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SCOUTING WITH DANIEL BOONE
* * * * *
BOOKS BY THE SAME AUTHOR
THREE COLONIAL BOYS
THREE YOUNG CONTINENTALS
WASHINGTON'S YOUNG AIDS
THE BOYS OF OLD MONMOUTH
A JERSEY BOY IN THE REVOLUTION
THE RIDER OF THE BLACK HORSE
THE RED CHIEF
MARCHING AGAINST THE IROQUOIS
THE CAMP-FIRE OF MAD ANTHONY
LIGHTHORSE HARRY'S LEGION
THE YOUNG SHARPSHOOTER
TECUMSEH'S YOUNG BRAVES
THE BOY SOLDIERS OF 1812
FOUR BOYS IN THE YELLOWSTONE
FOUR BOYS IN THE YOSEMITE
WARD HILL AT WESTON
WITH FLINTLOCK AND FIFE
THE FORT IN THE FOREST
* * * * *
[Illustration: "On the August air arose the reports of many rifles and
the terrifying whoops of the Indians"]
_PIONEER SCOUT SERIES_
SCOUTING WITH DANIEL BOONE
BY EVERETT T. TOMLINSON
[Illustration: Logo]
_Illustrated by_ NORMAN ROCKWELL
GARDEN CITY NEW YORK
DOUBLEDAY, PAGE & COMPANY
1917
_Copyright, 1914, by_
THE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA
_For Boys' Life_
_Copyright, 1914, by_
EVERETT T. TOMLINSON
_All rights reserved, including that of
translation into foreign languages,
including the Scandinavian_
Preface
Perhaps not unnaturally in certain details there is a slight confusion
or divergence in the various works that recount the heroic deeds of
Daniel Boone. The men of that day were making history rather than
recording what they did. There is, however, a striking uniformity in all
the records as to the simple faith and almost fatalistic conviction of
Daniel Boone that he was called to be a pathfinder for the new nation in
America. His courage, reverence, rugged honesty, and unselfishness, his
childlike simplicity that was mixed with a certain shrewdness, at least
in his dealings with the Indians, are, however, qualities in which the
historians mostly agree.
I have cast this record into story form and have used the license of a
story-teller. I have incorporated a few adventures on the border which
strictly do not belong to this tale. Every one of them, however, is
true, and I hope will help in giving a true picture of those early and
trying days.
In the midst of it all I have placed the great scout. The qualities he
displayed are the same that are necessary for success in our day or any
day. The problems may vary from generation to generation, but the
elements of true manhood are ever the same.
I have made free use of the many historical works which portray the
character of the great scout.
First of all is the diary of Daniel Boone himself. In addition to that
fascinating story, the following works also should be read by those who
are interested in his life:
"The Adventures of Colonel Daniel Boone," by General Filson;
"Life of Boone," by Timothy Flint;
"Daniel Boone and the Hunters of Kentucky," by W. H. Bogart;
"Daniel Boone, the Pioneer of Kentucky," by J. S. C. Abbott;
"The Adventures of Daniel Boone, the Kentucky Rifleman," by the author
of "Uncle Philip's Conversations ";
"Four American Pioneers," by Frances M. Perry and Katherine Beebe.
The various publications of the Filson Club of Louisville, Kentucky,
have also been helpful. "The Siege of Bryant's Station," by the
President of the Club, Colonel Reuben Durrett, and "The Battle of Blue
Licks," by Colonel Bennett H. Young, are most interesting.
McClung's "Sketches of Western Adventure," and Strickland's "Pioneers
of the West" have provided many interesting details. The author also
gratefully acknowledges the aid he has had from some of the lineal
descendants of Boone himself.
If English boys are eager to hear about the heroic adventures of King
Arthur, Robin Hood, and other characters, in part at least legendary,
why should not American boys be equally interested in the true stories
of the rugged heroes of their own land?
There never has been a time when the development of a true patriotism
was more needed than it is to-day. Our perils and problems are not
concerned with savages and wild beasts, but they may be no less
dangerous than those which confronted our forefathers. How to meet them,
what qualities ought to be strengthened in the life of an American boy,
how best to inspire the younger generation with love and devotion for
our country, are vital questions of the present.
