ; but, if alive, they probably reside in
some smoky cabin in the far and distant west, unknown
and unhonored. The last I heard of the brave, hardy,
and active McLelland, he had just returned to St. Louis,
in 1812, from an expedition across the Rocky mountains.
He had been to the Pacific ocean, at the mouth of the
Columbia river. Such a tour, through uncultivated, un
peopled oceans of prairie, and then to labor through
the tempestuous bursts of snow and sleet, which whirl
in almost continual storms around the heights of the
frightful world of rocks which compose the dreary Rocky
mountains, where winter eternally reigns — this enterprise
was equal to the daring genius of the man.

196 CAPTAIN WILLIAM WELLS.
The fate of the brave and lamented Captain Wells
was sealed during the late war, on the 15th of August,
1812, near fort Dearborn, at the mouth of the Chicago
river, on the bank of lake Michigan, where he was slain
in an unequal combat ; where sixty-four whites were at
tacked by upwards of four hundred Indian warriors.
Then feU as bold a spirit as ever shouldered a rifle or
wielded a tomahawk.

A SKETCH OF THE LIFE

GENERAL SIMON KENTON,

OF KENTUCKY.

For the benefit and gratification of those who may come
after us, it is right to preserve, for future inspection, re
cords of the actions of men, who have been instraments
to prepare the way for settling the Western Country.
To dispossess the barbarous occupants of the alraost
boundless wilds of the west, required men of resolute
minds ; and whose bodily composition contained more
than the usual quantity of lime and iron, to enable them
to endure the fatigue and hardships they had to encounter.
It is a remarkable fact, of nearly all the old frontier-
men, that although their trade was war, their hospitality
was boundless. They relieved the wants of the stranger,
fed the hungry, and clothed the naked. No traveUer
was permitted to pay for meat, drink, or lodging at their
cabins. General Simon Kenton was born in the month of
March, A. D. 1 755, in the county of Fauquier, state of
Virginia. His father was a native of Ireland ; his mother,
whose maiden name was Miller, was of Scotch descent,
her ancestors being among the first immigrants to Vir
ginia. His parents being poor, he was, to the age of
sixteen, employed chiefly in the culture of corn and to-
197

198 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
bacco. At this period, our country being governed by a
kingly aristocracy, which lorded over the laboring classes
in all the pride of a superior caste, the poor — having no
motive for exertion — were not ashamed to be ignorant.
Learning was then alraost exclusively in possession of
the clergy, lawyers, and commercial men, or the wealthy
farmers, whose estates were entaUed. Common schools
were then almost unknown in the southern states. As
the Kenton family were poor, Simon grew to manhood
without learning his A B C.
Notwithstanding man is a free agent, and his future
character and usefulness depend on his own choice, yet
we see, on some occasions, uncontrollable circumstances
fix his destiny : an invisible influence appears to guide
his fate. In the sixteenth year of Kenton's age, an inci
dent occurred, which gave a new direction to his mind,
and apparentiy changed the destiny of his life.
The neighborhood in which he was brought up was
sparsely inhabited, and implements of husbandry, not re
quired for constant use, such as broad-axes, whip and
crosscut saws, were purchased and used as common prop
erty. As was common, under such circumstances, social
intercourse prevaUed, and they were in the constant habit
of assisting each other at house-raisings, log-rollings,
corn-huskings, &c. Old Mr. Kenton had a neighbor by
the name of Veach, with whom he lived on the most
friendly terms. At this time, one of Mr. Veach's sons
married a girl to whom Simon was much attached. The
truth was, although he was only turned of sixteen years
of age, he was deeply in love. There are few but know
something of the firenzied feelings occasioned by disap
pointment in this passion. He, like most unfortunate
lovers, felt himself exquisitely injured. Being of a warm
temperament, and in his first love, his mind was in a
tempest. He thought himself undone, and, in the heat of
his passion, unbidden, went to the wedding, where mirth

GENERAL SIMON KENTON. 199
and good-humor prevaUed till his intrusion. As soon as
he entered the room, he looked round and saw the new-
married pair seated on the side of a bed, and without hesi
tation, went forward and obtruded himself between the
married couple. A brother of the bridegroom saw the
intrasion, and inticed Simon away under the pretence of
wishing to treat him, and while in the act of drinking,
William Veach struck him a blow which laid hira pros
trate on the floor — followed it with a severe beating, and
sent him home with black eyes and sore bones. As this
affair was looked upon as a boyish freak, it did not in
terrupt the general harmony and good feeling of the two
families ; but Simon, who lost his girl, and got a severe
flogging into the bargain, viewed the affair in a different
light. He felt his future prospects ruined and his char
acter disgraced, and in sullen silence determined on
revenge, for which an opportunity soon offered.
His fatlier sent him to old Mr. Veach's for a crosscut
saw. MrJ V^'bh had rived some timber in boards about
one hundre'd atid' fifty yards from his house, and WU
liam Veach was' engaged in carrying them to his father,
who was covering a small oulhouse. After ^imon had
procured the saw, he and Williftm walked tog^her tb the
place where the boards had beeh made. Here 'they stop
ped, and Simon laid down the saw, and said to". WUliam,
" You and your friends had fine sport the otlier night,
in beating me at the wedding : now, we are alone, and
can have a fair fight." William replied, " fhat they had
been raised boys together, and never had a difference,
except the one mentioned, which was a foolish, drunken
frolic ; that he wished to say no more about it , that he
had no desire to fight, and would prefer to live in peace
and friendship." But, as Simon would admit of no
apology, they threw off their coats and went to work.
Victory for some time hung in a doubtful balance. Simon,
at length, threw his antagonist to the ground, and as quick

200 SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
as thought, drawing his queue of long hair round a small
sapling, had him completely in his power. There he
beat him untU his strength began to faU ; then, letting go
the hair, he kicked him on the breast and stomach till
no further resistance was offered. Simon, having now
gratified his vindictive feelings, desisted from further
abuse. William attempted to rise, but iramediately sunk,
and began to puke blood. As Simon had not intended
to kill hira, he now raised him up, and spoke kindly to
him, but received no answer, and beheld him sink to the
ground, apparently lifeless. After standing by him for
some time, without perceiving any signs of returning
life, he started for home, under the most poignant and
awful sensations. By the time he had traveled half way
home, he began to reflect, seriously, on the rash act he
had committed. He knew that young Veach would soon
be missed, and that his father had seen them walk toge
ther; and consequently, it was impossible for him to
think of concealing or denying the murder. The horror
of being hanged then rushed upon his guilty soul, and he
resolved upon immediate flight. He laid down his saw
on the path, and without stopping to see or consult
parents or friends, he fled to the Voods, and made for
the Allegheny mountains. This was on the 6th of April,
A. D. 1771. Lying concealed by day, he traveled by
night. In this way, he passed over the mountains, and
came to a place caUed Ise's Ford, on Cheat river, a
branch of the Monongahela. When he arrived at this
place, he was nearly exhausted with fatigue and famine.
Here he changed his name to that of Simon Butler.
While he remained in this neighborhood, his mind was
a continual prey to bitter remorse and fear ; fancying
that every one he saw was in pursuit of him.
What heart could faU to pity the situation of the unfor
tunate, youth, who, by one rash act, was driven from his
friends and home — a fugitive from justice — under a ficti-

GENERAL SIMON KENTON. 201
tions name, a solitary wanderer : illiterate, pennyless and
friendless. And the act, too, which had plunged him
into this forlorn condition, seems to have been entirely
foreign from his nature. In subsequent life, he mani
fested a mild and forgiving disposition, and maintained a
character entirely the reverse of what his early conduct
seemed to prognosticate.
That Providence, who so overraled the wickedness of
Joseph's brethren, as to make it productive of blessings
to him and to them, seems to have used the circumstance
above mentioned, for the purpose of forcing into active
service, one whose athletic frame and fortitude, and de
cision of character, were admirably adapted to the toils
and dangers to which he was exposed, and which qual
ities were indispensable in preparing the way for the
settlement and civUization of the almost boundless West.
Well it is for man, that he can only see the present. He
is too apt to anticipate evil ; and could he penetrate the
veil which conceals the future, how often would despair
banish hope, and paralize his efforts. God, in mercy to
his creatures, keeps the future out of sight. If it had
been possible for Kenton, at this time, to have foreseen
the thorny path through which he was doomed to pass,
his soul, though large and fearless, would have shrank
from the appalling prospect, and the westera country
been deprived of the prince of pioneers.
I will now return to my narrative. He had been oc
casionally laboring and sauntering about Cheat river for
some months, when he fell in corapan)' with WiUiam
Grills, Jacob Greathouse, and two men by the name of
Mahon, who were preparing to descend the river Ohio,
on a hunting tour. Having previously, by his labor, pro
cured a good rifle, he was willing to go on any expedi
tion that would take him farther from home. He joined
this party, and assisted in making a canoe. This being
completed, they embarked, and went down the stream
15

202 SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
tiU they came to Fort Pitt, (now the city of Pittsburgh).
At this place they met with an Indian trader, by the
name of David Duncan, who informed the Mahons, that
their father (whom the Indians had taken captive some
time previous) was still alive, and where and how he
could be found, and for what sum he could be ransomed.
The two young Mahons immediately left the hunting
party, and went in search of their father, to release him
from captivity. To the mortification of Kenton, the hunt
ing tour was abandoned.
As there was then a small garrison maintained at Fort
Pitt, Kenton turned in to hunt for that garrison. At this
place he first became acquainted with the notorious ren-
• egado, Simon Girty. Girty was a man of talents, had
great influence in the garrison, and with the Indians, and
showed Kenton all the kindness and attention that was
in his power, and subsequentiy saved his life.
In the fall of the year, he fell in with John Strader
and George Yeager, who were going down the Ohio, on
a hunting tour. Yeager had been raised by the Indians,
and could talk several of their languages. He had pass
ed a part of his time on the south side of the river Ohio
in the cane land in Kentucky. With these men our wan
derer agreed to proceed down the Ohio, he knew not
and did not care whither. At that time a small trading
establishment with the Indians was kept by one John
Gibson, at a place called Log's Town, which was the
only settlement of the whites below Pittsburgh. Here
they halted a day or two. From thence they proceeded
down the Ohio to the Mingo town, which is about sev
enty miles below Pittsburgh, and three miles below
Steubenville. As it was a time of peace here, they frol
icked and danced with the young Indians. From thence
they proceeded down the Ohio to a Delaware town, three.
miles below the mouth of the Littie Kanawha. Here they

GENERAL SIMON KENTON. 203
passed a few days very agreeably, fishing, hunting, and
dancing with the Indians.
As none of these friendly Indians had been down the
Ohio to the cane land, they could afford no intelligence
on the subject ; and Yeager, when there, was young, and
had gone either from Detroit, or past Vincennes, and did
not know at what point he had crossed the Ohio. As the
principal object of their expedition was to explore the
cane country, and being ignorant at what point to land
for this purpose, they descended the Ohio to near the
mouth of Kentucky river, stopping occasionally, without
finding any. It is a remarkable fact that, though there
was abundance of cane in the country, it did not grow
near the bank of the river any where above the mouth of
Kentucky river. Being disappointed in the main object
of their expedition, they commenced a retrograde move
ment, and proceeded leisurely up the Ohio. On their
return, they examined Licking river, Locust, Bracken,
Salt Lick, and Kinnikinnick creek, and Tiger and the
Sandy rivers, without finding any cane. By this time,
the winter season had commenced. They engaged in
hunting, until they arrived at the mouth of the Big Kan
awha river, and thence up that river to the mouth of
Elk river, where they built a camp, and remained for the
winter. During the winter, they had good success in
trapping. Beaver, otter, and other game were plenty. In
the spring of 1772 they went down the Kanawha to
the Ohio, where they met a French trader, to whom they
sold their peltry, and procured ammunition, clothing and
other articles necessary for hunters.
The summer and faU of 1772 were spent by him and
his two companions in roaming and hunting along the
Ohio, between Big Kanawha and Big Sandy rivers. He
describes this as the most happy season of his life. They
were blessed with health, found plenty of game and fish ;
and free from the cares of the ambitious world, and the

204 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
vexations of domestic life, they passed their time in that
happy state of ease, indolence, and independence, which
is the glory of the hunter of the forest. Late in the faU,
they returned to their old camp on the Big Kanawha,
and spent the winter in hunting and trapping.
About this time the clouds of the American revolution
began to appear, and many of the Indians espoused the
cause of the mother country, and commenced their depre
dations upon the frontier settlements. In the month of
March, 1773, as Kenton and his companions were lol
ling about their camp, in the dusk of the evening, not
thinking of danger, a party of Indians fired upon them,
and kUled Yeager. Strader and Kenton fled, with only
their lives and their shirts ; and in this naked, and help
less condition, they wandered for six days and nights,
without fire or food. It will be recollected, that the
month of March affords none of the casual subsistence of
nuts, berries, or pawpaws, that may be found in the for
est at other seasons ; consequently, they were entirely
without sustenance. Add to this, their barefooted and
naked condition, exposed day and night, to the bleak
winds, and " the peltings of the pitUess storms," compel
led to travel through briars, and over rough stones and
frozen ground, and we have a scene of sufferings that
baffles description. Their legs and bodies became lace
rated and torn, and their feet cut, bruised, and inflamed
to such a degree, that they were more than two days in
traveling the last six miles. It seems almost a miracle,
that they did not sink in despair, and put an end to their
miserable existence. But such is the love of life implant
ed in our nature, that we cling to it under the most
gloomy and appalling circumstances.
" Hope, like the glimmering taper's light,
Adorns and cheers the way ;
And still, as darker grows the night,
Emits a brighter ray."

GENERAL SIMON KENTON. 205
Protected by the guardian care of a merciful Provi
dence, and still hoping for relief, they reached, on the
sixth day a point on the Ohio river, within six miles of
the mouth of the Kanawha, where, to their great joy,
they met with Joel Rease, Jacob Greathouse, William
GriUs, and the two Mahans, who were of the party, it
will be recollected, with which Kenton first united on
Cheat river. They had returned from searching for their
father, and were now descending the Ohio, with a view
of exploring the country bordering upon it. When they
came in view of the camp of these men, Strader was so
exhausted, that it seemed impossible for him to travel an
other mile, and Kenton was not in much better condi
tion. Friendship and hospitality were, at that time, uni
versal among western adventurers : consequently, Kenton
and his companion were received with much kindness,
and had their wants supplied, and their sufferings aUevi
ated as far as circumstances would admit.
Under this treatment, their strength returned, and their
spirits revived, and uniting with the party upon which
they had so fortunately fallen, they began to think of
new adventures. After . deliberating some time, it was
concluded to return up the Ohio, till Kenton and Strader
should meet with some opportunity, of supplying them
selves with arms, to enable them the better to meet the
danger with which they were threatened by the hostile
Indians. The whole party then ascended to the mouth
of the Littie Kanawha, where they found a Dr. Briscoe,
who was attempting to make a settlement at that place.
The doctor was a man of wealth, and had a number of
slaves and some white. persons with him. WhUe tiie rest
of his party proceeded higher up the river, Kenton bought
a rifle, and hired himself as a hunter for Briscoe, till he
should pay for it. About this time, settiements were
commenced on the Ohio, at Wheeling, Grave creek, and
at the head of the Long Reach.

