precaution, he executed several surveys in the vicinity of the falls; and thence extended his researches to the river, since called Salt river; from the salt lick thereon; which he surveyed --and that, after him, was called Bullett's lick. His knowledge of the country confirmed the more, his determination to settle in it; and he hastened back to his friends, that he might the better equip himself with such things as were necessary, or would conduce to the main design: intending to return and reduce it to immediate execution. But he was unfortunately prevented from accomplishing his purpose, by sickness, and untimely death. Otherwise, from the spirit-intelligenceand enterprise of Captain Bullett, there is reason to infer that he would have been one among the first settlers, and the dis tinguished leader of that description of men.

A few facts, characteristic of Captain Bullett, will fully authorize this conclusion. And as they are connected with the subjects of this history, they will be inserted.

On his way to Kentucky, Bullett, made a visit to Chillicothe, a Shawanee town, to hold a friendly talk with those Indians, on the subject of his intended settlement; and for the particular purpose of obtaining their assent to the measure. He knew they claimed the right of hunting in the countrya right,, to them, of the utmost importance, and which they had not relinquished. He also knew they were brave, and indefatigable; and that if they were so disposed, could greatly annoy the inhabitants of the intended settlement. It was therefore, a primary object in his estimation to obtain their consent to his projected residence, and cultivation of the lands. To accomplish this, he left his party on the Ohio, and travelled out to the town unattended, and without announcing his approach by a runner. He was not discovered until he got into the midst of Chillicothe, when he waved his white flag as a token of peace. The Indians saw with astonishment a stranger among them in the character of ambassador, for such he assumed by the flag, and without any intimation of his intended visit. Some of them collected about him, and asked him, What news? Was he from the Long Knife? and why, if he was an ambassador, he had not sent a runner?.

Bullett, not in the least intimidated, replied, that he had no bad news-he was from the Long Knife-and as the red men, and white men, were at peace, he had come among his brothers to have a friendly talk, with them, about living on the other side of the Ohio:-that he had no runner swifter than himself; and that he was in haste, and could not wait the return of a runner. Would you, said he, if you were very hungry, and had killed a deer, send your squaw to town to tell the news, and wait her return before you eat? This put the by-standers in high good humour; and gave them a favourable opinion of their interlocutor. And upon his desiring that the warriors should be called together, they were forthwith convened; and he promptly addressed them in the following speech, extracted from his journal:

"BROTHERS:

"I am sent by my people, whom I left on the Ohio, to settle the country on the other side of that river, as low down as the falls. We come from Virginia. The King of my people has bought from the nations of red men, both north and south, all the land: and I am instructed to inform you, and all the warriors of this great country, that the Virginians, and the English, are in friendship with you. This friendship is dear to them, and they intend to preserve it sacred. The same friendship they expect from you, and from all the nations to the lakes. We know that the Shawanees, and the Delawares, are to be our nearest neighbours; and we wish them ɩ be our best friends-as we will be theirs.

"Brothers: You did not get any of the money, or blankets, given for the land, which I, and my people are going to settle. This was hard for you. But it is agreed by the great men who own the land, that they will make a present, to both the Delawares, and the Shawanees, the next year-and the year following, that shall be as good.

"Brothers: I am appointed to settle the country, to live in it-to raise corn-and to make proper rules, and regulations, among my people. There will be some principal men, from my country, very soon; and then much more will be said to

you. The Governor desires to see you, and will come out this year, or the next. When I come again, I will have a belt of wampum. This time, I came in haste, and had not one ready.

"My people only want the country, to settle, and cultivate. They will have no objection to your hunting, and trapping there. I hope you will live by us as brothers and friends.

"You now know my heart; and as it is single towards you, I expect you will give me a kind talk. For I shall write to my Governor, what you say to me, and he will believe all I write." This speech was received with attention-and Bullett, was told, that the next day, he should be answered.

The Indians are in the habit of proceeding with great deliberation, in matters of importance and all are such to them, which concern their hunting.

