McCrady 352:
Lieutenant Governor Bull did not, however, sit idly rest ing alone upon the protection of this British force sent to his assistance. He applied to the neighboring provinces of North Carolina and Virginia for assistance, and himself raised seven troops of Rangers to protect the frontier, and to cooperate with the regulars in carrying on offensive operations in the Indian territory. Great was the joy of the province upon the arrival of these troops — the first British soldiers, with the exception of Oglethorpe's Regi ment, raised by him for special service in Georgia, seen in South Carolina in the ninety years since the province was founded ; but as the completion of the conquest of Can ada was the grand object of that year's campaign, Colonel Montgomery's orders were to strike a decisive blow for the relief of the province, and return immediately to Albany. Nothing was omitted to forward the expedition.
company of volunteers and joined it. Colonel Montgomery in a few weeks marched to the Congarees, where he was joined by the militia and volun teers, and immediately set out for the Cherokee country. He marched with great expedition, and his vengeance was summary. The towns and villages occupying the beauti ful valley of the Keowee were reduced to ashes, their magazines of corn consumed, some sixty to eighty slain, and forty, chiefly women and children, made prisoners.1 These settlements occupied the territory of the present counties of Anderson, Pickens, and Oconee in South Caro lina, and Cherokee and Macon in North Carolina.
Unfortunately Colonel Montgomery's orders did not per mit him to remain and secure the fruits of his expedition. These he was compelled to abandon and to return to Charles- town, and in August he embarked for New York, but left four of his companies to cover the frontier. Montgom ery's retreat sealed the doom of Fort Loudon on the Ten nessee, which had been established by Governor Glen, and its garrison of two hundred men under Captain Demere. Famished with hunger, they capitulated and were allowed to march forth to return to Carolina. On the very next day they were surrounded. Demere the commander, three other officers, and twenty-three privates, — the exact number of hostages Governor Lyttleton had detained in custody, and who were slain by the soldiers, — were killed. The rest were distributed as captives among the tribe.
Surrender of Fort Loudoun
And now occurred a most interesting incident in which Attakullakulla proved his fidelity and preserved the life of his friend Captain Stuart. This officer who had been second in command to Captain Demere — an offi cer of great sagacity and address, and much beloved by all the Indians that remained true to the British interest — had been spared his life, but was among the captives. As soon as Attakullakulla learned this he hastened to the fort, and purchased Captain Stuart from the Indian that took him, giving his rifle, clothes, and all that he could command by way of ransom. He then took possession of Captain Demere's house, where he kept the prisoner as one of his own family, freely sharing with him the little his table afforded, while he sought an opportunity of res cuing him. While thus a prisoner at Fort Loudon the accidental discovery by the Indians of ten bags of powder and ball, which the officers had buried in the fort, nearly proved fatal to Captain Stuart. But it was thought that his life at present might be more useful to them. Having secured this ammunition a council was called at Chote, to which the Captain was brought and put in mind of the obligations he lay under for the sparing of his life. He was informed by his captors that they had resolved to attack Fort Prince George, and to carry six cannon and two cohoons, which must be managed by men under his, Captain Stuart's, command ; that he must go with them and write such letters to the commandant of the fort as they should dictate ; that if the officer in com mand should refuse to surrender, they would burn the prisoners one after another before his face, and try if he could be so obstinate as to hold out while he saw his friends expiring in the flames. In this emergency Atta kullakulla determined at once to effect the escape of his prisoner and friend. For this purpose he gave out among the Indians that he intended to go hunting for a few days and would take his prisoner along with him. In the meanwhile Captain Stuart urged his fellow-captives, the soldiers, to remain firm, assuring them they could not expect to be ransomed by the province if they gave the least assistance to the Indians in their proposed attack upon Fort Prince George.
Attakullakulla then set out, accompanied by his wife, his brother, Captain Stuart, and two soldiers. Nine days and nights they travelled, shap ing their course by the light of the sun and moon for Virginia, and on the tenth arrived on the banks of the Holstein River, where they fortunately fell in with a party of three hundred men, sent out by Colonel Bird for the relief of such soldiers as might make their escape that way from Fort Loudon. On the fourteenth day, reach ing Colonel Bird's camp on the frontiers of Virginia, Cap tain Stuart loaded his faithful friend and preserver with presents and sent him back to protect the remaining un happy prisoners till they should be ransomed, and to exert his influence among the Cherokees for the restoration of peace.1 Captain Stuart dispatched an express to Lieutenant Governor Bull, informing him of the disaster to the gar rison of Fort Loudon and of the designs of the Indians against Fort Prince George. Governor Bull immediately ordered Major Thompson, who commanded the militia on the frontier, to throw into the fort provisions for ten weeks, and warn the commanding officer of his danger. He detained the Royal Scots there, and made another appeal to General Amherst for assistance, and this, Canada now fortunately having been reduced, the Commander-in-Chief could the more easily afford. Colonel Montgomery, who commanded the former expedition, hav ing by this time embarked for England, the command of the Highlanders devolved on Lieutenant Colonel James Grant, who received orders to return to the relief of South Carolina. Early in the year 1761 he landed at Charles- town, and went into winter quarters until the proper sea son should approach for taking the field.1 Lieutenant Governor Bull raised a Carolina regiment, and put it under the command of Colonel Thomas Middleton. This regiment and the expedition upon which it went were remarkable as the school in which several of the most distinguished officers of the Revolution learned their first lessons in the art of war. Its other field officers were Henry Laurens, Lieutenant Colonel ; John Moultrie, Ma jor. William Moultrie, Francis Marion, Isaac Huger, and Andrew Pickens served as company officers.
As soon as the Highlanders were in a condition to take the field Colonel Grant set out for the Cherokee terri tories. When joined by the Provincial Regiment and Indian allies he mustered about twenty-six hundred men. On the 27th of May, 1761, he arrived at Fort Prince George, and on the 7th of June began his march from it, carrying with him provisions for thirty days.
When near the place where Colonel Montgomery was attacked the year before, the Indian allies in front observed a large body of Cherokees posted upon a hill. An alarm was given. Immediately the savages rushing down began to fire on the advanced guard, but this being well supported repulsed them. Colonel Grant ordered a party to drive the enemy from the hills. The engagement became gen eral and was fought on both sides with great bravery.
The situation of the troops was in several respects unfor tunate and trying ; fatigued by a tedious march in rainy weather, galled by the scattering fire of savages who when pressed fell back but rallied again and again. From eight o'clock in the morning until eleven the Indians continued to keep up an irregular and incessant fire — sometimes from one place, sometimes from another ; but at length they gave way and were pursued.
The army proceeded to attack a large Indian town which they reached about midnight and reduced to ashes. Every other town in the middle settlements shared the same fate. Their magazines and cornfields were like wise destroyed, and the unhappy Indians who had been treacherously goaded into the war were driven to seek shelter and provisions among the barren mountains — their fields destroyed, their villages burned, their women and children and old men left to perish.
Colonel Grant continued for thirty days in the heart of the Cherokee territories. Upon his return to Fort Prince George his men were so much exhausted in strength and spirits they were unable to march any further. He there fore encamped at that place to refresh his army and wait the result of the heavy chastisement he had inflicted upon the Cherokees. Soon after Colonel Grant's arrival at Fort Prince George, Attakullakulla again came to his camp and sued for peace. Colonel Grant furnished him, and several chieftains who accompained him, with a safe guard to Charlestown, and Lieutenant Governor Bull called a council to meet him at Ashley ferry. Bull received Attakullakulla very differently from the way in which Lyttleton had received Occonostota. He took him by the hand as a pledge for his security while under his pro tection. A fire was kindled, the pipe of peace was lighted, and all smoked together for some time in great silence. Attakullakulla then opened his mission, and, in a speech of great dignity and pathos, sued for peace. This Bull readily granted.
--------------------------------
while the back settlers impatiently looked to their governor for relief, the small pox raged to such a degree, on the sea coast, that few of the militia could be prevailed on to leave their dis tressed families. In this extremity an express was sent to gen. Amherst the commander in chief of the british forces in America, acquainting him with the deplorable situation of the province and imploring his assistance. Accordingly a body of fine picked troops, consisting of six companies of the royal scots regiment, and six companies of the seventy-second, in which were included the grenadiers and light in fantry companies of several regiments, was put under the command of colonel Montgomery and ordered immediately to Carolina.
In the mean time William Henry Lyttleton being appointed governor of Jamaica, the charge of the province devolved on Wm. Bull. Application was made to the neighboring provinces of North-Carolina Before the end of April, 1760, colonel Montgo mery landed in Carolina and encamped at Monk's corner. Great was the joy of the province upon the arrival of this gallant officer : but as the conquest of Canada was the grand object of that year's cam paign in America, he had orders to strike a sudden blow for the relief of Carolina and instantly return to head quarters at Albany. Nothing was omitted that was judged necessary to forward the expedition. Several gentlemen of fortune, excited by a laudable zeal for the safety of their country, formed themselves into a company of volunteers, and join at the army.
The whole force of the province was col lected and ordered to rendezvous at Congarees. A few weeks after his arrival colonel Montgomery marched to the congarees where he was joined by the militia of the province, and immediately set out for the cherokee country. Having little time allowed him, his march was uncommonly expeditious. After reaching a place called twelve mile river he pro ceeded with a party of his men in the night to sur prise Estatoe, an indian town, about twenty miles from his camp. On his way there was another town called little Keowee. He ordered the light infantry to surround the latter, and to put every adult male indian, in it, to the sword. He then proceeded to Estatoe which he found nearly abandoned, 'ibis town, which consisted of at least two hundred houses, and was well provided with corn, hogs, poultry, and ammunition, he reduced to ashes. Sugar-town, and every other settlement in the lower nation, shared the same fate. The surprise to every one of them was nearly equal, and so sudden and unexpected, that the savages could scarcely save themselves, far less any little property they had. In these lower towns about sixty indians -were killed and forty- made prisoners, and the rest driven to seek for shel ter among the mountains. Having finished his bu siness among these lower settlements, with the small loss of three or four men, he marched to the relief of fort Prince George. Edmund Atkin, agent for in- dian affairs, dispatched two indian chiefs to the mid dle settlements to inform the cherokees that by suing for peace they might obtain it as the former friends and allies of Britain. Colonel Montgomery, finding that the savages were not yet disposed to listen to any terms of accommodation, determined to carry the chastisement a little further. Dismal was the wilderness into which he entered, and many were the hardships and dangers he had to encounter from passing through dark thickets, rugged paths, and narrow defiles, in which a small body of men properly posted might harass the bravest ar my. He also had numberless difficulties to sur mount; particularly from rivers fordable only atone place, and overlooked by high banks on each side, where an enemy might attack with advantage, and retreat with safety.
When he had advanced within five miles of Etchoe, the nearest town in the middle settlements, he found a low valley covered so thick with bushes that the soldiers could scarcely see three yards before them. Through this natural ambus cade it was necessary for the army to march, though the nature of the place would not admit any number of men to act together.
Captain Morison who commanded a company of rangers, well ac quainted with the woods, was therefore ordered to advance and scour this thicket. He had scarcely entered it when a number of savages sprung from their place of concealment, killed the captain and wounded several of his party. Upon which the light infantry and grenadiers advanced and charged the invisible enemy. A heavy fire then began on both sides, and' for some time the soldiers could only discover the places where the savages were hid by the report of their guns. The woods resounded with indian warhoops and horrible yellings. During the action, which lasted above an hour, colonel Montgomery had twenty men killed and seventy- six wounded.
What number the enemy lost is un certain, as it is a custom among them to carry their dead off the field. Upon viewing the ground, all were astonished to see with what judgment they had chosen it. Scarcely could the most experienced Officer have fixed upon a spot more advantageous for attacking an enemy. This action terminated much in favor of the bri- tish army, but reduced it to such a situation as made it very imprudent to penetrate further into the woods. Orders were therefore given for a retreat which was made with great regularity. A large train of wound ed men was brought in safety above sixty miles through a hazardous country. Never did men en dure greater hardships, with fewer complaints, this little army.
