Martinsburgh gazette. [volume] (Martinsburgh, Va. [W. Va.]) 1810-1825, 1824-12-02
Battle of the Blue Lick.

Battle of the Blue Lick.
The following account of that fatal
action was prepared for the Kentucky
Gizeitcer. but the publication OF that
work having beenunavoidably delayed
for want of correct Information many
important points. we shall from tim. to
time, publish snch extracts as we think
| viii be agreeable 10 our readers, when
we have no important information to
| give them. Lea. Adu.
On the 1llh Of August 1882, Col
John Todd, Col Daniel Boon. Col
Stephen rrigg, and Major Silas Har
an, with inferior officers, and 176 men
aastily collected pursued the Indians
when retreating from the siege Of Bry
int's station. and overlook them on
the 18th near the lower Bloc Licks, on
Lacking river. Some OF the Indians
we're discovered OH the opposite bank
before the whites crossed the river
They manifested no symtoms OF alarm,
! and reiterated ieisufeIy over hills out
| % sight.
Upon this discovery halt was or
dered, and a council Of the principal
officers was held, in order 10 determine
he most prudent course to he pursued.
- In Tie critical moment the age and
great experience OF Col. Boone insen-
sibly attracted the attention OF every
one present, and who earnestly sought
his advice al this perilous iunc'are:: Col.
Todd addressed Boone as follows.
Skilled in Indian warfare and ia
mIliar with the woods in the vicinity
OF this palce. we require your opinion
on the expediencv OF attackipg the en-
| envy in sheir present position TO
| winch Cod Boone replied, am of o
pinion, and indeed fully persuaded that
| the enemy exceed us in number ful
" three hundred--that their main DO
| dy is at no great distance and that they
a having in ambuscade. Their posi-
ton is equal 10 host, should we con
tinue ou, march, and be drawn in be
1
therefore advise, that we divi de our
gallant band that Que half march mp
the river on this side and crossing over
at elk creek, whilst the other half take
a co operate with them in another quar-
Ter. BY this means the great advan
tage OF their situation " i'll be effectually
in our favour But gentlemen, con
tinued Boone, whatever may be your
ultimate decision cautioned against
crossing the river at any rate, until our
spies has explored the ground
A deep silence ensued, and their
superior officers seemed to acquiese
in the sautary advice of Colonel
Boone, when Maj Hugh M'Guary.
remarkably for the impetuosity of his
temper, exclaimed, Delay is bastard
| ly those who are not towards will fol
low me, and | will show them the
Indians. So saying he spured his
horse into the river
The rashness Of M'Guary was con
tageous, he was followedi in quick sue
cession by the Whole ofthe party, who
crossed the river in great disorder and
confusion, whilst the officers were re-
luctanily borne along in the same path
| After having crossed the river, 10
authority could he exercised; nor any
order observed in the line, hut every
one rushed forward tumultuousiv pur
suing The road over the bear rocks. to
he extreme end ofthe side ofthe nils,
where a forest of oaks, deep ravines
with underwood concealed the enemy
from view, who waited III their am6us
cade 10 receive them.
III Guary ledihe van OF the army.
closely followed by Harlan and Capi.
VIM M'BIide supported by the men
on horseback; " hen Gmty with the
| 'sIn'n City was awhile man who had JOIN
/ "a Tie Indians and was considered as one Of
O.