The author believes there is no better way of doing this than by
interesting our boys in such heroic men as Daniel Boone.
EVERETT T. TOMLINSON.
Elizabeth, New Jersey.
Contents
CHAPTER PAGE
I. IN THE WILDERNESS 3
II. HUNTER SAM 13
III. THE HUNT FOR GAME 23
IV. THE GOBBLERS 33
V. PELEG'S NEW PLACE 42
VI. SCHOOLMASTER HARGRAVE 51
VII. TWO SCOUTS 61
VIII. PELEG'S ENCOUNTER 72
IX. AT THE SPRINGS 80
X. A TERRIFIED BAND 90
XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SCHOOLMASTER 100
XII. AN ATTACK 110
XIII. THE WHITE SHAWNEE 121
XIV. THE HIDDEN CANOE 131
XV. GATHERING CLOUDS 141
XVI. CAPTIVES 151
XVII. THE PURSUIT 161
XVIII. A BAND OF SCOUTS 171
XIX. THE CAPTURE 181
XX. AN OFFER OF RELEASE 190
XXI. FLIGHT 200
XXII. THE COMING OF BLACKFISH 211
XXIII. FOUR WARRIORS AND MORE 223
XXIV. A DECOY AND AN ATTACK 233
XXV. A FIELD OF CORN 242
XXVI. THE WHITE SHAWNEE AGAIN 251
XXVII. THE STRUGGLE IN THE RAVINE 260
XXVIII. AT THE LOWER BLUE LICKS 271
XXIX. TO THE MEETING-PLACE 282
XXX. CONCLUSION 293
ILLUSTRATIONS
"On the August air arose the reports of many rifles and
the terrifying whoops of the Indians" _Frontispiece_
FACING PAGE
"'What is that?' At the question the two pioneer
boys stopped abruptly" 10
"He was a tall, lean man, quiet in his bearing, and with
every indication of self-control, as well as of strength,
stamped upon his face and form" 28
"The Indian had been able to draw his knife and
struck at her again and again while the bear held
him in one of her most fervent hugs" 76
"Boone quickly rallied his startled followers and when
the red men returned the hardy settlers were ready
and awaiting their coming" 116
"One of the men who had been stationed as a guard
was shot early in the morning" 126
"The scout, with his family, returned to Boonesborough" 220
"Silently the men crossed the ford" 276
SCOUTING WITH DANIEL BOONE
CHAPTER I
IN THE WILDERNESS
"What is that?"
At the question the two pioneer boys stopped abruptly. From within the
forest they had heard the sound of a snapping branch. The sound itself
had not been loud, but the quiet of that September day in 1773 had been
sharply broken by the slight noise from the brush. For a brief time both
boys listened intently and then one of them went back a short distance
along the trail over which the little procession had advanced, carefully
looking for signs of danger on either side.
And there was need for caution. Under the leadership of Daniel Boone
five families besides his own had been making their way slowly through
the unbroken wilderness from the settlement on the Yadkin in North
Carolina. At Powell's Valley, through which they recently had passed,
forty men had joined the little company, thereby adding greatly to its
strength, and increasing the confidence of the hardy settlers.
As the little cavalcade spread out in a long line, an advance guard of
five opened the way, while three rear guards, of two each at irregular
intervals, were stationed to prevent surprises from the hostile Indians
or attacks by the prowling beasts of prey that were wont to follow the
trail of men in the wilderness.
At this time the band was crossing Powell's Mountain, and the extreme
rear guard was made up of James, the oldest son of Daniel Boone, and his
friend, Peleg Barnes, the latter being one of the number that had been
added to the company when the settlers arrived at Powell's Valley.
Persuaded that no enemy was near, the two boys resumed their positions
and proceeded on their way.
