The Adventures of Colonel Daniel Boone

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The ADVENTURES of Col. DANIEL BOON;

containing a NARRATIVE of the WARS of Kentucke.


From The Discovery and Settlement of Kentucke
by John Filson


Curiosity is natural to the soul of man, and interesting objects
have a powerful influence on our affections. Let these influencing
powers actuate, by the permission or disposal of Providence, from
selfish or social views, yet in time the mysterious will of Heaven
is unfolded, and we behold our conduct, from whatsoever motives
excited, operating to answer the important designs of heaven. Thus
we behold Kentucke, lately an howling wilderness, the habitation of
savages and wild beasts, become a fruitful field; this region, so
favourably distinguished by nature, now become the habitation of
civilization, at a period unparalleled in history, in the midst of
a raging war, and under all the disadvantages of emigration to a
country so remote from the inhabited parts of the continent. Here,
where the hand of violence shed the blood of the innocent; where
the horrid yells of savages, and the groans of the distressed,
sounded in our ears, we now hear the praises and adoration of our
Creator; where wretched wigwams stood, the miserable abodes of
savages, we behold the foundations of cities laid, that, in all
probability, will rival the glory of the greatest upon earth. And
we view Kentucke situated on the fertile banks of the great Ohio,
rising from obscurity to shine with splendor, equal to any other of
the stars of the American hemisphere.

The settling of this region well deserves a place in history.
Most of the memorable events I have myself been exercised in; and,
for the satisfaction of the public, will briefly relate the
circumstances of my adventures, and scenes of life, from my first
movement to this country until this day.

It was on the first of May, in the year 1769, that I resigned my
domestic happiness for a time, and left my family and peaceable
habitation on the Yadkin River, in North-Carolina, to wander
through the wilderness of America, in quest of the country of
Kentucke, in company with John Finley, John Stewart, Joseph Holden,
James Monay, and William Cool. We proceeded successfully, and after
a long and fatiguing journey through a mountainous wilderness, in
a westward direction, on the seventh day of June following, we
found ourselves on Red-River, where John Finley had formerly been
trading with the Indians, and, from the top of an eminence, saw
with pleasure the beautiful level of Kentucke. Here let me observe,
that for some time we had experienced the most uncomfortable
weather as a prelibation of our future sufferings. At this place we
encamped, and made a shelter to defend us from the inclement
season, and began to hunt and reconnoitre the country. We found
every where abundance of wild beasts of all sorts, through this
vast forest. The buffaloes were more frequent than I have seen
cattle in the settlements, browzing on the leaves of the cane, or
croping the herbage on those extensive plains, fearless, because
ignorant, of the violence of man. Sometimes we saw hundreds in a
drove, and the numbers about the salt springs were amazing. In this
forest, the habitation of beasts of every kind natural to America,
we practised hunting with great success until the twenty-second day
of December following.

This day John Stewart and I had a pleasing ramble, but fortune
changed the scene in the close of it. We had passed through a great
forest on which stood myriads of trees, some gay with blossoms,
others rich with fruits. Nature was here a series of wonders, and
a fund of delight. Here she displayed her ingenuity and industry in
a variety of flowers and fruits, beautifully coloured, elegantly
shaped, and charmingly flavoured; and we were diverted with
innumerable animals presenting themselves perpetually to our
view.--In the decline of the day, near Kentucke river, as we
ascended the brow of a small hill, a number of Indians rushed out
of a thick cane-brake upon us, and made us prisoners. The time of
our sorrow was now arrived, and the scene fully opened. The Indians
plundered us of what we had, and kept us in confinement seven days,
treating us with common savage usage. During this time we
discovered no uneasiness or desire to escape, which made them less
suspicious of us; but in the dead of night, as we lay in a thick
cane-brake by a large fire, when sleep had locked up their senses,
my situation not disposing me for rest, I touched my companion and
gently awoke him. We improved this favourable opportunity, and
departed, leaving them to take their rest, and speedily directed
our course towards our old camp, but found it plundered, and the
company dispersed and gone home. About this time my brother, Squire
Boon, with another adventurer, who came to explore the country
shortly after us, was wandering through the forest, determined to
find me, if possible, and accidentally found our camp.

