Lewistown gazette. [volume] (Lewistown, Pa.) 1843-1944, 1850-08-02
a select TIte.
KENTUCKY In '7G.
Legend OF the Dark and Bloody Ground.
BY DIR. ROBERT E. LITTLE.

All who are conversant with western
history-the history of that period in Ken
lucky on the '' Dark and Bloody Ground
as it was formerly called, so replete with
danger and misfortune TO the hardy pioneer
from the ambuscade assaults of the wild
and vcngeiul Indian-have heard Of the
old Boonsborough Fort. Not trace now
remains of this renowned safehold from
the inroads of the savage-even the mag
nifcent elm under whose wide spreading
branches the venerable Lythe was accus-
toned to send up his voice in humble ac-
cents to the God Of his fathers, a monu-
ment of other ages which for centuries has
reared its head and dared the fury of the
elements, has yielded to the influence of
Time, and disappeared from its ancient
seat-but the waters of the same river
which washed its base and waited onward
the light bark of the warrior, rolls on with
calm and peaceful waves as in former
days-the waters of the same spring from
which the devoted few slaked their thirst,
supply the wants Of the neighboring farm
er, and the same hills which overlooked
the fort in towering sublimity, and afforded
a lurking place for its enemies, now yield
a rich pasturage TO the lowing herd.
Within the last fifty years the aspect of
the whole scene has been changed-herc
where natures ancient domain was undis-
turbed-here where the hunter fatigued
himself in pursuit of the deer and buffalo
here where the forest re-echoed from
hill to hill with the howling Of the wolf
and panther and the yell of the savage, are
finely cultivated fields teeming with the
produce of the farm-pastures displaying
their cultivated verdure-herds of cattle
breathing life TO the surrounding hills, and
the hum of busy man coming cheerful upon
the ear. For the last time has the warrior
launched his frail bark upon the waters of
the noble Kcn-tuck-ee-for the last time
has he sent forth among its blue hills the
war whoop so terrifying to the dcfenceless
settler-herc for the last time has he been
appalled, by the workings of the Tempest
king, and never again will he bow down
on its banks in supplication to the Great
Spirit. His doom is sealed he is retiring
before the influence of civilization rs the
darkness Of night before the mornings sun.
But his name will live in the noble state
to which he gave title as well as in the
numerous stories of adventure, similar to
the one about to be related.
In the spring Of l775, year momora-
bic alike for the commencement of that
struggle by which we were enabled to
throw off the yoke Of British tyranny,
and for the difficulties experienced by the
cmigrant in his efforts TO subdue the hith-
crto impcnetrablc and inhospitable region
Of Kentucky, the Boonsborough Fort was
erected on the south bank of the river, as
q defence against the incursions of the
northern Indians who were Jealous of the
whites, justly fearing that the hunting
grounds purchased by the blood of their
fathers would be torn from them, that farms
would be erected upon their graves, and
they themselves hunted down like beasts
OF the forest, and compelled TO seek other
homes. For several years after its cree
ton the 0utrages pcrpetrated indicated that
II was their determination TO destroy the
different stations and thus prevent the fur
ther settlement of the country. Among
other settlements Boonsborough suffered
severely, having withstood a siege OF nine
days, carried on by a superior force of
French and Indians. Our story COM