loss poorly compensated by the circumstance, that a still greater number of the savages fell in the engagement.  The number of the latter were supposed to be three times that of Colonel Floyd’s party.  The Colonel narrowly escaped with his life, by the aid of Captain Samuel Wells, who, seeing him on foot, pursued by the enemy, dismounted and gave him his own horse, and as he fled, ran by his side to support him on the saddle, from which he might have fallen through weakness from his wounds.—­This act of Captain Wells was the more magnanimous, as Floyd and himself were not friends at the time.  Such noble generosity was not thrown away upon Floyd.  It produced its natural effect, and these two persons lived and died friends.  It is pleasant to record such a mode of quelling animosity.

Early in May, two men, one of whom was Samuel McAffee, left James McAffee’s station, to go to a clearing at a short distance.  They had advanced about a fourth of a mile, when they were fired upon.  The companion of McAffee fell.  The latter turned and fled towards the station.  He had not gained more than fifteen steps when he met an Indian.  Both paused a moment to raise their guns, in order to discharge them.  The muzzles almost touched.  Both fired at the same moment.  The Indian’s gun flashed in the pan, and he fell.  McAffee continued his retreat; but before he reached the station, its inmates had heard the report of the guns; and James and Robert, brothers of McAffee, had come out to the aid of those attacked.  The three brothers met, Robert, notwithstanding the caution he received from his brother, ran along the path to see the dead Indian.  The party of Indians to which he had belonged, were upon the watch among the trees, and several of them placed themselves between Robert and the station, to intercept his return.  Soon made aware of the danger to which his thoughtlessness had exposed him, he found all his dexterity and knowledge of Indian warfare requisite to ensure his safety.  He sprang from behind one tree to another, in the direction of the station, pursued by an Indian until he reached a fence within a hundred yards of it, which he cleared by a leap.  The Indian had posted himself behind a tree to take safe aim.—­McAffee was now prepared for him.  As the Indian put his head out from the cover of his tree, to look for his object, he caught McAffee’s ball in his mouth, and fell.  McAffee reached the station in safety.

James, though he did not expose himself as his brother had done, was fired upon by five Indians who lay in ambush.  He fled to a tree for protection.  Immediately after he had gained one, three or four aimed at him from the other side.  The balls scattered earth upon him, as they struck around his feet, but he remained unharmed.  He had no sooner entered the inclosure of the station in safety, than Indians were seen approaching in all directions.  Their accustomed horrid yells preceded a general attack upon the station.  Their fire was returned with spirit, the women running balls as fast as they were required.  The attack continued two hours, when the Indians withdrew.