solicited by a number of North Carolina gentlemen, that were about
purchasing the lands lying on the south side of Kentucky river, from the
Cherokee Indians, to attend their treaty at Wataga in March, 1775, to
negotiate with them, and mention the boundaries of the purchase. This I
accepted; and, at the request of the same gentlemen, undertook to mark
out a road in the best passage from the settlement through the wilderness
to Kentucky, with such assistance as I thought necessary to employ for
such an important undertaking.

I soon began this work, having collected a number of enterprising men,
well armed. We proceeded with all possible expedition until we came
within fifteen miles of where Boonesborough now stands, and where we were
fired upon by a party of Indians that killed two, and wounded two of our
number; yet, although surprised and taken at a disadvantage, we stood our
ground. This was on the 20th of March, 1775. Three days after, we were
fired upon again, and had two men killed, and three wounded. Afterward we
proceeded on to Kentucky river without opposition; and on the 1st day of
April began to erect the fort of Boonesborough at a salt lick, about
sixty yards from the river, on the south side.

On the fourth day, the Indians killed one of our men. We were busily
employed in building this fort until the 14th day of June following,
without any further opposition from the Indians; and having finished the
works, I returned to my family, on Clinch.

In a short time I proceeded to remove my family from Clinch to this
garrison, where we arrived safe, without any other difficulties than such
as are common to this passage; my wife and daughter being the first
white women that ever stood on the banks of Kentucky river.

On the 24th day of December following, we had one man killed, and one
wounded, by the Indians, who seemed determined to persecute us for
erecting this fortification.

On the 14th day of July, 1776, two of Colonel Calaway's daughters, and
one of mine, were taken prisoners near the fort. I immediately pursued
the Indians with only eight men, and on the 16th overtook them, killed
two of the party, and recovered the girls. The same day on which this
attempt was made, the Indians divided themselves into different parties,
and attacked several forts, which were shortly before this time erected,
doing a great deal of mischief. This was extremely distressing to the new
settlers. The innocent husbandman was