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On the eighteenth day Col. Todd, Col. Trigg, Major Harland, and myself,
speedily collected one hundred and seventy-six men, well armed, and pursued the
savages. They had marched beyond the Blue Licks to a remarkable bend of the main
fork of Licking River, about forty-three miles from Lexington, as it is
particularly represented in the map, where we overtook them on the nineteenth
day. The savages observing us, gave way; and we, being ignorant of their
numbers, passed the river. When the enemy saw our proceedings, having greatly
the advantage of us in situation, they formed the line of battle, represented in
the map, from one bend of Licking to the other, about a mile from the Blue
Licks. An exceeding fierce battle immediately began, for about fifteen minutes,
when we, being over-powered by numbers, were obliged to retreat, with the loss
of sixty-seven men; seven of whom were taken prisoners. The brave and much
lamented Colonels Todd and Trigg, Major Harland and my second son, were among
the dead. We were informed that the Indians, numbering their dead, found they
had four killed more than we; and therefore, four of the prisoners they had
taken, were, by general consent, ordered to be killed, in a most barbarous
manner, by the young warriors, in order to train them up to cruelty; and then
they proceeded to their towns.
On our retreat we were met by Col. Logan, hastening to join us, with a number of
well armed men: This powerful assistance we unfortunately wanted in the battle;
for, notwithstanding the enemy's superiority of numbers, they acknowledged that,
if they had received one more fire from us, they should undoubtedly have given
way. So valiantly did our small party fight, that, to the memory of those who
unfortunately fell in the battle, enough of honour cannot be paid. Had Col.
Logan and his party been with us, it is highly probable we should have given the
savages a total defeat.
I cannot reflect upon this dreadful scene, but sorrow fills my heart. A zeal for
the defence of their country led these heroes to the scene of action, though
with a few men to attack a powerful army of experienced warriors. When we gave
way, they pursued us with the utmost eagerness, and in every quarter spread
destruction. The river was difficult to cross, and many were killed in the
flight, some just entering the river, some in the water, others after crossing
in ascending the cliffs. Some escaped on horse-back, a few on foot; and, being
dispersed every where, in a few hours, brought the melancholy news of this
unfortunate battle to Lexington. Many widows were now made. The reader may guess
what sorrow filled the hearts of the inhabitants, exceeding any thing that I am
able to describe. Being reinforced, we returned to bury the dead, and found
their bodies strewed every where, cut and mangled in a dreadful manner. This
mournful scene exhibited a horror almost unparalleled: Some torn and eaten by
wild beasts; those in the river eaten by fishes; all in such a putrified
condition, that no one could be distinguished from another.
Adventure 19
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