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Sign up freeThe Kentucke Gazette
Lexington, Fayette County, Kentucky
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On October 18, 1788, Galesby's Fort on the Holston River was attacked by 30 Indians led by John Watts, resulting in 28 deaths, mostly women and children. Broader threats from 1,000 Creeks and Cherokees under Alexander McGillivray include attacks on other forts; militia mobilized under Col. Kennedy.
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Extract of a letter dated Green County, N. Carolina, Oct. 25, 1788.
"On the 18th ult. Galesby's Fort (below the mouth of Little river) on Holston a little after sunrise was furiously attacked by about 30 Indians under the command of John Watts. The few men in the Fort made a gallant resistance; but being overpowered by numbers, and their ammunition being expended the Indians rushed over the walls, or rather the roofs of the cabins, which made part of the Fort; great was the horror of the scene that then ensued-- The best accounts say, our loss is 28 persons, mostly women and children, as several of the men belonging to the Fort, were abroad at the time.
"This body we are told, is part of a much larger one now encamped at Chota, composed of both Creeks and Cherokees, said to be under the direction of Alexander McGillivray. And I am just now informed, that one thousand Indians have crossed the Tennessee, in two divisions, and that one of them had attacked Major Houston's Fort. and the other was near Capt. White's, on the north side of Holston. The whole of our militia are under marching orders, and Col. Kennedy has already set out with those that were most ready; resolving to defend the Country to the last extremity So you shortly may expect to hear of a bloody scene ended.
": Major King is returned From some Middle Settlements, and gives but little encouragement of the prospect of peace he went by way Sycamore Shoals, and proceeded through several gaps, and returned down the Tennessee. until he met with a party of Indians returning from Galesby's Fort They demanded him from proceeding to Chota, saying the Indians in the main Camp were angry and might kill him. This party of Indians gave the major a relation. of what passed at the attack of our Fort, and, said the Indians had several prisoners.
"Col. Martin since his unsuccessful expedition is become unpopular Sevier is yet in confinement --- N.Carolina, notwithstanding the encouragement given by her Executive in July last, supports us but feebly: and it will be our hard lot to give and alone, to contend with the combined forces of two numerous tribes, well supplied by a neighbouring State, and it is said countenanced by Congress It is a hard case to condemn an individual unheard;but far worse a whole people, and the more so, when barbarians are to be the Executioner. and the innocent suffer with the guilty- The humanity and justice of the rulers of the nation, will surely revolt at such consequences, when they are fully and rightly informed."
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Domestic News Details
Primary Location
Galesby's Fort On Holston
Event Date
Oct. 18, 1788
Key Persons
Outcome
28 persons killed, mostly women and children; several prisoners taken by indians; militia mobilized
Event Details
Galesby's Fort attacked by 30 Indians under John Watts; defenders overpowered after ammunition expended; Indians part of larger force of Creeks and Cherokees at Chota; 1000 Indians crossed Tennessee attacking other forts; Major King met returning Indians who warned him; Col. Martin unpopular, Sevier confined; limited support from N. Carolina