Wisconsin tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1847-1854, 1853-07-21
tRight to Publish, o6taiHed for the TribgHe.)
z 0 S q Z e e g.
THE PIONEERS OF KENTUCKY.
q Stun uf WRstRru TifF.
BY DR.. J. II. ROBINSON.
[Continued.l
CHAPTER XVI
THE PIONEERS OF KENTUCKY
[Continued.l
CHAPTER XVI.
THE sEIsE OF BooNEsBoRoUGH.

THE SEIGE OF BooSESBoRoUGB.
REYNOLDS and Mr. Fleming were in
the block house nearest the river. An
drew and Exquisite Ebony were standing
within few feet of them looking cautious
ly through the loop-holes. At different
parts of the structure stern faces were
seen, begrimmed with powder and dust
| Each heart felt that the danger was press
ing, and every pulse throbbed with ankle
! ty; few brief hours would decide the
fate of Boonesborough
| The attention of the pioneers was sud
denly attracted by an exclamation of sur
prise from Exquisite Ebony.
| What now 2 asked Daniel Boone
'Will yer look dar p said Ebony.
'Where p inquired the forester
why dar, rite afore yer eyes
| L don't see anything but the river re-
joined the captain, after looking a mo-
ment from one of the loop holes
Don't you sec, Massa Boone, it am
changed its color it am jest like mud as
one darkey is like anuder,' returned Ex-
qnisite.
The pioneer again looked from the block
house, and the truth, of the negro's remarks
was at once apparent The waters Of the
Kentucky were no longer of their natur
al color, but deeply colored as when, swol
len with heavy rains, the loose red soil is
washed away. For an instant the pioneer
was at fault
! This is strange + he exclaimed; what
can you make of it. men2'
| BY this time many anxious eyes were
gazing upon the river.
| BY heavens understand it all cried
Boone They are digging trench they
intend to let loose the water upon us
You are right said Fleming, mourn
fully. 'Boonesborough is no better than
| lost
And we are no better than lost men,
observed Aston, with a sigh
The pioneers looked gloomily at each
other they thought of their wives and
children brave men wiped away tears,
that, perhaps, were never guilty of the
like weakness before; but they were not
selfish tears they flowed for those una
/ bic to defend themselves from savage bar
barity.
.Girty must have put this internal idea
into their heads said Reynolds
Possibly not for | heard lie Bland
remark once, that Boonesborough might
easily be undermined, and the whole of
US drowned out like so many rats replied
Mr.. Fleming.
'Gorra mighty dey's gwine to let loose
| old Kentuck 7 exclaimed Andrew, with
dilated eyes.
DE women folks wont have to 90 arter
no more water observed Ebony, philo-
sophically.
No. de water'll come arter dem,' re-
joined Andrew.
Oars more of de mischief 7 exclaimed
/ Ebony.
so there is they're shootin' famin' ar
rers at US to set the works on fire." said
Joel Logston.
We can have our choice, then, between
fire and water added Fleming.
'Or we can have both retorted Joel.
The women and children had by this
time learned what was going forward, and
every part of the fort resounded with
cries and lamentations. Husbands and
wives, parents and children embraced each
other tenderly, thinking they would soon
/ be parted forever In this world.
Death must come to US all, in some
form or another, said Boone, addressing
the mournful and panic stricken group, in
calm, subdued and solemn voice 1T is
an irrevocable law of God that all created
beings should die Seeing that death is
something that cannot be evaded, it be-
comes US to meet it with frmness and
/ Christian philosophy. So far as | am
now able to Judge, the term of our earth
" lives is drawing to a close must GER
tainIy regard it in this sad light, unless
some means can speedily be devised to
thwart the hellish ingenuity of our enc
mics. | enjoin upon you all to be calm
IN this terrible emergency. The women
have once proved themselves heroines
since this seige commenced, and | doubt
not they will again. This is no time for
grief and tears such demonstrations dis
courage the men, and our fair companions
should rather strive to produce contra
~ effect, and stimulate them to deeds of
greater daring Let the women and chill
dren all take shelter In the block houses
and be careful not to cucumber and en-
barrass their brave defenders. desire
implicit obedience aud if it is accorded,
all may yet oe we'll
The forester paused, and the effect Of
his words was instantly obvious the fe-
males checked their tears, and the men
grasped their arms with fresh resolution.
MIR. Reynolds added Boone, take
about half of our able-bodied men, gath
er up all the picks, shovels, ETC., that can
be found, and hasten to the enclosure on
that side towards the river; if our foes
mine, we must counterminei
This order was received with loud
cheers, and the plan was so promising that
every man felt new hope springing up in
! bis bosom.
Cut a trench eight feet wide and as
/ long as you can, within the stockades, and
we will battle them yet While you are
digging, the rest of US viii keep a sharp
J Lookout that they don't set US on FIRE