In the Current of the Revolution 335 



was not nearly as much difficulty in dealing them 

 a counter-blow as in the case of the Northern In- 

 dians, for their towns lay thickly together and 

 were comparatively easy of access. Moreover, they 

 were not rated such formidable fighters. By com- 

 paring Lord Dunmore's war in 1774 with this strug- 

 gle against the Cherokees in 1776, it is easy to see 

 the difference between a contest against the North- 

 ern and one against the Southern tribes. In 1776 

 our Indian foes were more numerous than in 1774, 

 for there were over two thousand Cherokee war- 

 riors perhaps two thousand five hundred, assisted 

 by a few Creeks and tories ; they were closer to the 

 frontier, and so their ravages were more serious; 

 but they did not prove such redoubtable foes as Corn- 

 stalk's warriors, their villages were easier reached, 

 and a more telling punishment was inflicted. 



The Cherokees had been showing signs of hos- 

 tility for some time. They had murdered two Vir- 

 ginians the previous year; 23 and word was brought 

 to the settlements, early in the summer of '76, that 

 they were undoubtedly preparing for war, as they 

 were mending guns, making moccasins and beating 

 flour for the march. 24 In June their ravages be- 

 gan. 25 The Otari, or Overhill Cherokees, had sent 

 runners to the valley towns, asking their people to 

 wait until all were ready before marching, that the 

 settlements might be struck simultaneously; but 



23 "American Archives," 4th Series, Vol. Ill, p. 1112. 



24 Do., sth Series, Vol. I, p. in. 



25 Do., 4th Series, Vol. VI, p. 1229. 



