Mexico weekly ledger., 1905-12-28
fatigue and exertion OF az exploit
which has seldom been surpassed.

E9tAkuG aaA R%tA - N ~Nf(@
which has seldom been surpassed.
No breathing time was allowed him,
however, for the Indians had sui
rounded the forces Of ST. Clair, and
opened a murderous fire upon them
from all sides. The combat was main
tanned from sunrise until Q O'Clock
with undated fury. The Americans
maintained their ground and returned
as well as they could the fire OF their
unseen foe ST. Clair made every eff
fort to save his men, but without avail.
Terrible havoc was being made, as
they were dropping by scores 10 all
parts OF the field. 1t became evident
that only a timely retreat could save
the army from destruction. A desper-
ate charge was made with the bayonet
by Lieutenant-C Colonel Drake, and with
such spirit that the Indians were
Obliged To fall back, and through this
open space the sad remnant Of the de-
voted army rushed in hasty retreat
When the retreat commenced Ken
nan was attached to Major Clarke's
battalion, and had the dangerous SER
vice of defending the rear. This corps
quickly lost Its commander and was
soon completely dlsorganized and in
full retreat KEENAN, was among the
hindmost when the flight commenced,
but exerting himself with the same
power that he did In his first race he
quickly gained the front OF the fleeing
soldiers, passing several horsemen In
his flight. He beheld a private
in bis own company, an intimate ac-
q~uaintance, lying or the ground with
his thigh broken by a bullet, and in
tones OF distress imploring each horse
man who passed to take him up be
hind him. AS soon As be beheld Ken
nan coming up he stretched out bis
hands and called upon him to save
him. Notwithstanding the imminent
peril OF the moment, bis friend could
not resist so passionate an appeal, and
Selling him In his arms be placed him
upon his back and ran Ia this manner
for several hundred yards Horsemar
after horseman passed them, but al
refused TO relieve him OF his burden
At length the savage foe was gaining
upon them so fast that KEENAN, saw
that death wa certain unless he re
linquished his burden. He quickly
informed his friend that be had made
every effort TO save his life but 10
vain; that he must release his hold
around his neck or both would perish
The poor fellow needless OF ever re
monstrance, only chung the closer Il
his friends back and SO impeded BIZ
movements until the foremost OF the
enemy, armed with tomahawks alone
were within twenty yards of them
KEENAN, now determined on desperate
measures. Drawing his knife from
its sheath he cut the fingers of BIZ
companion, thus compelling him to re
lease his hold. The unhappy wretch
rolled upon the ground in utter help
~lessness and KEENAN, beheld him toma
hawked aud scalped before be haC
gone forty yards.
Relieved Of his burden be daFtee
forward with an activity which once
more brought him to the front. Herr
be was again compelled to neglect his
own safety for that OF others; The
late Governor Madison, Of Kentucky,
who afterwards commanded a corps
which distinguished itself SO honor
ably atthe Basin disaster, a mar wht
united the most amiable temper TO
the most unconquerable courage, was
at that time a subaltern in st. Clair'i
army, and being a man OF weak con
stitution, was tosally exhausted by hi
exertlons 10 the terrible fight of The
morning, and was sitting upon a Loo
calmy awaiting the approach Of th'
foe.
KEENAN, hastily accosted him and
inquired the cause OF bis delay. Madi.
son pointed to a wound which had
bled profusely, replied that be was IN
able to walk any further. and bad nc
horse. KEENAN, instantly ran back Il
where he had seen a horse grazing
caught him without difficulty, as the
poor animal was much exhausted. and
having assisted Madison to amount
walked by his side until they vert
out OF danger. Fortunately the pur
suit ceassd, as the plumber Of the
camp presented irresistible attraction
to the enemy. The friendship thu
formed between Madison and KEENAN,
endured without interruption through
life.
KEENAN, never fully recovered from
the terrible exertions which he was
compelled TO make In bis race fol
life, In the unfortunate expedition
where 900, out Of a force Of l 400 Of hi.
brave countrymen, were killed and
wounded.
After the ~disbandlng Of the remnant
OF st. Clair's forces on their return to
Fort Washington, be returned to Ken
t1cky and settled in Fleming county,
where he continued 10 reside for many
years, being an upright citizen, and
for many years a leading member Of
the Baptist Church. lie died In the
year 1877
CHARLES L. SMILEY.
PikesvIlle, Nd.
Arr,auo a, IN. ca,sa.