rginia, that they could not be furnished with assistance, and
supplied with provisions and military stores, without incurring an
expenditure, both of blood and money, beyond what the colony could
spare, for the accomplishment of that object.

Had Capt. Hogg with his company, been at the place of rendezvous at
the appointed time, the countermanding orders of the governor [64]
could not have reached the army, until it had penetrated the enemy's
country. What might have been its fate, it is impossible to say--the
bravery of the troops--their familiar acquaintance with the Indian
mode of warfare--their confidence in the officers and the experience
of many of them, seemed to give every assurance of success--While the
unfortunate result of many subsequent expeditions of a similar nature,
would induce the opinion that the governor's apprehensions were
perhaps prudent and well founded. That the army would soon have had to
encounter the enemy, there can be no doubt; for although not an Indian
had been seen, yet it seems probable from after circumstances, that it
had been discovered and watched by them previous to its return.

On the second night of their march homeward, while encamped at the
Great falls, some of Hogg's men went out on the hills to hunt turkeys,
and fell in with a party of Indians, painted as for war. As soon as
they saw that they were discovered, they fired, and two of Hogg's men
were killed--the fire was returned and a Shawanee warrior was wounded
and taken prisoner. The remaining Indians, yelling their war whoop,
fled down the river.

Many of the whites, thinking that so small a party of Indians would
not have pursued the army alone, were of opinion that it was only an
advanced scout of a large body of the enemy, who were following them:
the wounded Indian refused to give any information of their number or
object. A council of war was convoked; and much diversity of opinion
prevailed at the board. It was proposed by Capt. Paul to cross the
Ohio river, invade the towns on the Scioto, and burn them, or perish
in the attempt.[7] The proposition was supported by Lieut. M'Nutt, but
overruled; and the officers, deeming it right to act in conformity
with the governor's orders, determined on pursuing their way home.
Orders were then given that no more guns should be fired, and no fires
kindled in camp, as their safe return depended very much on silence
and secrecy.

An obedience to this order, produced a very cons