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Page 89
Immediately on the halt of the troops, some twenty officers assembled in
front of the lines for consultation; when, turning to them, Colonel Todd
said:
"Gentlemen, for aught I know to the contrary we are now in the presence
of a superior enemy--superior at least in point of numbers--and I
desire to know your minds as to what course we had best pursue. And
particularly, Colonel Boone," continued Todd, politely bowing to the
veteran woodsman, "would I solicit your views on the matter; believing
as I do, notwithstanding any hasty words I may have uttered in the heat
of excitement to the contrary, that you are a brave soldier, cool under
all circumstances, amply experienced in Indian stratagem, and
consequently capable of rendering much valuable advice in the present
instance."
Boone was not a revengeful man under any circumstances; and though he
had felt more stung and nettled at the implication of Todd the day
before than he cared to let others see, yet now that the other had made
the apology due him, he showed nothing like haughtiness or triumph in
his mild, benevolent countenance, but, bowing slightly, with his
characteristic frankness replied:
"As you say, Colonel Todd, I've had some little experience with the
varmints at different times, not excepting my capter at these same Licks
in 1778; and, besides, I've have traversed this here country in every
direction, and know every secret hiding-place round about, as well as
the rest o' ye know the ground we've jest traveled; and it's on account
o' this knowledge partly, and partly on account o' the lazy movements o'
them red heathen we've jest seen go over the hill yonder, and the wide
trail, and marked trees behind us, that I'm led to opine thar's a
tremendous body o' the naked rascals hid in a couple o' ravines, that
run down to the river on either side of that ridge, about a mile ahead,
who are waiting to take us by surprise. Now I think we'd better do one
of two things. Either wait for the reinforcement o' Colonel Logan--who's
no doubt on his march by this time to join us--or else divide our party,
and let half on 'em go up stream and cross at the rapids, and so get
round behind the ravines, ready to attack the savages in the rear; while
the rest cross the ford here, and keep straight on along the ridge to
attack 'em in front--by which maneuver we may prehaps be able to beat
them. But ef you don't see proper, gentlemen, to take up with either o'
these proposals--don't, for Heaven's sake! I beg o' ye, venter forward,
without first sending on scouts to reconnoitre--else we're likely to be
in an ambuscade afore we know it, and prehaps all be cut off."
"Well, all things considered," answered Colonel Todd, who now, becoming
aware of the fearful responsibility resting upon him as commander, felt
little inclined to press rashly forward, "I think it advisable to wait
the reinforcements of Logan before proceeding further. It can delay us
but a day or two, and then we shall be sure of a victory; whereas, if
we press forward now, and run into an ambuscade, of which Colonel Boone
feels certain, we shall doubtless rue the day by a total defeat."
"I'm of the same opinion," rejoined Major Levi Todd.
"And I," said Captain Patterson.
"And I," rejoined several other voices.
"But I'm opposed to waiting for Logan," said Colonel Trigg; "as delays
on the point of a battle are rarely ever beneficial. I think we had
better take up with Colonel Boone's second proposition--divide our
forces, and proceed at once to action; though, for the matter of
prudence, it may be advisable to send a couple of scouts ahead, before
deciding upon any thing positive."
Majors Harlan and McBride, with two or three others of inferior rank,
took sides with Trigg; and the discussion seemed likely to be protracted
for some considerable time; when Major Hugh McGary, who had been
listening to the proceedings with the utmost impatience, suddenly
startled and broke up the council by a loud whoop, resembling that of an
Indian; and spurring his high mettled charger forward, he waved his hat
over his head, and shouted, in a voice that reached the whole length of
the line, these ever memorable words:
"Those among you who are not d--d cowards, follow me! I'll soon show you
where the Indians are!"
As he spoke he rushed his fiery steed into the river, with all the rash
impetuosity of a desperate soldier charging at the cannon's mouth.
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