Letters from Levi Todd to the Governor of Virginia
Transcription donated to the Fayette County KYGenWeb by Debbie
Go to 11 September 1782 ~~ or 15 April 1784

 

Transcribed letter of Levi Todd
Dated
11 September 1782
Source: Library of Virginia,
Governors Letters Received,
July 1776 to November 1784

Sir,
Enclosed is a copy of the recommendations made to our last court, so great a change proceeds from a cause truely lamentable. The loss of our county Leutinent and a number of subalterns as the late attacks but particularly at our defeat at the Blue Licks where the enemy put it's wholly to the front the circumstances of particulars are these.

On the 16th August a  party of Indians appeared at the Bryants by their behaviors of rage party was supposed to tie around the fort an express was sent here my brother being absent  I went with about 30 men to make discovery. I forced my way into the fort, near Bryant I was joined with about 10 more finding the enemy lay round we attempted forcing our way. 17 men on horseback rushed in, the greater part of the rest being on foot were prevented or overpowered obliged to seek safety by flight with the loss of one killed and three wounded, one of which died the next morning. I immediately dispatched an express to Colonel Trigg the highest officer in Lincoln demanding assistance, and also notice to Colonel John Todd then in Lincoln. The enemy commanded by Simon Girty, made an attempt to fire the fort but were prevented with much loss they however kept up a smart fill til the morning of the 17th when they went off the same evening. Colonel John Todd, and Colonel Trigg arrived with a party of men who with what we could raise soon made us 70 on the morning of the 18th we persued on their trail on the morning of the 19th we came within sight of the enemy about 3/4 of a mile north of the lower Blue Licks. We dismounted and began the march with vigor, from our left, the enemy retracted, 5 gained ground. Our right within a minute or two gave way and -------- themselves to be flanked by the enemy. Our line then gradually gave way from our right to the left til the whole ------ confusion.

The action lasted about 5 months our loss, near as we can ascertain is 66 among whom were our commanding officers, Colonel John Todd, Colonel Trigg, Captains Gordon, McBride, Kincaid, and Overton, Major Hardon, Major Bulger (who since died of his wounds) Mr. Joseph Loring and several gentlemen of note - The enemy we suppose consisted of three or four hundred. They took some prisoners we suppose, though very few, upwards of 40 were found on the ground but we think a number lie near the battle ground, the enemy must have suffered considerably a great part of our men fought with much resolution and activity - The conduct of the officers is by some censored and charged with want of prudence in attacking at any rate, but as we had no chance to know their number we thought ours was not much inferior and supposed we should, by fierce attack, throw them into confusion and break their lines, we are much alarmed in this county and fear the consequence will be very detrimental if government cannot give assistance, tho our great dependence is that if the county surveyor would attend we should be strengthened with additional settlers not ------.

I am sir, your Excellency's most obedient and very humble servant.

       Levi Todd

Lexington Fayette County
September 11, 1782

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Transcribed Letter of Levi Todd
Dated
15 April, 1784
Source: Library of Virginia,
Governors Letters Received,
July 1776 to November 1784

May it please your Excellency

At the conclusion of all peace with Britain we flattered ourselves that hostilies would cease throughout the United States. I am sorry to inform you that contrary to our expectations our natural enemies have begun the season with their accustomed fierceness and barbaracy and differnt may almost every part of the Kentucky County but in the county in particular from circumstances I have a right to suppose that some of the Northern Indians as well as the Southern are disposed for war. What makes it the more disagreeable is that at a time when the inhabitants are living in ease and plenty (comparison to what we for years past have done) and significantly strong not only to keep out scouts and guards but also to carry the war into the enemies country, but for want of laws to invest officers with authority to call Militia in service, to depend and chastize an enemy, we must sit still and tamely submit to their cruelties, talk of authority or commands under the law now in _____ (in guarding against invasions) is ridiculous, and we do not abound sufficiently in virtue to do our duty without compulsion, would not the "general assembly if representation was made to them of our situation invest officers with authority to act defensively, if not offensively: to inflict punishments _______ I would wish on those who would neglect or refuse to comply with their duties to give sufficient reasons to scouts and detachments while in service, to lay up proper stores of ammunition, which at present we are destitute and I would wish this was the case of our county ______ district was to defend and pay itself. This representation coming through your Excellency would be attended to with more seriousness by the honorable Commander in Chief, as well as, Chief Magistrate of the Commonwealth. I hope your Excellency will be particulary acquainted with our situation by the delegates from this county, my being a citizen and frequently being obliged to risque life and property will no doubt not excuse me for the liberty I have taken at this time,

I have the honor to be your Excellencys most obedient and very humble servant.

      Levi Todd

Fayette County
April 15, 1784

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