“I am, sir, your most obedient,

“DANIEL BOONE.

“N.B.—­We stood on the ground and guarded our baggage till day, and lost nothing.  We have about fifteen miles to Cantuck, at Otter Creek.”

Colonel Henderson was one of the most remarkable men of his time.  He was born in Hanover County, Virginia, April 20th, 1735, the same year with Boone.  He studied law, and was appointed judge of the Superior Court of North Carolina under the Colonial government.  The troubled times of the Regulators shut up the courts of justice.  In 1774 he engaged in his grand scheme of founding the republic of Transylvania, and united with him John Williams, Leonard Hendly Bullock, of Granville; William Johnston, James Hogg, Thomas Hart, John Lutterell, Nathaniel Hart, and David Hart, of Orange County, in the company which made the purchase of the immense tract of lands above referred to.

The company took possession of the lands on the 20th of April, 1775; the Indians appointing an agent to deliver them according to law.

The Governor of North Carolina, Martin, issued his proclamation in 1775, declaring this purchase illegal.  The State subsequently granted 200,000 acres to the company in lieu of this.

The State of Virginia declared the same, but granted the company a remuneration of 200,000 acres, bounded by the Ohio and Green rivers.  The State of Tennessee claimed the lands, but made a similar grant to the company in Powell’s Valley.  Thus, though the original scheme of founding an independent republic failed, the company made their fortunes by the speculation.  Henderson died at his seat in Granville, January 30, 1785, universally beloved and respected.

What makes Henderson and his company particularly interesting to the admirers of Daniel Boone is, the strong probability that the purchase of the Cherokees was made on his representation and by his advice.  This is the opinion of Judge Hall and of Mr. Peck, who also believe that Boone was already in the service of Henderson when he made his long journey to Kentucky.  “This theory,” says Mr. Peck, “explains why his brother, Squire Boone, came out with supplies, and why they examined the country so fully and particularly between the Kentucky and Cumberland rivers.”

[Footnote 22:  Gallagher.]

[Footnote 23:  Gallagher.]

CHAPTER IX.

Description of the Old Fort at Boonesborough—­Usual methods of fortification against the Indians—­Arrival of more settlers at Boonesborough—­Captain Boone returns to the Clinch River to bring out his family—­He enlists new emigrants and starts for Kentucky—­Reinforced by a large party at Powell’s Valley—­Arrival at Boonesborough—­Arrival of many new settlers at Boonesborough and Harrod’s settlement—­Arrival of Kenton, Floyd, the McAfees, and other distinguished persons—­Arrival of Colonel Richard Callaway.