Book Description

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1911 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XVI ONE thjig Boone's expedition had clearly shown: the calm interval did not mean that the Indians had abandoned their project. The warriors were gathered at the Shawnee town, and shortly they set forth under the command of Blackfish. There were four hundred and forty-four of them, and with them twelve whites as military advisers. The chief of these was a French Canadian, a lieutenant named De Quindre. A number of very important and famous chiefs were with the expedition: such as Black Bird, whom Patrick Henry called "the great Chippewa"; Moluntha, who had led the Shawnees in all the really serious invasions of Kentucky; and Catahecassa, who had led in Braddock's defeat. Pompey, the negro, was also along, valuable mainly because he spoke English, not otherwise highly considered, but a member of the tribe for all that. The equipment was that usual to an expedition of this kind, simple, confined to the rifle and the corn wallet for the warriors. But, contrary to the usual custom, almost incredibly contrary, was the presence of a number of packhorses. They carried extra ammunition; but that was only in order that they might carry something. Their intended use was quite different. You remember that when Boone surrendered at the Salt Licks he gained immunity for his men by suggesting that in the warmer season it might be possible to move all the inhabitants peaceably to the Shawnee country there to live in adoption, and that he suggested, further, that packhorses be brought for the purpose of transporting the children and the household goods? Well, in spite of Boone's escape the savage* seem to have retained some lingering hope thai the original plan would be followed. They hated to give Boone up. They liked him, and they admired...