206 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
By the time Kenton had paid for his rifle, and procur
ed a few other necessary articles, Michael Tyger, and
some others, from Virginia, came down the river, on their
way to the country below. With them Kenton united,
and proceeded to the mouth of Scioto, where they halted,
to wait the arrival of Captain BuUit, who had promised
to join them at that place. After waiting some time, and
seeing nothing of BuUit, who had, probably, passed them
in the night, or in a thick fog, they left the Scioto, and
returned up the river, surveying, and making tomahawk
improvements, as far as the mouth of Big Sandy. At
Big Sandy they were overtaken by some men, who in
formed them that BuUit had gone down, and was lying
at the mouth of the Big Miami, at a place they caUed
BulUtsburgh ; that they had gone out with him, and were
then on their return. Tyger and his party immediately
turned, and proceeded to the place designated, but found
BuUit's camp vacated, and could gain no intelligence con
cerning him. Concluding that BuUit and his party had
been killed or taken by the Indians, and apprehending a
similar fate to await themselves, they became alarmed,
and commenced an immediate retreat. Halting opposite
the Three Islands, they called a councU, whose deliber
ations pronounced it hazardous to attempt a return by
water. Hence, they destroyed their canoes, and with
Kenton as a pilot, took up the line of march through the
wilderness, for the settiements on Green Briar, where
they arrived in safety, after a fatiguing journey, over
mountains, across rivers, and through thickets, where the
foot of civiUzed man had never before trod. Thus, was
the first trip from Kentucky to Virginia, by land, per
formed under the guidance of our young adventurer.
At Green Briar, Kenton left the party, and again di
rected his steps towards the Monongahela country, where
he met William Grills and Jacob Greathouse, two of his
former companions, who were subsequently joined by

GENERAL SIMON KENTON. 207
Samuel Cartwright and Joseph Lock. Casting in his lot
with these, Kenton prepared once more to descend the
Ohio, and winter in the wilderness. Having provided
themselves with the necessary articles for the excursion,
the party embarked and descended to the mouth of Big
Sandy, where they continued to hunt and trap till the
next spring. This spring, 1774, an Indian war appear
ed inevitable. The Indians had robbed some, and kiUed
others, and continued to manifest so much insolence, that
the hunters and traders took the alarm, and retreated to
Fort Pitt. Kenton's party sold the proceeds of their
winter's hunt, to a French trader, and following the ex
ample of others, ascended the Ohio. All the settlements
which had commenced the previous year, were now
evacuated. Some of the adventurers took shelter at a
place called Thomas's Fort, at the mouth of Ten-mile
creek ; others, at Fort Pitt ; so that no settlement remain
ed on the Ohio, below the latter place.
Lord Dunmore, Governor of Virginia, early this spring,
raised an army, to proceed to the Indian country, and
chastise the aggressors. Kenton entered the army, and
was employed as a spy, to go in front and save the troops
from the snares and ambuscades of the enemy ; a service
which requires steady nerve, and cool, deliberate cou
rage. For this service Kenton was weU qualified, and
acquitted himself with credit. The array moved through
the wilderness, crossed the Ohio at the mouth of Hock
hocking, and cautiously proceeded to the Pickaway towns,
on the Scioto river. On approaching these towns, they
were met by a flag from the Indians, who sued for peace.
A treaty for the restoration of peace was entered into,
the troops returned, and were disbanded, and Kenton,
with a detachment of the army, proceeded to Fort Pitt,
which was then under the command of Major Conley.
But the army had scarcely returned, before the Indians
began again to harass the frontiers, and hence another

208 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OP
expedition was determined upon. The Virginia troops,
commanded by Colonel Lewis, were to come down the
Big Kanawha to its mouth, and there to remain tiU they
were reinforced. At the time Colonel Lewis was ex
pected at that place. Major Conley sent Mr. Kenton and
two others with an express to him. Arriving at the
mouth of Kanawha, and not finding Colonel Lewis, they
concealed their despatch in a hollow tree, and commen
ced amusing theraselves by strolling about this delightful
point. Here they were surprised and fired upon by a
party of Indians, which caused their separation. His
comrades got together and returned to Fort Pitt, while
Kenton, alone, pushed his way to Lender's fort, on the
west fork ofthe Monongahela. Captain Louder, not be
lieving the account Kenton gave of himself, had him ar
rested on the suspicion of his being a spy from the Indians,
and confined hira till he should hear from Major Conley,
to whom he sent an express. When the messenger re
turned, Kenton, of course, was set at liberty, who imme
diately returned to Fort Pitt, received pay for his ser
vices, and was discharged from the army.
Being now out of employment, and the proper season
for hunting having come, he, in company with a young
man by the name of Thomas WiUiams, prepared a
canoe, and, armed and equipped for the winter, they de
scended the Ohio to the mouth of Big Sandy, and thence
up that river some distance, where they formed their
camp. Here they remained during the winter, and had
good success in hunting. Leaving this place early in the
following spring, 1775, and proceeding down the Ohio,
they met a French trader, who purchased their skins and
furnished them with such things as they needed, to enable
them to prosecute their search for the cane country. —
Passing down the river, they happened to land for the
night, at the mouth of a small creek, near the place after
wards known by the name of Limestone. The next

GENERAL SIMON KENTON. 209
morning, Kenton shouldered his rifle, and went back into
the hills to look for game. After traveling two or three
miles, to his great joy, he found abundance of cane grow
ing upon the richest land he had ever seen. With this
intelligence, he returned to his companion ; when they
sunk their canoe, gathered up their little property, and
proceeded out into the cane lands. Finding a spring of
good water, they made themselves a comfortable camp,
and with their tomahawks comraenced clearing a small
piece of ground. Their clearing was finished some time
in May, and from the remains of some corn which they
had got from the French trader, for the purpose of parch
ing, they obtained seed, and planted, perhaps, the first
corn that was ever planted in that country on the north
side of the Kentucky river. Here, tending their corn
with their tomahawks, they remained the undisputed
masters of all they could see, and enjoying as much hap
piness as circumstances would admit of, tUl they had the
pleasure of eating roasting ears, and of seeing their corn
come to perfection. This place, which was called Ken
ton's station, was about one mile from where the town
of Washington, in Mason county, Kentucky, now stands.
When autumn came, and the leaves began to fall, Ken
ton concluded to take a ramble to the south, and see the
extent of his rich domain. Leaving the camp in the care
of Williams, he took a southern direction, and after trav
eling ten or twelve miles, came across some large buf
faloe roads, and pursuing one of them, was brought, in a
few hours, to a salt lick, on Licking river — afterward,
from the color of the water, called the Bluelick. This place,
now known by the name of the Lower Bluelick, is in
sight of where the Lexington and Maysville turnpike
crosses Licking. Here, where for ages the wUd beasts
of the forest had been in the habit of resorting, Kenton
killed a buffaloe, and taking a piece of it to prepare for
his supper, encamped on the bank of the river, and spent

210 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
the night, or so much of it as was redeemed from sleep,
in a train of the most pleasing reflections and anticipa
tions. The land appeared to be a paradise. Abundance
of salt was now added to an unparalleled fertility of soU,
in a country abounding with every variety of game. The
hunter could ask for no more — his every wish appeared
to be realized.
In the moming, he was so occupied in contemplating
the visions of bliss that in future prospect dancedbefore his
imagination, that it was mid-day before he left his camp,
and on approaching the lick, he was much surprised to
find a white man standing by it. Knowing that many
white men lived with the Indians, and were no less sav
age than they, he at first hesitated, but finally marched
up to hira, prepared to meet a friend or to encounter an
enemy. On saluting the stranger, he found that he had
nothing to fear, and learned, for the first time, that he
and WiUiams were not the only inhabitants of Kentucky.
This man's name was Michael Stoner ; he had come out
with Daniel Boon the year before ; had left Boon's
station to explore and examine the country, and faUng
into a buffaloe road, had foUowed it to the lick. Stoner
informed him, that there were several settiements com
menced that season near the Kentucky river, and advised
him to leave his present camp, and join with one of them.
As Kenton relished this advice, Stoner accompanied him
to his camp, where they tarried one night ; then gathered
up their little property, and bidding adieu to their corn
patch, Kenton and Williams took up the line of march,
with Stoner, for the south.
The settlements referred to above, are the following :
The first in order of time, was that of Daniel Boon,
now known by the name of Boonsborough, on the Ken
tucky river ; which was followed by the station bf Cap
tain Harrod, now Harrodsburgh, on the south side of
Kentucky river, and ten miles from it ; and on the north

[Face 211.]

Boon the Hunter.

GENERAL SIMON KENTON. 211
side were M'Clelland's settiement, where Georgetown
now stands ; Huston's, on the present site of Paris, and
Hingston's, afterwards called Ruddle's station. The last
two were situated within seven mUes of each other, in
the bounds of the present county of Bourbon. The in
habitants of these embryo settiements were principally
from North Carolina, and had been led to the country by
Colonel Boon.
After visiting and examining aU the settiements, Ken
ton united with Hingston's party, where he spent the win-
er, about forty miles distant from his late residence and
norn-patch. This year, and throughout the winter, tiie
Indians remained quiet ; but early in the spring of 1776,
ihe scene was changed. The American revolution was
ilien in full progress, and the Indians, stimulated by the
British, seemed resolved to break up the infant settle
ments of Kentucky. Consequently every station was
attacked, and few, if any, escaped without the loss of
some of their men. The survivors were alarmed, and re
solved to seek security by uniting their forces. Huston's
station being more exposed than the others, was the first
to break up. They took shelter with Captain M'Clel-
land ; and numbers from Hingston, following their exam
ple, it was reduced to about ten men, among whom was
Kenton — the first to advance, and the last to retreat. But
the Indians still continuing to harass them, by kiUing
their cattie and stealing their horses, they also concluded
to abandon their fort, and fly to M'Clelland's.
Kentucky, lying within the chartered limits of Vir
ginia, her settlements about this time attracted the atten
tion ofthat state, and Major (afterwards General) George
Clark, and a lawyer by the name of Jones, were sent
from Wheeling with five hundred pounds of powder and
lead in proportion. They concealed the ammunition on
the lower of the Three Islands, and came through the
woods to M'CleUand's fort. As ammunition was grow-

212 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
ing scarce, the intelligence of these timely supplies com
municated much joy to the inhabitants, and tended to re-
give their drooping spirits. Concluding they could not
spare from the fort as many men as would be necessary
to insure a safe conveyance ofthe amraunition, Maj. Clark
and Kenton set off for Harrod's fort to procure assistance.
But so soon as they were gone, Mr. Jones iraprudently
prevailed on ten men to go with him to the place where
the ammunition had been left. This was a rash step, and
severely did they pay for it. On the way they were met
by a body of Indians, under the command of a celebrated
chief called Pluggy ; a battie ensued, and the whites were
defeated. Jones and WiUiam Gradon were killed, and
Joseph Rodgers and Josiah Dickson taken prisoners.
This happened on Christmas day, 1776. When Clark
and Kenton returned, they had the mortification to meet
the remnant of their defeated friends. And though they
were much in need of the ammunition, this unfortunate
circumstance frustrated for the present the intended expe
dition, and the party from Harrod's fort immediately re
turned. On the morning of the first day of the year, 1777,
Pluggy with a few of his party came in sight of the fort.
McClelland and several of his men rashed forth to give
them battle, but were defeated. Capt. McClelland and
two others were slain, and four wounded. After this the
Indians directed their march homeward ; and Kenton and
Bates Collier cautiously pursued their trail to the place
where they had crossed the Ohio, near the present city
of MaysviUe ; when finding that the Indians had left the
country, they went up to the place where the ammuni
tion was deposited, found it safe, and then retumed to the
fort. About thirty men were then raised, who proceeded
to the Three Islands, and brought off the ammunition
without molestation.
When Kenton and his party returned to the fort with

GENERAL SIMON KENTON. 213
the ammunition, they found every thing in gloom. Panic
strack, the occupants had resolved to abandon the settie
ment ; and soon the whole party, men, women, and chil
dren, moved in a body to Harrod's fort. This removal
is represented by Kenton as the most affecting sight
he ever witnessed. The hardy hunters were evidently
alarmed ; despair sat brooding on the countenance of
every female ; and the chUdren having caught the infec
tion, vented their terrors in waUing cries, which alto
gether formed a scene that might have excited the sym
pathy of even a savage heart. All the settiements in
Kentucky, except Boon's and Harrod's, were given up ;
and at this critical period the first legal officers were ap
pointed in the country. A commission arrived from Vir
ginia, giving the command to Maj. George Clark, with
authority to appoint his inferior officers. Consequently,
Boon and Harrod, and soon afterwards Logan, were rais
ed to the office of captain.
By the time the spring arrived, the settiers were so
much in need of clothing, that Kenton, John Haggin, and
four others, started for Hingston's, to break-out some
flax and hemp which had been left at that place. On ap
proaching the station, Haggin, riding some distance be
fore the rest, discovered a party of Indians encamped
around the block-house. With this information, he re
turned to his companions. Kenton proposed a retreat,
but Haggin rejected the proposal with indignation, and
in an insolent tone pronounced that no one but a coward
would think of retreating without giving the Indians a
fire. To this Kenton replied, that it was not a time for
quarreling, that he was ready to prove by his works, a
willingness to go as far, and fire as free as any man.
The whole party, except a young Dutchman who had
sat on his horse listening to the dispute, then dismounted
and tied their horses. But it seems that the Indians had
observed Haggin when he approached the fort, and cau-

