Page:The Life of George Washington, Volume 1.djvu/308

 278 INTRODUCTION". chap. vn. another in his time.'" 1 Thus was added one to 1708. the numerous facts which perpetuall}- occur condnueT 6 to prove the humiliating truth, that principles are deplorably weak when assailed by pas- sions. 1712 - In the year 1712, the Indians in North Ca- Massacre rolina, probably alarmed as their countrymen in North. byThe na ^ad been in the other colonies, by the in- indians. creasing population and regular encroachments of the whites, formed with their accustomed secrecy, the plan of exterminating these for- midable neighbours in one night by assassina- tion. No indication of their design was given until they broke into the houses of the plant- ers, for its execution. The slaughter on Ro- anoke was immense. In that settlement alone, one hundred and thirty- seven persons were murdered. A few escaped by concealing them- selves in the woods, and the next day they gave the alarm. The remaining whites were collected together in a place of the greatest safety, and guarded by the militia, until assist- ance could be received from South Carolina. On the first intelligence of this dreadful ca- lamity, the most prompt and effectual aid was afforded. The assembly at Charleston voted four thousand pounds for the service, and co- lonel Barnwell was detached, with six hundred militia, and about three hundred and sixty In- dians, to the relief of the afflicted North Caro- n C/ialmer....S?nit/i.