Special Collections: Letters from the Draper Manuscripts, McClanahan, 1845 & 1846 July 11th 1845 Mr. L. C. Draper My Dear Sir. It is but lately and that by mean chance that I am able to give you the time of births and deaths of Gen. A. Lewis and of his son Col. A. Lewis. The former was born May 30th 1720, and died September 1781. The latter was born 13th October 1759 and departed this life 25th September 1844, shortly after I had the pleasure of seeing you at his house. As to Genl. Lewis being in Braddock's defeat, I have not been able to ascertain whether he was or not, but am inclined to think from all I can learn he was not. I had a conversation with Doctor Johnston on that and other subjects and he promised me he would write you. He also is now dead. As to the circumstances of my Grandfather McClenachan being wounded and taken prisoner by the Indians, his wife and son killed at same time, I have so imperfect recollection of the narrative I could not venture to give it to you, dates, etc., etc. I can't with a certainty come at and I much expect your narrative is completed ere this and that, this note will come too late which I very much regret. Yours With Respect E. McClanahan Roanoke, March 19th 1846 Dear Sir, I have this day received your letter of the 11th instance and answer your inquiry respecting the birth of Gen. A. Lewis. The date of his birth as sent you by me I took myself from the recorded list I found in a book of Col. A. Lewis, the Generals's son, and in his own handwriting with his own age, his wife also the births of all his children as well as the time of the decease of his first wife and those of his children that have died. Col. Lewis wrote with care and a very good hand. I have no doubt that he had the record which he had made of his father's birth from the record of his father and that it is correct. Your other inquiry is as to my father's birth and decease. When I had the pleasure of seeing you at the Bent Mountain, I mentioned the circumstances of my father's mother and his younger brother being killed by the Indians in what is now Bath County and that part of it called CowPasture, what county it was then I can't say. My grandfather was wounded at the same time, and taken prisoner and pursued. The prisoners all retaken and my grandfather tomahawked and hurt in the head by the Indians on finding that they were overtaken, but was carried in and lived, but his mind seriously affected. He told me of several incidents that occured whilst on his march with the Indians. Such as taking two small children (the mothers prisoners) by the heels and dashing their brains out against a tree because they cryed and that they held two counsels about him together he being very unable to travel on account of his wound and that he was saved by a pen in his hat showing he could write for which they were desireous to take him to the nation. My grandfather was from Ireland and an excellent scholar. Not being able to give you dates, places and circumstances with any accuracy, I had or did not make this relation to you in my last letter as you requested and do not make it now by any means for publication. My father was born 25 December 1738 and died November 19th 1819. I believe I said to you in my last letter that Col. A. Lewis died the 15th of September same year that I saw you at his house and he did not recover his mind after you saw him. My family and self are in the enjoyment of tolerable health for which I trust and feel thankful. My nerves are so tremulous, it is with difficulty I can write. You have my most courteous wishe for your complete success in the arduous and great undertaking in which you are engaged and I hope I may come to see it in print and have the pleasure of reading it. I am now in my 76th year and of course cannot expect to remain here long. With Respect and Esteem Your Obedient Servant E. McClanahan Note: The preceding transcription was done by Joe McClenahan The E. McClanahan was Col. Elijah McClanahan (1770–1857) Submitted for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Sharon Huband with permission from Joe McClenahan ********************************************************* USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb ***********************************************************************