Notwithstanding the unfortunate circumstances of our company, and
our dangerous situation, as surrounded with hostile savages, our
meeting so fortunately in the wilderness made us reciprocally
sensible of the utmost satisfaction. So much does friendship
triumph over misfortune, that sorrows and sufferings vanish at the
meeting not only of real friends, but of the most distant
acquaintances, and substitutes happiness in their room.

Soon after this, my companion in captivity, John Stewart, was
killed by the savages, and the man that came with my brother
returned home by himself. We were then in a dangerous, helpless
situation, exposed daily to perils and death amongst savages and
wild beasts, not a white man in the country but ourselves.

Thus situated, many hundred miles from our families in the
howling wilderness, I believe few would have equally enjoyed the
happiness we experienced. I often observed to my brother, You see
now how little nature requires to be satisfied. Felicity, the
companion of content, is rather found in our own breasts than in
the enjoyment of external things; And I firmly believe it requires
but a little philosophy to make a man happy in whatsoever state he
is. This consists in a full resignation to the will of Providence;
and a resigned soul finds pleasure in a path strewed with briars
and thorns.

We continued not in a state of indolence, but hunted every day,
and prepared a little cottage to defend us from the Winter storms.
We remained there undisturbed during the Winter; and on the first
day of May, 1770, my brother returned home to the settlement by
himself, for a new recruit of horses and ammunition, leaving me by
myself, without bread, salt or sugar, without company of my fellow
creatures, or even a horse or dog. I confess I never before was
under greater necessity of exercising philosophy and fortitude. A
few days I passed uncomfortably. The idea of a beloved wife and
family, and their anxiety upon the account of my absence and
exposed situation, made sensible impressions on my heart. A
thousand dreadful apprehensions presented themselves to my view,
and had undoubtedly disposed me to melancholy, if further indulged.

One day I undertook a tour through the country, and the diversity
and beauties of nature I met with in this charming season, expelled
every gloomy and vexatious thought. Just at the close of day the
gentle gales retired, and left the place to the disposal of a
profound calm. Not a breeze shook the most tremulous leaf. I had
gained the summit of a commanding ridge, and, looking round with
astonishing delight, beheld the ample plains, the beauteous tracts
below. On the other hand, I surveyed the famous river Ohio that
rolled in silent dignity, marking the western boundary of Kentucke
with inconceivable grandeur. At a vast distance I beheld the
mountains lift their venerable brows, and penetrate the clouds. All
things were still. I kindled a fire near a fountain of sweet water,
and feasted on the loin of a buck, which a few hours before I had
killed. The sullen shades of night soon overspread the whole
hemisphere, and the earth seemed to gasp after the hovering
moisture. My roving excursion this day had fatigued my body, and
diverted my imagination. I laid me down to sleep, and I awoke not
until the sun had chased away the night. I continued this tour, and
in a few days explored a considerable part of the country, each day
equally pleased as the first. I returned again to my old camp,
which was not disturbed in my absence. I did not confine my lodging
to it, but often reposed in thick cane-brakes, to avoid the
savages, who, I believe, often visited my camp, but fortunately for
me, in my absence. In this situation I was constantly exposed to
danger, and death. How unhappy such a situation for a man tormented
with fear, which is vain if no danger comes, and if it does, only
augments the pain. It was my happiness to be destitute of this
afflicting passion, with which I had the greatest reason to be
affected. The prowling wolves diverted my nocturnal hours with
perpetual howlings; and the various species of animals in this vast
forest, in the daytime, were continually in my view.

Thus I was surrounded with plenty in the midst of want. I was
happy in the midst of dangers and inconveniences. In such a
diversity it was impossible I should be disposed to melancholy. No
populous city, with all the varieties of commerce and stately
structures, could afford so much pleasure to my mind, as the
beauties of nature I found here.

Thus, through an uninterrupted scene of sylvan pleasures, I spent
the time until the 27th day of July following, when my brother, to
my great felicity, met me, according to appointment, at our old
camp. Shortly after, we left this place, not thinking it safe to
stay there longer, and proceeded to Cumberland river, reconnoitring
that part of the country until March, 1771, and giving names to the
different waters.

Soon after, I returned home to my family with a determination to
bring them as soon as possible to live in Kentucke, which I
esteemed a second paradise, at the risk of my life and fortune.

