i8>. IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) i.O I.I 1.25 2.5 2.2 2.0 1.8 L4 111.6 many frames aa required. The following diagrams illustrate the method: Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peiivent ktts fllm*s i dee taux de rMuction diff Arents. Lorsque le document eet trop grend pour Atre reproduit en un ieul ciicht, 11 est film* i partir de Tangle supf sisur gauche, de gauche h droite, et de haut er ^.s, an prenant le nombre d'images nicessaira. Lee diagrammes sulvants iliustrent la mithode. 1 2 3 S 6 »raDforD Clulj ^tvUs. NUMBER SIX. lis "•'■'flf.,,, =t Alt'" CidiiYKHSoa i? L H M T O Sr *c IL A13T, < ffomiin'niiw, kf V Uemn, mAtp;!ioMntn,rr, Vai .ii/^si-ui ■Wmtlliwrjjf . TIIK \()U rrrKiJN i n VAsrox OK OCTOBER 1780 A SBBIES l)K I'APKUa MELATINO TO THE EXPEDITIONH PROM CANADA UNDER 8IR JOHN JOHNSON AND OTUKltS Z^\)t iTrontters of j|?elu govH WHIOB WIBI SCFrOSBD TO HAVE CONNECTION WITH ARNOLD'S TREASON PREPARED FROM THE ORIGINALS WITH AN INTRODUCTIJN AND NOTES BY FRANKLIN B. HOUGH N KU" vol! K M OCC'C I,XVI L EI a :5(i .H e> CLUU COPY. Kntorod according to Act ofCongresB, in the year IWXl, By John B. Morean, Fob tub BRAnroRD CLiw, lu the ClerkV Office of the District Court of the United Htatei for the Southern District of New York. KUillTV COl-lEa I-RINTKl). r II IJ LIGATION S BRADFORD CLUB. No. I.— Papers concerninq the Attack on Hatfield and Deerfield . . . jgsg " II. — The Croakerh jggQ " III.— The Operations of the French Fleet UNDER Count De Orasse . " IV.— Antholooy of New Netherland " v.— Narratives op the Cai.. er of . De Soto in Florida . " VI.— Northern Invasion extra number. Memorial of John Allan . 1804 1865 1866 186G 1864 THE BRADFOItl) OIJIB. I'ndbr thiB iloNim'rmtion, u few goiitlenien, intorogtod in the Btudy of American Ilistctry und Literature, propone ooenHionally to print limited editions of sucii munuHcriptM and Hcurco pnmphleUi oa may be deemed of value towards illustrating these subjects. They will seek to obtain for this purpose unpublished journals or correspondence eontainiuf; mutter worthy of record, and which may not properly be included in the Historical Collections or Documentary Histories of the several States. Such unpretending contemporary chronicles often throw precious light upon the motives of action and the imperfectly narrated events of bygone days ; perhaps briefly touched upon in dry official documents. The Club may also issue facsimiles of curious manu.>h J] I s 'il4 ri ■4 'I w 6P '^(<^^,^ r^, , / 7 INTRODUCTION. The invasion of tho Indian settlements upon tlio QcncBec by General Sullivan, in the autumn of 177!), occasioned great d' ess among the natives, who were driven to seek shelter at Fort Niagara. The destruction had been sweeping, and the miseries which followed, during the liard winter of 1779-80 wer severe; hut although crops and settlements were laid waste, most of the Indian warriors escaped, and very naturally soon began to meditate plans of revenge. The villages of the Oneida tribe friendly to the Americans, were menaced during the winter, and while tho snow yet lay deep in the forests, and the streams were bridged with ice, the war parties of Brant and Butler began active hostilities, along the whole northern and western fron- tiers of New York. Tliese incursions, although not accompanied by scenes of butchery, like those perpe- trated at Wyoming and Cherry Valley, were still marked with incidents of thrilling terror, and were attended with great loss of property ; many prisoners were led into captivity, many lives were sacrificed, and 8 1 •Sv^mili^^A-ii^ioMX 18 INTUoniJCTlON. tho Ki-ontoHt nlun.i w.vh Hpiva.l tl.f<.,.Kl...iif tl.o bonlor coiiiitirH. Tho firnt oftlu-ir li<.stilt. pn,-tio« appoaivd on tho XMh "'• M.nvl., 1780, at l^inu-nHnyU ,-•« |J„sl., fo,„. ...iloH north of th. Littio KallH, wh.ro thoy took ( 'aptal,, John Ko^Hor, hiH two HonH and two othoi- i.nH,m...H, kilk..I one .nan, hun.o.l tho oaj.tain'H houno, killo.l Iuh Mtook, nn.l lofV hiK wito nuO bahcK (lostituto. A ho.Iy of militia wan c.ailo,l out, b„t from want of nnow hIiooh couM not l).n-8uo. Tho party wa« roportod ahont My in nnmbor, ohiofly torios iitt»'m|iU'M'ty. On the 7tli of April, llrant with a nnndl party of torioH and Indiaiw, on their way to Hurpriae 8chohane, oanio u[»on a few men tinder Capt. Alexander Jfarpor, engairod in making,' maple Hugar at irarperstield. Three of the nund)er \\\'i\' killed, and eleven or twelve taken priHonerH to Niupiru.