other edible
vegetables, the Indians are forced to have recourse to hunting, to
obtain provisions, and consequently, to suspend their hostile
operations for a season. To produce this desirable result, was the
object sought to be obtained by the destruction which was made of
every article of subsistence, found here and at the Munsie towns, and
subsequently at other places.

It remained then to dispose of the prisoners. Sixteen warriors,
particularly obnoxious for their diabolical deeds, were pointed out by
Pekillon (a friendly Delaware chief who accompanied the army of Col.
Broadhead) as fit subjects of retributive justice; and taken into
close custody. A council of war was then held, to determine on their
fate, and which doomed them to death. They were taken some distance
from town, despatched with tomahawks and spears, and then scalped. The
other captives were committed to the care of the militia, to be
conducted to Fort Pitt.

On the morning after the taking of Coshocton, an Indian, [221] making
his appearance on the opposite bank of the river, called out for the
"Big Captain." Col. Broadhead demanded what he wished. I want peace
replied the savage. Then send over some of your chiefs, said the
Colonel. May be you kill, responded the Indian. No, said Broadhead,
they shall not be killed. One of their chiefs, a fine looking fellow,
then come over; and while he and Col. Broadhead were engaged in
conversation, a militiaman came up, and with a tomahawk which he had
concealed in the bosom of his hunting shirt, struck him a severe blow
on the hinder part of his head. The poor Indian fell, and immediately
expired.

This savage like deed was the precursor of other, and perhaps equally
attrocious enormities. The army on its return, had not proceeded more
than half a mile from Coshocton, when the militia guarding the
prisoners, commenced murdering them. In a short space of time, a few
women and children alone remained alive. These were taken to Fort
Pitt, and after a while exchanged for an equal number of white
captives.

The putting to death the sixteen prisoners designated by Pekillon, can
be considered in no other light, than as a punishment inflicted for
their great offences; and was certainly right and proper. Not so with
the deliberate murder of the chief, engaged in negotiation with Col.
Broadhead. He had come over under the implied assurance of the
security, due to a messenger for peace, and after a positive promis