f the country as given by two brothers; who had spent some years in
various parts of it, under rather unpleasant circumstances.

Among the soldiers who garrisoned Fort Pitt, were William Childers,
John and Samuel Pringle and Joseph Linsey. In 1761, these four men
deserted from the fort, and ascended the Monongahela as far as to the
mouth of George's creek (the site afterwards selected by Albert
Gallatin, for the town of Geneva.) Here they remained awhile; but not
liking the [90] situation crossed over to the head of the Youghogany;
and encamping in the glades, continued there about twelve months.

In one of their hunting rambles, Samuel Pringle came on a path, which
he supposed would lead to the inhabited part of Virginia. On his
return he mentioned the discovery and his supposition, to his
comrades, and they resolved on tracing it. This they accordingly did,
and it conducted them to Loony's creek, then the most remote western
settlement. While among the inhabitants on Loony's creek, they were
recognized and some of the party apprehended as deserters. John and
Samuel Pringle succeeded in making an escape to their camp in the
glades, where they remained 'till some time in the year 1764.

During this year, and while in the employ of John Simpson (a trapper,
who had come there in quest of furs,) they determined on removing
farther west. Simpson was induced to this, by the prospect of enjoying
the woods free from the intrusion of other hunters (the glades having
begun to be a common hunting ground for the inhabitants of the South
Branch;) while a regard for their personal safety, caused the Pringles
to avoid a situation, in which they might be exposed to the
observation of other men.

In journeying through the wilderness, and after having crossed Cheat
river at the Horse shoe, a quarrel arose between Simpson and one of
the Pringles; and notwithstanding that peace and harmony were so
necessary to their mutual safety and comfort; yet each so far indulged
the angry passions which had been excited, as at length to produce a
separation.

Simpson crossed over the Valley river, near the mouth of Pleasant
creek, and passing on to the head of another water course, gave to it
the name of Simpson's creek. Thence he went westwardly, and fell over
on a stream which he called Elk: at the mouth of this he erected a
camp, and continued to reside for more than twelve months. During this
time he neither saw the Pringles nor any other hu