CaldwellGenealogy.com Discussion ForumCaldwell and the Battle of Blue Licks
By:Jerry Gagnon
Date: 13:59 3/6/04 The following was taken from the history of Kentucky, Chapter XIII.AFTER THE REVOLUTION - INDIAN TROUBLES - BATTLE OF BLUE LICKS. In the midst of this warfare in the West, which gave no signs of a speedy termination, news was received of the surrender of Cornwallis in October (1781) in Yorktown. It was only natural for many to feel that as the war was fast approaching an end in the East, hostilities should soon cease in the West and the people be given a chance to develop in the pursuits of peace. But such hopes were vain and elusive; for some of the most bitter strife was yet to come, and in fact, the greatest battle of the Revolution in Kentucky was yet to be fought. That peace that came to the East was to be long deferred in the West. Before news of Cornwallis surrender had reached the British at Detroit, plans for a strong attack on Wheeling had been worked out and different commands were being concentrated, including eleven hundred Indians, the greatest number of redskins ever mustered throughout the Revolution. Word soon reached this force that Clark was preparing to attack the Indian villages, whereupon most of the Indians turned back and refused to go farther at this time on any expedition. However about 300 Indians and some rangers from Detroit, led by Captains Caldwell and McKee decided to carry out an attack against the posts in Kentucky. They crossed the Ohio in August (1782) and directed their march toward Bryant's Station the most northern of the Kentucky outposts. They attempted to take the station by surprise, but failing in this, they began preparations for a systematic siege. On the appearance of the attackers, a few swift runners had escaped to carry the alarm to the other stations and to arouse an army of deliverance. After a detetmined night attack in which the Indians used unsuccessfully every method available to burn or storm the fort, they withdrew the next morning. They left a plainly marked trail, with every indication to the untrained eye of hurried retreat and confusion but to one trained in Indian ways, plainly a ruse to lure the pursuers into a trap. Without waiting for the arrival of reinforcements who were gathering under Colonel Logan, the garrison set out in pursuit. As they approached the Licking River at the Blue Licks a few of the retreating Indians were sighted, and contrary to the advise of Boone the more impetuous hot-heads resolved to attack at once rather than await the coming of Logan's forces. Impelled by the reckless bravery of Major McGary, who leaped into the river in pursuit, a general attack was made. The Indians retreated until they had lured the Kentuckians into an ambush where they soon had them surrounded. Amidst a terrific onslaught by the red skins, the whites broke away and made a dash for life. Soon everything was confusion and turmoil as they attrempted to re-cross the river. Many were killed at this point. The Indians pursued some of the whites for twenty miles before giving up the chase. The Battle of Blue Licks was the last major Battle in the Revolution on the western frontier. ----------------------- This is the version of the Kentucky history. I don't know if I have already posted it, but I am pretty sure I have it in my papers the version of the Blue Licks Battle
Anyone who can add to or correct any of the forgoing information, please feel free to do so. Jerry Gagnon |