| 9 Capt. John Emberson, who had resided 20 years on Red River, raised a Company in the spring of 1839, a month or thereabout, before the expiration of Capt. Stouts service - Emberson continued in service 5 or 6 months ranging on the upper frontier of Fannin, He killed 3 Cherokees in July - This company and Capt. Stouts were the only forces operating in that section, from the time Rusks army was disbanded at Clarksville until ["the Emberson" marked out] september 1839 - From this date up to may '40 - there was no force operating in this quarter. During this interrgnum, the indians committed various depradations. They commenced by killing Geo. Dugan, Fanning Co. and a Mr. Cox also of Fanning, and took off two boys 12, 14 years of age, the sons of Cox brother. They were recovered in the fall of 1840, bought in the Choctaw nation. Ripleys family, Red River Co. was killed 10th April 1841 - his wife & eight children, the oldest a boy 18 years old two girls 16 & 13 years and the balance younger, the youngest an infant. Two of the family only escaped a girl about 15, and one 10, years - they were pursued by the Indians, but outrunning them they reached a neighbor's house, when their pursuer stopped - he had fired at them at the commcemt of the Chase which was about 2 miles - Capt Stout states that youngest girl was so stiffened up by the great effort she made in runing that she was not able to walk for several days. [----------------------------------------------------------------------] 10 June or July Shortly after this the Indians made an attack on Capt. Earry [John Yeary] whilst he was in his field at his work - There were several women at Earry's house that day, some 5 or 6 on a visit - ["The Indians 7 in number broke in" marked out] they were in the yard at the time the Indians broke upon them. They attempted to gain the house but the Indians intercepted them at the door - and a general engagement ensued; the women, fighting with sticks, rocks & such missels as they could gather up, and some going it with their nails and teeth. Several of them severely wounded by the arrows of the enemy, but the indians were not able to use their bows with much effect inconsequence of the close quarters of the engagemt, the women seizing hold of them throwing them down and otherwise engaging them - Thus continued the fight until Capt. Earry came to their assistence. Hearing the scuffle he fled to fled to [sic] the house and was recd. by several shots from the enemy none of which however disabled him. He seized a weeding hoe lying in the yard and began to operate with that knock the indians down as fast as he could get to them, until his wife was able to get into the house. She brought out his gun & the assailants fled. Earry fired upon them & wounde one. The women were not seriously injured & none killed - The combattants were about equal in number on both sides - This took place in June or July 1841 -- |