Cornelius Roberts 400 acres beginning on Crunk's line running up for a complement.

Relations with the Indians in the area had been relatively peaceful for several years. Then in 1773 and 1774 several particularly brutal Indian murders of white settlers, including women and children, occurred. The whites struck back. This involved the wiping out of the entire family of the famous Cayuga Chief Logan, although Logan himself survived.

Relations with the Indians had become so tense, and there was so much violence along the frontier that Governor Dunmore ordered Col. Andrew Lewis in 1774 to raise a thousand men from the Valley and southwest and march to the Ohio River for a confrontation withe the redskins. Dunmore said he would raise an equal number from the colony's northern counties and join him. "Dunmore's War" had begun.

Andrew Lewis was the son of John Lewis, a Scotch-Irishman who had fled from Ireland to Augusta County after slaying his Irish landlord in self-defense. Andrew Lewis was a hard-fighting frontiersman, over six feet tall, strongly knit and an ideal leader for this type of warfare.

The men of the Valley and southwest came for the most part from modest homes. The regions beyond the mountains did not lend themselves to tobacco growing--hemp was the principal crop there at the period--so that slaves were nothing like so necessary or so numerous as in Piedmont and Tidewater Virginia. Mansions such as Lee's Stratford were non-existent. "Not half the homes had kitchen utensils, only about a third had beds, and only one family in six had chairs or tables. A few of these semi-frontiersmen evidenced a fondness for fine clothes although buckskin and coarse cloth made up the usual attire."

Over 800 of these rugged frontiersmen who had staked out their claims in the wilderness and were ready to fight to protect them, met at Camp Union, on the site of today's Lewisburg, West Virginia, under the command of Col. Andrew Lewis and on call of Gov. Dunmore. Known to the Shawnees as "the Long Knives," they marched in 19 days 160 miles over mountains, through forests and across rivers to Point Pleasant at the confluence of the Ohio and Kanawha Rivers. There were 11 companies from Augusta County, 7 from Fincastle, 8 from Botetourt County and the rest scattered.

At Point Pleasant the hardy backwoodsmen with the deadly rifles met the Shawnee wariors under the great Chief Cornstalk. In an all day battle on Oct. 10, 1774, the "Long Knives," led by the intrepid and resourceful Col. Andrew Lewis, defeated the Shawnees. Both sides sustained heavy losses, but the Indians were driven across the Ohio.

It was one of the most decisive victories for the whites in the annals of Indian warfare, since the frontier was thereby stabilized for some 3 years, enabling the Americans to concentrate against the British instead of the Indians. The victory also had the effect not only of virtually eliminating the royal Proclamation Line of 1763 but also the Quebec Act of 1774, both of which were intended seriously to hamper Virginia 's penetration of the western region.

The Bryan party numbering 40 men, some of them from the Valley of Virginia and Powell's Valley, were not to be accompanied by their families. But Boone and the other men of the upper Yadkin took with them their wives and children, most of whom sold their farms, as did Boone. Arranging to meet the Bryan contingent in Powell's Valley, Boone's party left for the West on Sept. 25, 1773. Proceeding on their journey they were not molested until the 10th of Oct. 1773 when they were approaching a pass in the mountains called Cumberland Gap; the young men, who were engaged in driving the cattle had fallen in the rear of the main body, were assailed by a party of Indians and six of their number were killed, including James Boone, the eldest son of Daniel Boone. This so discouraged the company that all, except Boone and his family, returned to their former homes, while Boone and his family retraced their steps 40 miles and stopped at Blackmore's Fort on the Clinch River in the southwestern part of Virginia. In the autobiography dictated by Daniel Boone to John Filson and published in 1784, Boone says: "I remained with my family on Clinch until the 6th of June 1774 when I and one Michael Stoner were solicited by Gov. Dunmore of Virginia to go to the falls of the Ohio to conduct into the settlements a number of surveyors that had been sent thither by him some months before. We immediately complied with the Governor 's request, and conducted in the surveyors, completing a tour of 800 miles through many difficulties, in 62 days. Soon after I returned home, I was ordered to take the command of 3 garrisons during the campaign which Gov. Dunmore carried on against the Shawanese Indians; after the conclusion of which, the militia was discharged from each garrison.