Colonel Montgomery returned to the settlement, and in August embarked for NewYork agreeably to his orders ; but left four companies for covering the frontiers. In the mean time the distant garrison of fort Loudon, consisting of two hundred men, was reduced to the dreadful alternative of perishing by hunger or submitting to the mercy of the enraged cherokees. The governor having information that the virginians had undertaken to relieve it, waited to hear the news of their having done so. But so remote was the fort from every settlement, and so difficult was it to march an army through the barren wilderness where the various thickets were lined with enemies ; and to carry at the same time sufficient supplies along with them, that the virginians had relinquished all thoughts of even making the attempt. Provisions being entirely exhausted at fort Loudon, the garrison was reduced to the most deplorable situation. For a whole month they had no other subsistence, but the flesh of lean horses and dogs, and a small supply of indian beans which some friendly cherokee women procured for them by stealth. In this extremity the commander called a council of war to consider what was proper to be done. The officers were all of opinion that it was impossible to hold out any lon ger, and therefore agreed to surrender the fort to the cherokees on the best terms that could be obtained. For this purpose capt. Stuart procured leave to go to Chote, one of the principal towns in the neighbor hood, where he obtained the following terms of capitulation which were signed by the commanding arms and drums, each soldier having as much powder and ball as their officer shall think necessary for their march, and all the baggage they may choose to car ry. That the garrison be permitted to march to Virginia or fort Prince George, and that a number of indians be appointed to escort them and hunt for provisions during the march. That such soldiers as are lame or sick be received into the indian towns, and kindly used until they recover, and then be al lowed to return to tort Prince George. That the in dians provide tor the garrison as many horses as they conveniently can tor their march, agreeing with the officers and soldiers for payment. That the fort, gr at guns, powder, ball, and spare arms, be deliver ed to the indians without fraud or further delay on the day appointed for the march of the troops." Agreeably to these terms the garrison delivered up the fort, and marched out with their arms, accom panied by Occonostota the prince of Chote, and ' se veral other indians ; and that day went fifteen miles on their way to fort Prince George. At night they encamped on a plain about two miles from Taliquo. an indian town, when all their attendants left them. During the night they remained unmolested ; but next morning, about break of day a soldier, from an outpost, informed them that he saw a number of in dians, armed and painted in the most dreadful man ner, creeping among the bushes and advancing to surround them. Scarcely had the officer time to or der his men to stand to their arms, when the savages poured in upon them a heavy fire from different quarters accompanied with the most hideous yellings. Captain Paul Demere, with three other offi cers, and about twenty-six private men, fell at the first onset. Some fled into the woods, and were af terwards taken prisoners and confined. Captain Stuart and those that remained were seized, pinion ed, and brought back to fort Loudon. As soon as Attakullakulla heard that his friend Stuart had es caped, he hastened to the fort and purchased him from the indian that took him ; giving him his rifle, clothes, and all he could command by way of ran som. He then took possession of captain Demere's house, where he kept his prisoner as one of his family and freely shared with him the little provisions his table afforded, until a fair opportunity should offer for rescuing him from their hands : but the soldiers were kept in a miserable state of captivity for some time, and then redeemed by the province at a great expense. While these prisoners were confined at fort Lou don, Occonostota formed a design of attacking tort Prince George; and for this purpose dispatched a messenger to the settlements in the valley, request ing all the warriors there to join him at Stickoey old town. By accident, a discovery was made of ten bags of powder, and of ball in proportion, which the officers had secretly buried in the fort to prevent their falling into the enemy's hands. This discovery had nearly proved fatal to captain Stuart, and would cer tainly have cost him his life, if the interpreter had not assured the enemy that these warlike stores had been concealed without his knowledge or consent. The indians having now abundance , of ammunition, for the seige, a council was called at Chote; to which to carry six cannon and two cohorns with them against fort Prince George, to be managed by men under his command, he must go and write such letters to the commandant as they should dictate to him. They informed him at the same time that if that offi cer should refuse to surrender, they were determined to burn the prisoners one after another before his face, and try if he could hold out while he saw his friends expiring in the flames. Captain Stuart was much alarmed at his situation, and from that mo ment resolved to make his escape or perish in the attempt. He privately communicated his design to Attakullakulla, and told him how uneasy he was at the thoughts of being compelled to bear arms against his countrymen. The old warrior taking him by the hand, told him he was his friend. That he had al ready given one proof of his regard, and intended soon to give another. Strong and uncultivated minds often carry their friendship, as well as their enmity, to an astonishing pitch. Among savages, family friendship is a national virtue ; and they not unfre- quently surpass civilized men in the practice of its most self-denying, and noblest duties. Attakullakulla claimed captain Stuart as his pri-~ 6oner, and had resolved to deliver him from danger. Accordingly he gave out among his countrymen, that he intended to go a hunting for a few days and car ry his prisoner along with him to eat venison. Hav ing settled all matters they set out on their journey, accompanied by the warrior's wife, his brother, and two soldiers. For provisions they depended on what they might kill by the way. The distance to the frontier settlements was great, and the utmost expe dition necessary to prevent any surprise from Indians pursuing them. They travelled nine days and nights through a dreary wilderness, shaping their course for Virginia, by the light and guidance of the heavenly bodies. On the tenth they arrived at the banks of Holstein river; where they fortunately tell in with a party of 300 men, sent out by colonel Bird for the relief of such soldiers as might make their escape that way from fort Loudon. It might now have been expected that the vindictive spirit of the savages would be satisfied, and that they would be disposed to listen to terms of accommoda tion. But this was not the case. They intended their treacherous conduct at fort Loudon should serve as a satisfaction for the harsh treatment their relations had met with at fort Prince George. Dear ly had the province paid for the imprisonment and massacre of the indian : chiefs at that place. Sorely had the cherokees suffered, in retaliation, for the mur ders they had committed to satisfy their vengeance for that imprisonment and the massacre of their chiefs. Their lower towns had all been destroyed by colonel Montgomery — The warriors in the mid dle settlements had lost many friends and relations. Several frenchmen had crept in among the upper towns, and helped to foment their ill humor against Carolina. Lev\is Latinac, a French officer, persuaded the indians that the english had nothing less in view than to exterminate them from the face of the earth; log of wood called out, " who is the man that will take this up for the king of France ?" Salone the young warrior of Estatoe instantly laid hold of it, and cried out " I am for war. The spirits of our brothers who have been slain, still call upon us to avenge their death. He is no better than a wo firm that refuses to follow me." Many others seized the to mahawk and burned with impatience for the field. Lieutenant governor Bull, who well knew how lit tle indians were to be trusted, kept the royal scots and militia on the frontiers in a posture of defence ; and made application a second time to general Am herst for assistance. Canada being now reduced, the commander in chief could the more easily spare a ' force adequate to the purpose intended. Lieutenant colonel James Grant, with a regiment from England and two companies of light infantry from New- York, received orders to embark for Carolina. Early in the year 176'1 he landed at Charlestown, where he took up his winter quarters until the proper season should approach for taking the field. In this campaign, the province exerted itself to the utmost. A provincial regiment was raised, and the command of it given to colonel Middleton*. Presents were provided for the indian allies, and several of the chickesaws.and catawbas engaged to co operate with the white people against the Cherokees, . All possible preparations were quickly made for sup plying the army with every thing necessary for the.... expedition. Great had been the expense which this quarrel with the cherokees had already occasioned. The carolinians now flattered themselves that, by one resolute exertion, they would free the country from the calamities of war. As soon as the highlanders were in a condition to take the field, colonel Grant set out for the cherokee territories. After being joined by the provincial regiment and indian allies, he mustered about 2600 men. On the 27th of May 1761 he arrived at fort Prince George ; and on the 7th of June began his march from it, carrying with him provisions for thirty days. A party of ninety indians and thirty woodsmen, painted like indians, under the command of captain Quintine Kennedy, had orders to advance in front and scour the woods. When near to the place where colonel Montgomery was attacked the year before, the indian allies in front observed a large body of cherokees posted upon a hill on the right flank of the army. An alarm was given. Immediately the savages rushing down began to fire on the advanced guard, which being supported repulsed them; but they recovered their heights. Colonel Grant ordered a party to march up the hills, and drive the ene my from them. The engagement became general, and was fought on both sides with, great bravery. The situation of the troops was in several respects deplorable, fatigued by a tedious march in rainy weather — surrounded with woods so that they could not discern the enemy — galled by the scattering fire of savages who when pressed always fell back, but rallied again and again. No sooner was any advan tage gained over them in one quarter than they ap peared in another. While the attention of the com mander was occupied in driving the enemy from their lurking place on the river's side, his rear was attacked ; and so vigorous an effort made for the flour and cattle, that he was obliged to order a par ty back to the relief of the rear-guard. From 8 o'clock in the morning until 1 1, the savages continued to keep up an irregular and incessant fire; sometimes from One place and sometimes from another, while the , woods resounded with hideous warhoops frequently repeated but in different directions. At length the Cherokees gave way and were pursued. What loss they sustained in this action is unknown, but of co lonel Grant's army there were between fifty and six- ty killed and wounded. Orders were given, not to bury the slain, but to sink them in the river to pre vent their being dug up from their graves and scalp ed. To provide horses for those that were wounded several bags of flour were thrown into the river. After which the army proceeded to Etchoe a large indian town which they reached about midnight, and next day reduced to ashes. Every other town in the middle settlements shared the same fate. Their margazines and cornfields were likewise destroyed ; and the miserable savages with their families were driven' to seek for shelter and provisions among the barren mountains. Colonel Grant continued thirty days in the heart of the cherokee territories. Upon his return to fort Prince George the feet and legs of many of his men were so mangled, and their strength and spirits so exhausted, that they were unable to march any fur ther. He therefore encamped at that place to re fresh his men, and wait the resolutions of the chero- kees in consequence of the heavy chastisement which they had received. Besides the many advantages their country afforded for defence, it was supposed they had been assisted by french officers. The sa vages supported their attack for some hours with considerable spirit ; but being driven from their ad vantageous posts they were disconcerted. Though the repulse was far from being decisive, yet after this engagement they returned no more to the charge, but remained the tame spectators of their towns in flames and their country laid desolate. It is no easy matter to describe the distress to which the savages were reduced by this severe cor rection. Even in time of peace they are destitute of that foresight which provides for future events ; but in time of war, when their villages are burnt and their fields destroyed, they are reduced to extreme want. The hunters, furnished with ammunition, may make some small provision for themselves; but wo men, children, and old men must perish from being deprived of the means of subsistence. Soon after colonel Grant's arrival at fort Prince of peace. They had suffered severely for breaking their alliance with Britain, and giving ear to the promises of France. Convinced at last of the weakness of the trench, who were neither able to assist them in time of war nor to supply their wants in time of peace, they resolved to renounce all connexion with them. Accordingly terms of peace were drawn up and proposed. The different articles being read and interpreted Attakullakulla agreed to them all except one, by which it was demanded "that four Chero kee indians be delivered up to colonel Grant at fort Prince George to be put to death in the front of his camp ; or that four green scalps be brought to him in the space of twelve nights." The warrior could not agree to this article, and therefore the colonel sent him to Charlestown to see whether the lieuten ant-governor would consent to mitigate its rigor. Accordingly Attakullakulla, and the chieftains be ing furnished with a safe-guard, set out for Charles- town to hold a conference with lieutenant-governor Bull, who, on their arrival, called a council to meet at Ashley ferry, and then spoke to the following effect. " Attakullakulla I am glad to see you, as I have always heard of your good behavior, and that you have been a good friend to the english. I take you by the hand, and not only you but all those with you, as a pledge for their security whilst under my protection. Colonel Grant acquaints me that you have applied for peace. I have therefore met with my beloved men to hear what you have to say, and my ears are open for that purpose." A fire was kindled, the pipe of peace was lighted, and all smo ked together for some time in great silence and sa- » lemnity. Attakullakulla then arose and addressed the lieu^ tenant-governor and council to the following effect : " It is a great while since I last saw your honor ; I