In the Current of the Revolution 359 



tauga, the Holston, and the Clinch. Except a small 

 force of horse-riflemen the men were on foot, each 

 with tomahawk, scalping-knife, and long, grooved 

 flint-lock; all were healthy, well-equipped, and in 

 fine spirits, driving their pack-horses and bullocks 

 with them. Characteristically enough a Presbyte- 

 rian clergyman, following his backwoods flock, went 

 along with this expedition as chaplain. The army 

 moved very cautiously, the night encampments be- 

 ing made behind breastworks of felled timbers. 

 There was therefore no chance for a surprise; and 

 their great inferiority in number made it hopeless 

 for the Cherokees to try a fair fight. In their de- 

 spair they asked help from the Creeks; but the lat- 

 ter replied that they had plucked the thorn of war- 

 fare from their (the Creeks') foot, and were wel- 

 come to keep it. 74 



The Virginians came steadily on 75 until they 

 reached the Big Island of the French Broad. 76 Here 

 the Cherokees had gathered their warriors, and they 

 sent a tory trader across with a flag of truce. Chris- 

 tian well knowing that the Virginians greatly out- 

 numbered the Indians, let the man go through his 

 camp at will, 77 and sent him back with word that 



74 "History of Virginia," John Burke (continued by L. H. 

 Girardin), Petersburg, 1816, p. 176. 



75 After camping a few days at Double Springs, the head- 

 waters of Lick Creek, to let all the Watauga men come up. 



76 They sent spies in advance. The trail led through for- 

 ests and marshy canebrakes; across Nolichucky, up Long 

 Creek and down Dunplin Creek to the French Broad. Hay- 

 wood and Ramsey. 



77 McAfee MSS. 