214 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
tiously pursued him as he retreated ; for scarcely had the
party dismounted, when a column of Indians appeared in
front, and another party, which had nearly surrounded
them, comraenced a distant and scattering fire through
the brush. As further delay would have brought certain
destruction, they instantly fled on foot, and thus escaped
with their lives, but lost all their horses except the one
occupied by the Dutchman. This was early in March,
1777. When this party left Harrod's fort, Maj. Clark had di
rected Kenton so soon as the flax and hemp should be
dressed, to take two men and pursue a circuitous route
through the country to Boon's station. But on com
mencing their retreat from Hingston, every appearance
induced the conclusion that a large body of Indians were
on the march to attack Harrod's fort ; Kenton therefore
determined to go to Boon's alone, while the others should
return and apprise Capt. Harrod of his danger, and aid
in defending that place, should it be assaulted. Ken
ton arrived undiscovered by the enemy, in the neighbor
hood of Boonsborough ; but knowing that the Indians
were apt to lie concealed around the forts, for the pur
pose of destroying those who might attempt to pass to or
from them, he concluded not to approach till after dark.
After lying by for two or three hours, he grew impatient,
left his retreat, and approached the fort, and the first
thing he saw was the men of the fort carrying in the
bodies of two men whom the Indians had shot an hour
or two before. These men had been kUled on the very
route that Kenton came, and hence it is certain that the
pause he had made, had saved his life.
The rest of the party, upon their retreat from Hink-
ston, made a rapid march for Harrod's fort, and arrived
in time to warn the garrison and prepare it for the pre
meditated attack. Indeed, it appears that the Indians
knowing they could not take the place by surprise, now

GENERAL SIMON KENTON. 215
their plans were discovered, moved so leisurely as to give
Maj. Clark sufficient time to prepare for defence. Find
ing in their march a few whites at a place caUed Shaw
nee Spring, the Indians fired upon them, killed some,
and took one prisoner ; but the rest, by flying to the fort,
gave additional evidence of the approach of the enemy ;
so that when the garrison on the next morning was at
tacked, it was fully prepared for a vigorous and obstinate
defence. The siege continued several days and nights ;
and though the Indians succeeded in reducing the num
ber of their opponents, they also lost many of their own
men, and at last withdrew in despair.
Previous to this attack Benjamin Logan had been pre
paring to make a settiement near the place where Lin
coln court-house now stands, and soon as the enemy re
treated, he, with a number of others, left Harrod's and
proceeded to the new settlement, which formed the third
post at that time occupied in the country. These settle
ments, notwithstanding the dangers to which they were
continually exposed, were constantly gaining strength by
emigrants, through the wUderness, from Virginia and
North Carolina.
But the Indians still continuing troublesome, each of
the stations agreed to furnish two spies, to be selected by
their captains, and Maj. Clark pledged the faith of Vir
ginia for their payment. This arrangement was carried
into effect by the appointment of Simon Kenton and
Thomas Brooks, on the part of Boon ; Samuel Moore
and Bates Collier, by Harrod ; and John Conrad and
John Martin, by Logan. Thus selected, and having
their routes and mode of operation left to their own dis
cretion, these choice spirits were constantiy on the alert,
and by a faithful discharge of their arduous duties proved
themselves worthy of the confidence reposed in them.
During the summer their constant weekly practice was
for two of them to visit the deserted stations of McClel-
16

216 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
land, Hinkston, and Huston, from thence by the Upper
and Lower Bluelicks, and to the Three Islands on the
Ohio, thence down to the mouth of Licking, and then
back to the stations. By this vigUance they were always
able, except in one instance, to give the forts timely no
tice of the approach of the enemy. During the summer
three different attacks were made upon Boonsborough.
The first came upon them unexpected, and in the follow
ing manner: Early one morning Kenton and two others
having loaded their guns for a hunt, were standing at the
gate, when two men who had gone into a field in sight
of the fort to drive in some horses, were fired upon by
four or five Indians. Not being wounded, they fled, and
were pursued to within sixty or seventy yards of the
fort, where an Indian overtook one of them, kiUed hira
with his tomahawk, and commenced the operation of
taking off his scalp. But by this time Kenton was within
a few yards of the spot, and shot the Indian down ; and
then in company with his hunting companions, gave
chase to the others, and pursued them into the edge of
the field. In the meantime Boon having heard the re
port of guns, had taken ten men and come forth to their
assistance. As these were advancing from the fort, Ken
ton casting his eye to the left, discovered an Indian about
to fire upon them ; but Kenton shot first, and the savage
sunk to rise no more. By the time his gun was reloaded,
and Boon had come up, they heard a rush of footsteps
upon their left, and discovered that a number of Indians
had got between them and the gate. Their situation was
now perilous in the extreme. But desperate diseases re
quire desperate remedies : Boon, therefore, gave orders
to charge through the Indian column, which was done by
first firing their rifles upon the enemy, and then beating
down all that stood in their way.> But this attempt,
though it proved successful, had like to have cost the
life of their leader. Boon received a ball through the

OENERAL SIMON KENTON. 217
leg, which broke the bone, and left him on the ground ;
but when the tomahawk was uplifted to dispatch the fallen
captain, Kenton came to his rescue, discharged the con
tents of his gun through the body of the Indian, and con
veyed his leader safe into the fort. Of the fourteen men
engaged in this affray, seven were wounded but none
killed. After they had got in, and the gate was closed,
Boon sent for Kenton, and said, " WeU, Simon, you have
behaved like a man to-day. Indeed you are a fine fel
low." This simple eulogium was probably as gratifying
to Kenton as any thing could have been ; and certainly
the circumstances that caUed it forth were more praise
worthy than many acts that have crowned their perform
ers with fame and titles of honor. The Indians contin
ued around the fort two or three days, and then with
drew. As has been intimated, this fort sustained two other at
tacks during the year. On both occasions Kenton was
in the fort, and at his post ; and though they were ap
prised of the approach of the enemy, and consequentiy
better prepared for the assault, yet their sufferings were
great. Their cattle was kiUed, their horses stolen, and
their situation so precarious that neitlier corn nor other
vegetables could be cultivated. Meat they must have or
perish, and this was procured at the risk and even the
loss of many lives. To obtain this, the custom of the
hunters was to steal out in the dark, and go to the dis
tance of twelve or fifteen mUes from the fort ; then after
kUling their meat and drying it over a fire, to load them
selves ¦with as much as they could carry, and approach as
near the fort as they could in safety by day, then when
night came to creep cautiously to the waU, give a signal
and be admitted. In this hazardous employment many
lives were sacrificed, but it was the only means of pre
serving their existence. And even this afforded but
scanty subsistence ; for they were sometimes in want

218 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
and always compelled to eat their meat without either
bread or salt. Kenton was employed as a spy till the
close of the year 1777.
' In 1778, Capt. Watkins, with a few men, was sent
from Virginia to aid in the defence of Kentucky, and was
stationed at Boon's fort. It was agreed between Boon
and Watkins that they would go alternately to the Blue
lick, and make salt for the settlements. Boon went first,
and fell to work with about thirty men ; who while thus
employed were dependent upon game from the woods
for their support. One day Boon having gone out to
hunt, was surprised and taken prisoner by a party of In
dians under the command of a chief by the name of Black
Fish. As the Indians were several hundred in number.
Boon capitulated for his men at the lick, who were all
taken but Thomas Brooks and another, who were out on
a hunting excursion. Brooks and his companion, hav
ing thus escaped, fied for Boon's station, with the dole
ful tidings ; and on their way met Capt. Watkins pro
ceeding to the lick, who immediately returned to the fort,
and the salt scheme was abandoned. Kenton, Haggin;
and a few others, anxious for their captured friends, start
ed for the lick, found the Indian trail, and cautiously fol
lowed it to where they had crossed the Ohio, some dis
tance above the mouth of Licking, and then returned to
the station. At this time Kenton resumed his occupation
of ranging the country as a spy.
In the course ofthe preceding winter, Maj. Clark had
gone to Virginia to solicit aid in defence of the country ;
and having Obtained a few men, he descended the Ohio
about the first of June, and encamped on an island at the
falls. From thence he dispatched messengers to Boon's
and Harrod's stations for as many men as could be spar
ed, to join him in an expedition against the British set
tiements on the Mississippi, Tliis, with those who had
famUies in the forts, was an unpopular movement. They

GENERAL SIMON KENTON. 219
were of opinion that no man ought to leave them ; and
consequently Kenton and Haggin were all that did go.
Clark was mortified at receiving so small a reinforce
ment ; but hearing that Capt. Montgomery, with a party
of men, was making salt at Drenning's lick, he sent Ken
ton to soUcit aid from him. Montgomery was an Irish
man, " full of fight," and immediately with his whole
party, ten or twelve men, proceeded to the falls. Clark's
force now amounted to one hundred and fifty-three men ;
and seeing no prospect of increasing it, he left his camp
and moved down the Ohio. What a handful of men for
an expedition so hazardous. Landing at a place called
Cherokee fort, below the mouth of Tennessee, they sunk
their boats, and taking their baggage, provisions, and
camp equipage upon their backs, marched through the
wilderness one hundred and twenty miles, to Okaw, or
Kaskaskia. This town and fort, commanded by one
who was called the Governor, Clark determined to take
by surprise. The first object was to get possession of
the fort, and then he concluded the town would make no
resistance. The hour of midnight was chosen for the at
tack. On approaching the fort they saw a light in a
small house near it, and a few men were sent to surround
it. They found it occupied by a Pennsylvanian, who
disliked the French and was ready to aid in taking the
place. He informed them thatthe fort kept no sentinels,
and led the way to a place where the pickets were so
rotten as to be easily broken down. Here the whole
party entered, and being shown the Governor's room,
Kenton and a few others went into it, and gentiy waked
him out of a sound sleep. Resistance being then use
less, he at once surrendered himself and his sleeping
comrades, prisoners of war. This conquest, effected
without the aid of artillery, wagon, or horse, was main
tained to the close ofthe revolutionary struggle, and was
of much advantage to our infant settlements in the west.

220 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
A few days after the surrender of this place, Kenton
and a few others were dispatched with an express to Col.
Bowman, who then commanded at Harrodsburg. He
was directed to take Vincennes in his way, and endeavor
to ascertain whether it could be easily taken ; also, to
destroy his papers, and trast to his memory for their con
tents, if he should be likely to fall into the hands of the
enemy. Approaching Vincennes, he tore up his papers,
and lying concealed by day and reconnoitering at night,
continued round the town for three days. Having thus
satisfied himself of the strength and situation of the place,
he sent one of his companions with the intelligence back
to Clark, while he and the other prosecuted their jour
ney, and arrived at Harrodsburgh in thirteen days.
By this time Boon had made his escape from the In
dians, aud on Kenton's return he proposed to him to join
in an expedition against a small Indian town on Paint
creek. The proposal was accepted, and taking nineteen
men, they set off for the town. When they had ap
proached within five or six miles of the place, they were
met by about forty Indians, whom they attacked and put
to flight without receiving any injury. Knowing now
that the Indians were aware rf their approach, and con
sequentiy that the town could not be taken by surprise.
Boon thought it advisable to return. But Kenton and
another man by the name of Montgomery determined to
remain, and learn something more of the Indians, and if
possible, secure some of their horses. Hence, conceal
ing themselves near the path leading from the town, they
watched the whole day without discovering any Indians ;
and when night came they approached the town, but
could not discover that the Indians were at all alarmed at
the affray of the morning. The next day they lay con
cealed near a cornfield, but saw no Indians except some
children that did not approach near enough to discover
them. On the second night they caught two horses and

GENERAL SIMON KENTON. 221
made a start for home. Discovering, after crossing the
Ohio, a large Indian trail leading in the direction of
Boonsborough, they turned their course and went to Lo
gan's. They afterwards learned that the Indians whose
trail they had seen, were at that time besieging Boon.
This siege they kept up for several days ; but after kill
ing one white man and a negro, and suffering considera
ble loss themselves, they retired in despair ; and on the
next day Kenton and Montgomery rode into the fort upon
their Indian horses.
Kenton lay about Boon's and Logan's stations tUl ease
became irksome to him. About the first of September
of this same year, 1778, we find him preparing for an
other Indian expedition. Alexander Montgomery and
George Clark joined him, and they set off from Boon's
station for the avowed purpose of obtaining horses from
the Indians. They crossed the Ohio, and proceeded
cautiously to Chillicothe (now Oldtown.) They arrived
at the town without meeting any adventure. In the night
they fell in with a drove of horses that were feeding in
the rich prairies. They were prepared with salt and
halters. They had much difficulty to catch the horses ;
however, at length they succeeded, and as soon as the
horses were haltered, they dashed off with seven — a
pretty good haul. They traveled with all the speed they
could to the Ohio. They came to the Ohio near the
mouth of Eagle creek, now in Brown county. When
they came to the river, the wind blew almost a hurri
cane. The waves ran so high that the horses were fright
ened, and could not be induced to take the water. It
was late in the evening. They then rode back into the
hUls some distance from the river, hobbled and turned
their horses loose to graze ; while they turned back some
distance, and watched the trail they had come, to dis
cover whether or no they were pursued. Here they re
mained till the foUowing day, when the wind subsided.