I returned safe to my old habitation, and found my family in
happy circumstances. I sold my farm on the Yadkin, and what goods
we could not carry with us; and on the twenty-fifth day of
September, 1773, bade a farewel to our friends, and proceeded on
our journey to Kentucke, in company with five families more, and
forty men that joined us in Powel's Valley, which is one hundred
and fifty miles from the now settled parts of Kentucke. This
promising beginning was soon overcast with a cloud of adversity;
for upon the tenth day of October, the rear of our company was
attacked by a number of Indians, who killed six, and wounded one
man. Of these my eldest son was one that fell in the action. Though
we defended ourselves, and repulsed the enemy, yet this unhappy
affair scattered our cattle, brought us into extreme difficulty,
and so discouraged the whole company, that we retreated forty
miles, to the settlement on Clench river. We had passed over two
mountains, viz. Powel's and Walden's, and were approaching
Cumberland mountain when this adverse fortune overtook us. These
mountains are in the wilderness, as we pass from the old
settlements in Virginia to Kentucke, are ranged in a S. west and N.
east direction, are of a great length and breadth, and not far
distant from each other. Over these, nature hath formed passes,
that are less difficult than might be expected from a view of such
huge piles. The aspect of these cliffs is so wild and horrid, that
it is impossible to behold them without terror. The spectator is
apt to imagine that nature had formerly suffered some violent
convulsion; and that these are the dismembered remains of the
dreadful shock; the ruins, not of Persepolis or Palmyra, but of the
world!

I remained with my family on Clench until the sixth of June,
1774, when I and one Michael Stoner were solicited by Governor
Dunmore, of Virginia, to go to the Falls of the Ohio, to conduct
into the settlement a number of surveyors that had been sent
thither by him some months before; this country having about this
time drawn the attention of many adventurers. We immediately
complied with the Governor's request, and conducted in the
surveyors, compleating a tour of eight hundred miles, through many
difficulties, in sixty-two days.

Soon after I returned home, I was ordered to take the command of
three garrisons during the campaign, which Governor Dunmore carried
on against the Shawanese Indians: After the conclusion of which,
the Militia was discharged from each garrrison, and I being
relieved from my post, was solicited by a number of North-Carolina
gentlemen, that were about purchasing the lands lying on the S.
side of Kentucke River, from the Cherokee Indians, to attend their
treaty at Wataga, in March, 1775, to negotiate with them, and,
mention the boundaries of the purchase. This I accepted, and at the
request of the same gentlemen, undertook to mark out a road in the
best passage from the settlement through the wilderness to
Kentucke, with such assistance as I thought necessary to employ for
such an important undertaking.

I soon began this work, having collected a number of enterprising
men, well armed. We proceeded with all possible expedition until we
came within fifteen miles of where Boonsborough now stands, and
where we were fired upon by a party of Indians that killed two, and
wounded two of our number; yet, although surprised and taken at a
disadvantage, we stood our ground. This was on the twentieth of
March, 1775. Three days after, we were fired upon again, and had two
men killed, and three wounded. Afterwards we proceeded on to
Kentucke river without opposition; and on the first day of April
began to erect the fort of Boonsborough at a salt lick, about sixty
yards from the river, on the S. side.

On the fourth day, the Indians killed one of our men.--We were
busily employed in building this fort, until the fourteenth day of
June following, without any farther opposition from the Indians;
and having finished the works, I returned to my family, on Clench.

In a short time, I proceeded to remove my family from Clench to
this garrison; where we arrived safe without any other difficulties
than such as are common to this passage, my wife and daughter being
the first white women that ever stood on the banks of Kentucke
river.

On the twenty-fourth day of December following we had one man
killed, and one wounded, by the Indians, who seemed determined to
persecute us for erecting this fortification.

On the fourteenth day of July, 1776, two of Col. Calaway's
daughters, and one of mine, were taken prisoners near the fort. I
immediately pursued the Indians, with only eight men, and on the
sixteenth overtook them, killed two of the party, and recovered the
girls. The same day on which this attempt was made, the Indians
divided themselves into different parties, and attacked several
forts, which were shortly before this time erected, doing a great
deal of mischief. This was extremely distressing to the new
settlers. The innocent husbandman was shot down, while busy
cultivating the soil for his family's supply. Most of the cattle
around the stations were destroyed. They continued their
hostilities in this manner until the fifteenth of April, 1777, when
they attacked Boonsborough with a party of above one hundred in
number, killed one man, and wounded four--Their loss in this attack
was not certainly known to us.

