50 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. ing? " He proceeds to say —" I cannot procure you the convention boundaries mentioned in my letter, but thus far I am well informed that the temporary line to be established reaches to the Bullock*— Seven miles from hence — the wrong way." Various suggestions were made from time to time for the settlement of the existing difficulties between the inhabitants of the disputed territory, but none of them proved to be acceptable and the question remained an open one. Among others the following entitled —"A proposal for accommodating the disputes between the counties of West Augusta and Westmoreland until the boundary between them can be settled," was submitted and its acceptance urged: " 1st. That the laws, as far as respects the jurisdiction of the county of West Augusta, be exercised on the south side of the Youghioghany river, and said river be considered as the boundary between the two counties in respect to the jurisdiction of their respective courts only.. " 2d. That the people, claiming under the county of Westmoreland,. may continue to be represented at their capitol as usual and have liberty to choose their representatives and all other officers of government, only their sheriffs, magistrates and constables shall not act in their office on the south side of said river; Provided, always that nothing herein contained shall tend to invalidate any judgment in the courts held heretofore for Westmoreland, but when a boundary is run they may execute such judgments on their side of the said boundary, anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding. " 3d. That the inhabitants on the south side of the Youghyogany and east of the Monongahela river as far as the Great Line shall not pay taxes to either government until said boundary is settled and all persons associated in the militia are to serve under the government they associated under. If the proposals shall meet the approbation of the public, the people for West Augusta shall meet at Mr. Martin Kemp's on the second Tuesday in November next, and those claiming under Westmoreland at Mr. Edward Cook's the same day to choose six men to be their trustees to negotiate and confirm the above proposals." This paper was signed, " By Friends to both Governments," and bore date of October 18, 1776. Thus it will be perceived that there was not wanting any effort on the part of conservative, inhabitant's to settle their vexatious disputes, and to adjust in an amicable manner the questions at issue among them. The great drama of the revolution had opened, and it was important that all sections of the country should be united and present a firm and unbroken front. The inhabitants of the disputed territory were not slow to realize this necessity, and they tacitly and very naturally subordinated heir local issues to the more important, greater and more pressing issue of national independence, never, however, losing sight of the former, to which they clung with stubborn tenacity, but never allowing their sectional prejudices and feelings to interfere with their duty to the whole country. Thus while * The Bullock so styled is now Wilkinsburgh. HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY - 51 all attempts at adjustment among themselves for the time being proved to be abortive, yet with commendable zeal and forbearing grace they were united in a common desire and common effort to throw off the yoke of foreign power and influence in the inspiring prospect of securing national autonomy and independence. The inhabitants of these western wilds were a loyal and devoted people, else would they not have insisted so strenuously and persevered with such persistence for what they deemed to be their- rights and privileges in that portion of the country in which they were more directly and individually interested. Their loyalty and devotion they thus demonstrated was not bounded by an insignificant section of the country as compared in territorial extent with the whole, but the corn. mon interests of the whole prompted them to give their labors and services to the promotion of the general weal, and the advancement of the common welfare. Inured to privations and hardships from their earliest years, these sturdy pioneers were not deterred by the fear of danger, nor thwarted in their purpose by the appearance of difficulties. Their lives and pursuits had bred in them sternness of purpose and decision of character, while at the same time there was implanted in their bosoms the principles of a noble generosity and an open-hearted and frank hospitality. Hence they suffered not their individual interests and personal preferences to weigh in the scales against the great boon of national freedom, which the colonies were now seeking to secure, but they boldly entered the lists of battle with a chivalrous determination to bend all their energies toward the accomplishment of so desirable an end. The importance of this question of territorial rights maybe estimated from the fact that notwithstanding the stirring events of the times, and the consequent agitations and excitements of the period, the Virginia legislature felt it incumbent to take some decided action inviting a settlement of the question by the establishment of a boundary line between the two colonies. Hence, on the loth of May, 1779, the house of delegates of Virginia, passed a resolution which was agreed to by the senate on the day following the passage of it by the house, appointing commissioners to settle the disputed boundary line between the two colonies. In June following the general assembly passed a resolution declaring "that three commissioners ought to be appointed to adjust the boundary between Virginia and Pennsylvania, whose proceedings were to be ratified or disagreed to by the general assembly." In accordance with this resolution, James Madison, Robert Andrews and Thomas Lewis were appointed commissioners on behalf of the state of Virginia. Pennsylvania also having taken legislative action, appointed as commissioners on her part, George Bryan, John Ewing and David Rittenhouse. The first meeting of the commissioners was held in the city of Baltimore on the 27th day of August, 1779. Thomas Lewis, one of the commissioners from Virginia, was not present at this meeting. Upon assembling, the commissioners present from Virginia, proposed that the commissioners from Pennsylvania should state their claim in 52 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. writing so that the same might be specific and definite in its demands, to which proposition these latter acceded. Accordingly the Pennsylvania commissioners lost no time in submitting the same, as on the day following they addressed a letter to the Virginia commissioners setting forth in extenso the nature of their claim, the grounds upon which they based it, and the conclusions to which they had arrived. Their views were not acceptable to the Virginia commissioners, and they replied to the Pennsylvania commissioners to that effect. This was followed by several propositions and counter-propositions from each side, none of which were favorably received, and hence, they were severally rejected. The indications for a time were that no arrangement acceptable to either could be arrived at, as the claims of neither seemed to be reconcilable. The individuals composing these respective commissions were sincere as well as earnest in their desire to arrive at a fair and reasonable conclusion of the matter which had been submitted to them in a satisfactory manner, but each side was just as anxious as the other, at the same time, to protect the interests of the respective states represented by them. After some time had been consumed unsuccessfully in their efforts to arrive at an adjustment of their conflicting views and opinions, the Virginia commissioners finally offered as a compromise the following: " To continue Mason and Dixon's line due west five degrees of longtitude, to be computed from the Liver Delaware, for your southern boundary, and will agree that a meridian drawn from the westerly extremity of this line to your northern limit shall be the western boundary of Pennsylvania." Hence, on the 31st day of August, 1779, this proposition, on the part of the Virginia commissioners, was accepted on the part of those representing Pennsylvania, and an agreement to that effect was duly entered into by the commissioners of the two states. On the 23d of June, 178o, the agreement thus entered into was ratified and confirmed by the general assembly of Virginia, " on condition that the private property and rights of all persons acquired under, founded on, or recognized by, the laws of either country, previous to the date thereof, be saved and confirmed to them, although they should be found to fall within the other; and that in decision of disputes thereupon, preference shall be given to the elder or prior right, whichever of the said states the same shall have been acquired under; such persons paying to that state, within whose boundary their lands shall be included, the same purchase or consideration money which would have been due from them to the state under which they claimed the right; and when any such purchase or consideration money hath, since the Declaration of American Independence, been received by either state for lands which, according to the before recited agreement, shall fall within the territory of the other, the same shall be reciprocally refunded and repaid. And that the inhabitants of the disputed territory, now ceded to the state of Pennsylvania, shall not, before the first day of December, in the present year, be subject to the payment of any tax, nor at any time to the payment of arrears or taxes, or impositions heretofore laid, by either state." At the same HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY - 53 time the governor was empowered, with the advice of the council, to appoint two commissioners on behalf of Virginia, in conjunction with commissioners to be appointed by the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, to extend Mason and Dixon's line five degrees of longitude from Delaware river and from the western termination of the same to run and mark a meridian line to the Ohio river; which was as far as it could be run at the time without fear of giving offense to the Indians. On the 23d of September, 1780, the general assembly of Pennsylvania also ratified and confirmed an agreement entered into between the commissioners of the two states, at the date heretofore mentioned, and empowered the president and council of the state to appoint two commissioners to act in conjunction with the commissioners to be appointed on the part of the state of Virginia. Thus, this disturbing element which had caused such intense strife and bitterness between the two states was forever eliminated from all future controversies, should such unfortunately ever arise between them. CHAPTER IV. THE ERECTION OF FORT HENRY —THE DISTURBED CONDITION OF THE BORDER COUNCIL AT CATFISH—CAPTAINS OGLE AND MEASON AMBUSHED — THE FIRST SIEGE OF FORT HENRY — COL. SWEARINGEN'S RELIEF—AN INCIDENT IN THE LIFE OF CAPTAIN OGLE—MC COLLOCH'S FAMOUS LEAP --THE MASSACRE OF COL. FOREMAN AND HIS MEN—THE TORIES—JOHN SPAHR — INDIAN DEPREDATIONS— EXPEDITION TO THE MUSKINGUM — THREATENED ATTACK ON FORT HENRY IN 1781 — PRAYING INDIANS — CRAWFORD'S EXPEDITION—LETTERS OF DAVIES, HARRISON AND IRVINE -- THE FATE OF MAJOR SAM MC COLLOCH — INDIAN COUNCIL AT CHILLICOTHE — THE SIEGE OF FORT HENRY, 1782 — POWDER EXPLOIT — FRANCIS DUKE LETTERS OF JAMES MARSHALL AND EBENEZER ZANE — ROLL OF HONOR. AT THE beginning of the year 1774 the only regular forts on the frontier were those which were located at Pittsburgh and Redstone. There were a few private forts and 1a:, block houses scattered at different points along and near the borders, but these were insecure and indifferent in their importance and construction, and were not calculated to withstand a prolonged siege or contest, being intended as a temporary shelter in case of attack when taken by surprise. Hence, when it became evident in the spring of the last named year that an Indian war was threatened, and from indications that it would speedily be inaugurated, Dr. John Connolly, the royal captain 54 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. commandant of West Augusta, who at the time was at Fort Pitt, sent information to the settlement at Wheeling, and instructed the inhabitants as a necessary precaution to cover the country with scouts, until the settlers could fortify themselves. Acting upon his advice scouts and rangers were sent out in all directions covering the adjacent country, with instructions to keep a strict watch upon the movements of the savages, and to promptly report any movements on their part looking toward an advance to Wheeling. In the meantime the settlers and land jobbers at once set to work to erect a place of defense, consisting of a strong stockade, and labored with indefatigable energy in the accomplishment of their undertaking. The author of the plan for the construction of the same was Maj. Angus McDonald, and not Col. George Rogers Clarke, as stated by many writers, and this is proven from the correspondence which transpired with Valentine Crawford and Gen. Washington between the dates of the 27th of July and October 1st, 1774, inclusive. The last of these letters is dated at " Fort Fincastle, October 1st, 1774." The fort was erected under the immediate direction and supervision of Col. Ebenezer Zane and John Caldwell. Upon its completion it was named " Fort Fincastle," this being the second title of the Earl of Dunmore, whose titles were, " John Earl of Dunmore, Viscount Fincastle, Baron Murray of Blair, of Moulin, and of Tillimet." But this name was not retained by it for any great length of time, as in the year 1776 it was changed to Fort Henry in honor of Patrick Henry, governor of Virginia at the time. The first mention we find made of this fort is in the report of a committee appointed by the convention, made on the twenty-fifth day of July, 1775, recommending that " two companies of 100 men each, besides officers, ought, with all convenient speed, to be stationed at Pittsburgh, one other company of T00 men at Point Pleasant, twenty-five men at Fort Fin-castle at the mouth of Wheeling, and that 100 men be stationed at proper posts in the county of Fincastle, for the protection of the inhabitants on the southwestern frontiers, exclusive of the troops to be raised for the defence of the lower parts of the country." In the subsequent year (1776) the convention ordered the garrison to be increased to fifty men at Wheeling, but neither of these orders, so far as Wheeling was concerned, we think, were ever complied with. The fact is, that with the exception of the forts located at Redstone, Pittsburgh and Point Pleasant, which latter was erected in the summer of the same year with the fort at Wheeling, there were no regularly garrisoned forts on the. frontier. The defence of the fort at Wheeling, with one or two exceptions, was left to the settlers, who, under Providence, always proved themselves competent in the faithful discharge of that responsibility. The fort which was erected, though hurriedly built, was one of the most substantial and complete defences of its kind in the entire western region. It was in shape a parallelogram, in length about 15O feet, in its greater length being parallel with the Ohio river and was about seventy-five feet in width, bastions at each s corner, the upper story of HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY - 55 which projected a few feet over the lower. On its western side, in close proximity to each other, were ranged a number of cabins intended for the shelter of families which might seek the protection of the fort. The commandant's house, store house, magazine and corral for cattle, occupied the center of the open space within. The first named house was two stories in height, the upper story of which projected over the lower. On the roof of the house was placed a mounted swivel — a four pounder— which did effective work on the different occasions when the fort was besieged by the savages. Wells were also sunk within the enclosure so that a supply of water could be obtained at all times. The entire space was enclosed with oaken pickets twelve or fifteen feet high placed close to each other with a small opening between each. The fort was located on a bluff overlooking the river, and from its elevated position an extended view was had to the south to where Wheeling creek empties into the Ohio river. It stood near the northwest corner of the intersection of Eleventh and Main streets, and occupied the site formerly known as " Zane's Reserve." The declivities on the southern and western sides were steep and almost precipitous--that on the south overlooking a level tract which stretched away in the distance to the banks of the creek. This-level tract, in the year 1777, at the time of the first siege, was covered with meadows and cornfields. As late as the year 1810 it contained no improvements, such as buildings, of any consequence upon it. To the east, and distant about seventy-five yards, stood the double log cabin of Col. Ebenezer Zane, built of rough hewn logs, with a kitchen attached, built of the same material, as was also the outbuildings or quarters for his slaves. There was also a small magazine for powder and other military stores. The whole of the space so occupied was enclosed with strong pickets. This fort successfully withstood three several attacks or sieges, two of which are rendered memorable by the stubborn resistance of its defenders under the most unpropitious circumstances, and which will stand out on the pages of history for all time among the highest ex amples of heroic devotion and disinterested bravery, which are recorded in the annals of daring deeds and noble achievements. One of these sieges occurred in the year 1777, one in the year 1781 and the last in the year 1782. Of each of these it is our purpose to give some account. The year 1777, was a memorable one in the history of the upper Ohio valley. The settlers were accustomed to characterize it as " the bloody year of the three sevens." Along the entire border from Fort Pitt down to the furthest limits of the settlements it was signalized by savage cruelty, bloody massacre and heartless rapine. Among other horrors and in addition to their magnitude and enormity the entire frontier was threatened with serious famine the wheat was sick and unproductive and the weather was unpropitious for the growth of grain generally, as well as the usual garden products which entered largely into the diet of the settlers. Sickness, too, prevailed to an alarming extent, consisting of bilious, remittent and intermittent fevers. The whole border was in a state of alarm, anxiety and 56 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. excitement, and so intense and wide-spread was this feeling that it was deemed expedient to call a council of war to be held at Catfish Camp in January, 1777. This council assembled and considered measures to be adopted as well as the recommendations in the letters of the executive of Virginia. " At a council of war held at Catfish Camp, in the district of West Augusta, on Tuesday the 28th day of January, Anno Domini, 1777, there were present: " Yohogania County— Dorsey Pentecost, county lieutenant; John Cannon, colonel; Isaac Cox, lieutenant colonel. " Ohio County — Henry Taylor, major; David Shepherd, county lieutenant; Silas