223 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OP
As soon as the wind fell they caught their horses, and
went again to the river ; but their horses were so fright
ened with the waves the day before, that all their efforts
could not induce them to take the water. This was a
sore disappointment to our adventurers. They were
satisfied that they were pursued by the enemy ; they
therefore determined to lose no more time in useless ef
forts to cross the Ohio ; they concluded to select three of
the best horses, and make their way to the falls of the
Ohio, where Gen. Clark had left some men stationed.
Each made choice of a horse, and the other horses were
turned loose to shift for themselves. After the spare
horses had been loosed, and permitted to ramble off, ava
rice whispered to them, and why not take all the horses.
The loose horses had by this time scattered and strag
gled out of sight. Our party now separated to hunt up
the horses they had turned loose. Kenton went towards
the river, and had not gone far before he heard a whoop
in the direction of where they had been trying to force
the horses into the water. He got off his horse and tied
him, and then crept with the stealthy tread of the cat,
to make observations in the direction he had heard the
whoop. Just as he reached the high bank of the river,
he met the Indians on horseback. Being unperceived
by them, but so nigh that it was impossible for him to re
treat without being discovered, he concluded the boldest
course to be the safest, and very deliberately took aim at
the foremost Indian. His gun flashed in the pan. He
then retreated. The Indians pursued on horseback. In
his retreat, he passed through a piece of land where a
storm had torn up a great part of the timber. The fallen
trees afforded him some advantage of the Indians in the
race, as they were on horseback and he on foot. The
Indian force divided ; some rode on one side of the fallen
timber, and sorae on the other. Just as he emerged from
the fallen timber, at the foot of the hiU, one of the Indians

GENERAL SIMON KENTON. 223
met him on horseback, and boldly rode up to him, jump
ed off his horse and rushed at him with his tomahawk.
Kenton concluding a gun-barrel as good a weapon of de
fence as a tomahawk, drew back his gun to strike the In
dian before him. At that instant another Indian, who
unperceived by Kenton had slipped up behind him,
clasped him in his arms. Being now overpowered by
numbers, further resistance was useless — he surrendered.
Whilst the Indians were binding Kenton with tugs,
Montgomery came in view, and fired at the Indians, but
missed his mark. Montgomery fled on foot. Some of
the Indians pursued, shot at, and missed hira ; a second
fire was made, and Montgomery fell. The Indians soon
returned to Kenton, shaking at him Montgomery's bloody
scalp. George Clark, Kenton's other companion, made
his escape, crossed the Ohio, and arrived safe at Logan's
station. The Indians encamped that night on the bank of the
Ohio. The next morning they prepared their horses for
a return to their towns with the unfortunate and unhappy
prisoner. Nothing but death in the most appalling form
presented itself to his view. When they were ready to
set off, they caught the wildest horse in the company,
and placed Kenton on his back. The horse being very
restif, it took several of them to hold him, whilst the
others lashed the prisoner on the horse. They first took
a tug, or rope, and fastened his legs and feet together un
der the horse. They took another and fastened his arms.
They took another and tied around his neck, and fasten
ed one end of it around the horse's neck ; the other end
of this same rope was fastened to the horse's tail, to an
swer in place of a crupper. They had a great deal of
amusement to themselves, as they were preparing Ken
ton and his horse for fun and frolic. They would yelp
and scream around him, and ask him if he wished to steal
more horses. Another rope was fastened around his

224 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
thighs, and lashed around the body of the horse ; a pair
of moccasons was drawn over his hands, to prevent him
from defending his face from the brash. Thus accoutered
and fastened, the horse was turned loose to the woods.
He reared and plunged, ran through the woods for some
time, to the infinite amusement of the Indians, After
the horse had ran about, plunging, rearing, and kicking,
for some time, and found that he could not shake off, nor
kick off his rider, he very quietly submitted himself to
his situation, and foUowed the cavalcade as quiet and
peaceable as his rider. The Indians moved towards
ChiUicothe, and in three days reached the town. At
night they confined their prisoner in the following man
ner: He was laid on his back, his legs extended, drawn
apart, and fastened to two saplings or stakes driven in
the ground. His arms were extended, a pole laid across
his breast, and his arm lashed to the pole with cords.
A rope was tied around his neck, and stretched back just
tight enough not to choke him, and fastened to a tree or
stake near his head. In this painful and uncomfortable
situation, he spent three miserable nights, exposed to
gnats, and musketoes, and weather. O, j,oor human na
ture, what miserable wretches we are, thus to punish and
harass each other. (The frontier whites of that day,
were but little behind the Indians, in wiles, in cruelty,
and revenge.) When the Indians came within about a
mile of the Chillicothe town, they halted and camped for
the night, and fastened the poor unfortunate prisoner in
the usual uncomfortable manner. The Indians, young
and old, came from the town to welcome the return of
their successful warriors, and to visit their prisoner. The
Indian party, young and old, consisting of about one hun
dred and fifty, commenced dancing, singing, and yelling
around Kenton, stopping occasionally and kicking and
beating him for amusement. In this manner they tor
mented him for about three hours, when the cavalcade

GENERAL SIMON KENTON. 225
retumed to town, and he was left for the rest of the night,
exhausted and forlorn, to the tender mercies of the gnats
and musketoes. As soon as it was light in the morning,
the Indians began to collect from the town, and prepara
tions were made for fun and frolic at the expense of Ken
ton, as he was now doomed to ran the gauntlet. The
Indians were formed in two lines, about six feet apart,
with each a hickory in his hands, and Kenton placed be
tween the two lines, so that each Indian could beat hira
as much as he thought proper, as he ran through the
lines. He had not ran far before he discovered an In
dian with his knife drawn to plunge it into him ; as soon
as Kenton reached that part of the line where the Indian
stood who had the knife drawn, he broke through the
lines, and made with all speed for the town. Kenton
had been previously informed by a negro named Czesar,
who lived with the Indians and knew their customs, that
if he could break through the Indians' lines, and arrive
at the council-house in the town before he was overta
ken, that they would not force him a second time to run
the gauntiet. When he broke through their lines, he ran
at the top of his speed for the council-house, pursued by
two or three hundred Indians, yelling and screaming like
infernal furies. Just as he had entered the town, he was
met by an Indian leisurely walking towards the scene of
amusement, wrapped in a blanket. The Indian threw
off his blanket ; and as he was fresh, and Kenton nearly
exhausted, the Indian soon caught him, threw him down.
In a moment the whole party who were in pursuit came up,
and fell to cuffing and kicking him at a most fearful rate.
They tore off all his clothes, and left him naked and ex
hausted. After he had laid till he had in some degree
recovered from his exhausted state, they brought him
some water and something to eat. As soon as his
strength was sufficiently recovered, they took him to the
council-house, to determine upon his fate. Their man-

226 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
ner of deciding his fate, was as follows : Their warriors
were placed in a circle in the council-house ; an old chief
was placed in tne center of the circle, with a knife and a
piece of wood in his hands. A number of speeches were
made. Kenton, although he did not understand their
language, soon discovered by their animated gestures,
and fierce looks at him, that a majority of their speakers
wore contending for his destruction. He could perceive
that those who plead for mercy, were received coolly ;
but few grunts of approbation were uttered when the
orators closed their speeches. After the orators ceased
speaking, the old chief who sat in the midst of the circle,
raised up and handed a war-club to the man who sat next
the door. They proceeded to take the decision of their
court. All who were for the death of the prisoner, struck
the war-club with violence against the ground ; those
who voted to save the prisoner's life, passed the club to
his next neighbor without striking the ground. Kenton,
from their expressive gestures, could easily distinguish
the object of their vote. The old chief who stood to
witness and record the number that voted for death or
mercy, as one strack the ground with the war-club, he
made a mark on one side of his piece of wood ; and when
the club was passed without striking, he made a mark
on the other. Kenton discovered that a large majority
were for death.
Sentence of death being now passed upon the prisoner,
they made the welkin ring with shouts of joy. The sen
tence of death being passed, there was another question
of considerable difficulty now presented itself to the con
sideration of the council ; that was, the time and place,
when and where, he should be burnt. The orators again
made speeches on the subject, less animated indeed than
on the trial ; but some appeared to be quite vehement for
instant execution, whilst others appeared to wish to make
his death a solemn national sacrifice. After a long de-

GENERAL SIMON KENTON. 227
bate, the vote was taken, when it was resolved that the
place of his execution should be Wapatomika (now
Zanesfield, Logan county.) The next morning he was
hurried away to the place destined for his execution.
From ChiUicothe to Wapatomika, they had to pass
through two other Indian towns, to wit : Pickaway and
Machecheek. At both towns he was compelled to run the
gauntiet ; and severely was he whipped through the course.
While he lay at Machecheek, being carelessly guarded,
he made an attempt to escape. Nothing worse than death
could follow, and here he made a bold push for life and
freedom. Being unconfined, he broke and ran, and soon
cleared himself out of sight of his pursuers. Whilst he
distanced his pursuers, and got about two miles from the
town, he accidentally met sorae Indians on horseback.
They instantiy pursued, and soon came up with him, and
drove him back again to the town. He now, for the first
time, gave up his case as hopeless. Nothing but death
stared him in the face. Fate, it appeared to him, had sealed
his doom ; and in sullen despair, he determined to await
that doom, that it was impossible for him to shun. How in
scrutable are the ways of Providence, and how little can
man control his destiny ! When the Indians returned with
Kenton to the town, there was a general rejoicing. He
was pinioned, and given over to the young Indians, who
dragged him into the creek, tumbled him in the water,
and rolled him in the mud, tUl he was nearly suffocated
with mud and water. In this way they amused them
selves with him till he was nearly drowned. He now
thought himself forsaken by God. Shortiy after this his
tormentors moved with him to Wapatomika. As soon
as he arrived at this place, the Indians, young and old,
male and female, crowded around the prisoner. Amongst
others who came to see him, was the celebrated and no
torious Simon Girty. It wUl be recollected that Kenton
and Girty were bosom companions at Fort Pitt, and on

228 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OP
the campaign with Lord Dunmore. As it was the cus
tom of the Indians to black such prisoners as were intend
ed to be put to death, Girty did not immediately recog
nize Kenton in his black disguise. Girty came forward
and inquired of Kenton where he had lived. Was an
swered Kentucky. He next inquired how many men
there were in Kentucky. He answered, he did not know ;
but would give him the names and rank of the officers,
and he, Girty, could judge of the probable number of
men. Kenton then named a great many officers, and
their rank, many of whom had honorary titles, without
any command. At length Girty asked the prisoner his
name. When he was answered, Simon Butler. (It will
be recollected, that he changed his name when he
fled from his parents and home.) Girty eyed him for a
moment, and imraediately recognized the active and bold
youth, who had been his corapanion in arms about Fort
Pitt, and on the campaign with Lord Dunmore. Girty
threw himself into Kenton's arms, embraced and wept
aloud over him— calling him his dear and esteemed friend.
This hardened wretch, who had been the cause of the
death of hundreds, had some of the sparks of humanity
remaining in him, and wept like a child at the tragical
fate which hung over his friend. " Well," said' he to
Kenton, " you are condemned to die, but I will use every
means in my power to save your life."
Girty immediately had a council convened, and made
a long speech to the Indians, to save the life of the pris
oner. As Girty was proceeding through his speech, he
became very animated; and under his powerful elo
quence, Kenton could plainly discover the grim visages
of his savage judges relent. When Girty concluded his
powerful and animated speech, the Indians rose with one
simultaneous grunt of approbation, saved the prisoner's
life, and placed him under the care and protection of his
old companion, Girty.

GENERAL SIMON KENTON. 229
The British had a trading establishment then at Wap
atomika. Girty took Kenton with him to the store, and
dressed him, from head to foot, as well as he could wish ;
he was also provided with a horse and saddle. Kenton
was now free, and roamed about through the country,
from Indian town to town, in company with his benefac
tor. How uncertain is the fate of nations as well as that
of individuals ! How sudden the changes from adversity
to prosperity, and from prosperity to adversity ! Kenton
beiiig a strong, robust man, with an iron frame, with a
resolution that never winced at danger, and fortitude to
bear pain with the composure of a stoic, he soon recov
ered from his scourges and braises, and the other severe
treatment he had received. It is thought probable, that
if the Indians had continued to treat him with kindness
and respect, he would eventually have become one of
them. He had but few inducements to return again to
the whites. He was then a fugitive from justice, had
changed his name, and he thought it his interest to keep
as far from his former acquaintances as possible. After
Kenton and his benefactor had been roaming about for
some time, a war party of Indians, who had been on an
expedition to the neighborhood of Wheeling, returned ;
they had been defeated by the whites, some of their raen
were kiUed, and others wounded. When this defeated
party returned they were sullen, chagrined, and full of
revenge, and determined to kill any of the whites who
came within their grasp. Kenton was then the only
white man upon whom they could satiate their revenge.
Kenton and Girty were then at Solomon's town, p, small
distance from Wapatomika. A message was immediately
sent to Girty to return, and bring Kenton with him. The
two friends met the messenger on the way. The mes
senger shook hands with Girty, but refused the hand of
Kenton. Girty, after talking aside with the messenger
some time, said to Kenton, they have sent for us to attend

230 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
a grand council at Wapatomika. They hurried to the
town ; and when they arrived tiiere the council house was
crowded. When Girty went into the house, the Indians
all rose up and shook hands with him ; but when Ken
ton offered his hand it was refused, with a scowl of con
tempt. This alarmed him ; he began to admit the idea
that this sudden convention of the councU, and their re
fusing his hand, boded him some evil. After the mem
bers of the council were seated in their usual manner,
the war chief of the defeated party rose up and made a
most vehement speech, frequently turning his fiery and
revengeful eyes on Kenton during his speech. Girty
was the next to rise to address the councU. He told them
that he had lived with them several years ; that he had
risked his life in that time more frequentiy than any of
them ; that they all knew that he had never spared the
life of one of the hated Americans ; that they well knew
that he had never asked for a division of the spoils ; that
he fought alone for the destruction of their enemies ; and
that he now requested them to spare the life of this young
man on his account. The young man, he said, was his early
friend, for whom he felt the tenderness of a parent for a
son, and he hoped, after the many evidences that he had
given of his attachment to the Indian cause, they would
not hesitate to grant his request. If they would Indulge
him in granting his request to spare the life of this young
man, he would pledge himself never to ask them again to
spare the life of a hated American.
Several chiefs spoke in succession on this important
subject.; and with the most apparent deliberation, the
council decided, by an overwhelming majority, for death.
After the decision of this grand court was announced,
Girty went to Kenton, and embracing him very tenderly,
said that he very sincerely sympathized with him in liis
foriorn and unfortunate situation ; that he had used all the
efforts he was master of to save his Ufe, but it was now

GENERAL SIMON KENTON. 231
decreed that he must die — that he could do no more for
him. Awful doom !
It will be recollected, that this was in 1778, in the
midst of the American revolution. Upper Sandusky was
then the place where the British paid their western In
dian allies their annuities ; and as time might effect what
his eloquence could not, Girty, as a last resort, persuaded
the Indians to convey their prisoner to Sandusky, as
there would meet vast numbers to receive their presents ;
that the assembled tribes could there witness the solemn
scene of the death of the prisoner. To this proposition
the council agreed ; and the prisoner was placed in the
care of five Indians, who forthwith set off for Upper San
dusky. What windings, and twistings, and turnings, were
seen in the fate of our hero.
As the Indians passed from Wapatomika to Upper San
dusky, they went through a small village on the river Sci
oto, where then resided the celebrated chief Logan, of
Jefferson memory. Logan, unlike the rest of his tribe,
was humane as he was brave. At his wigwam the party
who had the care of the prisoner, staid over night. Dur
ing the evening, Logan entered into conversation with
the prisoner. The next morning he told Kenton that he
would detain the party that day — that he had sent two of
his young men off the night before to Upper Sandusky,
to speak a good word for him. Logan was great and
good — the friend of all men. In the course of the follow
ing evening his young men returned, and early the next
morning the guard set off with the prisoner for Upper
Sandusky. When Kenton's party set off from Logan's,
Logan shook hands with the prisoner, but gave no inti
mation of what might probably be his fate. The party-
went on with Kenton till they came in view of the
Upper Sandusky town. The Indians, young and old,
came out to meet and welcome the warriors, and view the
prisoner. Here he was not compelled to run the gaunt-
17

