Letters
from Levi Todd to the Governor of Virginia
Transcription donated
to the Fayette County KYGenWeb by Debbie
Go to 11 September 1782 ~~ or 15 April 1784
Transcribed letter of Levi Todd
Dated 11 September 1782
Source: Library of Virginia,
Governors Letters Received,
July 1776 to November 1784
Sir,
Enclosed is a copy of the recommendations made to our last court,
so great a change proceeds from a cause truely lamentable. The
loss of our county Leutinent and a number of subalterns as the
late attacks but particularly at our defeat at the Blue Licks
where the enemy put it's wholly to the front the circumstances of
particulars are these.
On the 16th August a party of Indians appeared at the
Bryants by their behaviors of rage party was supposed to tie
around the fort an express was sent here my brother being
absent I went with about 30 men to make discovery. I forced
my way into the fort, near Bryant I was joined with about 10 more
finding the enemy lay round we attempted forcing our way. 17 men
on horseback rushed in, the greater part of the rest being on
foot were prevented or overpowered obliged to seek safety by
flight with the loss of one killed and three wounded, one of
which died the next morning. I immediately dispatched an express
to Colonel Trigg the highest officer in Lincoln demanding
assistance, and also notice to Colonel John Todd then in Lincoln.
The enemy commanded by Simon Girty, made an attempt to fire the
fort but were prevented with much loss they however kept up a
smart fill til the morning of the 17th when they went off the
same evening. Colonel John Todd, and Colonel Trigg arrived with a
party of men who with what we could raise soon made us 70 on the
morning of the 18th we persued on their trail on the morning of
the 19th we came within sight of the enemy about 3/4 of a mile
north of the lower Blue Licks. We dismounted and began the march
with vigor, from our left, the enemy retracted, 5 gained ground.
Our right within a minute or two gave way and -------- themselves
to be flanked by the enemy. Our line then gradually gave way from
our right to the left til the whole ------ confusion.
The action lasted about 5 months our loss, near as we can
ascertain is 66 among whom were our commanding officers, Colonel
John Todd, Colonel Trigg, Captains Gordon, McBride, Kincaid, and
Overton, Major Hardon, Major Bulger (who since died of his
wounds) Mr. Joseph Loring and several gentlemen of note - The
enemy we suppose consisted of three or four hundred. They took
some prisoners we suppose, though very few, upwards of 40 were
found on the ground but we think a number lie near the battle
ground, the enemy must have suffered considerably a great part of
our men fought with much resolution and activity - The conduct of
the officers is by some censored and charged with want of
prudence in attacking at any rate, but as we had no chance to
know their number we thought ours was not much inferior and
supposed we should, by fierce attack, throw them into confusion
and break their lines, we are much alarmed in this county and
fear the consequence will be very detrimental if government
cannot give assistance, tho our great dependence is that if the
county surveyor would attend we should be strengthened with
additional settlers not ------.
I am sir, your Excellency's most obedient and very humble
servant.
Levi Todd
Lexington Fayette County
September 11, 1782
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Transcribed Letter of Levi Todd
Dated 15
April, 1784
Source: Library of Virginia,
Governors Letters Received,
July 1776 to November 1784
May it please your Excellency
At the conclusion of all peace with Britain we flattered
ourselves that hostilies would cease throughout the United
States. I am sorry to inform you that contrary to our
expectations our natural enemies have begun the season with their
accustomed fierceness and barbaracy and differnt may almost every
part of the Kentucky County but in the county in particular from
circumstances I have a right to suppose that some of the Northern
Indians as well as the Southern are disposed for war. What makes
it the more disagreeable is that at a time when the inhabitants
are living in ease and plenty (comparison to what we for years
past have done) and significantly strong not only to keep out
scouts and guards but also to carry the war into the enemies
country, but for want of laws to invest officers with authority
to call Militia in service, to depend and chastize an enemy, we
must sit still and tamely submit to their cruelties, talk of
authority or commands under the law now in _____ (in guarding
against invasions) is ridiculous, and we do not abound
sufficiently in virtue to do our duty without compulsion, would
not the "general assembly if representation was made to them
of our situation invest officers with authority to act
defensively, if not offensively: to inflict punishments _______ I
would wish on those who would neglect or refuse to comply with
their duties to give sufficient reasons to scouts and detachments
while in service, to lay up proper stores of ammunition, which at
present we are destitute and I would wish this was the case of
our county ______ district was to defend and pay itself. This
representation coming through your Excellency would be attended
to with more seriousness by the honorable Commander in Chief, as
well as, Chief Magistrate of the Commonwealth. I hope your
Excellency will be particulary acquainted with our situation by
the delegates from this county, my being a citizen and frequently
being obliged to risque life and property will no doubt not
excuse me for the liberty I have taken at this time,
I have the honor to be your Excellencys most obedient and very
humble servant.
Levi Todd
Fayette County
April 15, 1784
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