some of Nature's noblest efforts. Here were climes, transporting them for exchange and to be seen no villages nor hamlets, not a farm thus meeting the wishes and wants of thouhouse nor cottage, no fields nor meadows with sands of civilized inhabitants residing on its their appropriate furniture, shocks of corn nor borders and spread abroad on the adjoining herds of domestic animals. In its widest regions. The mind of man is often busied range the eye would in vain seck to discover in searching after novelties and possibilities, a cultivated spot of earth on which to repose. and sometimes after impossibilities. Yet it Here were no marks of industry, nor of the is believed that at the time of which we are exercise of those arts which minister to the now speaking, no one had anticipated those comfort and convenience of man; here Na- astonishing changes which have since taken ture had for ages on ages held undisputed place in the Western country and which empire. In the deep and dismal solitude of have been the result of human ingenuity, these woodlands the lone wanderer would industry and enterprise. have been startled by the barking of the The troops now lay encamped in the viwatch-dog, or the shrill clarion of a chanti- cinity of the enemy,-an enemy subtle and cleer. Here the whistling of the plough-boy insidious, and who, roused by danger, would or the milk-maid's song, sounds elsewhere exert all his energy and strength and employ heard with pleasing emotions, would have every artifice to destroy or drive from his been incongruous and out of place.

borders these hostile invaders. General From this same promontory were to be Lewis himself possessed military talents and seen two mighty rivers, travelling in different had much experience in Indian warfare. He directions, from far distant sources, rolling could therefore pretty correctly estimate the on with strong but noiseless current their circumstances in which he found himself immense volumes of water, here about to placed and is said to have been much dissatunite their forces and form one majestic isfied with the course which the affairs of stream and this too hastening away South- the campaign had taken. Before entering Westwardly in a serpentine course to min- on the command he had been assured that gle his waters with the floods of the Missis- he would be met at Point Pleasant by the sippi. This great collection of water which Northern troops, which united with his own had from time immemorial flowed in one un- would constitute an army able to overawe the broken current, connecting the frozen moun- enemy and penetrate his country. But this tains of the North with the Father of riv-assurance had not been verified. No Northers, must have been a subject of wonder ern troops had arrived; no advices had been and admiration to the lately arrived troops. received. He found himself now far advancThe Ohio river when found a century ago was named by the French "La Belle," the Beautiful. From its possessing an assemblage of beauties it seems to have a just claim to this appellation.

ed in the wilderness, with only a few raw, undisciplined militia to stand against all the force which numerous tribes of savages confederated in one common cause, might embody, to destroy their common enemy. He was solicitous not only for the troops under his imThough deep yet clear, though gentle yet not dall, mediate command, but also for the eventual Strong without rage, without o'erflowing full." success of the campaign. What opposition The beauties of this river were all from Na- the army might meet with on entering the ture; cities or towns had not arisen on its enemy's territory; what delays, disasters and margin; no water-craft rested on its bosom; difficulties he might be obliged to encounter not a boat or bark was seen to diversify its in a country whose geography was but little surface or give it animation. So far as it known; how far it might be necessary for respected man, it was a watery waste, unin- the army to proceed and what length of time teresting, unprofitable and unpromising. For would be necessary for completing its opeas yet no one had dreamed that ere long this rations,-were problems which could be solvwould become a high-way of commerce or ed only by actual experiment. General Lewis that numerous swift ships would be at no dis- saw that much of the season for active operatant day seen stemming its current, freighted tion had already passed away. The days with the fruits and fabrics and riches of other were becoming short and the weather cold,

