A Fine Frolic at Pricketts Fort

April 8. We rose early in the morning to journey far to the south, with great anticipation in our hearts and much haste at heel. Arrived at the back woods cabin of Mr. J. Mains and was entertained well by the family therein. We left Mr. Main’s in Augusta at one’oclock in high spirits and embarked for the Great Kanawha Valley. We proceeded along the river passing Blue Licks and Limestone, after which time Mr. Mains lost himself, or rather became bewildered for a time, in his own river valley. We passed on from hence, crossing uneventfully the River Ohio, whereupon we found ourselves once again.

We proceeded along at a reasonable pace to the Kanawha River with only a brief correspondence from one D. Rowsey who informed us of another gentleman upon whom we might call, but greatly regretted he himself would not be making the journey to the fort, as he was presently embroiled in other Indian affairs. Within the prescribed time we found the location of Prickett’s Fort. Having been nothing but a blinding rain in the valley for days upon end Mr. Mains spoke to the keeper of an ordinary outside the fort who had rooms to let and we stopt for a time. It being a fine establishment, we found ourselves in great comfort and were entertained in a high fashion for the night.

April 9. We arose grudgingly, early this morning and proceeded 4 miles lower to the fort. The land is quite good in this area and we traveled easily with much sun, arriving at the determined time. Quite befuddled were we to find Mr. D. Jones, known simply as Muggs, was not to be found within the fort walls or without. Having come into a poorly spirit he found himself quite unable to travel.

Upon arrival near the fort, a smell the likes of which can only be ascertained near a tannery assaulted our very senses and we found the tanner Mr. Ch. Brown attending to the necessaries of his profession. Mr. Brown is well known as a fine tanner and waxed on about his profession to all who would listen. A good many hides were in evidence strewn about the area, most of which had been perfectly tanned. Mr. Brown seemed mildly amused and only lightly vexed with commentary by a Mr. Ma. Baker who requested significantly less fine quality, he, Mr. Ma. Baker, perhaps not being afforded the ability to pay for high quality hides and repeatedly suggested he receive “narly” hides. Messers Brown, Mains, and Baker enjoyed some humor and much discussed the topic. Resulting in Mr. Baker presenting Mr. Mains with a bit of deer tail for his hat, for which Mr. Mains while exceedingly grateful ultimately returned.

The good Doctor Mr. A. Roberts was visited by a goody many sorts near the fortyard. A fair bit of bloodletting, an amputation, scalp reattachment and other status of the arts of medicine were practiced. One poor miserable creature who had been beaten about the head with a war club was forced to undergo trephination. Dr. Roberts expounded upon his work with great zeal, to the crowd which had gathered to witness this miraculous work, he explained that once the hole had been created with the trephan, he would straddle the crack with his instrument and poke around abit, extracting bits and pieces of bone and tissue, relieving the intracranial pressure, then allow the crack to close up and scab over.

We determined a great fort dinner feast was in order and much food was prepared and enjoyed by all inside the fortyard. The company of a good many souls was much enjoyed. Captain Jacobs and Mr. Browder had made the journey and were fine company well into the evening. Many acquaintances were made and renewed. It seems the exploits of Mstrss. A. Bailey have become known in many forts, ordinaries and coffee houses and she was well received, with few exceptions.

April 10. Messers: St. Gengelbach, Mr. M. Miller a fine rifle maker, Mr. Eh. Ehlert and Mr. Ma. Baker were in attendance from the Second Company. Mr. G and Mr. E gave fine intelligence of several scouts made far and near. Mr. Miller discussed the various types of critter getters of the rifled variety.

Messers Kobuck, Charlton, Hersee and the tailor Mr. T. Crowder made fools of themselves much of the time until mustered Saturday afternoon, at which point one was utterly confounded to find the uncouth Mr. N. Kobuck in a role of leadership,

causing great consternation among my company. The tailor T. Crowder was found to be quite competent, even in his spirited shape, and produced many necessary hunting shirts for the assemblage.

Those who mustered at Pricketts fort were good men, brave and true with few exceptions, those of which found not to be in possession of all necessary goods were fined a shilling per piece. About the fortyard there were fixed, like dung upon rails, any number of men found unfit to serve. agedness, physical and mental infirmity were plain to see but a few had the look of simpletons, loafers and layabouts, the likes of which should, by all rights have been stockaded, beaten or whipped and pressed into service within our very sight.

