e
garrison was nearly exhausted, in repelling the frequent assaults made
on the fort; and it was apparent, that the enemy did not intend
speedily to withdraw their forces. Parties of Indians were frequently
detached from the main body, as well to obtain a supply of provisions
by hunting, as to intercept and cut off any [147] aid, which might be
sent to St. Asaph's[15] from the other forts. In this posture of
affairs, it was impossible that the garrison could long hold out,
unless its military stores could be replenished; and to effect this,
under existing circumstances, appeared to be almost impossible.
Harrodsburg and Boonesborough were not themselves amply provided with
stores; and had it been otherwise, so closely was the intermediate
country between them and St. Asaph's, guarded by the savages, that no
communication could be carried from one to the other of them. The
settlement on the Holstein was the nearest point, from which it could
be practicable to derive a supply of ammunition, and the distance to
that neighborhood, was considerable.

Logan knew the danger which must result to the garrison, from being
weakened as much as it must be, by sending a portion of it on this
hazardous enterprise; but he also knew, that the fort could not be
preserved from falling, unless its magazine was soon replenished.
Prefering the doubtful prospect of succeeding in its relief, by
adopting the plan of sending to Holstein, he proposed the measure to
his companions, and they eagerly embraced it. It remained then to
select the party, which was to venture on this high enterprise.
Important as the presence of Logan, was known to be, in the fort, yet
as the lives of all within, depended on the success of the expedition
and as to effect this, required the exercise of qualities rarely
possessed in so great degree by any other individual, he was
unanimously chosen to conduct the enterprise.

Accompanied by four of the garrison, Logan, as slyly as possible,
slipped from the fort, and commenced his tedious journey.[16] To
lessen the chance of coming in contact [148] with straggling bands of
Indians, he avoided the pack road which had been opened by Boone; and
pursuing an untrodden route, reached the settlement in safety. The
requisite supplies were soon engaged; and while they were being
prepared for transportation, Logan was actively engaged in endeavoring
to prevail on the inhabitants, to form a company as expeditiously as
possible and