[Footnote A:  Anthony Shane.]

In the month of March, 1792, some horses were stolen by the Indians, from the settlements in Mason county, Kentucky.  A party of whites to the number of thirty-six, was immediately raised for the purpose of pursuing them.  It embraced Kenton, Whiteman, M’Intire, Downing, Washburn, Calvin and several other experienced woodsmen.  The first named, Simon Kenton, a distinguished Indian fighter, was placed in command.  The trail of the Indians being taken, it was found they had crossed the Ohio just below the mouth of Lee’s creek, which was reached by the pursuing party towards evening.  Having prepared rafts, they crossed the Ohio that night, and encamped.  Early next morning the trail was again taken and pursued, on a north course, all day, the weather being bad and the ground wet.  On the ensuing morning twelve of the men were unable to continue the pursuit, and were permitted to return.  The remainder followed the trail until eleven o’clock, A.M., when a bell was heard, which they supposed indicated their approach to the Indian camp.  A halt was called, and all useless baggage and clothing laid aside.  Whiteman and two others were sent ahead as spies, in different directions, each being followed by a detachment of the party.  After moving forward some distance, it was found that the bell was approaching them.  They halted and soon perceived a solitary Indian riding towards them.  When within one hundred and fifty yards, he was fired at and killed.  Kenton directed the spies to proceed, being now satisfied that the camp of the Indians was near at hand.  They pushed on rapidly, and after going about four miles, found the Indians encamped, on the south-east side of the east fork of the Little Miami, a few miles above the place where the town of Williamsburg has since been built.  The indications of a considerable body of Indians were so strong, that the expediency of an attack at that hour of the day was doubted by Kenton.  A hurried council was held, in which it was determined to retire, if it could be done without discovery, and lie concealed until night, and then assault the camp.  This plan was carried into execution.  Two of the spies were left to watch the Indians, and ascertain whether the pursuing party had been discovered.  The others retreated for some distance and took a commanding position on a ridge.  The spies watched until night, and then reported to their commander, that they had not been discovered by the enemy.  The men being wet and cold, they were now marched down into a hollow, where they kindled fires, dried their clothes, and put their rifles in order.  The party was then divided into three detachments,—­Kenton commanding the right, M’Intire the centre, and Downing the left.  By agreement, the three divisions were to move towards the camp, simultaneously, and when they had approached as near as possible, without giving an alarm, were to be guided in the commencement of the attack, by