Papers of the Continental Congress
Letter from Mr. Van Swearingen to Col. William Butler 9/29/1787
National Archives & Records Administration
M247-164 i150 v2 pg. 561
Transcribed by Billy Markland
Transcriber's Note: This letter was received by Col. Butler who had a copy made and forwarded the copy to Secretary of War Henry Knox. This transcription is of the copy.
Copy of a letter from Mr. Vanswearingen [sic] to Col. William Butler, dated Washington County, 29th of Septr. 1787
Sir
On Sunday evening last my son Thomas Swearingen was taken prisoner by the Indians ten miles up Cross Creek west of Ohio – he was hunting for meat for a party of strangers three of which was found dead, two escaped – he had lent his gun that day to one of the party to hunt, and was without arms and I think was in a waste cabbin [sic] by himself when he was taken – he may be dead, but the parties have not yet found him. If you think it is best that a message should be sent to the indian chiefs or others in that country that may have it in their power to be of service trying to save his life – if you have faith in me please to employ any indian or white man that may answer the purpose and I will pay to the utmost farthing your contract with them. I am not well or I should have come to you myself – I hope to have a line from you by the bearer. I spoke to a gentleman from Morgan Town which informed me a few days ago a party of indians was overtaken by a party of our people bearing off a number of horses from the inhabitants – Two indians was killed and one white man, and the horses brought back – I am under many feeling apprehensions concerning my son, and hope you will do every thing in your power and you will forever oblige