Hedge, colonel; David McClure, lieutenant colonel; Samuel McCollogh, major. " Monongahela County — Zachariah Morgan, county lieutenant; John Evins, major: " Captains — John Munn, David Andrew, John Wall, Cornelius Thompson, Gabriel Cox, Michael Rawlings, William Scott, Joseph Ogle, William Price, David Owings, Henry Hoglang, John Pearce Duvall, James Brinton, Vinson Colvin, James Buckhannon, Abner Howell, Charles Crecraft, John Mitchell, Joseph Tumblenson, Benjamin Frye, Matthew Richey, Samuel Meason, Jacob Lifter, Peter Reasoner, James Rogers, John Hogland, Reason Virgan, William Harrod, David Williamson, Joseph Cisnesy, Charles Martin, Owin Daviss. " Colonel Dorsey Pentecost was unanimously chosen president of this council, whereupon Col. Morgan and Col. Shepherd conducted him to his seat. Col. David McClure was unanimously chosen clerk. The president informed the council of the importance of the busi ness for which he had convened them, and concluded with recommending deliberation on their" councils, decency and decorum in their debates, and then produced two letters from his excellency the governor, dated the 9th and 13th of December last, signifying the necessity of a speedy and vigorous exertion of the militia and putting them in 'a proper state of defence, etc. Upon motion made, " Resolved, That Colonels Dorsey Pentecost, Shepherd, Morgan, Cannon, Captain Richey, Col. McClure, Maj. Evins, Captain Mitchel and Captain Martin be appointed a select council to consider of the before-mentioned letters, and make their report to this council, to be then reconsidered." WILLIAMSBURGH, February 28, 1777. SIR:- You are forthwith to send 100 men properly officered, in order to escort safely to Pittsburgh the powder purchased by Capt. Gibson. I suppose it is at Fort Louis on the Mississippi, under the protection of the Spanish government. The canoes necessary for the voyage, the provisions, and every other matter must be provided and the officers' orders must be to loose not a moment in getting the powder to Fort Pitt. If the present garrison leave that fortress, you are to order 200 militia to guard it till further orders; let all necessary repairs be forthwith done that it may be put in a good posture HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY - 57 of defence. I've ordered four four-pound cannon to be cast for strengthening it, as I believe an attack will be made there ere long. Let the ammunition lead included be stored there, and let it be defended to the last extremity — give it not up but with the lives of yourself and people. Let the provisions be stored there, and consider it the bulwark of your country. No militia shall be paid but those on actual duty. I wonder anyone should think otherwise. Let me know the quantity of ammunition and stores at Pittsburgh; upon any alarm of dangerous invasion take care to defend Pittsburgh. Capt. Lynn has a good boat capable of bringing the powder. I am sir, Your Hble. servant, P. HENRY, JUNR, County Lieutenant of Monongahela. WILLIAMSBURGH, December 18, 1776. SIR:- The more I consider of things in your quarter the more I am convinced of the necessity there is to prepare for hostilities in the spring, and although continental troops will be stationed in Ohio, yet the militia must be the last great resource from which yours is derived. In order to form something resembling magazines, for the present I have ordered about six tons of lead for West Augusta, and that this article may be deposited in the proper places, I wish you to summon a council of field officers and captains, and take their opinions which places are the fittest for magazines in the three counties of Yohogania, Monongahela and Ohio, and transmit the result to me. I wish you would please to find out where Capt. Gibson's cargo of powder is and let me know. In the council of officers I would desire it would be considered whether the militia with you want any article the government can furnish and what it is, for be assured it will give me great pleasure to contribute to your safety. I am of opinion that unless your people wisely improve the winter you may probably be destroyed. Prepare then to make resistance while you have time. I hope by your vigorous exertions your frontier may be defended, and if necessity shall require, some assistance be afforded to combat our European enemies, I have great expectations from the number and known courage of your militia, and if you are not wanting in foresight and preparation they will do great things. Let a plan of defense be fixed and settled beforehand — I mean principally the places of rendezvous and the officers who are to act, as well as to provide speedy and certain intelligence. Let the arms be kept in constant repair and readiness, and the accoutrements properly fixed. It will be proper to send out scouts and trusty spies towards the enemies' country to bring you accounts of their movements. I wish great care may be used in the nomination of military officers with you, as so much depends on a proper appointment. You will please to give strict attention to the great object here recommended to you and I shall be happy to hear of the safety of your people, whose protection the government will omit nothing to accomplish. I am Sir, Your Most Obedient Servant, COLO. DORSEY PENTECOST. P. HENRY, JR. 58 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. " The council adjourned until tomorrow at m o'clock. " January 29th, 1777 —present as yesterday.--- The council met according to adjournment, and Col. Isaac Cox was unanimously chosen vice president. Col. Pentecost from the select council delivered the following resolutions, which he read in his place, then handed them to the clerk's table where they were read a second time, and " Resolved, That it is the opinion of your committee, that the following are proper places for magazines in the district of West Augusta (vizt) the house of Gabriel Cox, in the county of Yohogania, the house of John Swearingen, in the county of Monongahela and the house of David Shepherd, in the county of Ohio, and that the six tons of lead to be sent to this district mentioned in his excellency's letter of the 13th of December last, addressed to Col. Pentecost, be divided in the following manner, and deposited at the before mentioned places (vizt) for Yohogania county, 2 1/5 tons, for Monongahela county, 2 1/4 tons, and for the Ohio county, 1 1/4 tons, being (as this committee conceives) as equal a division of the said lead and other ammunition that may be sent to this district, according to the number of people in each county, as may be. " Resolved, That his excellency, the governor, be requested to send with all convenient expedition, powder equivalent to the before mentioned lead, which agreeable to the rifle use, is one pound of powder to two pounds of lead, with ten thousand flints. " Resolved, That in consequence of his excellency's requisition, that it is highly necessary and it is accordingly strongly recommended to Col. Pentecost, to send a captain and fifty men down the Ohio to find out, if possible, where Capt. Gibson's cargo of powder is, and conduct it up to the settlements, and that it is the opinion of this council that the officers and men to be employed in this business, deserve double wages. " Resolved, As the opinion of your committee, that upon the best information they can at this time collect, that one-third of the militia of this district is without guns, occasioned by so many of the regular troops being furnished guns out of the militia of this district, and that one-half of the remaining part wants repairs. " Resolved, therefore, That the governor be requested to send up to this district, one thousand guns (these rifles, if possible to be had, as muskets will by no means be of the same service to defend us against an Indian enemy). " Resolved, For the purpose of repairing guns, making tomahawks, scalping knives, etc., that proper persons ought to be employed in each county, at the public expense, and that Thomas and William Parkes-son be appointed in the county of Yohogania, and that they immediately open shops at their house on the Monongahela river for the above purpose, and that they make with all possible expedition all the rifle guns they can, and a sufficient number of .tomahawks and scalping knives, etc., and that the county lieutenant recieve or direct the distribution thereof. "Resolved, That Robert Cunie be employed for the above purpose in HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY - 59 the Monongahela county, and that he open shop at his own dwelling house in the forks of Cheat. " Resolved, That Thomas Jones (or some other proper person to be appointed by the county lieutenant) be appointed for the above purpose in the Ohio county, to open shop at the house of Col. Shepherd. " Your committee maturely and deliberately considered the truly critical and distressed situation of the county, and with the deepest anxiety have viewed the very recent cruel depredations committed on our people by our relentless neighbors, the Indians, and with the utmost regard have considered his excellency's recommendation to prepare for hostilities in the spring and to prepare to make defense while we have time, and to form a plan of defense for the county, are of opinion that if no field officer appear to take the command of the troops now raised and raising in this district, at the next meeting of the different committees, that the said committee forthwith order the said troops to such place on the frontier as they shall think proper for the present protection of the inhabitants, and at least 100 of said troops be ordered to Grave Creek Fort, and in case the said troops are not stationed as aforesaid, then the county lieutenant, of Yohogania county, is to order a lieutenant and