LOGAN COUNTY GENEALOGY TRAILS
News Articles
The Centinel (Gettysburg, Pennyslvania)
August 29 1810
Russelville, Ken. July 27
A late Indian engagement
A manuscript, containing the following statement, was handed the editor on Tuesday, by a gentleman from Livingston county, and he has heard it confirmed by other authority. If this should be true, we much fear that our red brethren will continue the hostility they have commenced.
As a Mr. Pryer was descending the Ohio river, with a boat load of whiskey, he was so unfortunate as to get his boat sunk in a violent storm, on the 28th ult., near Wilkonsville. When he had by his exertions regained some barrels of his whiskey, there came fifteen Mohawk Indians, and some squaws and children, in canoes, who abused Mr. Pryer, and took 12 barrels of whiskey, put it in their canoes, and descended the river. Mr. P. then returned to Fort Massack, and informed the commanding officer of the treatment he received. A sergeant and twelve men were dispatched with him, in pursuit of the Indians. They found them on the bank of the Mississippi, 20 miles above the mouth of Ohio. When the chief discovered Mr. P., he drew his knife and attempted to stab him. Mr. P. was making the best defense he could when the sergeant raised his gun and shot his antagonist, and ordered a fire on the rest – they killed four, and wounded many more. The remainder fled precipitately into the woods. This combat took place on the 13th inst. (July.)
[Submitted by Nancy Piper]