233 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
let. A grand council was immediately convened to de
termine upon the fate of Kenton. This was the fourth
council which was held to dispose of the life of the pris
oner. As soon as this grand court was organized and
ready to proceed to business, a Canadian Frenchman, by
the name of Peter Druyer, who was a captain in the
British service, and dressed in the gaudy appendages of
the British uniform, made his appearance in the council.
This Druyer was born and raised in Detroit — he was
connected with the British Indian agent department —
was their principal interpreter in settling Indian affairs ;
this made him a man of great consequence among the In
dians, It was to this influential man, that the good chief
Logan, the friend of all the human famUy, sent his young
men to intercede for the life of Kenton, His judgment
and address were only equaled by his humanity. His
foresight in selecting the agent who it was most proba
ble could save the life of the prisoner, proves his judg
ment and his knowledge of the human heart. As soon
as the grand council was organized. Captain Druyer re
quested permission to address the council. This per
mission was instantly granted. He began his speech by
stating, " that it was well known that it was the wish
and interest of the English that not an American should
be left alive. That the Americans were the cause of the
present bloody and distressing war — that neither peace
nor safety could be expected, so long as these intruders
were permitted to live upon the earth." This part of
his speech received repeated grunts of approbation. He
then explained to the Indians, " that the war to be car
ried on successfully, required cunning as well as bravery
— that the intelligence which might be extorted from a
prisoner, would be of more advantage, in conducting the
future operations of the war, than would be the life of
twenty prisoners. That he had no doubt but the com
manding officer at Detroit could procure information from

GENERAL SIMON KENTON. 233
the prisoner now before them, that would be of incalcu
lable advantage to them in the progress of the present
war. Under these circumstances, he hoped they would
defer the death of the prisoner tiU he was taken to De
troit, and examined by the comraanding general. After
which he could be brought back, and if thought advisa
ble, upon further consideration, he might be put to death
in any manner they thought proper." He next noticed,
" that they had already a great deal of trouble and fatigue
with the prisoner without being revenged upon him ; but
that they had got back all the horses the prisoner had
stolen from them, and killed one of his comrades ; and to
insure them something for their fatigue and trouble, he
himself would give one hundred dollars in ram and to
bacco, or any other articles they would choose, if they
would let him take the prisoner to Detroit, to be exam
ined by the British general." The Indians, without hes
itation, agreed to Captain Druyer's proposition, and he
paid down the ransom. As soon as these arrangements
were concluded, Druyer and a principal chief set off with
the prisoner for Lower Sandusky. From this place they
proceeded by water to Detroit, where they arrived in a
few days. Here the prisoner was handed over to the
commanding officer, and lodged in the fort as a prisoner
of war. He was now out of danger from the Indians,
and was treated with the usual attention of prisoners of
war in civilized countries. The British commander gave
the Indians some additional remuneration for the life of
the prisoner, and they returned satisfied to join their
countrymen at Wapatomika.
Although Kenton was stiU a prisoner, he was now in
no danger from the faggot or the tomahawk ; when he re
flected on the many dangers and hair-breadth escapes
through which he had passed in such rapid succession,
it looked to him like some terrible dream, which made
his hair stand on end. He was taken prisoner about the

234 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
first of September, and arrived at Detroit about the begin
ning of November. During thfe two months he was in
possession of the Indians, his life was in perpetual and
irarainent danger, and consequently his mind harassed
with incessant suspense, and fluctuations between hope
and fear ; no situation could be more appalling or dis
tressing to the human heart. Notwithstanding the cor
poreal abuses and privations which he had so repeatedly
to experience, together with the anguish of mind, insep
arable from his perUous situation as to life, his health was
uninterrupted during his dangerous and severe trials.
From the sufferings through which he passed, it is al
most miraculous that he had not sunk in despair, or that
the privations and exposures he was forced to undergo,
had, not, brought on diseases which would put an end to
his miserable existence ; but such was his confidence in
the protection of an all-seeing eye, that he was buoyed
up to bear the sufferings by which he was encompassed,
with resignation. As soon as his mind was out of sus
pense and at ease, his robust constitution and iron frame
enabled his body to recruit in a few days, from the most
trying exposures and privations, such as the want of
sleep, subsistence, and the many and severe flagellations
which he had so repeatedly to undergo during his painful
captivity. The next day after Kenton had passed into the pos
session of the British at Detroit, the commanding officer
sent for him and had a long conference with him, on the
subject of the strength and number of the inhabitants in
the infant settlements of Kentucky. He next inquired
of the, prisoner what he knew of the strength, and de
signs of the; movements of. General Mcintosh, who, it
was understood, was on the way, or preparing to invade
the Indian country. To aU of which interrogatories,
Kenton gave such answers as a patriot might be expected
to give. He told the trath where the truth would not

GENERAL SIMON KENTON. 235
injure his country ; evaded direct answers where the in
formation might afford advantage to the eneray. After
the British commander had interrogated him as long as
he thought proper, he dismissed hira, and gave an order
on a Captain McGregor, the commissary of clothing, for
two suits of clothes, which were furnished forthwith.
He was now permitted the liberty of the city of Detroit,
but was charged not to leave the town ; if he did, the In
dians, in all probability, would kUl hira. Here he did
sorae work, and drew half rations frora the British, and
lived pretty much at his ease ; but the town and suburbs
of Detroit were too confined a range for a man like him,
who thought the vaUey of the grand Ohio too small a
theater for his active, enterprising genius. He was like
the bird confined in a cage, always longing for more
space, that he might take his flight east, west, north or
south. Here he passed the winter of 1778 and '79.
Early in the spring of 1779, the Indians brought to De
troit several prisoners whom they had taken from Ken
tucky. Amongst them were some of Kenton's old asso
ciates. These prisoners had also the liberty of the town,
and Kenton and they strolled about at pleasure. Among
these prisoners were Captain Nathan BuUit and Jesse
Coffer. With these two men Kenton began to meditate
an escape. They had frequent conferences on the sub
ject ; but the enterprise was almost too appalling for even
these hardy, enterprising pioneers. If they should make
this bold push, they would have to travel nearly four
hundred mUes through the Indian . country, where they
would be exposed to death by starvation, by flood, by
the tomahawk, or to capture, almost at every step. But
the longer they brooded over the enterprise the stronger
their resolutions grew to make the attempt. They could
make no movement to procure arms, ammunition, or pro
vision, without exciting suspicion ; and should they be
once suspected they would be immediately confined.' —

236 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
In this situation they could only brood over their wished
flight in secret and in silence. Kenton was a fine look
ing man, with a dignified and manly deportment, and a
soft, pleasing voice, and was everywhere he went a fa
vorite among the ladies. A Mrs. Harvey, the wife of an
Indian trader, had treated him with particular respect
ever since he came to Detroit, and he concluded if he
could engage this lady as a confidant, by her assistance
and countenance ways and means could be prepared to
aid them in their meditated flight. Kenton approached
Mrs. Harvey on this delicate and interesting subject,
with as much trepidation and coyness as ever maiden
was approached in a love affair. The great difficulty
with Kenton was to get the subject opened with Mrs.
Harvey. If she should reject his suit and betray his in
tentions, all his fond hopes would be at once blasted.
However, at length he concluded to trust this lady with
the scheme of his meditated flight, and the part he wished
her to act for him. He watched an opportunity to have a
private interview with Mrs. Harvey ; an opportunity soon
offered, and he, without disguise or hesitation, in full confi
dence informed her of his intention, and requested her aid
and secrecy. She appeared at first astonished at his propo
sal, and observed that it was not in her power to afford
him any aid, Kenton told her he did not expect or wish
her to be at any expense on their account — that they had
a little money for which they had labored, and that they
wished her to be their agent to purchase such articles as
would be necessary for them in their flight — that if they
should go to purchasing it would create suspicion, but
that she could aid them in this way without creating any
suspicion ; and if she would be their friend, they had no
doubt they could effect their escape. This appeal from
such a fine looking man as Kenton, was irresistible.
There was something pleasing in being the selected con
fidant of such a man ; and the lady, though a littie coy at

GENERAL SIMON KENTON. 237
first, surrendered at discretion. After a few chit chats,
she entered into the views of Kenton with as much
earnestness and enthusiasm as if she had been his sister.
She began to collect and conceal such articles as might
be necessary in the journey : powder, lead, mocasons,
and dried beef were procured in small quantities, and
concealed in a hollow tree some distance out of town.
Guns were still wanting, and it would not do for a lady
to trade in them. Mr. Harvey had an excellent fowling
piece, if nothing better should offer, that she said should
be at their service. They had now every thing that they
expected to take with them in their flight ready, except
guns. At length the third day of June, 1779, came, and
a large concourse of Indians were in the town engaged
in a drunken frolic ; they had stacked their guns near
Mrs. Harvey's house ; as soon as it was dark, Mrs, Har
vey went quietiy to where the Indians' guns were stack
ed, and selected the three best looking rifles, carried them
into her garden, and concealed them in a patch of peas.
She next went privately to Kenton's lodging, and con
veyed to him the intelligence where she had hid the In
dians' guns, — She told him she would place a ladder at
the back of the garden (it was picketed,) and that he
could come in and get the guns. No time was to be
lost ; Kenton conveyed the good news he had from Mrs.
Harvey to his companions, who received the tidings in
ecstacies of joy ; they felt as if they were already at
home. It was a dark night ; Kenton, BuUit and Coffer
gathered up their littie all and pushed to Mrs, Harvey's
garden. There they found the ladder ; Kenton mounted
over, drew the ladder over after him, went to the pea-
patch, found Mrs. Harvey sitting by the guns ; she hand
ed him the rifles, gave him a friendly shake of the hand
and bid him a safe journey to his friends and country
men. She appeared to Kenton and his comrades as an
angel. When a woman engages to do an action, she

238 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OP
will risk limb, life, or character to serve those whom she
respects or wishes to befriend. How differentiy the same
action will be viewed by different persons : by Kenton
and his friends her conduct was viewed as the benevo
lent action of a good angel ; while if the part she played
in behalf of Kenton and his companions had been known
to the commander at Detroit, she would have been look
ed upon as a traitress, who merited the scorn and con
tempt of all honest citizens. This night was the last
time that Kenton ever saw or heard of her.
A few days before Kenton left Detroit, he had a con
versation with an Indian trader, a Scotchman, by the
name of McKinzie, who was well acquainted with the
geography of the country, and range of the Indians, be
tween the lakes and the Ohio and Mississippi. The
Scotchman slyly observed to Kenton, that if he was go
ing to Kentucky, and did not wish to meet with the In
dians, he would steer more west than the common route,
and get into Wabash prairies as soon as possible. Ken
ton did not know what to think of the remarks of the
Scotchman. He began to think that perhaps Mrs. Har
vey had divulged his secret to this man, and that he was
pumping Kenton ; or probably he wished to aid him, and
this was offering friendly advice. As no more was said,
he did not pretend to notice what the Scotchman said, but
treasured the remarks in his mind.
As soon as Kenton and companions took their leave
of their friend and benafactress, Mrs. Harvey, they made
their way to the littie store in the hollow tree, bundled
up, and pushed for the wood, and steered a more west
erly, than the direct course to Kentucky. They had no
doubt but every effort would be made to retake them ;
they were, consequentiy, very circumspect and cautious
in leaving as few traces, by which they might be discov
ered, as possible. They went on slowly, traveling most
ly in the night, steering their course by tiie cluster, call-

[Face 339]

itentoB killing the Buck,

GENERAL SIMON KENTON. 239
ed the seven stars, till they reached the prairie country,
on the Wabash. In this time, though they had been
very sparing of their stock of provision, it was now ex
hausted, and their lives depended on their guns. In
these large prairies there was but little game, and they
were days without provision. They, like the Hebrews
of old, began to wish themselves again with the flesh
pots at Detroit. One day as they were passing down
the Wabash, they were just emerging out of a thicket of
brush-wood, when an Indian encampment suddenly pre
sented itself to their view, and not more than one hun
dred and fifty or two hundred yards frora them. No
ghastly visit could have set their hair on end sooner.
They immediately dodged back into the thicket, and con
cealed themselves tiU night. They were now almost ex
hausted with fatigue and hunger — they could only travel
a few miles in a day. They lay stUl in the thicket, con
sulting with each other the most proper measures to pur
sue in this their precarious situation. BuUit and Coffer
thought the best plan to save their lives, would be volun
tarily to surrender themselves to the Indians. The In
dians who had taken them had not treated them so rough
ly as Kenton had been handled. Kenton wished to lay
still till night, and make as littie sign as possible, and as
soon as it was dark they would push ahead, and trust the
event to Providence. After considerable debate, Ken
ton's plan was adopted. As soon as it was dark they
made their way farther from the river, into those large
prairies. They kept a slow and painful jog till morning.
In the morning they made for a piece of timber land,
which was not a great distance frora them, Kenton was
a small distance in advance. As they entered the wood
a fine red buck presented itself close to him. Kenton
took deliberate aim — ^his rifle fired clear, and down fell
the buck. They immediately made a fire and went to
cooking ; and never did food eat more delicious. How

240 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
littie do the men of the present age, who live sumptuous
ly every day, sympathize with the sufferings of the war
worn, weather-beaten pioneers, who braved death and
misery in every form which can be imagined — want, fa
tigue, starvation, exposure in the night, exposure to the
heat and the cold ; added to these, the exposure to the
wUy Indian by day and by night. All these difficulties
and privations were cheerfully met by a set of men who
thought but little of wealth, their whole object appeared
to be either prompted by patriotism or love of danger.
The sinall remnant of these weather-beaten woodsmen,
who are still amongst us, are generally poor, and treated
with neglect by their more polished and fortunate suc
cessors. Notwithstanding that Kenton and his party
were now in the neighborhood of an Indian encampment,
they remained at their fire till they roasted the greatest
part of their buck. After their feast was over, they again
took up their slow, weary, and toilsome march. They
made the best of their way to the falls of the Ohio, and
arrived there after a painful and tedious march of thirty-
three days, frora the time they left Detroit. Here Ken
ton remained a few days with his old companions. This
was in the month of July, 1779. It required only a fSw
days of plentiful living, when his mind was free from sus
pense, to recruit both his body and raind. The account of
the captivity and release of our hero is now related. It
might naturally be expected that after his narrow and
providential escapes, severe trials, and his long and pain
ful march for freedom, and to again enjoy the pleasure of
the company of his countryraen, that he would take some
repose ; but not so : danger and fame were the food
which afforded him most enjoyment. The many dan
gers, trials, and hair-breadth escapes, through which he
had passed, only whetted his appetite to engage in more
perils. As soon as his health and strength were recruit
ed he began to cast his active mind about for further ad-