twenty-five men to Baker's port and a lieutenant and twenty-five men to Isaac Coxe's, on the Ohio, and that the county lieutenant, of Ohio county, order a lieutenant and twenty-five men to Beach Bottom, and a lieutenant and twenty-five men to Grave Creek Fort, and that the county lieutenant of Monongahela county, order a captain and fifty men to be stationed at the house of Captain Owin Daviss and the head of Dunkard Creek, and a lieutenant and twenty-five men to Grave Creek, to augment garrison to fifty men. Those men to be ordered at such time as the county lieutenant shall think proper -and the exigency of the times require and that militia be drafted, officered (and held in constant readiness) to rendezvous at the following places and in the following manner." Here is mentioned the active officers, the place of rendezvous in each county, which are the places of the magazines, the drafts and who heads them from each company, which is fifteen privates, one sergeant and a commissioned officer, making in the whole about 1,100 men. "Resolved, Unanimously, that upon the first hostilities being committed on our settlements, that the county lieutenant, in whose county the same may happen, immediately call a council of the three counties as proper measures may be pursued for the chastisement of the cruel perpetrators. " Agreed to in full council, " DAVID MCCLURE, clerk." In the early part of the month of April, 1777, Col. George Morgan, Indian agent for the middle department, wrote to Col. William Crawford from Fort Pitt, as follows: " Last Monday a messenger arrived from the Delaware town and informed me that a party. of Mingos were out and it was supposed would divide themselves into two parties and strike nearly at the 60 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. same time between this place and Yellow creek. Yesterday afternoon an express arrived from Capt. Steel, by which we learn that the first mentioned party had divided as supposed, and killed a man just below Raccoon creek, and burned two cabins, viz.: Muchmore's, and Arnot's; the body of the latter was found, his wife and four children are supposed to be burned in the cabin, or carried off-prisoners." The following letter gives another and more detailed account of the affair and the condition which prevailed along the border. The letter is dated: " FORT PITT," April 22d, 1777. " HONORABLE SIR:- I have received orders to join his Excellency, Gen. Washington in the Jerseys with this battalion now under my command, which orders I would willingly have obeyed, had not a council of war held at this place (proceedings of which were transmitted to Congress by express), resolved that I should remain here until further orders. I am sorry to find the accounts therein contained are likely to prove but too true, and from the late depredations and murders which were committed by the Indians at different places in the neighborhood, it appears to me as if a general eruption was intended. On the 6th and 7th inst. they killed and scalped one man at Raccoon creek, about twenty-five miles from this place; at Muchmore's plantation about forty-five miles down the Ohio, they killed and scalped one man and burnt a woman, and her four children; at Wheeling they killed and scalped one man, the body of whom was much mangled with tomahawks and other instruments suitable for their barbarity; at Dunkard's creek, one of the west branches of the Monongahela river, they killed and scalped one man and a woman, and took three children; and at each of the above places, they burned houses, killed cattle, hogs, etc. I have taken all possible means for the protection of this country as the nature of my circumstances would afford. I am at a great loss for arms; two-thirds of the battalion have none. Had I been at this post when the accounts of the above cruelties came here, I would have transmitted them immediately to you; being busily engaged in putting the battalion in proper stations for the frontiers, this, together with the bad state of my health, prevented my getting here sooner than the 18th inst.; and finding that no authentic accounts had been transmitted to congress, think it my duty to inform you of the above facts, and that I only await further directions; as I have received no marching orders dated since the council held at this place resolved that I should wait till further orders. " I am, etc., " WILLIAM CRAWFORD." Muchmore had been killed, and it was supposed that his wife and four children had been burned in their cabin. Muchmore's oldest son, Samuel, escaped to tell the fearful story. It was supposed that he was the only survivor. But a few years ago a letter was found among the papers of Maj. HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY - 61 Isaac Craig, who at one period commanded at Fort Pitt, with the following address on the outside: " Mr. Samuel Muchmore at or Nigh Four Pitt at Walnut Bottom beginning at falling Springs Forty Nine Miles below Fort Pitt." This letter sheds some light on the fortunes of Mrs. Muchmore and her four children, who were supposed for more than twenty years to have been destroyed in the flames which consumed their cabin. They had evidently been carried prisoners to Canada by the Indians. It is probable that Samuel Muchmore never received the letter. The following is a copy of it verbatim et literatim: " APRIL 29, 1797, At Detroit. " DEAR SON, After my Kind love to you I Rite to let you Know That I am in the land of the living though in a very indefent State of health at present I woold inform you that your Brothers Jonathan and Schedrick Muchmore is dead long a Go and Reachel your Cis-ter Likewise is dead and your Sister Abbigall is married at mountreal to one Peter Smith a black Smith by trade I woold inform you that if it should Pleas god to give me my health I shall go and See him This Summer and then in the fall have lade out to come home and see you if it Pleases god to give me my healthe a nouf to undergo the fotage. I think it Little Strange that I never got any Knows from you never sinc I have been hear for I have Rote you a good many the Last I rote you was Last august I would have you Rite if an opertunity Presents and Subscribe your letters to Samuel Eddy wich is my husband and in Close it and Rite on the cover to John Askin a square I have been of Late a good deal troubbled with Rumetesm Pains but I trust in the lord and I hope I shall get better of them Pray dont fail of Riting to me if I ant hear they will be Convod to me, these oppertunitys will be for the Soldiers corns and goes to Foart Pitt all most weekly and you Can Rite and (send] Your Letters to Foart Pitt to som body to fored them Long the States. Soldiers took Pouson of this Place Last July and Keeps goin and corning often I shall Pleas god Corn by The way of Priskili* as there is watter Carrege all the way Only Eleven miles for I am not able to Corn by Land I have nothing more to Rite you at Present but trusting God to see you in the fall Early and so I Conclude wishing Kind Loav to you and all frinds Remaining at the same time your Long absent mother till death once mary Muchmore but now mary Eddy. " To Mr. Samuel Muchmore." A flourishing little village consisting of twenty-five or thirty log cabins, clustered around the fort at Wheeling at this time, where but a few years before the silence of the primeval forest was undisturbed by the voice or tread of civilized man. By toil and labor they had gathered around them some of the rude comforts which serve to make home attractive and pleasant, and had collected their flocks and herds. But this prospous condition of affairs was soon to be dissipated, their toils and labors rendered abortive, their homes destroyed or consumed * Presque isle, now Erie, Penn. 62 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. by the torch of the incendiary savage, and their flocks and herds slain or driven away by their implacable foes. While aware of the danger resulting from a state of war, and fully aware of the fact that at any day this danger might descend upon them, yet they depended on their scouts to give them timely notice of its approach, and thus forewarn them in time to enable them to secure some, if not the greater portion of their possessions, by removing them into the fort for their security and protection. But on this occasion the vigilance of the scouts had been eluded. On the night of the 31st of August, Capt. Joseph Ogle, who with a squad of about a dozen men, had for some days been out watching the paths usually followed by the Indians, returned to the fort with the information that they had carefully scanned the adjacent country and that not only had they seen no Indians, but no signs of them had been discovered. Suspecting that their movements would be watched, the Indians had on reaching the river, divided :their numbers into small parties, abandoning the usual paths of travel and followed other lines and thus made their way to the Ohio river, concentrating their forces at or in the vicinity of Bogg's Island, about four miles below Wheeling, where they crossed the river and proceeded to the creek bottoms, below the fort, under the cover of darkness of the night, where they perfected their plans and sought an ambush among the corn and weeds and patiently awaited the dawning of the day. Their army was composed of between 300 and 400 warriors, composed of picked men from the Shawnees, M ingoes, and Wyandots. Some historians have stated that this army was commanded by the notorious renegade Simon Girty, but this is a mistake, as at this time he was employed by the whites at Fort Pitt, as an Indian interpreter for which he was well qualified, as he had spent several years among the Senecas, by which he had been held a prisoner. He, in company with McKee and Elliott, deserted from Fort Pitt in March, 1778, and fled to the enemy.