Page:Early western travels, 1748-1846 (Vol 1 1904).djvu/250

244 to his servants, and what he promises, you may depend upon, he will perform."—Then they wished us good success. We waited till almost noon for the writing of the general. We were escorted by an hundred men, rank and file, commanded by captain Haselet; we passed through a tract of good land, about six miles on the old trading path, and came to the creek again, where there is a large fine bottom, well timbered; from thence we came upon a hill, to an advanced breast work, about ten miles from the camp, well situated for strength, facing a small branch of the aforesaid creek; the hill is steep down, perpendicular about twenty feet, on the south side; which is a great defence; and on the west side the breast-work about seven feet high, where we encamped that night: our Indian companions heard that we were to part in the morning, and that twelve men were to be sent with us, and the others, part of the company, to go towards fort Duquesne. Our Indians desired that the captain would send twenty men, instead of twelve; that if any accident should happen, they could be more able to defend themselves in returning back; "for we know, say they, the enemy will follow the smallest party." It began to rain. Within five miles from the breast-work we departed from captain Haselet; he kept the old trading path to the Ohio. Lieutenant Hays ————