n the repulse,
with fearless intrepidity.[11] Some were engaged in moulding bullets;
others in loading and supplying the [164] men with guns already
charged; while the less robust were employed in cooking, and in
furnishing to the combatants, provisions and water, during the
continuance of the attack. It seemed indeed, as if each individual
were sensible, that the safety of all depended on his lone exertions;
and that the slightest relaxation of these, would involve them all in
one common ruin.

Finding that they could make no impression on the fort, and fearing to
remain longer before it, lest their retreat might be cut off, by
reinforcements from the surrounding country, the assailants fired all
the houses without the walls; killed all the stock, which could be
found; and destroying every thing on which they could lay their hands,
retired about day light, and left the garrison in possession of the
fortress, but deprived of almost every thing else. The alarm of the
presence of Indians having been given after day light, and the attack
on the fort commencing before sun rise, but little time was afforded
them, for securing their moveable property. The greater part had taken
with them nothing but their clothes, while some had left their homes
with their night apparel only. Few were left the enjoyment of a bed,
or the humble gratification of the coarse repast of bread and milk.
Their distress was consequently great; and their situation for some
time, not much more enviable, than when pent within the fort, and
straining every nerve to repel its savage assailants.

Before this, the Governor had sent to Col. Andrew Swearingen, a
quantity of ammunition for the defence of those who remained in
the country above Wheeling. By his exertions, and under his
superintendence, Bolling's and Holliday's old forts were repaired,
and the latter made strong enough to serve as a magazine. In it was
collected, all the inhabitants from its neighborhood; and it was
generally regarded, as a strong position, and able, occasionally,
to detach part of its garrison, for the aid of other portions of
the country. Soon after the attack was begun to be made on Wheeling,
the alarm reached Shepherd's fort, and a runner was despatched
from thence to Holliday's fort with the intelligence, and the
apprehension that if speedy relief were not afforded, the garrison
at Wheeling must fall. No expectation, of being able to collect a
force sufficient to cope wit