50 split in-halves. This largely accounts for the inability oi the Indians to capture the place, although they had as large a force besieging it as that with which they besieged Fort Pitt during Pontiac's conspiracy in 1763. It was erected in close proximity to the stockade built by Col. Boquet in 1764, portions of which were still visible at the time of the construction of the Ohio Canal. Fort Laurens was the first fort erected west of the Ohio by order of the American Congress. So unexpected and rapid were the movements of Gen. McIntosh that the Indians were not aware of his presence in their country until the fort was completed. After its completion a garrison of 150 men was placed in it and left in charge of Col. John Gibson, while the rest of 1he army returned to Fort Pitt. The Indians soon became acquainted with the existence of the fort, and began to prepare to give their new neighbors employment. Early in January, 1779, they mustered their warriors with such secrecy that the fort was invested before the garrison had notice of their approach. Ambuscade.—When the main army returned
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