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'nifw/nWi f/irff Vouiiilcr.i Thrjmrkt tnir iijiri.v,'>/f.v t'tiKLv iJiVi'Oil tliwvin //ir t/rmin il fifh-f liKfli .C luoitr-.vtt toffitlirr with tooji hiili-s for sintil/ . triiiS MA. JOH MEMOIRS OP MAJOR ROBERT STOBO, OF THE n I VIRGINIA REGIMENT. Arma Virumquk. PITTSBURGH: PUBLISH2D RY JOHN S. DAVIDSON, NO. 65 MARKET STREET, PRINTED AT THE OFFICE OP KENNEDYS' BANK NOTE REVIEW, THIRD ST 1854. CONTENTS. Stobo's Plan of Fort Du Quesxe. Page. Introduction v Piireiit;» Becomes a favorite of Dinwiddie, the Governor — French encroacli on the Ohio — A Virginia Regi- ment raised — .Stobo the first Captain — Very pop- ular in Fort Du Quesne built by the French 17 Stobo, Engineer- at Fort Necessity — That Fort surren- dered 18 Stobo and Van Braam delivered as hostages — Confined in Fort Du Quesne 19 Writes Letters to Washington, and sends him a plan of the Fort 20 Sent to Quebec— Popular among the ladies there 21 Braddock defeated 23 Copies of iStobo's letters found by the French among Braddock's paper 24 Stobo harshly treated— Confined in a dismal dun- geon—Court Martial assembled to try him— Found guilty— Sentenced to be hanged 25 Sentence sent to France 2G Not approved by the King— Escapes from his prison, 29 Retaken 31 Again imprisoned, and lady appeals to the Governor to treat him less harshly 32, 33, 34 More kindly used— Forms ac(piaintance with Lieu- tenant Stevenson 35 Flans an escape— Escapes 37 .loins tlio ollirr |irls()ni'rs MS S«;i/i' .1 c'Miioc iiiul (It'sci'iid llir Si. I.:iu rrii(T---'ri;iM'l ill tin- iiii'lit— lie l>y ill d.-iy 11^1,1 |:^, 1 | |)is('()v«.'r two Iiidiiiiis — Kill liicni niid tlicir doi: . !(!. 17. IS |)i.s((t\( r :i I'oi ij--o; I red l)o}il comin*: m|> tli«' ri\ i r— ( ';i[i. tiiro llic l)(i;ii jiiid (1 ('\\— Clirv. I,;i Diininlo Cniii- iiiainlcr ."jO Ahiiiidoii tlirir cMiioc— '!'nkc to the IiomI. ;iiid iii;d\o tiic crow iissist ill work i II i; licr .01 Find iinotlicr Ixcit— Send l.;i Daraiito and lii.s men on lioard licr 5 1. .'').'■) A storni disaldos tlicir Ixiat .'»r» ( )l)lii:('d to land — Dotaiiird cii^lit days 57 'l\vo small l'r<-ncli vessels a|i|Mar .OS St oho and his partv hy sti alai^'oni ea[)tiire both s him iisi'fnl inforniation, (;7, (!S. ()I). 7(1 iSails for Hoston toearrv (lispatches to (ien. Amhersl.. 71 Arrivi's ut Amherst's headqnarters, and remains till iht^ (•amj>ai<:u is closed 72 Proceeds to AVilliamshnrirli 7') Highly honored there... 74 Sails lor Kiiiihind 75 Vessel ca])tnred by French privateer 7 1 Kausomed 75 Arrives in Enirland— Calls on Mr. Fitt 7(j Gets a letter of I'eeonnnendation to (ien. Amherst... 70 Sails I'or iN'ew York 77 Abstracts of the proceedings of the House of I^nriresses of Vir-inia 78, 82 Appendix A 83 A])pendix B 85 On tho years ng<>, liloridus a. now sjiroii inliid'it, 111 aiitl undisi (»f one iiu was hiloa adjoin! 11 !*o impors IVll into tho h:nuls of tho enemy, vvcri' sent lo Frnnoo, anil from thonce to Qn«'l)0(% whoro Stobo was tlion r(»nnneV« /4.* t^ J' 'om actual rose up in adherents in compar- le Prench, jssod none -he, like stly differ- to strike. " are not for IS " wait, '* ["trampling lion of the lendiarism, order were ians might on of the lis friends ; jmy. The gth of the le deserted ;. " I am ites cannot )t be about isurgents,) etween the md of his Qore subtle )ut of the 'here were capture of thly tab er- st services, ide-spread uld gladly I. B. C. MEMOIRS, ETC. This little hero of the following memoirs, whose dauntless courage, constant zeal, and still greater sufferings, well deserve the attention of every lover of his country, was horn at Glnsg^ow Anno 17^7. His father, William Stobo wus a mei'chant and citizen of that place, and the hist who brought its manufactures up to England, whence Glasgow has since received such vast yearly returns : his mother was daughter of James Mitchell, of Balmore, near Glasgow, remarkable for nothing more than his em- inent piety, and a small inheritance of his family, who was commonly distinguished by the appella- tion of the gentleman of Balmore, which courtesy he probably enjoyed as being nearly related, by his mother, to the noble and ancient family of Montrose. Robert Stobo was the only son of his father that lived past infancy, and consequently the great darling of his parents, and, withal, so prodigiously delicate in his constitution, that when a boy, he was nursed two spring seasons on breast milk. Being at 1 »l - |,4| i 14 MEMOIRS UF MAJOR STOBO. 1 length able to go to school, his infant education was attended to with great care, and he was early in the Latin School of that place; here, as he had gather- ed a little strength to his natural activity of body and mind, he soon betrayed a turn for arms, and con- stantly employed his play hours in drum-beating, mustering, and exercising his comrades with great alertness, and would often discipline them, severely, too, though much his superiors in strength of body, for he still was very delicate. In the year 1740, his father died, and leaving him under the guardianship of his nearest friends, he spent a reason or two in the University there, when, his mother dying likewise, his friends determined, with his own consent, to send him to Virginia, to serve in a store of some merchants of Glasgow, where he performed his engagements with ap- probation; and having begun business for himself^ he returned to Glasgow Anno 1747; in order to commence merchant with better hopes of success, he converted some houses he had into money, and laid out all his small fortune in merchandize, and went over with a resolution to settle at least some years in Virginia, where the natural openness and freedom of his temper, joined with a turn for gaiety, soon made him a necessary person in every party of pleasure, and his acquaintance was much courted by all the best company of the province. I Too consid it ill-s entertj civilitii little o indeed scene, sweets Frencl ments the Go to opp regime to adv ress; t suited, offered emerg As nor, ai and w he wa ment : for h( regimi mechs a cov( MEMOIRS OF MAJOR STOBO. 15 3n was in the ^ather- f body id con- eating, I great verely, " body, ig him ds, he when, nined, nia, to isgow, ;h ap- imself, 3er to iccess, y, and e, and some 3S and raiety, party )urted I $ Too much of his time went this way to make any considerable progress in the mercantile life, and as it ill-suited with his disposition to be constantly entertained by his friends without returning their civilities, he determined to keep house with very little other view than to entertain, and his house ivas indeed open to every body. In this pleasurable scene, which lasted till 1754, he enjoyed the only sweets he has yet tasted, for early in that year the French began to make very bare-faced encroach- ments on the frontiers of Virginia, in so much that the Governor, Mr. Dinwiddie, found himself obliged to oppose them ; in the Assembly of the province a regiment is determined to be forthwith raised, and to advance towards the enemy to stop their prog- ress ; the occasion was very opportune, and too well suited to Mr. Stobo's disposition to let it pass ; he offered his service to the province in this dangerous emergency. As he was a particular favorite with the Gover- nor, and as may be easily imagined from his temper and way of life, much beloved by the whole people, he was appointed the oldest Captain of this regi- ment : here his hospitable disposition did not vanish, for he provided largely for the campaign. The regiment was formed in March ; he had ten servants, mechanics whom he enlisted, provided himself with a covered wagon, well filled with every necessary r ( :* i m hi 16 MEMOIRS OF MAJOR STOBO, proper to make these mountainous woody deserts as agreeable as their situation could admit. During his stay with the regiment (which we shall soon see was not long) he kept an open table in tbe wilder- ness, which was plentifully supplied with the game the woods afforded, as he had some of the best sportsmen of this kind constantly out for that pur- pose, besides, he carried a whole butt of Madeira wine with him at his first setting out. This sort of behaviour soon won him the hearts of all the officers, and his activity in forwarding the- discipline of the soldiers, soon drew their attention to him ; in short, he was too much the darling of officers and men to escape the suspicion and envy of his superior officers, and this may, with some probability, be suspected for the reason of his being .i delivered up an hostage, as we shall see imme- diately.* By the breaking out of the war so suddenly in North America, Mr. Stobo was altogether baulked in the schemes he had formed of advancing his Note — It would seem from this that Stoho was not a wilHiif^ h:''tage. Still there ia no good ground for the intimation that jealousy induced the selection of him as one of the hostages, ^/"an I3raam was the other, neither of them natives of the colo- nies, and neither of them having families to be left behind. — N. B. C. fortune which regime built but th hostilit Englis tions, the tei were i But as design of its these s Mr. St A pi the Gr Mounti and on of a lai being undei« numbe themse enginoi for the ned anc by, wei MEMOIRS OF MAJOR STOBO. 17 his fortune with che advantages of his mechanics, etc., which certainly would have been the case had the regiment remained inactive on the frontiers, and built forts by way of barriers against the enemy ; but the French had prevented this effect by the hostilities they had already committed against the English settlers, by driving them from their habita- tions, and building Fort Duquesne so far within the territories of his Britannic Majesty, as they were stipulated by the treaty of Aix la Chapelle. But as it is no part of my business, and far from my design, to enter into the merits of the war, or speak of its progress, I shall only touch very briefly upon these scenes, so far as they relate to my story, where Mr. Stobo was immediatelv concerned. A part of the regiment, in June, had advanced to the Great Meadows, not far from the Appalachian Mountains, with Major Washington at their head ; and on the 3d of July, in the morning, were advised of a large body of French Canadians and barbarians being close upon them ; in this surprise, as they undei«tood the enemy were about three times their number, it was immediately resolved to entrench themselves ; Captain Stobo was pitched upon for engineer, and in so short a time as they had withal, for the enemy attacked them the same day, he plan- ned and executed such entrenchments, ivhich, by the by, were so bravely defended, that the Fr^^nch could I I 18 MEMOIRS OF MAJOR STOBO. |i i not force them that night, and notwithstanding thoy were half filled with water before morning, yet they prepared for a most resolute defence. Next day Monsieur considering it might cost them dear to force such brave fellows, offered them terms of capitulation, which, in their present situation, they could by no means refuse, the articles of which are inserted at lengh in the London Magazine for September, 1759, in the history of the rise and progress of the present war. For the performance of these articles* on the the part of Britain, Captain Robert Stobo and Van Braam were delivered up as hostages, and the rest had the liberty to march out of their sorry garrison with all the honors of war, and to return home. Upon this strange alteration of the Captain's affairs, he presented the Lieutenant of his own company with his sword, as he had then no farther use for it, and begged he would not spare it when opportunity offered to draw it in behalf of his country, and which sword, notwithstanding that gentleman fell with the unfortunate General Braddock, was restored For these articles see Appendix A. But it would not be just to the memory of Washington to omit saying that the French word for " a?sassination" was translated " death. " Whether the mis- translation by Van Braam was treacherous or stupid is not known. — C. to Its p Qut»bec singular But 1 another the ace venture soldiers service his cou him in morsel the col< pledge except Inth where the coi Frencl heartil that na of thes forth w to his Frencl op port self et on tha MEMOIRS OF MAJOR STOBO. lU to its primitive owner long nfter his escape from Quebec, and which tlie Major now wears with a singular esteem. But" to return, we must now view our hero in another light ; instead of devising liberal things for the accommor^ation of his brother officers and ad- venturers, advancing the military genius of the soldiers, and above all, striving to excel in the service of his country, he is now in the hands of his country*s enemies, and we shall presently find him in a dungeon, lying on a bag of straw, with a morsel of bread and a pan of cold water by his side, the cold earthen floor his table, no cheerful friend to pledge him to a glass, or other guest came there, except a mouse ran past his meagre fare. In the mean time he was sent to Fort du Quesne, where he was treated as became his station, with all the complaisant double entendre so familiar to the French. Here he had not been long before he was heartily convinced of the faithless regard 2^ aid by that nation to any treaty, by their manifest violation of these articles for which he was detained, and forthwith formed a resolution of being serviceable to his country, even at the expense of being a Frenchman; satisfied that he had not sought the opportunity to violate his parole, but deemed him- self entirely absolved from all obligations of honor on that point, he falls about forming a plan of Fort 20 MEMOIRS OF MAJOR STOBO. i!:i' 'I (lu Quesne, with all its approaches; meditated a scheme for the reduction of the place, committed both to paper, and was so regardless of himself as to sign it with his own name, and at a great expense and much hazard conveyed it, by means of an In- dian, to the commanding officer at Wills Creek. There let it remain, it will make its appearance again but too soon. Some time, not long after the capitulation, the Captain, though at this distance, nor likely soon to rejoin his regiment, took his rank in it as Major, and to that command the Governor of Virginia would appoint none other during all his troubles, which kept him from the regiment five years and upwards. Whether through a mistaken policy or without design is uncertain, but the French removed their hostage from one fort to another, through the whole chain of them, from Fort du Quesne down to Quebec, which is about three hundred leagues, with this advantage to himself, that he had liberty to go and come as he pleased all about the country ; but at first he was at a great loss from his not knowing the French tongue, to acquire which was his first study, in which pursuit he was greatly- assisted by the ladies, who took great pleasure in hearing him again a child, and learning to pronounce his syllables ; his manner was still open, free and easy, which gained him ready access into all their f compai compai in it, \ acquair himsfilf nature, Indian much they CO Indian'' he has he can foresidc garter, ration ^ dipped the skii little ot to mak ladies, and wli knowk NOTE- original Clinkc-r. that Sto may ha\ exagger) MKMOIKS OF MAJOR STOUO. 