Submitted by Lynn Greene
Estill County, Ky., Sept. 29, 1884
L. C. Draper
Dear Sir:
Business and circumstances have prevented me from writing you sooner.
I find the oldest settlers differ about the old camps and whether by Indians or whites, or by Daniel Boone. I have tried to see as many men, the oldest settlers, as I could. I invariably read your letters to them.
You mention T. C. Johnston's statement, that my brother Richard T. Benton pointed out to him near his house a spring as where Boone had camped. I always understood that there was a camp at that place; and from what my sister told me when I wrote you before, I thought it was a camp of some surveying partys.
The facts about this matter are what you want. Brother Milton R. Benton is many years my senior, and in Effingham, Kansas- is a clear headed and good writer. If any man can give you the needed information with certainty, he can.
My two oldest brothers, R. T. and William are both dead. M. R. is the oldest living one in the family. Old man David Witt is very aged, and has always lived in the neighborhood of brother R. T. Benton's farm and spring. I have tried to see him, and learn what I could about Boone's camp and other facts; but don't expect to learn much. ---- it was 12 1/2 cents balance owe for the season of a colt, he would be the man- and maybe he will be able to give some information when I get to see him.
I cannot think of a man living who can do as much as brother M. R. Benton. His acquaintance with the history of Estill County and Station Camp Creek is of fifty years back. He has been away from here 25 or 30 years.
I will write out the facts and send you as soon as our court is over.
Yours truly,
E. P. Benton
Source: Boone Papers, Lyman Draper Collection, U. of Wisconsin
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