The ADVENTURES of Col. DANIEL BOON;
Page: 5

danger, and death. How unhappy such a situation for a man tormented
with fear, which is vain if no danger comes, and if it does, only
augments the pain. It was my happiness to be destitute of this
afflicting passion, with which I had the greatest reason to be
affected. The prowling wolves diverted my nocturnal hours with
perpetual howlings; and the various species of animals in this vast
forest, in the daytime, were continually in my view.
Thus I was surrounded with plenty in the midst of want. I was
happy in the midst of dangers and inconveniences. In such a
diversity it was impossible I should be disposed to melancholy. No
populous city, with all the varieties of commerce and stately
structures, could afford so much pleasure to my mind, as the
beauties of nature I found here.

Thus, through an uninterrupted scene of sylvan pleasures, I spent
the time until the 27th day of July following, when my brother, to
my great felicity, met me, according to appointment, at our old
camp. Shortly after, we left this place, not thinking it safe to
stay there longer, and proceeded to Cumberland river, reconnoitring
that part of the country until March, 1771, and giving names to the
different waters.

Soon after, I returned home to my family with a determination to
bring them as soon as possible to live in Kentucke, which I
esteemed a second paradise, at the risk of my life and fortune.

I returned safe to my old habitation, and found my family in
happy circumstances. I sold my farm on the Yadkin, and what goods
we could not carry with us; and on the twenty-fifth day of
September, 1773, bade a farewel to our friends, and proceeded on
our journey to Kentucke, in company with five families more, and
forty men that joined us in Powel's Valley, which is one hundred
and fifty miles from the now settled parts of Kentucke. This
promising beginning was soon overcast with a cloud of adversity;
for upon the tenth day of October, the rear of our company was
attacked by a number of Indians, who killed six, and wounded one
man. Of these my eldest son was one that fell in the action. Though
we defended ourselves, and repulsed the enemy, yet this unhappy