n Shell had built a block-house of his
own, which was large and substantial, and well calculated to withstand
a seige. The first story had no windows, but furnished with loopholes
which could be used to shoot through by muskets. The second story
projected over the first, so that the garrison could fire upon an
advancing enemy, or cast missiles upon their heads. The owner had a
family of six sons, the youngest two were twins, and only eight years
old. Most of his neighbors had taken refuge in Fort Dayton; but this
settler refused to leave his home. When Donald McDonald and his party
arrived at Shell's Bush his brother with his sons were at work in the
field; and the children, unfortunately were so widely separated from
their father, as to fall into the hands of the enemy.

"Shell and his other boys succeeded in reaching their castle, and
barricading the ponderous door. And then commenced the battle. The
besieged were well armed, and all behaved with admirable bravery; but
none more bravely than Shell's wife, who loaded the pieces as her
husband and sons discharged them. The battle commenced at two
o'clock, and continued until dark. Several attempts were made by
McDonald to set fire to the castle, but without success, and his
forces were repeatedly driven back by the galling fire they received.
McDonald at length procured a crow-bar and attempted to force the
door; but while thus engaged he received a shot in the leg from
Shell's Blunderbuss, which put him _hors du combat_. None of his men
being sufficiently near at the moment to rescue him, Shell, quick as
lightning, opened the door, and drew him within the walls a prisoner.
The misfortune of Shell and his garrison was, that their ammunition
began to run low; but McDonald was very amply provided, and to save
his own life, he surrendered his cartridges to the garrison to fire
upon his comrades. Several of the enemy having been killed and others
wounded, they now drew off for a respite. Shell and his troops,
moreover, needed a little breathing time; and feeling assured that,
so long as he had the commanding officer of the beseigers in his
possession, the enemy would hardly attempt to burn the citadel, he
ceased firing. He then went up stairs, and sang the hymn which was a
favorite of Luther during the perils and afflictions of the Great
Reformer in his controversies with the Pope. While thus engaged the