gh the woods, they despaired of
being able to pass them, and returned to the fort. Captain McKee then
made an appeal to the chivalry of the garrison, and asked, "who would
risk his life to save the people of Greenbrier." John Pryor and Philip
Hammond, at once stepped forward, and replied "WE WILL." They were
then habited after the Indian manner, and painted in Indian style by
the Grenadier Squaw, and departed on their hazardous, but noble and
generous undertaking. Travelling, night and day, with great rapidity,
they [178] passed the Indians at Meadow river, and arrived, about
sunset of that day at Donnelly's fort, twenty miles farther on.

As soon as the intelligence of the approach of the Indians, was
communicated by these men, Col. Donnelly had the neighbors all advised
of it; and in the course of the night, they collected at his house. He
also dispatched a messenger to Capt. John Stuart, to acquaint him with
the fact; and made every preparation to resist attack and ensure their
safety, of which his situation admitted. Pryor and Hammond told them
how, by the precaution of Captain McKee, the garrison at Point
Pleasant had been saved from suffering by the want of water; and
advised them to lay in a plentiful supply, of that necessary article.
A hogshead was accordingly filled and rolled behind the door of the
kitchen, which adjoined the dwelling house.

Early next morning, John Pritchet (a servant to Col. Donnelly) went
out for some firewood, and while thus engaged, was fired at and
killed. The Indians then ran into the yard, and endeavored to force
open the kitchen door; but Hammond and Dick Pointer (a negro belonging
to Col. Donnelly) who were the only persons within, aided by the
hogshead of water, prevented their accomplishing this object. They
next proceeded to cut it in pieces, with their tomahawks. Hammond
seeing that they would soon succeed in this way, with the assistance
of Dick, rolled the hogshead to one side, and letting the door
suddenly fly open, killed the Indian at the threshold, and the others
who were near gave way. Dick then fired among them, with a musket
heavily charged with swan shot, and no doubt with effect, as the yard
was crowded with the enemy; a war club with a swan shot in it, was
afterwards picked up near the door.

The men in the house, who were asleep at the commencement of the
attack, being awakened at the firing of Hammond and Dick, now opened a
galling fire upon the Indians. Being