Part 2 of "Adventures of Francis Downing" posted by Jim Downing In reference to the first post where Downing takes off in flight from the Indians: My father often told me "It's a bad set of legs that will let your "a**" take a beating !" :-) I hope no one finds offense at the length of these posts, but one of the things I like about genealogy is the wonderful stories that take us back in time. I only wish that this Downing was one of my line and I wanted to share it with others in hope that he is in their line. If this story is popular knowledge among Downing researchers, than I apologize for its length. Continuing the story...... Mr. Downing's name is mentioned in the life of Daniel Boone. He was in every Indian campaign in which he had a chance to go; was one of the party from Lexington, or McConnell's Station, which forced their way through Simon Girty's forces in ambush and safely reached Bryan's Station. He was also in one of the divisions pursuing Girty after his retreat, which did not come up until after the "Battle of the Blue Licks." When quite a boy he was sent to Lexington by his father on particular business, when guns were as common an appendage to a man as are pocketknives in our day. He chanced to be passing where Gen. Charles Scott's forces were drilling near to Ashland, the subsequent residence of the late Henry Clay, and without parley or delay he fell into ranks. A friend urged him to go to Lexington, attend to his business and return home, but he refused to do so. Arriving at Louisville (the falls) the friend determined to appeal to Gen. Scott. He did so, telling the old General that he ought to send Downing back to his family. Scott had him brought into his presence and thus accosted him: "Well, my little man, have you a gun?" "Yes, sir." "Have you a horse?" "Yes, sir." "Have you any money?" "Yes, sir." "Then, d--n it," said Scott, "let the little fellow go." He did go, and in his eagerness to shoot a "red skin" in one of his conflicts he came very near being shot in the head. His guardian friend was warning him not to thus expose himself when a ball aimed at his head struck the bark of the tree and forced the flying pieces against his head and in his eyes, giving severe pain. His friend ran to him and asked, "Are you hurt much?" "I reckon I am," said he, feeling deliberately the back of his head. "Look for the bullet hole, will you?" Mr. Downing lost an eye in early life by the accidental cut of a sword, while playfully fencing with a friend, which gave character to all his diseases in after life. He died of apoplexy in Lexington, Ky., in 1831, aged about sixty. He was beloved and esteemed by all who knew him, and was among the most amiable of men. If you enjoy these stories or think they are a waste of bandwidth, e-mail me at james.a.downing@gte.net and I will continue or cease their posting. Jim Downing Sarasota, FL