and if the severity of the winter should stop them commenced a heavy fire soon after the progress of the army before the Indians sunrise. By this time the hunters had prowere subdued, nothing would be gained and ceeded so far as to be quite out of hearing, the public expectation would be disappoint- and knew nothing about the battle until they ed. When he first arrived at Point Pleasant, returned in the evening. A few hunters, he sent runners to find the head-quarters of perhaps half-a-dozen, who had taken their the Governor and bring advices. He also course up the river, met the Indians and undertook the erection of a block-house, were killed or driven back. Thus by this act which was designed to be a depository for of disobedience the army was deprived on such baggage and stores as the army would this important occasion of about a hundred not need while traversing the Indian coun- of its best marksmen, or nearly one-tenth of try, but which might be left here under the its whole number. Had these been present, protection of a guard until the army should the action would probably have been of shortreturn to this place. He also adopted other er duration and less disastrous. The army precautionary measures for the safety of the under General Lewis had never been subtroops, among these was an order prohibit- jected to discipline. It had been gathered ing the soldiers from leaving the camp with- in a mountainous country and brought with out permission. This was designed to pre- it a spirit of freedom and independence, a vent the men from going out singly or in spirit which mountaineers always possess, small groups, lest they should be cut off by which sometimes prompts to great and noble the scouts of the enemy and also that all the deeds, but which is wholly incompatible with troops might be ready to act promptly and the life and duties of a soldier, unless when efficiently in any emergency. But this or- modified and corrected by much training and der was not regarded. Many of the men discipline. These men were healthy, active continued to go out every day for the pur- and energetic and accustomed to the toils pose of hunting as they had done before the and privations of new settlers. They were order was issued. This was irksome and well prepared for the hardships of a military unpleasant to the commander, who was life and when tried in battle were found to vested with ample authority, but without the possess that firm and persevering courage power to enforce obedience. To resort to which insures victory. They were indeed military punishment would have been vain. the raw materials from which by proper trainMost of the men and some of the officers ing, might have been manufactured as galindulged a spirit of insubordination, and lant and efficient soldiers as ever manœucoercion might have produced open muti- vred on the fields of Warsaw and Waterloo. ny. Whilst the troops lay here, some dis- Let us return from this digression. At an content took place on account of the dis- early day the Indians had become acquainttribution of provision. Certain companies ed with the movements in Virginia and even complained of partiality, alleging that they with the plan of the campaign. The Shawnees had drawn beef of very inferior quality, whilst rightly judging that they would be the first obother companies fared much better. This ject of attack, called in their out-posts, viz; drew forth an order from the commander, their hunting and marauding parties, and directing that all beef of an inferior qual- strengthened themselves by renewing their ality should be first slaughtered and distribu- liance with many other tribes, thus securing ted to the troops alike. This order was is- their aid and co-operation. Even while Gensued on the 9th of October, and on the next eral Lewis was on his march, the warriors were morning before the break of day at least one assembling. Their place of rendezvous was hundred of the soldiers had left the camp between Chilicothe and Point Pleasant, not to seek their rations in the woods. Before far distant from the latter. Their intention this all the game in the immediate vicinity of at first had been to attack the army while the camp had been killed or driven off. crossing the river, but afterwards it was deAbout break of day, on the morning of the termined that it should be permitted to pass 10th of October, a strong band of Indians undisturbed and commence its march with was found advancing on the camp. A de- the view of cutting it off more completely tachment from the army ordered to meet by ambuscade in the wilderness country.

*

This course was probably suggested by some ed with a luxuriant growth of weeds, interaged warrior, who, nineteen years before, had spersed with entangling vines and creepers witnessed the success of the stratagem by and in some places with close-set thickets of which the army of Braddock was allowed to spice-wood or other undergrowth. A jourcross the Monongahela and proceed with- ney through this in the night, must have out interruption until it fell into the embrace been tedious, tiresome, dark and dreary. of destruction. The Indians, however, entered on it promptAs the Indians while on a foray have no ly and persevered until break of day, when supplies of provisions, save what every man about a mile distant from the camp, one of carries for his own use, it necessarily hap- those unforeseen incidents occurred, which pens that where any considerable number are so often totally defeat or greatly mar the best embodied, their excursion must be of short concerted military enterprises. Two soldiers duration. They had already been assembled from the camp, wishing to make a successsome length of time, but as General Lewis ful hunt, set out before day in order to be on since his arrival had kept himself closely the hunting ground as soon as it was light within his encampment, they had found no enough to discover the game. These were opportunity for attacking him to advantage, met and fired on; one of them fell; the nor could it be foreseen when such opportu- other, whose name was Robertson, afternity might offer. Under these circumstan- wards known in Tennessee by the title of ces they became apprehensive of scarcity, Colonel, not relishing this rough situation so which might cause a breaking up of their early in the morning, retraced his steps with camp and a dispersion of their forces. A all convenient speed to the camp, where he council of their chiefs was therefore called. related his adventures to the commander-inHere it was proposed that they should cross chief. "While he was yet speaking" his the river some miles above Point Pleasant account was confirmed by other hunters who and march down in the night undiscovered, had seen the Indians. Three hundred men so that they might at break of day surprise were ordered out as a party of discovery and the camp and carry it by general assault. observation, under the command of Colonel Cornstalk, a noted Shawnee chief, opposed this course, alleging that war was not for the interest of the Indians and that overtures for peace should be made to the whites. But overruled by numbers, he acquiesced, re- from the camp encountered the whole force minding the council that they who had now declared for war, were responsible for the consequences and must fight with great bravery, while he would himself accompany them and witness their performance. Ac- river bank; the right, under Lewis, extended cordingly on the evening of the 9th of Octo- far toward the rising ground or bluff of Crookber, soon after dark, they began to cross the ed creek, a branch of the Kanawha. The river on rafts previously prepared. To ferry attack was first made on the right, but the so many men over this wide river and on firing was soon heard along the whole extent these clumsy transports must have required of the line, and for a short time was very considerable time. But before morning they sharp and here several of the combatants fell were all on the eastern bank ready to pro- on both sides. But believing themselves to ceed. Their route now lay down the margin be greatly overpowered by numbers, and both of the river, through an extensive bottom. the leaders, Lewis and Fleming being woundOn this bottom was a heavy growth of tim- ed, the former mortally, the latter severely, ber, with a foliage so dense as in many pla- the whole party fell back, but not in confuces to intercept in a great measure the light sion. They continued pretty well embodied, of the moon and stars. Beneath lay many Col. Stewart says that his name was Moony and that