On the fourth day of July following, a party of about two hundred
Indians attacked Boonsborough, killed one man, and wounded two.
They besieged us forty-eight hours; during which time seven of them
were killed, and at last, finding themselves not likely to prevail,
they raised the siege, and departed.

The Indians had disposed their warriors in different parties at
this time, and attacked the different garrisons to prevent their
assisting each other, and did much injury to the distressed
inhabitants.

On the nineteenth day of this month, Col. Logan's fort was
besieged by a party of about two hundred Indians. During this
dreadful siege they did a great deal of mischief, distressed the
garrison, in which were only fifteen men, killed two, and wounded
one. The enemies loss was uncertain, from the common practice which
the Indians have of carrying off their dead in time of battle. Col.
Harrod's fort was then defended by only sixty-five men, and
Boonsborough by twenty-two, there being no more forts or white men
in the country, except at the Falls, a considerable distance from
these, and all taken collectively, were but a handful to the
numerous warriors that were every where dispersed through the
country, intent upon doing all the mischief that savage barbarity
could invent. Thus we passed through a scene of sufferings that
exceeds description.

On the twenty-fifth of this month a reinforcement of forty-five
men arrived from North-Carolina, and about the twentieth of August
following, Col. Bowman arrived with one hundred men from Virginia.
Now we began to strengthen, and from hence, for the space of six
weeks, we had skirmishes with Indians, in one quarter or other,
almost every day.

The savages now learned the superiority of the Long Knife, as
they call the Virginians, by experience; being out-generalled in
almost every battle. Our affairs began to wear a new aspect, and
the enemy, not daring to venture on open war, practised secret
mischief at times.

On the first day of January, 1778, I went with a party of thirty
men to the Blue Licks, on Licking River, to make salt for the
different garrisons in the country.

On the seventh day of February, as I was hunting, to procure meat
for the company, I met with a party of one hundred and two Indians,
and two Frenchmen, on their march against Boonsborough, that place
being particularly the object of the enemy.

They pursued, and took me; and brought me on the eighth day to
the Licks, where twenty-seven of my party were, three of them
having previously returned home with the salt. I knowing it was
impossible for them to escape, capitulated with the enemy, and, at
a distance in their view, gave notice to my men of their situation,
with orders not to resist, but surrender themselves captives.

The generous usage the Indians had promised before in my
capitulation, was afterwards fully complied with, and we proceeded
with them as prisoners to old Chelicothe, the principal Indian
town, on Little Miami, where we arrived, after an uncomfortable
journey, in very severe weather, on the eighteenth day of February,
and received as good treatment as prisoners could expect from
savages.--On the tenth day of March following, I, and ten of my
men, were conducted by forty Indians to Detroit, where we arrived
the thirtieth day, and were treated by Governor Hamilton, the
British commander at that post, with great humanity.

During our travels, the Indians entertained me well; and their
affection for me was so great, that they utterly refused to leave
me there with the others, although the Governor offered them one
hundred pounds Sterling for me, on purpose to give me a parole to
go home. Several English gentlemen there, being sensible of my
adverse fortune, and touched with human sympathy, generously
offered a friendly supply for my wants, which I refused, with many
thanks for their kindness; adding, that I never expected it would
be in my power to recompense such unmerited generosity.

The Indians left my men in captivity with the British
at Detroit, and on the tenth day of April brought me towards
Old Chelicothe, where we arrived on the twenty-fifth day of the
same month. This was a long and fatiguing march, through
an exceeding fertile country, remarkable for fine springs and
streams of water. At Chelicothe I spent my time as comfortably as
I could expect; was adopted, accordin to their custom, into a
family where I became a son, and had a great share in the affection
of my new parents, brothers, sisters, and friends. I was
exceedingly familiar and friendly with them, always appearing as
chearful and satisfied as possible, and they put great confidence
in me. I often went a hunting with them, and frequently gained
their applause for my activity at our shooting-matches. I was
careful not to exceed many of them in shooting; for no people are
more envious than they in this sport. I could observe, in their
countenances and gestures, the greatest expressions of joy when
they exceeded me; and, when the reverse happened, of envy. The
Shawanese king took great notice of me, and treated me with
profound respect, and entire friendship, often entrusting me to
hunt at my liberty. I frequently returned with the spoils of the
woods, and as often presented some of what I had taken to him,
expressive of duty to my sovereign. My food and lodging was, in
common, with them, not so good indeed as I could desire, but
necessity made every thing acceptable.