21 company ; nay, indeed, they never thoughl nny company complete unless Monsieur Stobo made one in it, where as soon as he had gained a tolerable acquaintance of their language, he much availed himself of their maxims and policy, and of the nature, constitution and manners of the different Indian nations through which he passed ; and so much was he in their esteem about this time, that they conferred upon him the honor of the Mississaga Indian* nation. The ceremony of the installation he has not yet declared, but the badge of this order he can never go without, for it is pricked on the foresides of both thighs, immediately above the gn rter, in form something like a diadem ; the ope- ration was performed with some sharp fish bones dipped in a liquid which leaves a blackness under the skin which never wears of!*; and as he had very little other employment at that time, he endeavored to make himself as agreeable as he could with the ladies, and found himself much in their good graces ; and whose esteem he courted principally to gain the knowledge of things by their means, which the ] Note — I have heard it su^^gestecl that Stobo was Smollet's orio;inal for Captain Lismahago in the adventures of Humphrey Clinker. It is known by a letter from David Hume to Smollet, that Stobo was a friend of the latter author, and his adventures may have suggested that character. But if go, the copy is a great exaggeration — C. m 22 MEMOIRS OF MAJOR STORO. Ml gentlemen, with greater caution, concealed from bim. Setting aside the gentleness nf his manner* there was something in his appearance very enga- ging ; he was of the middle size, that is, about five feet nine and a half or near 10 inches high, of a dark brown complexion, a penetrating eye, an aquiline nose, round face, a good cheerful counte- nance, a very genteel person, rather slender than robust, and graceful in liis whole deportment. This scene lasted, without interruption, till the beginning of the year 1755, when the French Gazette pointed him out as a person who had informed the English Government of the strength and situation of Fort du Quesne,* which might very readily tianspire, if communicated at that time, when none of the schemes of this court were put in execution till nearly all Europe were acquainted with them. Upon this alarm, the Major's conduct was observed with stricter attention than it had been, and the French officers now began to look upon him as a dangerous inmate, but he still preserved his credit with the ladies, by cultivating Note — In the memorial issued by the French Government in 1756, justifying its conduct, Stobo is described as a spy in Fort du Quesne, who had communicated valuable information to the British authorities. His letters are published in the appendix to the memorial, and his plan of the Fort is said to be "exact." that fat abunda time to do sucl man! w were sc their c almost his life As s Americ Creek"* plan, V fell, wl Indiana his bag his pa] conting unthinl name. Upo: prisone tials ag first o] NOTE- stands. fFoK MEMOIRS OF MAJOR STOIIO. 23 1 from laiiner* r eiiga- )ut five ;b, of a ye, an counte- 31' than t. till the French ho had itrength ;ht very t time, re put uainted onduct it had to look le still ;ivating iment in '■ in Fort >n to the )endix to ict. " I I I that familiar tete a tete in their conversation in such abundance, as left them no room to thhik he took time to reflect on any thing else. Monsieur Stobo do such a thing ! Oh, no, poor unthinking gentle- man ! w^as their constant apology for him. But tliey were soon undeceived, and he v^'as soon deprived of their conversation, together w^itli his liberty, and almost every other gratification w^hich could make his life supportable. As soon as General Braddock landed in North America, in 1755, the commanding officer at the Creek* delivered to him the Major's letterst and plan, wrhich that unfortunate General kept till he fell, w^hen he was surprised and attacked by the Indians on his march through the woods ; almost all his baggage fell into the hands of the enemy, with his papers, and these among the rest; unlucky contingent attending such a great disaster, and oh ! unthinking Major indeed, signed with his own name. Upon this discovery, he was committed close prisoner at Quebec, and hardly used; these creden- tials against him were remitted to Paris by the very first opportunity, and returned next year with a Note- -Washington at Wills' Creek, where Cumberland now stands. fFor copies of these letters see Appendix B. .! y V .1' 'I : i I Si .'! 24 MKMOIRS OF MAJOR HTOBO. commission for the Governor of Canada to try the prisoner for his life. Some time this yeai-, 1756, he affected an escape from prison, but there was immediately a n^ward of 6,000 livres offered to any body that would bring him in alive or dead, which drew several thousands into the woods in (juest of him, and he was soon replaced in his confinement, and that, too, soon changed to a worse place, and now we shall find him in a situation truly melan- choly. Behold him marching into a dungeon where no ray of the sun, that gladness of the eyes, ever came, nor did the smallest glimpse of light ever visit his dark abode; a place long unfrequented. No crime in Canada was equal to such horrors, for at his entrance here he found nor chair nor stool, his dismal couch, a cotton bag of straw, lay on the floor, so long unused to any guests that the green corn, or rather white, had grown up full four inches high above the canvass ; before it, on the floor, was set an earthen pan, replenished plentifully with chill cold water, and over it was laid a piece of bread. Here, Major, take thy rest, if rest can enter here ; mope on melancholy and drench thy soul in sorrow ; here, indeed, necessity and dread of worse might soothe a murderer's guilty conscience, but to a soul like thine, how must the agonizing moments linger on for SIX ion 1( week? In this, his dismal cell, at his first entrance, he could yet by such a disceri at som Hen brougli of mai Goveri prisoiu nations ces ag Tried guilty their f he SCO barbar pleade and ha fixed, ; worse gracefi differ e and w still v\ villain( burnec to relc MEMOIRS OF MAJOR STOHo. 25 try the 756, he Te was 1 to any 1, which juest of nement. ce, and melan- n where Bs, ever ht ever [uented. ;ors, for >r stool, r on the le green r inches )or, was ith chill »read. 3r here ; ;orrow ; 3 might D a soul s linger o nee, he couhl scarce see his finger an inch before his nose, yet by the darkness, almost visible, his eyes accjuired such a strength of sight, that, ere long, he could discern a mouse when running on the floor, though at some distance. Hence, on the 28th of November, was our hero brought, with unrelenting heart, to the Canadian bar of martial justice, where Monsieur Vaudreuil, the Governor, sat President ; the Court was set, the prisoner arraigned for violating the known laws of nations, for breach of faith, and treasonable practi- ces against the govei'nment that sheltered him. Tried by his peers, well might they have spared this guilty brother, for when ever did they preserve their faith, and by their manifest corrupt example he scorned to offer his a sacrifice to their more barbarous infidelity ; all this, and more, in vain he pleaded, no counsel for the panncl, the vote was put, and hang he must by general consent ; the day was fixed, and back he's hurried to his dark abode, much worse than death, there to meditate on his last graceful exit, and con his penitentials o'er; far different was the effect — his country still prevailed, and was the reigning thought within his breast ; he still was confident they durst not execute their villainous sentence on a British subject, and still burned with expectation some time to get free and to retort upon them the vile indignities they offered 2 26 MEMOIRS OF MAJOR STOBO. him. The judgment they had given they sent to France, and wait the approbation of their King, but Louis thought not fit to approve; meanwhile they changed his dungeon to the common jail, where two stout sentinels were posted at his door, and two below his window, but fortuna favtt fortihus^ this held him not ; here was a long winter on his hand ; they often threatened him with execution, and oft have led him out in triumph through Quebec, his arms with cords well flightered down ; his constant answer was, he hoped the day would come when he could twist thsir nose for't, who caused him this disgrace. Here the Major learned to smoke tobacco, and every thing he could devise to kill the tedious hours, as no relief was found to free him from their hands ; no cartel could bring a prisoner of equal consequence to them ; he had seen all their etiength, their every garrison, and was too well qualified to serve against them to hope he should get from them. There was an officer of note, Laforce by name, in Virginia, a prisoner detained, and he was offered ; that would not do, they lost by the exchange. To hear the barbarous inhuman murders that were in plenty daily dealt amongst his countrymen by the savage Indians and the more faithless French, has oft wound up the passions of his soul to madness, which often sunk as low to think on his B i \ "< ' MEMOIRS OF MAJOR STOBO. 27 sent to ing, but le they ere two d two us J this s hand ; and oft Dec, his constant v^hen he im this CO, and s hours, hands ; (qnence r every against ?re was ?inia, a would rs that trvmen •"rench, oul to on his i confinement; often would he resolve within his breast, to find out an expedient to get away. At length being wearied with conjecture and weighing consequences, he fixed upon the window for his door, and if the lucky project hit, and he could but once gain the woods, a six weeks painful journey would brini? him to an Enjrlish settlement. The scheme was laid, tlie window was the place, and it was firmly barred with iron, right up and down, but not across ; from iron to iron at bottom, there must be a groove cut in the hard stono, deep and wide enough to let one staunchion to the other slide, which yielded him an easy passage; a sorry knife, round at the point, with which he cut his victuals, was all his tools ; with this his method was to rub the stone, for cut it would not, and he must not strike for fear of makinor a noise. The work 's begun ; now let us look out for the provision for the journey ; naked of arms, offensive or defensive, he must get out or stay, provisions must be carried with him, for which purpose a knapsack was secured ; and in this room, upon the floor, there was a stove made round, and a box ; on one side, a small door with bars, and on the top was flat ; a funnel from the sides conveyed away the smoke ; on this he parched with care what for his pilgrimage he meant to carry. And now to work by turns, and now to cater for 28 MEMOIRS OF MAJOR STOBO, the knapsack ; long time was spent in this amuse- ment, great caution, too, was used for secrecy, for his room door was always open to the jailor, who might surprise him at his work ; the growing groove was to be filled, with constant care, at leaving off his labor, by chewing bread on purpose, ready, which, stuffing in the hole, he covered with the sand which he had rubbed, or ashes of his pipe, of the same colour ; if he had been surprised before the other was provided, which some times was the case, for at this lazy hewing method he often grew mad and tired, and would curse his perverse fate, which the poor stone was sure to feel with such a rub, the grating noise of which would some times rouse the jailor, who lived immediately below him, and he'd come rumbling up ; the hole was filled and covered up so nicely, the Major setting reading on a book, or walking, smoked his pipe, as fancy led. The jailor stalked about the room, with curious eye, and now looked through the bars, and then would ask his prisoner if he had not perceived such gentlemen pass by his window, nor would he say that he suspected foul designs, but narrowly surveyed each corner. This often was the trial of his vigilance. At length the work was done, the bar had room to play, but being fast at the top, and short withal, it was too strong for him to bend ; to help out this defect, a file was wanting, which he soon supplied Sk by tyi this h the ha in a engine been dried what more ; was w Th( and tl and n the se thinki sough fared and f drew at wo he pi scarc( with I not t( rain, town quart MEMOIRS OF MAJOR STOBO. 29 I i . by tying his handkerchief round two bars, and into this he put a stick, with which he screwed up hard the handkerchief, which brought both bars together in a trice, and there was room enough. This engine proved, all was in order filled, as naught had been achieved ; the knapsack, too, was stored with dried ham and tongue, and bread and cheese, and what else suited for to keep, full thirty pounds and more ; thus all was ripe for execution, but the time was wanted, and now it comes. The 30th of April it had bailed, rained, blowed, and thundered with such violence as made it terrible, and night came on, repenting nothing of the day; the sentries, placed without, naught suspected, and thinking all was quiet in such a dreadful tempest, sought the shelter of the house ; far otherwise it fared above, for he was looking for the opportunity, and found their posts deserted; the midnight hour drew nigh, the knapsack tied and slung, the screw at work, and thus the window's opened, and down he plumps, a goodly height, into a mire below ; scarce had he touched the ground, but off he went with quick dispatch. Certain of his way, he stood not to consider, but straight he flew, well soaked in rain, and beaten by the storm; and far above the town he reached a farmer's, and there took up his quarters for the approaching day into an out house, ■I I f 'I • ^1 30 MEMOIRS OF MAJOR STOBO. ■r li on a hay loft, where the kind hen had left for him her eggs to suck for drink. The morning dawn of May the 1st proclaimed the day, when up the watchful jailor goes to see his prisoner; the door he opened, but — par bleu Monsieur was gone ; away he sets, with rueful face, to give the alarm ; again 6,000 livres offered for him by beat of drum ; it yet was early, nor could the fugitive be far, the sum was tempting, and out sets the whole town. Meanwhile, he's sure they are after him, and snug he lies there two whole days; and by the 3d, different parties, different ways, pursued at a greater distance. About the midnight hour he steals from out his lurking place, with silent step and watchful eye, till by degrees he leaves the farmer's house behind, and straight he fares for Charles' River; when he came there, it was high water ; no time was left to hesi- tate, and through he wades up to his chin, his knapsack on his head. Thus drenched in the flood, with speed he seeks the friendly covert of the neighboring woods, and there remained for the next day; next night he edges down the river, nor at great distance, hoping there to find some stranded skiff, or forlorn canoe, with which to waft him o'er the Lawrence, then to pursue his journey southwards through the woods. But next unlucky night, when he had got below the I MEMOIRS OF MAJOR STOBO. 