and bereaved of me, her
only happiness--had, before I returned, transported my family and goods,
on horses, through the wilderness, amid a multitude of dangers, to her
father's house in North Carolina.

Shortly after the troubles at Boonesborough, I went to them, and lived
peaceably there until this time. The history of my going home, and
returning with my family, forms a series of difficulties, an account of
which would swell a volume; and, being foreign to my purpose, I shall
purposely omit them.

I settled my family in Boonesborough once more; and shortly after, on the
6th day of October, 1780, I went in company with my brother to the Blue
Licks; and, on our return home, we were fired upon by a party of Indians.
They shot him, and pursued me, by the scent of their dog, three miles;
but I killed the dog, and escaped. The winter soon came on, and was very
severe, which confined the Indians to their wigwams.

The severity of this winter caused great difficulties in Kentucky. The
enemy had destroyed most of the corn the summer before. This necessary
article was scarce and dear, and the inhabitants lived chiefly on the
flesh of buffalo. The circumstances of many were very lamentable:
however, being a hardy race of people, and accustomed to difficulties and
necessities, they were wonderfully supported through all their
sufferings, until the ensuing autumn, when we received abundance from the
fertile soil.

Toward spring we were frequently harassed by Indians; and in May, 1782, a
party assaulted Ashton's station, killed one man, and took a negro
prisoner. Captain Ashton, with twenty-five men, pursued and overtook the
savages, and a smart fight ensued, which lasted two hours; but they,
being superior in number, obliged Captain Ashton's party to retreat, with
the loss of eight killed, and four mortally wounded; their brave
commander himself being numbered among the dead.

The Indians continued their hostilities; and, about the 10th of August
following, two boys were taken from Major Hoy's station. This party was
pursued by Captain Holder and seventeen men, who were also defeated, with
the loss of four men killed, and one wounded. Our affairs became more and
more alarming. Several stations which had lately been erected in the
country were continually infested with savages, stealing their horses and
killing the men at every opportunity. In a field, near Lexington, an
Indian shot a man, and running to scalp him, was himsel