On the morrow, agreeably to promise, they were assembled at the same place, and Bullett being present, they returned an answer to his speech. It follows:

"OLDEST BROTHER-the Long Knife:

"We heard you would be glad to see your brothers, the Shawanees, and Delawares, and talk with them. But we are surprised that you sent no runner before you---and that you came quite near us through the trees and grass, a hard journey, without letting us know, until you appeared among us.

"Brother: We have considered your talk carefully; and we are made glad to find nothing bad in it--nor any ill meaning. On the contrary, you speak what seems kind, and friendly; and it pleased us well. You mentioned to us, your intention of settling the country on the other side of the Ohio, with your people. And we are particularly pleased, that they are not to disturb us in our hunting. For we must hunt, to kill meat for our women and children; and to have something to buy our powder and lead with, and to get us blankets and clothing.

“All our young brothers are pleased with what you said. We desire that you will be strong in fulfilling your promises towards us--as we are determined to be very straight, in advising our young men to be kind, and peaceable to you.

"This spring we saw something wrong on the part of our young men. They took some horses from the white people. But we have advised them not to do so again; and have cleaned their hearts of all bad intentions. We expect, they will observe our advice, as they like what you said."

This speech, delivered by GIRTY,-was interpreted by Richard Butler. Who, during the stay of Captain Bullett, bad made him, his guest, and otherwise treated him, in the most friendly manner. But having executed his mission, very much to his own satisfaction, Bullett took his leave, and rejoined his party; who were much rejoiced to see him return, He made report of his progress, and success--and his com rades, with light hearts, and high expectations, launched their keels on the stream-which conveyed them to the shore of Kentucky, and a landing; as before related.

In this simple negotiation, where there seems to have been, no guile intended, and harldly room for any; it is apparent, that the Indians were mistaken, or else dissembled their knowledge of the consequences of settling the country. For they appear to admit the correctness of the idea suggested by Bullett, that the intended settlement would not interrupt their hunting, or trapping. Yet no two things could be more inconsistent. It is altogether probable, that Captain Bullett himself, did not coneive that the settlements about to be made, would, within any short period, have the effect to destroy the game; and thereby render hunting, and trapping, a mere labour, without profit--and a privilege, without emolument. The Indians, however, could not complain of deception; for they could but know the consequences of white men settling, and cultivating a region, previously uncultivated, and stocked with game. Nor would it be candid to accuse them of concealing an intention of hostility, in the implied assent to Bullett's settling the lands. Sensible they must have been, that the new population, would, so soon as introduced, bring many, and various subjects of depredation, within their reach.-Nevertheless it is believed, that the game which abounded, and promised, perpetual supply, was the first object in their

estimation. Doubtless the number of emigrants, which in few years filled the country, deceived them, and also Captain Bullett, by transcending their most enlarged anticipations.. Yet, it is thought, that the hostility which took place at so short a period afterwards, ought not in anywise to be imputed to any misunderstanding of these parties.

The fact is, that in the very next year, some men by the name of Greathouse, and Cressup, on the Ohio, below Wheeling, and about Grave creek, and Yellow creek, in a most wanton, and barbarous manner, killed a number of peaceable Indians; which brought on the war of 1774,

But had this not been the case, a war in the course of events, and from the condition, and habits of the Indians, must soon have taken place. For, had not the contest with Great Britain, commenced as it did, yet, when it is considered, that the Indians are prone to violence and depredation-that they could but see with the utmost aversion, their principal hunting ground occupied by an ancient enemy-that tempting objects. for gratifying their propensity for blood, were presented to their easy prey that the game was diminishing, and rendered difficult of attainment-all these, combined with the alarming apprehension of losing their hunting ground, would have produced a war, at no distant period. But when, to these considerations, are added the speedy rupture with Great Britain, and influence of the crown, by means of the posts on the lakes, a war with the Indians, was inevitable-let the talk with Captain Bullett, have been what it might.

These circumstances were not then foreseen; and considering his condition, and views, he certainly took a very judicious. measure, in making the visit, and explaining his intentions, for going into Kentucky-and at the same time, gratified his own sense of propriety.

Other instances of spirit, fortitude, and judgment, in the conduct of Captain Bullett, could be given, of an exalted character--but they are omitted here, as more properly be longing to the history of Virginia.