* At the time of the attack on Wheeling in 1777, he was at Fort Pitt. The name of the person who commanded the Indians on this occasion is unknown. The Indians had formed two diagonal lines at a considerable distance apart from each other, extending across the point from the river to the creek, inside of which, and about the center, they placed in a conspicuous position where they could be most readily seen, five or six of their number as a decoy. Early in the morning of the 1st of September, as two men were passing along with the object of catching horses, they suddenly discovered the Indians who were stationed in the center and between the two lines above mentioned. They immediately turned to flee when a shot brought one of them down, while the other was allowed to escape that he might carry the tidings to the fort. When the settlers were made aware of the presence of the Indians, they at once fled to the fort for shelter, abandoning everything in their houses except * See Penn. Archives VI., 445; also Heckewelder's Narr., page 170. HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY - 63 such articles as they snatched up in their hurried exit, and .Which they thought might serve them a good purpose in their emergency. Upon learning that the Indians were few in number, Col. Shepherd, the county lieutenant, ordered Captain Meason with a force of fourteen men, to proceed to the place where they had been seen to drive them away. l le had not advanced very far distant from the fort before he came in sight of them, when hurrying his men forward, he ordered them to fire upon them. But no sooner was the order given than shouts and yells arose from the hitherto concealed foe, who immediately arose from their hiding places and closed their lines upon the little band and attempted to surround them and cut off their retreat. Recognizing at a glance the situation and the impossibility of maintaining a conflict which would only result in certain defeat and perhaps death to all of them, Captain Meason ordered his men to flee to the fort. But the order was given too late to make sure their retreat, as they were intercepted by the Indians and nearly all were literally cut to pieces. But they fought with the desperation of those who realized that it was a struggle of life or death, and succumbed only when the hand could no longer grasp the rifle or the merciless tomahawk cleaved with its keen edge into their unresisting skulls. Captain Meason and his sergeant, however, succeeded in passing through the front rank of their foes by successfully dodging and fighting their way, and were in a fair way of making their escape when they were observed by some of the enemy, who pursued and fired at them just as they began to ascend the hill to the fort. The sergeant had received a severe wound which so disabled him as to prevent him from pursuing his way, and from the effects of which he fell bleeding to the ground and was unable to recover himself. While lying here Captain Meason passed in a crippled and wounded condition, and seeing that his captain had no gun, and that he was making slow progress, while his pursuers, who were but a few feet behind him and rapidly gaining on him, the wounded and dying sergeant called out to him to take his gun which was of no further use to him and to use it to the best advantage, and then calmly surrendered himself to his fate, meeting death with the firmness of a Spartan. Such is the stuff of which heroes are made. Captain Meason had been .twice wounded in the engagement, and was so enfeebled by the loss of blood and faint from fatigue, that several times he was moved in despair to relax all efforts in his attempt to reach the shelter of the fort; yet as often was he impelled to press forward and to make a last effort by rallying again his fast fading powers. He was sensible that there was one savage who had outstripped the others who was fast nearing him and every instant he expected that a blow from his tomahawk would prostrate him. In the excitement of the race he had forgotten that the sergeant's rifle was charged. Inspired with the recollection of the fact, his hope revived afresh and quick as thought he wheeled about to fire at his pursuer, but found that he was so close, he could not bring his gun to bear upon him. Having greatly the advantage of ground being above him, by 64 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. reason of its elevation, he put his hand against the person of the Indian and thrust him back. The uplifted tomahawk which this latter held in his hand, and which was about to descend with fatal aim on the head of Meason, by this action of the latter descended with swift force to the ground and confused the Indian, and before he was able to regain his footing so as to hurl the fatal weapon which he still held in his grasp at the devoted head of Meason, or rush forward to close in a death struggle with him, a ball from Captain Meason's gun sped on its death-winged errand and the savage fell to the earth lifeless. The excitement through which he had just passed, and the suffering he experienced from his wound, had rendered the gallant captain well-nigh helpless, and consequently he was so overcome as to be able to proceed but a few paces further and to reach a fallen tree which invited him to a friendly shelter beneath its protecting body. Here he concealed himself and remained during the entire period that the seige of the fort continued. The cries and shrieks of Capt. Meason's men, and the rapid discharge of the guns induced the commandant of the fort to send out an additional force to the support of Capt. Meason, who, it was justly feared had fallen into an ambuscade. Hence, Capt. Ogle, at the head of his twelve scouts, undertook the hazardous risk of going to his relief. The Indians anticipating some such a movement on the part of the whites, had skillfully arranged their plans to receive them by entrapping them in their toils. The Indians, who were lying in ambush, patiently awaited until the scouts had so far penetrated within their lines as to render their escape by retreat improbable, when they closed their lines around them so as to confine them within a circle. Capt. Ogle, who was at a considerable distance in the rear of his men, was left outside the circle. See- ing the position in which his men were placed, and his own isolated condition which was exceedingly dangerous, he concealed his person in some briars in the corner of a stake and rider fence where he remained until the following day. The same fate awaited his men which had befallen Capt. Meason's with the exception of two who succeeded in reaching the fort, one of whom was severely wounded. Martin Wetzel, the brother of the famous Lewis Wetzel, the noted Indian spy and hunter, himself scarcely less noted in early annals than his brother, was the only one of the number who escaped unhurt. Young Shepherd, the son of the county lieutenant, Col. David Shepherd, who had accompanied Capt. Meason, was pounded to death by a club which was wielded by a stalwart warrior. Of twenty-six men led out from the fort by these two officers only three escaped death, and two of these were badly wounded, a striking evidence of the fact that the ambuscade was judiciously planned, and that the expectations of its success were well founded as the sequel proved. While these events were transpiring the inhabitants of the village were busily engaged in removing to the fort and making the necessary preparations for its defense. The disaster which had overtaken the force of Meason and Ogle convinced them of the overwhelming force of the enemy and the futility of attempting to maintain an open HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY - 65 conflict with them. And so sudden had been the occurrences here narrated, that the gates of the fort were scarcely closed before the entire Indian army appeared before it, rending the air with frantic yells of sickening horror, while they flourished the bloody and reeking scalps of the brave men whom they had just slaughtered. But before the assault was made the attention of the garrison was attracted by a demand made for its surrender by the leader of the savage force. This individual was a white man, but his name we have been unable to discover, and perhaps it never will be known, having passed into the shades of a merited oblivion. He appeared at the end window of a house situated at a short distance from the fort, under a flag of truce, and informed them that his appearance there with so large a force was because he had come to act as an escort to Detroit to such of the inhabitants on the frontier as were willing to accept the terms of unconditional pardon offered by Gov. Hamilton, and to such as would renounce the cause of the colonies and attach themselves to the crown; urging them to consider the fealty which they owed to their sovereign, and assuring them of protection if they would yield and accept his proposals, and denouncing upon them at the same time all the frightful woes which would spring from the uncurbed indulgence of savage vengeance if allowed to be visited upon them in the event that they dared to resist or fire one gun to the annoyance of his men. He then proceeded to read to them the proclamation of Gov. Hamilton and formally demanded the immediate surrender of the fort, and gave them fifteen minutes in which to accept or reject his proposition. It was time enough which was thus afforded them, to arrive at a decision. In love with liberty, patriotic in all their impulses, and ready and willing to sacrifice their lives if need be in the maintenance of their principles and the defense of their families, it required but a brief time to deliberate upon their