The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1882-09-29
BATTLE OF THE BLUE LICKs.


tie was fought on the old State road, about
half mile north of the Lower Blue Licks, of
Kentucky. The Kentuckians who took
part in the fight left Bryant's Station, Fay
cite county, on the afternoon of the 18th
and were composed Of 1872 men, according to
one account, and 166 according to another
The subjOined account of the memorable
fight we copy from 'McClnng's Sketches:
Colonel Daniel Boone headed strong
party from Boonesborough. Trigg brought
up the force from HarrOdsburg John Todd
commanded the militia around Lexington
Nearly third of the whole number were
commissioned officers, who took their sta
tions in the ranks for the first time. Among
those who bore the rank of colonel were
Majors Mcbride, McGary, Levi Todd, and
Captains Butler and Gordon. Todd and
Trigg, as senior eolonels, commanded the
forces. The Indians had followed the buffa-
10 track, chOpping many trees on each side
of the road with their hatchets, and when
they came in sight of the Kentuckians halt
ed, gazed at them few moments in silence,
and leisurely disappeared over the top of the
hill. A halt Immediately ensued and a CON
sultatiOn was held. The wild and lonely as
pect OF the country around them, their dis
tance from any point of support, with the
certainty OF being in the presence of a supe-
riOr enemy, seems to have inspired portion
of the officers with seriousness bordering
upon awe. All eyes were instantly turned
upon Boone, and Col. Todd asked his opin-
ion about the situation. He replied that
their situation was critical and delicate:
that the force before them was undoubtedly
was well acquainted with the ground in the
neighborhood, and was apprehensive that an
ambuscade was formed at distance of a
mile and half in advance, in such man
ner, that concealed enemy might assafl
them both in front and flank, before they
were apprised Of the danger. It would be
proper, therefore, to do one of two things,
either to await the arrival Of Logan, with re-
Inducements, or to attack without delay.
Boone was heard in silence and with deep
attention. A difference OF opinion immedi-
ately sprung up, which was discussed at
length with s1ch ardor on both sides that the
boiling bravery of McGary stimulated him to
an act which nearly proved destructive to
his country. He suddenly interrupted the
consultation by loud whoop. resembling
the war-crv of the Indians, waved his hat
and shouted aloud:
''Let all who are not towards follow me -
The mounted men dashed tumultuously
forward and the footmen we're mingled with
them in one rolling and irregular mass. No
order was given and none observed. They
struggled through a deep ford in the river as
best they could, McGary still leading the
van. Upon reaching the top of the hill they
t ell -, IL .,
precipitate ardOr.
Suddenly the van halted They had
reached a spot where two ravInes headed
/ one on each side of the ridge. Here body
/ Of Indians appeared and attacked the van.
/ The troops were upon a bare and open
ridge; the Indians i'm a bushy ravine. The
/ former found themselves as if in the wings
/ Of a net, destitute of proper shelter, while
! the enemy, in a great measure. were covered
from their FIRE. Still, however, they main
tanned their ground, and the action became
warm and bloody. The parties gradually
/ closed the Indians emerged from the ravines
and the fire became mutually destructive
/ The officers suffered dreadfully. Todd and
/ Trigg in the rear, Harlan, Mcbride and the
younger Boone in front, were already killed
The Indians gradually extended their
lines to turn the right and cut off the retreat
| of the KentucIians. which had now become
hurried and general The Indians immedi-
ately sprang forward in pursuit, and, falling
upon them with their tomahawks, made a
cruel slaughter. From the battle ground to
the river the spectacle was terrible The
borsemen generally escaped but the foot
men were almost totally destroyed. Colonel
. I2oOpa oftar tbo daotb Of his c0o
and many Of his dearest friends, found him
| self almost entirely surrounded at the very
commencement of the retreat.
Several hundred Indians were between
him and the ford. and to which the attention
of the savages was principally directed. Be
ing intimately acquainted with the ground
he, together with a few friends, dashed into
the raviDe which the Indians had occupied,
but which most of them had now left to join
in the pursuit. He managed to battle one OF
two small parties who pursued him for a
| short distance, crossed the river below the
ford, and entering the wood at point where
there was no pursuit, returned by circuit
Gus route to Bryant's Station.
! In the meantime the great mass of the
pursued and the pursueIs crowded on the
bank of the ford. The slaughter in the river
was great A man by the name of Neither
land, who had formerly been suspected OF
cowardice, here displayed a GOODNESS and
presence of mind equally noble and unex.
pected. Instantly checking his horse he
called in loud voice, for his companions to
halt, fire upon the Indians, and save those
who were in the stream. The party in
stantly obeyed, and facing about poured in
a CALLING and close fire upon the foremost OF
their pursuers. The enemy instantly fell
back and gave time for the harrassed and
miserable footmen to cross In safety.
But little loss was sustained after crossing
the river, although the pursuit was keenly
urged for twenty miles.
The Indian loss was Ga killed and wound
ed.
Thus ended battle that will be memora-
bic as long as time shall last, and the cere-
monies upon the sacred ground where these
heroes sacrificed their lives were both fitting
and proper.
More Evidence.