7. Blackfish was misinformed of the strength of the garrison at Boonesborough
Hamilton had informed his Shawnee ally that about 200 men were in the fort, erroneous intelligence received from one of the Loyalists allied with the Indians. Blackfish, wary of attacking, allowed Boone to continue to parley for the next two days. On September 9, Blackfish demanded to know what gave the Americans the right to occupy Indian lands. Boone informed the Shawnee of the treaty signed by the Cherokee, and a Cherokee in Blackfish’s party confirmed its existence. Blackfish then offered to withdraw across Ohio and remain there in peace if the Americans pledged allegiance to the British. Boone and the other leaders of the post agreed.
After the discussion, during which some sources claim a treaty was signed by the parties, the Shawnee attempted to seize the Americans. The latter made a fighting withdrawal to the fort. The Indians then attacked, trying to force the gates of the fort. They were repulsed by the gunfire from the fort’s walls. The Americans masked the weakness of the garrison (there were about 40 men in the fort) by having some of the women dress in men’s clothing and appear on the walls. In command was militia Colonel Richard Callaway, his second in command was Major William Smith. Boone, as a Captain, was third in command, though most of the settlers followed his lead throughout the siege.