Siege Warfare

Southwest Virginia Project

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From Source:Thwaites, 1902:143. Thwaites is discussing the sieges of Boonesboro and Harrodstown in 1777, but the activities probably apply equally for those who "forted up" in Southwest Virginia.

At each garrison, whenever not under actual siege, half of the men were acting as guards and scouts while the others cultivated small patches of corn within sight of the walls. But even this precaution sometimes failed of its purpose. For instance, one day in May two hundred Indians suddenly sur- rounded the corn-field at Boonesborough, and there was a lively skirmish before the planters could reach the fort.

More from Source:Thwaites, 1902:145

It had been a time of constant anxiety and watchfulness. The settlers were a handful in comparison with their vigilant enemies. But little corn had been raised; the cattle were practically gone; few horses were now left; and on the twelfth of December Bowman sent word to Virginia that he had only two months' supply of bread for two hundred women and children, many of whom were widows and orphans. As for clothing, there was little to be had, although from the fiber of nettles a rude cloth was made, and deerskins were commonly worn.