course of action: Col. Zane replied to the leader —" that they had consulted their wives and children, and that the unanimous conclusion arrived at was that they would all perish, sooner than place themselves under the protection of an army of savages marching under a British flag, or -abjure the cause of liberty and the colonies." The leader of the Indian army was about to reply when a young man in the fort shot at the color bearer of the British ensign, which at once put a stop to further parley. There were in the fort at the time nearly 100 women and children all told, while there was but a handful of men to oppose the force of the besiegers, and to defend the place from assault. How were they, with their limited number, to withstand the shock of battle against nearly 400 warriors, drunk with excitement over the blood which they had already shed and the successes which they had already met? The reply of Col. Zane to the demand for surrender was not made in the spirit of bravado, but he meant just what he said as the subsequent conduct and behavior of the besieged amply proved. Maddened at the reply and the show of resistance which was made, the Indians in frenzied fury rushed against the palisades in their vain attempts to make a breach, only to be shot down or driven back. 5—A. 66 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. Again and again they renewed their fierce efforts to carry the place by storm and as often were they forced to retire before the well-directed shots which played havoc in their midst. Enraged by the opposition they met with they gathered piles of hay, straw, and branches of trees, piling them against the stockade in such places as they could reach and firing these piles, thus attempted to reduce it. But no sooner were the fires lighted than they were quenched by the vigilance of those within, thus foiling all their efforts to destroy it by the flames. While the men stood to their guns repulsing the enemy, the women were busily engaged in moulding bullets, loading the surplus guns and handing them to the men, who were thus enabled to keep up a continued fire, or in supplying the men with food and drink, as the siege continued for twenty-four hours with but brief periods of cessation or abatement — that is to say, from sunrise on the morning of September I to sunrise on the morning of September 2, when the siege was raised, and the savages marched away,. carrying away with them a large amount of plunder. During the time mentioned all were actively and energetically engaged within the fort in industrious efforts to protect it and themselves from the fury of the assailants. Every individual had a particular duty to perform, and each promptly and faithfully performed it. In this respect, the courage and alacrity of the women were prominent, as many of the more expert among them, stationed themselves beside the men at the loop-holes, handling their guns with soldier-like ability, proving themselves in many instances to be excellent shots, and behaving themselves with fearless intrepidity. It seemed indeed as if each individual realized and was sensible that the safety of the whole depended on his or her lone exertions, and that the slightest relaxation of an effort on the part of the individual would involve them all in one common ruin. Upon raising the siege, after the savages found that they could make no impression on the fort, their demoniac fury found vent in killing the cattle, firing the cabins, and ruthlessly destroying everything except what they carried away with them on their retreat. Thus the settlers were left in an almost destitute condition. The alarm of the presence of the Indians in force having been given so, unexpectedly, and the attack on the fort following so soon, but little time had been afforded the inmates for securing but the smallest amount of their removable property; hence they had barely time to take with them the necessary clothing for their comfort and convenience, and some not even so much as that. Few were left to the enjoyment of a bed, and the necessary bedding for the same, as this had been devoured by the angry flames which had been enkindled by their foes. Their cattle having been killed or driven away, they were deprived of the gratification of even the humble repast of bread and milk. But with that large hearted and generous hospitality which characterized the pioneer, each shared with the other their limited provisions which the one was more fortunate in possessing than their neighbor. But their needs and wants were not long unsup- HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY - 67 plied, for in the course of a day or two these were met by an ample contribution of provisions from the neighboring forts and block houses. During this siege, the cabin of Col. Ebenezer Zane, which stood on a line with, and but a short distance from, the fort, was consumed by the conflagration started by the savages. When the alarm was given that the enemy was approaching, deeming the shelter of the fort more secure, he, with his family, had abandoned his cabin and taken refuge in the former. When he saw that his cabin was doomed to the flames, and it and his household goods were destroyed by the devastating element, he then declared that he would rebuild it and if again attacked that he would never desert it, but defend to the last extremity. We shall see hereafter how well and nobly he fulfilled this promise at the siege of the fort in the year 1782. Some time prior to this attack, the governor of the state had sent to Col. Andrew Swearingen a quantity of ammunition for the defense of the settlers in the country above Wheeling. By his exertions and under his direction and superintendence the forts known as Bollings and Holliday's were repaired and put in defensible condition, and to the latter, a strong and ample magazine had been erected where the powder and other ammunition sent by the governor was stored for use. Holliday's fort was situated about twenty-four miles above Wheeling and was a shelter for the families living in that section. About the time of the attack on the fort at Wheeling, news had been sent to Shepherd's fort, about six miles from Wheeling, of the presence of the Indians. A runner was at once dispatched to Holliday's fort for succor and Col. Swearingen with a force of fourteen or fifteen men, at once responded, taking with them a quantity of ammunition. They embarked in a large and commodious canoe, and worked industriously so as to reach the besieged in time to be of service to them. The men composing the expedition had all volunteered for the occasion and notwithstanding the fact that rumors prevailed that an attack on their own fort, in which at the time, the settlers had gathered in anticipation of it, was contemplated, yet aminated with a noble and disinterested resolve, they determined to succor their unfortunate brethren, whose danger was not only imminent, but was already impending. Departing under the cover of night, on the dark waters of the river rested an almost impenetrable fog which involved the undertaking in great uncertainty and danger. But they toiled and labored, although their disadvantages were great, often striking against the banks, running on the heads of islands or coming in contact with projecting snags and the overhanging branches of trees, until at length they were compelled to desist from paddling and allow it to float with the current. And this was a wise conclusion, for under the heavy cover of the mist, they might unknowingly pass by Wheeling and then be compelled to stem the current to reach their destination. As they floated lazily with the current, they at length beheld the light which proceeded from the burning of the cabin at Wheeling. The day was now beginning to dawn and it was impossible for them to reach the fort before it fully broke. Could they have realized 68 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. their expectation of arriving at their destination before the breaking of the day, they might and doubtless could have gained admission into the fort from the postern gate on the west or river side of the fort, but fearing discovery by the vigilance of the Indians, they landed about the present site of what is now known as the "top mill," and sent out some of the men to reconnoitre and if possible to ascertain the condition of affairs. The smoke and fog prevailing at the time prevented them from knowing whether the entire village, including the fort, had fallen a prey to the flames. When arrived there it was uncertain whether the Indians had retreated or lay concealed and in ambush in the cornfields and among the weeds with a view of attacking such as might come out of, or attempt to enter, the fort. The men who had been sent out as scouts feared to give the signal to the party who remained behind and which had been agreed upon, by firing a gun to assure them that it was safe to advance lest it might excite the Indians and thus lead them to fall upon the party and destroy its members. To allay this apprehension three of the party, Col. Swearingen, Capt. Bilderbock and William Boshears, determined to make the effort to reach the fort. Proceeding separately, each taking a different route, they cautiously inspected the neighborhood and the three safely reached the fort at about the same time, having discovered no signs of the presence of Indians. Returning to their companions they then escorted them to the fort. But it might be that the Indians. were lying in ambush in the cornfields and it was important to ascertain whether this was or was not the case. Hence, a consultation was held between Col. Zane, Col. Shepherd, Col. Swearingen and Dr. McMechen, which resulted in sending out two men who volunteered for the purpose, who in an apparently careless