An Honorable Soldier in General Washington's Army: Chapter 5
by Tami B.
Disclaimer: The following work has been written solely for the enjoyment of fans and not for monetary profit. The rights to the characters initially created for the Daniel Boone series belong to 20th Century Fox and Fess Parker. All other characters are of the author's own creation. No copyright violation is intended.
Not understanding, Adam said, "What's going on? What does that alarm mean?"
"Adam, gather your things. We're going to the fort. Hurry!" Daniel said with urgency.
"Yes, sir!" Adam said, scampering to get everything he brought with him from New York.
"Mingo, I'm going on to the fort. You help my family," Daniel ordered.
"Of course, Daniel," Mingo said, thinking nothing of Daniel leaving him to see to the safety of his family reaching the fort.
Daniel ran to the fort as Mingo went to assist Rebecca with their necessary items. When they had gathered all they needed, Mingo led them to the fort.
In the meantime, Daniel had reached the fort and ran to the tavern. There was already a crowd forming. Cincinnatus met him and began to explain why the alarm was sounded. "Dan'l, a hunter from Harrodsburg was way up north of the Ohio River when he spotted a large Shawnee war party making their way towards the settlements. He warned us first then left for Harrodsburg."
"How far away are they?" Daniel asked.
"Two days," Cincinnatus said. "We're stocked up on powder and supplies so we can hold out for sometime."
"Hopefully, it won't come to that," Daniel said. "When Mingo gets here, he and I are going to meet this war party."
"Dan'l, that's foolishness. If they're bent on war, you and Mingo aren't going to be able to stop 'em," Cincinnatus argued.
"It has to be attempted," Daniel explained, wanting to avert a war at almost any cost.
"You'll need to take more men than just Mingo," Cincinnatus said.
Daniel shook his head. "The men are needed here to defend the fort in case I fail. No doubt the British have got them stirred up."
"Too bad they don't show themselves. We'd let our resident regular go after 'em," Cincinnatus said, speaking of Adam.
"They won't. They've got the Shawnees to do their bidding for them," Daniel concluded.
Mingo, Adam, and the rest of the Boones arrived. Daniel immediately met them. "Shawnees from across the Ohio are on the warpath. Mingo and I are going to try to stop them before they attack the fort," Daniel quickly explained. "Adam, you'll stay here and do what you can to defend the settlement."
"Yes, sir. You can count on me," Adam said with confidence, deciding that Daniel had his mind made up and any mention of his orders to protect the influential frontiersman would not persuade him in the least to be allowed to carry out those orders.
"Dan, I know you'll be cautious just..." Rebecca said, before her thought trailed off.
"Becky, I'll come back whole and with any good fortune the Shawnees will be returning to their village with their tails tucked between their legs," Daniel promised her then gently kissed her. He hugged his daughter and son.
"You can whup the Shawnees, Pa," Israel said with complete faith in his father.
Daniel smiled and ruffled the boy's hair. Then Daniel and Mingo disappeared into the woods to confront a war party. In his mind, Daniel was convinced that he and Mingo could persuade the Shawnees not to attack the fort, but he wasn't sure just yet how that was to be accomplished. As in the past, inspiration would strike him when it was needed the most.
By late afternoon, everyone had found shelter whether in the empty cabins, in the occupied ones or in tents in the courtyard. Most of the men kept watch by pacing along the walls. All was quiet and that was just the way they liked it.
Israel quickly climbed the ladder to join Cincinnatus, Adam, and Caleb Rand, the blacksmith, as they patrolled.
"Hello, Israel," Adam greeted and the others followed suit.
"Mr. Rand, Mrs. Rand needs your help with Andy," Israel said.
Caleb looked dismayed as he began descending the ladder. "That means my boy has gotten himself into some sort of trouble."
"Israel, is your ma all settled in?" Cincinnatus asked.
"I guess," Israel answered. "Stayin' with Andy would be funner if Ma and 'Mima weren't there. Ma's always tellin' me to behave and 'Mima says the same thing."
"The point is you get to stay with Andy," Adam concluded.
"I see somethin', boys! Look yonder!" an observer yelled out and all eyes followed his pointed finger.
Forms of people could be seen walking in the woods, but it wasn't clear what kind of people they were. One appeared to stumble and fall then get up and start walking again. They came into a clearing and it become obvious as to their identity.
