Transcript
Narrator: Meanwhile, Shawnee spies learned of the governor’s battle plan. The principal Shawnee chief, Cornstalk, decided to attack Lewis before he united with Dunmore. That evening Cornstalk withdrew.
Allan Eckert: Cornstalk was a very proud man and he was not going to ever have it be said that he had turned his back on an enemy. As he vacated the battlefield he walked backward all the way the miles to where his canoe was wedged, got into his canoe and stood facing backward while it was paddled across the river.
Narrator: The Shawnees returned to their villages where militant warriors called for another attack. Cornstalk gave them a choice: kill all their women and children and fight to the last man or negotiate peace.
They chose to lay down their arms. Fifteen miles outside the Shawnee villages, Cornstalk met Dunmore to sign a peace treaty.
“When he arose he was in no way confused or daunted, but spoke in a distinct and audible voice. His looks while addressing Lord Dunmore were truly grand and majestic.
I have heard the first orators of Virginia but never have I heard one whose powers of delivery surpass those of Cornstalk.” Benjamin Wilson