31 r him d the e his bleu face, d for could id out ) they whole ferent ut his ye, till i, and came hesi- n, his seeks ;. and ht he oping ".anoe, len to ^oods. vv the falls of Montmorenci, just in the twilight of the approaching shade, as he had set his foot on the great road, leads downwards from the falls, to cross it towards the river, he spied some gentlemen come riding up, and they saw him; surprised, he started back to his cover, they pushed on with speed, and in they rushed among the bushes ; their's was the prize, the prisoner was seized, and dragged, reluc- tant, to Quebec. Oh ! hast thou then, Britannia, thus spurned me from thy service, and am I doomed, by unrelenting fate, in this inhospitable place to die, or grow grey headed in jail, pent up thus in Quebec ? had I but fallen at the Meadows, and sleeped in honor's oozy bed, I had been happy ; but thus to die by inches, and cutting thought ! the scorn of Britain's faithless enemies, obliged to hear them vaunt the cruel deaths that's daily suffered by her bravest sons, my coun- trymen, their mighty Monarch's potent arm does this, mighty, indeed, for butchering and murder. Oh! could I but regain my liberty, once more to draw my sword for my lov'd country, and take ample vengeance on her remorseless foes, this feeble arm should fight while life remained, which, losing in her service, I would yield with pleasure ; but oh ! I fear the happy death is not for me. Thus did he moan his hapless destiny ; ill used before, better could not now be hoped for; he i Hi 82 MEMOIRS OF MAJOR STOBO. sickens at the thought of his sad fate, antl pines a!; thinking all his hopes were gone ; a dreary while for him remained to linger out in sad despondency, well barred and bolted in with treble vigilance. A long, long summer, and a dismal winter were to come, and these, for what he knew, might be repeated, if life so long would stay ; he could not stand the thought, his spirits failed him, his looks grew pale, corroding pensive thought sat brooding on his fore- head, and left it all in wrinkles ; his long black hair grows, like a badger, grey; his body to a shadow wastes, and ere the winter came with her keen edge of harden'd cold, his health was gone, yet he must struggle still with the remaining span of life, for out he must not come, and he's given up for dead. There dwelt, by lucky fate, in this strong capital, a lady fair, of chaste renown, of manners sweet, and gentle soul ; long had her heart confessed for this poor prisoner, a flame best suited with the spirit of the times to smother, whose tender breast felt doubh'^ smart at this his deep affliction, which threatened certain death ; her kindred was confessed, and influence, too, well known with Vaudreuil, this was her time, or d§ath must soon have finished all his sorrows; and, strange speech of love, though reasonable, thus she accosts the proud Canadian Vice Roy : ** Mighty cousin, our good Canadian Court, most k sure Englisj Monarl mankii and th| nor oi Empir| great master the Ki his cr doubt appro\ please suffer annals met v^ should would' well d thy fa' freer ramp a whose alwayi I belie nor v^ enoug MEMOIRS OP MAJOR STOBO. 33 k sure were right when they condemned this haughty English prisoner to lose his forfeit life to our grand Monarch whose great benevolence gives peace to mankind, his mighty arms give empire to the world, and then, his trusty friend and well beloved Gover- nor of this his far and wide extended Northern Empire, has wisely held, for him, the reins of this great government, faithful to disclose to thy grand master, this our faithless foe ; and well and truly, by the King's commission, hast thou tried the nature of his crime, and for thy justice in his sentence, no doubt thy sovereign will give thee thanks, and soon approve the wisdom of thy judgment ; how will it please great Lewis that this guilty wretch should suffer for such crimes, and how will it grace the annals of thy government, that thy country's foe met with his just punishment from thee : But should this faithless monster die in prison, thou would'st be the loser, and he'd elude the death he well deserves. Let me advise, thee, therefore, as thy faithful cousin, to change the prison to some freer air: Thou knowst there lives upon the ramparts a trusty servant, to his King and thee, whose faith's been often tried ; a centinel stands always by his door, if there were need for force, as I believe there's none, for as I am told, he only lives, he, so I think if he was able, be fool won J enough to attempt again to get away, as he h as m 34 MEMOIRS OP MAJOR STOBO. twice already tried his vanity and thy known vigilance, and yet the wretch may live to grace thee with his swing, — I but advise." Her virgin innocence and unsuspected words prevailed, and the advice went down ; he thanking her for her kind affection to his honor, and forthwith placed the prisoner on the ramparts. If thither he could walk, 'twas all he could, he was so wasted. A very little more would have wrought his business ; but by the well timed care of his kind hostess, and her yet kinder daughters, our prisoner here recovers by degrees, and was indulged to walk upon the ramparts, but not without the sentries' view, who had the strictest charge to vigilance. The Major, too, bestowed great pains to shun suspicion, nor once transgressed his bounds, or over walked there- in, except in open day, nov evei- with the sentinels was seen to speak; expressed great satisfaction with the favor shown him in this his gentler confinement. Peace to the gentle maid who first contrived and brought about this happy change. One kind offi- cious daughter of his hostess, with never ceasing care, beyond the rest, if she heard him stir, or thought he wanted any thing, even at midnight, or the earliest hours, was ever running up for to prevent, if possible, his wants. The British months sr time now had come, of March ar Spi A pi but here 'tis later, and some English officers, prison ( the res whose among Clark, by tra( child re its bri Clark must I readil) in th e ship c£ his rei and h( sloop Eagle' infant had se less es and n( this c( some provici missec his fai to the anothi known ce thee words anking 'thwith ther he A'a steel, siness ; ss, and jcovers on the 7, who Major, m, nor there- ntinels in with ement. ;d and id offi- easing stir, or ight, or for to months April, officers, MEMOIRS OF MAJOR STOBO, 35 ) I IS: prisoners at Quebec, had leave to visit him. Among the rest a Lieutenant of Roger's Ranging Regiment, whose name was Stevenson ; there too remained amongst the crowd of prisoners brought in, one Clark, a Scotchman, born at Leith, a ship carpenter by trade ; with him, his wife he had, and two small children ; a third the savages had some where beat its brains out in the poor parent's sight. With Clark its like necessity bore no control ; his family must be supported, and to regain his liberty, he readily embraced the holy Catholic faith, as practised in the Romish mode, (a hopeful convert, truly;) ship carpenters were scarce, and he had full employ ; his readiness to serve had gained him confidence, and he was talked of to go dov/n the river with a sloop to bring the crew who had escaped the Eagle's wreck at Belle Isle Straights. His own dear infant killed, and other cruel baibarous murders he had seen, as practised in perfection here, had doubt- less estranged his heart from all this savage people, and now he hugs himself with hopes to get away in this convenient barque, could he but man her with some English prisoners, with arms in their hands, provided the night before she was to sail. He missed his aim. Another went, and sore he moaned his fair, lost opportunity. Stevenson communicated to the Major this abortive scheme, which soon begat another more successful, and sets our hero free for I If ■h 36 MEMOIRS OF MAJOR STORO. )- ii action. His health confirmed, though natural policy forbade his own confession of this truth, and now lie found it necessary, that he might act with greater freedom, to quarrel with his young kind nurse; this breach accomplished, with reluctance, Stevenson he constituted his only confident, the river was their route, and Clark was necessarily of the party, as the only person who aught had seen of maritime affairs, at freedom, too, to purchase what was wanted for their expedition. The Major's pocket was the exchequer whence all their payments issued, and only Stevenson knew till the last scene, he was to head their forces: Clark's wife and children, and two provincials, private men, composed the whole battalion. The 30th again of April was now ap- pointed for the execution of their project ; their rendezvous was, by eleven of the night, under a windmill, by the little river not far above the town. Our Major took occasion, through the day, to talk of pains, and heaviness, and twenty ailments, and as the night came on, seemed very drowsy. With great precaution he had taken his leave of Stevenson the day before, with strict injunctions not to fail the time and place appointed, on the success of which depended all their hopes of liberty. As eight, his usual time of rest, approached, he told the family he hop(?d a good night's rest would ease him of his ailments, and hoped that he should find it '^ i 'al policy md now 1 greater rse; this ensoii ho ^as theiv ;y, as the e affairs, nted for was the led, and he was ren, and 16 whole now ap- It ; their under a he town. , to talk s, and as . With tevenson t to fail iccess of ty. As he told luld ease Id find it MEMOIRS OF MAJOR STOBU. Ji by to-morrow, and bid them all a bon repose, which kindly was reiurne*' by the whole house, and up he went to bed; here as he stripped, he dressed in his new uniform ; a pair of trowsers first, above his breeches; the sandals to his feot such as the rabble wear, a coarse brown jacket, with many a thrum hung waving down like tassels ; a silken handker- chief about his neck ; then on his head he placed a strong, thick woisted wig; no smait toupet or feathered top was there, with many a buckle in't, but alamode, and neither combed nor powdered, and over that a cap, suitable ; the whole as coarse as even meanest sailor wears upon the river Lawrence, and all in taste. Then soft he lays him down to rest, though not to sleep, for two long hours, indeed, before he left his kindly hostess' friendly roof. Many a doubt he solved within his mind, and many more contracted. Before the hour often, he steals up gently from the bed, and softly ope's the door, where he but stood to learn his next advance, and hears the family engaged in conversation, deep and loud, with many a ** oui, madame, et il, n' est, pas possi- ble, Monsieur ;^^ but, however, he would not take their words, but is resolved to try, and first, having quietly shut the door behind him, softly downward moves up- on the stair, with silent pace and trembling steps, until he reached the opposite back door, which opening easy, out he went, through the little garden, and 3 a8 MEMOIRS OF MAJOR STOBO. gladly overleaps the wall. No stranger to the road though long unused, away he strides, a poor mean boalsman, or some needy iisher . As soon as he had cleared the town, he mends his pace, and onward fares to find the mill, which presently is gained, to the great terror of his little party, who all were come with arms for each, and some to spare, and ammunition plenty, and provisions, but yet knew nothing of his coming, only Stevenson ; nor knew they what to think, and straight imagined they were all discovered, but soon were reconciled when they found Major iStobo of their party, and bid him hearty welcome. The night was fair, short time the council sat or stood, but soon agreed that upward on this river was most likely where to find a vessel for their purpose. March was the word, off they filed in firm battalion, and upward moved on this small river's edge, with wishful search, almost two miles; at length a large canoe was found, made of the bark of no small birchen tree, and well finished; she seemed to be the size to carry them, but naught to spare; a gladsome sight. Then up she's easily lifted 'twixt their hands, and carried for the launch ; and now she on the water swims, a trusty vessel, and light withal ; then in they step and take their seats, the paddles were provided, St. George be foremost to stay all opposition, St. Andrew guard the rear from all pursuit, they said ; MEMOIRS OF MAJOR STOIU). 39 Lhe rniiA or mean s he held onward lined, to ill were ire, and 3t knew )r knew ey were len they bid him ort time 3ed that 3 to find e word, . moved search, IS found, md well ry them, ?hen up rried for wiras, a ey step rovided, tion, St. ey said ; but no loud cheers to grace their setting off, (jr signal gun was fired to w(3igh. The tide was turned, and with swift current downwards roll(;(l th(^ stream, nil favorable; iho paddles piny with nimble hands, and all at work, away she files ; no need of boatswain or his surly mates, with sharp rattan, to keep them to their tasks, and see that all were busy. The town already stands astern ; Point Levi seems to meet tht^m ; next advavces Orleans Isle, and by the dawn of May the 1st, they'd left Quebec a goodly distance up the river; but now the advancing fiood had met them, and the clear sighted day light made them court the mantle of the woods. In shore they row, and stepping on the beach, they jump for joy ; but first they thank kind Heaven that they are got thus far. Provisions taken out, and arms, which loaded some ; and then with tender care the rest do seize their slender frigate, up they lift her, and march into the woods to find some friendly thicket, where to shade them for the day. » There let them remain till we return and see how his kind hostess in the city fared. The hour of eight was come, and all was quiet in the apartment of their charge ; they wait till nine : *' run up and see if Monsieur was awake, and what he'll have for breakfast, " the mother said. The daughter runs : first knocking gently at the door, and nothing 40 MEMOIRS OF MAJOR STORO. ^i answering, then 'tis opened softly, and she ventures in — on tliis chair lies his coat, his hat on that, his shoes stand on the floor, his coat hangs on a pin ; then she concludes that he's gone backwards, and down she fares, and to the first she meets, " have you seen Monsieur come down this morning ? *' *'No. " They wait a little; no Monsieur comes; they look in the little house, there's nothing there ; ** by Gar, Monsieur is not to be found. " The house is in an uproar ; swift they fly to every cornei-; no, it certainly is so. The poor man, distracted, tears his hair ; the mother cries ; the daughters run they know not where ; they're ruined quite. How could they face the Governor ; 'twas worse to hide it. So w^ith their dismal tale away they fare. In evil plight they stand before him, sore threatened for their negligence, or worse, for favoring his escape ; right hard their innocence they plead. No time's to lose, lie must be had again, the old reward by proclamations oflered ; with greedy appetite they haste abroad, and busy feet; there let them run, all search is vain, and thousands lose their labor — good bye, Quebec. Now for the thicket, where right quiet from without they lie, and some to watch by turns, though not so calm within, unused at first, but by experience taught to bear much greater hardships. With eager wish the night comes on, and toward the beach they move. Soon as the 1j I- U .1 ventures that, his 1 a pin ; trds, and ;. " have rning ? »' ^ comes ; g there ; '' The jT corner; istracted, bters run 3. How to hide are. In reatened •ring his lad. No 1 reward itite they 1 run, all )r — good re right A^atch by at first, greater Dines on, n as the MEMOIRS OF MAJOR STOBO. 