Charles Lewis, brother of the commanderin-chief, and Col. William Fleming. These set forward at sun-rise, in obedience to their orders, and when less than half a mile distant

of the enemy. The line of white men extended in a direction across the bottom, where it was fully a mile wide, the left, commanded by Colonel Fleming, resting on the

trunks of fallen trees, strewed in different he stopped before his tent-door, to relate his adventure. directions and in various stages of decay. Messrs. Reid & Moore. The one who was killed, was Col. Lewis calls him Robertson, which is confirmed by The whole surface of the ground was cover-named Hickman, according to Col. Stewart.

VOL. XIII-90

much as they had been when the action com- 'men to the number of six or eight hundred, menced, and kept up a constant fire, which of various descriptions, armed and unarmed, retarded the pursuit of the enemy and gave all pent up by the great waters in the rear, time for the arrival of a re-inforcement. This and the enemy in front, without an avenue onset produced great alarm in the camp. by which to escape. None knew the strength The weight of the firing showed that the en- of the enemy; all knew that the whites had emy were re-inforced and the progression of been retreating and were now on the very the sound, that they were nearing the camp. verge of the camp and that by another push, A re-inforcement of fifteen men was ordered if the Indians had the strength to make it, from each company, amounting probably to the camp might become the battle-ground. less than two hundred and fifty. A tumul- The confused noise and wild uproar of battle, tuous state of affairs prevented this order added greatly to the terror of the scene. The from being executed with precision. Some, shouting of the whites, while the re-inforceanticipating the order, had hastened to relieve ment was advancing, the continual roar of their brethren and were already in the field., the fire-arms, the war-whoop and dismal yelOthers promptly obeyed the call when it was ling of the Indians, sounds harsh and grating received. A portion appeared to move slow-when heard separately, became by mixture ly as if reluctant to quit the camp, while and combination highly discordant and terrific. another portion, and not a few, as was thought, Add to this the constant succession of the mingling with the promiscuous crowd con- dead and wounded, brought off from the batcealed themselves, evaded the order and thus tle-field, many of these with shattered limbs kept out of harm's way. As this re-inforce- and lacerated flesh, pale, ghastly, and disfigment advanced, not in a body, but in disor- ured, and besmeared with gore, their "garderly succession, it was long exposed and ments rolled in blood," and uttering doleful suffered much from the enemy, before it could cries of lamentation and distress; others faint, be arranged in the line of battle. The re- feeble and exhausted by loss of blood, scarcetreating party now strengthened and encour- ly able with quivering lips to tell their ail to aged, refused farther to give ground, whilst passers-by. Sounds and sights and circumthe Indians pressed on with great earnest- stances such as these were calculated to exness and being indignant at having their pro- cite general solicitude for the issue of the gress checked, by their impetuosity suffered battle, and alarm in each individual for his much in their turn. Although they had been own personal safety. Early in the day Genfoiled in their attempt of surprising the camp eral Lewis had ordered a breast-work to be at break of day, yet now elated by their par- constructed from the Ohio to the Kanawha, tial success, they hoped that by driving back thus severing the camp from the neighbourthe whites and furiously pursuing them into ing forest. This breast-work was formed by the camp, they might, amidst the confusion felling trees and so disposing of their trunks and carnage which would follow, gain their and branches, as to form a barrier which was primary object, but the whites remained firm difficult to pass. It was designed that should and immovable and now was the heat of the the enemy gain an ascendancy in the field, battle. The combatants stood opposite each, this barrier might prevent their entrance into threatening death and destruction upon the the camp, while at the same time it might other. Neither would retreat; neither could serve as a protection to the garrison that was advance. The noise of the firing was tre- within. The sun had not ascended far in his mendous. No single gun could be distin- midway path when the storm of battle beguished, but it was one constant roar. The gan to subside and the firing to abate. Both rifle and tomahawk now did their work with parties had put forth their most strenuous dreadful certainty. The confusion and pertur- efforts and both had sustained heavy loss; bation of the camp had now arrived at its yet both seemed willing to continue the congreatest height. The ground of the encamp- test. Nevertheless, as if taught by experiment was an area of triangular form, two ence, both seemed willing to shelter themsides of which were bounded by the rivers selves carefully and avoid exposure, whilst Ohio and Kanawha, and the third exposed to at the same time they were careful to emthe battle-ground. On the area, there were ploy every opportunity for annoying their

