Chapter I: Preface

"MARCHING ON NIAGARA" is a complete story in itself, but forms the second of several volumes to be known by the general title of "Colonial Series."

In the first volume of this series, entitled "WITH WASHINGTON IN THE WEST," we followed the fortunes of David Morris, the son of a hardy pioneer, who first settled at Will's Creek (now the town of Cumberland, Virginia), and later on established a trading post on one of the tributaries of the Ohio River. This was just previous to the breaking out of war between France and England, and when the French and English settlers in America, especially in those localities where trading with the Indians was profitable, were bitter foes. David becomes well acquainted with Washington while the latter is a surveyor, and when Braddock arrives in America and marches against Fort Duquesne the young pioneer shoulders a musket and joins the Virginia Rangers under Major Washington, to march forth and take part in Braddock's bitter defeat and Washington's masterly effort to save the remnant of the army from total annihilation.

The defeat of the British forces left this section of the English colonies at the mercy of both the French and their savage Indian allies, and for two years, despite all that Washington and other colonial leaders could do, every isolated cabin and every small settlement west of Winchester was in constant danger, and numerous raids were made, savage and brutal in the extreme, and these were kept up until the arrival of General Forbes, who, aided by Washington and others, finally compelled the French to abandon Fort Duquesne, and thus restored peace and order to a frontier covering a distance of several hundred miles.

Following General Forbes's success at Fort Duquesne (now the enterprising city of Pittsburg), came English successes in other quarters, not the least of which was the capture of Fort Niagara, standing on the east bank of the Niagara River, where that stream flows into Lake Ontario. This fort was of vast importance to the French, for it guarded the way through the lakes and down the mighty Mississippi to their Louisiana territory. In the expedition against Fort Niagara both David and Henry Morris take an active part, and as brave young soldiers endeavor to do their duty fully and fearlessly.

In the preparation of the historical portions of this work the author has endeavored to be as accurate as possible. This has been no easy task, for upon many points American, English, and French historians have differed greatly in their statements. However, it is hoped that the tale is at least as accurate as the average history, giving as it does statements from all sides.

Again thanking the many readers who have taken such an interest in my previous works, I place this volume in their hands, trusting they will find it not only entertaining but likewise full of instruction and inspiration.

EDWARD STRATEMEYER.

_Independence Day, 1902._

CONTENTS

I. IN THE FOREST

II. DEER AND INDIANS

III. DISCOVERY AND PURSUIT

IV. BURNING OF THE CABIN

V. UPRISING OF THE INDIANS

VI. THE DISAPPEARANCE OF HENRY

VII. A DOUBLE WARNING

VIII. DEPARTURE FROM HOME

IX. GATHERING AT FORT LAWRENCE

X. HOW HENRY FARED

XI. SAM BARRINGFORD'S RUSE

XII. DARK YEAR OF THE WAR

XIII. FIGHTING OFF THE INDIANS

XIV. RETREAT OF THE PIONEERS

XV. DISAPPEARANCE OF LITTLE NELL

XVI. BACK TO WINCHESTER

XVII. A NEW CAMPAIGN

XVIII. WILDCAT AND WATER

XIX. DEFEAT OF THE ENGLISH

XX. AT FORT PITT--RETURN HOME

XXI. ON THE WAY TO THE ARMY

XXII. THE FIGHT WITH THE BUCK

XXIII. UP THE MOHAWK VALLEY

XXIV. HENRY IS ATTACKED

XXV. A STORM ON LAKE ONTARIO

XXVI. THE ATTACK AT OSWEGO

XXVII. NEWS OF IMPORTANCE

XXVIII. SOMETHING ABOUT FORT NIAGARA

XXIX. THE BATTLE NEAR THE FALLS

XXX. INTO THE NIAGARA RAPIDS

XXXI. FALL OF FORT NIAGARA

XXXII. LITTLE NELL--CONCLUSION

ILLUSTRATIONS

After him tumbled a wildcat

They could see the cabin, which still blazed

The warrior with the torch held the light aloft

"White Buffalo, my brother, has done well to bring this message so quickly."

He took a quick but careful aim at the leader

He leaped forward once again, straight for Dave

"Bail her out," roared the lieutenant

He swung his clubbed musket at the French soldier's head