41 I flowing tide had upward ceased to roll, they launch their feeble barque, in they set, all hands to work, and by the morning light had paddled many a mile ; then to the woods again. This was their unremitted task for ten long days and dreary chilling nights, upon the water ; and then had paddled down at least an hundred leagues, at least, of this long river, without gieat danger from the wave or shore, or any scathe from man. The Cudor* passed, and Camaraski Isles, and many more of lesser note, if they had names, in Lawrence river, here theyVe none. The river here grown wider, seems a Firth, and the mid-channers deemed the safest course by night, as seen from neither shore. About the tenth or eleventh night, it's no great matter which, the case was hard, and neither warm nor dry : the day, as wont, had passed in covert, now at greater distance from the general rendezvous of Canada they dared to ramble in the woods, by day, in quest ot game ; the country, wide and desolate, afforded plenty, to save their salt provisions, or for variety. But with returning night, they put to sea, and keep the middle course, which, as they gained, the wind turned eastwardly, and up the river blowed, against the ebbing tide; the gale increased, with snow and 3* ^Probably the Isle aux Coudres, 'i ■' J 42 MliMOIRS OF MAJOR STOBO. sleet ; this never fai^s to raise a rippling sea, which begins to swell ; conscious of their danger, they begin to ply for land, and paddled here, with many a labored stroke ; the waves break in, her decks are not to stave, and now the water covers all her bottom ; and filling fast, all hands that paddled not, were set to bale. Their danger soon grew immi- nent, her yielding sides gave pregnant symptoms of her sure destruction, and now she rises on the lifted wave's proud summit ; supported on the middle as on a high crowned ridge, and both her ends were drooping, being deeply loaded fore and aft ; and then, anon, she's in the hollow 'twixt the waves, which raise her stem and stern, the middle sinking low, and her weak gunwales yielding outward from the pressure of her ends, which opens wide her waist, dismal to look at. Her back must surely break, was now become the general voice ; and therein lay the greatest danger. The storm abated nothing of its violence, in vain they toiled, and soon began to mix their work with prayers, and now had lost all hopes of land or life ; the Major, too, had laid his worst accounts, and all hands flagged at their posts. One half of this dismal night they labored hard in this distress, and might have paddled yet ; for some projected point of land, with rocks outlying in the stream, had such a violent current set in from the shore they sought, as rendered all efforts in vain MEMOIRS OF MAJOR STOBO. 43 , which r, they h many jcks are all her led not, V immi- >toms of le lifted iddle as ds were ift ; and waves, sinking ird from ^ide her t surely ce ; and I abated md soon now had too, had I at their labored led yet ; iiutlying in from \ in vain to reach it. Now this was apprehended, and about they put, with little better hopes, or less apparent danger, and he's obliged to entreat them to renew their work, and work while any hopes were left, to gain the opposite shore ; then swift the paddles go again, and o'er they pass the surging wave, which I still breaks in, and still they bale and paddle on. The tide of ebb being almost spent, the waves begin to fall, the wind to shift a little to the North- ward, and the tempestuous sea soon to clear with such a piercing cold as froze their drenched clothes upon their backs. The new born hopes of life gave vigor to their fainting spirits, and hard they toiled, and by the morning reached the much desired shore. Worse case was needless, a sorry plight, indeed, for scarce a man could lift a leg, their frozen mail-coats rattled with the ice, and the poor frighted mother could scarcely be persuaded she yet was living, and her poor children, too, were almost dead. With much ado they got upon the beach, and straddled to the land, where wood being plenty, the sticks lay opportune ; a rousing heap is gathered, the steel and flint are looked for, the tinder next is sought, but it was soaked with wet, and nothing dry was found. This balked all their growing hopes of success ; at length the wife bethought her of her bosom, and there she searched within her stays, and found a rag was dry, by chance, and now the flint i i i /: 44 MEMOIRS OF MAJOR STOBO. is beaten by tbe steel, and forth the fire came ; the w(jod is kindled, and they all lay round to thaw themselves ; first having sent their grateful thanks to heaven. They now begin to talk of their great danger past, and happily escaped, and then what's for breakfast. This was the sorest trial they did, or well could meet with from the wave ; and here a day or two was spent to recreate e'er they recovered right themselves again. This was not their abode, they must again to sea, and try once more, by their trusty corteXy* now grown dearer to them by her services. All things in order, with the twilight off" they set ; the night was quiet and favorable, and on they passed without disturbance, and with the morning light they spied a little bay, which seemed to court their entrance ; right in they stood, and up they paddled to the top, and went ashore. The necessary orders for the day were issued, the two provincials, marksmen well experienced, now in the woods advanced to see what they could kill for dinner. JShort while they're missed till they come running back, with rueful length of face, and with a sigh, *' we've seen two Indians, nor are they far from hence ;" and nothing more could say for - *' Cortex, " Latin for the bark of a tree Their canoe was made of birch bark, and bark or barque is a name of a boat. So we have here a very far fetched pun, half hidden in Latin. MEMOIRS OF MAJOR STOBO. 45 le ; the thaw inks to great what's ly did, here a overed abode, >re, by lem by wilight le, and ith the ieemed and up . The he two '■ in the till for ^ come e, and re they ay for anoe was 3at. So n. want of breath. " Take time, my lads, " then says their leader, •* and tell rae what the matter is, that makes you look thus frightened. " Then they described the Indians at large, both armed with muskets and the implements of death, and carried nothing else. Straight it is resolved to see them, lest, peradventure, they might be scouts sent from a larger j)arty, and returning, give the alarm ; and in such case 'twas but a necessary prudence to cut them off. *' To arms, my friends, and to the place, " bo said, *' where these two Indians were, do you lead on who saw them ; " all readily obeyed ; the women, children and canoe were left; and now they're on their march, and as they passed along, he gave them strict in charge to see that well they stand by him, and firm to one another, and utter not a word, as English was their only language ; and he, by signs, would give them all their motions. Right fair was promised, and now in sight beyond a little river, behold the Indians stand, dreading naught of enemies in this mountainous desert. This river must be crossed, and in they wade full mid-thigh deep ; by dire mishap, one slipt his foot, and fell, his clothes and musket wet, bad omen this, por- tentous of ill success was deemed bv some ; but fortunately they're soon through, and onward move ; the Major in the front, and singing as he went, some French cantata ; and soon the Indians are joined ; % (4 46 MEMOIRS OF MAJOR STOBO. then straight in French he them salutes, and asks them of their cheer ; and being close abreast, the fire-lock of the first he seized, and Stevenson soon had him by the neck. With little ceremony the rest the other seized, and then he let them know he bore a French commission, and clear instructions had to search these woods for English piisoners that had escaped from Quebec, and other foes to the great King, his master, and must be satisfied of what they were ; then straight they told him they were guar- dians of the fire ; and as a proof of what they said, tliey'd lead him where it was, and to their habita- tions. Fast collared both, in silent show to all the rest, they march along, directing to their wigwam a little hut they lived in, built much like the common soldier's tent, and covered over with bnrk of trees. This fire they protected, is for alarming Canada on any fleet's appearance, making for the liver Lawrence ; the first appearance is kindled at the river's mouth, when by the second that's beheld, it's lighted too, then follow all the rest at proper distances ; and thus, in half a day at most, the news is carried to Quebec, 300 leagues; by night they blaze, and in the day they smoke. But now we're at the wigwam. And here was to be seen fine beaver skins and teal, and maple sugar, and twenty other curious things ; no sooner seen, but Clark says, d n my soul but I'll have this ; d n me, says anoth liidiai Stevei full fo such a high Conde etitioE charge soon 1 becom alonof 1 The w sometl their si to thi unburi with h far fro black some i or whi fully tJ is fast «hoved yet. droll w that w ■■I MEMOIRS OP MAJOR STOBO. 47 id asks ,st, the n soon the rest le bore had to lat had e great at they 3 giiar- jy said, habita- I all the wigwam ke the th bnrk arming for the died at beheld^ proper e news y blaze, 3 at the beaver y other says, le, says another, but this is mine : and no sooner were the Indians confirmed in their mistake, but he whom Stevenson held, gave such a spring as carried liim full four yards from his grips, and more, and sets up such a dreadful yell, so loud and shrill withal, as the high sonorous mountains echoed back far round. Condemned without dispute, and to prevent a rep- etition of such alarming noise, Stevenson has in charge to shoot him instantly, and anon he falls, and soon his comrade follows his example ; *twas now become too dangerous to let them live, and all along they laid, but stript of what the others liked. The wigwam rifted, off" they set, and every one had something curious, or useful ; and soon they reach their slightly guarded camp. The Major then began to think over his imprudence in leaving them unburied, and back he sends his holy convert, Clark, with him another, to lay them in the ground. Not far from where they lay, there stood a pool of water, black and deep, most like an ancient whirlpool of some angling river, whose sources now were dried, or which had changed its course; first having care- Pully taken off* their scalps, and then a heavy stone is fastened to the feet of each, in here they're «hoved, and down they sink, and may be sinking yet. Back they return, and Clark, in his familiar droll way, and to prevent a reprimand he dreaded, that with cap in hand, accosts his leader, "Sir, ain't I ; I I 48 MEMOIKS OF MAJOR STOBO. M like your noble honor, the business is done, yoti charged me with, that I've been there, let these bear witness, " and out he pulls the scalps ; " that they are buried, my neighbor here can testify, I believe they will not rise again in haste, if e'er they do. Now, good sir, by your permission, these same two scalps, when 1 come to New York, will sell for twenty-four good pounds ; with this I'll be right merry, and my wife right beau.'* The Major was suspicious they might have left some marks of blood or violence, and back with them he runs, to satisfy himself. When they come to the place the Indians* poor faithful dog, before unnoticed, now sits howling o'er the pool, with a right doleful note ; in pity to the poor dumb beast, he's killed, and with his master sleeps. The place all round surveyed, back they go, and now begin to think they'd better move the camp further from this field of slaughter. By this time a fleet of transports, with convoy from old France, were plying up the river for Quebec, and ha4 already reached thus far, and now the rear were passing by this bay, one of which, so large a ship, they took her for the Commodore, and as the sailor's term is, was either taken all aback, or putting about, had missed her stays, and seemed to them as lying to, for she was fair in view ; conscious of their situ- ation, they immediately concluded she had seen their smoke, and sent her boat on shore to learn the I MEMOIIIS OF MAJOR STOBO. 49 one, yoLi let these ps ; " that testify, I e'er they ni, these ork, will lis I'll be he Major marks of he runs, the place iced, now il note ; in i with his y^ed, back tter move iter. By from old jbec, and rear were e a ship, le sailor's ng about, a as lying their situ- had seen learn the meaning of it; out goes the lire, up with the baique and bag and baggage move into the woods, and downward on the river ; and now the summit of a neck of land is gained, which rising in the river, forms ou one side, and overlooks the bay; the road now downwarcLJies, and easier travelling ; at length again, with wearied steps, they reached the water's side, and here they do resolve to wait the night, and then proceed in their canoe. Scarce had they deter- mined, but lo ! a four oared boat is spied, come rowing for the shore, and ne'er a ship in view. *' Courage, my lads, I hope, by your assistance, and God's blessing on our arms, this prize shall be our owii, these men our prisoners, too, and they shall lessen your fatigue, and row for us; observe but what I order, and leave the rest to me," to which » they all consent ; and now he is resolved to stand his ground, and wait the event, or death or conquest, and a better vessel. Their ground they choose just right ahead, where she was standing in, and close they laid amongst the rocks. Now briskly on, with quicker strokes, the rowers pulled in for the shore, just as the wearied traveller, with jaded pace, pursues his journey all the morning, and fit by this time through his horse to sink, but with noon day descries the Inn where he's to bait and refresh, and with the sight his spirits are revived ; he gives his horse the spurs, reminds him with the whip, and ' 4 50 M£MOIRS OP MAJOR STOBO. i'i pushes on with quickened pace, till he arrives ; and thus she presently runs bump upon the beach. The signal given, a volley went amongst the crew, and two were slightly wounded. Quarters they cried at once ; the Major and his party rushed down from the rocks, and stand upon the beaich, and straight they're ordered out, unarmed, in number five ; a reverend old gentleman, who sat to steer, when he came out with graceful bow and great submission, desired to know whose prisoner he was; to this the Major answered in French, " we are British subjects, and by the fortune of the war, which now does rage betwixt that country's mighty King and France. We have been prisoners in Canada, but