Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1833-06-13


vice Of the soldier and woodsman,
Col. Boon, who vas well acquainted
with the situation Of the ground. He,
in his piain. frank, and impressive man.
uer. stated. that in his opinion, the
enemy invited an attack; their num-
Der might probably vary from three to
1--WE hundred, owing to the ambiguous
nature Of the sign; the main body was
near, and prepared for action, and the
ground was we'll calculated for an ana
buscade. The river wound in an irreg.
ular elipsis, near the centre Of which.
and on the top Of the hill then in view,
passed the great Buffalo road, leading
to Limestone; two ravines made up in
different directions about one mile in
advance, and terminated near each
other, on the right and left Of the road |;
both ravines were covered with small
oak and underwood. while the ground
between the river and ravines was uu-
even and barren the Indians would
be able to fight under cover, while the
Kentuckians could scarce be protected
by single shrub. II was, therefore,
most advisable to wait for the rein
forcement hourly looked for, under the
command Of Col. Logan, and in the
meantime, the surrounding country
could be examined, and the position of
the enemy reeonnoitered; but in the
event Of an immediate attack being
resolved on, the troops ought to be d.
vided one division to march up on the
south side Of the river, cross near the
mouth Of small creek, aud fall upon
the outside Of the ravines, while the
other division should place itself in a
position to take advantage Of circum-
stances, cooperate with the first di-
vision in case of an attack, and make
an effort to take the enemy in their
o,Dn snares, should they be in an5us-
eade. Already had Boon gained over
to his opinion. a large portion Of those
who heard him, when the rash and i'm.
patient McGary applied the rowels to
the sides Of his horse, and plunged in.
TO the stream, crying at the same time,
in loud voice, "Those who are not
towards, will follow me, and will
show them where the Indians are ~
A confusion, so common and SO fatal l.
mong undisciplined troops, now took
place. One followed another follow
ed, some doubted, others wavered, a
few we're determined, and a part stood
firm. But unfortunately, the prompt
and authoritative command, shall"
was not given. and the council was
broken up. Morgan, together with
some others, who had attentively lis.
tened to the advice Of Boon, were
convinced Of its correctness, and op-
posed to crossing the river, but at
length suffered themselves to be car
ried along in the crowd, until the whole
force was on the northern bank. No
order was observed, no command was
given. The narrow strip Of bottom
ground, in which the salt spring is 81.
tuated, was soon passed, and the hill
assembled. Here they were led, by the
disappearance Of the few Indians frat
discovered, to ridge on the left,
which terminated near the two RI.
vines, and at its termination, was cover
ed with small oak. The distance from
the spring to the ravines was about one
mile, and the intervening ground un.
even and barren; for ages back, it had
been stripped Of its foliage by the
tread Of iDnuinerable herds Of deer and
buffalo that resorted to the lick, and
presented an almost unbroken pave.
ment Of rocks, through which q few
scattering serubby oaks had here and
there forced their way. McGary and
Mcbride, at the head Of the party in
front, that first reached the woods,
were instantly attacked by the Indians
that lay concealed and waiting for
them. The action nOw commenced, and
soon became warm and bloody; q con
slant and destructive FIRE was kept up.
The savage war whoop, burst from
both FaviBes, which concealed the enc.
my, extended beyond the whole lines
Of the KentuekiSns, and now poured
forth q countless horde, Of hungry can.
nibals prepared for slaughter, and
thirsting for blood. Todd and Trigg
rushed forward and feArlessly fronted
the enemy; they fought, they bIed, and
fell IN 'he early part Of the action, no.
LIy evincing that they were as brave in
the field Of battle, as amiable in pri
Sate life. The patriot Harland was
also slain, bravely defending himself,
and proudly sustaining his country's
honor. The gallant aud youthful Boon
fell by TIE side OF his heroic father,
who hewed his way through the enemy,
aud laid every opposing warrior low.
Al that could be accomplished by %
triotism, effected by bravery, won By
. disregard Of death, or gained by
love OF country, was now performed. -
Arm TO arm. breast 10 breast, they had
struggled With the enemy, bot all IN
vain. a force Of three to one, and
that 10 ambuseade, Was overwbei ming
and irresistible. Pressed in the front,
assaulted IN the rear, attacked on the
left, aud about TO be surrounded ma.
nv Of the best and ablest slain. and