The War in the Northwest 255 



up on the centre, killing Trigg himself. Harlan's 

 advance guard was cut down almost to a man, their 

 commander being among the slain. The centre was 

 then assailed from both sides by overwhelming 

 numbers. Todd did all he could by voice and ex- 

 ample to keep his men firm, and cover Boone's suc- 

 cessful advance, but in vain. Riding to and fro 

 on his white horse, he was shot through the body, 

 and mortally wounded. He leaped on his horse 

 again, but his strength failed him ; the blood gushed 

 from his mouth ; he leaned forward, and fell heavily 

 from the saddle. Some say that his horse carried 

 him to the river, and that he fell into its current. 

 With his death the centre gave way; and of course 

 Boone and the men of the left wing, thrust in ad- 

 vance, were surrounded on three sides. A wild 

 rout followed, every one pushing in headlong haste 

 for the ford. "He that could remount a horse was 

 well off; he that could not, had no time for delay," 

 wrote Levi Todd. The actual fighting had only 

 occupied five minutes. 19 



In a mad and panic race the Kentuckians reached 

 the ford, which was fortunately but a few hundred 

 yards from the battle-field, the Indians being mixed 

 in with them. Among the first to cross was Neth- 

 erland, whose cautious advice had been laughed at 

 before the battle. No sooner had he reached the 

 south bank, than he reined up his horse and leaped 

 off, calling on his comrades to stop and cover the 

 flight of the others; and most of them obeyed him. 



19 Levi Todd's letter. 