by a lucky chance, we have- escaped the vigilance of our enemies, and here you see us, and we're determined, at the utmost hazard of our lives, to get away ; and since it has been your fortune to fall into our hands, you're now our prisoners, and your men and shallop shall be of service to effectuate our escape ; " to which the old gentleman replied, " Monsieur, I've been a great way down this mighty river, to purchase wheat at a great expense and toil, for all the wheat above is carried to Quebec to store tha Magazine, and am returning home, my shallop loaded as you see; I am Monsieur Chev. la. Darante ; the whole Camaraski Isles are mine, and the best gentleman on them does me vassalage ; the best Canadian blood de M more feeble be exc in sho self p fortun luckil • great there your f last n count reluct exped river i neces! get a beach her n( mann sail, \ fly w: to tak canoe way, hesa MEMOIRS OP MAJOR STOBO. /il es ; and I. The Jw, and ly cried vn from straight five ; a i^hen he [nission, this the ubjects, ►es rage France, t by a 3 of our rmined, ly; and hands, shallop )e ; *' to Lir, I've urchase 3 wheat gazine, as you 5 whole itleman madian blood runs in my veins,' nor does the mighty Due de Mirepoix deny me of his kindred, and several more nobility of France ; besides, I am old and feeble, therefore I think such a gentleman as I may be excused the duty to row his enemies : " to which, in short, our hero answered : " Monsieur, you know self preservation is the first law of nature; la fortune de guerre has put you in our hands, and luckily, I hope, for us; and were you, Monsieur, the great French King himself, and every man standing there a peer of his realm, depend upon it, 'twould be your fates to row a British subject now. '^ At these last mighty words, stern resolution sat upon his countenance, which the Canadian beheld, and with reluctance temporized. The shallop is too deep for expedition, and so much of the wheat is cast into the river to lighten ber, but nothing more than is barely necessary ; and now well stowed and trimmed, in get all hands, and with departing day leave the beach, but loath to leave their favorite canoe; see her now hanging at the stern in tow. Thus doubly manned, they can relieve the oars and attend the sail, which now is likewise set, and then away they fly with double speed, and La Darante, too, is glad to take his spell to help them on. But now the poor canoe must go adrift, for she but stops the shallop's way, and off" she's cut ; **fare thee well, small bark," he says, ** and may the birchen trees forever flourish ; 5'^ MKMOIRS or MAJOR STOnO. nifiiiy n h^aguo thou'st brought us, iba iks even lo tlio liniuLs, wliose o*er they were, tlmt stript thee from the tree, and fashioned such a vessel to favor ou*' escape ; but, above all, great praise to Thee, first unoriginated source of all created beinpfs in heaven or on (111 til, whose universal influence and power infinites made all things, and caused that very tree to gnjw for our relief, for thy benevolence to man- kind never ceases : " and now the oars are plied, and the kind favorable breeze is constant to the sail, and by the morning they had made a good iiiglit's work. To haunt the woods by day had now become useless; their shallop could not leave the river, nor cared he much to trust his prisoners asliorc ; so on they steer. A fresh set to the oars by turns, their labor mitigates, and now the sun had reached the height of his meridian altitude, and downward moves ; and then a distant point of land's aliead, whose height with shaggy top cuts off tluur view below. Their constant labor, and the favora- ble breeze, at length brings up this land, which, when abreast, discloses to the view a lofty frigate, wliich had been convoy lo the fleet of transporls under the command of Monsieur Channun ; her charge was gone before, and following she was turning up the river. This sudden and dreadful apparition gave no small alarm, but faithful it's resolved, since stand to fight they could not, to run MEMOIRS OP MAJOR STORO. 53 I to the e from or ou'' e, first heaven povvnr y tree maii- plied, to the 1 good iy had t leave isoners le oars un had e, and r land's ft' th(ur favora- wlii('li, frigate, iJisports 11 ; her le was leadful ful it's to rnn while they could swim. The Major then, well armed, and resokitely bent on his escape, down by the tiller sets, and with a nacred oath declares that the first man who offered anything to stop the shallop's way, by slighting of his oar, or otherwise, that instant he should die ; and ordered them to pull with vigor, and well to spread the sail : so, as the frigate stood across the river, at a distance they passed by her stern. The usual signal to bring to was fired, they paid it no respect ; a second followed with the same whizzing noises ; the third, a shot came whizzing o'er their heads ; and then she fired shot after shot, as long as they could reach the shallop; and now the balls would cool their fiery indignation in the briny wave, and rise again and o'er them fly ; and some would pass ahead and some astern^ and some, at length, fall short; but, by kind Providence, not one could hit them. And thus, at length, they lose her out of sight, nor sorry at their loss, but on they steer, rejoicing at their lucky escape; nor durst they slack their pace that night, but flew along, and by the morning light were distant from her many a mile. But often as they passed along. Monsieur Chey, la Darante would remon- strate on the hardships that he suffered, not only from the affront that's offered to an officer of his rank, but being thus detained, and taken back to Louisburg, for aught that he could see, besides the \i 54 MEMOIRS OP MAJOR STOBO. losing of Lis wheat. " II est fortune de guerre^ Monsieur,^' was the height of his redress. At last they've run down many a league, and many a point of laud is past, and many a shaggy-topped moun- tain, with many a little island, and several days were gone, and not a sail was met. It happened as they sailed along in shore, they spy'd a boat was lying on the beach, and toward the shore they stand, and run the shallop close aground. When they got to her, she had n'er an oar. " Look well about, my friends, they're not far off ; and now they beat about each bush, and presently they're found, Monsieur Darante's looks expressed his joy at this glad sight, and hoped they'd now let him depart, to whom the Major answered thus : ** Monsieur Chev. la Darante, our must gracious Sovereign has taught us by his great example, (for we serve the best of Kings,) to show humanity on all occasions, even to his enemies, and greatly he delights this to exercise, amongst his innny other virtues ; and now behold his clemency in us liis subjects, even in this our desperate fortune. Do you engage upon your high born honor that you filial] not divulge, by means direct or indirect, to any soul on earth what brought you back thus far till ycu shall reach the Camaraski Isles ; then, if you choose it, tell all Canada ; and do you undertake the same for these, your servants? This it is that bin- [ers your departure i) O'er joyed to find that he guerre., At last a point moun- I days 3necl as at was ' stand, ley got >ut, my t about )nsieur 1 sight, om the arante, by his gs,) to lemies, nongst mency jrtune. at yon ect, to us far > if you ke the at hin- hat he MEMOIRS OF MAJOR STOBO. 55 shall get home, he readily complied. ** Then. Monsieur, your mast and sail are ours ; you know our case is desperate ; I'll pay you for them. And yet, behold the justice of our British Monarch ; here, too, is money for your wheat, which was cast into the river. Go tell all Canada how good he is. Yet one small favor I must ask before you go; 1 know you'll soon be at Quebec when you get home ; when you get there, pray wait on the Commandant with Monsieur Stobo's compliments, and let him know you saw him thus far on Lawrence river very safe. " This, too, was understood, and both reli- giously performed. All things in readiness, the crews are parted, and now the boats are both afloat; and compliments exchanged, and stern to stern from each other row, and presently lose sight ; and all the night they jog along with easy sail, the weather moderate. But with the morning they espy'd land just opened, and p. sloop at anchor, riding under a point of land, and her long pendant waving in the wind. No sooner they're seen, but straight the signal's fired, to bring to; to press their hands it's likely, but to they would not come ; then she let fly a swivel, loaded with grape, and after that another, and riddled all their sail, but no more damage did ; and on they sailing, row'd and pushed it all that day and next, but on the next to that they're not so fortunate. It was toward the evening, the sky began .( -I ■\ n II 56 MEMOIRS OF MAJOR STOBO, It I I \ i to lower, the wind to rise, and here's a cobbling sea ; but still lliey keep their course, till it at last turns dangerous to keep out, and it is deemed best to run her in ashore ; then ease away the sail,, the helm aweather, brings her large before the wind. It now was dark, and hard it blow'd, and there's a mighty surf upon the shore ; but there's no choice, the coast is all alike, and in, they let her drive, and close in shore she runs upon a rock, which bulged her bows open at once, and in the water gushed ; the wav^s break over her, anon she's filled ; all hands jump out, take with them what they could, and seek their safety from t^he shore. Right luckily for them they were so near, and yet with much difficulty they gained the land, all soaked, and some provisions lost; but for the boat there's no relief, for the hard heartexl surf and harderrocks demolished her betwixt them. And now they've lost all hopes of overseeing her again. The night I wot, with little mirth was passed, and by the morning* light the wind , was shifted,, and the surf was laid. While yet the day was young, a council's called to see what's to be done in this emergency ; and there, with much debate and reason strong, it is found impossible every other method to get away but by this river. Then it's resolved to haul their wrepjf: ashore, and the ship carpenter, with all his ci;ew, shall fall to work upon the ruins, and be e^ideavorini^ ling sea ; ast turns St tp run he helm It now L mighty the coast close in ler bows e wavps Limp out, sek their lem they Ity they rovisiors the hard : betwixt er seeing irth was ind , was the day ;'s to be h much ipossible \is river, ashore, w, shall eavorint" MEMOIRS OF MAJOR STOBO. 67 at least to make her swim, if nothing better offers in the interim. And then they march all hands down to their shattered vessel, where the tide had left her ; and here's too many leaks to think there's water in her ; now they pull and haul, and lift her o'er the stones, and all in sweat they drag her to the shore ; and now she's on the stocks, and all at work, some here, some there, to find materials to patch her up ; the lucky man could find a nail or bring a piece of board, tho' not a foot in length. And now the coast being clear, they're everywhere with wishful search and watclifiil eye, to see what they can find, both far and near. Few tools, indeed, and these are very bad ; right slowly comes on the work; with all this inconvenience hindered, some days already spent in this successless labor, and their provisions, too, grow short. At length, with numberless difficulties, the timbers all again are covered, and then she's ready for the pitch and caulkers ; both pitch and oakum very ocarce, and whiit they had was scraped, with careful hands, from off the sticks they found upon the beach; some spared a handkerchief, some a stocking, all what they could, to tear for oakum, and the coarse seams are in a homely manner stuffed. Full eight days here had passed to little purpose, and short allowance makes them hasten for the launch of their frail cutter; and on the very day 58 MEMOIRS OP MAJOR STOBO. agreed on for that purpose, whilst yet the sun was hanging on the west, and more than half his down- ward course had run, two sails are standing down the river, and edging tovvVd the shore ; they let their anchors go right off the place where our frail vessel sat upon the stocks. Their first appearance startled all the host, anon the labor ceases, and on the ground they all lay snug ; now all the sails are pulled down, and they're prepared to ride out the flood tide. Fired with ambition for some venturous enter- prize, our hero's heart expands itself, and grows so big his breast can scarce contain it, and boldly thus he reasons with himself: heie we are reduced to the last want of bread, this boat which we have patched with so much care, without provisions can avail us nothing, nor can we hope for a relief within this hostile soil, on any other terms than abject slavery; too much of that I have already seen: come rather death ; well may I then pronounce our fortune's desperate, and this despair has often made the coward brave, and of that bravery, noble deeds have been achieved. Assist me, then, thou mother of invention, no matter how 'tis done, if I do but succeed ; here are two vessels, and both our enemy's, I may j^resume, and by their distance, one may be attacked ; nor, by their mean appearance should I think them freight with men or arms ; more like i MEMOIRS OF MAJOR STOHO. 59 m was down- down ley let ur frail arance and on ails are out the enter- rows so ily thus iced to '^e have ons can if within abject y seen : nee our n\ made e deeds mother do but inemy's, may be hould I Dre like some country vessel, and so 1*11 wish, and hope, and act ; and now could I divide the force of either vessel, and calmly, under cloud of night, steal on her by surprize ; then might I hope success ; the very thought elates my soul — by Jove she's mine ; this next us is the smallest of the two, on her the project shall immediately be tried. And now he calls a council, and communicates his mind; all hear with wonder, at the greatness ot his soul, and promise to assist him with their lives and fortunes; and then they are ordered not to rise nor stir, but to keep close upon the ground, till he should give the signal they agreed on ; then a long, straight stick is cut from out the bush, to which, at top, he fastens a white handkerchief, and ensign like he marches to the water's edge, his musket in his other hand, and then he fires his signal gun, and bears his ensign waving to the wind. The sun was setting, and anon he*s from the sloop beheld, they wonder what it means, and straight the boat's put over the side, and two men and a boy come rowing for the shore, where he stands ready to receive them ; when they come near, they keep at bay, and ask him what he wants ; his tale was not to seek, he is a Frenchman, and necessarily had been here on the King's errand, and now he wants his passage down the river, for which he willingly would pay ; he saw their course was that way bent, and thought they'd ■■!» ir GO MEMOIRS OF MAJOR STOBO. # not relusG liim. He luckily had spent that aftern(K)ri in shooting in these parts, which brought them to his sight. The night was cold, and he had rum, left in a bottle, almost full, upon the shore, which they were welcome to if they would fetch it ; and then they might return and tell their master what he wanted : then straight they rowed in shore to get the rum, and hauled the boat up from the flood, till they came running back, and all together on they fare. No sooner had they reached the land, but lo ! they're seized by violent hands, and bound ; then he declares they're in their enemy's hands, for all they saw are subjects of Great Britain's King, and that it was the duty of all his subjects, in time of war, to kill his enemies wherever they are found, and such they surely are ; and straight the tomahawk is shown them, and death, without remedy, to be their portion. Look here my lads, you yet may live, but nothing can save your lives, except you faithfully declare what hands you left on board, and what their arms. Life's surely very sweet when death's before our eyes, they soon consent ; then they're examined separately, and both agree ; the boy, too, willing to redeem his youthful days, assents to pilot them on board, which was well judged that his known voice, if there was need, might answer any questions put, when they should come along side. The mantle of the night had wrapped all up in I gi" j] MEMOIRS OP MAJOR STOBO. 