Elizabeth-Town gazette. [volume] (Elizabeth-Town, N.J.) 1818-1821, 1820-05-16
ADVENTURE WITH THE INDIANS.


The following chvaIric adventure, related in late
number of ssThe Western Review" printed at
Lexington, in the state of Kentucky, cannot fail
to excite the strongest interest.
The celebrated Colonel Boon was taken
Iprisoner in 1878, by the Indians, and al.
Though ever watchful for an opportunity
lof escape, considered the attempt too ha-
zardous. until reused by the dangers which
Threatened the early settlers Of Kennedy.
He discovered that five hundred warriors,
under the command of some Canadian of.
ficers, were embodied !es he purpose of
attacking Beansborough. Taking advan-
Isage OF the privilege allowed him from his
skill 10 hunting, he under preience of kill
ing a deer, boldly turned his course to-
wards the settlement, and travelled inces.
sanity, day and night, about 200 miles,
until he arrived at the stockade, or station
named in honour of himself.
Mr.. Smith was at this time commandant
| of the little cnlnny His rarE ae MAJOR
| 10 the militia of Virginia, and bis personal
qualifications, occasioned him to be cho-
sen leader Of the small band of heroic set
tiers, who, with the assistance Of Colonel
Boon, signalized themselves in the memo
rable defence Of that place. We mean
not to dwell upon the bravery of their
conduct. Who among Americans could
act otherwise than bravely, when defend,
ing their wives, their sisters, or their chill
dren Major Smith had another not less
powerful motive, to stimulate his natural
courage. The tender feelings of love had
kindled into fame, and made every
emotion of his heart burn with desire
TO distinguish himself 10 defence Of the OBJ
ject of his affection, who, with her pa
rents, had some time previous sought an
asy lum 10 the fort.
The Indians invested the stockade, be-
fore the garrison had completed the dig
ging of a we'll, which they had commenced
on receiving information of the intended
attack. Delay was absolutely necessary
10 complete this important object, as their
numbers were too small to permit its being
accomplished when employed in seifde-
fence. They consequently entered into a
deceptive negotiation for the surrender of
the fort, which circumstance fortunately
gave them time 10 complete their under
taking. Major Smith, who with some 9th
ers of the garrison, had engaged to meet an
equal number of the enemy at a spring,
within pistol shot of the station, for the
purpose of arranging terms Of capitula
ton, anticipated the usual treachery oil
the sayages, and placed number Of his
men on the side opposite the place Of rem
devious, with strict orders to fire indis-
criminately on the party, If concerted
signal should be given. The conference
was held, and the proposals for surrender
declined by our countrymen. at time
when they observed party Of the In
dams secretly creeping towards the place
The hostile chiefs, who advanced. under
pretence Of taking leave, attempted t
seize our officers. At this moment, Smith
waved his hat, when a volley from til,
garrison Frustrated four of the enemy.
was perhaps owing to the deliberate cool
ness of our marksmen, that their ow,
party escaped into the fort with the ex
ceptiou Of one person, wounded by tn,
fire of those who had secretly advance,
towards the spring. The siege was thu
begun and continued with incessant firing
night and day, until the losses Of the be
siegers eventually obliged them TO with
draw.
/ Major Smiths mauly heroism, his COG
and humane conduct throughout the de
fence of Boonsborcugh, which then con
sisted Of only a few log cabins stockade