* It irt Haid that Urant vvaH disHuaded from liirttirHt doHij^n of Htrikiiigat Sehoharie, by the tiotitiouH deelarationrt of Captain Harper, tliat large reinforcements had arrived at that place. On thin expedition, Brant detached a HnuUl [)arty whieli foil upon the Minirtink Hottlement, and brought off Hovoral prisonerrt. Siniultanoourt with tli-jsc events, intoUigenoe was brought to the commaiider-in-ohiof, of preparations by the enemy, in the collection of munitions, horses, ves- sels and boats, whicli seemed to indicate an intention of operating in force against the American posts on the Kudson. These events occurring at so early a period, seemed to ' Solomon Woodward. > CampfxWH Tryon County, Ist ed., 159 i Stone'n Life of lirunf, ii, 50 : ^tm»w'« Schchiiru County, 335. Captain Harper remained a captive till November 38, 1783. 20 INTRODUCTION. indicate a troubloHoiiie und dangerous sunmier on the frontiers. The minds of tlie inhabitants were filled with the most gloomy ai^prehonsions, and Colonel Yates in writing from Palatine upon the Mohawk, ' tnnatcd, (hat uidoHs a number of troops sufficient to protect the settlements could be sent up, very few of the inhabitants in that section would remain. " The country," said he, " is very extensive, and lies open on all sides to the inroads of the savages. I need not describe to you the distresses of such as are obliged to abandon their habitations, and the consequent dis- tress an - 'iconvenience, of such as they fly to for refuge, besides the preventing of which, the crops now in the ground, and those to be put in, must (I should rather say ought to) be saved, or there will be famine to those who are now residing liere. I have every opportunity to -ion- vince myself, that people have bread for no longer than the ensuing harvest. Indeed too many have not that." ' These inroads upon the frontiers, called for active measures for the public safety. Guards were stationed at various points on the upper Mohawk, and the militia were ordered to keep themselves in readiness to march at^ minute's warning, ujou a given signal. Wlinton Papers, No. 2,751. Col. Christopher P. Yate., the writer of tho above, was a leading patriot of Tryon county, and chainnan of the committee of correspondence at tlic beginnhig of the war. He served as a captain and afterward as a colonel of militia, and was the first county clerk under .tate appoin.nu.nt. He represented Montgomery county m assembly five years, and died on his farm three miles west of Canajoliarie, and a mile from tlie r" -er, .Ian. 21, 1814, at the age of INTitODUCTION. 21 Before further tracing the c\ erta of 1780, we will brictly dcHcrihe the extent of the Hcttlenients in Alhaiiy and Tryon counties, and the defenses then existing foi- their protection. The Mohawk valley, at the beginning of the revolu- tion, had a population of about ten thousand, scattered along in a narrow belt as far west as the present town of German Flatts, in Herkimer county. Northward, the settlements extended to a short distance beyond Johnstown. Towards the south, they had reached the head waters of the Susquehanna, and in tlie valley of the Schoharie creek, to about seven miles beyond Middleburgh. Nortlnvard of Albany, they were thinly scattered over the southern and eastern ])ortions of the present county of Saratoga, and in Washington (then Charlotte) county, to Skeenesborough, now Whitehall. Small settlements had been conmienced on the western shores of Lake Champlain, and considerable, yet widely scattered improvements had been made in Cumberland county, then claimed by New York, but now included in Vermont. At the beginning of hostilities, many of the inhabitants decided to support the royal cause especially amo.g the Scotch settlers near Johnstown, although loyalists were found in aln>ost every district in the colony. Their relative number was not large, but their fami- lies often remained in the country, a burden upon society, and objects of constant suspicion and jealousy with those friendly to the American cause. They 22 INTRODUCTION. liarborecl the eiieinies' si.ioH, procurocl infurniatioii, and secretly fiivored his movements as opportunities offered. TJioso wlio had fled to tlie enemy to l)ear arms for the king, proved the most dangerous and vindictive of partizans, being thoroughly acquainted with the topograi.hy of the country, and