GENERAL SIMON KENTON. 241
venture. The indolence of a stationary life became irk
some to our bold adventurer. It was in the clangor
of arms, and in the din of battle, that he appeared at
home. It will be recollected that in the spring of the prece
ding year, 1778, he went with Gen. Clark to the Mis
sissippi, and aided in capturing Ocho, or Kaska,skia ; that
' Gen. Clark sent him with dispatches to Kentucky ; that
on his way he had reconnoitered Post Vincent, and sent
one of his comrades back to inform Gen. Clark of the
weak situation, and careless manner in which Post Vin
cent was guarded by the enemy. As soon as Kenton's
messenger arrived at Kaskaskia with this intelligence.
Gen, Clark moved a detachment from Illinois, across the
grand prairie, and took Post Vincent by surprise, as
cheap as he had before taken the Ocho station. Gen.
Clark StiU remained at Post Vincent in 1779, when Ken
ton had made his escape from captivity. After loitering
about the falls of Ohio some time, he concluded he would
now push for Vincennes, and join his old companion in
arms, Gen. Clark. There was then neither settlement
nor house between the falls of Ohio and Vincennes ; but
that did not deter, it rather invited him to the enterprise.
Our wandering hero went to Vincennes without meeting
any adventure worth relating. As there was no prospect
of immediate skirmishes or batties on the Wabash, the
times appeared too dull for him to remain long in " in
glorious ease." He shouldered his rifle, came back to
the falls of Ohio, and then to Harrod's station, on the
Kentucky river. The winter, 1779-80, passed off with
out any particular occurrence to our hero worth notice.
* * * I will now notice occurrences which took
place in Kentucky in 1779, whUe Kenton was in captiv
ity. During this year a number of new settiements were
formed. Some settlements were made on Bear Grass,
near the falls of the Ohio. Bashear's and Martin's sta-

242 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
tions were settled. McLelland's, Riddle's, and Hink-
ston's stations were again occupied ; and every prospect
appeared favorable for the speedy fiUing up of the coun
try with inhabitants.
How deceitful are appearances in times of war ! What
short sighted beings we are ! We cannot know what a
day may bring forth ! Although in the summer and fall
of 1779, every thing appeared favorable to the views of
the inhabitants of the infant settlement of Kentucky, the
spring of 1780 ushered forth in melancholy forebodings
of the future. The Kentuckians were then isolated in
the wUderness, some hundred of miles from where any
friendly aid could be procured to relieve in their distress.
Under these circumstances they had to rely principally
upon their own energies for defence. At this time a
large British and Indian force invaded Kentucky. The
enemy were well equipped for war, having with them
several pieces of artiUery from Detroit. They brought
their artillery and munitions of war, by water from De
troit, up the Maumee, and thence by land to Big Miami ;
down the Miami to the Ohio ; up the Ohio to the mouth
of Licking, and up Licking to the forks. From thence
they proceeded by land; and simultaneously invested
Martin's and Riddle's stations. As these stations had
only for defence log block-houses and pickets, resistance
against artillery would be a useless risk and waste of life,
the inhabitants capitulated, and surrendered themselves
prisoners of war. When this dissjster took place, Ken
ton was at Harrod's station. The news soon spread
from station to station. Kenton was ever on the alert ; went
in company with Charles Gatiffs, and cautiously follow
ed the Indian traU, to ascertain the direction which the
enemy had taken, and their probable future movements.
They found the enemy encamped at the forks of Licking
river. Here they hovered about them for a day or two,
when the Indians broke up the camp, and proceeded down

GENERAL SIMON KENTON. 243
the river to the Ohio. What urged them to move off
without delay, was, the Licking river was faUing very
fast, and should they delay much longer they would not
be able to take their artillery by water ; and if they should
be pursued and beaten they would lose the effect of their
successful enterprise. As soon as the Indians commenc
ed their retrograde movements from the forks of Licking,
Kenton returned to Harrod's station. As soon as Gen.
Clark, who was stUl at Post Vincent, heard of the disas
ter which had taken place in Kentucky, he returned to
the falls of the Ohio, with aU the force that could be safe
ly spared ; thence he proceeded to Harrod's station, to
consult on ways and means to be revenged on their ene
mies. An expedition being determined on against the
enemy, all who were able to bear arms were called upon.
The mouth of Licking was appointed the place of gene
ral rendezvous. Kenton was appointed a captain, and
commanded an active and numerous company of volun
teers from Harrod's station. At the mouth of Licking
river, was now concentrated Kentucky's united strength,
amounting to about eleven hundred men, commanded by
Gen. Clark, a man of intrepidity and talents ; who was
seconded and aided by numerous spirits, no way inferior
to himself. They had with them one brass twelve
pounder, which the state of Virginia had sent to the faUs
of Ohio. The provisions furnished at the expense of
the public, was three quarts of corn to the man. In ad
dition to this, each man brought with him as much dry
jirk as he could conveniently carry. Thus scantUy sup
plied, this intrepid band commenced their march. The
object of this grand expedition, was the destruction of
the ChiUicothe town, on the Littie Miami. Although
Kenton was now a captain of a company, as he had been
several times at Chillicothe town, he was selected as the
pilot to direct their march. This army went through the
unbroken wUderness, with Kenton for their guide ; made

244 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
their own roads, and moved rapidly for the Indian towns,
in order to take them by surprise if possible, and not to
afford the eneray time to concentrate all their force at any
one point. When the army arrived at the ChiUicothe
town, the Indians had just left the place, and set the town
on fire. The Indians had retreated to the Pickaway
town, and were collecting their force as fast as possible
to give the whites battle. Gen. Clark commenced an
immediate pursuit. When he arrived at the Pickaway
town, he found the Indians embodied and prepared for
defence. Gen. Clark immediately made the necessary
arrangements, and the battle commenced. The Indians
fought like furies, but being overpowered by numbers,
were compelled to leave the field of battle, with their d^ad
and wounded to the whites. The whites destroyed sev
eral of their towns without meeting any further resist
ance. A vast quantity of com and other vegetables were
consumed, and otherwise destroyed. This was a severe
blow on the Indians. It was the first visit the Kentuck
ians had paid the Indians in mass. The northwestern
Indians were as brave and full of prowess, and skilled in
stratagem, as any men that ever lived. The Kentuckians
were only their equals.
Gen. Clark remained at Pickaway toWn three days,
destroying every thing that could be found which might
render either aid or comfort to the Indians. In this work
of destruction, Kenton's knowledge of the situation of
this part of the Indian country was of immense service.
Let it be recollected, that while he was a prisoner, he
rode with Girty to nearly all the Indian towns on the
Miamies and head of the Scioto. The army returned to
the Ohio opposite to the moutli of Licking, now the city
of Cincinnati, and there disbanded, and every man re
turned to his home, without the formality of a written
discharge. There was no muster-roll. No pay receiv
ed or expected. Every man fought for himself. This

GENERAL SIMON KENTON. 245
was a real democratic army, where every man went when
he pleased, staid as long as he pleased, and returned when
he pleased ; but wo to the man who dodged in time of
danger. From the mouth of Licking, Kenton returned to Boon's
station, and went occasionally to Logan's and Harrod's,
sometimes acting as a spy or ranger, and sometimes on
hunting excursions, and sometimes attending with loca-
ters and surveyors to land business. In this way he
passed off his time till the fall of the year 1783. During
all this time his days and nights were passed in tedious
sameness, without being once enlivened by the thrilling
animation of an Indian fight. Such is the force of habit,
that the dull pursuits of civil life soon become irksome to
the soldier.
About this time he first heard from his parents. His
parents or friends could not hear from him, as he had
changed his name, and till now had been known by the
name of Simon Butler. He now for the first time learn
ed that he had not killed Veach ! that Veach had recover
ed and was still living. He now for the first time since
he came to Kentucky assumed his proper name.
In the fall of the year 1782, the Kentuckians deter
mined on paying the Indians another visit, and endeavor
to overwhelm them in destruction their troublesome
neighbors. For this purpose, George R, Clark was
again appointed, by general consent, commander of their
forces. When we take a retrospect of the intrepidity
and fortitude of those pioneer fathers of the west, we are
almost lost in astonishment at the daring achievements,
and the discouraging difficulties which they so nobly
overcame. When we see them coUecting and forming
themselves into armies, traversing large tracts of country
without roads ; no friendly garrison to retreat to in case
of disaster ; with no other subsistence but what every
man furnished himself with; where every man found
18

246 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
his own arms, ammunition, tents, and baggage, without
any of the equipments which constitute the strength of
armies, we are lost in wonder at the fortitude and resolu
tion of those men, that did not quail or fall into despair
at the appalling dangers and difficulties by which they
were encompassed.
(1782.) The mouth of Licking was again appointed
the place of rendezvous. On this expedition Kenton
again commanded a company, and was looked upon by
both officers and privates as one of the pillars of their
force. His knowledge of the country intended to be in
vaded, his cautious yet fearless courage, his tact and in
vention for forming stratagem, for ambuscading the ene
my, rendered him popular with these pioneers. These
hardy soldiers would hesitate to obey or execute any plan
or order, which did not meet the approbation of Simon
Kenton. The troops having arrived on the ground where
Cincinnati now stands, they immediately prepared for an
expeditious march. Their number was about fifteen
hundred men. They directed their march for the Indian
towns on the Great Miami. So sudden and secret was
the expedition, that they fell upon the first Indian town
without being discovered previous to the attack. In this
town a large number of Indians were killed, and between
thirty and forty made prisoners. The alarm being given,
the Indians deserted their other villages and fled to the
woods. The whites without further resistance, burnt
their towns, destroyed their corn, with every other thing
that fell in their way, that could render the Indians aid
or comfort. The army then returned to the Ohio, oppo
site the mouth of Licking, where they disbanded. On
the morning that the troops disbanded theraselves. Col.
Floyd, from the falls of the Ohio, made a proposition to
the army : that all of them who should be living fifty
years hence, should meet at that place, and talk over the
affairs of the campaign, and of the various improvements

GENERAL SIMON KENTON. 247
which might by that time take place in the country.
This resolution was adopted with shouts of acclamation.
There was something grand and sublime in the proposal ;
and Col. Floyd must have had correct notions of the
probable population which might by that time be in quiet,
peaceable possession of this, then, western wilderness.
He must have observed, too, the probabUity of a large
city growing up at, or opposite the mouth of Licking,
and the many advantages that this site possessed, from its
contiguity to several rivers, together with the fine coun
try by which it was surrounded. The revolutionary war
was about this time ended ; the colonies were acknowl
edged sovereign, independent states, and the prospects of
a happy and long peace, was, as they beUeved, dawning
upon them. The Indians were the only enemies with
whom they had to contend ; and as they had, unaided
kept them in check, they hoped now, that as their breth
ren of the Atlantic states were relieved from the horrors
of war, that they might count upon receiving a helping
hand from their fellow citizens east of the mountains.
They had some doleful feelings, too, about the small
remnant of them who should probably be alive when the
fifty years should expire. Although the settiements of
Kentucky went on rapidly, they continued to be harass
ed by Indian wars much longer than was anticipated by
any. Col. Floyd, who brought forward the resolution
for the fifty years' meeting, was kiUed by the Indians on
Bear Grass, near the falls of the Ohio, a few years after
wards. As the fifty years would expire on or about the
10th day of November, 1832, intense were the feelings
of the few remaining of those hardy men, as the time of
the meeting approached. When the fifty years were
about expiring, alraost all the western newspapers gave
notice of the expected meeting. It would have been a
scene which men indeed would gaze and wonder at with
awe and astonishment. To see and converse with the

248 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
weather-beaten pioneers who had marched in the front of
war fifty years before, would have excited sensations that
the pen is unable to describe. The imagination can only
picture to itself some pleasant, gloomy, scene, in which
the ghosts of some long-gone-by generation were called
upon to act a part, in the presence of living men. At the
time of the proposed fifty years' meeting, a goodly num
ber of those ancient heroes were still remaining upon the
stage of action. Amongst others, Simon Kenton. He
was as anxious for the meeting as ever a bridegroom was
for the wedding night. It was his day and night dream.
The ways of Providence are inscratable. When the 10th
of November, 1833, came, Cinninnati and the whole
surrounding country was covered in gloom. The dread
ed cholera had made its appearance, and thousands wer(
falling before its awful and pestilential strides. This aw
ful visitation postponed the fifty-years' meeting forever.
To return to the narrative : When the army was dis
banded, Kenton returned to Harrod's station, and attend
ed to his private concerns. He had by this time acquirei
some valuable tracts of land, and as the country was rap
idly filling up with inhabitants, he concluded that he too
would make a settiement. For this purpose, he selected
a fertUe spot of land on Salt river. During the winter
and spring of 1783 and '83, a few families joined him,
reared up some block-houses, surrounded with pickets for
defence, cleared some land, and planted corn. The woods
furnished them with an abundant supply of meat, and
he went on for the present, improving his estate, without
interruption from the Indians. After having laid by his
corn, he concluded to visit his father, mother, brothers,
and sisters, who still remained in his native land, Vir
ginia. He had now been absent nearly thirteen years,
the greater part of which time was passed in perils, pri
vations, and sufferings, almost too great for human nature

GENERAL SIMON KENTON. 249
to survive ; but his iron frame, and unyielding disposi
tion, bore him through his difficulties in triumph.
When he returned to the home of his 'childhood, he
had the exquisite satisfaction to find his father and all his
family living. This meeting had something in it like the
meeting of the old patriarch Jacob with his son Joseph,
except that Kenton showed himself the most dutiful and
filial son of the two, as he went, whilst Joseph sent for
his father's family. Kenton now associated with the
friends of his childhood. This was to him a real mental
feast, as his soul was a storehouse of friendship and sym
pathy. Those whom he had left children thirteen years
before, were now the active business men and women of
the country. As he passed through the country, some
hill or hoUow, some tree or rivulet, would recall to his
mind some fun or freakish event of his childhood or youth.
He visited his old friend Veach, whom he thought he had
kiUed. They mutually forgave each other, and buried
the tomahawk, and smoked the pipe of peace.
Simon Kenton described to his father and famUy, the
fertility and the advantages of the new country of Ken
tucky, in such glowing colors, that the whole family
agreed to accompany him to Kentucky. The whole
tribe set off; their baggage was placed on a few pack-
horses, and moved to Redstone fort (now Brownsville).
Here they made what was called a Kentucky boat. While
engaged in constructing their boat, his father sickened and
died, and was buried on the bank of the Monongahela.
No stone or marble points to the place where lie the bones
of the father of the celebrated Simon Kenton. Their
boat was soon finished ; and men, women and children,
together with the little stock of animals, were crowded
on board, and they floated down the stream to the faUs
ofthe Ohio. By this time winter was setting in. From the
falls they made their way to Kenton's station, on Salt
river, where they found themselves at the end of their