"That's the Greenes!" Cincinnatus shouted.
"I'll help them!" Adam said eagerly as he shouldered his rifle, came down the ladder and out the already opened gate. He sprinted towards the family of six. When he reached them, he picked up the two children that had been walking and were only three and four years old. The parents carried their babies and each bore a pack on their back. Together they moved quickly to the fort.
"I reckon the Greenes got a late start comin' to the fort," Israel observed.
As the Greene family and Adam came through the gate, the women gathered to take care of the newly arrived family. Adam gave the children he held to two of the women then turned to resume his patrol on the wall. Bounding up the ladder, Adam took his station beside Cincinnatus. Gripping his rifle firmly, Adam stood ready for any threat. "What were we talking about?" he asked.
"It doesn't matter now," Israel said then turned to other concerns. "You can sure run fast, Adam."
"Being fleet of foot is an advantage when fleeing from Redcoats," Adam said with a laugh referring to situations when that became necessary in order to survive.
"And Injuns," Israel added. "I reckon Mr. Rand is done bawlin' out Andy so we can play again. See ya." Israel made for the Rand cabin on the run.
Smiling, Adam said, "That Israel is a great kid."
"He certainly is," Cincinnatus agreed.
"I hope God gives me a boy like that someday," Adam said.
"You couldn't ask for much better," Cincinnatus said. "When are you expecting?"
"I beg your pardon," Adam said, confused.
"When are you expecting to have this boy?" Cincinnatus said.
Chuckling, Adam said, "Sometime after I'm properly married, of course."
"I figured that, smarty pants" Cincinnatus said with annoyance. "Never mind. Let's change the subject."
"All right. Tell me about the trading business," Adam suggested, knowing Cincinnatus would love to talk about his occupation which he did with enthusiasm. Adam didn't mind for it made the rest of the afternoon and into the evening to pass quickly
The arrival of darkness found Daniel and Mingo huddled in a dry gully preparing to rest for the night. They had traveled swiftly and mostly in silence. Daniel planned to meet the war party tomorrow still with no clear idea how to achieve his objection. They began to talk quietly just in case the Shawnees were closer than what had been reported.
"You do realize we will be walking into the lion's den and those Shawnees have exceptionally sharp teeth," Mingo said.
"Turn back, if you like, but I recall another man named Daniel who was thrown into the lion's den and it turned out all right for him," Daniel said encouragingly and lighthearted.
"He had no choice in the matter. We do," Mingo commented. "However, I will accompany you because I am greatly intrigued as to how you're going to send that war party into retreat."
"I'm curious about that as well," Daniel said. "By the way, thank you for seeing that my family got to the fort."
"That's what friends are for," Mingo said. "When you suggested we go hunting, it wasn't Shawnees I had in mind. You must learn to be more specific."
"I'll work on that," Daniel said. "When this is over, we'll reschedule that hunting trip. This time it will be for meat for the table. Better?"
Mingo nodded his head in approval. "I am impressed now. Make me more so tomorrow."
"I won't let you down," Daniel promised, "whether I succeed or fail."
"For the sake of the settlers, we better succeed," Mingo said.
Daniel settled in, closed his eyes, and pushed his coonskin cap to his nose. "Sweet dreams, Mingo. They may be your last," he said in jest.
Mingo snorted and hoped his dreams indeed were pleasurable.
Dawn broke across the eastern Kentucky sky showering it with colors radiating in reds, yellows, and oranges. From his perch, Adam watched a new day begin. Silently, he prayed for the safety of Daniel and Mingo, that their mission would succeed, and for the protection of the settlers. As usual when faced with what might be a soon to come battle, he asked God to grant him courage. With a heart filled with thanksgiving, he concluded his prayer and watched as the settlement came alive again.
Cincinnatus stirred next to Adam who helped the older man to his feet. He stretched the kinks out of his body. "Sleeping on hard wood is my last choice for a cozy bed," he said then he looked into Adam's sleepy eyes remembering he had stayed awake all night so Cincinnatus could sleep uninterrupted unless there came an Indian attack. "I'll fetch you some breakfast and then you get some sleep, Corporal," Cincinnatus suggested.
"I'm not hungry, but slumbering sounds inviting," Adam said. "I'll just curl up in a corner." He did just that and was soon asleep with his rifle cradled against his chest.
