nd astonishing. But when the
mind reflects on the tedious and irksome confinement, which they were
compelled to undergo; the absence of the comforts, and frequently, of
the necessaries of life, coupled with an overweening attachment to the
enjoyment of forest scenes and forest pastimes, it will perhaps be
matter of greater astonishment that they did not more frequently
forego the security of a fortress, for the uncertain enjoyment of
those comforts and necessaries, and the doubtful gratification of this
attachment. Accustomed as they had been "free to come and free to go,"
they could not brook the restraint under which they were placed; and
rather than chafe and pine in unwilling confinement, would put
themselves at hazard, that they might revel at large and wanton in the
wilderness. Deriving their sustenance chiefly from the woods, the
strong arm of necessity led many to tempt the perils which environed
them; while to the more chivalric and adventurous "the danger's self
were lure alone." The quiet and stillness which reigned around, even
when the enemy were lurking nearest and in greater numbers, inspired
many too, with the delusive hope of exemption from risk, not
unfrequently the harbinger of fatal consequences. It seemed indeed,
impracticable at first to realize the existence of a danger, which
could not be perceived. And not until taught by reiterated suffering
did they properly appreciate the perilous situation of those, who
ventured beyond the walls of their forts. But this state of things was
of short duration. The preparations, which were necessary to be made
for the projected campaign into the Indian country, were completed;
and to resist this threatened invasion, required the concentrated
exertions of all their warriors.

The army destined for this expedition, was composed of volunteers and
militia, chiefly from the counties west of the Blue ridge, and
consisted of two divisions. The northern division, comprehending the
troops, collected in Frederick, Dunmore,[3] and the adjacent counties,
was to be commanded by Lord Dunmore, in person;[4] and the southern,
comprising the different companies raised in Botetourt, Augusta and
the adjoining counties east of the Blue ridge, was to be led on by
Gen. Andrew Lewis. These two divisions, proceeding by different
routes, were to form a junction at the mouth of the Big Kenhawa, and
from thence penetrate the country north west of the Ohio river, as far
as the season wou