the people in this county all that I could; but I can no longer justify them or myself to risk our lives here under such extraordinary hazards.  The inhabitants of this county are very much alarmed at the thoughts of the Indians bringing another campaign into our country this fall.  If this should be the case, it will break up these settlements.  I hope, therefore, your Excellency will take the matter into consideration, and send us some relief as quick as possible.

“These are my sentiments, without consulting any person.  Colonel Logan will, I expect, immediately send you an express, by whom I humbly request your Excellency’s answer.  In the meanwhile, I remain,”

DANIEL BOONE.

[Footnote 43:  Peck.]

[Footnote 44:  McClung.]

[Footnote 45:  “Life of Boone,” p. 130.]

CHAPTER XVII.

The Indians return home from the Blue Licks—­They attack the settlements in Jefferson County—­Affair at Simpson’s Creek—­General Clark’s expedition to the Indian country—­Colonel Boone joins it—­Its effect—­Attack of the Indians on the Crab Orchard settlement—­Rumor of intended invasion by the Cherokees—­Difficulties about the treaty with Great Britain—­Hostilities of the Indians generally stimulated by renegade whites—­Simon Girty—­Causes of his hatred of the whites—­Girty insulted by General Lewis—­Joins the Indians at the battle of Point Pleasant—­Story of his rescuing Simon Kenton—­Crawford’s expedition, and the burning of Crawford—­Close of Girty’s career.

Most of the Indians who had taken part in the battle of the Blue Licks, according to their custom, returned home to boast of their victory, thus abandoning all the advantages which might have resulted to them from following up their success.  Some of them, however, attacked the settlements in Jefferson County but they were prevented from doing much mischief by the vigilance of the inhabitants.  They succeeded, however, in breaking up a small settlement on Simpson’s Creek.  This they attacked in the night, while the men, wearied by a scout of several days, were asleep.  The enemy entered the houses before their occupants were fully aroused.  Notwithstanding this, several of the men defended themselves with great courage.  Thomas Randolph killed several Indians before his wife and infant were struck down at his side, when he escaped with his remaining child through the roof.  On reaching the ground he was assailed by two of the savages, but he beat them off, and escaped.  Several women escaped to the woods, and two were secreted under the floor of a cabin, where they remained undiscovered.  Still the Indians captured quite a number of women and children, some of whom they put to death on the road home.  The rest were liberated the next year upon the conclusion of peace with the English.