"In the time of great peril, when it was not safe to look out
of the fort, and our brother Robert had been shot while
chipping a log near the fort, it became necessary to procure
some meat for the families in the fort. Thinking the Ohio
bottoms less liable to be infested with Indians, and I
stole out of the fort at night, and paddled noiselessly down
the river to a point opposite Blannerhasset Island, where we
hid our canoe in the willows. As soon as it was light we
started in different directions to hunt for deer. I had not
gone half a mile when I saw two tall savages coming in the
direction I was going. I squatted in the high pea vines and
thick undergrowth that covered the ground while they passed
by near me but did not see me. However, they soon dis-
covered my trail, which they followed back to the canoe,
which I supposed they would watch until the owner would
come. My great concern now was the safety of my brother
George, as he not being aware of the presence of the Indians
would return to the canoe and fall a prey to them. Then I
decided on a plan to save George, which was to proceed to a
point out of sight of the Indians, hide my gun, swim across
the river, then swim to the island and watch for George's
return. This plan I fully carried out. Along in the afternoon
I heard the report of my brother's gun after which my anxiety
amounted to agony-minutes seemed hours. At length I saw
George coming out of the woods with the carcass of a deer
on his back. He looked up and down the shore, when I
got his attention and by signs and gestures got him to take
in the situation. We both regained the fort without further
trouble. When the danger was over I went with a party and
recovered my gun and the canoe.
"Another time George and I went out in search of game,
and were separated some distance, when I heard the report of
his gun, after which I heard cries of distress coming from
George. I ran to him with all the possible speed of my limbs,
and found him pinned to the earth by a large elk. I was so