On hearing the Petition of James Roberts, Jesse Meeks, and William Riddle it is the opinion of the Court that the said Petitioners be received as members of the Community so long as they behave as good Citizens, but the Court does not believe itself properly authorized to grant pardon for offences against Individuals, therefore if any of the Petitioners while they were in open rebellion against the State or concerned in Insurrections were guilty of Murder, Robbery, or of Feloniously taking away the property of any person; such must be Amenable to the laws of the State of which they become Inhabitants, as the Court believes, and indeed is convinced, that it is a Change of Prospect and necessity rather than any alteration in their principles that induces them to petition in the manner they have done. If they incline to become good Citizens of the State they cannot with propriety refuse the above offer of Pardon on Submitting to the Laws.

Ordered that George Reeves be restored his property that was taken from him by the Militia of Washington County and part of the Militia of this County, as several witnesses hath appeared here in Court in his favour and none against him. James Howell, same.

Ordered that William Roberts, Neal Roberts, Moses Johnson, Richard Green, Richard Wright, Clem Lee and George Herd be restored their property again, it being lately taken from them by the Militia of Montgomery and Washington Counties, as nothing appears against them with Regard of their being Enemies to the State.

Philip Dutton having surrendered himself to the Court who have duly considered his Case are of opinion that he be dismissed and his person and property protected whilst he behaves as a good citizen otherwise he is to be tried for his past offences as an Enemy to his Country

[No Bentons]

Richard Green 10 acres
William Green 300 acres

David Johnson 100 acres
Moses Johnson 400 acres

Clement Lee 80 acres

George Pemberton 200 acres

Spencer Rice 100 acres
John Rice 100 acres
James Rice 40 acres

John Reeves 100 acres

Charles Roark 100 acres
Timothy Roark 130 acres

William Roberts 150 acres
Neel Roberts 150 acres
[These two names listed next to each other on list.]

John Rogers 200 acres
William Rogers 400 acres
Alexander Rogers 160 acres
Doswell Rogers 650 acres
Thomas Rogers 200 acres

Elisha Wallen Sr 30 acres
Joseph Wallen 600 acres
John Wallen 150 acres
James Wallen 500 acres

John Blevins 50 acres
James Blevins Jr. 100 acres
James Blevins Sr 100 acres
James Blevins 40 acres

Richard Green 10 acres
Shadrack Green 150 acres
William Green 300 acres
Shadrick Green 212 acres

Clement Lee 130 acres
William Lee 100 acres

George Pemberton 200 acres

John Rice 100 acres

George Reaves 100 acres

Timothy Roark 130 acres

William Roberts 150 acres
Niel Roberts 150 acres

William Rogers 100 acres
John Rogers 200 acres
William Rogers 400 acres
Alexander Rogers 160 acres
Doswell Rogers 650 acres and 252 acres
Thomas Rogers 200 acres

Elisha Wallen Sr. 30 acres
James Wallen 500 acres
Joseph Wallen 600 acres
John Wallen 400 acres

Richard Wright 400 acres

Beginning at 2 white oaks on the West side of a hollow a corner of Patrick and John Coyls land and with their line
S 5 W 147 poles to 2 walnuts and a cherry tree sapling in a bottom near a branch and leaving said line
S 75 E 56 poles creossing said branch to 2 white oaks on the side of a Ridge
N 49 E 128 poles to 3 white oaks
S 75 E 78 poles crossing a branch to a spanish oak and white oak on a rocky spur
N 21 E 91 poles to 2 white oaks on the top of a ridge
N 65 E 67 poles to a white oak
N 28 W 134 poles to a triple black oak between 2 sink holes
N 23 E 108 poles to 2 white oaks saplihgs on the South side of Gladey Hill
S 50 W 363 poles crossing the spur of a grairly ridge to the Beginning.
Jan. 14th 1783 Benj Sharp, Asst. Robt. Preston S W C

We the Commissioners for the District of Washington and Montgomery Counties do certify William Smith Assignee of John Hays is entitled to 400 of land in Washington County nigh the head of Glade Hollow joining Robert Deau to include his improvement, he having proved to the Court that he was entitled to the same by actual settlement made in the year 1776.

