“ On a fine afternoon in the month of May, 1812, a number of neighbors had assembled to assist at a logrolling on a farm a little south of the now flourishing town of Mount Vernon. The dangers with which they were surrounded and 2 the fears and apprehensions that the Indians might make a descent upon the settlement became common subjects of conversation with them. And as the whisky was freely circulated and the men’s blood became warmed, there arose some fine bursts of patriotism and boasts of personal bravery. ”

“ Crawford turned and discovered Emmett surveying the scene with an air of carelessness, while a sarcastic smile played upon his hardy features.
“Would you have one man drive a whole band of savages?” replied the other, somewhat nettled at the question. “And they armed with rifle, tomahawk, and scalping knife? A man must not throw away his life at a time when his country may have need of his assistance.” And with this patriotic remark he turned away.
Not being able to trace the trail of the Indians, the party returned to the garrison and made a report of their discoveries. ”

“ Crawford burst in upon them.
6
The alarm no sooner became general than the cry of “To garrison! To garrison!” passed from house to house; and in a few moments women and children might be seen clinging to their husbands, fathers, or brothers, making their utmost speed along the uneven pathways or streets that led to the town hall. Here might be seen all ages of both sexes—men, women, and children—stowed into the garrison. Some were expressing the utmost agony of fear; others were swelling with patriotism as danger seemed to hover around them ”

“ Why, I’ll tell you what it is, Emmett: these Indians are not so brave as you think. Besides, we fight for our country. And damn my eyes, but I believe that with Captain Walker’s Company, I could drive a regiment of them back to Sandusky.”
A general burst of laughter followed this high-toned declaration of personal bravery, and the labors of the day were resumed. Evening at length drew on; and the company, having taken the parting glass, began to separate. A little after dusk Archibald Crawford was on his way to Mount Vernon, where he resided. ”

“ During the early days on the Midwestern frontier, especially during the War of 1812 and the concurrent Indian warfare, terror was easily spread through settlements and villages by rumors of nearby redskins. Raids were frequent, and the horrors of Indian warfare made even the boldest men fear for their lives and for the lives of their loved ones. But even in the midst of danger, a practical joke was not unappreciated. ”

“ It was determined that the whole force of the town, or as many men as could be spared, should be divided into different 9 reconnoitering parties. These groups, taking different directions, should put the neighboring settlers upon their guard and should endeavor to discover the retreat of the hostile party. ”