Memoirs of William Miller - Sylvester Bliss

proceeded but a few steps before he stumbled and
fell to the ground; but his fall saved his life, for the
hatchets of the Indians passed at the instant directly
over his head. His self-command now returned; he
arose to his feet, took aim at the spot where the
savages were concealed, fired, turned and fled. The
report brought some of the garrison, including
several friendly Indians, to the spot. These Indians
had already decided that the last gun heard was that
of a white man, and that he had killed an Indian,
for they heard his deathyell. On repairing to the
spot, marks of blood were seen; and these were
traced to a pond near by, into which it was
supposed the dead Indian was thrown by his
brethren.
It is thought by Deacon Samuel D. Colt, an
aged, highly intelligent, and respected gentleman
of Pittsfield, where he has resided since he was a
child, that this incident is connected with the
history of “Hutchinson’s Fort,” so called from the
man who built it, during “the second French war.”
It was located about two miles west of the village.
Its site is now covered by a brick dwelling-house.
17