Beginning at a walnut and mulberry on the North side of the River and running thence South 16 degreesWest 100 poles to 2 white oaks and a Spanish oak, South 84 degreesWest 36 poles to a hickory and dogwood, North 65 degrees West 20 poles to a white oak and dogwood, North 52 degrees West 36 poles to a dogwood and sugar tree, North 6 degreesWest 30 poles to a white oak and sugar tree by the river, South 25 degrees West 92 poles running up the river and crossing to a forked walnut on the banks, South 29 degreesEast 46 poles to a buckeye on the bank, South 52 degrees East 40 poles leaving the River to an oak and a buckeye, North 64 degrees East 36 poles to an ash and beech, North 82 degrees East 68 poles to 2 - - N 24 degrees East 34 poles to 2 beeches on the river bank, North 60 degrees East 186 poles to 2 poplars by Beechs Branch, North 40 degrees East 76 poles to a white oak and hickory, North 66 degrees East 94 poles to 2 sugar trees, 64 degrees East 30 poles to 3 beeches by a branch, North 20 degrees East 16 poles to a hickory and beech by the river, North 25 degrees East 60 poles to a beech, North 51 degrees West 20 poles crossing to 2 Sycamores on the Island, North 86 degrees West 20 poles crossing the river to a Spanish oak on a ridge thence South 75 degreesWest 355 poles to the beginning.

With its appurtenances to have and to hold the said tract or parcel of land with its appurtenances to the said Cornelius Roberts and his heirs forever.

In witness whereof the said Edmund Randolph Esquire, Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia set his hand and caused the lesser seal of the said Commonwealth to be affixed at Richmond on the 3rd day of June 1788.

Witnesseth the said Cornelius and Mary, his wife, for and in consideration of the sum of 100 pounds current money to him in hand paid by the said Francis Price, the receipt whereof they do hereby acknowledge, have granted, bargained and sold and for these presents do grant, bargain, and sell unto the said Franmcis Price a certain tract of land containing 352 acres, lying and being in the County of Russell (formerly Washington) of the Glade Hollow branch of the waters of Cedar Creek, a branch of the Clinch River and bounded as followeth:

Beginning at 2 white oaks the West side of a hollow, a corner of Patrick and John Coils land and with the line South 4 degrees West 147 poles to 2 walnuts and a cherry tree sapling in a bottom near a branch and having said line South 75 degrees East 15 poles crossing said branch to 2 white oaks on the side of a ridge, North 45 degrees East 198 poles to 3 white oaks, South 75 degrees East 73 poles crossing a branch to a Spanish oak and a white oak on a rocky spur, North 21 degrees East 91 poles to 2 white oaks on the top of a ridge, North 65 degrees East 67 poles to a white oak, North 28 degrees West 134 poles to a black oak between 2 sink holes, North 23 degrees East 108 poles to 2 white oak saplings on the South side of a grassy hill, South 50 degrees West 380 63 poles crossing the spurs of a gravelly ridge to the beginning.

Said land was granted to the aforesaid Cornelius Roberts from the Commonwealth by patent bearing the date the 6th day of May 1787, to have and to hold the said tract of land with its appurtenances unto the said Francis Price, his heirs and asisgns, to the sole use of the said Francis Price, his heirs and assigns, to the sold use of the said Francis Price, his heirs and assigns, and the said Cornelius Roberts and Mary, his wife, and their heirs will forever warrant and defend the said tract of land with its appurtenances unto the said Francis Price, his heirs and assigns, against the claims of all persons whatsoever.

In witness whereof the said Cornelius Roberts and Mary, his wife, have hereunto set their hands and affixed their seals the day and year first above written.
His mark
/S/ Cornelius C Roberts

Her mark
/S/ Mary x Roberts

At a court held for Russell County the 19th day of May 1789.
This indenture of bargain and sale of land from Cornelius Roberts and Mary, his wife, to Francis Price was acknowledged in court and ordered to be recorded.
Teste: Henry Dickenson, Clerk, Russell County

1788 William Webb’s List
Cornelius Roberts 1 White Male over 21, 5 horses

1789 William Webb’s List
Cornelius Robert 1 White Male over 21, 3 horses

1790 John Weir’s List
Martha Roberts Administrator of Estate of Neal Roberts
1 White Male 16-21, 3 horses

Ordered that Benjamin Aldreson, Edward Kelly, William Emett and Thomas Colley or any 3 of them being first sworn for the purpose to appraise the Esate of Cornelious Roberts deceased and make return thereof to next court.

