abitants of the more
proximate settlements, to fly immediately to that place, supposing
that an attack was meditated on it. The Indians however, proceeded
on the way to Washington making prisoners of many, who, although
apprized that an enemy was in the country, yet feeling secure in
their distance from what was expected to be the theatre of operations,
neglected to use the precaution necessary to guard them against
becoming captives to the savages. From all the prisoners, they
learned the same thing,--that the inhabitants had gone to Wheeling
with a view of concentrating the force of the settlements to effect
their repulsion. This intelligence alarmed them. The chiefs held a
council, in which it was determined, instead of proceeding to
Washington, to retrace their steps across the Ohio, lest their
retreat, if delayed 'till the whites had an opportunity of organizing
themselves for battle, should be entirely cut off. Infuriate at the
blasting of their hopes of blood and spoil, they resolved to murder
all their male prisoners--exhausting on their devoted heads, the
fury of disappointed expectation. Preparations to carry this
resolution into effect, were immediately begun to be made.

The unfortunate victims to their savage wrath, were led [218] forth
from among their friends and their families,--their hands were
pinioned behind them,--a rope was fastened about the neck of each and
that bound around a tree, so as to prevent any motion of the head.
The tomahawk and scalping knife were next drawn from their belts, and
the horrid purpose of these preparations, fully consummated.

"Imagination's utmost stretch" can hardly fancy a more heart-rending
scene than was there exhibited. Parents, in the bloom of life and glow
of health, mercilessly mangled to death, in the presence of children,
whose sobbing cries served but to heighten the torments of the
dying.--Husbands, cruelly lacerated, and by piece-meal deprived of
life, in view of the tender partners of their bosoms, whose agonizing
shrieks, increasing the anguish of torture, sharpened the sting of
death. It is indeed

----"A fearful thing,
To see the human soul, take wing,
In any shape,--in any mood;"

but that wives and children should be forced to behold the last ebb of
life, and to witness the struggle of the departing spirit of husbands
and fathers, under such horrific circumstances, is shocking to
humanity, and appalling, even in contemplation.