61 ftenioon m to his , left in a ey were len they wanted : he rum, ley came but lo ! ; then he ' all they 1(1 that it war, to and such is shown r portion. nothing J' declare eir arms, efore our examined villing to them on vn voice, ;ions put, all up in silence from the sloop, and now the men are bound, each to a tree, their arms, behind, surrounding it, the feeble woman, only, with a tomahawk, is left to be their guard. Their patched up vessel, next, is taken from the stocks and launched, the other was thought too small to carry the six ; and now she swims ; she's very leaky, but only two must row, and there's two hands to bale, and they had full employ; so off they go, and rowing softly on with silent stroke, come along side the sloop. A light there's in the binnacle, but ne'er a watch on deck ; they're all hands down ; the sloop rode fair, her buoy was clear ahead, the weather moderate, and some turn in to sleep, for yet 'twas not half flood ; the rest, at ease, enjoy themselves below. Our hero first gets up the side, and as he softly step'd upon the deck, the trusty pistol, which in his belt was stuck, catches the ratlins of the shrouds, which pulls it out, and it comes rattle on the deck ; this gave the alarm, but woe to him who fiist came up ; so soon as he had shown his face at the companion door, and bounding up, so soon the Major let fly a shot in this surprise, and down the fellow tumbled; the shot had hit him right along the back, and grazed the bone, but he's not killed ; but quarters was the word, and now the rest are all upon the deck. The prisoners, he orders, one by one, down lo the hold, the Master only left, and close he locks ! y 62 MEMOIRS OF MAJOR STOBO. the hatches, and then he questions him from whence and where he's bound, to which he answers freely : ** That schooner there above is my consort, and we *' are bound to Gaspee, to bring provisions for three '* hundred Indians now assembled at Miramichi and ** Aristigush, under the command of Monsieur ** Bohaber, and who on our return are to proceed to '* Quebec, to reinforce that garrison. " His very soul is all on fire at the news, and thus his heart o'erflows : **0h ! Britannia, thou favored Isle, among the nations all around thee ; and how much prefer- able, blest seat of liberty, how do my bowels yearn to do thee service; now could I but prevent these savages their support, they can never reach Quebec. I said in my calamitous distress, were I but free at will to work, I certainly would serve thee ; and now 1*11 do my best to cut three hundred Indians from the number of thy foes. *' Thus said, the Master is examined strict about the schooner's force of men and arms ; ten men she had, but ne'er a gun on carriage or on swivel ; of this last sort, the sloop had six, which carefully all are on one side placed ; the windlass next is manned, the anchor's soon apeak, and now she's under weigh, and for the schooner steer'd. " Stand firm, my lads," he says, " this is a glorious night ; and as for you, Monsieur, if you should once but mutter , your life that moment, shall surely pay the cost ; ' if V ' MEMOIRS OF MAJOR STOBO. 63 whence s freely : and we for three nichi and VIonsieur roceed to His very his heart e, among h prefer- els yearn ent these I Quebec. lit free at and now ans from ict about men she wivel ; of -efully all manned, !*s under and firm, t ; and as t mutter , e cost ; ' ai( her sid( ana presently she lays along ner siae ; and straight a dose from all the swivels is poured into her at once ; thii3 instantly they out for quarters called, and she as fast is boarded ; and now he stands at her com- panion door, with musket ready cock'd, and boldly orders the prisoners by ones, and that goes down into the hold, till all are stowed away. Then every thing that*s valuable in the sloop must out be brought ; the swivels first are to the schooner's quarters fixed with care, and every thing they liked transferred to her ; and now, as hands were scarce, and few enough, God knows, to manage one, the sloop must burn ; for both they could not keep ; and now she's all on fire. By this the eastern ray began to drive old chaos off that hemisphere, who, conscious of his own demerit, when opposed to light, right silently retires towards the West, till he's entirely expelled. Adventui'ous night ! and happily accom- plished. But now for the poor woman ; who, tremblingly stood with watchful observation, and when the broadside's heard, the noise went to her heart like death's last summons, and she's confirmed all, to a man, are killed ; it must be at them fired, for they had none to give ; and now in her own mind re- volves what's best for her to do ; and thought on terras of capitulation with her two prisoners, to save her own and children's lives ; when presently ^1 64 MEMOIRS OP MAJOR STOUO. lf>:!l she sees a smoke arise, and thinks tlieir own ship surely they would never burn, and keeps her coun- sel yet a little longer, and thus the lurid ilames burst out, and now she hopes for better things. The morning's come, the woman must be sent for, the children and the prisoners, too, and how must this be done ? Two of his own, for courage best approved, well armed, are to command the expedition ; two prisoners are ordered up to row, and for the shore they ply, and safely all on board they bring. And now the hatches bar'J on eighteen prisoners at once, too many, sure, to put to sea withal, therefore, the council's on the quarter call'd, and he proposed to part the prisoners, and load the long boat and send them ofi'; it's readily agreed, and they are ordered up by ones, and take their seats, till eight are in ; she would not well hold more; provisions next are given them, and the bottle of rum which was promised on the shore ; a musket, too, with powder and shot, and fishing lines ; advising them to make their v/ay for home, which they engaged, and off she goes. Some prisoners, of those remained, are ordered up to help to work the ship ; and now the topsail's loose, the anchor's at the bows, then all her sails aie spread; with gladsome hearts they show them to the winds, and through the rolling waves away she sails. The boat, as soon as out of sight, makes , MEMOIRS OP MAJOR STOBO. 65 wn ship er Conn- ies burst be sent nd how courage and the to row, )n board eighteen t to sea quarter ers, and ; readily and take not well em, and shore ; a I fishing r)r home, ordered topsail's sails aie them to Lway she t, makes I for the shore, and straightway they repair, where a small party'occupied a post, not far from thence, and they inform the officer on duty how it befel them. By this, the hue and cry for I^^nsieur Stobo*s head reached thus far. The officer, with great desire to gain the prize, musters every man that can be spared; a vessel straight is armed, and for 6,000 livres eagerly did she steer; she might as well have staid, for they're too far ahead. With steady care, and all the sail that they could show, for several days they keep their course ; and then the Island of St. John from the ocean lifts its head to view. Betwixt this Island and the main is thought the safest course, and in they stand and scud along, but little knew by this, they missed the English fleet, which now had sailed and passed without the Island ; the armed sloop that pursued had not their good luck, for she was taken ; and now behold the land of Cape Breton, and then the welcome port of Louisburg is gained in eight and thirty days from Quebec. No worse befal the man who says he suffered not. No sooner is he landed, than straight the news run through the town that Captain Stobo has escaped from Quebec, and is just arrived, but it's believed by none, and several run to see if such a thing could happen ; and some who had formerly known him, assure the rest that he's the very man, to their great wonder and amaze, after such a great price I GG MEMOIRS OP MAJOR STOBO. was set upon his head, and guarded with such care. 15 ut now the schooner's to be sold, and she had furs and sundry other valuable goods, besides the vessel ; his share he generou^ bestowed on the poor woman and children, as he has nobler gains in view ; his heart still glows for honor in the service of his country. Two days or so were past, and then a vessel's ready to proceed to Quebec ; this wished for op])or- tunity is embraced at once, and he's on board ; and now, with equal ardor, wishes for the place he strove so hard to shun. No danger on the river now is dreaded, nor yet the light of day, and naught disturbs his rest but thinking on the tedious hours that keep him from his duty, and hinder him to join his troops ; with their united force to take Quebec, and strive to join all Canada to Britain. At length the different Islands take it in their turn to stand astern, and every land-mark's past, and now fair Orleans is again in view, and with Britannia's lofty fleet adorn'd; a cheerful siglit, indeed. Now here no time was lost till he has waited on Britannia's effective General, immortal Wolfe, and thus address- es him : " Most excellent sir, I am glad this honor falls to " me, to stand before my Sovereign's mighty " General, under the hostile walls of this proud city, *' whence, on the 1st of May, I did escape from , MEMOIRS OF MAJOR STORO. 07 I icli cai'G. hucl furs e vessel ; r woman lew ; his e of his , vesseVs )!' op])or- [ird ; and lie strove r now is t disturbs • hat keep i| join his 3bec, and 3ngth the id astern, Orleans is )fty fleet here no I'itannia's } addresK- )r falls to mighty 'oud city, ipe from *' long imprisonment and harder usage. My name "is Stobo; I stand as Major of the Provincial Re- *' giment of Virginia; through much difficulty T ** went to Louisburg, there to join your troops, but *• missing them, I hasted back, and now presume to " lay my service at your feet. 1 believe who knows ** what I have suffered with hi these walls, scarce well ** can doubt my best endeavors, under your direction, " to distress this cruel enemy. My knowledge of *• the town and its environs has cost me very dear, ** but not so much that I should rate it once in com- ** petition with my much loved country, and our ** gracious sovereign. " No more he said, nor needed, his story was no secret, he's judged necessary, well received, and constantly attends the General, and of his house makes one. But here his name, like many a gallant soldier's, is hid in the great splendor of the mighty Wolfe, who, like the sun with univer- sal blaze advancing from the East, absorbs the light of all the lesser luminaries, who, though they shine, it is in his great orb, and only serve to constitute one single ray of his triumphant glory : the praise was justly his. Now from the head quarters daily out he sets on this bright General's behests, nor once, I believe, has his great patron without him reconnoitered, and once he scaped a scouring at this business, 'twas at 68 MEMOIRS OF MAJOR STOBO. l\ 4 I the Falls ofj^the Montmorenci, when General Wolfe caused to run a transport near as the high flood could bring her, where, to behold the batteries and breast-works of the enemy, lo ! he stands upon her quarter, just before the muzzles of their cannon, and witb this Major by his side. Amongst the crowd of balls came thundering at them, one hits the ship upon the gun-wale, not far from where they stand, and raised a massy splint of wood, which hit the Major right across his thighs ; a little more had cost him both his legs ; it left its vestige black for many a day. This reconnoitering ended, the transport 's left so high aground, it's thought she won't get off, and she's immediately condemned to burn. And now ft he scours the woods in his green dress, with bonnet blue, to lead each reconnoitering or scouring party, or on the river flies, as his commands direct ; and he 's known by every boat. The frigates passed the town, then he 's above, and up he goes to take his fair acquaintances up the river, of whom a goodly number is seized ; then Monsieur Stobo's name is all that's heard for half an hour at least; this lady enters her complaint, and that cries out she 's wronged ; another stript of something ; too much of this was true, and all at once send up their frightened cries to him, with such a peal, he knows not what to do, or where to answer first, thev're all so vehe- (( II n it MEMOIRS OF MAJOR STOBO. 69 1 Wolfe gh flood ries and ipon her cannon, ngst the one hits 1 where d, which ;le more ^e black 's left so off, and ind now h bonnet ig party, 3ct; and ,ssed the take his =L goodly name is his lady It she 's much of ightened lot what so vehe- I mently loud ; but all at length he pacifies, and straight they're carried down the river, and well accommo- dated on ship board.