FIRST SETTLEMENT OP OHIO. 1 55 



These Indians were immediately pursued, by the spies, but 

 gaining the adjacent hill, they escaped by flight. 



During all these murderous attacks, very few of the Indians 

 lost their lives. Henderson, the spy, killed one of three Indi- 

 ans, in a company, on the Little Muskingum; and one was killed 

 on Duck creek, about three miles from Marietta. Hamilton 

 Kerr, a son of Mr. Kerr who was killed at the mouth of Duck 

 creek, killed an Indian, also. 



Although signs of Indians were often discovered near the 

 settlements, and although, the Indians were pursued instantly 

 afterwards, yet, being well acquainted with the country, they 

 generally escaped unhurt. Another reason why the Indians 

 escaped, is found in the fact, that Indians select their bravest, 

 best warriors for such enterprises.- 



John Armstrong, in April 1793, lived on the Virginia side 

 of the Ohio river, opposite the upper end of Blannerhassett's 

 Island. He owned the floating mill, which ground the grain 

 raised on both sides of the river, any where near him. A par- 

 ty of Indians, about twenty in number, crossed the Ohio, from 

 the mouth of the Little Hocking, twelve miles below Arm- 

 strong's, secreted their canoes under the willows on the south- 

 ern side of the river, and reaching the second bank, traveled 

 up the stream, until they were in sight of Armstrong's house, 

 and there lay c.^ncealed through the day. In the night, they 

 approached the house, watching it, during nearly all the night, 

 until the family were all asleep, when they made an attack 

 upon it, and killed Mrs. Armstrong, and three of her children. 

 Mr. Armstrong made his escape, and two of his sons, who slept 

 in the mill, were unmolested by the savages. Having killed Mrs. 

 Armstrong and her three youngest children, they carried off, 

 captive, three older children; Elizabeth aged about eleven or 

 twelve years, John about ten 3^ears old, and Jeremiah aged eight 

 years. Having regained the hill from which they came, and 

 marching westwardly, a mile or two, the Indians halted, formed 

 a circle, around their three prisoners, and lighted their pipes. 

 Speech after speech was made, in a low tone of voice, which 

 the children did not then, understand, but which was after- 



