Kettle, Alexander West and Col. Wilson, were the only persons in favor
of going on, and they consequently had to return.

But though the pursuit was thus abandoned, yet did not the savages get
off with their wonted impunity. When the land claimants, who had been
the first to encounter this party of Indians escaped from them, they
fled back to Clarksburg, and gave the alarm. This was quickly
communicated to the other settlements, and spies were sent out, to
watch for the enemy. By some of these, the savages were discovered on
the West Fork, near the mouth of Isaac's Creek, and intelligence of
it immediately carried to the forts. Col. Lowther [228] collected a
company of men, and going in pursuit, came in view of their
encampment, awhile before night, on a branch of Hughes' river, ever
since known as _Indian creek_. Jesse and Elias Hughs--active, intrepid
and vigilant men--were left to watch the movements of the savages,
while the remainder retired a small distance to refresh themselves,
and prepare to attack them in the morning.

Before day Col. Lowther arranged his men in order of attack, and when
it became light, on the preconcerted signal being given, a general
fire was poured in upon them. Five of the savages fell dead and the
others fled leaving at their fires, all their shot bags and plunder,
and all their guns, except one. Upon going to their camp, it was found
that one of the prisoners (a son of Alexander Rony who had been killed
in the Leading creek massacre) was among the slain. Every care had
been taken to guard against such an occurrence, and he was the only
one of the captives who sustained any injury from the fire of the
whites.[15]

In consequence of information received from the prisoners who were
retaken (that a larger party of Indians was expected hourly to come
up,) Col. Lowther [228] deemed it prudent not to go in pursuit of
those who had fled, and collecting the plunder which the savages had
left, catching the horses which [229] they had stolen, and having
buried young Rony, the party set out on its return and marched
home--highly gratified at the success which had crowned their
exertions to punish their untiring foe.

Some short time after this, John Jackson and his son George, returning
to Buchannon fort, were fired at by some Indians, but fortunately
missed. George Jackson having his gun in his hand, discharged it at a
savage peeping from behind a tree, without effect; and they then rode
of