and indifferent manner were to saunter along the line of the cornfield nearest to the fort to examine it and see whether indications of the presence of Indians could be discovered. This duty they performed and reported that there were none such, whereupon Col. Zane, taking a force of twenty men, marched around the field at some distance from it and returning passed more nearly and assured themselves that the Indians had certainly retreated from the vicinity and no further danger for the time being was to be apprehended. In addition to the corpses of the twenty-three men, who the preceding morning under the command of Captains Meason and Ogle had gone out from the fort buoyant with health and strength and life and who had been so barbarously slain, it is said that there were found over three hundred head of cattle, horses and hogs lying in scattered heaps about the field which the savage foe had wantonly butchered and destroyed. It will not, we deem, be inappropriate in passing to give a brief notice of Capt. Ogle, one of the pioneer heroes of the upper Ohio valley. After a bold and adventurous career as an Indian fighter in this section, he, in the year 1785, emigrated to the Illinois territory, where he maintained the same reputation that he had earned in western Virginia, during the succeeding ten years of border troubles which HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY - 69 prevailed in that territory. He died honored and beloved at the venerable age of eighty years, on the 24th of February, 1821, leaving a large circle of descendants to mourn his death and to cherish his memory. He was a man of uncommon firmness of character, possessing great energy of body and mind, and an uncompromising friend to liberty and human rights. He was a slaveholder, and carried his slaves with him when he removed to the Illinois territory, where he manumitted them, thereby sacrificing the most of his property which was invested in these human beings. He was mild, peaceable, and kind-hearted in social intercourse, and always strove to promote peace, harmony and good order. He was strict in the fulfilment of all his engagements and promises, and expected from all his neighbors the same honesty and punctuality. The following anecdote will serve to illustrate his character: On one occasion a Mr. S_____ borrowed from him some house logs to finish a cabin which he was erecting, promising to return an equal number on a certain date named by him. The date for their return had passed and the logs were not forthcoming according to promise. Capt. Ogle had arranged to raise a cabin for himself on a day after that on which the logs were to have been returned to him. On this day he set out accompanied with six men to S 's cabin, upon arriving at which he told the family to remove certain articles which interfered with his purpose, and then proceeded with handspikes to the utter amazement of S to coolly and deliberately raise up the corners of the house and to remove the logs. Alarmed and excited S exclaimed: " Why, Mr. Ogle, what do you mean, do you intend to pull clown my house over my head?" " By no means," replied Ogle, " I am only intending to take my own logs." " Now, neighbor Ogle," he remarked, " do stop and I will start right off into the woods and get you the logs." "Very well," rejoined Ogle, in the most imperturable manner, " if you will have the logs at my place to-morrow morning at sunrise, I will forbear, but if you fail to have them at my place to-morrow morning at the hour named, I will return and take my logs." This was said with the utmost coolness and deliberation, and Mr. S well knew that the word of Capt. Ogle could be depended upon. It is sufficient to say that the logs were forthcoming at the appointed hour. It was on this occasion that the notable incident occurred, which has since become famous, in the history of that brave and distinguished frontiersman — Maj. Samuel McColloch. As soon as the news, that the fort at Wheeling was besieged by an Indian army, was received at Fort Vanmetre (a fort situated on Short creek, in Ohio county, about eight miles from Wheeling), McColloch, at the head of forty-five well-mounted men, hastened to its relief. ' The wife of Col. Ebenezer Zane was a sister of McColloch and thus the ties of affection, combined with the dictates of humanity, prompted him to undertake the hazardous enterprise of succoring the besieged in the hour of their emergency. When the gallant major with his little force arrived within sight of the fort there was a lull prevailing, the Indians 70 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. for the time being having suspended their attack and drawn off their forces. He was at once recognized by the inmates of the fort and almost at the same time by the savages. The gates of the fort were immediately thrown open for their entrance, and rushing through the lines of the Indians their horses were put to their mettle and on full gallop they safely reached the protection of the fort without a single man or horse having received a scratch or wound. McColloch, who was more concerned for the success and safety of his men than his individual security, had given them the precedence in his anxiety in their behalf, and as soon as they had entered the gates were closed again so as to prevent the Indians who were pursuing, from gaining ingress. Thus McColloch was separated from his men and left on the outside by his unselfish and disinterested act which prevented him from passing in with his force. The Indians were now closing in around him and what was to be done must be done quickly. Taking in the situation at a glance he lost no time in determining what to do under the circumstances. Suddenly wheeling his horse around in the face of his enemies he dashed through an opening in the ranks of the enemy and striking his spurs deep in his flanks, the noble steed sprang forward while the firm hand of his master directed him to the summit of the eastern hill top, the base of which he started successfully to rise. The Indians might easily have taken his life while he was making the attempt to enter the fort, but they wanted to capture him alive so as to reserve him for torture at the stake as his very name was a terror to the Indians who were well acquainted with his person, and who, while they admired his courage, hated him with all the intensity of the most vindictive feeling. His well trained steed clambered the declivity with laborious and sure-footed effort, while his enemies with almost superhuman energies followed in swift pursuit on foot. Scrambling up the steep hillside, then covered with trees and undergrowth he succeeded in reaching the top, and following the ridge in a northerly direction he directed his course toward Fort Vanmetre. He had ridden but a little distance when just in front of, and approaching him he discovered a band of warriors who had left the main body early in the morning and were now returning from a marauding expedition in which they had been engaged. Turning his horse's head in the opposite direction, he advanced but a short distance only to discover a force in front of him, who, having reached the top of the ridge were hastening in his direction, while below him he saw another party mounting the hill to cut off his retreat, for on his left or eastern side of the hill was a steep declivity, nearly precipitous which would measure from the summit of the hill nearly if not quite 300 feet. Thus hemmed in on all sides his capture seemed inevitable, and in anticipation of securing him as a prisoner his pursuers set up a yell of triumph. He had but a brief respite to decide as to what should be his course of action. He at once decided to risk the perilous leap down the almost precipitous side of the eastern declivity. Adjusting his trusty rifle and powder horn and tightening his rein, he HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY - 71 spoke in encouraging tones to his faithful horse and urged him to the brow of the cliff, far beneath which flowed the waters of Wheeling creek. The rugged and fearful descent seemed to threaten instant death to horse and rider, but a kind Providence watched over both and they reached the foot of the precipice comparatively unhurt and unharmed. A thrill of astonishment went through the breasts of his pursuers at this unwonted exhibition of adventurous daring, and it so completely paralyzed them for a time that they looked on in wonder, shrugging their shoulders and giving vent to their feelings in expressive ughs. By the time they had recovered from their surprise the object of their pursuit had forded the creek and was far beyond their reach, and succeeded in safely reaching the fort from which he had departed in the morning. No pen can describe the chagrin and mortification which was experienced by the Indians at this successful escape of one for the possession of whose person they would have willingly sacrificed the lives of a dozen of their bravest warriors. A few days after the happening of the above events a company of militia under Captain Foreman, from east of the mountains, arrived at Wheeling for the purpose of extending protection to the settlements in the vicinity of that place, and also to occupy the fort and to render such assistance as might be needed in event of another attack upon it. Parties of Indians still lurked about, watching every favorable opportunity to do mischief. Scouting parties were frequently sent out to prevent their depredations. On the 25th of September, 1777, one of these scouting expeditions, under the command of Captain Foreman, left the fort and went about twelve miles below Wheeling as far as Grave creek, where they encamped for the night. The party consisted of forty-five men. The leader of the party was wholly ignorant