250 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
wearisome journey. Here Kenton remained till July,
1784. Nothing took place worth noticing. Peace ap
peared to bless the country, and immigrants came pouring
in. Frora the falls ofthe Ohio up Bear Grass, on Salt river,
on Kentucky river up to Boon's and Logan's stations, on
Elkhorn, and through the country, as far as the neighbor
hood of where Paris now stands, was checkered with
stations. It will be recollected by the reader, that Kenton and
Thomas WiUiams had cleared and planted a small piece
of ground near Maysville, in 1777, and from this place
they went and joined Col. Boon and his friends on the
Kentucky river. In July, 1784, Kenton once more col
lected a party of adventurers, and went to his old camp
near Limestone, now MaysviUe. The Indians were then
spread over that part of the country. Kenton and his
party thought it too dangerous to remain here, and they
returned again to his station on Salt river. In the fall of
this year, 1784, he returned to his old camp near Lime
stone ; built some block-houses ; and, in the course of the
winter 1784-5, many famUies joined them. This station
was erected about three miles from Limestone, and one
mile from where Washington, in Mason county, now
stands. This was the first permanent settlement made
on the northeast side of Licking river. As the Indians
made no disturbance this winter, many new settiements
were commenced in Mason county, in the following
spring. Limestone, now Maysville, was settied by old
Ned Waller. Lee's, Warren's, and Clark's stations were
made; and new comers were constantly pouring in.
During the whole of the year 1785, no interruption was
given by the Indians to this infant settlement. The chas
tisement given them on the late expedition by General
Clark, had in sorae measure broken their spirits.
1786. The country round Kenton's station continued
to receive a throng of emigrants : numerous new stations

GENERAL SIMON KENTON, 251
were made, and Limestone (Maysville) became one of
the principal landing places. This year Kenton sold, or
rather gave, Arthur Fox and WUliam Wood, one thou
sand acres of land, on which they laid out the present
town of Washington, which town soon received a great
number of inhabitants. Although the Indians stole, occa
sionally, some horses from this infant settlement, yet they
did nothing serious enough to check the growth of the
country. As it was supposed that they were the Indians from
Mochacheek and Pickaway, who had been stealing their
horses, an expedition was resolved upon to chastise them.
The inhabitants from all the stations sent on a good many
men, and the new town of Washington was appointed
the place of rendezvous. Col. Logan had the chief com
mand. The detachment consisted of about 700 men,
armed and equipped at their own expense, as usual.
They crossed the Ohio at Limestone. Kenton com
manded a fine company, and was the pilot to direct their
march. So secret and expeditious were their move
ments, that they arrived at the Indian towns without be
ing discovered. These towns were about a mile from
each other. The whites were divided into two columns,
and attacked both towns about tiie same time. A num
ber of Indians were killed, and a number of prisoners
made. Their wigwams and other property were des
troyed. As some of the Indians escaped, the alarm was
given to the other towns, and the Indians made for the
woods. This littie army marched through the Indian
country without further resistance ; they burnt four other
towns, destroyed their corn and every thing which might
render the Indians aid or comfort. On this expedition,
which had done the enemy a great deal of harm, they
lost about ten men.
1787. This year the Indians kept the inhabitants
around Kenton's station in perpetual alarm, with their

252 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
predatory incursions ; sometimes stealing horses, at other
times kUling some ofthe inhabitants. As Kenton's settle
ment was a kind of outpost for the settlements around Pa
ris and Lexington, the people of the latter settlements al
ways lent them a helping hand. Kenton sent word to Col.
Tod, that if he would come on with as many men as he
could bring with hira, that he, Kenton, would raise what
men he could, and that with their joint force, they could
destroy the Indian town on the north fork of Paint creek,
now Oldtown, then ChiUicothe. This detachment ren
dezvoused in Washington. Col. Tod commanded. They
crossed the Ohio at Limestone. Kenton, as usual, com
manded a company, and piloted the expedition to the
Chillicothe town. On their route out, about five miles
south of Oldtown, on a place now called poplar-ridge, the
advance guard, commanded by Kenton, met four Indians.
Kenton and one Helm fired, and killed two of the Indians.
The other two were taken prisoners. Had either of
those Indians escaped, the Indians in the town and coun
try would have been alarmed and fled. Kenton was now
surrounded by a set of young men of his own training,
and fearful was the doom of enemies of equal numbers
who came in their way. From the two prisoners they
had taken, they learnt that there was a large Indian en
campment between them and old Chillicothe, about three
miles from the latter place. On this intelligence the
army was halted on poplar-ridge, and Kenton and his
company went forward, to reconnoiter the situation of
the enemy. Kenton proceeded near the Indian camp,
lay by tUl night, and then with a few men reconnoitered
the place, and made himself acquainted with the situation
of the enemy. He then sent an express to Col, Tod, in
forming hira of their probable number and situation. Be
fore day Maj, Hinkston came on and joined Kenton.
Prompt measures were immediately taken. The Indian
camp was surrounded. The whites were too impatient

GENERAL SIMON KENTON. 253
for delay ; the attack was made before it was light enough.
Two Indians only were killed, and seven made prisoners.
Many in the darkness made their escape. Col. Tod,
with the main body of the troops, lingered behind, and
did not reach the place where the Indians were defeated,
till the sun was at least two hours high in the morning.
The Indians who escaped from camp, alarmed the town.
Their men, women, and children, took naked to the
woods, and by the time Col. Tod reached the town, they
had all fled. The town was consumed to ashes, and ev
ery thing around was destroyed. The army camped on
the north fork of Paint creek that night, and next day
made their way for home, without the loss of a man kill
ed or wounded.
1788. The settlements continued to increase around
Kenton's station, although the Indians continued to ha
rass them. The scouting parties of the whites occasion
ally fell in with straggUng parties of Indians, and fre
quent skirmishes ensued during the year. On one occa
sion the Indians came near Kenton's station, and stole a
great number of horses. Kenton raised a party aud pur
sued them. The Indians crossed the Ohio near the
mouth of Locust. Kenton and his party pursued them
with unerring tact, and the speed of a well trained pack
of hounds. They overtook the Indians as they were
preparing to camp for the night. As Kenton and party
lay concealed some small distance from the camp, one of
the Indians straggled to where tiie whites were concealed.
The Indian was shot. The whites rushed upon the In
dian camp, but a gun bejng fired, the Indians got alarmed,
and took to the woods ; and it being the dusk, or twUight
of the evening, the rest of the Indians made their escape
Kenton recovered all the horses, and some of their guns,
and all their camp equipage, and returned in triumph
home. During the years 1789, '90, and '91, Kenton was not

254 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
engaged in any particular scrape worth detailing. He
now became rich in land, and stock of every kind ; rear
ed up near Washington, a fine brick buUding, upon the
site where his block-house had formerly stood in times
of peril. His hospitable mansion was the welcome re
treat of his friends and relatives. His hospitality was
as boundless as space — ^his manners easy and pleasing.
All his visitors (and they were numerous) felt themselves
perfectly at home at his friendly dwelling. In the year
1789, the writer of these sketches first became acquaint
ed with Kenton ; and although young, was with him on
many excursions after Indians. Notwithstanding the
many difficulties and dangers which the early settlers had
to encounter, they, in the general, were as happy and
merry people as ever lived. Their times of security and
plenty (they sometimes enjoyed both) was a real feast
of body and mind.
1793. In the spring of this year the Indians were
very troublesome, occasionally kUling some of the inhab
itants, and stealing their horses. In April a party of In
dians crossed the Ohio some distance below Limestone,
and took off a number of horses. The alarm was given,
and Kenton raised a party of thirty-seven men, who im
mediately went in pursuit. These were all young men
of intrepidity, of his own training, bold, dextrous, and
cautious. The Indians took the direction towards the
head of the Little Miami. Kenton pursued ; and when
near the east fork of the Littie Miami, sUentiy pursuing
the Indian trail, he heard a bell at a distance. He imme
diately stopped his party, and as was his custom, he
went in person to reconnoiter. He took with him three
others. Among those he selected, was Cornelius Wash
burn, a young man whose nerves and pulse were as
steady and regular while taking aim at an Indian, as
when he was practicing with his rifle at a target. He
had been with Kenton on several expeditions, and always

GENERAL SIMON KENTON. 255
distinguished himself as a bold soldier. Kenton and his
companions went cautiously forward towards the bell.
After they had gone some distance, they saw an Indian
riding, nearing toward them. (The Indian was hunting
with his bell open, as deer are not alarmed at the sound
of a bell ; on the contrary, they stand and gaze at the
horse on which the bell hangs.) As soon as Kenton
saw the Indian approaching, he concealed his little party,
till the Indian came as near them as the direction he was
traveling would admit. He selected Washburn to shoot
the Indian. When he came into an open space in the
wood, Kenton called, or made a noise. The Indian, as
was expected, stopped to listen. The moment the In
dian stopped his horse, Cornelius Washburn drew his
bead upon hira — drew his hair trigger — the rifle fired
clear, and down fell the Indian. Kenton then returned
to his main party, and a consultation was held on the
subject of their future operations. They were satisfied
this Indian was not alone in the woods — that his com
rades were not far distant. As they were satisfied they
were in the neighborhood of the enemy, circumspection
in their movements was indispensable. They were stiU
on the trail of the Indians who had stolen the horses.
Cornelius Washburn, with another choice and confiden
tial spirit, moved on the trail some distance in advance.
They had not traveled far before Washburn was seen re
turning hastily to meet the party. • He gave Kenton in
telligence that about a mile ahead, he had heard a vast
number of bells, and that he was convinced the bells
were near the Indian camp, as they appeared to be scat
tered as if the horses were feeding in different directions.
A council was iramediately held, to make arrangements
for the coming Combat. It was now late in the evening
and drizzling rain. Kenton, after placing his detachment
in a proper situation to defend themselves should they be
attacked, took Cornelius Washburn, and went to ascer-

256 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OP
tain by personal observation the situation of the enemy.
About the dusk of the evening he came in view of the
Indian encampment. With the stealthy and watchful
tread of the cat, he approached as near their camp as pru
dence would dictate. The Indians were camped on the
bank of the east fork of the Little Miami, about five miles
above where Williamsburg now stands. They had a
number of tents and marquees, which it is probable they
had taken at St. Clair's defeat. The number of Indians
he could not ascertain ; but he had no doubt there was
three or four times the number there was of whites.
Kenton returned and reported to his comrades their situ
ation, and probable number; and after consultation, it
was determined to trust to fortune and attack them bold
ly. Kenton moved on his party near to the enemies'
camp, and then divided them into parties of four men
each, and each party was to attack a separate tent or
marquee. He chose midnight for the attack, lest he
might have to retreat, and in that case he wished a good
part of the night to get the start, as they could not be
pursued in the dark. As soon as his arrangements were
made, they moved cautiously forward to the unequal con
test. So cautious and noiseless was their approach, that
every party was within five or six paces of the line of
tents, without being discovered. They rushed upon the
Indian tents with tremendous yells, and each fired his
rifle against an Indian as they slept. The Indians who
were uninjured, broke through the backs of the tents.
Kenton's party were so small that not near half the tents
were fired into. At the first fire nearly all the Indians
who had left the tents, seeing the small number of the
whites, boldly raUied, returned to the tents that were not
attacked, gathered up their arms, and returned the fire.
There was on a lower bottom, a second line of tents,
which Kenton had not discovered when he reconnoitered
the camp. The Indians from this low ground ran up the

GENERAL SIMON KENTON. 257
bank to the aid of their corarades. Kenton perceived
this movement, and seeing the Indians attempting to sur
round hira, ordered a retreat. The whole skirmish
lasted but a few minutes. Just as the retreat was com
menced, John Barr (the father of Maj. William Barr, of
Cincinnati, and John T. Barr, of New York) was kiUed,
and Alexander Mclntire was taken prisoner, and the next
day killed. The residue of Kenton's littie band arrived
in safety at home. From information received from a
Mr. Riddle, a white man, who lived with the Indians,
their numbers were two hundred ; some of whom were
women. There were about thirty of them killed, and a
number wounded. This is very probable, from the ad
vantage the whites had in the attack, and while the fight
lasted. The celebrated Tecumseh commanded the In
dians. His caution and fearless intrepidity made hira a
host wherever he went. In mUitary tactics, night at
tacks are not allowable, except in cases like this, where
the assailing party are far inferior in numbers. Some
times in night attacks, panics and confusion are created
in the attacked party which may render them a prey to
inferior numbers. Kenton trusted to something like this
on the present occasion, but was disappointed ; for where
Tecumseh was present, his influence over the minds of
his followers, infused that confidence in his tact and in
trepidity, that they could only be defeated by force of
numbers, 1793, As Mason county was fiUing up with inhabi
tants very rapidly, they felt theraselves strong in number.'?.
They kept spies constantiy ranging the country, and if
the Indians crossed the Ohio, they had to do it very slyly,
or they would be discovered by these ever watchful
spies, Kenton had, this season, made an arrangement
with a Col, Enoch Smith, of Strode's station, that should
the Indians show themselves in his (Smith's) neighbor
hood, that Kenton, with his select corps, would endeavor

258 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
to head the Indians about the Ohio, A party of Indians
had crossed the Ohio about the raouth of the Scioto, went
back, attacked and took Morgan's station. Col. Smith,
pursuant to the arrangement, sent an express to Kenton,
informing him of the disaster ¦which had befallen Mor
gan's station, and the course the Indians had taken. Ken
ton iramediately raised a party of about thirty men, cross
ed the Ohio at Limestone, and moved rapidly through
the woods to endeavor to head the Indians about the
mouth of Paint creek, on the Scioto. When he came to
Paint creek, at the place now known as Reeve's cross
ing, he came on a fresh trail of Indians going down the
creek. It was then late in the evening. He pursued the
trail till nearly dark : Kenton then left his party, and
took Michael Cassady, and went forward to make obser
vations. They had not proceeded far before they heard
bells. They cautiously went forward to reconnoiter.
They found the Indians encamped on the bank of Paint
creek. They had three fires ; some of them were sing
ing and making other merry noises, showing that they
felt in perfect security. Kenton and Cassady returned
to their party, and it was concluded to lay still til! day
light, and then surround and attack the Indians. Kenton's
party were all on horseback. They tied their horses, and
laid StUl tUl nearly day, when they moved on for the In
dian camp. When they got near the camp, a halt was
made, and they divided into three divisions : Captain
Baker, with one division, was directed to proceed to the
creek above the camp ; Cassady, with another division,
was ordered to make to the creek below the camp ; and
Kenton, with the remaining division, was to attack the
camp in front. Strict orders were given that no attack
was to be made till it was light enough to draw a clear
bead. The divisions took their several stations promptiy.
Daylight began to appear — the Indians had risen, and
some were standing or sitting about their fires. Cap-

