O Brien's Farm, Northern Pennsylvania, October 16th 1759.
12 miles northwest of Fort Augusta.
Approaching O'Brien's farm from the north, Magua leads three groups of Huron/Iroquois warriors on a raid into British territory at the behest of the French army. [See picture below.] The French commander Marquis de Montcalm hopes to force troops from the British-created civilian militia to return in order to defend their homes. The attack is one of several along banks of the River Mohawk.
The settlers have heard news of the approaching Iroquois as well as seeing ominous clouds of smoke from nearby settlements. Local councilman James West, his deputy, William Allan and their wives were present for a visit when the afternoon was interrupted by three hunters, Nathaniel (Hawkeye) Bumppo and his two Mohican companions, telling of the approaching raiding parties.
The raiding Iroquois band hove into view just as Michael O'Brien and his wife were about to round up the cattle and Magua's band immediately headed for the bridge. Tadudeho, the first Iroquois to reach the bridge, was immediately grazed by a shot from Hawkeye in the Long Farmhouse [see picture below] and there was a certain amount of hesitation during which the O'Briens were able to flee to the safety of the farm buildings.
The raiding Iroquois band hove into view just as Michael O'Brien and his wife were about to round up the cattle and Magua's band immediately headed for the bridge. Tadudeho, the first Iroquois to reach the bridge, was immediately grazed by a shot from Hawkeye in the Long Farmhouse [see picture below] and there was a certain amount of hesitation during which the O'Briens were able to flee to the safety of the farm buildings.
However, the Iroquois, urged on by Magua, crossed the bridge and rushed on towards the farm. At the same time, Attignawantan's band appeared from the trees opposite the farm while Tenskawatanta's band crept closer to to the edge of the woods near the water's edge. As Attignawantan moved forward they came under a volley of accurate fire from Uncas and the two settlers in the Long Farmhouse and Canasetego was killed outright and Genesee wounded.
In a return volley from the Iroquois band Uncas was grazed and knocked down and William Allen hurled back by a shot which hit his musket and John Hillyard dodged back out of sight. In the meantime, Magua's band charged up to the fence [see picture below] despite another shot from Hawkeye which despatched Tedudaho and their return fire knocked the hunter down.
In a return volley from the Iroquois band Uncas was grazed and knocked down and William Allen hurled back by a shot which hit his musket and John Hillyard dodged back out of sight. In the meantime, Magua's band charged up to the fence [see picture below] despite another shot from Hawkeye which despatched Tedudaho and their return fire knocked the hunter down.
Immediately, Magua's band climbed over the fence and despite a brace of pistol shots from inside the barn, began to spread out around the long farmhouse and barn. Councilman West fired on them but was wounded by a return shot which caused the settlers to take a morale throw and resulted in most of them fleeing or cowering helplessly in the cabin.
With the settlers apparently at their mercy and only the group in the Square Farmhouse returning fire the triumphant Iroquois gave a victorious yell but in the seconds that followed the sounds of drums and the shouts of military orders could be heard from the south east. Magua called to his warriors and began a rapid disengagement out of the farm and back across the river to the woods.
Within a few moments a platoon of British regulars from Fort Augusta under Lt Randall arrived on the scene and pursued the fleeing warriors but without success.