am glad to see you and all the beloved men pre sent. I am come to you as a messenger from the whole nation. I have now seen you, smoked with you, and hope we shall live together as brothers. When I came to Keowee, colonel Grant sent me to you. You live at the water side and are in light, we are in darkness ; but hope all will- yet be clear. I have been constantly going about doing good, and though I am tired, yet I am come to see what can be done for my people who are in great distress." Here he produced the strings of wampum he had received from the different towns, denoting their ear nest desire of peace, and added, " as to what has happened, I believe it has been ordered by our fa ther above. We are of a different color from the white people. They are superior to us. But one God is father of all, and we hope what is past will be forgotten. God Almighty made all people. There is not a day but some are coming into and others going out of the world. The great king told me the path should never be crooked, but open for every one to pass and repass. As we all live in one land, I hope we shall all love as one people." After which peace was formally ratified and confirmed. The former friendship of the parties being renewed, seriously distressful to South-Carolina, without being advantageous or ho norable to the contending parties. Nothing was gained by either, and a great deal was lost by both. In the review of the whole, there is much to blame, and more to regret. The cherokees were the first aggressors by taking horses from the virginians ; but by killing them for that offence the balance of injury was on their side. They violated the laws of natural justice by retaliating "on carolinians for murders committed by virginians ; but according to their code, the whites of both were identified as objects of retaliation. No pains had been taken to teach them better by their neighbors, who enjoyed the superior benefits of civilization and of christianity. When the storm of war was ready to burst on their heads they sent their messenger of peace to apologise, ex plain, and negociate for the unauthorised murders of their lawless young warriors ; but they were not heard, nor even suffered to speak. Governor Lyt- tleton, unwilling to be balked of his military expe dition, marched with his army into their country with these messengers of peace in his train; ostensibly for their safety, and with a promise that a hair of their heads should not be hurt, but really as hostages for their countrymen ; and they were afterwards, without any personal fault, confined as such till twenty-four of their nation should be delivered up to expiate by their death tor the murder of the carolinians. If this demand was right, it was of that too rigid kind which
____________________________-
Unknown whether Marion was part of 1760 expedition
And now occurred a most interesting incident in which Attakullakulla proved his fidelity and preserved the life of his friend Captain Stuart. This officer who had been second in command to Captain Demere — an offi cer of great sagacity and address, and much beloved by all the Indians that remained true to the British interest — had been spared his life, but was among the captives. As soon as Attakullakulla learned this he hastened to the fort, and purchased Captain Stuart from the Indian that took him, giving his rifle, clothes, and all that he could command by way of ransom. He then took possession of Captain Demere's house, where he kept the prisoner as one of his own family, freely sharing with him the little his table afforded, while he sought an opportunity of res cuing him. While thus a prisoner at Fort Loudon the accidental discovery by the Indians of ten bags of powder and ball, which the officers had buried in the fort, nearly proved fatal to Captain Stuart. But it was thought that his life at present might be more useful to them. Having secured this ammunition a council was called at Chote, to which the Captain was brought and put in mind of the obligations he lay under for the sparing of his life. He was informed by his captors that they had resolved to attack Fort Prince George, and to carry six cannon and two cohoons, which must be managed by men under his, Captain Stuart's, command ; that he must go with them and write such letters to the commandant of the fort as they should dictate ; that if the officer in com mand should refuse to surrender, they would burn the prisoners one after another before his face, and try if he could be so obstinate as to hold out while he saw his friends expiring in the flames. In this emergency Atta kullakulla determined at once to effect the escape of his prisoner and friend. For this purpose he gave out among the Indians that he intended to go hunting for a few days and would take his prisoner along with him. In the meanwhile Captain Stuart urged his fellow-captives, the soldiers, to remain firm, assuring them they could not expect to be ransomed by the province if they gave the least assistance to the Indians in their proposed attack upon Fort Prince George.
Attakullakulla then set out, accompanied by his wife, his brother, Captain Stuart, and two soldiers. Nine days and nights they travelled, shap ing their course by the light of the sun and moon for Virginia, and on the tenth arrived on the banks of the Holstein River, where they fortunately fell in with a party of three hundred men, sent out by Colonel Bird for the relief of such soldiers as might make their escape that way from Fort Loudon. On the fourteenth day, reach ing Colonel Bird's camp on the frontiers of Virginia, Cap tain Stuart loaded his faithful friend and preserver with presents and sent him back to protect the remaining un happy prisoners till they should be ransomed, and to exert his influence among the Cherokees for the restoration of peace.1 Captain Stuart dispatched an express to Lieutenant Governor Bull, informing him of the disaster to the gar rison of Fort Loudon and of the designs of the Indians against Fort Prince George. Governor Bull immediately ordered Major Thompson, who commanded the militia on the frontier, to throw into the fort provisions for ten weeks, and warn the commanding officer of his danger. He detained the Royal Scots there, and made another appeal to General Amherst for assistance, and this, Canada now fortunately having been reduced, the Commander-in-Chief could the more easily afford. Colonel Montgomery, who commanded the former expedition, hav ing by this time embarked for England, the command of the Highlanders devolved on Lieutenant Colonel James Grant, who received orders to return to the relief of South Carolina. Early in the year 1761 he landed at Charles- town, and went into winter quarters until the proper sea son should approach for taking the field.1 Lieutenant Governor Bull raised a Carolina regiment, and put it under the command of Colonel Thomas Middleton. This regiment and the expedition upon which it went were remarkable as the school in which several of the most distinguished officers of the Revolution learned their first lessons in the art of war. Its other field officers were Henry Laurens, Lieutenant Colonel ; John Moultrie, Ma jor. William Moultrie, Francis Marion, Isaac Huger, and Andrew Pickens served as company officers.
As soon as the Highlanders were in a condition to take the field Colonel Grant set out for the Cherokee terri tories. When joined by the Provincial Regiment and Indian allies he mustered about twenty-six hundred men. On the 27th of May, 1761, he arrived at Fort Prince George, and on the 7th of June began his march from it, carrying with him provisions for thirty days.
When near the place where Colonel Montgomery was attacked the year before, the Indian allies in front observed a large body of Cherokees posted upon a hill. An alarm was given. Immediately the savages rushing down began to fire on the advanced guard, but this being well supported repulsed them. Colonel Grant ordered a party to drive the enemy from the hills. The engagement became gen eral and was fought on both sides with great bravery.
The situation of the troops was in several respects unfor tunate and trying ; fatigued by a tedious march in rainy weather, galled by the scattering fire of savages who when pressed fell back but rallied again and again. From eight o'clock in the morning until eleven the Indians continued to keep up an irregular and incessant fire — sometimes from one place, sometimes from another ; but at length they gave way and were pursued.
The army proceeded to attack a large Indian town which they reached about midnight and reduced to ashes. Every other town in the middle settlements shared the same fate. Their magazines and cornfields were like wise destroyed, and the unhappy Indians who had been treacherously goaded into the war were driven to seek shelter and provisions among the barren mountains — their fields destroyed, their villages burned, their women and children and old men left to perish.
Colonel Grant continued for thirty days in the heart of the Cherokee territories. Upon his return to Fort Prince George his men were so much exhausted in strength and spirits they were unable to march any further. He there fore encamped at that place to refresh his army and wait the result of the heavy chastisement he had inflicted upon the Cherokees. Soon after Colonel Grant's arrival at Fort Prince George, Attakullakulla again came to his camp and sued for peace. Colonel Grant furnished him, and several chieftains who accompained him, with a safe guard to Charlestown, and Lieutenant Governor Bull called a council to meet him at Ashley ferry. Bull received Attakullakulla very differently from the way in which Lyttleton had received Occonostota. He took him by the hand as a pledge for his security while under his pro tection. A fire was kindled, the pipe of peace was lighted, and all smoked together for some time in great silence. Attakullakulla then opened his mission, and, in a speech of great dignity and pathos, sued for peace. This Bull readily granted.
--------------------------------
Ramsay 176:
while the back settlers impatiently looked to their governor for relief, the small pox raged to such a degree, on the sea coast, that few of the militia could be prevailed on to leave their dis tressed families. In this extremity an express was sent to gen. Amherst the commander in chief of the british forces in America, acquainting him with the deplorable situation of the province and imploring his assistance. Accordingly a body of fine picked troops, consisting of six companies of the royal scots regiment, and six companies of the seventy-second, in which were included the grenadiers and light in fantry companies of several regiments, was put under the command of colonel Montgomery and ordered immediately to Carolina.
In the mean time William Henry Lyttleton being appointed governor of Jamaica, the charge of the province devolved on Wm. Bull. Application was made to the neighboring provinces of North-Carolina Before the end of April, 1760, colonel Montgo mery landed in Carolina and encamped at Monk's corner. Great was the joy of the province upon the arrival of this gallant officer : but as the conquest of Canada was the grand object of that year's cam paign in America, he had orders to strike a sudden blow for the relief of Carolina and instantly return to head quarters at Albany. Nothing was omitted that was judged necessary to forward the expedition. Several gentlemen of fortune, excited by a laudable zeal for the safety of their country, formed themselves into a company of volunteers, and join at the army.
The whole force of the province was col lected and ordered to rendezvous at Congarees. A few weeks after his arrival colonel Montgomery marched to the congarees where he was joined by the militia of the province, and immediately set out for the cherokee country. Having little time allowed him, his march was uncommonly expeditious. After reaching a place called twelve mile river he pro ceeded with a party of his men in the night to sur prise Estatoe, an indian town, about twenty miles from his camp. On his way there was another town called little Keowee. He ordered the light infantry to surround the latter, and to put every adult male indian, in it, to the sword. He then proceeded to Estatoe which he found nearly abandoned, 'ibis town, which consisted of at least two hundred houses, and was well provided with corn, hogs, poultry, and ammunition, he reduced to ashes. Sugar-town, and every other settlement in the lower nation, shared the same fate. The surprise to every one of them was nearly equal, and so sudden and unexpected, that the savages could scarcely save themselves, far less any little property they had. In these lower towns about sixty indians -were killed and forty- made prisoners, and the rest driven to seek for shel ter among the mountains. Having finished his bu siness among these lower settlements, with the small loss of three or four men, he marched to the relief of fort Prince George. Edmund Atkin, agent for in- dian affairs, dispatched two indian chiefs to the mid dle settlements to inform the cherokees that by suing for peace they might obtain it as the former friends and allies of Britain. Colonel Montgomery, finding that the savages were not yet disposed to listen to any terms of accommodation, determined to carry the chastisement a little further. Dismal was the wilderness into which he entered, and many were the hardships and dangers he had to encounter from passing through dark thickets, rugged paths, and narrow defiles, in which a small body of men properly posted might harass the bravest ar my. He also had numberless difficulties to sur mount; particularly from rivers fordable only atone place, and overlooked by high banks on each side, where an enemy might attack with advantage, and retreat with safety.
When he had advanced within five miles of Etchoe, the nearest town in the middle settlements, he found a low valley covered so thick with bushes that the soldiers could scarcely see three yards before them. Through this natural ambus cade it was necessary for the army to march, though the nature of the place would not admit any number of men to act together.
Captain Morison who commanded a company of rangers, well ac quainted with the woods, was therefore ordered to advance and scour this thicket. He had scarcely entered it when a number of savages sprung from their place of concealment, killed the captain and wounded several of his party. Upon which the light infantry and grenadiers advanced and charged the invisible enemy. A heavy fire then began on both sides, and' for some time the soldiers could only discover the places where the savages were hid by the report of their guns. The woods resounded with indian warhoops and horrible yellings. During the action, which lasted above an hour, colonel Montgomery had twenty men killed and seventy- six wounded.
What number the enemy lost is un certain, as it is a custom among them to carry their dead off the field. Upon viewing the ground, all were astonished to see with what judgment they had chosen it. Scarcely could the most experienced Officer have fixed upon a spot more advantageous for attacking an enemy. This action terminated much in favor of the bri- tish army, but reduced it to such a situation as made it very imprudent to penetrate further into the woods. Orders were therefore given for a retreat which was made with great regularity. A large train of wound ed men was brought in safety above sixty miles through a hazardous country. Never did men en dure greater hardships, with fewer complaints, this little army.