GENERAL SIMON KENTON. 359
tain Baker, seeing the Indians, soon became impatient to
commence the action ; and before it was light enough to
draw a clear sight, he made the attapk. All the divisions
then rushed upon the Indian camp and fired. The Indi
ans dashed through the creek, and scattered through the
woods, like a flock of young partridges. Three Indians,
only, and a white man by the name of Ward, were kUl
ed. Ward was taken prisoner by the Indians when
young, and in every respect was an Indian. This Ward
had two brothers, James and Charles, who were near
neighbors to Kenton, and who were respectable men.
Kenton's party lost one man in this rencounter, a Mr. Jo
seph Jones. The party now returned home without any
further adventure.
In the course of this summer, the spies who had been
down the Ohio below Limestone, discovered where a
party of about twenty Indians had crossed the Ohio, and
sunk their canoes in the mouth of Holt's creek. The sink
ing of their canoes, and concealing them, was evidence
of the intention of the Indians to recross the Ohio at the
same place. When Kenton received this intelligence he
despatched a messenger to Bourbon county, to apprise
them that Indians had crossed the Ohio, and had taken
that direction ; whilst he forthwith collected a small party
of choice spirits, whom he could depend upon in cases
of emergency. Among them was Cornelius 'VVashburn,
a man who had the cunning of the fox for ambuscading,
and the boldness of the lion for executing. With this
party, Kenton crossed the Ohio at Limestone, and pro
ceeded down to opposite the mouth of Holt's creek,
where the Indian canoes lay concealed. Here his party
lay concealed four days, before they heard or saw any
thing ofthe Indians. On the fourth day of their ambus
cade, they discovered three Indians come down the
bank, and drive six horses into the river. The horses
swam over. The Indians then raised one of the canoes

260 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
they had sunk, and crossed over. When the Indians
carae near the shore, Kenton discovered that of the three
men in the canoe, one was a white man. As he thought
the white man was probably a prisoner, he ordered his
men to fire alone at the Indians, and save the white man.
His men fired : the two Indans fell. The headway which
the canoe had, run her on the shore. The white man in
the canoe, picked up his gun, and as Kenton ran down
to the water's edge to receive the man, he snapped his
gun at the whites. Kenton then ordered his men to kill
hira. He was immediately shot. About three or four
hours afterwards, on the same day, two more Indians
and another white man came to the river, and drove in
five horses. The horses swam over ; and the Indians
raised another of their sunk canoes, and followed the
horses across the Ohio. As soon as the canoe touched the
shore with the Indians, Kenton's party fired upon them,
and kUled them all. The white man who was with this
party of Indians, had his ears cut, his nose bored, and
had all the marks which distinguish the Indians. Kenton
and his men still kept up their ambuscade, knowing there
were still more Indians, and one canoe yet behind. Some
time in the night, the main body of the Indians came to
the place where their canoes were sunk, and hooted like
owls ; but not receiving any answer, they began to think
all was not right. The Indians were as vigilant as wea
sels. The two parties who had been kUled, the main
body expected to find camped on the other side of the
Ohio ; and as no answer was given to their hooting like
pwls, which hooting was doubtless the agreed upon
countersign, one of the Indians must have swam the river,
to reconnoiter, or discover what had become of heir
friends. The Indian, who had swam the river, must
have discovered the ambuscade. He went up on a high
hUl, or knob, which was immediately in Kenton's rear,
and gave three long and loud yells ; after which he in-

GENERAL SIMON KENTON. 261
formed his friends that they must immediately make their
escape, as there were a party of whites waylaying them.
Kenton had several men who understood the Indian lan
guage. Not many minutes after the Indian on the hill
had warned his companions of their danger, the Bourbon
militia came up. It being dark, the Indians broke and
run, leaving about thirty horses, which they had stolen
from about Bourbon. The next morning some attempts
were made to pursue the Indians, but they had straggled
and scattered off in such small parties, that the pursuit
was abandoned, and Kenton and his party returned home,
without this affair making any more noise or eclat, than
would have taken place on the return of a party from a
common hunting tour. Although Kenton and his party
did not succeed as well as they could wish, or was ex
pected by their friends, yet the Indians were completely
foiled and defeated in their object, six of them were kUl
ed, and all the horses they had stolen were retaken, and
the reraainder of the Indians scattered, to return home in
small squads. This was the last inroad the Indians made
in Kentucky ; from henceforward they lived free from
alarms. This same season, 1793, Gen. Wayne came down the
Ohio with the regular army, and was camped on a piece
of ground just below Cincinnati, called Hobson's choice.
Gen. Wayne made a requisition for men on Kentucky,
which was promptly afforded. Gen. Scott comraanded
the Kentucky troops. Of these Kenton was a major,
and placed at the head of a battalion of as choice spirits
as ever settled on the frontier. Wayne, with his army,
went on, and buUt Fort Greenville. By this time the
season was too far advanced, and Gen. Wayne concluded
to suspend his principal operations for the present. He
sent a detachment, and erected Fort Recovery, on the
ground where Gen, St, Clair had been defeated. While
Fort Recovery was building, Gen, Wayne permitted
19

263 A SKETCH OF THE EIFE OF
Kenton of the Kentucky troops, and Maj. McMahan of
the regulars, to take an excursion towards the lakes.
This Maj. McMahan was one of the first settlers about
the Mingo bottom, on the Ohio, above Wheeling, He
was about the same age and experience with Kenton.
McMahan and Samuel Brady were the admitted chiefs
among the frontier men, from Wheeling to Beaver creek.
When among the pioneers, McMahan was sure to be
obeyed, let who would hold the commission. Kenton
and McMahan were both now with Gen. Wayne, and
both were majors. These men, though the bravest of
the brave, knew nothing about the slow, cautious move
ments of armies, whose intention was to maintain the
conquest they might make. They bitterly complained
of Gen. Wayne's dilatory movements ; declared they
might flog the Indians much easier, and with less labor,
than build forts. Gen. Wayne apprised of their discon
tent, concluded that he would permit these two distin
guished and celebrated majors, to have a detachment of
about three hundred men, and let them push forward till
they would find a fight. Kenton's and McMahan's de
tachment consisted of 150 men each — 150 regulars, and
150 volunteers. This detachment went on till they were
near the mouth of the Auglaize, near Fort Defiance,
where they began to find Indian signs plenty. Though
McMahan was equally brave, KentOn was far the most
cautious and discreet soldier. The scouting parties from
this detachment, found numerous large trails of Indians,
coming from different directions, and appearing to center
not far from them. Kenton did not like the signs about
him, and thought it would be most prudent to retire.
McMahan, who was very brave, and very obstinate in
his opinion, said he could not think of retiring without
fighting. Kenton told hira that he thought it very im
prudent and very hazardous to go farther ; but if it were
determined to have a fight at all hazards, that he would

GENERAL SIMON KENTON. 263
join him ; that all should be done that men could do ;
that if a rapid retreat became necessary, he (Kenton) and
his men were mounted, and consequently would have
some advantage in a rapid retreat. Nothing was con
cluded that night. Next morning before day, McMahan
went to Kenton, and said, that after weighing all the cir
cumstances in relation to the apparent concentration of
the Indians, that appeared to be gathering around them,
that he thought his (Kenton's) course of proceeding the
best, at least the safest. This detachment then returned
to Greenville, without having struck a blow. General
Wayne said that he thought more of his two majors now
than he did before ; that he now found they had some
conduct with their courage. Kenton lay at Greenville
with Gen. Wayne till winter set in, when he was dis
charged, and returned home. Thus closed Kenton's
raUitary career, till 1813. Maj. McMahan commanded
Fort Recovery when the Indians attacked that place. Not
content with defending the fort, he rushed out upon the
Indians and was slain, 1794.
The Indian war being now happily terminated, the em
igration to Kentucky pushed forward in a constant stream.
Land became valuable ; and as there was great irregular
ity, and want of precision, in the first entries and surveys,
the late locaters made their entries and surveys of land
very special. Although Kenton was then thought to be
one of the richest men in Kentucky, in land, yet one of
his land claims failed after another, till he was completely
bewildered in a labyrinth of litigation. As Kenton was
unlettered, and consequentiy unacquainted with legal
proceedings, every advantage was taken of his ignorance,
and in a few years the glorious technicalities and uncer
tainty of the law, stripped this honest man of his blood-
bought earnings, and sent him in the evening of his days,
pennyless and dejected, to spend his few remaining years
m poverty and want.

264 SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
About the year 1802 he settled in Urbana, Chatripaign
county, Ohio ; where he remained some years, beloved
and respected by all who had any regard for patriotic
worth. While in Champaign county, he was elected a
Brigadier-general of the militia. About 1810, he became
a member of the methodist church, of which he remain
ed a respected member till the day of his death.
In 1813, when Governor Shelby came to Urbana, at
the head of the Kentucky troops, Kenton would not re
main in " inglorious ease," when his country required
defenders. He shouldered his rifle, raounted his horse,
and joined the army as a private, but a privileged mem
ber of the Governor's military famUy. He crossed the
lakes, and accompanied General Harrison to Maiden in
Upper Canada ; from thence up lake St. Clair and the
river Thames. He was present at the glorious battie of
the Moravian Town, and played his part with his usual
intrepidity. Here ends the military career of the famous
Simon Kenton — a man who, it is probable, passed
through more hair-breadth escapes than any man living
or dead.
About 1820, he moved to the head of Mad river, in
Logan county, near to the site of Old Wapatomika, one
of the places where he passed through scenes of sufl'er-
ing, indescribable, while a captive with the Indians in
his youth. Here, in the midst of a beech forest, was
passed, in humble poverty, the evening of the life of this
illustrious man. If a long life of hardy adventures — with
a courage that never quailed at danger, and patriotism
that never ceased its exertion in his country's cause, de
serves the tide of illustrious, then stands the name of
General Kenton in the first rank of worthies.
About 1824, through the exertions of Judge Burnet of
Cincinnati, (then a member of the United States senate)
and of General Vance, the present Governor of Ohio,
(then a member of the house of representatives, in con-

GENERAL SIMON KENTON. 265
gress)"a pension of twenty doUars a month was obtained
for him. • This sum, though smaU for such services as
he, rendered to his country, secured his declining age
fiom actual want.
In the month of AprU, 1S36, this great and good
man* breathed his last. In the Western Christian Advo
cate, of June 24, 1836, I find the following appropriate
and graphic notice of his death, by Mr. W. I. Elhvorth.
" After the din of war had ceased, and savage barbar
ity was no longer dreaded by the peaceful emigrants.
General Kenton retired to private life, to enjoy the sweets
of domestic happiness. He settled a few miles north of
Old Wapatomika, (now Zanesfield) Logan county, Ohio,
where he spent the last of a long and, we trust, a useful
life. The frosts of more than eighty winters had fallen
on his head, without entirely whitening his locks. Dur
ing the last few years, he declined rapidly ; not so much
from the effects of disease, as by the influence of early
hardship and toil. He was for more than eighteen years
a respectable member of the Methodist church ; and a
regular attendant on the ministry of the word. When
his trembling limbs would no longer perform their wont
ed functions, he would solicit some kind friend to lead
him to the house of God. I visited him a few hours
before his decease, and found him perfectiy willing to
die. His death, though not triumphant, was peaceful ;
and we trust he has exchanged a world of care and grief,
for a state of holy and uninterrupted joy."
He lived to hear the " din of war hushed," and gen-
tie peace returning. He lived to see changes raore ex
traordinary. He lived to see farms, towns, and schools
of learning, and temples of worship constructed, where
* I am aware, that, by too many of the present day, none
are considered great, but such as are adepts in procuring and
retaining wealth. Such men as Cincinnatus, Epaminondas,
or Miltiades, would now be sneered at as poor drivelers.

266 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF
the solitary hunter in days past pitched his lonely camp ;
and in the silent and dark forest pursued his game. What
a change ! He was permitted to live a long life as a con
necting link, to illustrate the manners of two eras as
dissimilar as if they were one thousand years distant from
each other. He had lived to see moral revolutions as
surprising as these extraordinary changes. These muta
tions in manners and in morals have been gradual in
their progress, but most important in their results : and
they have been introduced in our country in less than
fifty years. Every sketch of them, however slight or
detached, should be treasured with pious care.
General Kenton was of fair complexion, six feet one
inch in height. He stood and walked very erect ; and,
ill the prime of life, weighed about one hundred and nine
ty pounds. He never was inclined to ^le corpulent, al
though of sufficient fulness to form a graceful person. He
had a soft, tremulous voice, very pleasing to the hearer.
He had laughing, grey eyes, which appeared to fascinate
the beholder. He was a pleasant, good-humored, and
obliging corapanion. When excited, or provoked to an
ger (which was seldom the case) the fiery glance of his
eye would almost curdle the blood of those with whom
he came in contact. His rage, when roused, was a tor
nado. In his dealing, he was perfectly honest ; his con
fidence in man, and his credulity, were such, that the
same man might cheat him twenty times ; and if he pro
fessed friendship, he might cheat him still.
I Iiave now related the principal incidents in the event
ful life of this extraordinary man ; with truth only for my
guide. I am aware that my composition will require the
indulgence of my readers ; and it is believed that those
who know me best, will not hesitate to pardon my want
of method, and the coarse style of my writing. Although
I am ambitious to please the reader, vanity, or a false
estimate of my acquirements, or talents, did not induce

GENERAL SIMON KENTON. 267
me to write these sheets. My aim was to be useful, by
recording the actions of men, to whom Kentucky and
Ohio owe a debt of gratitude. How could the rising
generation set a correct estimate on the character of men
of whom they had only he.ird by common fame 1
In 1830, I paid a visit to General Kenton, and from
his own words, and in his presence, committed to writing
the principal incidents related in the foregoing narrative.
In a life so long and full of actions, there is no doubt
but many interesting events escaped the old hero's recol
lection. The writer of this narrative, in his youth, ac
companied him on several minor expeditions, of which
no notice is taken. But enough is written to show the
genius and enterprise of the man, who first planted corn
on the north of Kentucky.

I will close these narratives, by quoting a few lines
from a western bard.
" Say, shall the rough woodland pioneers.
Of Mississippi's wide-extended vale.
Claim no just tribute of our love and tears.
And their names vanish with the passing gale?
With veteran arms the forest they subdued.
With veteran arts subdued the savage foe;
Our country, purchased with their valiant blood.
Claims for them all that gratitude can do.
Their arduous labors gave us wealth and ease ;
Fair freedom followed from their doubtful strife;
Their well-armed measures gave us lasting peace.
And all the social blessedness of life.
Then let their offspring, mindful of their claims.
Cherish their honors in the lyric band.
O save from dark oblivion's gloomy reign.
The brave, the worthy fathers of our land."
THE END.

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