State Papers, iv., 357.] All the Indians were not yet at war, however; and curious agreements were entered into by individuals on both sides.

In the absence on either side of any government with full authority and power, the leaders would often negotiate some special or temporary truce, referring only to certain limited localities, or to certain people; and would agree between themselves for the interchange or ransom of prisoners.

There is a letter of Boone's extant in which he notifies a leading Kentucky colonel that a certain captive woman must be given up, in accordance with an agreement he has made with one of the noted Indian chiefs; and he insists upon the immediate surrender of the woman, to clear his "promise and obligation." [Footnote: Draper MSS., Boone Papers.

Boone to Robert Patterson, March 16,1787.] The Indians Harry the Boats on the Ohio.
The Indians watched the Ohio with especial care, and took their toll from the immense numbers of immigrants who went down it.

After passing the Muskingum no boat was safe.