Colonel Montgomery returned to the settlement, and in August embarked for NewYork agreeably to his orders ; but left four companies for covering the frontiers. In the mean time the distant garrison of fort Loudon, consisting of two hundred men, was reduced to the dreadful alternative of perishing by hunger or submitting to the mercy of the enraged cherokees. The governor having information that the virginians had undertaken to relieve it, waited to hear the news of their having done so. But so remote was the fort from every settlement, and so difficult was it to march an army through the barren wilderness where the various thickets were lined with enemies ; and to carry at the same time sufficient supplies along with them, that the virginians had relinquished all thoughts of even making the attempt. Provisions being entirely exhausted at fort Loudon, the garrison was reduced to the most deplorable situation. For a whole month they had no other subsistence, but the flesh of lean horses and dogs, and a small supply of indian beans which some friendly cherokee women procured for them by stealth. In this extremity the commander called a council of war to consider what was proper to be done. The officers were all of opinion that it was impossible to hold out any lon ger, and therefore agreed to surrender the fort to the cherokees on the best terms that could be obtained. For this purpose capt. Stuart procured leave to go to Chote, one of the principal towns in the neighbor hood, where he obtained the following terms of capitulation which were signed by the commanding arms and drums, each soldier having as much powder and ball as their officer shall think necessary for their march, and all the baggage they may choose to car ry. That the garrison be permitted to march to Virginia or fort Prince George, and that a number of indians be appointed to escort them and hunt for provisions during the march. That such soldiers as are lame or sick be received into the indian towns, and kindly used until they recover, and then be al lowed to return to tort Prince George. That the in dians provide tor the garrison as many horses as they conveniently can tor their march, agreeing with the officers and soldiers for payment. That the fort, gr at guns, powder, ball, and spare arms, be deliver ed to the indians without fraud or further delay on the day appointed for the march of the troops." Agreeably to these terms the garrison delivered up the fort, and marched out with their arms, accom panied by Occonostota the prince of Chote, and ' se veral other indians ; and that day went fifteen miles on their way to fort Prince George. At night they encamped on a plain about two miles from Taliquo. an indian town, when all their attendants left them. During the night they remained unmolested ; but next morning, about break of day a soldier, from an outpost, informed them that he saw a number of in dians, armed and painted in the most dreadful man ner, creeping among the bushes and advancing to surround them. Scarcely had the officer time to or der his men to stand to their arms, when the savages poured in upon them a heavy fire from different quarters accompanied with the most hideous yellings. Captain Paul Demere, with three other offi cers, and about twenty-six private men, fell at the first onset. Some fled into the woods, and were af terwards taken prisoners and confined. Captain Stuart and those that remained were seized, pinion ed, and brought back to fort Loudon. As soon as Attakullakulla heard that his friend Stuart had es caped, he hastened to the fort and purchased him from the indian that took him ; giving him his rifle, clothes, and all he could command by way of ran som. He then took possession of captain Demere's house, where he kept his prisoner as one of his family and freely shared with him the little provisions his table afforded, until a fair opportunity should offer for rescuing him from their hands : but the soldiers were kept in a miserable state of captivity for some time, and then redeemed by the province at a great expense. While these prisoners were confined at fort Lou don, Occonostota formed a design of attacking tort Prince George; and for this purpose dispatched a messenger to the settlements in the valley, request ing all the warriors there to join him at Stickoey old town. By accident, a discovery was made of ten bags of powder, and of ball in proportion, which the officers had secretly buried in the fort to prevent their falling into the enemy's hands. This discovery had nearly proved fatal to captain Stuart, and would cer tainly have cost him his life, if the interpreter had not assured the enemy that these warlike stores had been concealed without his knowledge or consent. The indians having now abundance , of ammunition, for the seige, a council was called at Chote; to which to carry six cannon and two cohorns with them against fort Prince George, to be managed by men under his command, he must go and write such letters to the commandant as they should dictate to him. They informed him at the same time that if that offi cer should refuse to surrender, they were determined to burn the prisoners one after another before his face, and try if he could hold out while he saw his friends expiring in the flames. Captain Stuart was much alarmed at his situation, and from that mo ment resolved to make his escape or perish in the attempt. He privately communicated his design to Attakullakulla, and told him how uneasy he was at the thoughts of being compelled to bear arms against his countrymen. The old warrior taking him by the hand, told him he was his friend. That he had al ready given one proof of his regard, and intended soon to give another. Strong and uncultivated minds often carry their friendship, as well as their enmity, to an astonishing pitch. Among savages, family friendship is a national virtue ; and they not unfre- quently surpass civilized men in the practice of its most self-denying, and noblest duties. Attakullakulla claimed captain Stuart as his pri-~ 6oner, and had resolved to deliver him from danger. Accordingly he gave out among his countrymen, that he intended to go a hunting for a few days and car ry his prisoner along with him to eat venison. Hav ing settled all matters they set out on their journey, accompanied by the warrior's wife, his brother, and two soldiers. For provisions they depended on what they might kill by the way. The distance to the frontier settlements was great, and the utmost expe dition necessary to prevent any surprise from Indians pursuing them. They travelled nine days and nights through a dreary wilderness, shaping their course for Virginia, by the light and guidance of the heavenly bodies. On the tenth they arrived at the banks of Holstein river; where they fortunately tell in with a party of 300 men, sent out by colonel Bird for the relief of such soldiers as might make their escape that way from fort Loudon. It might now have been expected that the vindictive spirit of the savages would be satisfied, and that they would be disposed to listen to terms of accommoda tion. But this was not the case. They intended their treacherous conduct at fort Loudon should serve as a satisfaction for the harsh treatment their relations had met with at fort Prince George. Dear ly had the province paid for the imprisonment and massacre of the indian : chiefs at that place. Sorely had the cherokees suffered, in retaliation, for the mur ders they had committed to satisfy their vengeance for that imprisonment and the massacre of their chiefs. Their lower towns had all been destroyed by colonel Montgomery — The warriors in the mid dle settlements had lost many friends and relations. Several frenchmen had crept in among the upper towns, and helped to foment their ill humor against Carolina. Lev\is Latinac, a French officer, persuaded the indians that the english had nothing less in view than to exterminate them from the face of the earth; log of wood called out, " who is the man that will take this up for the king of France ?" Salone the young warrior of Estatoe instantly laid hold of it, and cried out " I am for war. The spirits of our brothers who have been slain, still call upon us to avenge their death. He is no better than a wo firm that refuses to follow me." Many others seized the to mahawk and burned with impatience for the field. Lieutenant governor Bull, who well knew how lit tle indians were to be trusted, kept the royal scots and militia on the frontiers in a posture of defence ; and made application a second time to general Am herst for assistance. Canada being now reduced, the commander in chief could the more easily spare a ' force adequate to the purpose intended. Lieutenant colonel James Grant, with a regiment from England and two companies of light infantry from New- York, received orders to embark for Carolina. Early in the year 176'1 he landed at Charlestown, where he took up his winter quarters until the proper season should approach for taking the field. In this campaign, the province exerted itself to the utmost. A provincial regiment was raised, and the command of it given to colonel Middleton*. Presents were provided for the indian allies, and several of the chickesaws.and catawbas engaged to co operate with the white people against the Cherokees, . All possible preparations were quickly made for sup plying the army with every thing necessary for the.... expedition. Great had been the expense which this quarrel with the cherokees had already occasioned. The carolinians now flattered themselves that, by one resolute exertion, they would free the country from the calamities of war. As soon as the highlanders were in a condition to take the field, colonel Grant set out for the cherokee territories. After being joined by the provincial regiment and indian allies, he mustered about 2600 men. On the 27th of May 1761 he arrived at fort Prince George ; and on the 7th of June began his march from it, carrying with him provisions for thirty days. A party of ninety indians and thirty woodsmen, painted like indians, under the command of captain Quintine Kennedy, had orders to advance in front and scour the woods. When near to the place where colonel Montgomery was attacked the year before, the indian allies in front observed a large body of cherokees posted upon a hill on the right flank of the army. An alarm was given. Immediately the savages rushing down began to fire on the advanced guard, which being supported repulsed them; but they recovered their heights. Colonel Grant ordered a party to march up the hills, and drive the ene my from them. The engagement became general, and was fought on both sides with, great bravery. The situation of the troops was in several respects deplorable, fatigued by a tedious march in rainy weather — surrounded with woods so that they could not discern the enemy — galled by the scattering fire of savages who when pressed always fell back, but rallied again and again. No sooner was any advan tage gained over them in one quarter than they ap peared in another. While the attention of the com mander was occupied in driving the enemy from their lurking place on the river's side, his rear was attacked ; and so vigorous an effort made for the flour and cattle, that he was obliged to order a par ty back to the relief of the rear-guard. From 8 o'clock in the morning until 1 1, the savages continued to keep up an irregular and incessant fire; sometimes from One place and sometimes from another, while the , woods resounded with hideous warhoops frequently repeated but in different directions. At length the Cherokees gave way and were pursued. What loss they sustained in this action is unknown, but of co lonel Grant's army there were between fifty and six- ty killed and wounded. Orders were given, not to bury the slain, but to sink them in the river to pre vent their being dug up from their graves and scalp ed. To provide horses for those that were wounded several bags of flour were thrown into the river. After which the army proceeded to Etchoe a large indian town which they reached about midnight, and next day reduced to ashes. Every other town in the middle settlements shared the same fate. Their margazines and cornfields were likewise destroyed ; and the miserable savages with their families were driven' to seek for shelter and provisions among the barren mountains. Colonel Grant continued thirty days in the heart of the cherokee territories. Upon his return to fort Prince George the feet and legs of many of his men were so mangled, and their strength and spirits so exhausted, that they were unable to march any fur ther. He therefore encamped at that place to re fresh his men, and wait the resolutions of the chero- kees in consequence of the heavy chastisement which they had received. Besides the many advantages their country afforded for defence, it was supposed they had been assisted by french officers. The sa vages supported their attack for some hours with considerable spirit ; but being driven from their ad vantageous posts they were disconcerted. Though the repulse was far from being decisive, yet after this engagement they returned no more to the charge, but remained the tame spectators of their towns in flames and their country laid desolate. It is no easy matter to describe the distress to which the savages were reduced by this severe cor rection. Even in time of peace they are destitute of that foresight which provides for future events ; but in time of war, when their villages are burnt and their fields destroyed, they are reduced to extreme want. The hunters, furnished with ammunition, may make some small provision for themselves; but wo men, children, and old men must perish from being deprived of the means of subsistence. Soon after colonel Grant's arrival at fort Prince of peace. They had suffered severely for breaking their alliance with Britain, and giving ear to the promises of France. Convinced at last of the weakness of the trench, who were neither able to assist them in time of war nor to supply their wants in time of peace, they resolved to renounce all connexion with them. Accordingly terms of peace were drawn up and proposed. The different articles being read and interpreted Attakullakulla agreed to them all except one, by which it was demanded "that four Chero kee indians be delivered up to colonel Grant at fort Prince George to be put to death in the front of his camp ; or that four green scalps be brought to him in the space of twelve nights." The warrior could not agree to this article, and therefore the colonel sent him to Charlestown to see whether the lieuten ant-governor would consent to mitigate its rigor. Accordingly Attakullakulla, and the chieftains be ing furnished with a safe-guard, set out for Charles- town to hold a conference with lieutenant-governor Bull, who, on their arrival, called a council to meet at Ashley ferry, and then spoke to the following effect. " Attakullakulla I am glad to see you, as I have always heard of your good behavior, and that you have been a good friend to the english. I take you by the hand, and not only you but all those with you, as a pledge for their security whilst under my protection. Colonel Grant acquaints me that you have applied for peace. I have therefore met with my beloved men to hear what you have to say, and my ears are open for that purpose." A fire was kindled, the pipe of peace was lighted, and all smo ked together for some time in great silence and sa- » lemnity. Attakullakulla then arose and addressed the lieu^ tenant-governor and council to the following effect : " It is a great while since I last saw your honor ; I am glad to see you and all the beloved men pre sent. I am come to you as a messenger from the whole nation. I have now seen you, smoked with you, and hope we shall live together as brothers. When I came to Keowee, colonel Grant sent me to you. You live at the water side and are in light, we are in darkness ; but hope all will- yet be clear. I have been constantly going about doing good, and though I am tired, yet I am come to see what can be done for my people who are in great distress." Here he produced the strings of wampum he had received from the different towns, denoting their ear nest desire of peace, and added, " as to what has happened, I believe it has been ordered by our fa ther above. We are of a different color from the white people. They are superior to us. But one God is father of all, and we hope what is past will be forgotten. God Almighty made all people. There is not a day but some are coming into and others going out of the world. The great king told me the path should never be crooked, but open for every one to pass and repass. As we all live in one land, I hope we shall all love as one people." After which peace was formally ratified and confirmed. The former friendship of the parties being renewed, seriously distressful to South-Carolina, without being advantageous or ho norable to the contending parties. Nothing was gained by either, and a great deal was lost by both. In the review of the whole, there is much to blame, and more to regret. The cherokees were the first aggressors by taking horses from the virginians ; but by killing them for that offence the balance of injury was on their side. They violated the laws of natural justice by retaliating "on carolinians for murders committed by virginians ; but according to their code, the whites of both were identified as objects of retaliation. No pains had been taken to teach them better by their neighbors, who enjoyed the superior benefits of civilization and of christianity. When the storm of war was ready to burst on their heads they sent their messenger of peace to apologise, ex plain, and negociate for the unauthorised murders of their lawless young warriors ; but they were not heard, nor even suffered to speak. Governor Lyt- tleton, unwilling to be balked of his military expe dition, marched with his army into their country with these messengers of peace in his train; ostensibly for their safety, and with a promise that a hair of their heads should not be hurt, but really as hostages for their countrymen ; and they were afterwards, without any personal fault, confined as such till twenty-four of their nation should be delivered up to expiate by their death tor the murder of the carolinians. If this demand was right, it was of that too rigid kind which
____________________________-
Simms 37:
Unknown whether Marion was part of 1760 expedition
Before the end of April, 1760, the camp of ren dezvous for a new invasion of the Cherokee territories was established at Monk's Corner. Meanwhile, the health of Carolina had undergone some improvement, and the gen tlemen of the country were not idle. They turned out in force as volunteers, and under the spirited direction of Governor Bull, the whole disposable force of the province was put m requisition. Among these, it is not so sure, but is believed, that Francis Marion once more made his appearance as a volunteer. From what we know of his character, his temperament, and that unsatisfied craving which he seems to have shown from the beginning for such excitements, it is reasonable to infer his presence in the field. But, though asserted by tradition, we confess that the records are silent on the subject. Unsatisfactory as at that period they generally are, on this point they are particularly so ; and but that his share in this war, before its final conclusion, was not only unquestionable but conspicuous, we should pass over the campaign of Montgomery, with a simple reference to its results.
