The Wilmingtonian, and Delaware register. (Wilmington, Del.) 1824-1825, 1825-02-10
ATTACK ON RICE'S FORT.
FROM DonDRIpcE's NOTES.

tWElNS tduiiiitS Vi IL, ihitHSsh1eS iiN'so''ND.
hood 1t was situated on Buhaloc Greek,
about twelve or fifteen miles from its juno
ton with the river Ohio.
Previously to the attack of this fort, which
took place in the month of September, 1889,
several Of the few men belonging to the fort
had gone to Hagerstown to exchange their
peltry and furs, for salt, iron, and ammuni-
ton, as was the usual custom OF those times.
They had gone on this journey somewhat
earlier than usual, because there had been "a
still time"--that is, no recent alarms OF the
Indians
A few days before the attack on this fort,
about 500 Indians had made their last attack
on Wheeling fort. On the third night of the
investment of WheeEag, the Indian chiefs
held council, in which it was determined,
that the siege of Wheeling should be raised,
200 of the warriors return home, and the re-
manning hundred of picked men make dash
into the country, and to strike heavy blow
somewhere before their return. TWAS their
determination to take fort somewhere, and
massacre all its people, in revenge tor their
defeat at Wheeling.
News of the plan adopted by the Indians
was given BY two white men, who had been
made prisoners when lads, raised among the
Indians, and take to war with them. These
men deserted from them soon after their coun-
Gil at the close of the siege of Wheeling.
The notice was indeed but short, but IT reach
ed Rice's fort about a half all hour before
the commencement of the attack. The in
telligence was brought by Mr.. Jacob Mil
Ter, who received it at DIR. Moorc's in
the neighho,hood of Washington. Max
ing all speed home, he fortunately arrived in
time to assist in the defence OF the place.
On receiving this news, the people OF the
fort felt assured that the blow was intended
for them, and in this conjecture they were
not mistaken. But little time was allowed
them for preparation.
The Indians had surrounded the place be-
fore they were Observed but they were still
at some distance. When discovered, the
alarm was given, OH which every man ran
to his cabin for his gun, and took refuge in
the block house. The Indians answering
with war whoop from their whole line,
commenced firing and running towards the
fort from every direction. It was evidently
their intention to take the place by assault,
hut the firing of the Indians was answered
by that of SIX brave and skillful sharp-shoot-
ers. This unexpected reception, prevented
the intended assault, and made the Indians
take refuge behind logs. stumps and trees.
The firing continued with little intcrmission
for about four hours.
In Tie intervals of the firing, the Indians
frequently called out to the people of the
fort, "tIive up, give up--too many Indians
Indian too big. No Kill" They were an
swcred with defiance Come on you cow
ards; we are ready for you. Shew us your
yellow hides, and we will make holes in them
foryou."
During the evening, many of the Indians,
at some distance from the fort, amused
~, - Oh IL,
hogs and sheep, until the bottom was strew
I'd with their dead bodies.
About ten o'clock at night the Indians set
fire to barn about thirty yards from the fort.
The night was calm, with the exception of a
slight breeze upon the creek.-This carried
the fame and burning splinters in differ
ent direction, SO that the burning of the barn,
which at first was regarded as a dangerous,
If not fatal occurrence, proved in the issue
the means Of throwing a great light to a
great distance in every direction 80 that the
Indians burst not approach the fort to set
fire 10 the cabins, which they might have
done At little risk, under the cover Of dark
ness.
After the barn was set on fire, the Indians
collected on the side Of the fort opposite the
barn, SO as to hay , advantage of the light,
aud kept pretty constant fire, which was
stS clEdNlly dhSNSlCH ON lHdC VI lllG lOIl, III
til about two o'clock when the Indians left
the place, and made hasty retreat.
Thus was this little place defended by a
Spartan band Of six men, against one hun
dred chosen warriors, seXasperated.to mad
ness by their failure at Wheeling fort
Their names shall be inscribed in the list Of
heroes OF our early times. They were la
cob Miller, George Letter, Peter Fullen-
welder, George Felebaum, and Jacob Letter
Junior. George Felebaum was shot in the
forehead, through port hole, at the second
fire of the Indians, and instantly eXpired;
So that, in reality, the defence Of the place
was made by only five men
The loss Of the Indians was fout three Of
whom were Killed 1T the first fire from the
fort, the other was killed about sun down
There can be no doubt but that a nnmDcr
more were Killed and wounded in the en-
gagemcnt, bat concealed or carried eff.
A large division Of these Indians on theil
retreat, passed within little distance OF my
fathers fort. In following their trial, 4 few
days afterwards, found a large poultice d
chewcd sassafras leaves. This is the dress
ing which the Indians usually apply to re-
cent gun shot wounds. The pouticc which
/ found had become too old and dry, was re-
moved and Replaced with new one.
Examples of personal bravery, or hair
breadth escapes, are always acceptable t.
readers Of history. An instance Of both o
these happened during the attack on this for
1vhicl may br worth rcCorIinr