Each boy was dressed in a hunting costume and wore leggings and fringed
trousers made from the skin of the deer. Each also was armed with a
rifle which he carried almost as naturally as if it was a part of
himself. Powder-horns and bullet-pouches were swinging from their
shoulders. It was manifest from the attitude and the manner of both
young hunters that they were familiar with the ways of the wilderness
and were alert to detect signs of the presence of friend or foe.
"I don't like that noise," suggested Peleg in a low voice. "'Tis the
second time we have heard it since we have been the rear guard to-day."
His companion smiled and did not reply, and for a time Peleg also
remained silent. He was a restless, dark-haired, muscular, and
well-grown boy, perhaps seventeen or eighteen years of age, which also
was the age of his more quiet comrade. The boys were warm friends, but
like many men of the earlier days, they were prone to silence, though
little that occurred in the nearby forest escaped their attention.
The wilderness through which they were advancing was almost untrodden.
Confidence and hope were expressed on the rugged faces of the boys,
however, for they early had learned to live in the presence of continual
danger from the prowling beasts and the hostile red men.
"I never knew a man just like your father," suggested Peleg, at last
breaking the silence.
"Neither did I," replied James Boone, with a smile that strongly lighted
up his face, as he turned to his friend.
"He never seems to think about himself. He is taking this expedition to
the land he has found because he believes it to be for our advantage for
him to do so."
"He knows it is."
"I heard him tell about the wonderful sky and soil he had found there;
and it must be worth while to go, else he would not be advising us to
leave the Yadkin and cross all these mountains into the wilderness. I
never saw such a strong man as your father is. I don't believe he has an
ounce of fat on his body. Is it true that he is having a record kept of
the places he has found and the journeys he has made?"
"It is."
"I should like much to see it. I can read writing, and if some time you
will ask him to grant me the privilege I shall want to read what he has
had written----"
Peleg stopped abruptly and grasped his companion's arm, as both boys
were startled once more by the sudden snapping of a branch apparently
only a few yards to the left. Instantly both were listening
breathlessly, and were holding their rifles in readiness, while they
peered anxiously into the brush from which the threatening sound had
come.
"I declare to you," whispered Peleg, "that there is some one following
us."
"Verily," whispered James Boone, although he did not turn away his eyes
from the forest as he spoke.
The alarm of the two young guards was not unnatural, as has been said.
On the lower slopes of the mountain great trees were growing, but as
the band of emigrants had steadily climbed, the timber diminished, and
even underbrush had become somewhat thinned. Still, on every side of the
trail there were sufficient bushes to hide the presence of an enemy that
might be following the pioneers. Both boys knew that game of many kinds
abounded in the wilderness. Many a time their skill had been tested long
before they had left their homes on the Yadkin.
That their perils would be increased as they withdrew into the region in
which the foot of no white men except Daniel Boone and his comrade had
ever trod they both were well aware. On this September day the advancing
settlers had been moving in a much longer and thinner line than had been
adopted the preceding day. The difficulties of the ascent and the
frequent great rocks in their way made their progress over the mountain
more difficult and different from the easier march through the valley on
the opposite side. Only an occasional white man had been seen since they
had left their homes, and there was constant fear of the red men, almost
all of whom were exceedingly hostile at this time and very jealous in
guarding their own domains from the incursions of the whites.
Perhaps not unnaturally most of those who were in Boone's party looked
upon the Indian as a natural enemy. Few were mindful of the fact that
the red men were but doing their utmost to defend their own homes and
retain their hunting grounds from the trespassing whites, who, they were
fearful, would soon push them from the region, unless by determined
warfare the Shawnees and other neighbouring tribes might be able to
prevent their entrance and settlement.
It was well known that the region into which Daniel Boone was leading
his company on that September day was considered by the Indians to be
the best of all their hunting grounds. There the buffalo and the deer
abounded. Wild turkeys were so numerous that the report which Daniel
Boone had brought scarcely had been credited by his friends. There were
times in the autumn when great flocks of wild pigeons sweeping through
the woods might be felled with a club by a man standing in the way of
their advance. It is true that where so much game was found dangerous
animals also abounded. The panther and bear were much in evidence, and
prowling wolves often made the night hideous with their weird and
terrifying howls.