I now began to meditate an escape, and carefully avoided their
suspicions, continuing with them at Old Chelicothe until the first
day of June following, and then was taken by them to the salt
springs on Sciotha, and kept there, making salt, ten days. During
this time I hunted some for them, and found the land, for a great
extent about this river, to exceed the soil of Kentucke, if
possible, and remarkably well watered.

When I returned to Chelicothe, alarmed to see four hundred and
fifty Indians, of their choicest warriors, painted and armed in a
fearful manner, ready to march against Boonsborough, I determined
to escape the first opportunity.

On the sixteenth, before sun-rise, I departed in the most secret
manner, and arrived at Boonsborough on the twentieth, after a
journey of one hundred and sixty miles; during which, I had but one
meal.

I found our fortress in a bad state of defence, but we proceeded
immediately to repair our flanks, strengthen our gates and
posterns, and form double bastions, which we compleated in ten
days. In this time we daily expected the arrival of the Indian
army; and at length, one of my fellow prisoners, escaping from
them, arrived, informing us that the enemy had an account of my
departure, and postponed their expedition three weeks.--The Indians
had spies out viewing our movements, and were greatly alarmed with
our increase in number and fortifications. The Grand Councils of
the nations were held frequently, and with more deliberation than
usual. They evidently saw the approaching hour when the Long Knife
would disposess them of their desirable habitations; and anxiously
concerned for futurity, determined utterly to extirpate the whites
out of Kentucke. We were not intimidated by their movements, but
frequently gave them proofs of our courage.

About the first of August, I made an incursion into the Indian
country, with a party of nineteen men, in order to surprise a small
town up Sciotha, called Paint-Creek-Town. We advanced within four
miles thereof, where we met a party of thirty Indians, on their
march against Boonsborough, intending to join the others
from Chelicothe. A smart fight ensued betwixt us for some time: At
length the savages gave way, and fled. We had no loss on our side:
The enemy had one killed, and two wounded. We took from them three
horses, and all their baggage; and being informed, by two of our
number that went to their town, that the Indians had entirely
evacuated it, we proceeded no further, and returned with all
possible expedition to assist our garrison against the other party.
We passed by them on the sixth day, and on the seventh, we arrived
safe at Boonsborough.

On the eighth, the Indian army arrived, being four hundred and
forty-four in number, commanded by Capt. Duquesne, eleven other
Frenchmen, and some of their own chiefs, and marched up within view
of our fort, with British and French colours flying; and having
sent a summons to me, in his Britannick Majesty's name, to
surrender the fort, I requested two days consideration, which was
granted.

It was now a critical period with us.--We were a small number in
the garrison.--A powerful army before our walls, whose appearance
proclaimed inevitable death, fearfully painted, and marking their
footsteps with desolation. Death was preferable to captivity; and
if taken by storm, we must inevitably be devoted to destruction. In
this situation we concluded to maintain our garrison, if possible.
We immediately proceeded to collect what we could of our horses,
and other cattle, and bring them through the posterns into the
fort: And in the evening of the ninth, I returned answer, that we
were determined to defend our fort while a man was living--Now,
said I to their commander, who stood attentively hearing my
sentiments, We laugh at all your formidable preparations: But thank
you for giving us notice and time to provide for our defence. Your
efforts will not prevail; for our gates shall for ever deny you
admittance.--Whether this answer affected their courage, or not, I
cannot tell; but, contrary to our expectations, they formed a
scheme to deceive us, declaring it was their orders, from Governor
Hamilton, to take us captives, and not to destroy us; but if nine
of us would come out, and treat with them, they would immediatly
withdraw their forces from our walls, and return home peaceably.
This sounded grateful in our ears; and we agreed to the proposal.