On the 18th day, Colonel Todd, Colonel Trigg, Major Harland, and myself, speedily collected one hundred and seventy-six men, well armed, and pursued the savages.  They had marched beyond the Blue Licks, to a remarkable bend of the main fork of Licking River, about forty-three miles from Lexington, where we overtook them on the 19th day.  The savages observing us, gave way; and we, being ignorant of their numbers, passed the river.  When the enemy saw our proceedings, having greatly the advantage of us in situation, they formed the line of battle from one bend of Licking to the other, about a mile from the Blue Licks.  An exceeding fierce battle immediately began, for about fifteen minutes, when we being overpowered by numbers, were obliged to retreat, with the loss of sixty-seven men, seven of whom were taken prisoners.  The brave and much-lamented Colonels Todd and Trigg, Major Harland, and my second son, were among the dead.  We were informed that the Indians, numbering their dead, found they had four killed more than we; and therefore four of the prisoners they had taken were, by general consent, ordered to be killed in a most barbarous manner by the young warriors, in order to train them up to cruelty; and then they proceeded to their towns.

On our retreat we were met by Colonel Logan, hastening to join us, with a number of well-armed men.  This powerful assistance we unfortunately wanted in the battle; for, notwithstanding the enemy’s superiority of numbers, they acknowledged that, if they had received one more fire from us, they should undoubtedly have given way.  So valiantly did our small party light, that to the memory of those who unfortunately fell in the battle, enough of honor cannot be paid.  Had Colonel Logan and his party been with us, it is highly probable we should have given the savages a total defeat.

I cannot reflect upon this dreadful scene, but sorrow fills my heart.  A zeal for the defense of their country led these heroes to the scene of action, though with a few men to attack a powerful army of experienced warriors.  When we gave way, they pursued us with the utmost eagerness, and in every quarter spread destruction.  The river was difficult to cross, and many were killed in the flight—­some just entering the river, some in the water, others after crossing, in ascending the cliffs.  Some escaped on horseback, a few on foot; and, being dispersed everywhere in a few hours, brought the melancholy news of this unfortunate battle to Lexington.  Many widows were now made.  The reader may guess what sorrow filled the hearts of the inhabitants, exceeding any thing that I am able to describe.  Being reinforced, we returned to bury the dead, and found their bodies strewed everywhere, cut and mangled in a dreadful manner.  This mournful scene exhibited a horror almost unparalleled; some torn and eaten by wild beasts; those in the river eaten by fishes; all in such a putrefied condition, that no one could be distinguished from another.