familiar with every road and stieam and valley, that would favor the movcmeuts of an invading party, or of a lurking foe The invasion of General Burgoyne, from the north, and repeated inroads upon the Mohawk frontiers, had entirely broken up the feeble beginnings upon Lake Chamiilain, and the thriving settlements of Cherry Valley, Newtown-Martin, Springfield, Ilarpersfield, and Vndrustown, southward of the Mohawk. Over six hundred persons from Tryon county alone, had gone off to tlie enemy, and hundreds of fiirms all around the borders of civilization, were abfindoned Ijy their owners, or destroyed by the enemv, leavinsr dreary solitudes in places that had lately been enli- vened by industry, and with here and there a heap of rubbish to mark the site of what had been a home. During the French and Indian wars, fortifications had been erected at various points along the frontiers, and the troubles of the revolution led to the construc- tion of stockades around dwellings at numerous places throughout the country, for sheltering of the inhabitants in times of danger. The number of these outposts having led to a greater distribution of the troops available for their defense FNTKODUCTION. 23 than was thou,e:lit desirable, the board of war, about the middle of Alarch, decided to break up several minor stations, inoluding those at Schenectady, Scho- harie, Johnstown, Fort Plank, Oneida Castle, Half Moon Point, New City, Saratoga, Fort Edward, and Skeenesborough. The events upon the frontiers, already noticed, induced Governor Clinton to retain some of those at Skeenesborough, Fort Plank, lior- kinier, Schoharie, and Fort Edward, Fort Schuyler, on the site of the present village of Rome, was tlien the most important post on the frontier, and of sufRcient strength to resist a large force.* During a part of the summer of 1780, it was garrisoned by Colonel Van Schaick of the Continentixl troops, but early in September, he was ordered to join the grand army, and Major Hughes M'as left in command. It was the frontier post on the Mohawk, and nearly thirty miles beyond the settlements. Fort Herkimer on the south bank of the IVfohawk, opposite the mouth of West Canada creek, and Fort Dayton in the present village of Hei-kimer, were then garrisoned by small bodies of troops. At the former, a company of fifteen men had been stationed during the winter imdcr Lieutenant John Smith, for the protection of military stores. Their time had expired in April, and they were clamoring for thcii- discharge. Fort Plain, 'A return of artillery at Fort Schuyler, made November 33, 1780, showed that there were then 23 cannon and (i mortars, mostly iron' pieces and nioimted for garrison use, 24 INTRODIK TION. Hi!" half a mile west of tlio present village of that name, and Fort Hunter, east of the Schoharie creek, near its confluence with the Mohawk, were works that could oppose a liand attack. In tho Schoharie settle- ments there were three small forts, and on the nortliern frontier there were forts with feehle garrisons at Lake George, Fort Ann, Skeenesborough, Fort Edward, and a few other points. Some of these Avere mere block- houses, others were old works in partial ruin, and Tione of them of sufficient strength to resist a vigorous assault. The territorial divisions of Albany and Tryon coun- ties as they existed in 1780, will be understood by reference to the aecompanjang map.' The militia of that portion of the state not in the power of the enemy, was organi^-ed into forty-five reginients, of Avhich seventeen were in Albany, one in Charlotte, one in Cumberland, eight in Dutchess, three in Orange, five in Tryon, four in Ulster, and six in Westchester counties. Of these, two were composed wholly of exempts, and in addition to the regimental oi-ganizations above enumerated, there were twenty- five companies of associated exempts, whose oflicers had received commissions from the state council of appointment. The militia were only called out as occasional alarms or invasions made it necessary, the ' The colonial act dividing Albany and Tryon counties into dis- tricts, was passed ]\rarcli 32, 1772, and amended March 8, 177EJ, by changing the names of the districts as given in tlie map. INTROnrCTION. 