Cincinnatus and Caleb began to talk among themselves when Rebecca emerged from the Rand cabin. She deftly mounted the ladder and joined the men. "Breakfast is ready, gentlemen, if you care to indulge," she announced quietly.
"Go ahead, Caleb," Cincinnatus said. "I'll eat when you come back."
"Don't have to tell me twice," Caleb said as he hurriedly made for his cabin.
With a glance at Adam, she asked, "Should Adam be awakened?"
"He just went to sleep after staying up all night," Cincinnatus said. "He volunteered to keep watch the whole night so I could sleep. That's one fine boy."
"Don't have to tell me that twice," Rebecca said, mimicking Caleb which caused Cincinnatus to chuckle. She then stepped closer to the wall, placed in her hands around the points of the logs, and stared out into the distance.
Knowing exactly what she must be thinking, Cincinnatus stepped towards her, "He'll be back, Becky. Dan'l ain't never lied to us yet and he ain't goin' to start now."
"Dan does what he says he'll do," Rebecca said, "but I fear one day he'll come across something that he can't outwit or outfight."
"That won't be today," Cincinnatus said, confidently. "And most likely never. Sure Dan'l gets into some tight situations, but he always comes out of 'em. He leads a charmed life."
"I haven't been married to him all these years and not know that," Rebecca said. "I just can't help but worry about him."
"I reckon that makes the homecomin's more enjoyable," Cincinnatus said with a chortle.
"That's not something a lady should speak of," Rebecca said. "Cincinnatus, thank you for making me feel better. You are a fine gentleman yourself," she stated, patting his arm then she descended the ladder to bury her concern for her husband by working.
Daniel and Mingo encountered the war party from their hiding place in the woods, a long way from the gully where they spent the night. The Indians rested in a clearing as the leader strutted about giving orders. He was young for leading such a force of two hundred or so. Neither Daniel nor Mingo knew who he was.
"The British are responsible for this war party. Look at those muskets and clothing," Daniel whispered, seeing the British muskets and scarlet coats some of the warriors were sporting.
"General Washington was right about one thing. The British are stirring up the Indians but not from the locals," Mingo said. "What do we do now?"
"I'll let you know when I work out all the details," Daniel said.
Mingo snorted. "You haven't a clue what you're going to do."
Just then the Indians were on the move. When all of them had passed, Daniel and Mingo discreetly followed them for some time, ever watchful for the rear guard. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw movement and quickly took a defensive posture. Then the Wyandot chief showed himself. Approaching him, Daniel said, "We meet again. Have you come to help fight the Shawnees?"
The chief nodded. "I said we would keep the peace. All the other tribes are here as well. We will surround them and make them regret they came to break the peace."
Smiling, Daniel said, "This will be a day of victory for all who live in Kentucky."
The chief resumed his advance towards the unsuspecting Shawnees as Daniel and Mingo joined them. Unaware that all the tribes had joined in this effort to rid Kentucky of these Shawnee, Daniel, nevertheless, played it off as if he knew they were expected.
"Daniel, I don't know how you do it. When placed in the lions den, you just bring out more and bigger lions to devour them," Mingo commented.
"Never underestimate the power of peace," Daniel said.
"I won't. These Shawnees are already defeated and they don't know it," Mingo said.
With the Shawnees surrounded, the battle began. Arrows and lead balls flew. With a force as mighty as the combined tribes and Daniel Boone, the Shawnees were routed in short order. The combined force continued to attack the fleeing Shawnees as insurance that they knew they were totally and absolutely defeated. Convinced that the Shawnees were in retreat, Daniel and Mingo thanked the leaders of the tribes and then he and Mingo made their way to the fort.
The wrestling match in the center of the fort held the interest of almost all of the present occupants. The contest was between Israel and Andy Rand who wrestled each other with abandon. Their determination and passion was contagious as the observers cheered wildly.
Standing at his station, Adam watched the boys with Jemima at his side. "Disgusting," he uttered derisively.
"You object to wrestling?" Jemima asked incredulously.
"It's not the contest I have a problem with. It's the fact that those little boys wrestle infinitely better than I do!" Adam stated.
Jemima laughed then said, "I'm sure you have other gifts that far outweigh your lack of wrestling talent."
