The defeat of the British forces left this section of the English colonies at the mercy of both the French and their savage Indian allies, and for two years, despite all that Washington and other colonial leaders could do, every isolated cabin and every small settlement west of Winchester was in constant danger, and numerous raids were made, savage and brutal in the extreme, and these were kept up until the arrival of General Forbes, who, aided by Washington and others, finally compelled the French to abandon Fort Duquesne, and thus restored peace and order to a frontier covering a distance of several hundred miles.
Following General Forbes's success at Fort Duquesne (now the enterprising city of Pittsburg), came English successes in other quarters, not the least of which was the capture of Fort Niagara, standing on the east bank of the Niagara River, where that stream flows into Lake Ontario. This fort was of vast importance to the French, for it guarded the way through the lakes and down the mighty Mississippi to their Louisiana territory. In the expedition against Fort Niagara both David and Henry Morris take an active part, and as brave young soldiers endeavor to do their duty fully and fearlessly.
In the preparation of the historical portions of this work the author has endeavored to be as accurate as possible. This has been no easy task, for upon many points American, English, and French historians have differed greatly in their statements. However, it is hoped that the tale is at least as accurate as the average history, giving as it does statements from all sides.
Again thanking the many readers who have taken such an interest in my previous works, I place this volume in their hands, trusting they will find it not only entertaining but likewise full of instruction and inspiration.
Edward Stratemeyer.
Independence Day, 1902.
CONTENTS
[PREFACE]
[CHAPTER I. In the Forest]
[CHAPTER II. Deer and Indians]
[CHAPTER III. Discovery and Pursuit]
[CHAPTER IV. Burning of the Cabin]
[CHAPTER V. Uprising of the Indians]
[CHAPTER VI. The Disappearance of Henry]
[CHAPTER VII. A Double Warning]
[CHAPTER VIII. Departure from Home]
[CHAPTER IX. Gathering at Fort Lawrence]
[CHAPTER X. How Henry Fared]
[CHAPTER XI. Sam Barringford's Ruse]
[CHAPTER XII. Dark Year of the War]
[CHAPTER XIII. Fighting Off the Indians]
[CHAPTER XIV. Retreat of the Pioneers]
[CHAPTER XV. Disappearance of Little Nell]
[CHAPTER XVI. Back to Winchester]
[CHAPTER XVII. A New Campaign]
[CHAPTER XVIII. Wildcat and Water]
[CHAPTER XIX. Defeat of the English]
[CHAPTER XX. At Fort Pitt—Return Home]
[CHAPTER XXI. On the Way to the Army]
[CHAPTER XXII. The Fight with the Buck]
[CHAPTER XXIII. Up the Mohawk Valley]
[CHAPTER XXIV. Henry is Attacked]
[CHAPTER XXV. A Storm on Lake Ontario]
[CHAPTER XXVI. The Attack at Oswego]
[CHAPTER XXVII. News of Importance]
[CHAPTER XXVIII. Something About Fort Niagara]
[CHAPTER XXIX. The Battle Near the Falls]
[CHAPTER XXX. Into the Niagara Rapids]
[CHAPTER XXXI. Fall of Fort Niagara]
[CHAPTER XXXII. Little Nell—Conclusion]