There was no one in the advancing company who did not fully understand
what the cost of seeking and making a new home in the wilderness was
likely to be. Doubtless some would fall victims to the cunning of the
hostile red men. Others were certain to lose their lives in attacks by
the treacherous panther, the deadliest four-footed foe of the white men
in the new world.
When the two young pioneers, who formed the rear guard of the slowly
moving procession, resumed their advance, both were silent for a time
and keenly observant of the woods on either side of the trail left by
those who had preceded them. In places the autumn foliage already was
tinted with scarlet or gold. The soft air of the September day became
slightly cooler as the party steadily approached the higher regions of
Powell's Mountain.
In the midst of such surroundings it was impossible for the young
hunters long to retain their anxiety, though neither ceased his keen
watchfulness.
"How old is your father?" inquired Peleg at last.
"About forty."
"I wish much to hear him tell of his adventures in this land which he
says the Indian calls Kantuckee. Do you know what that word means?"
"No."
"Do you think your father is fearful the redskins may attack us before
we come to the Licks, where he affirms he will make our settlement?"
"You must ask him," replied young Boone. "I do not believe he thinks
that we or any other band of settlers will ever build a home in such a
country as he has found without having to fight for it. Peleg, I have
almost decided that one never gets anything worth having without having
to fight some kind of a battle."
"That is surely so," replied Peleg, laughing softly as he spoke. "I
shall never forget how Schoolmaster Hargrave had to fight to teach me to
use a quill. The letters somehow would not come, not even when he set
his best copy for me. He told me one day that they looked like a
whirlwind in distress. I was minded several times to give up the whole
attempt, but he told me to fight on, and now I am glad that I did."
"I am told that the schoolmaster later expects to come where we are
going."
"So I have heard. I hope he will leave his ferrule behind. Whew! My
knuckles ache now with the mention! Still _he_ seemed to get some
pleasure out of it, but----"
Peleg stopped suddenly as a faint cry was heard far in their rear. It
was a sound not unlike that made by a child in distress. Weird,
pathetic, startling as it was, neither of the boys was for a moment
unaware of its meaning. It was the cry of a panther far in the distance.
[Illustration: "'What is that?' At the question the two pioneer boys
stopped abruptly"]
And panthers not infrequently hunted in pairs. It might be possible that
two of the treacherous creatures had been following the slowly moving
caravan, for slow-moving it was indeed. The children and women were
carried on the backs of the horses. The few heavy wagons were dragged
with difficulty over the rough ground, and many a time the entire band
was compelled to halt while the men felled a tree which blocked their
advance.
"I tell you," said Peleg in a whisper, "that sound we heard before was
made by a painter."
"It may be true."
"Will you stay here while I go back over the trail a little way to see
if I can find any signs of the varmints? It is yet too light for them to
attack us, but I should like to know if there is a pair on our trail."
"Do not go far," said James Boone hesitatingly.
"You may be sure that I shall not be over-venturesome. I shall return
directly."
In a moment Peleg disappeared from the sight of his companion as he
lightly and yet swiftly sped back over the way by which they had come.
Left alone, young Boone seated himself upon a fallen tree and awaited
the return of his companion. Holding his rifle lightly in his hands
after he had carefully looked to its priming, he was keenly observant of
all about him. He had been disturbed more than he had acknowledged to
Peleg by the sounds which they had heard. He had known of instances in
which a panther had trailed a man for many hours. The conjecture of
Peleg that a pair of the hated beasts might be following the slowly
moving settlers was not improbable.
As the moments passed the anxiety of the young hunter for his companion
increased. No sound to alarm him had broken in upon the silence, and yet
somehow the son of the great pioneer scout was anxious for his friend.
Rising from his seat he ran swiftly in the direction in which Peleg had
gone. In a few moments he discovered his friend standing beneath a
spreading chestnut and holding his gun in such a manner that it was
manifest that he had heard some sound to alarm him. A huge panther
crouched upon the limb of the chestnut tree, almost directly above the
place where Peleg was standing.