Abraham Childers and Elizabeth his wife formerly Elizabeth Roberts of Perry County Kentucky,

James Roberts of Pike County Kentucky,

Jesse Roberts of Green County Kentucky,

Edward Frost and Milly his wife, formerly Milly Roberts, of the State of Tennessee,

Nathan Roberts, Daniel Roberts, Peter Anderson and Sina his wife formerly Sina Roberts, Isaac Roberts, Jacob Talley and Mourning his wife, formerly Mourning Roberts, all of the State of Alabama.

Archibald Roberts of the State of Indiana.

Lot Literal and Susanna his wife, formerly Susanna Roberts, of the State of Ohio.

Said Polly Roberts, Elizabeth Roberts, James Roberts, Jesse Roberts, Milly Roberts, Nathan Roberts, Daniel Roberts, Archibald Roberts, Sina Roberts, Susanna Roberts, Isaac Roberts and Mourning Roberts, being all the children and heirs at law of Cornelius Roberts late of Russell County Virginia deceased, of the first part and

Joseph Kizer of the said County of Russell of the second part,

Witnesseth that the said parties of the first part for and in consideration of the sum of $1100 to them in hand paid by the said Joseph Kizer before the sealing and delivery of these presents, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, have granted, bargained and sold, and by these presents do grant, bargain and sell unto the said Joseph Kizer, his heirs and assigns, all their interest in 60 acres more or less, part of a tract of 260 acres granted to the said Cornelious Roberts from this Commonwealth by patent bearing date the 3rd day of June 1788, lying and being in the said County of Russell on the north side of Clinch River and bounded as followeth, to wit:

Beginning on the River on a line of said Joseph Kizer, and with the same a north course to the patent line of said 260 acres, and with the lines thereof to John Kizer’s line on the top of a ridge, thence leaving the patent lines, and with said John Kizer’s line to a cliff of rocks at the river, and thence up the river with the meanders thereof to the beginning.

With the appurtenances to the same belonging. To have and to hold the said tract of 60 acres with its appurtenances unto the said Joseph Kizer his heirs and assigns.

In witness whereof the said parties of the first part have hereunto subscribed their names and affixed their seals.
/s/ Abraham x V. Childers
/s/ James Roberts

James P. Carroll Clerk C.
This indenture of bargain and sale from the heirs of Cornelius Roberts deceased to Joseph Kizer was acknowledged before me in the Clerk’s office of the said County on the 5th day of October 1829 by Abraham Childers and James Roberts two of the said parties to be their acts and deed and admitted to record.

In witness whereof the said parties of the first part by the said James P. Carroll Commissioner as aforesaid understand by virtue of the decree aforesaid have hereunto set their hands and seals on the day and year first herein written.

Abraham Childers by James P. Carroll Seal
Elizabeth Childers by James P. Carroll Seal
Joseph Riddle by James P. Carroll Seal
Rhoda Riddle by James P. Carroll Seal
Holt Colley by James P. Carroll Seal
Betsey Colley by James P. Carroll Seal
Ezekiel Monk by James P. Carroll Seal
______ Gibson by James P. Carroll Seal
Peggy Gibson by James P. Carroll Seal
Polly Monk by James P. Carroll Seal
Milly Monk by James P. Carroll Seal
James Roberts by James P. Carroll Seal
Jesse Roberts by James P. Carroll Seal
Edward Frost by James P. Carroll Seal
Milly Frost by James P. Carroll Seal
Nathan Roberts by James P. Carroll Seal
Daniel Roberts by James P. Carroll Seal
Peter Anderson by James P. Carroll Seal
Sina Anderson by James P. Carroll Seal
by James P. Carroll Seal
Isaac Tally by James P. Carroll Seal
Mourning Tally by James P. Carroll Seal
Archibald Roberts by James P. Carroll Seal
Lot Literal by James P. Carroll Seal
Susanna Litteral by James P. Carroll Seal

At a Court held for Russell County the 1st day of June 1830. This Indenture of bargain and sale was acknowledged in Court by James P. Carroll to be the act and deed of the parties of the first part thereto and ordered to be recorded.
James P. Carroll CRC

With the opening of the spring of 1788, the Indians began again to disturb the settlements, and on the 20th of April came into the Rye Ciove settlement and carried off three boys and a negro man, two of the boys being the sons of Thomas Carter, who then represented Russell County in the General Assembly. Early in the month of March, a party of Cherokees visited the settlements on the lower Holston, wounded one man and carried off about 100 horses and in the month of June 1788 four men were killed in Russell county and three men were killed and scalped on the Black Mountain. One of the Elmires, three of the Breedings and Neal Roberts, from the New Garden settlements in Russell County were found on Black mountain, killed and scalped.