The Cherokees, meanwhile, were not unobservant o the preparations and approaches of the Carolinians. They gathered themselves up for defence, and in silence matur ed their half civilized, half primitive modes of warfare This people, at the period of which we wriu, were a people of very superior endowments and resources to any of the neighboring savage nations. If less warlike, in the simple sense of the word, than their rivals the Creeks, they were really more to be feared, as it was in consequence of their superior civilization that they had lost some of their brute ferocity. If they were less reckless, they were better skilled ; if less frantic in their fury, they coupled it with a wary vindictiveness which rendered the blow more fatal when it fell. The advances which they had made in civ ilization had naturally increased their numbers ; while the novel tastes by which their wandering habits were dimin ished, had necessarily added to their love of country, in add ing to the resources and improvements by which its comforts and delights were increased. Thus, neithei degraded by the lowest condition in which we find the human animal, nor enervated by the superior luxuries to which he may attain, the Cherokee was perhaps at this time in possession of his greatest vigor ; not very remote, in his moral and physical condition, from the Roman when he overcame his Etrurian and Sabine neighbors.
The Cherokees occupied a country equally broad and beautiful. It -ny in fertile valleys, green meadows, sunny slopes, and mighty forests, along the sides of lofty summits, that fortresses of giant grandeur. Spreading from the Broad, or Chero kee river, beyond the Tennessee and the Savannah, it comprised every variety of soil and surface, and while adapted in a high degree to the hands of the agriculturist, seemed almost as easily made secure against the footsteps of invasion. Its apparent securities had made them inso lent. Their mountain recesses had never known the presence of this foe. Their fruits and fields, their villages and towns, with the exception of a district that lay upon the Atlantic slopes, were generally fenced in, and admirably protected, by wild and rugged masses of rocky mountains, natural defences, impenetrable, unless through certain passes which a few determined hearts might easily make good against twenty times their number. But the nu merical force of this great aboriginal people seemed of itself sufficiently strong to promise security to their country. At the time of Montgomery's invasion they had no less than sixty-four towns and villages In an emergency, they could send six thousand warriors into the field. Many of these were armed with the weapons of European warfare — were accustomed to that warfare, and were thus doubly prepared to encounter the enemy in whose ranks they had received their best military lessons. . Such a force very far exceeded that of the Carolinians. Mustering but two thousand men,
Col. Montgomery found it advisable to urge his march upon the nation with equal celerity and caution. Having reached a place called Twelve-mile River, within twenty miles of the Indian town of Estatoee, he advanced by night upon it, secretly, and with a view to its surprise. In his march, surrounding the town of Little Keowee, not a war rior of the Cherokees escaped the sword. His success was less complete at Estatoee. The Indians, apprised of his approach, with few exceptions, succeeded in making their escape ; but the town, consisting of more than two hundred houses, and well stored with corn, hogs, poultry and ammu nition, perished in the flames. Shugaw Town and every other settlement In the " Lower Nation," shared the same fate. The lightning-like rapidity of the march had taken the savages everywhere, in this part of the country, by surprise. They fled rather than fought, and while they lost everything in the shape of property, but few of them were slain. They sought for shelter among their more numerous and better protected brethren of the mountains ; a people neither so easily approached, nor so easily overcome.
Montgomery, having finished this part of his work so successfully, hurried on to the relief of Fort Prince George, which, from the time when their Chiefs were so cruelly butchered within its walls, had been closely invested by a formidable force of Cherokees. The fort was relieved. The Indians fled at his approach ; and, thinking that the severe chastisement which he had inflicted upon them, had inclined their hearts to peace, the General of the Carolinians paused in his progress, to give them an oppor tunity to sue for it, as the former friends and allies of the English. But he had mistaken the stubborn nature of his foe. They were not sufficiently humbled, and it was resolved to march upon the "middle settlements." To this task, that which had been performed was compara tively easy. They were now to enter upon a differ ent country, where the Indians were better prepared for them — nay, where they had prepared for them, — in all probability, to the neglect of the lower towns. Toilsome and full of peril was this march. Dismal and dense was the wilderness which they were now to penetrate. Rugged paths, narrow passes, gloomy thickets and dark ravines, encountered them in their hourly progress, calling for con by precipitous banks on either side, crowned most commonly by dense and intricate masses of forest, through which and without a guide, our little army was compelled to pass, — presented opportunities for frequent ambush and at tack, in which, very inferior forces, if properly commanded, might, with little danger to themselves, overwhelm and utterly destroy an advancing enemy. It was in such a region that the Cherokees made their first and formidable stand. Within five miles of Etchoee, the nearest town of the middle settlements, the army of Montgomery approach ed a low valley, clothed with a thicket so dense that the soldiers could scarcely discern objects three paces ahead. Through this thicket ran a muddy river, enclosed between steep banks of clay. This passage, where but few men could act in unison, was that through which it became necessary that the army should proceed. It was the very spot, which, over all others, a sagacious warrior would choose in which to place an ambush, or meet a superior assailant. Montgomery knew his enemy, and prepared for the encounter. Captain Morrison, commanding a company of rangers, native marksmen and well acquainted with the forest — was sent forward to scour the thicket. His ad vance was the signal for battle. Scarcely had he entered upon the dismal passage when the savages rose from their hiding-places and poured in a severe fire. Morrison, with several of his men, perished at the first discharge. They were sustained by the light Infantry and Grenadiers, who boldly advanced upon the wood in the face of the invisible foe. A heavy fire followed on both sides, the Cherokees, each with his eye upon his man, the Carolinians aiming at the flash of the enemy's guns. The pass was disputed by the savages with a degree of conduct and sourage, which left the issue doubtful. The necessity was apparent for extraordinary effort. The Royal Scots, who were in the rear, were now pushed forward to take possession of a rising ground on the right, while the Highlanders were marched forward to the immediate support of the Infantry and Grenadiers. This movement had the effect of bring ing the enemy into close action. The bayonet stirred and laid bare the thicket The woods resounded with the shouts and yells of the Cherokees, but they no longer fell with terror upon the ear of the whites. They had grown familiar. The savages yielded slowly as the bayonet ad vanced. Suffering severely as they fled, they yet display ed the native obstinacy of their race, — turning upon the pursuer when they could, availing themselves of tree or thicket to retard, by shot or stroke, the assailants ; and, even in flight, only so far keeping ahead of the bayonet as to avoid its stroke. As he beheld this, Montgomery changed the head of his army, and advanced upon the town of Etchoee, which it had been their purpose to de fend, and from which they now strove to divert him. This movement alarmed them for their wives and children Their retreat became a flight; and, satisfied with having inflicted upon them this measure of punishment, the British General prepared to march back to Fort Prince George. * This decision was the result of his exigencies. The situation of his army was neither a safe nor an agreeable one. The victory was with the Carolinians, yet the affair was very far from decisive in its consequences. The enemy had only retired from one advantageous position to another. They waited his approach only to renew a con flict in which even victory might be without its fruits. To gain a battle, unless a final one, was, with a force so small as his, a matter of very doubtful advantage. He was horses for whom, he was compelled to discard, and tc destroy, a large quantity of the provisions necessary for the army. What remained was measured with a nice reference to their absolute wants on the return march to Prince George. Under these suggestions if prudence the retreat was begun. It was conducted with admirable regularity. The Che- rokees, meanwhile, hurg upon the retiring foosteps of the invaders, annoying them to the utmost of their power. Sixty miles of mountainous country were traversed in this manner, and under various hardships, with a skill and intrepidity which confer the highest credit upon the Eng lish captain. A large train of wounded was brought to the frontier without the loss of a man. We have admitted an uncertainty as to the presence ot Marion in this campaign. It would be impertinent and idle, therefore, to speculate upon his performances, or the share which he might have taken in its events. Tradition simply assures us that he distinguished himself. That, if present, he did his duty, we have no question ; and, endur ing with becoming resolution the worst severities of the march, proved himself possessed orthe first great requisite for soldiership in Indian warfare.