* Some days thereafter his business led him to call upon the Admiral-in-Chief ; it was about the hour of dinner ; the business ended, the Admiral told him Monsieur was come from Quebec, on messages of truce about the ladies, and was then in the cabin, and to stay dinner ; and if Major Stobo had no objection to such a guest, his company at table would likewise do him pleasure, but could not urge him to sit with such a messmate ; to whom the Major answered, if he would excuse his present deshabille, he 'd do himself the favor that was meant him at his table ; the place was sacred to * Extract from the journal of Captain Jno. Knoxe, of the British array, during the campaigns of 1757, 1758, 1759 and 1760, in North America. Under date of August 26th, 1759, he says : ** A gentleman at Quebec has written to a Provincial Officer,* " who was a prisoner there, to request he would obtain a protec- " tion from the General for his country seat on the Island of " Orleans ; as that person was always remarkable for great hu- " manity and politeness to British captives, his suit is cheerfully " granted. " - Here th s note is appended by Captain Knoxe : " This is Mr. Stobo, an officer of great merit, who had been an " occasional Major of the Provincials, and for particular good ser- " vices, was rewarded with a company in the fifteenth regiment of " foot. " :1 I ii MEMOIRS OF MAJOR 8T0B0. the best of manners. This gentleman was one of his impartial judges, and had been active to insult him in his misery, and load him with disgrace. The dinner is on the table, they all fall on ; ill went the victuals down with Major Stobo, and every mouthful offered fair to choke him, nor yet the glass could cheer. The dinner ended, he begged the Admiral would excuse ; his business called him, and he could not stay ; the Admiral saw well his hurry, nor offered to detain him ; but well it is believed when he and Monsieur meet again, be where it will, both will not come off so well. Soon after this, on board the 2d Admiral, as he went, he is informed a prison- er 's there who knows him, and he's brought up, and behold, a barber of the town, who used to dress his hair, and had been taken, homeward bound, from a 6,000 livres* expedition ; and now he asks the prisoner if he will serve him for yearly wages, to which he readily consents ; then of the Admiral he's asked, who soon complied ; and thus his foe is now become his own domestic servant. The Major's service at Quebec was all obedience to command, and information, to his great patron, best, and almost only known ; he pointed out the place to land, where aftewards they did, and were successful ; and having contributed all that 's in his power to this great work, the General wants a courier to dispatch for General Amherst, and he's of to on pra MEMOIRS OF MAJOR STOBO. 71 s one of to insult e. The vent the mouthful ss could Admiral he could irry, nor red when will, both on board I a prison- bt up, and ) dress his id, from a asks the wages, to Imiral he's toe is now obedience ;at patron, ed out the and were lat's in his ,1 wants a t, and he's the only one that's found that knows the route by which they needs must pass, and straight his business is imparted, and he has leave to go. Kind recom- mending letters, too, he bore from his great Patron, to the other General. Now from his worthy noble Patror. he must separate, and separate from his fortune, too ; for sure as he had faced the enemy in field of battle, so sure he 'd fallen, as known by sight, to every common soldier in Quebec. And now he 's on a vessel bound to Boston, crowding down the river Lawrence, and after several days, they've cleared the gulf, and standing OQ their course, when lo ! a privateer is seen, and toward them she crowds ; then straight all hands at quarters stand, and he was in a common sailor's jacket hid, and at his post ; but e'er the privateer came up, he faithfully conveys his letters o'er the side, and down they sink to a right trusty secretary's bosom, where, we may venture to afHrm, they yet remain. And now the enemy proclaim their errand by a gun ; a second says, they will not be denied, and soon the English haul their colors down, which when the Major saw, he straight bethought himself of his Canadian valet, and die he must his own life to secure ; and now his piece is cock'd, the fellow 's on his knees, and well we may aver, he never prayed with greater fervor, when he invoked the saints, than now he does, to spare his life ; all that 1 1.) 1 u 72 MEMOIRS OF MAJOR STOBO. could be said or sworn, he thunders out with greut devotion, that neither slavery, nor pain, nor rank, nor torture, nor death, nor dread of hell itself, should ever make him betray his kind, good master, vvrould he but save his life. Self-preservation yielded to humanity, he bravely puts his life into this fellow's hands rather than take his away, though every law of prudence would have justified it ; and now they 're boarded. The lucky privateer had taken several English vessels, and had more prisoners than they could well secure, and straight the last taken crew with several others, were packed into a sloop. Among the lost, the Major marches undisceined, but strict they do confine his servant for a French deserter. Now only guess the situation of the Major's mind, for back he must not look, but was informed, by those who saw, the fellow cried most bitterly at parting with his generous master. One day's provision only they could spare them, to find the port of Halifax, nor got they there before the fourth; upon an equal dividend three biscuits were the Major's share, and only water more. No sooner Halifax is gained, but straight he flies for General Amherst, 'cross the country, many a league, and soon imparts to him what iiad befel, and what had, to his memory, been entrusted. And now attends that General, as a volunteer, on his Lake Cliamplain expedition, and there he finished the campaign ; MEMOIRS OF MAJOR STOBO, 7H I itli gretiL or rank, If, should r, would elded to fellow's very law ^ they 're n several :han they ken crew a sloop. lis earned, a French )n of the ij but v\^as ried most ter. One m, to find jefore the :uits were No sooner r General ', and soon bad, to his ends that J li am plain :anipaign ; which ended, he begs leave to go to Williamsburgh, Virginia's Capital, and thither straight repairs. No sooner he is seen in town, but presently the Assem- bly's Committee convene, and soon resolve that Mr. Robert Stobo be presented with their warmest thanks, as of the whole Assembly of Virginia, for his known firm attachment to the interests of their Colony, and his unshaken zeal for Britain, and her mighty Sovereign, and for his greater sufferings for their sakes ; and this their thanks be by their Speaker signed, and be presented to the Major where he lodged, and that without the loss of time. And then at greater leisure, they determine that his ai rears, as Major of their regiment, be forthwith issued, from the day he ranked as such up to the present. This was not all ; his wages was his due ; they thought their empty thanks a poor reward for such brave services ; and straight they order that one thousand pounds be given him in a present, as a mark of their esteem for what he has done ; and then they offer him whatever post of profit or of honor within this colony, that should fall vacant, less than the government itself, of which he should think well to accept, and yet express their great concern that they had naught to offer such as he deserved. And then they summed up all, with their last effort to oblige him, by tendering him a twelve months* leave, as Major of his regiment, with his full pay, if 74 MEMOIRS OF MAJOR STOBO. It ■! he should choose to come to England, and where they hoped their little chieftain would meet with something to his deserts. Thus highly honored of his Virginia friends, his furlough does commence from the 1st of February, 1760, and on the 18th he embarked for England, on board the packet from New York, with Colonel West and several other gentlemen, the same way bound. Kind letters, and suited to his services, with him he carried from Generals Amherst and Monkton too, and several more ; and now he sweeps the watery element for England. The Western Ocean crossed, the soundings of the English ChannePs found, when lo ! a sail is spy'd, and bearing down upon them, makes all hands stand aghast ; her colors white soon what she is declares. Then over the packet, the Major, too, sends down his recom- mending letters to the deep, himself concealed in a disguise ; and carelessly he casts his scarlet frock down somewhere in the cabin, which Monsieur, if he claims, is welcome to. All was prepared, but not to fight, for yet we hear of no resistance which they made ; and now the privateer 's along side, and they are boarded ; the vessel rummaged, nothing in her 's found but passengers ; a few gold watches the Frenchmen had a fancy for, and they are seized sans ceremonie, and what besides they liked ; but had they taken all the baggage, the ransom would have Li MEMOIRS OP MAJOR STOBO. 75 1 where 3et with ends, his ebruary, land, on Colonel me way ces, with Monkton eps the n Ocean Channel's ig down last ; her hen over is recom- taled in a let frock nsieur, if ired, but ce which side, and othing in watches re seized but had uld have been small. And now they talk of terms or go to France ; go as it will, they must pay for it, and of two evils, surely best's the least. Five and twenty hundred pound *s agreed on for their liberty to go for England, of which the Major is assessed one hundred and twenty-five for his proportion, and twice that sum had not excused him, had they but known his name ; and for the faithful payment of this ransom, a subject is delivered to the privateer ; and now again the packet's under weigh, and stands upon her course with all the sail she could, and now they make the land, and by and by they see the port of Falmouth, and then all hands prepare to come ashore ; the Major now again draws to his coat, Monsieur had left him, and in the pocket under the arm-pit, to his great surprise, he finds a letter, which by accident had missed the general catastro- phe, for he'd forgot it; this was addressed from General Monkton to Mr. Pitt, and now is all he has to show; but the General and Admiral's there in England, r.nd other officers of note, who had been at Quebec ; by their report, ere he arrived, had rendered its utility of little purpose. But now ashore, to Falmouth, and then for London, by quick and sure progression, and scarce a town is passed upon the road where the French prisoners were quartered, but some knew Monsieur Stobo, and all pretend great joy to see him. But welcome to 76 MEMOIRS OP MAJOR STOBO. London, on the 22d of March, where he resides, till he *s refreshed, and forgot his toils ; and now *s the season for the field again, and here he must not stay. A short memorial is made, a modest narrative of v/hathe'd done and suffered, and begged his honor's intercession with his Sovereign to honor him with a command, even of a company, in his country's service, where they thought best, and that he might not lose an hour of the campaign, which now 's at hand. With this and General Monkton's letter, he then proceeds to our great patriot Minister, patron of all true merit, who generously received him, as a brave soldier of fortune, and told him first that he had heard his story, and with him held some confe- rence about or nation's North domain affairs; then gives him a gracious assurance of his service for him, and he 's dismissed. Few days, indeed, were passed before there is a letter for him at his lodgings, inclosing one from Mr. Pitt to General Amherst, with his own hand wrote, and arms affixed, but open left, that he might see what he's to carry. In which kind letter, after he has signified to General Amherst his Majesty's most gracious approbation of what the Major sought, he adds in words like these : ** As I have taken a great share in the general attention that is paid here to this officer's merit, his sufferings, and his zeal for his Majesty's Government, I shall esteem it as a particular favor if you will honor him with a MEMOIRS OP MAJOR STOBO. 77 ides, till w's the lot stay, rative of honor's n with a oun try's le might low *s at etter, he •, patron tiim, as a ^ that he le confe- irs ; then •vice for ed, were lodgings, A.mherst, but open In which Amherst what the j: ** As I ition that ings, and ill esteem m with a command of a company in the army under your command; and I understand an opportunity will soon offer itself, either in your own or Anstruther's regiment, &c., &c. I am with great truth, &c., &c., &c." This was his leave for North America again, where it is thought best to send him. Two dpys, not more are passed, till he's for Falmouth post, and sailed the 24th of April in the same packet for New York, 1760. END OP THE MEMOlRji^c 6* ABSTRACTS FROM THE JOURNALS OF THE HOUSE OF BUME8SES, IN VIRGINIA. f >l Friday, August 30, 1754. Upon a motion made : Ordered that the thanks of this House be given to Colonel George Washington, Captain Mackey, of his Majesty's Independent Company, and the officers under his command : Major Adam Stephens, Capt. Robert Stobo, Peter Hog, Andrew Lewis, George Mercer; Lieutenants Thomas Wagner, William Poison, John Savage, James Towers ; Ensigns Wm. Bronough, John Mercer, William Peyrounny and James Craig, for their gallant and brave behaviour in the defence of their country ; and the Speaker be desired to write to Colonel Washington, to acquaint him of the same, to desire him to inform the gentle- men of it, and to communicate to the soldiers the just sense this House has of their bravery also. by wiJT [2( noi vol Brl ABSTRACTS, &C. 79 P.88E8, 1754. given to ckey, of 3 officers IS, Capt. George William rns Wni. nny and ehaviour Baker be acquaint 3 gentle- liers the I so. Friday, October 25th, 1754. Upon a motion made : Resolvedy That an humble address be presented to his honor, the Governor, to express our approba- tion of the conduct and gallant behaviour of the several officers of the Virginia forces, except George Muse, late Lieutenant Colonel, and Jacob Van Braam, late Captain ;* and to desire his honor to recommend them in a particular manner to his Ma- jesty's favor ; and that at the same time he acquaint his honor, that it is the opinion of this House, that nothing w\)\ contribute so much to the success of the expedition against the invaders of his Majesty's dominions, as a proper encouragement to such of the inhabitants as shall be inclined to serve in his * My friend Lyman C. Draper, in an article in vol. 1 of the Olden Time, labored with a zeal creditable to his feelings, and with all that ability which he possesses, to exculpate ^/an Braam. T fear his task is a hopeless one. He relies much upon Burke's History of Virginia, (poor authority,) and upon the expression, " toe '' and *' w«, " in Stobo's two letters. These, he supposes, re- fer to Stobo and Van Braam, and Burke says they escaped together from Quebec ; but Van Braam's name is never mentioned by Stobo. Besides Lieut. Lyons, who was sent to Fort Du Quesne with a flag of truce, reported that on the day he left that fort, [20th September, 1754,] Stobo was sent to Montreal, but said nothing about Van Braam. The mistranslation of the word *' asaaaaine^ " in the articles of capitulation at Fort Necessity, the vote of the Virginia Assembly, the subsequent silence of Van Braam, and his never reappearing in the colonies, leave little ground to believe hira to have been a true man. — N. B. C. 80 ABSTRACTS, &C. i'l Majesty's army in the present expedition, and that Mr. Charles Carter, Mr. Landon Carter, Mr. Fitz- hugh, and Mr. Randolph, do wait on his honor with the said address. fiy the House of Burgesses. Tuesday. Oct. 29, 1754. Mr. Charles Carter reported the Governor's an- swer to the address . ** That he was pleased that the sentiments of this House concuiTed with his own ; that he had already made a representation to his Majesty in their favor, and would take care to renew it. " Friday, April 30th, 1756. Resolvedf That the sum of three hundred pounds be paid to Captain Robert Stobo, in consideration of his services to the country, and his sufferings in his confinement, as a hostage, in Quebec. Monday, November 19th, 1759. A message from the Governor was delivered by Mr. Walthoe : Mr. Speaker, • The Governor has commanded me to lay before the House a letter his hopor has just received from his excellency. General Amherst, in favor of Capt. Stobo, by whom it was sent, which, with that gen- tleman's singular sufferings, he recommends to the immediate consideration of this House. AnSTIlACTS, &C. 81 and that ^r. Fitz- nor with [esses. 