In the spring of this year the Governor requested the representatives from Montgomery, Washington and Russell counties to recommend the number of militia and scouts necessary for the protection of their several counties when the following recommendations were submitted.

1st, That only one troop of horse are necessary to each regiment, and in some counties that might be dispensed with, and that the appointment of officers may be deferred until recommendations come from the respective counties.

2nd. We believe 6 scouts will be sufficient for Washington and Russell, 4 for Montgomery and like number for Greenbrier.

3d. We hope that at least one full company of Rangers under an experienced officer will be allowed to do duty towards the Ohio, and, if attacks are apprehended from the Southern Indians, another company, may be necessary in Powell’s Valley on Clinch. Or the last-mentioned company might be raised by occasional drafts.

Names of persons who were present and acting in the killing of two Cherokees on or about the 24th January 1813 in the Cherokee nation. The names of the Cherokees who were killed were Dick Benge a half Blood Cherokee and a Cherokee named Jacket.

Vizt Jeremiah Jeffrey and his son-in-law name not known at this time, Daniel Roberts, Talley, Ragsdale, James Corvan, Condry.

Captain Neal, with a party, pursued the Indians but did not succeed in overtaking them. The Chief who led this company of Indians was a half-breed Shawnese by the name of Benge. A writer in speaking of this occurrence says: He was remarkable for his strength, activity, endurance and great speed as a runner. He was a man of more than average intelligence also, as well as of great bravery and strategy, and had more than once approached the settlements so stealthily and by a route so secret that he fell upon the scattered settlers without an inntimation of his approach and retired to his wigwams beyond the Cumberland without leaving a trace of the route he had traveled, though rangers were constantly on the lookout for his trail.

One of these rangers of the Holston settlements was a man by the name of Cockrell, and the writer must make a digression to record an incident in his history. He was famous for his size, activity and handsome person. Benge and himself were rivals in manhood and woodcraft, each jealous of the other’s prowess and courage, and both anxious for an occasion to meet in single combat. Not many months before Benge’s last incursion, they met on top of Powell’s mountain, in what is now Lee County, each with a band of followers. The Indians were in ambush, having observed the approach of the whites, who were not aware of their proximity, and Benge instructed his companions not to kill Cockrell, so that he himself might run him down and capture him. At the crack of the Indian rifles two or three of Cockrell’s companions fell; seeing which and at once comprehending the folley of a combat with a dozen savages, he sprang away down the mountain side, like an antelope with Benge in close pursuit. Two miles away in the valley on Wallen’s Creek was the cabin of a pioneer, in reaching which Cockrell knew was his only chance of escape. Having $200 in specie in a belt around him, he found he was carrying too much weight for a closely contested race and that Benge was gaining on him. Making a desperate effort, however, he increased his speed a little, and as he leaped the fence that surrounded the cabin, Benge’s tomahawk was buried in the top rail before Cockrell reached the ground. Benge, seeing that he had missed his aim, and not knowing how many men and rifles might be in the cabin, fled back to his companions sadly disappointed.

During the same week, 14 persons were killed on the Kentucky road near the Hazel Patch. The whites discovered the Indians and attempted to secure the first fire, but failed, and only two of the whites made their escape. The Indians lost 5 dead and one white man with them killed. Both parties broke and ran at the same time in opposite directions.

April 14, 1794
The disaster referred to in this communication as happening to Mr. Livingston’s family occurred on the 6th of April 1794 near the present town of Mendota in this County.