Upon review of the good Doctor, the vast majority of the assemblage of men were proclaimed fit for service, though Mstress A. Bailey caused a pause in the questioning and requested proof the Good Doctor was fit to conduct such examinations upon herself. Upon which time the Doctor presented a document writ in the hand of the very doctor who had trained him up. Once so proven, your friend Mstress Bailey was approved for service as spy and scout within the company. While scouting, one in her company was unfortunate to step upon a large thorn which required extraction, and cauterization. The Doctor, suddenly unavailable and likely to be found imbibing with the proprietress of a local coffee house, required Mstress B. to extract the offending item herself, strike a fire, cauterize the wound and then fend off an imminent attack with her hatchet. The impending attack narrowly averted caused much hunger in the fort.

Mr. Baker, who one would be hard pressed to call a camp cook, waxed prolific on his findings on his study of the Natural Man. Mr. B, while quite proficient as an instructor was found to be lacking in his presentation of buffaloe short ribs. In addition, his jovial manner while dishing his three sister stew with cowpeas, corn and squash, resulted in a scuffle with Mr. J. Mains, the resulting scald upon Mr. Mains hand will likely require restitution from Mr. B. for an extended time. Once again the Doctor was completely unavailable and Mr. Mains endured the nursing skills of Mstrss B. who gathered bits of plantain from thereabouts, chewed it and then spit a mighty hank of green slime upon the blistered area and wrapped it in linen.

The tavern provided much distraction and a fine frolic for all assembled. Games of chance, skill and luck prevailed within, and without the fortyard, as patrons imbibed in spirituous beverages of shrub and punch, prepared, of course, by the drunkard Kobuck and his group of instigators. Mr. Charlton presided over the hearth area, much impressing all in his banyan and cap, to which many others aspired but, alas fell short.

Mr. Mains and Mstrss Bailey much enjoyed the company of many a good man, but retired early to quarters without the bewildering and befuddled nature so easily obtained from one’s cups, not requesting nor requiring the strong assistance of Mr. G. upon this years gathering; unlike in years passed upon which Mr. Gengelbach fairly slung Mr. Mains over his shoulder and tossed him to quarters.

Indeed, fine times were had. Departing the fort brought nearly a tear as hands were tightly clasped perhaps for the last, and fond farewells given, until such time as many of us shall reconvene near the falls of the Ohio at Laughery Creek or at Martins station, whereupon much concern has been addressed of an impending raid.

The journey to the River Ohio was uneventful and Mr. Mains split company from us at his cabin with much regret. One can only hope he regains use of his much disfigured limb and will thus be counted upon in the event of the raid at Martins Station. Upon returning, my own small cabin affords warmth, comfort and the feeling of home until such time as we shall be called out into the wilderness again. A candle remains lit late into the eve, the log upon the hearth crackles merrily and letters shall be writ to share the fine times, that others may know of them and remember our names.

Mud Scout

March 28 ~29. Auspicious beginnings to the Blue Heron Scout: Small flock of spring turkeys were spied upon a flat as two large males puffed and strutted for hens, displayed their magnificence. Happily, Mr. Browder, of the Longhunter Leather Company, chanced upon me prior to our arranged time and location, and we made a quick study of these fine animals in their glory. If not for fear of alerting any natives in proximity, surely a turkey would have graced the mess this very eve. Mr. Browder and I continued together to the Story Inn, our ordained assembly point. Within moments we were met with others of our scouting contingent; Mr. Egener, Mr. Blackerby and his native son Jeremiah, Mr. Goodwin who is known to all as Pit, Mr. Henderson the renowned potter, and Captain Jacobs with his friend Mr. Harmeson. Together, we convened to review our provisions and maps. After remarking with great humor upon my skills as an artist and mapmaker we set off for Jacobs Station.

Mr. Blackerby, the Tracker Jeremiah, Mr. Browder and Pit set off afoot. I gladly joined Mr. Egener in his fine pirogue, while Captain Jacobs and Mr. Harmeson launched Captain Jacobs newly made pirogue, Mr. Henderson carried many supplies of the men afoot in his small punt.

While weighed down heavily with goods and provisioning our small fleet made haste until such time as a small beast made his presence known with a snap of his tail. We admired his sleek coat as he swam alongside Mr. Henderson, though afore long he evaded us. Had Pit carried in his fine traps Mr. Flattail’s hide would most surely have been in Pit’s possession!

