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Subject: [SW_VA] Fincastle Indian Ravages Article
Date: Sat, 24 Aug 2002 14:07:50 EDT


I found this on a microfilm of the Williamsburg Virginia Gazette, dated
August 17, 1776, The film is located in the Kansas City, MO Central Library.


"WILLIAMSBURG, August 17

By an express from Col. Russel of Fincastle, we learn, that on his
approaching the Watauga fort with the men under his command, the Indians
retired precipitately; however, not without losing one man, and having two
wounded, by a party that pursued them. The fort was thus fortunately
relieved after a fortnight's close siege, during the greater part of which
time our people lived on parched corn. There were supposed to be 500 women
and children in this little fort, who fled there for shelter on hearing that
the Indians were marching into that part of the country. We lost not a man
in this long affair, except four or five who ventured out to drive in some
cows; they wre found scalped.

The number of Indians concerned in the different ravages lately committed in
Fincastle amount to 6 or 700, some say 800; and yet, sudden as their attack
was, they murdered in all their butchering parties but [18?] persons, and
wounded 6, whilst our men killed in the skirmishes with them 26 on the spot
(as many were carried off dead) took one prisoner, and wounded at least as
many as they killed. As the Cherokees have been so completely checked in
their career, and we understand from fort Pitt that the northern Indians are
not disposed to attack us in that quarter, and have only engaged not to
suffer us to march through their country against Detroit, we may hope that
there is not much to be dreaded from the terrible combinations of Indians we
have been threatened with by our enemies."

TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE: There is an inkspot by the number of persons killed, so
while I am sure it is an 8, the first digit somewhat looks like a 1 but I am
not certain, it could be a 2 or only a part of the ink spot.

Questions: What fort was this and were was it? Does anyone know the names
of the non-Indians killed?

Best of wishes,

Billy

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