lery, always
coveted by the Indians, yet hardly understood, listened to a description
of the process by which these guns could be rendered useless in a few
minutes by a despairing garrison.

Their cannoneers could spike them after firing the last round. And of
what value would the fort be to the Cherokees without them,--it would be
mere intrenchments with a few dead men,--the most useless things under
the sun. The English government would bring new guns, and level the
works in a single day. The great chief knew the power of England. In the
days when Moy Toy sent his delegation to London, of which he and
Atta-Kulla-Kulla were members, to visit King George, they had seen the
myriads of people and had heard many great guns fired in salute to the
princely guests, and had assisted at the review of thousands and
thousands of soldiers.

And with the reminder of all these overpowering military splendors of
his great enemy, Oconostota began to feel that he would be glad to
secure possession of these few of King George's great guns uninjured,
fit to bark, and, if occasion should offer, to bite.

From that point the negotiation took a stable footing. With many a
crafty recurrence on the part of Stuart to the coveted artillery at
every balking doubt or denial, it was agreed that the stronghold should
be evacuated;--"That the garrison of Fort Loudon march out with their
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 chuse to carry: That the garrison be permitted to march to Virginia
or Fort Prince George, as the commanding officer shall think proper,
unmolested; and that a number of Indians be appointed to escort them
and hunt for provisions during their march: That such soldiers as are
lame or by sickness disabled from marching, be received into the Indian
towns and kindly used until they recover, and then be allowed to return
to Fort Prince George: That the Indians do provide for the garrison as
many horses as they conveniently can for their march, agreeing with the
officers and soldiers for payment: That the fort, great guns, powder,
ball, and spare arms, be delivered to the Indians without fraud or
further delay on the day appointed for the march of the troops."

These terms of capitulation were signed by Paul Demere, Oconostota, and
Cunigacatgoah, and great was the joy the news awoke among the garrison
of Fort Loudon. The sick