William Todd Livingston was one of the first persons to settle in the county and was the first and only man for many years in the county who had more than one name. He died some years preceding this occurrence, and his son Peter Livingston had become the owner of his valuable lands and numerous negro slaves. The Indians, in making their incursions into the county never failed to steal and carry off a negro slave, when possible, and there can be but little doubt that the presence of negroes at the Livingston farm, attracted the attention of the Indians. An account of the Indian raid was given by Mrs. Elizabeth Livingston and put down in her presence nearly in her own words, and is as follows:

About 10 o’clock in the morning, as I was sitting in my house, the fierceness of the dog’s barking alarmed me. I looked out and saw 7 Indians approaching the house, armed and painted in a frightful manner. No person was then within, but a child of 10 years old, and another of 2 and my sucking infant. My husband and his brother Henry had just before walked out to a barn at some distance in the field. My sister-in-law Susanna was with the remaining children in an out-house. Old Mrs. Livingston was in the garden. I immediately shut and fastened the door; they (the Indians) came furiously up and tried to burst it open, demanding of me several times to open the door which I refused. They then fired two guns; one ball pierced through the door, but did me no damage. I then thought of my husband’s rifle, took it down, but it being double triggered, I was at a loss; at length I fired through the door, but it not being well aimed I did no executiion; however the Indians retired from that place and soon after that an old adjoining house was on fire, and I and my children suffering much from the smoke. I opened the door and an Indian immediately advanced and took me prisoner together with the two children. I then discovered that they had my remaining children in their possession, my sister Sukey, a wench with her young child, a negro man of Edward Callihan’s and a negro boy of our own about 8 years old. They were fearful of going into the house I left to plunder, supposing that it had been a man that shot at them and was yet within. So our whole clothing and household furniture were consumed in the flames which I was then pleased to see rather than that it should be of use to the savages.

We were all hurried a short distance where the Indians were very busy, dividing and putting up in packs for each to carry his part of the booty taken. I observed them careless about the children, and most of the Indians being some distance off in front, I called with a low voice to my eldest daughter, gave her my youngest child and told all to run toward neighbor John Russell’s. They with reluctance left me, sometimes halting, sometimes looking back. I beckoned them to go although I inwardly felt pangs not to be expresssed on account of our doleful separation. The two Indians in the rear either did not notice this scene or they were willing the children might run back.

That evening the Indians crossed Clinch Mountain and went as far as Copper Creek, distant about 8 miles.

April 7th, set out early in the morning, crossed Clinch River at McLean’s fish dam about 12 o’clock, then steered northwardly towards the head of Stoney Creek. Then the Indians camped carelessly, had no back spy nor kept sentries out. This day’s journey was about 20 miles.

April 8th. Continued in camp until the sun was more than an hour high; then set out slowly and traveled about 5 or 6 miles and camped near the foot of Powell’s mountain. This day Benge, the Indian chief became more pleasant and spoke freely to the prisoners. He told them he was about to carry them to the Cherokee towns. That in his route in the wilderness was his brother with two other Indians hunting, so that he might have provision when he returned. That at his camp were several white prisoners taken from Kentucky, with horses and saddles to carry them to the towns. He made enquiry for several persons on Holston, particularly of General Shelby and said he would pay him a visit during the ensuing summer and take away all his negroes. He frequently enquired who had negroes and threatened he would have them all off North Holston. He said all the Chickamogga towns were for war and would soon be very troublesome to the white folks. This day two of the party were sent by Benge ahead to hunt.

April 9th. After traveling about 5 miles which was over Powell’s mountain and near the foot of Stone mountain (near Dorchester, Wise County), a party of 13 men under command of Lt. Vincent Hobbs of the militia of Lee County met the enemy in front and attacked and killed Benge the first fire, I being at that time some distance off in the rear. The Indian who was my guard at first halted on hearing the firing. He then ordered me to run, which I performed slowly. He attempted to strike me in the head with the tomahawk, which I defended as well as I could with my arm. By this time two of our people came in view which encouraged me to struggle all I could. The Indian making an effort at this instant pushed me backward, and I fell over a log, at the same time aiming a violent blow at my head, which in part spent its force on me and laid me for dead. The first thing I aferwards remembered was my good friends around me giving me all the assistance in their power for my relief. They told me I was senseless for about an hour.

Vincent Hobbs was a lieutenant in the militia of Lee county, and, at the time in question, he was attending the court of that county which was in session. Upon the arrival of the express with the news of the Indian invasion, the court immedaitely adjourned and a party was organized upon the spot, under the command of Hobbs to waylay a gap in Cumberland mountain called Stone gap, through which it was supposed the Indians were mostly to pass. On his arrival at the gap, Hobbs discovered that the Indians had just passed through before him; he therefore pursued with eagerness and soon discovered two Indians kindling a fire; these they instantly dispatched and finding some plunder with them, which they knew must have been taken out of Livingston’s house, they at once came to the conclusion that these two had been sent forward to hunt for provisions and that the others were yet behind with the prisoners.

