That Gibson gave biblical phraseology to these lines is apparent,
though, as Adair points out there are many examples of similitude
in Indian and biblical expression. But the thought is Indian and
relates to the first article of the Indian's creed, namely, to
share his food with the needy. "There remains not a drop of my
blood in the veins of any living creature" is a truly Indian
lament. Evidently the final four lines of the speech are the most
literally translated, for they have the form and the primitive
rhythmic beat which a student of Indian poetry quickly recognizes.
The authenticity of the speech, as well as the innocence
of Cresap, whom Logan mistakenly accused, was vouched for by
George Rogers Clark in a letter to Dr. Samuel Brown dated June
17, 1798. See Jefferson papers, Series 6, quoted by English,
"Conquest of the Country Northwest of the River Ohio." vol. II.
p. 1029.
By rivers and trails, in large and small companies, started home
the army that had won the land. The West Fincastle troops, from
the lower settlements of the Clinch and Holston valleys, were to
return by the Kentucky River, while those from the upper valley
would take the shorter way up Sandy Creek. To keep them in
provisions during the journey it was ordered that hunters be sent
out along these routes to kill and barbecue meat and place it on
scaffolds at appropriate spots.
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