the
woods, though the parties of the enemy were put to flight as often
as they appeared. In the beginning of July he arrived at Fort Prince
George; this expedition having cost him about seventy men killed and
wounded, including five officers.

FATE OF THE GARRISON AT FORT LOUDOUN.

In revenge for these calamities, the Cherokees assembled to a
considerable number, and formed the blockade of Fort Loudoun, a
small fortification near the confines of Virginia, defended by an
inconsiderable garrison, ill supplied with provisions and necessaries.
After having sustained a long siege, and being reduced to the utmost
distress, captain Demere, the commander, held a council of war with
the other officers, to deliberate upon their present situation; when it
appeared that their provisions were entirely exhausted; that they had
subsisted a considerable time without bread upon horse-flesh, and
such supplies of pork and beans as the Indian women could introduce by
stealth: that the men were so weakened with famine and fatigue, that in
a little time they would not be able to do duty; that, for two nights
past, considerable parties had deserted, and some thrown themselves
upon the mercy of the enemy; but the garrison in general threatened to
abandon their officers, and betake themselves to the woods; and that
there was no prospect of relief, their communication having been long
cut off from all the British settlements: for these reasons they were
unanimously of opinion that it was impracticable to prolong their
defence; and they should accept of an honourable capitulation; and
captain Stuart should be sent to treat with the warriors and the head
men of the Cherokees, about the conditions of their surrender. This
officer, being accordingly despatched with full powers, obtained a
capitulation of the Indians, by which the garrison was permitted to
retire. The Indians desired that, when they arrived at Keowee, the
Cherokee prisoners confined at that place should be released, all
hostilities cease, a lasting accommodation be re-established, and a
regulated trade revived. In consequence of this treaty the garrison
evacuated the fort, and had marched about fifteen miles on their return
to Carolina, when they were surrounded and surprised by a large body of
Indians, who massacred all the officers except captain Stuart, and
slew five and twenty of the soldiers: the rest were made prisoners,
and distributed among the different towns and vil