"I do, but I'm not one to brag," Adam said. "I'd rather complain about my weaknesses." Turning his attention to the woods, Adam surveyed the area. Was that feathers he saw moving below the tree line? Intently staring until he could precisely determine what it was he was looking at, Adam never let up on his vigil. Finally, the feathers came out into the open for a few moments and attached to them was a head, an Indian head. "Turn out! Turn out!" Adam yelled above the crowd noise to the once cheering settlers. "I've spied Indians!"
Everyone scrambled into positions. The men to the walls, the women to their stations to load rifles, and the children into protected areas in the fort. Jemima joined Rebecca to help the other women.
"Where are they?" Cincinnatus asked Adam as he ascended the ladder.
Adam pointed in the direction he saw the feathers. Cincinnatus and the rest of the men followed and they too saw the advancing war party. There weren't many and Cincinnatus felt certain they could handle them.
"Fire when they get into range!" Cincinnatus ordered.
With loud whooping, the Indians emerged from the woods and charged the fort. Adam aimed his rifle at an Indian in his line of sight. When he was sure of a good shot, Adam squeezed the trigger. The Indian pitched over with a lead ball embedded in his heart. Quickly accepting another rifle, Adam prepared to dispatch another Indian in defense of the settlement and then did so. He concentrated on defending the settlers and nothing else.
Cincinnatus who was standing next to Adam was doing the same. "Ain't hardly enough of 'em to make our efforts worthwhile," he commented in jest and with a chuckle.
Noticing the haphazard fighting method of the Indians, Adam said, "They don't battle in a coordinated manner."
"They aren't Redcoats, Corporal," Caleb said. "Just keep shooting."
The Indians hadn't even made a dent in the fort's defenses. Hardly an arrow or lead ball landed in the walls or over them. Among the settlers, not one was injured. At last, the remaining few Indians fell back and appeared to be running away. The shooting stopped when they were too far out of range.
"Will they be back?" Adam asked.
"Probably not," Cincinnatus said. "If that was the entire war party, they're done. If they can't get an easy victory, they tend to give up."
"If these got past the colonel, where do you think he is?" Adam queried, thinking it was his responsibility to ensure Daniel's life is preserved so the frontier would not be robbed of his leadership and cunning. His task was considerably made more difficult when he was separated from the one he was duty bound to protect.
"I don't know," Cincinnatus admitted, "but wherever he is you can bet he's up to something."
Daniel and Mingo trotted towards the fort eager to deliver the news that with the help of the local Indians the war party retreated towards the Ohio River. From his peripheral vision, Daniel detected something. He and Mingo took refuge in some thick brush and stands of trees. The fleeing Shawnees ran past them and continued their flight north.
"Where'd they come from?" Daniel asked curiously.
"From the direction of the fort," Mingo answered. "They look to be part of the war party that should be well on their way to the Ohio River."
"These probably broke away before the main force retreated. Now they're in retreat. The settlers did their job well," Daniel said.
"And you did yours," Mingo said.
Daniel and Mingo resumed their trot but became more alert to stray Shawnees. By the time the two came in view from spotters in the fort, they didn't encounter any Indians, live ones anyway. They did notice the deceased ones.
"Dan'l's comin'!" Cincinnatus yelled out then looked for Rebecca who was in the center of the fort with Israel and Jemima. "Becky, Dan'l's comin'!"
Rebecca raced to the slightly opened gate as Daniel and Mingo stepped through. She embraced and kissed her husband then the children received their hugs. She was exceptionally pleased to find he was fine.
"I told you, Becky, I'd be back better than good," Daniel said as a reminder and then reported what the settlers were waiting to hear. "The major Shawnee war party is in retreat and so are the ones you all sent running. I'd say this is about over," Daniel said.
Loud cheers went up all around including from the lone Continental soldier still at his post. Adam marveled how well these settlers fought. True it was actually a minor skirmish but these stalwart people battled efficiently and effectively. It was an honor to fight beside them.
For safety's sake, the settlers remained behind the protective walls of the fort for a few more days until Daniel had determined the Shawnees had for certain vacated the area. Almost everyone then returned to their homes and their everyday lives once more. Some men remained for a time, including Adam, to bury the dead Shawnees together in a common grave. Thus, bringing finality to the brief siege.
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