was urged
not to lose another hour. The frightened settlers were not allowed to
take anything but their actual necessaries with them, for the cramped
quarters in Forty Fort, where a number of cabins were erected, would be
crowded to the utmost to make room for the hundreds who might clamor for
admission. The quarters, indeed, were so scant that many camped outside,
holding themselves ready to rush within should it become necessary.

Little Linna was filled with wonder when she saw her friends preparing
to move and knew she was going with them. But she helped in her way as
much as she could and asked no questions. There was no need, in fact,
for Alice asked enough for both.

And just here I must relate to you a little history.

On the last days of June, 1778, Colonel John Butler, with about four
hundred soldiers--partly made up of Tories--and six or seven hundred
Indians, entered the head of Wyoming Valley. As I have said, he was a
cousin of Colonel Zebulon Butler, who commanded the patriots and did all
he could to check the invaders. Reaching Fort Wintermoot, the British
officer sent in a demand for its surrender. The submission was made,
and the invaders then came down the valley and ordered the Connecticut
people to surrender Forty Fort and the settlements. Colonel Zebulon
Butler had under him, to quote the historical account, "two hundred and
thirty enrolled men, and seventy old people, boys, civil magistrates,
and other volunteers." They formed six companies, which were mustered at
Forty Fort, where the families of the settlers on the east side of the
river had taken refuge.

Colonel Zebulon Butler, upon receiving the summons, called a council of
war. This was on the 3rd of July. The officers believed that a little
delay would be best, in the hope of the arrival of reinforcements; but
nearly all the men were so clamorous to march out and give the invaders
battle, that it was decided to do so.

"You are going into great danger," remarked the leader, as he mounted
his horse and placed himself at the head of the patriots, "but I will go
as far as any of you."

At three o'clock in the afternoon the column, numbering about three
hundred, marched from the fort with drums beating and colors flying.
They moved up the valley, with the river on the right and a marsh on the
left, until they arrived at Fort Wintermoot, which had been set on
fire by the enemy to give the impression they were withdrawing from the
neighborh