1754. ior*s an- that the lis own ; n to his care to 1756. 1 pounds iration of igs in his , 1759. vered by ly before ved from of Capt. that gen- ds to the Tho House immediately proceeded to the consid- eration of tho said letter, and the same being read : Upon motion, it was Resolvedj That the sum of one thousand pounds be paid, by the Treasurer of this Colony, to Captain Robert Stobo, over and above the pay that is due to him from the time of his rendering himself a hostage, to this day, as a reward for his zeal to his country, and the recompense for the great hardships hehas suffered, during his confinement in the enemy's sountry. Ordered that the same resolve be engrossed, and that Mr. Bland do carry it up to the Council for their concurrence. 4 Upon a motion made : Resolved, That an humble address be made. :, nis honor, the Governor, to desire that he will be pleased to take Captain Stobo into his special care and favor, and promote him in the service of this Colony ; and that Mr. Richard Henry Lee do wait on his honor with the said address. Upon a motion made : Resolved, That the thanks of this House be given to Mr. Robert Stobo, for his steady and inviolable attachment to the interest of this country ; for his singular bravery and courage exerted on all occasions during this present war, and for the magnanimity 82 ABSTRACTS, &C. with which he has supported himself during his confinement in Canada; and that he be congratulated in the name of this House, on his safe and happy return to this Colony ; and that Mr. Nicholas, Mr. Bland, and Mr. Washington, do wait on him for that purpose. By the House of Burgesses. C. Wythe, C. H. B. KND. APPENDIX A. The following is the English translation of the Articles a spublished by the French Government in the memoir justifying its conduct. In a publication of these articles made in this country from a copy retained by Washington, no such preamble or introduction appears, article first being the beginning. In Washington's copy, at the end of the Sixth Article, the words *^ pendant une annee a compter de cejour, " mean, **during one year, counting from this day, " appear. How these discrepancies arose, it would be useless now to inquire. Capitulation gtanted by M. de Villiers, Captain and Commander of his Majesty's troops, to those English troops actually in Fort Necessity. July the 3d, 1754, at 8 o'clock at night. As our intentions have never been to trouble the peace and good harmony subsisting between the two Princes in amity, but only to revenge the assassination, committed on one of our officers, bearer of a summon, as also on his escort, and to 84 APPENDIX A. hinder any establishment on the lands of the domin- ions of the King my master , upon these considera- tions, we are willing to show favoi to all the English who are in the said Fort, on the following conditions : ARTICLE !♦ We grant leave to the English Commander to retire with all his garrison, and to return peaceably into his own country; and promise to hinder his receiving any iusult from us French ; and to restrain, as much as shall be in our power, the Indians that are with us. ARTICLE II. It shall be permitted him to go out, and carry 'with him all that belongs to them, except the artillery, which we reserve. ARTICLE III. That we will allow them the honors of war, thnt they march out with drums beating, and one swivel gun, being willing thereby to convince them, that we treat them as friends. ARTICLE IV. That as soon as the articles are signed by both parties, the English colors shall be struck. ARTICLE V, That to-morrow, at break of day, a detachment of French shall go and make the Garrison file off, and take possession of the fort. 1 APPENDIX A. %§ e domin- OTisidera- e En glish nditions : lander to peaceably linder his restrain, lians that carry with I artillery, r war, that one swivel 3m, that we ed by both tachment of file off, aiui ' ARTICLE VI. As the English have but few oxen or horses let't, they are at liberty to hide their effects, and come again and search for them, when they have a number of horses sufficient to carry them off, and that for this end they may have what guards they please ; on condition that they give their word of honor, to vvork no more on any buildings in this place, or any part on this side of the mountains. ARTICLE VII. And as the English have in their power one officer, two cadets, and most of the prisoners made at their assassination of M. de Jumonville, and promise to send them back, with a safe guard, to Fort Du Quesne, situate on the Ohio; for surety of perform- ing this article as well as this treaty, M. Jacob Vanbraam and Robert Stobo, both Captains, shall be delivered to us as hostage.., till the arrival of our French and Canadians above mentioned. We oblige ourselves on our side, to give an escort to return these two officers in safety ; and expect to have our French in two months and a half at farthest. A duplicate of this being fixed upon one of the posts of our blockhouse, the day and year above mentioned. Signed, Messrs. JAMES MACKAYE, G. WASHINGTON, rour.oN viLMii:us. i I; 1 86 APPENDIX B. Letters from Captaiu Stobo, July 28, 1754. ** The Indians are greatly alarmed at a report said to be brought up by an Indian named Tuscarora John. He reports that the Half-King, Monictootha, and a Shawanese King, &c., to the number of 37, were confined by the English and carried as prison- ers. That John Meinors, alias Jacob Cork, of Montour's Company, told him so soon as they got them to the inhabitants, they would hang them all, and advised him to make his escape. This wa^ industriously reported the day before the Shawanese counselled with the French and their Indians. The French made them a very long and eloquent speech, telling them they did not come to make war with any, but the English would not let them alone. That they expected their children would not see their father abused in his old age ; but that if they had a mind to join the English they might ; if not, and to live in peace with all, there were goods for them. This was all I could pick up. The French gave two very large belts of Wampum, and as many strings. Their Indians gave an equal number. The French gave them likewise a large present, viz: 16 very fine guns, 2 barrels of gunpowder, and bullets in proportion, 16 fine suits of ciothes, several of a meaner kind, blankets, strouds, &c. The Shawanese made no answer at that time, nor have 1 ex tw E\ SU: yo SO fel APPRNDIX B. 87 a report uscarora lictootha, 3r of 37, as prison- Cork, of they got them all, Uhis wa^ hawariese Liis. The tit speech, war with im alone, i not see lat if they U ; if not, goods for he French id as many 1 number, resent, viz: wder, and [les, several &c. The nor have 1 lieard they have as yet. 'Tis now reported for certain, that the Half-King, &c., are killed, and their wives and children given up to the barbarity of the Cherokces and Catawbas, of whom they say there are 300 at the new store. True or false, it has greatly alarmed them, and had it not been for that report, I believe a great many Indians, and of several nations, would have been with you now. If true, (which I cannot think,) there will be no further dependence on any Indians this way, and will make our return very hazardous, but that is not to be considered. The Shawanese, Picts and Delawares, have had a grand council by themselves ; what they have determined I know not ; but I have persuaded some of hem to venture to see you, by assuring them they will be used in the best manner, and there is large presents at the new store. A present well timed now will be of great service. If peace be made with the Indians, Catawbas and Cherokebe I hope all will go well. I assure you there was not any of those Indians we call ours at the battle, except six or seven. I believe of the Mingo nation, two ie'lows not regarded by them, particularly one English John; he was at Gist's with those that were suspected as spies. I am informed he intends to see you with some of the rest. Take care of them. I send this by Monecatootl 's brother-in-law, a worthy fellow, and may be trusted. On the other side, you 88 APPENDIX R. have a draft of the Fort, such as time and opportunity would admit of at this time. The garrison consists of 200 workmen, and all the rest went in several detachments to the number of 1,000, two days hence. Mercier, a fine soldier, goes ; so that Contrecoeur, with a few young officers and cadets, remain here. A Lieutenant went off some days ago, with 200 men, for [)rovisions. He is daily expected. When he •arives, the garrison will be 400 men. La Force is greatly wanted here — no scouting now — he certainly must have been an extraordinary man amongst them, he is so much regretted and wished for. When we engaged to serve the country, it was expected we were to do it with our lives. Let them not be disappointed. Consider the good of the expedition without the least regard to us. For my part, I would die a thousand deaths, to have the pleasure of possessing this Fort but one day. They are so vain of their success at the Meadows, it is worse than death to hear them. Strike this fall as soon as possible. Make the Indians ours. Prevent intelli- gence. Get the best, and 'tis done. 100 trusty Indians might surprise this Fort. They have access all day, and might lodge themselves so that they might secure the guard with the tomahawks ; shut the sally gate, and the Fort is ours. None but the guard and Contrecoeur stay in the Fort. For God's sake, communicate this to but few, and them you can til ar 81] gal Jai to it APPENDIX B. 89 )rtuinly consists several i hence. reca3ur, in here* 00 men, ^hen he Force is certainly amongst . When ected we 1 not be xpedition y part, I pleasure jy are so is worse IS soon as 3nt intelli- 00 trusty ave access that they vks ; shut le but the For God's m you can trust. Intelligence comes hero unaccountably. If tliey should know I wrote, I should lose the little liberty [ have. I should bo glad to hear from you. lUit take no notice of this in your's. Excuse errors, bad diction, &C. Pray be kind to this Indian. Springes and Delaware George have been here. " [Hero follows a plan of the Fort.] *' Sir — I wrote you yesterday by an Indian named the Long or iMono ; he will be with you in seven days. Tliis goes by Delaware George. If these discharge their trust, they ought to be well rewarded. The purport of yesterday's letter was to inform you of a re[)ort, and I hope false, which greatly alarms the Indians : that the Half-King and Monecatooth are killed, their wives and children given to the Catawbas, Cattoways and Cherokees. I wish a peace may be made up between the Catawl.)as and the nations here ; they are mucli afraid of them. Many would have joined you ere now had it not been for tiiat report. You had as just a plan of the fort as time and opportunity would allow. The French manage the Indians with the greatest artihce. I m( ationed yesterday a council the Shawanese had with the French, the present they gave, and if they made the French a speech yester- day, the bearer, who was present, will inform you to what purport. If yesterday's letter reaches you, it will give you a particular account of most things. 90 APTENDIX n. I hfive scarce a minute; therefore can only add one more thing : tliere are fibout '^00 men here at this time, 200 more expectoil in a few days ; the rest went off in several detachments to the amount of 1,000, besides Indians. The Indians have great liberty here ; they go out and in when they please without notice. If 100 trusty Shawanese, Mingoes and Dolawares, were picked out, they might surprise the Fort, lodging themselves under the platfbim behind the palisades by day, and at night secure the guard with their tomahawks. The guard consists of 40 men only, and 5 officers. None lodge in the Fort but the guard, except Contrecccur — the rest in bark cabins round the Fort. All this you have more particular in yesterday's account. Your humble servant, &;c. La Force is greatly missed here Let the good of the expedition be considered pre-, ferable to our safety. Haste to strike. *' A list of deserters and prisoners at the French Fort : *' Mercer's company. — John Smith, John Baker. Did not ffet here till after the detachment of deserters. ** Vanbraam's do. — Barnabas Deven. "Mercer's do. — Jacob Arants, John Ramsey. This man is the cause of all our misfortunes. He deserted the day before the battle. The French got to Gist's at dawn of day, surrounding the Fort, imagining that we were still there, gave a general APPENDIX B. 91 atld one ^ at this the rest lount of ve great y ])lease Mingoes : surprise platform ecure the consists of ere in the :he rest in lave more ir humble ssed here ered pre-. he French »hn Baker, f deserters. I Ramsey, unes. He French got the Fort, 3 a general fire. But when they found we were gone, they were determined to return with all expedition, thinkinof we had returned to the inhabitants — when up comes Mr. Driscall,* told them he had deserted the day before, and that the regiment was still at the meadows, in a starving condition, which caused his deserting, and hearing they were coming, deserted to them. They confined him — told him if true, he should be rewarded, if false, hanged. This I had from the English interpreters. *' Mackay's do. — Daniel Stuerdfages, wounded in the right arm. *' Montour's do. — Daniel Laiferty, Henry O'Brien, prisoners. " Taken at Guest's by an Indian named English John, Lowrey's traders, Andrew M'Briar, Nehemiah Stevens, John Kennedy, Elizabeth Williams. *' The Indians offered their prisoners for sale. Enquired the price — 40 pistoles for each. A good ransom. * Mr. Driscnll. This natne eertainly seems out of place here. In the previous part of this para.j2;raph, after naming Arants and John Ramsey, Stobo says, '^thi>i mo)i," evidently referring to Ramsey, and then says he "wtis the cause of all our misfortunes. " He next proceeds to explain ho^v, and then for the first time this name "Mr. Driseall" appears. T have always suspected that .Stobo wrote " Mr. Rascall, " andjin copying, it was changed into "Mr. Driscall." 92 APPENDIX U, *' All sent to CanaJji in custody of tlie Judiiin who took them, excejit John Kennedy : he was given to the Owl to weigh upon while his leg was eurin<(. He was wounded with ten others, and four Indians, All are recovering but one, who died after having his arm cut ott'. Four were shot on the spot. That is all the loss I can hear of. On the 28d, three of their people deserted. I hope they are got with you by this time. I hear more intend it soon. I spoke to the commander several times concerning the ])risoners, telling him as long as we came to a capitulation, to make them ])risoners was wrong — he told me they were the Indian's, and he could not get them from them. " luliiiu who as given to ^'as cuiiii<^. jr Indians, fter having pot. That Id, three of ot with you n. I spoke ;erning the came to a , wrong — he e could not