Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1897-11-05

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1t was only a few years until an
opportunity came for young Posey to
lead a soldiers life. A general war
had broken out along the entire west
ern border, and in 1774 two expedt-
@tions, one under command of the Brit
ish colonial governor Of Virginia, Lord
S Dunmore, and the; other. under Gen.
h Andrew Lewis, a veteran Indian fight
er, were sent against the Shawnees,
who had been waging asrelentless war
fare upon the scattering settlements Of
Y Virginia and Pennsylvania. Posey was
attached as quarter master to the COM
mand Of Gen. Lewis.
The plan Of campaign contemplated
union of the two forces at the mouth
OF the Kenawha river. Dunmore was
to lead his force of Virginia militia to
Pittsburg and then to proceed down
the Ohio to the mouth of the Ken
awha. Gen. Lewis was ordered to lead
his army from the Virginia frontier
across the Alleghanies, 200 miles
through trackless forest, 10 the juno
ton Of the Kenawha with the Ohio,
and from there crushing blow was to
be dealt to the Indian tribes north of
the great river Lewis and his men
surmounted all the obstacles of the
way and in due time reached the point
of rendezvous.
But Dunmore was not there. The
story Of his vascillating course, how he
safely reached Pittsburg, and, instead
of descending the Ohio, had marched
into the Indians country and there
made peace with the savages, while
Lewis, with less than thousand raw
recruits, from sunrise till dark, fought
the terrific battle of Point Pleasant, is
now familiar history. And the result
was that the suspicion of British du
plicity was confirmed in the colonial
mind, for while Dunmore had won the
good will of the savages, they cherish
ed with growing hatred the memory
Of the dead left on the field Of Point
Pleasant.
The next year was ITS, and Posey
entered with enthusiasm into prepara-
lions for war. He was appointed a
captain in the regular service, and soon
raised a company, which was incor-
porated into the Seventh Virginia regi-
ment. An agreeable service was in
store for this company. Lord Dun
more, taking advantage Of the dis
turbed condition Of the country, was
laying waste the fruitful plantations Of
the coast counties, and, gaining
strength, made a stand and fortified
Gwyn's island. Gen. Lewis was called
to the command of the colonists, and
with the same energy and courage
which had held Cornstalk at bay at
Point Pleasant. he led his raw soldiers
to dashing victory.
Soon after this the Seventh Virginia
was ordered to join Washington's
command at Middlebrook, N. J.. It
reached the main army in the spring
OF 1777. About this time rifle corps
was being raised, to be composed Of
the flower of the continental army.
The gallant Daniel Morgan was to be
it's colonel. Posey was chosen as cap
tain of one of the companies of this
command.
on Feb. 81. 1873, President Madison
nominated Thomas Posey for governor
of Indiana territory. The nomination
was confirmed by the senate on the Sd
Of March. Gov. Posey proceeded to
Vincennes, the old capital, and entered
upon the discharge of his duties on
the 25th Of May, 1918. The duties Of
governor of this extensive territory
were particularly trying at that time.
At the breaking out Of hostilities be-
tween the United States and England
great majority Of the Indians had
taken up arms in the British cause,
and by their constant attacks upon the
exposed and defenseless settlements of
& lpdiana, spread destruction and ter
ror throughout the territory.
Fosey had no sooner reached bis new