The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1851-07-16
WITH THE INDIANS.

uO SCiCOtotCo WI. OOOh WoS tohCi
prisoner by the Indians in 1878, and al
though ever watchful for an opportunity
of escape, considered the attempt too haz-
ardous, until reused by the dangers which
threatened the early settlers Of Kentucky
81 He discovered that five hundred warriors
under the command of some Canadian
officers, were embodied for the purpose oi
attacking Boonsborough. Taking advan-
tage Of the privilege allowed him from his
skill in hunting, he, under pretence Of kill
ing deer, boldly turned his course towards
the settlement, and travelled necessarily
day and night, about five hundred miles,
until he arrived at the stockade Of the sta.
ton named in honor OF himself
MIR Smith was at this time commandant
ofthe colony, his rank Major of the mill
tia Of Virginia, and his personal qualities
occasoned him to be chosen leader Of the
small band of heroic settlers. who, with the
assistance Of Col. Boon. signalized them
selves in the memorable defence Of that
place. We mean not to dwell on the
bravery OF their conduct. Who, among
Americans, could act otherwise than brave
when defending their wives, their sisters,
sand children?
Major Smith had another but not less
powerful motive TO stimulate his courage
The tender feelings Of love had kindled
into q flame and made every emotion Of
his heart burn with desire TO distinguish
himself in defence of the object Of his af-
fec,ion. who with her parents had some
time previously sought an asy um in the fort.
The Indians invested the stockade be-
fore the garrison had completed digging
well which had been commenced on re.
ceving information Of the intended attack.
Delay was absolutely necessary TO COM
ple,e the important undertaking, as their
numbers were too small TO permit it being
accomplished when employed in self-de-
fence. They consequently entered into
deceptive negotiation for the surrender of
the fort, which torunately y enabled them 10
complete their undertaking.
Major Smith, who, with some others of
the garrison, had engaged TO meet an
equal number Of the enemy at a spring
within pistol shot Of the fort, for the pur-
pose OF arranging the terms Of capilulation,
= anticipated the usual treachery Of the saw
ages, and placed number Of his men on
the side opposite the rendezvous, with strict
orders to fire on the party if concerted
signal should be given. The conference
was held and the proposals for surrender
declared by our countrymen at a time
when they observed party Of Indians Sc
-cretly creeping towards the place. The
hostile savage foe advancing under pre-.
tsnce OF taking leave, attempted to seize
our officer. At this moment Smith waved
shis hat when volley from the garrison
j.. prostrated four Of the enemy. Ii was per.
haps owing 10 the deliberate GOODNESS Of
our marksmen that their own party esca-
ped into the fort, witht the exception of one
person wounded by the fire Of those who
had secretly advanced toward the spring.
j iGThe siege was thus begun and continued
with increased firing night and day, until
Gthe loss Of the beseigers eventually forced
them to Withdraw. - dJ .HiGg.7aGIl,. /
"a, Major Smiths manly heroism. his cool
: and humane conduct throughout the de-
tence Of Boonsborough, which consisted OF
: only q few log cabins stockaded together,
produced sensations in the bosom Of our
young heroine, such as his previous re-
spectful attentions had not effected. These
feelings were heightened by solicitude
for rthe,life of her defender who experien.
lced . violent attack of fever, in conse-
. squence of the faiigues he had undergone
during the siege. After few weeks the
.-l-I.~cs. >c Qoocsho oro,,Uh r>Supcad <ho
peaceful employment Of husbandry, and a
proprietor Of farm on the opposite bank
aof the Kentucky river removed his family
.thitheria and reoocupied the former cabins.
!. 1t happened that our heroine, whom we
! shall designate as Miss A., accompanied
by young female friend, tookia walk on
sths banks Of the romantic stream for the
purpose of exercise and amusement, and
Aussting with . canoe, determined to visit