Logan, Elenipsico, Red Eagle, and Packishenoah, the last of whom was killed.  Cornstalk, the chief in command, was conspicuous for his bravery, and animated his followers in tones which rose above the clash of arms; and when a retreat became necessary, conducted it so successfully and with so much delay, as to give his men an opportunity of bearing off all their wounded and many of the killed, whose bodies were thrown into the river.  The loss of the Indians was never ascertained.  One of the historians already quoted, speaks of it as “comparatively trifling.”  The character of our troops, many of whom were experienced woods-men, familiar with Indian fighting, the long continuance of the action—­from the rising to the going down of the sun—­the equality in numbers and position of the contending parties, the known usage of the Indians in hiding their dead and carrying off the wounded, the number of killed found on the battle ground the following day, and the severe loss of the Virginians, all forbid the idea that the loss of the enemy could have been trifling.  The Ohio and Kanawha rivers afforded them opportunities for concealing their dead, while the plan of retreat,—­alternately giving ground and renewing the attack,—­was no doubt adopted for the purpose of gaining time to remove the wounded across the Ohio.  It is fair to assume that the loss of the Indians was not far short of that sustained by the whites.

All circumstances considered, this battle may be ranked among the most memorable, and well contested, that has been fought on this continent.  The leaders, on either side, were experienced and able, the soldiers skilful and brave.  The victorious party, if either could be so called, had as little to boast of as the vanquished.  It was alike creditable to the Anglo-Saxon and the aboriginal arms.

After the Indians had recrossed the Ohio, they marched to the valley of the Scioto, and encamped on the east side of that stream, about eight miles north of where Chillicothe now stands.  Here a council was held to decide upon their future movements.  Cornstalk, although true to the interests of the Shawanoes, was the friend of peace, and had been opposed to making the attack on the troops of general Lewis.  Being overruled, he entered into the action determined to do his duty.  He now rose in the council and demanded, “What shall we do now?  The Long Knives are coming upon us by two routes.  Shall we turn out and fight them?” No reply being made to his questions, he continued, “shall we kill all our women and children, and then fight until we are all killed ourselves?” The chiefs were still silent.  Cornstalk turned round, and striking his tomahawk into the war-post standing in the midst of the council, said with his characteristic energy of manner, “Since you are not inclined to fight, I will go and make peace.”