enemy. Seldom now did any one expose during the day and the great lapse of time himself to view and when such an occur- since this occurrence, a coincidence of views rence took place, five or ten or perhaps more could not be expected. This retreat in its guns were discharged from the opposite line. plan and execution has generally been After this there was silence until a like oc- thought to have been made with skill and currence again took place. In this desul- dexterity. European and Indian battles are tory way the battle was continued for a con- so different in their character as hardly to siderable time. Although the Indians had admit of comparison. But had a skilful of manifested a disposition to continue the con- ficer of high reputation in modern warfare test, they had in fact already determined to conducted this retreat precisely as it was done quit the field and had taken precautionary by Cornstalk and his associates, the militameasures to render their retreat more secure. ry character of such officer, it is believed, A portion of their force was detailed to con- would not have suffered by the performance. ceal the dead, that their scalps might not At first the Indian expected, by surprising come into possession of the enemy and to the camp, to gain possession of it and remove the wounded to a place of safety. its scalps and its spoils. But failing in Whilst this detachment was performing these this and losing many of their warriors, their duties, the main body maintained the line of next purpose was to escape from the whites battle and kept the white men at bay. But with as little further loss and delay as possias soon as it was known that the wounded ble. Their great difficulty seems to have were placed in security, the whole Indian been to secure the wounded. Many of these line fell back several hundred yards and there had been disabled two or three miles from in ambush awaited the approach of their pur- that point of the river, where the rafts had suers. These followed with too little cau- been moored and to which point it was netion and suffered for their temerity. Several cessary that they should all be transported in times the Indians practised the same mancu- order to recross. With their means of transvre by retreating and concealing themselves, portation this must have required much time and in each of these stations exhibited the and labor. But after the retreat commensame kind of desultory warfare. The last of ced the Indian chief managed with so much these positions proved advantageous for shel- adroitness, that the pursuers had not gained ter and concealment and here the Indians probably more than one mile and a half, cerremained for several hours, maugre all the tainly not two miles in six or seven hours. efforts of the whites to dislodge them. At Thus it happened that the whole band had length Captain Shelby, since governor of time to recross the river in the evening, or Kentucky and noted for his skill and in- first part of the night. Not a prisoner was trepidity in Indian warfare, was ordered by made nor one of the wounded fell into the the commander-in-chief with a party of men hands of his enemies. To conduct a retreat to pass round south of the battle-ground successfully requires generally greater and and gain a station in the rear of the enemy, more various talents than to gain a victory. or at least one from which he might enfilade The retreat of the ten thousand Greeks their line. This was nearly accomplished, through many hostile nations, brought into when the design was discovered, and soon exercise greater and more diversified talents after the whole of the Indians fled the field. The day was now far spent; the men were exhausted by hunger, fatigue and anxiety. Nothing it was thought could be gained by further pursuit. The victory was complete and the troops returned to the camp.

than the celebrated victory over Darius king of Persia. The former conducted by Xenophon, gained for him a more enviable reputation than had ever been conceded to the hair-brained son of Philip of Macedon. The former saved from inevitable destruction a numerous band of his countrymen and restored them to their native land. The latter caused the destruction of a great Prince and

The foregoing sketch of the retreat of the Indians was taken from conversations held with individuals, who had themselves been in the battle. These on several minor points myriads of his numerous army, whose only did not entirely harmonize, but considering crime was to defend themselves against a the circumstances in which they were placed total overthrow.