25 duty of guardin^^ the advanced posts, hcmg eliiefly entrusted to detachments from the Continental army, and to levies raised from time to time, and usually for hut short periods, for the sjiecial duty of defending I lie frontiers. During the summer of 1770, two distinct corps of five hundred men each, had hecn ordered hy the legis- lature for this sei-vice, and placed under Lieutenant Colonels Albert I'awling and Henry K Van Rens- selaer. To replace these, u law was passed March 11th, 1780, for raising eight hundred men by detach- ments from the state militia, whenever congress should declare that these troops should be paid and subsisted by the United States. The necessary action was taken by congress on the 4th of April, but the levies were not raised and organized in time to prevent the mis- chief against which they were intended to guard. Yet there was no needless delay in perfecting these plans, and the correspondence of the period shows, that while the inhabitants along the frontiers were trcnd)lin-er and to detach a i)ortion for garrison duty until a reor- 4 26 iNTRonirrriON. ganizatioii could l.o oftootod. Tlic lettera of ooniniand- iug officers at thiw period were Inirdened with comi.laintM oftlie scarcity of provisions, wliicli greatly delayed all military movenieiits, and demanded tlie most active exertions to keep the anny 8np])lied. We will noM' resume our narrative of events upon the frontiers. On the 2yth ol' April, a prisoner taken at Skeeneshorough, escaped from prison at Montreal, and in fifteen days reached home, with intelligence that extensive preparations were being made for an invasion ■from Canada. Col. Jacob Klock, on the 12tli of .May, wrote to the governor from Fort Paris, in the Stone Arabia settlement, that lie had evidence that convinced him of the approach of Sir John Johnson towards Johnstown, and that Bran't with a band of tories and Indians, was exi)ected to fall at the same time upon Canajoharie. These events would have happened befoi-e this date, had not the melting snows and spring floods prevented. The disaffected throughout the valley were expecting these movements, and it was rumored that considerable bodies of tories had been enrolled, for the purpose of .joining the invaders wher they appeared.' » We have been more minute in stating tliese fiicts, to rorreet an error of tlie late Williiini L. Stone in liin IJfi of Ihaiit. He nays, " TIi(*lirst J)low was as sudden as it was unexpected, especially from' the (juarter whence it came. On Sunday the 21 si of Atay, at dead of night, Sir .lohn .lohnson entered the north part of .Johnstown — * * * ; '■•"'I s" I'litirely unawares had lie stolen upon the sleeping inhabitants, that he anived in the heart of the country un- discovered except l)y the resident loyalists who were probably in the secret."— Z?/(?(/ Ihtint, ii. 72, INTRODUCTION. 27 Those rumors tluvw tlie country into the gi-cutost aliinn, aiid ('ol. Van SiOiaick writinj; from Albany of the 17tli of .\Jay, informed tlie ajovernor that he was reeeivini; hourly upplieations from the north and west for aid, that the more remote settk^nents wei-e (hiilv hroakins? u]) and movinj? (h>\vn the country, and tliat unless Homethinir was speedily done to clieek the alai-m, tlie Avhole region west of Schenectady and north of Albany would he abandoned. Under these circum- stances one half of Genei-al Ten Broeck's brigade was ordered out, to meet the coming invasion. The reo-i- ments of Colonels Yates, Van Woert, Schoonhoven and McCrca had assembled at Saratoga on the 20th of May. On the 18tli, trooi)s were dispatched from Albany for Stone Arabia, and other ieinforcements were hastened forward for the defense of the valley as they could be assembled. Five full regiments were ordered into Tryon county and the Schoharie settlements, but as it was still uncertain where the blow would fall, they were held in reserve until the movements of the enemy could be definitely ascer- tained. In the meantime Sir John Johnson with a force reported as consisting of four hundred whites, from his t)wn and Sutler's regiments, and the regulars with two hundred Indians, proceeded in vessels up Lake Champlain to Crown I»oint.' Leaving his boats and ' r'liiitoii /'iijurn. No. 3,S!);i. I 28 INTHODUrTJON. T ve88t«l8 Ht the head of ]{„Iwa.srga hay, muler a small ,t?nar(l, lie Htnick into the forcHt toward the upper IIiidHon, and from thenc-o following; up the Sacondaga valley, he appeared on Sunday night. May 2lHt, at his former residenee near Johnstown. There was at this period a stoekade around the court-house, with a gari-ison sufKeient for