But she helped
in her way as much as she could and asked no questions. There was
no need, in fact, for Alice asked enough for both.
And just here I must relate to you a little history.
On the last days of June, 1778, Colonel John Butler, with about
four hundred soldiers--partly made up of Tories--and six or
seven hundred Indians, entered the head of Wyoming Valley. As I
have said, he was a cousin of Colonel Zebulon Butler, who commanded
the patriots and did all he could to check the invaders. Reaching
Fort Wintermoot, the British officer sent in a demand for its
surrender. The submission was made, and the invaders then came down
the valley and ordered the Connecticut people to surrender Forty
Fort and the settlements. Colonel Zebulon Butler had under him,
to quote the historical account, "two hundred and thirty enrolled
men, and seventy old people, boys, civil magistrates, and other
volunteers." They formed six companies, which were mustered at
Forty Fort, where the families of the settlers on the east side of
the river had taken refuge.
Colonel Zebulon Butler, upon receiving the summons, called a
council of war. This was on the 3rd of July. The officers believed
that a little delay would be best, in the hope of the arrival of
reinforcements; but nearly all the men were so clamorous to march
out and give the invaders battle, that it was decided to do so.
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