Our small company arrived at Jacobs Station and disembarked, in a short time the troop afoot appeared and required passage from their side of the waterway. Mr. Egener made the ferry trip several times and once more we were assembled together. Captain Jacobs and Mr. Harmeson made a quick survey of the area to determine the area for encampment. Suddenly, a foreign sound to the south sent all to arms. Three natives boldly stepped into view. Pit and Mr. Blackerby immediately strode aggressively toward the men, but were halted by a word from Captain Jacobs.

The native’s leader, a slender man with scalplock, warily but with much confidence came forward, while his two men remained on guard. Their lack of war paint and clear intent to communicate was a small comfort, but the company was vigilant, instantly taking points of defense. The captain laid out trade goods and then stepped forward with a gift held forth. The two men took stock of one another and the noble savage spoke words only intelligible to the captain. With handsigns, a few words of French, and our own tongue, a rough communication was made between the men. With a trade of goods between the leaders a tentative accord was struck. Recently from a maple sugar camp the natives produced a weight of the cakes and offered them to the company. Their leader made it known to us that they were traveling ahead of their families and were much concerned with our intent in this land. Much concerned were they over recent settlements being made in their hunting grounds. The captain confirmed our intent to merely travel through. Our accord now firmly sealed, Captain Jacobs invited these men to join our company for the evening.

The area for our encampment was determined with the help of the natives and shortly order was established, camp made and a fire begun for the mess. A contingent set off for a rough scout of the area surrounding the encampment, whilst a few remained to keep a watchful eye over our newly formed friendship. Upon the scouting contingent’s return a bit of good natured pugilism was taken up by Captain Jacobs and myself. Whilst Captain Jacobs feels certain of his success in the match, his position face down in the mud with my arm covering his windpipe causes me to believe myself to be the victor; if not in skill nor strength, then certainly in spirit.

An evening of fellowship and camaraderie passed without incident. Cloud cover kept the air relatively warm, but soon let forth with a drizzling rain that failed to dampen the company’s spirits. Huddled in my bed of leaves with my blankets and oil cloth, neither the rain nor the temperature were of any consequence to me, however a watchful eye remained upon the tamed savages sleeping nearby; my own rest delayed until theirs was certain. After but a few short hours of sleep, Mr. Browder and I took up watch over the company, soon joined by Mr. Egener. As the men arose it was discovered not all had enjoyed a warm or dry bed. Some found their choice of bedding inadequate or poorly positioned, leaving them more than a bit damp, but all remained in high spirits once coffee and tea was properly taken.

Our native brothers left the camp without incident in the early morn as a dull light filtered through the clouds during a break in the rain. All signs of their brief sojourn wiped away in all but our journals and memories. The company was soon trail ready and decamped. As with the previous day, a portion of our party traveled the water way whilst others cut a trail. Water, dirt, and mud from the continued spring rains seeped into every fiber of our clothing, packs and nearly every crevice as we proceeded upon our way, causing the members of our group to rename the scout from Blue Heron Scout to Mud Scout. Our small, weary, and very muddy company dispersed after taking in a hearty midday meal.

One can only hope each man found comfort in joining in fellowship and company for but a short time. T’was certain that each was a valued member of our little band of brothers, lead by an able captain in an uncertain and dangerous time. I shall recall this time spent together with much fondness, fine memories and a desire to cross paths again with any of these good men.

SPRING

March 21. Spring rains pound the ground causing autumnal seeds to wake, tiny bursts of color dot the landscape; yellow, purple, green, even the barest hint of pink. Spring, in all her eternal glory hath stepped lively into this land, where her charming finger doth point there is renewal, rebirth and strength anew. ‘Tis she, the forever childlike daughter of Mother Nature who casts off ice and chill of old man winter. A fine and fickle child she is, dancing through meadows of tiny lavender flowers one moment and next stomping her feet in the moonlit rising creek. Beware, for when her tempers flare neither man nor beast can hide against her. Man may beg of her tender mercies; this mistress of flood, fire and mayhem, but ‘tis merely her nature, as the beasts recall.

Aye, much like our dear child Spring, my tempers flare; only to be washed away with the coolness of a morning rain shower. One must recall, danger is often only perceived; light of day reveals the frightful monster of night ‘tis merely the small branch of a tree, blown by rushing wind to tap tap tap upon the window glass. Morning hath come, painting the dawn with her full palette.

