marched beyond the Blue Licks to a
remarkable bend of the main fork of Licking River, about forty-three
miles from Lexington, as it is particularly represented in the map,
where we overtook them on the nineteenth day. The savages observing us,
gave way; and we, being ignorant of their numbers, passed the river.
When the enemy saw our proceedings, having greatly the advantage of us
in situation, they formed the line of battle, represented in the map,
from one bend of Licking to the other, about a mile from the Blue Licks.
An exceeding fierce battle immediately began, for about fifteen minutes,
when we, being over-powered by numbers, were obliged to retreat, with
the loss of sixty-seven men; seven of whom were taken prisoners. The
brave and much lamented Colonels Todd and Trigg, Major Harland and my
second son, were among the dead. We were informed that the Indians,
numbering their dead, found they had four killed more than we; and
therefore, four of the prisoners they had taken, were, by general
consent, ordered to be killed, in a most barbarous manner, by the young
warriors, in order to train them up to cruelty; and then they proceeded
to their towns.

On our retreat we were met by Col. Logan, hastening to join us, with
a number of well armed men: This powerful assistance we unfortunately
wanted in the battle; for, notwithstanding the enemy's superiority of
numbers, they acknowledged that, if they had received one more fire from
us, they should undoubtedly have given way. So valiantly did our small
party fight, that, to the memory of those who unfortunately fell in the
battle, enough of honour cannot be paid. Had Col. Logan and his party
been with us, it is highly probable we should have given the savages a
total defeat.

I cannot reflect upon this dreadful scene, but sorrow fills my heart. A
zeal for the defence of their country led these heroes to the scene of
action, though with a few men to attack a powerful army of experienced
warriors. When we gave way, they pursued us with the utmost eagerness,
and in every quarter spread destruction. The river was difficult to
cross, and many were killed in the flight, some just entering the river,
some in the water, others after crossing in ascending the cliffs. Some
escaped on horse-back, a few on foot; and, being dispersed every where,
in a few hours, brought the melancholy news of this unfortunate battle
to Lexington. Many widows were now made. The reader may guess what
so