Hannah of Kentucky - James Otis |
Father says that Mr. Boone would not listen to these arguments. He insisted that a fort should be built then and there, after which the question of turning back could be discussed.
By nightfall a stockade seven feet high, with but one narrow opening, had been put up, and then the company waited, meanwhile sending out two of their number as scouts, to learn whether the Indians intended to make more trouble.
Father also said that not less than a hundred men had gone into Kentucky with, or ahead of, the road makers, and were building forts at different places; therefore when Mr. Boone believed the savages were not planning to make another attack very soon, he sent out two of the company to warn these people, hoping they would join him in a short time.
After this had been done a number of the road makers followed Mr. Boone to Otter Creek, close by the Kentucky River, and there this fort, in which mother and I are to-day, was built.
Not until the settlement of Boonesborough was well begun, and all the men from neighboring forts had met to make laws for the new colony, did Mr. Boone and father come back to us.
And now I must say "Colonel," instead of "Mister," when speaking of Jemima's father; for after the laws had been made and officers for the colony chosen, he was put in command of the settlers in Boonesborough when they should be gathered together in defense of the place.