The Cherokees were very far from being subdued or satisfied. The snake had been "scotched not killed," and stung, rather than humbled by the chastisement they re ceived, they prepared to assume the offensive with sudden vigor. Concentrating a numerous force upon the distant garrison of Fort Loudon, on the Tennessee river, they suc ceeded in reducing it by famine. Here they took bloody revenge for the massacre of their chiefs at Prince George The garrison was butchered, after a formal surrender upon terms which guarantied them protection. This wholesale and vindictive barbarity, while it betrayed the spirit which filled the savages, had the still farther effect of encouraging them in a warfare which had so far gratified very equally their appetites for blood and booty. In addition to this natural effect, the result of their own wild passions, there were other influences, from without, at work among them. Certain French emissaries had crept into their towns and were busily engaged, with bribes and arguments, in stimu lating them to continued warfare. This, in all probability, was the secret influence, which, over all, kept them from listening, as well to their own fears, as to the urgent sug gestions of the British authorities, for peace. Hitherto, the Cherokees had given no ear to the temptations of the and whose professions of .faith they were very likely to have regarded with distrust. But the labors of their emissaries at this juncture, harmonizing with the temper of the nation, were necessarily more than usually successful. One of these emissaries, Louis Latinac, an officer of considerable talent, proved an able instigator to mischief. He per suaded them, against the better reason of their older chiefs, to the rejection of every overture for peace. Their suc cesses at Fort Loudon were, perhaps, sufficient arguments for the continuance of war, but there were others not less potent. The king of France was now to be their ally in place of him of Great Britain. The one " great father" was no less able than the other to minister to their appetites and necessities. His arms and ammunition replaced those which had been withdrawn by the latter ; and we may suppose that the liberality of the new allies was such as to admit of very favorable comparison and contrast with that which they had experienced at the hands of the British. Their very excesses in the war were favorable to its continuance ; as they might very well doubt the binding force of treaties between parties, the bad faith of whom had been written so terribly in blood. At a great meeting of the nation, at which Louis Latinac was present, he, with something of their own manner, seizing suddenly upon a hatchet, struck it vio lently into a block of wood, exclaiming, as he did so, ' Who is the warrior that will take this up for the king jf France ?" Salouee, a young chief of Estatoec, instantly ore the weapon from the tree. He declared himself for nstant and continued war. " The spirits of our slain orothers," was his cry, " call upon us to avenge their massacre. He is a woman that dares not follow me !" Such being the spirit of the savages, the Carolinians had no alternative but to resume their arms. Col. Mont gomery having gone to England, the command devolved upon Colonel Grant, and the Highlanders were once more ordered to the relief of the province. The Carolinians were now somewhat better prepared to co-operate with their allies. A native regiment of twelve hundred men was raised, and the command given to Col. Middleton a brave and accomplished provincial officer. ' To this regiment Marion was attached, under the imme diate command of Moultrie. Many of his associates in this Cherokee war became subsequently, like himself, dis tinguished in the war with Great Britain. Among these may be mentioned the names of Moultrie,* Henry Lau rens, Andrew Pickens and Isaac Huger. These were all officers, even in that early day, and Marion himself held a lieutenancy — some proof that, however little we may know of the circumstances by which he secured the confi dence of his neighbors, he was already in full possession of it. How much of the future acts and successes of these brave men was due to the exercises and events of this Cherokee war, may reasonably be conjectured by every reader who knows the value of a stern apprenticeship to a hazardous profession. Its successive campaigns against no inferior enemy, and under circumstances of peril and priration of no common order, were such as must have afforded them frequent opportunity of making themselves familiar equally with the exigencies and responsibilities of command. To the united forces of Colonels Grant and Middleton, were added a certain number of Chickasaw and Catawba Indians ; making a total of twenty-six hundred men This army reached Fort Prince George on the 29th of May, 1761 On the 7th of June following, it took up the line of march for the enemy's country. The advance was conducted with caution, but without molestation, until it reached the place where Montgomery, in the previous campaign, had encountered the Indians, near the town of Etchoee. Here the Cherokees were again prepared to make a stand, and to dispute a pass which, above all others, seemed to be admirably designed by nature for the purposes of defence. Their position was not exactly what it had been on the previous occasion, but its charac teristic advantages were the same. Hitherto, the Indians had shown considerable judgment in the selection of their battle-grounds, and in the general employment of their strength. This judgment they probably owed in great part to their present adversaries. Quick in their instinct, and surprisingly observant, they had soon learned the use of European weapons. The various lessons of European tactics, the modes of attack and defence, were, in their united struggles with the French, equally open to their study and acquisition. They had not suffered tnese les sons to escape them. But they probably owed something of theii skill in the present war to the active counsels of the French emissaries. The fact is not recorded by the historian, but there is no reason to suppose that the officers who counselled the war, would withhold themselves when the opportunity offered, from giving directions in the field The French had frequently distinguished themselves, by leading on forces entirely composed of Indians. The prac tice was common. Even at the defeat of Braddock, the French troops bore but a small proportion to their Indian allies. There is no reason to suppose that Louis Latinac svas not present at one or both of the bloody fields of Etchoee. The provincial army marched in good order upon the suspected position. The Indian auxiliaries, who were in the van, first discovered signs of an enemy. The Chero- kees were in possession of a hill, strongly posted, and in considerable force, upon the right flank of the army. Finding themselves discovered, they opened their fire upon the advanced guard, and followed it up with a gallant charge. But .the van being vigorously and promptly sup ported, they were driven back, and resumed their position upon the hill. Under this hill the line of march lay for a considerable distance. To attempt, therefore, to continue the march before dislodging the enemy in posses sion of it, would be to expose the troops to a protracted fire, the more murderous, as it would be delivered by a foe in a position of perfect security. The advanced guard was ordered upon this duty, and from this body a forlorn- hope of thirty men was chosen, to force the perilous en trance to the foe. The command of this devoted corps was assigned to Francis Marion, still a lieutenant under the command of Moultrie, in the provincial regiment of Mid- .dleton. The ascent of the hill was by means of a gloomy defile, through which the little band, headed gallantly by their leader, advanced with due rapidity ; a considerable body of the army moving forward at the same time in sup port of the advance. Scarcely had the detachment pene trated the defile, when the war-whoop gave the signal. The savages, still concealed, poured in a deadly fire, by which no less than twenty-one of this fated band were prostrated.* Fortunately their leader was not among them. He seems, like Washington, to have been the spe cial care of Providence The residue were only saved from destruction by the proximity of the advance, whose hurried approach, while giving them safety, brought on the main action. The battle was fought with great carnage on both sides. , The Cherokees were not only well posted, but they were in great numbers. Repeatedly dislodged ty the bayonet, they as repeatedly returned to the attack ; and, driven from one quarter, rallied upon another, with a tenacious and unshaken valor becoming in men who were defending the passes to the bosom of their country From eight in the morning until noon, the fight was continued, not only without intermission, but seemingly without any decisive results on either side, fiut, at length, the patient resolution of the whites prevailed ; and, about two o'clock in the day, the field was yielded by the reluctant Cherokees to their superior foes. This victory determined the fate of Etchoee, a town of consideiable size, which was re duced to ashes The result of this fierce engagement seems to have broken the spirit of the nation. They had chosen the position of greatest strength to make their stand, and* brought to the struggle their best spirits and bravest war riors. Ia the issue, they had shown, by their dogged and determined valor, the great importance which it carried in their eyes. The day once decided against them, they appeared to be equally without heart and hope ; they no longer appeared in arms — no longer offered defence — and the army of the Carolinians marched through the heart of the nation, searching its secret settlements, and everywhere inflicting the severest penalties of war. The rest cf the campaign was an easy progress, and terrible was the retri bution which it brought with it. No less than fourteen of their towns, in the middle settlements, shared the fate cf Etchoee. Their granaries were yielded to the flames, their cornfields ravaged, while the miserable fugitives, flying from the unsparing sword, took refuge, with their almost starving families, among the barren mountains, which could yield them little but security. A chastisement so extreme was supposed to be necessary, in order to subdue for ever that lively disposition for war, upon the smallest provocation, which, of late years, the Cherokees had mani fested but too frequently ; but it may be doubted whether the means which were employed for administering this admonitory lesson, were of the most legitimate character We must always continue to doubt that humanity required the destruction of towns and hamlets, whose miserable walls of clay and roofs of thatch could give shelter to none but babes and sucklings — women with their young — those who had never offended, and those who could not well offend — the innocent victims to an authority which they never dared oppose. The reckless destruction of their granaries — fields yet growing with grain — necessarily ex- .posed to the worst privations of famine only those portions of the savage population who were least guilty. The warrior and hunter could readily relieve himself from the gnawing necessities of hunger. He could wander off to remote tribes, and, armed with rifle or bow, could easily secure hip game, sufficient for his own wants, from the contiguous forest. But these were resources inaccessible to the weak, the old, the timid, and the imbecile. Surely, it was a cruel measure of war, and if necessary to the safety of the whites, renders still more criminal the wan ton excesses of the latter, by which it was originally pro felt, in this matter, as became that rare humanity which was one of the most remarkable and lovely traits in his charac ter,— the more remarkable, indeed, as shining out among endowments which, in particular, designated him for a military life — a life which is supposed to need for its stimu lus so much that is sanguinary, if not brutal, in one's nature. It is recorded of him, that the severities prac tised in this campaign filled him, long after, with recollec tions of sorrow. Writing to a friend,* he gives a brief description of the calamities of the war, in terms equally touching and picturesque. " We arrived," he writes, " at the Indian towns in the month of July. As the lands were rich, and the season had been favorable, the corn was bending under the double weight of lusty roasting ears and pods of clustering beans. The furrows seemed to rejoice under their precious loads — the fields stood thick with bread. We encamped the first night in the woods, near the fields, where the whole army feasted on the young corn, which, with fat venison, made a most deli cious treat. " The next morning we proceeded, Dy order of Colonel Grant, to burn down the Indian cabins. Some of our men seemed to enjoy this cruel work, laughing very heartily at the curling flames as they mounted, loud-crackling, over the tops of the huts. But to me it appeared a shocking sight. "Poor creatures!" thought I, "we surely need not grudge you such miserable habitations." But when we came, according to orders, to cut down the fields of corn, I could scarcely refrain from tears. For who could 8ee the stalks that stood so stately, with broad green leaves and gaily-tasselled shocks, filled with sweet milky fluid, and flour, the staff of life — who, I say, withtin grief, could see these sacred plants sinking under our swords, with all their precious load, to wither and rot untasted, in their mourning fields ! " I saw everywhere around the footsteps of the little In dian children, where they had lately played under the shelter of the rustling corn. No doubt they had often look ed up with joy to the swelling shocks, and gladdened when they thought of their abundant cakes for the coming winter. When we are gone, thought I, they will return, and peep ing through the weeds with tearful eyes, will mark the ghastly ruin poured over their homes, and the happy fields where they had so often played. " Who did this ?" they will ask their mothers. " The white people, the Christians did it!" will be the reply. ' It would be no easy matter," says Hewatt,- the earliest regular historian of Carolina, " to describe the hardships which this little army endured, in the wilderness, from heat, thirst, watching, danger, and fatigue. Thirty days did Colonel Grant continue in the heart of the Cherokee ter ritories, and upon his return to F'%-t Prince George, the feet and legs of many of his army were so mangled, and their strength and spirits so much exhausted, that they were unable to march farther." But the chastisement which the Indians had received, secured the object for the attainment of which it was inflicted. The Cherokees sued for peace, and Marion once more retired to the obscurity of rural life ; we may well believe with a human sense of satisfaction, that the painful duty upon which he had been engaged was at length over. Unhappily, the details of the war, beyond those which we have given, do not ena ble us to ascertain the extent of his services. We are simply told that he behaved well, with skill and spirit More than this perhaps it would be unreasonable to expect from any degree of talent, in the subordinate situation which he at that time occupied.
---------------------------------
Hewatt Vol II p.230
After reaching a place called Twelve-mile River, he encamped on an advantageous ground, and marched with a party of his men in the night to surprize Estatoe, an Indian town about twenty miles from his camp. The first noise he heard by the way was the barking of a dog before his men, where he was informed there was an Indian town called Little Keowee, which he ordered the light infantry to sur round, and, except women and children, to put every Indian in it to the sword. Having done this piece of service, he proceeded to Estatoe, which he found aban doned by all the savages, excepting a few who had not had time to make their escape. This town, which consisted of at least two hundred houses, and was well provided with corn, hogs, poultry, and ammunition, he reduced to ashes. Sugar Town, and every other settlement settlement in the lower nation, afterwards shared the fame fate. The surprize to every one of them was nearly equal ; for as the army darted upon them like lightning, the savages could scarcely save themselves* far less any little property that they had. In these lower towns about sixty Indians were killed and forty made prisoners, and the rest driven to seek for .shel ter among the mountains. Having finished his bu- siness among these lower settlements with the small loss of three or four men, he then marched to the re lief of Fort Prince George, which had been for some time invested by savages, insomuch that no soldier durst venture beyond the bounds of the fort, and where the garrison was in distress, not for the want of provisions, but of wood to prepare them.
