e habitations; and, anxiously
concerned for futurity, determined utterly to extirpate the whites out of
Kentucky. We were not intimidated by their movements, but frequently gave
them proofs of our courage.

About the first of August, I made an incursion into the Indian country
with a party of nineteen men, in order to surprise a small town up
Scioto, called Paint Creek Town. We advanced within four miles thereof,
where we met a party of thirty Indians on their march against
Boonesborough, intending to join the others from Chilicothe. A smart
fight ensued between us for some time; at length the savages gave way and
fled. We had no loss on our side; the enemy had one killed, and two
wounded. We took from them three horses, and all their baggage; and being
informed, by two of our number that went to their town, that the Indians
had entirely evacuated it, we proceeded no further, and returned with all
possible expedition to assist our garrison against the other party. We
passed by them on the sixth day, and on the seventh we arrived safe at
Boonesborough.

On the 8th, the Indian army arrived, being four hundred and forty-four in
number, commanded by Captain Duquesne, eleven other Frenchmen, and some
of their own chiefs, and marched up within view of our fort, with British
and French colors flying; and having sent a summons to me, in his
Britannic Majesty's name, to surrender the fort, I requested two days'
consideration, which was granted.

It was now a critical period with us. We were a small number in the
garrison--a powerful army before our walls, whose appearance proclaimed
inevitable death, fearfully painted, and marking their footsteps with
desolation. Death was preferable to captivity; and if taken by storm, we
must inevitably be devoted to destruction. In this situation we concluded
to maintain our garrison, if possible. We immediately proceeded to
collect what we could of our horses and other cattle, and bring them
through the posterns into the fort; and in the evening of the 9th, I
returned answer that we were determined to defend our fort while a man
was living. "Now," said I to their commander, who stood attentively
hearing my sentiments, "we laugh at your formidable preparations; but
thank you for giving us notice and time to provide for our defence. Your
efforts will not prevail; for our gates shall for ever deny you
admittance." Whether this answer affected their courage or not I can not
tell; but, contrar