Sparks Ignite!

Great anger hath taken hold and penetrates deeply into both heart and mind. Doubt the Lady and her abilities, eh? One might briefly consider the Lady's hot demeanor before making statements or whispering innuendo. A shower of sparks hath been laid to dry tender and one should hardly be surprised when great flames lick mercilessly at the hand which did so thoughtlessly strike flint to steel.

While at once our great friend, providing warmth and enlivening the dark, remember dear reader, that the twinkling flame is quick to betray the careless hand. Recall, 'tis just a tiny spark that ignites both candle or cannon; and tis but the same to the spark.

Vigilance is again most strongly cautioned, for one knows not from whence an attack may arise. Rumors, like ashes after flame abound, the savage is restless and seeks to strike those who are incautious like mere babes. Preparedness is essential without end. Anger breathes hot through my veins and removes all trace of fear, leaving no room for doubt or hesitation. Aye, the spark hath been well laid and the Lady burns for vengeance.

early scouting report

March 10. Having returned but hours ago from a brief scouting, I find myself miserably winded, and terribly unfit for the duties necessary for my position. Having gently wintered amongst friends with nearly every possible comfort it is quite disheartening to find oneself in such soft condition.

Indeed, even carrying the barest essentials; my rifle, ax, bedroll, a meager amount of foodstuffs and a small pot with which to cook, has taxed my body and left soreness within my arms and legs. I feel compelled to set out each evening with these few belongings upon my back to prepare, Prepare! for the coming season.

One must be prepared in physique, mind, and spirit for one knows not from whence troubles may arise. I'll relate a bit of a story of a scout named Lynn who encountered resistance in an unexpected manner. This narrative comes by way of a good gentleman, Mr. Dale Payne, who compiled many Narratives of Pioneer Life and Border Warfare;

"In order to make discoveries, on the 26th of September (1777), Capt. Foreman with forty-five men set out for Grave Greek. Having arrived there, and seeing the fort standing and discovering no signs of the Indians, they returned. On arriving at the foot of the narrows, a contention arose between Capt. Foreman and a man by the name of Lynn, who had been sent with him as a spy (scout) upon which road they should take, the river or ridge. Lynn urged the probability of the Indians having been on the opposite shore, and had more than likely seen them pass down; and the most likely place for waylaying them was in the narrows, and therefore urged the necessity of going the ridge road.

Foreman being indisposed to take the council of Lynn, proceeded along the base of the hill. During the contention, Robin Harkness set upon a log, having very sore eyes at the time, and took no part in the dispute; but when Capt. Foreman started, he followed him. Lynn, however with seven or eight other frontiersmen, went the ridge road. Whilst passing along a narrow bottom at the head of the narrows, the foremost of Capt. foreman's men picked up some Indian trinkets, which immediately excited a suspicion that Indians were near, which caused a halt. Before them some five or six Indians stepped into the path behind them about the same number, and at the same moment a fire was poured in upon them from a line of Indians under cover of the river bank, and not over fifteen steps from the white men. Those that escaped the first fire fled up the hill, but it being steep and difficult to climb they were exposed for some time to the fire of the Indians. Lynn and his comrades, hearing the fire when they were below them on the ridge ran along until opposite. They then proceeded to the brink of the hill, where they saw a man ascending near them, who had got nearly to the top when he received a shot in his thigh, which broke it. Lynn and his comrades rand down and lifted him up, carried him over the hill and hid him under a cleft of rocks, and then proceeded to wheeling.As Robin Harkness was climbing the hill near the top and pulling himself up by a bush, a ball struck it and knocked the bark off against him, which alarmed him, as he supposed it to be the ball, he however proceeded on and escaped unhurt. In this fatal ambuscade twenty-one of Capt. Foreman's party were killed and several much wounded; among the slain were capt. foreman and his two sons."

You see dear reader, the folly of hiring a man to fill a position and then discounting that man's words. This grievous error indisposed Capt. Foreman in a most permanent manner. Had but Lynn's word been taken for their worth, the captain his two sons and twenty one mother's sons would be well and breathing for another fight!

March 5. Finally, the sun hath shone upon the land, there is much for which one aught give thanks.

Though with the coming spring it is certain the Shawnese will throw off their winter robes and take to their wickedness. Vigilance always; for the snap of a twig is oft afore the crack of rifle fire.