ing from the Fort, a
convention for the exchange of prisoners was entered into between
Capt. Grant, the commander of the garrison, and Capt. Smith, and the
latter with his men, immediately returned to their homes. [8]

Occurrences such as this, were afterwards of too frequent [84]
recurrence. The people had been taught by experience, that the fort
afforded very little, if any protection to those who were not confined
within its walls--they were jealous of the easy, and yet secure life
led by the garrison, and apprehensive of the worst consequences from
the intercourse of traders with the Indians. Under those feelings,
they did not scruple to intercept the passage of goods to the trading
posts, and commit similar outrages to those above described, if there
were any interference on the part of the neighboring forts. On one
occasion, Capt. Grant was himself taken prisoner, and [85] detained
'till restitution was made the inhabitants of some guns, which had
been taken from them, by soldiers from the garrison; and in 1769, a
quantity of powder, lead and other articles was taken from some
traders passing through Bedford county, and destroyed. Several
persons, supposed to have been of the party who committed this
outrage, were apprehended, and laid in irons in the guard house at
Fort Bedford.

Capt. Smith, although in no wise engaged in this transaction, nor yet
approving it, was nevertheless so indignant that an offence against
the civil authorities, should be attempted to be punished by a
military tribunal, that he resolved on effecting their release. To
accomplish this, he collected eighteen of his "Black boys," in whom he
knew he could confide; and marched along the main road in the
direction of Fort Bedford. On his way to that place, he did not
attempt to conceal his object, but freely told to every one who
enquired, that he was going to take Fort Bedford. On the evening of
the second day of their march, they arrived at the crossings of
Juniata, (14 miles from Bedford) and erected tents as if they intended
encamping there all night.

Previous to this, Capt. Smith had communicated his intention to Mr.
William Thompson (who lived in Bedford and on whom he could rely,) and
prevailed on him to obtain what information he could as to the effect
produced in the garrison by the preparations which he was making for
its attack; and acquaint him with it. That he might be enabled to do
this with greater certainty, a place and hou