University of Virginia Library

MEDITATED ATTACK ON WHEELING.

In September of this year, occurred what may be called
the second attempt upon Wheeling.

Fortunately, the purpose of the Indians was frustrated by
the timely information communicated by Colonel Brodhead,
then commanding the western division of the army. The
despatch of Colonel B. was as follows:—

"Fort Pitt, August 24, 1781.

Sir:—

I have this moment received certain intelligence that the

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enemy are coming in great force against us, and particularly
against Wheeling. You will immediately put your garrison
in the best posture of defence, and lay in as great a quantity
of water as circumstances will admit, and receive them coolly.
They intend to decoy your garrison, but you are to guard
against stratagem, and defend the post to the last extremity.

You may rely upon every aid in my power to frustrate the
designs of the enemy; but you must not fail to give the alarm
to the inhabitants in your reach, and make it as general as
possible, in order that every man may be prepared at this
crisis.

I am, sir, your most obedient servant,

(Signed) Daniel Brodhead,
Col. Commanding W. D.

To the Commanding Officer at Fort Henry, Wheeling."

This information, as may well be supposed, startled the
inhabitants at Wheeling; but, not unmindful of the notice,
they put themselves in readiness to meet and resist any attack
the enemy might make. The fort was immediately placed in
proper condition for defence, and nothing left undone to
ensure their safety.

About ten days after the reception of the despatch of Col.
Brodhead, a party of over one hundred Indians suddenly
appeared in the vicinity of the fort. The first intimation
those within the stockade had of the presence of the enemy,
was by a boy named George Reikart, reaching the fort almost
exhausted, who stated that a large party of Indians were at
the spring, (near the hill,) and that they had killed his companion,
John Ryan, and taken David Glenn prisoner.

The approach of the Indians had been so sudden and noiseless,
that Ryan was shot down, and Glenn taken prisoner, but
Reikart, who was some distance off, gathering walnuts, escaped.
Just as he entered the fort-gate, a rifle-ball struck him on the
wrist.

In a moment, those within were ready to receive them; but,
it is supposed, that the savages, from information of Glenn,
anticipated a warm reception, and deemed it better valor to
make off at once. This they did, after demanding in a pompous

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Thus, owing to the timely information of Col. Brodhead,
the settlement at Wheeling was, doubtless, saved from what
might have been a bloody visitation.