While the army rested at Fort Prince George, Edmund Atkin, agent for Indian affairs, dispatched two Indian chiefs to the middle settlements, to inform the Cherokees that by suing for peace they might obtain it, as the former friends and allies of Britain. At the fame time he sent a messenger to Fort Loudon, re questing Captains Demere and Stuart, the command ing officers at that place, to use their best endeavours for obtaining peace with the Cherokees in the upper towns. Colonel Montgomery finding that the sava ges were as yet disposed to listen to no terms of accommodation, determined to carry the chastise ment a little farther. Dismal was the wilderness into which he entered, and many were the hardships and dangers he had to encounter, from dark thickets, rugged paths, and narrow passes; in which a small body ot men, properly posted, might harass and tire cut the bravest army that ever took the field.
Having on on all hands suspicious grounds, he found occasion for constant vigilance and circumspection. While he was piercing through the thick forest he had numberless difficulties to surmount, particularly from rivers ford- able only at one place, and overlooked by high banks on each side, where an enemy might attack him with advantage, and retreat with safety. When he had advanced within five miles of Etchoe, the Dearest town in the middle settlements, he found there a low valley, covered so thick with bushes that the soldiers could scarcely see three yards before them, and in the middle of which there was a muddy river, with steep clay banks. Through this dark place, where it was impossible for any number of men to act toge ther, the army must necessarily march j and therefore Captain Morifon, who commanded a company of ran gers, well acquainted with the woods, had orders to advance and scour the thicket. He had scarcely en tered it, when a number of savages sprung from their lurking den, and firing on them, killed the captain and wounded several of his party. Upon which the light infantry and grenadiers were ordered to advance and charge the invisible enemy, which they did with great courage and alacrity. A heavy fire then began on both sides, and during some time the soldiers could only discover the places where the savages were hid by the report of their guns. Colonel Montgomery finding that the number of Indians that guarded this place was great, and that they were determined obstinately to dis pute it, ordered the Royal Scots, who were in the rear, to advance between the savages and a rising ground on the right, while the Highlanders marched towards the left to sustain the light infantry and grenadiers. The woods now resounded with horrible shouts and yells, but these, instead of intimidating the troops, seemed rather to inspire them with double firmness and resolution. At length the savages gave way, and in their retreat falling in with the Royal Scots, suffer ed considerably before they got out of their reach. t^J,'! By this time the Royals being in tlie front and the Etchoe. Highlanders in the rear, the enemy stretched away and took possession of a hill, seemingly disposed to keep at a distance, and always retreating as the army advanced. Colonel Montgomery perceiving that they kept aloof, gave orders to the line to face about, and march directly for the town of Etchoe. The e- nemy no sooner observed this movement, than they got behind the hill, and ran to alarm their wives and children. During the action, which lasted above an hour, Colonel Montgomery, who made several nar row escapes, had twenty men killed, and seventy-six wounded. "What number the enemy lost is uncertain, but some places were discovered into which they had thrown several of their slain, from which it was con jectured that they must have lost a great number, as it is a custom among them to carry their dead off the field. Upon viewing the ground, all were astonished to see with what judgment and skill they had chosen it. Scarcely could the most experienced officer have fixed upon a spot more advantageous for way-laying and attacking an enemy, according to the method of fighting practised among the Indian nations.
This action, though it terminated much in favour of the British army, had nevertheless reduced it tp such a situation as made it very imprudent, if not al together impracticable, to penetrate farther into those woods. The repulse was far from being decisive, for the enemy had only retired from one to another ad vantageous situation, in order to renew their attack when the army should again advance. Humanity would not suffer the commander to leave so many wounded men exposed to the vengeance of savages, without any strong-hold in which he might lodge them, or some detachment, which he could not spare, to pro- test them. Should he proceed farther, he saw plainly that be must expect frequent (kirmishes, which would increase the number, and the burning of so many Indian towns would be a poor compensation for the great risque and perhaps wanton sacrifice of so many valuable lives. To furnish horses for the men already wounded obliged him to throw so many bags of flour into the river, and what remained was no more than sufficient for his army during their return to Fort Prince George.
Orders were therefore given for a retreat, which was made with great regularity, although the enemy continued hovering around them. A large train of wounded men was brought above sixty miles through a hazardous country in safety, for which no small share of honour and praise was due to the officer that conducted the retreat. Never did men endure greater hardships and fatigues with fewer com plaints than this little army during the expedition. Such confidence did they repose in their leader, that they seemed to despise all difficulties and dangers which he shared along with them in the service of their King and country.
..............
This appears from the follow ing address of the General Assembly, presented to Lieutenant-Governor Bull on the 11th of July, 1760:
Accordingly the Lieutenant-Governor having given the Colonel the fullest view of those extensive dangers to which the province after his departure would be exposed, prevailed with him to leave four companies of the royal regiment, under the command of Major Frederick Hamilton, for covering the frontiers, while, he embarked with the battalion of Highlanders, and sailed for New York.
The Cherokees were very far from being subdued or satisfied. The snake had been "scotched not killed," and stung, rather than humbled by the chastisement they re ceived, they prepared to assume the offensive with sudden vigor. Concentrating a numerous force upon the distant garrison of Fort Loudon, on the Tennessee river, they suc ceeded in reducing it by famine. Here they took bloody revenge for the massacre of their chiefs at Prince George The garrison was butchered, after a formal surrender upon terms which guarantied them protection. This wholesale and vindictive barbarity, while it betrayed the spirit which filled the savages, had the still farther effect of encouraging them in a warfare which had so far gratified very equally their appetites for blood and booty. In addition to this natural effect, the result of their own wild passions, there were other influences, from without, at work among them. Certain French emissaries had crept into their towns and were busily engaged, with bribes and arguments, in stimu lating them to continued warfare. This, in all probability, was the secret influence, which, over all, kept them from listening, as well to their own fears, as to the urgent sug gestions of the British authorities, for peace. Hitherto, the Cherokees had given no ear to the temptations of the and whose professions of .faith they were very likely to have regarded with distrust. But the labors of their emissaries at this juncture, harmonizing with the temper of the nation, were necessarily more than usually successful. One of these emissaries, Louis Latinac, an officer of considerable talent, proved an able instigator to mischief. He per suaded them, against the better reason of their older chiefs, to the rejection of every overture for peace. Their suc cesses at Fort Loudon were, perhaps, sufficient arguments for the continuance of war, but there were others not less potent. The king of France was now to be their ally in place of him of Great Britain. The one " great father" was no less able than the other to minister to their appetites and necessities. His arms and ammunition replaced those which had been withdrawn by the latter ; and we may suppose that the liberality of the new allies was such as to admit of very favorable comparison and contrast with that which they had experienced at the hands of the British. Their very excesses in the war were favorable to its continuance ; as they might very well doubt the binding force of treaties between parties, the bad faith of whom had been written so terribly in blood. At a great meeting of the nation, at which Louis Latinac was present, he, with something of their own manner, seizing suddenly upon a hatchet, struck it vio lently into a block of wood, exclaiming, as he did so, ' Who is the warrior that will take this up for the king jf France ?" Salouee, a young chief of Estatoec, instantly ore the weapon from the tree. He declared himself for nstant and continued war. " The spirits of our slain orothers," was his cry, " call upon us to avenge their massacre. He is a woman that dares not follow me !" Such being the spirit of the savages, the Carolinians had no alternative but to resume their arms. Col. Mont gomery having gone to England, the command devolved upon Colonel Grant, and the Highlanders were once more ordered to the relief of the province. The Carolinians were now somewhat better prepared to co-operate with their allies. A native regiment of twelve hundred men was raised, and the command given to Col. Middleton a brave and accomplished provincial officer. ' To this regiment Marion was attached, under the imme diate command of Moultrie. Many of his associates in this Cherokee war became subsequently, like himself, dis tinguished in the war with Great Britain. Among these may be mentioned the names of Moultrie,* Henry Lau rens, Andrew Pickens and Isaac Huger. These were all officers, even in that early day, and Marion himself held a lieutenancy — some proof that, however little we may know of the circumstances by which he secured the confi dence of his neighbors, he was already in full possession of it. How much of the future acts and successes of these brave men was due to the exercises and events of this Cherokee war, may reasonably be conjectured by every reader who knows the value of a stern apprenticeship to a hazardous profession. Its successive campaigns against no inferior enemy, and under circumstances of peril and priration of no common order, were such as must have afforded them frequent opportunity of making themselves familiar equally with the exigencies and responsibilities of command. To the united forces of Colonels Grant and Middleton, were added a certain number of Chickasaw and Catawba Indians ; making a total of twenty-six hundred men This army reached Fort Prince George on the 29th of May, 1761 On the 7th of June following, it took up the line of march for the enemy's country. The advance was conducted with caution, but without molestation, until it reached the place where Montgomery, in the previous campaign, had encountered the Indians, near the town of Etchoee. Here the Cherokees were again prepared to make a stand, and to dispute a pass which, above all others, seemed to be admirably designed by nature for the purposes of defence. Their position was not exactly what it had been on the previous occasion, but its charac teristic advantages were the same. Hitherto, the Indians had shown considerable judgment in the selection of their battle-grounds, and in the general employment of their strength. This judgment they probably owed in great part to their present adversaries. Quick in their instinct, and surprisingly observant, they had soon learned the use of European weapons. The various lessons of European tactics, the modes of attack and defence, were, in their united struggles with the French, equally open to their study and acquisition. They had not suffered tnese les sons to escape them. But they probably owed something of theii skill in the present war to the active counsels of the French emissaries. The fact is not recorded by the historian, but there is no reason to suppose that the officers who counselled the war, would withhold themselves when the opportunity offered, from giving directions in the field The French had frequently distinguished themselves, by leading on forces entirely composed of Indians. The prac tice was common. Even at the defeat of Braddock, the French troops bore but a small proportion to their Indian allies. There is no reason to suppose that Louis Latinac svas not present at one or both of the bloody fields of Etchoee. The provincial army marched in good order upon the suspected position. The Indian auxiliaries, who were in the van, first discovered signs of an enemy. The Chero- kees were in possession of a hill, strongly posted, and in considerable force, upon the right flank of the army. Finding themselves discovered, they opened their fire upon the advanced guard, and followed it up with a gallant charge. But .the van being vigorously and promptly sup ported, they were driven back, and resumed their position upon the hill. Under this hill the line of march lay for a considerable distance. To attempt, therefore, to continue the march before dislodging the enemy in posses sion of it, would be to expose the troops to a protracted fire, the more murderous, as it would be delivered by a foe in a position of perfect security. The advanced guard was ordered upon this duty, and from this body a forlorn- hope of thirty men was chosen, to force the perilous en trance to the foe. The command of this devoted corps was assigned to Francis Marion, still a lieutenant under the command of Moultrie, in the provincial regiment of Mid- .dleton. The ascent of the hill was by means of a gloomy defile, through which the little band, headed gallantly by their leader, advanced with due rapidity ; a considerable body of the army moving forward at the same time in sup port of the advance. Scarcely had the detachment pene trated the defile, when the war-whoop gave the signal. The savages, still concealed, poured in a deadly fire, by which no less than twenty-one of this fated band were prostrated.