The fort being finished, Boone returned to his family, and soon after removed them to this first garrison of Kentucky.  The purpose on which his heart had so long been set, was now accomplished.  His wife and daughters were the first white women that ever stood on the banks of Kentucky river.  In our zeal to blazon our subject, it is not affirmed, that Boone was absolutely the first discoverer and explorer of Kentucky, for he was not.  But the high meed of being the first actual settler and cultivator of the soil, cannot be denied him.  It was the pleasant season of the close of summer and commencement of autumn, when the immigrants would see their new residence in the best light.  Many of its actual inconveniences were withheld from observation, as the mildness of the air precluded the necessity of tight dwellings.  Arrangements were made for cultivating a field in the coming spring.  The Indians, although far from friendly, did not attempt any immediate assault upon their new neighbors, and the first events of the settlement were decidedly fortunate.  The game in the woods was an unfailing resource for food.  The supplies brought from their former homes by the immigrants were not yet exhausted, and things went on in their usual train, with the added advantage, that over all, in their new home, was spread the charm of novelty.

Winter came and passed with as little discomfort to the inmates of the garrison as could be expected from the circumstances of their position.  The cabins were thoroughly daubed, and fuel was of course abundant.  It is true, those who felled the trees were compelled to be constantly on their guard, lest a red man should take aim at them from the shelter of some one of the forest hiding places.  But they were fitted for this way of getting along by their training, natures, and predilections.  There was no want of excitement during the day, or even night—­nothing of the wearying monotony to which a life of safe and regular occupation is subject.  Spring opened.  The trees were girdled, and the brush cut down and burned, preparatory to ploughing the field.  A garden spot was marked off, the virgin earth thrown up and softened, and then given in charge to the wives and daughters of the establishment.  They brought out their stock of seeds, gathered in the old settlements, and every bright day saw them engaged in the light and healthful occupation of planting them.  They were protected by the vicinity of their husbands and fathers, and in turn cheered them in their severer labors.  The Indians had forborne any attacks upon the settlers so long, that, as is naturally the case, they had ceased in a degree to dwell upon the danger always to be apprehended from them.  The men did not fail to take their rifles and knives with them whenever they went abroad; but the women ventured occasionally a short distance without the palisades during the day, never, however, losing sight of the fort.  This temerity was destined to cost them dear.