[for the Richmond Dispatch.]
Old Kentucky.
Bristol, July 18, 1861.
Mr. Dispatch:--I was to-day looking over the history of Kentucky, and read with feelings of great emotion the defence of Boonsborough by Daniel Boone and his brave followers, August, 1778. I must quote one page of it to refresh your memory also, and should the eye of any Kentuckian rest on this page, let him pause and remember that now a moment has arrived in his history as momentous as the one now alluded to: ‘"It was on the 8th of August, that, with British and French flags flying,* the dusky army gathered around the little fortress of logs, defended by its inconsiderable garrison.
Captain Duquesne, on behalf of his Majesty King George III, summoned Captain Boone to surrender.--It was as Daniel had acknowledged in his journal, a critical period for him and his friends.
Should they yield, what mercy could they look for; should they refuse to yield, what hope of successful resistance; besides their cattle were in the woods, and they would need them to sustain a slege.
Daniel pondered the matter, and concluded it would be safe to ask for two days consideration.
It was granted, and he drove in his cattle.
The evening of the 9th soon arrived, and he must say one thing or another.
So he politely thanked the representative of his gracious Majesty for giving the garrison time to prepare for their defence, and announced their determination to fight.
The British officers professed so much apparently sincere regret for this resolution that Daniel was induced after all to come to a negotiation.
It was to take place immediately beyond the walls of the fort, between nine of the garrison and a party of the enemy.
To guard against treachery, the sharp- shooters stood upon the walls ready to defend their friends.--The treaty was made and signed, and then the Indians, saying it was their custom for two of them to shake hands with every white man when a treaty was made, expressed a wish to press the palms of their new allies.
Boone and his comrades felt rather queer at this proposal, but thought it safer to accede; so they presented each his hand.
As anticipated, the warriors seized them with rough and fierce eagerness.
The whites drew back, struggling.
The treachery was apparent.--The rifle balls from the garrison struck down the foremost of the assailants of the little band, and, amid a fire from friends and foes, Boone and his fellows bounded pack into the station unhurt.
The 'treaty trick' having thus falled, Capt. Duquesne opened a fire which lasted ten days, though to no purpose, for the woodsmen were determined not to yield.
On the 20th of August the Indians were forced to retire, having lost thirty-seven of their number, and wasted a vast amount of powder and lead.
The garrison picked up, after their departure, one hundred and twenty-five pounds of their bullets. "’
Such is the account.
It was amid such scenes as this that the foundation of the State of Kentucky was laid, by a mere handful of high-spirited men. Mr. Dispatch, I cannot believe that the good old stock is extinct.
No. sir; the spirit of Daniel Boone is yet abroad in the land; his brave acts (though his bones sleep in her dust,) yet speak in thunder tones to Kentucky's sons, ‘"Down with the oppressor — strike for liberty."’ I know if that brave old woodsman could arise form his tomb he would say to Kentucky's sons, speak no more of neutrality! shoulder your rifles; the 9th has arrived; we will fight; yea, we will defend the State.
Oh, Kentuckians — brave descendants of Daniel Boone — the eyes of your second enemies, the eyes of angels, friends and your and the eye of God are noting your acts.
May you live to ga the wasted balls of your enemies and removed them for the defence of old Kentucky.
Julia.
With a body of Indians. 