nfortunately one of the party, Richards, was dangerously wounded. At
this critical moment, when one or two well directed fires might have
repulsed their enemy, the courage of F----, the other companion,
failed him, and he made his _rapid departure_. Forney, however,
continued his retreat, assisting his wounded companion as much as he
could, and, although fired upon several times, managed to keep the
Indians at some distance off by presenting, his unerring rifle when
their timidity was manifested by falling down in the grass, or taking
shelter behind the trees, each one, no doubt, supposing the well-aimed
shot might fell him to the earth. At length poor Richards, becoming
faint from loss of blood, and seeing the imminent danger of his
friend's life, directed Forney to leave him, and, if possible, save
himself. This advice he reluctantly complied with and pursued his
course to the fort. But the Indians did not pursue him much farther,
being probably satisfied with the murder of the wounded Richards.

In this unequal contest Forney only received a small wound on the back
of his left hand, but, on examination, discovered that several bullets
had pierced his clothes. This adventure shows what cool, determined
bravery may effect under the most discouraging circumstances, and
that, an individual may sometimes providentially escape although made
the object of a score of bullets or other missiles of destruction.
When he reached the fort he found the occupants greatly frightened,
having heard the repeated firing. After this adventure and narrow
escape became generally known, a belief was widely entertained by the
surrounding community that Forney was _bullet-proof_. It was even
affirmed, and received _additions by repeating_, that after he reached
the fort and unbuttoned his vest, a _handful of bullets dropped out_.
In subsequent years Forney was accustomed to smile at this innocent
credulity of his neighbors but frequently remarked that the impression
of his being _bullet-proof_ was of great service to him on more than
one occasion preceding and during the Revolutionary war.

Few persons during the war suffered heavier losses than Jacob Forney.
By persevering industry and strict economy he had surrounded himself
and family with all the comforts, and, to some extent, luxuries of the
substantial farmer. When Cornwallis marched through Lincoln county in
the winter of 1781, endeavoring to overtake Morgan with his large
number of pr