These treaties made at the Ohio forts are quite unworthy of preservation, save for mere curiosity; they really settled nothing whatever and conferred no rights that were not taken with the strong hand; yet they are solemnly quoted in some books as if they were the real sources of title to parts of the Northwest.] Continued Ravages.
All the while the ravages grew steadily more severe.

The Federal officers at the little widely scattered forts were at their wits' ends in trying to protect the outlying settlers and retaliate on the Indians; and as the latter grew bolder they menaced the forts themselves and harried the troops who convoyed provisions to them.

Of the innumerable tragedies which occurred, the record of a few has by chance been preserved.

One may be worth giving merely as a sample of many others.

On the Virginian side of the Ohio lived a pioneer farmer of some note, named Van Swearingen.