The object of Hobbs was now to make a quick retreat, to cover his own sign if possible at the gap before the Indians should discover it and perhaps kill the prisoners and escape. Having gained this point he chose a place of ambuscade; but not exactly liking this position he left the men there and taking one with him by the name of Van Bibbber, he went some little distance in advance to try if he could find a place more suitable for his purpose. As they stood looking around for such a place, they discovered the Indians coming up with their prisoners.

They cautiously concealed themselves and each singled out his man. Benge, having charge of the younger Mrs. Livingston, led the van and the others followed in succession; but the Indian who had charge of the elder Mrs. Livingston was considerably behind, she not being able to march with the same light elastic step of her sister. When the front came directly opposite to Hobbs and Van Bibber, they both fired, Hobbs killing Benge, and Van Bibber the one next behind him. At the crack of the rifle the other men rushed forward, but the Indians had escaped into a laurel thicket taking with them a negro fellow.

The Indian who had charge of the elder Mrs. Livingston tried his best to kill her, but he was so hurried that he missed his aim. Her arms were badly cut by defending her head from the blows of his tomahawk. The prisoners had scarcely time to recover from their surprise before the two Livingstons, who heard the guns and were now in close pursuit with a party of men from Washington, came running up and received their wives at the hands of Hobbs with a gust of joy. Four Indians were killed and five had escaped, and it appears they were separated into parties of three and two. The first had the negro fellow with them, and by his account they lodged that night in a cave where he escaped from them and got home.

In the meantime a party of the hardy mountaineers of Russell collected and proceeded in haste to waylay a noted Indian crossing place high up on the Kentucky river. When they got there they found some Indians had just passed. They immediately drew the same conclusion that Hobbs had done and hastened back to the river for fear those behind should discover their sign. Shortly after they had stationed themselves, the other three made their appearance; the men fired upon them, two fell and the other fled but left a trail of blood behind him which readily conducted his pursuers to where he had taken refuge in a thick canebrake. It was thought imprudent to follow him any further as he might be concealed and kill some of them before they could discover him. Thus eight of the party were killed and the other perhaps mortally wounded.

Colonel Campbell communicated to the Governor of Virginia the circumstances attending the raid by the Indians; along with the written statement of Mrs. Livingston as heretofore given. Colonel Campbell in his letter to the Governor says: “The scalp of Captain Benge, I have been requested to forward to your Excellency as a proof that he is no more and of the activity and good conduct of Lt. Hobbs in killing him and relieving the prisoners. Could it be spared from our treasury, I would beg leave to hint that a present of a neat rifle to Mr. Hobbs would be accepted as a reward for his late services, and the Executive may rest assured that it would serve as a stimulus for future exertions against the enemy.” The General Assembly of Virginia, pursuant to this recommendation, voted Lt. Vincent Hobbs a handsome and costly silver-mounted rifle. Many of the descendants of Lt. Hobbs live in Southwest Virginia at this time and are highly respected and patriotic.

It is said that Benjamin Bolling believed that to live in the mountains, walled in, would make him free from religious and political domination. In this particular area he felt that he was fairly safe (from Indians), however, incidences regarding a family by the name of Roberts was said to have influenced Benjamin’s return to North Carolina.

(The following account is the tradition related in the Bolling book.)

The Roberts family and some of his in-laws had unknowingly moved and settled within five miles of Chief Benge and his tribe. This was a nearby area now known as Robert's branch.

It is said that Robert's small son had seen some Indians nearby. He told his father about it and said that if they should come that he was going to hide under the trunk of an old tree, near the branch, where the water had washed the dirt from around it.

Roberts gathered his son-in-laws for a battle with the Indians. The Indians attacked at night. It was said that Roberts yelled, 'why don't you wait until daylight and fight like white men?' They said that the young Roberts boy did just as he said and hid under the trunk of the tree near the branch. The Roberts dog attacked an Indian and pulled him over the tree trunk where the boy was hiding. Apparently the Indian did not see him. The Roberts man was killed during the attack. The family buried him under a large chestnut tree. They cut the tree and scattered chestnut burrs so the Indians would think they had cut if for the chestnuts.