* Fortunately their leader was not among them. He seems, like Washington, to have been the spe cial care of Providence The residue were only saved from destruction by the proximity of the advance, whose hurried approach, while giving them safety, brought on the main action. The battle was fought with great carnage on both sides. , The Cherokees were not only well posted, but they were in great numbers. Repeatedly dislodged ty the bayonet, they as repeatedly returned to the attack ; and, driven from one quarter, rallied upon another, with a tenacious and unshaken valor becoming in men who were defending the passes to the bosom of their country From eight in the morning until noon, the fight was continued, not only without intermission, but seemingly without any decisive results on either side, fiut, at length, the patient resolution of the whites prevailed ; and, about two o'clock in the day, the field was yielded by the reluctant Cherokees to their superior foes. This victory determined the fate of Etchoee, a town of consideiable size, which was re duced to ashes The result of this fierce engagement seems to have broken the spirit of the nation. They had chosen the position of greatest strength to make their stand, and* brought to the struggle their best spirits and bravest war riors. Ia the issue, they had shown, by their dogged and determined valor, the great importance which it carried in their eyes. The day once decided against them, they appeared to be equally without heart and hope ; they no longer appeared in arms — no longer offered defence — and the army of the Carolinians marched through the heart of the nation, searching its secret settlements, and everywhere inflicting the severest penalties of war. The rest cf the campaign was an easy progress, and terrible was the retri bution which it brought with it. No less than fourteen of their towns, in the middle settlements, shared the fate cf Etchoee. Their granaries were yielded to the flames, their cornfields ravaged, while the miserable fugitives, flying from the unsparing sword, took refuge, with their almost starving families, among the barren mountains, which could yield them little but security. A chastisement so extreme was supposed to be necessary, in order to subdue for ever that lively disposition for war, upon the smallest provocation, which, of late years, the Cherokees had mani fested but too frequently ; but it may be doubted whether the means which were employed for administering this admonitory lesson, were of the most legitimate character We must always continue to doubt that humanity required the destruction of towns and hamlets, whose miserable walls of clay and roofs of thatch could give shelter to none but babes and sucklings — women with their young — those who had never offended, and those who could not well offend — the innocent victims to an authority which they never dared oppose. The reckless destruction of their granaries — fields yet growing with grain — necessarily ex- .posed to the worst privations of famine only those portions of the savage population who were least guilty. The warrior and hunter could readily relieve himself from the gnawing necessities of hunger. He could wander off to remote tribes, and, armed with rifle or bow, could easily secure hip game, sufficient for his own wants, from the contiguous forest. But these were resources inaccessible to the weak, the old, the timid, and the imbecile. Surely, it was a cruel measure of war, and if necessary to the safety of the whites, renders still more criminal the wan ton excesses of the latter, by which it was originally pro felt, in this matter, as became that rare humanity which was one of the most remarkable and lovely traits in his charac ter,— the more remarkable, indeed, as shining out among endowments which, in particular, designated him for a military life — a life which is supposed to need for its stimu lus so much that is sanguinary, if not brutal, in one's nature. It is recorded of him, that the severities prac tised in this campaign filled him, long after, with recollec tions of sorrow. Writing to a friend,* he gives a brief description of the calamities of the war, in terms equally touching and picturesque. " We arrived," he writes, " at the Indian towns in the month of July. As the lands were rich, and the season had been favorable, the corn was bending under the double weight of lusty roasting ears and pods of clustering beans. The furrows seemed to rejoice under their precious loads — the fields stood thick with bread. We encamped the first night in the woods, near the fields, where the whole army feasted on the young corn, which, with fat venison, made a most deli cious treat. " The next morning we proceeded, Dy order of Colonel Grant, to burn down the Indian cabins. Some of our men seemed to enjoy this cruel work, laughing very heartily at the curling flames as they mounted, loud-crackling, over the tops of the huts. But to me it appeared a shocking sight. "Poor creatures!" thought I, "we surely need not grudge you such miserable habitations." But when we came, according to orders, to cut down the fields of corn, I could scarcely refrain from tears. For who could 8ee the stalks that stood so stately, with broad green leaves and gaily-tasselled shocks, filled with sweet milky fluid, and flour, the staff of life — who, I say, withtin grief, could see these sacred plants sinking under our swords, with all their precious load, to wither and rot untasted, in their mourning fields ! " I saw everywhere around the footsteps of the little In dian children, where they had lately played under the shelter of the rustling corn. No doubt they had often look ed up with joy to the swelling shocks, and gladdened when they thought of their abundant cakes for the coming winter. When we are gone, thought I, they will return, and peep ing through the weeds with tearful eyes, will mark the ghastly ruin poured over their homes, and the happy fields where they had so often played. " Who did this ?" they will ask their mothers. " The white people, the Christians did it!" will be the reply. ' It would be no easy matter," says Hewatt,- the earliest regular historian of Carolina, " to describe the hardships which this little army endured, in the wilderness, from heat, thirst, watching, danger, and fatigue. Thirty days did Colonel Grant continue in the heart of the Cherokee ter ritories, and upon his return to F'%-t Prince George, the feet and legs of many of his army were so mangled, and their strength and spirits so much exhausted, that they were unable to march farther." But the chastisement which the Indians had received, secured the object for the attainment of which it was inflicted. The Cherokees sued for peace, and Marion once more retired to the obscurity of rural life ; we may well believe with a human sense of satisfaction, that the painful duty upon which he had been engaged was at length over. Unhappily, the details of the war, beyond those which we have given, do not ena ble us to ascertain the extent of his services. We are simply told that he behaved well, with skill and spirit More than this perhaps it would be unreasonable to expect from any degree of talent, in the subordinate situation which he at that time occupied.
---------------------------------
Hewatt Vol II p.230
After reaching a place called Twelve-mile River, he encamped on an advantageous ground, and marched with a party of his men in the night to surprize Estatoe, an Indian town about twenty miles from his camp. The first noise he heard by the way was the barking of a dog before his men, where he was informed there was an Indian town called Little Keowee, which he ordered the light infantry to sur round, and, except women and children, to put every Indian in it to the sword. Having done this piece of service, he proceeded to Estatoe, which he found aban doned by all the savages, excepting a few who had not had time to make their escape. This town, which consisted of at least two hundred houses, and was well provided with corn, hogs, poultry, and ammunition, he reduced to ashes. Sugar Town, and every other settlement settlement in the lower nation, afterwards shared the fame fate. The surprize to every one of them was nearly equal ; for as the army darted upon them like lightning, the savages could scarcely save themselves* far less any little property that they had. In these lower towns about sixty Indians were killed and forty made prisoners, and the rest driven to seek for .shel ter among the mountains. Having finished his bu- siness among these lower settlements with the small loss of three or four men, he then marched to the re lief of Fort Prince George, which had been for some time invested by savages, insomuch that no soldier durst venture beyond the bounds of the fort, and where the garrison was in distress, not for the want of provisions, but of wood to prepare them.
While the army rested at Fort Prince George, Edmund Atkin, agent for Indian affairs, dispatched two Indian chiefs to the middle settlements, to inform the Cherokees that by suing for peace they might obtain it, as the former friends and allies of Britain. At the fame time he sent a messenger to Fort Loudon, re questing Captains Demere and Stuart, the command ing officers at that place, to use their best endeavours for obtaining peace with the Cherokees in the upper towns. Colonel Montgomery finding that the sava ges were as yet disposed to listen to no terms of accommodation, determined to carry the chastise ment a little farther. Dismal was the wilderness into which he entered, and many were the hardships and dangers he had to encounter, from dark thickets, rugged paths, and narrow passes; in which a small body ot men, properly posted, might harass and tire cut the bravest army that ever took the field.
Having on on all hands suspicious grounds, he found occasion for constant vigilance and circumspection. While he was piercing through the thick forest he had numberless difficulties to surmount, particularly from rivers ford- able only at one place, and overlooked by high banks on each side, where an enemy might attack him with advantage, and retreat with safety. When he had advanced within five miles of Etchoe, the Dearest town in the middle settlements, he found there a low valley, covered so thick with bushes that the soldiers could scarcely see three yards before them, and in the middle of which there was a muddy river, with steep clay banks. Through this dark place, where it was impossible for any number of men to act toge ther, the army must necessarily march j and therefore Captain Morifon, who commanded a company of ran gers, well acquainted with the woods, had orders to advance and scour the thicket. He had scarcely en tered it, when a number of savages sprung from their lurking den, and firing on them, killed the captain and wounded several of his party. Upon which the light infantry and grenadiers were ordered to advance and charge the invisible enemy, which they did with great courage and alacrity. A heavy fire then began on both sides, and during some time the soldiers could only discover the places where the savages were hid by the report of their guns. Colonel Montgomery finding that the number of Indians that guarded this place was great, and that they were determined obstinately to dis pute it, ordered the Royal Scots, who were in the rear, to advance between the savages and a rising ground on the right, while the Highlanders marched towards the left to sustain the light infantry and grenadiers. The woods now resounded with horrible shouts and yells, but these, instead of intimidating the troops, seemed rather to inspire them with double firmness and resolution. At length the savages gave way, and in their retreat falling in with the Royal Scots, suffer ed considerably before they got out of their reach. t^J,'! By this time the Royals being in tlie front and the Etchoe. Highlanders in the rear, the enemy stretched away and took possession of a hill, seemingly disposed to keep at a distance, and always retreating as the army advanced. Colonel Montgomery perceiving that they kept aloof, gave orders to the line to face about, and march directly for the town of Etchoe. The e- nemy no sooner observed this movement, than they got behind the hill, and ran to alarm their wives and children. During the action, which lasted above an hour, Colonel Montgomery, who made several nar row escapes, had twenty men killed, and seventy-six wounded. "What number the enemy lost is uncertain, but some places were discovered into which they had thrown several of their slain, from which it was con jectured that they must have lost a great number, as it is a custom among them to carry their dead off the field. Upon viewing the ground, all were astonished to see with what judgment and skill they had chosen it. Scarcely could the most experienced officer have fixed upon a spot more advantageous for way-laying and attacking an enemy, according to the method of fighting practised among the Indian nations.
This action, though it terminated much in favour of the British army, had nevertheless reduced it tp such a situation as made it very imprudent, if not al together impracticable, to penetrate farther into those woods. The repulse was far from being decisive, for the enemy had only retired from one to another ad vantageous situation, in order to renew their attack when the army should again advance. Humanity would not suffer the commander to leave so many wounded men exposed to the vengeance of savages, without any strong-hold in which he might lodge them, or some detachment, which he could not spare, to pro- test them. Should he proceed farther, he saw plainly that be must expect frequent (kirmishes, which would increase the number, and the burning of so many Indian towns would be a poor compensation for the great risque and perhaps wanton sacrifice of so many valuable lives. To furnish horses for the men already wounded obliged him to throw so many bags of flour into the river, and what remained was no more than sufficient for his army during their return to Fort Prince George.
Orders were therefore given for a retreat, which was made with great regularity, although the enemy continued hovering around them. A large train of wounded men was brought above sixty miles through a hazardous country in safety, for which no small share of honour and praise was due to the officer that conducted the retreat. Never did men endure greater hardships and fatigues with fewer com plaints than this little army during the expedition. Such confidence did they repose in their leader, that they seemed to despise all difficulties and dangers which he shared along with them in the service of their King and country.
..............
This appears from the follow ing address of the General Assembly, presented to Lieutenant-Governor Bull on the 11th of July, 1760:
We, his Majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects, the Commons House of Assembly of this province, return your Honour our sincere thanks for the advices you have been pleased to communicate to us in the morning ; and being deeply affected with the contents of Colonel Grant's letter, which imports, that Colonel Montgomery will soon embark with his Majesty's troops under his command to join General Amherst; humbly beg leave to represent to your Honour, that we apprehend the province to be in a much more dangerous situation at this juncture, than it was at the time when the said troops arrived here ; as the Upper Creek Indians have since murdered several English traders in their towns, and made no offer to give up the murderers, or make any other satisfaction whatever ; whence we have the greatest reason to believe they will soon break out into open war. And by what is mentioned in Colonel Grant's letter, we fear that our implacable enemies the French have already spirited up and prevailed with the Choctaws to assist the Cherokees against us. And not with-standing the present rupture with the Cherokees has cost the province, in less than nine months, near 50,000 pounds sterling, yet all our endeavours to raise a number of forces capable of preventing the Cherokees from ravaging the back settlements have proved ineffectual. This being the situation of the province when we had only the Cherokees to contend with, how deplorable then must our case be, should Colonel Montgomery depart with the King's troops under his command, and we have the united attacks of the Cherokees, Creeks and Choctaws, (the three most powerful nations of Indians on the continent), to repel, can be better imagined than described. Being truely u sensible of your Honour's good inclinations to render every service in your power to this province, we unanimously entreat your Honour to use the most pressing instances with Colonel Montgomery not to depart with the King's troops, as it may be attended with the most pernicious consequences.
Accordingly the Lieutenant-Governor having given the Colonel the fullest view of those extensive dangers to which the province after his departure would be exposed, prevailed with him to leave four companies of the royal regiment, under the command of Major Frederick Hamilton, for covering the frontiers, while, he embarked with the battalion of Highlanders, and sailed for New York.
No comments:
Post a Comment