In the Current of the Revolution 43 



Hamilton was urging the Indians to repeat their 

 ravages of the preceding year; Mingos, Shawnees, 

 Delawares, and Miamis came to Detroit, bringing 

 scalps and prisoners. A great council was held at 

 that post early in June. 32 All the Northwestern 

 tribes took part, and they received war-belts from 

 the Iroquois and messages calling on them to rise 

 as one man. They determined forthwith to fall on 

 the frontier in force. By their war parties, and the 

 accompanying bands of tories, Hamilton sent pla- 

 cards to be distributed among the frontiersmen, en- 

 deavoring both by threat and by promise of reward 

 to make them desert the patriot cause. 33 



In June a large war party gathered at Chillicothe 

 to march against Boonesborough, and Boone deter- 

 mined to escape at all hazards, so that he might warn 

 his friends. One morning before sunrise he eluded 

 the vigilance of his Indian companions and started 

 straight through the woods for his home, where he 

 arrived in four days, having had but one meal dur- 

 ing the whole journey of a hundred and sixty 

 miles. 34 



On reaching Boonesborough he at once set about 

 putting the fort in good condition ; and being tried 

 by court-martial for the capture at the Blue Licks, 

 he was not only acquitted but was raised to the rank 

 of major. His escape had probably disconcerted the 

 Indian war party, for no immediate attack was made 

 on the fort. After waiting until August he got tired 



32 Do., June 14, 1778. 33 Do., April 25, 1778. 



34 Boone's narrative. 