of the practices of the Indians and was averse to taking advice or counsel from those who were conversant with them, and whose experience had been bought by years of study of their habits and modes of stratagem and warfare. large fires were built by order of the captain, who gathered his men closely around them in one compact body, in opposition to the advice of one of the scouts who had accompanied him as a spy, by the name of Lynn, who, however, refused to remain there himself, but who took with him several of the settlers who had joined the expedition, retired to a considerable distance from the fires and spent the night from the main body. Lynn, who was an accomplished woodsman and whose senses were exceedingly acute, rendered so by the character of his pursuit as a scout and ranger, being awake a short time before daylight, thought he heard a noise, which immediately aroused his suspicions. This appeared to him to be produced by the efforts made by persons engaged in the launching of rafts on the river which flowed a short distance from Foreman's camp and just above the position where it was located. In the morning he expressed his belief that an Indian force was near, stating at the same time the reasons which induced him to come 72 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. to this conclusion, and at the same time urged the captain to return to Wheeling by a different route than the one by which they had come, that is to say along the hillsides and not along the bottoms. His advice was rejected; but Lynn with the accustomed caution which he had been taught to exercise by long experience and acquired knowledge of Indian tactics, in company with four companions prudently clung to the hillsides, while those who belonged to the command of Capt. Foreman continued along the path which was located at the base of the hills. They had arrived at a point on their route where the immense hills on either side descend almost perpendicularly to the water's edge. Between the base of the hill and the river was a narrow ledge along which they were passing, situated near the head of what is known as the Grave creek narrows. Here one of the soldiers saw a parcel of Indian ornaments lying in the path, and picking them up, the curiosity of others was excited by his example, and he speedily drew around him the larger portion of the company. While thus engaged, crowded carelessly together, and busily engaged in inspecting the trinkets, all of a sudden a galling and fatal fire was opened upon them by a party of Indians who were lying in ambush. The effect of this was to throw them into the greatest confusion, and to so distract them that they lost their presence of mind and were rendered for the time being powerless. The firing was continued with deadly effect for some minutes; and must eventually have caused the loss of the entire party had not Lynn with his comrades have bravely rushed from the hillside, at the same time discharging their guns and shouting in such boisterous tones as to lead the Indians to believe that a large reinforcement was at hand, which occasioned them to retreat with the utmost precipitation. In this fatal ambuscade twenty-one of Capt. Foreman's party were killed, and several severely wounded. Among those slain was the captain and his two sons. It appeared that the Indians had purposely dropped their ornaments rightly conjecturing that they would attract the attention of the whites. They themselves were concealed in two parties, the one party lying to the right of the trail in a sink hole on the bottom, and the other to the left under cover of the river bank. From these advantageous positions they safely fired upon the whites, while they themselves were entirely exempt from danger until the party in the sink-hole was discovered by Lynn and his companions. While the firing of Lynn and those with him is not known to have taken effect, yet to his good conduct and those who were with him is to be attributed the saving of the remnant of the detachment. The Indian force was never ascertained, but it was generally supposed at the time to have been small, perhaps not exceeding twenty or twenty-five warriors. On the ensuing day, the settlers in the neighborhood of Wheeling, under the guidance and direction of Col. Ebenezer Zane, proceeded to the scene of the massacre and gave the bodies of the slain decent sepulture, burying them on the spot where they had fallen. HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY - 73 Some years after this occurrence a plain stone was erected by kindly hands over their resting place, commemorative of the event, on which was the inscription: THIS HUMBLE STONE IS ERECTED TO THE MEMORY OF CAPTAIN FOREMAN AND TWENTY ONE OF HIS MEN, WHO WERE SLAIN BY A BAND OF RUTHLESS SAVAGES, THE ALLIES OF A CIVILIZED NATION OF EUROPE, ON THE 26TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 1777. "So sleep the brave who sink to rest, By all their country's wishes bless'd." A few years since, by an order of the board of supervisors of Marshall county, W. Va., this stone was removed to a cemetery at Moundville, the county seat of that county, and there is nothing now to mark the spot where their bones have mouldered long since into the common dust of mother earth. Thus our familiarity with the scenes and occurrences of early times, and the deeds of daring and heroism of this section of our country, together with the reprehensible pursuit after selfish purposes and emoluments leads the present generation to view with indifference those events in our early history; which are not less interesting, and far more valuable to us as a people, than those spots and historical incidents in the old world over which the American visitor is so apt to indulge in fits of rhapsody. It is true that the old world is richer in antiquity and in historical lore than the new, but it is not because those of the former are more interesting than those of the latter, but rather because they are farther removed from us both in distance and time, and because her people have been more careful to keep her proud memorials above the surface of the waveless past. There will come a period in the history of our future when the past will plead with loud-voiced tongue in vain for recognition, and when the awakened conscience of our people will lament that the opportunity is forever past in which to rescue from oblivion the character, the deeds and the daring of the American pioneer. A few years ago a local poet * of no mean ability tuned the chords of his lyre to sing a requiem to the memory of the gallant but unfortunate Foreman and his party, and in his youthful enthusiasm wove this chaplet with which to crown their memories: " Beneath the shadow of yon frowning steep The blue Ohio rolled along; The woods and waves were lull'd to sleep By many a sweet bird's soothing song. They came, those men of lion hearts. They came along that pathless shore, Nor deemed the tomahawks nor darts Would soon decide their marches o'er. * Oliver I. Taylor, deceased. 74 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. As leaps the lighthing from the cloud, As on their prey the tigers spring, So on them rush'd the savage crowd, The woods with yells unearthly ring. An hundred warriors round them stand, An hundred more rushed down the hill, To wreak upon that little band, Their demon wrath and thirst to kill. Now nerve your hearts, Columbia's sons, God help you in this fearful hour ! It boots not much that twenty guns, Yet still they fought as fight the brave, Oppose such overwhelming power. Breast unto breast within that glen, Till one by one they fill'd a grave, Which now proclaims they died like men. Not on the squadron cover'd field Amid the bugle's cheering notes, Where bulwarks high are strong to shield, And their proud flag above them floats, O, not amid war's pagantry Where paeans of glory rung, Were those brave soldiers doom'd to die, They fell all lonely and unsung. Yet when the scroll shall be unroll'd, That tells the records of the brave, Whose names shall be more proudly told Than theirs who fill this lonely grave? Whose deeds shall be more glorious then, Amid their country's loud applause, Than their's who in this fameless glen, Laid down their lives in freedom's cause ? " During the war for our national indepencence the patriots were compelled not only to meet avowed enemies in the person of Indian foes and British soldiers in the field and in the forest, but also stealthy and secret enemies among their neighbors and professed friends. These latter consisted of such as still adhered to the crown and extended to it their loyalty and allegiance. These were not merely passively disaffected to the cause of the colonies, but in many instances they actively engaged in schemes and undertakings to embarrass the patriots in their operations. To this end they did not hesitate to sacrifice every social tie, and to compromise every social feeling and relation. In some instances they boldly refused to pay taxes for the support of government, and also to serve in the ranks of the militia. In some sections their opposition was carried to such an extent as to blunt every finer and nobler feeling, and in some cases the insurrection had assumed such alarming proportions that it could only be quelled by the strong arm of military force. Thomas Jefferson in his " Notes on Virginia," defines a tory in the following terms: "A tory has been properly defined to be a traitor in thought, but not in deed. The only description by which the laws have endeavored to come at them was that of non-jurors or persons refusing to take the oath of fidelity to the state. Persons of this description were at one time subjected to double taxation, and at another to treble, and lastly were allowed retribution and placed