its defense, hut too feehle for hostile movements. Without spending time upon this, ],e detached a part of his force, to proceed further down the river and strike the Moliawk at or helow Trihe's hill. Their route led along flimiliar roads, and through friendly neighhorhoods. The invaders were minutely informed of every circumstance that could favor or impede t^ieir movements, and the political hias of every inhahitant was well known; the victims of revenge were selected, and the details of their operations were arramred A little hefore dayhreak on Monday morning, the hlow fell, and their course up the valley from Trihe's hill to the Xose,' was marked hy scenes of confla- gration, pillage and murder; yet even in this, the hand of the destroyer was somewhat stayed, and no violence was offered to women and children.^' The houses of tories were spared, and great numbers of loyalists jomed the mvaders upon their return towards Johns- p 34a ^"'*^^' ''^^'■'""' "' ^^' "^'"l i" «'«»**'* Schoharie County, INTKODUCTTON. 29 town. In tlio moaiitiino, a (jiiantity of plate anI)|'( TION. irn cnilmrkod hIx li„Mrs |„.r,„,. (;„■ St. Jolm.' Tlio (lolav '" I'l-cciirino- iH.i.ts and provisioiiH ut Lake (Jcortro l„u| frontier a.irainst tiirtlicr inn.ad lion. Canada, In- rctunicd.'- I'nl.lic nini..r liad led t.. an i'.\|.ccta(i..n ..fan attack '''•'>"i the westward innler IJrant, l.nt if tliin laid ori.i,riMally been intended, son.o event had thus fur l>revented its execution. The protection of the Mohawk settlements was, however, of the utmost importance, iind the condition of Fort Schuyler especially called f..r prompt action on the part of the conimander-in- ehief The militia of Tryon county had for a long l)eriod heen relied upon for .rarrison duty at this post, and the dangers that hung over their fannlies made these soldiers restive under the restraints of this service, and anxious to he at tlicir homes for their protection. This feeling had increased until it almost amounted to open mutiny, and early in the summer, General Washington ordered Colonel Van Schaick with two hundred and tifty levies to proceed thither. The recent movements of tlie enemy had appeared to menace this post, and common prudence demanded that it should be secured ' Clinton Papers, 2,072, 2,fl7!J. Tliu governor expryssfd his gratifl- cntioii at tlie proniptuess with wliich the trooiis from tlie Grants were niised and niarelied to liis aid. •■'Aiiecdotf.s of tills passage down tlie lakes by Governor Clinton, lire given by the author of tho ."icjw/cmir!/ (coition of 1800, p. 177)' but with a mistake in the time, wliieh is there given as following the invasion of Oetober, which forms the principal sul.jeet of this volume. iNTunmirTiov. 81 tijifuiiiHt ii HiirpriHc, iiikI jirovirtloiied a^iiiiiHt (laii^or from a HU'go. The luilitia who wore ho (Hscoiitontod in pirrirtoii, would not bo tho Iohs rcliuble for the i>nl)Iie defeiiHO, and tliey j^hidly embraced the opportunity of j^uardinj; tlie minor poHtH that were wattered throutcii the settlements, and nearer their own homcH. Their dirtcontent wan in no dej^ree inspired l»y cowardice, but by a i\atural, and ])erhapH pardonal)!e anxiety to i»e with tlieir familieH who were constantly in dani^er; and frequently driven by real ov false alarms to seek refuge in their block-houses. It was manifestly the policy of the enemy to niultiitly these alarms by their snnUl parties, scattered along the borders of the settle- ments, and to niagnity the fears of the inhabitants. In this they were but too well favored by the presence of the disatt'ected families in the country, who were willing to give currency to every rumor tending to their interests, whether founded upon facts or tiction. The larger portion of the Oneidas, and a small part of the Tuscaroras, had hitherto remained friendly to the American cause ; but the influence of Hritish agents, and of the other tribes of the Six Xations was brought strongly to bear upon them, to induce their removal to Niagara. Seonondo, a leading chief, was itni>risoned at Niagara, and every argument by way of threat and promise, was used to effect this end. Under this pressure, and to secure that quiet which was denied them in their own settlonieiits, some evinced a wflling- ness to yield; and to prevent snch a misfortune about !| il 82 INTHOOircTroV. , ' ;f f'om- hiiiidrcd of fhcHo |k(o|.Io woro i-cmovod to tlio iifiirhl,,,,!,,.,,,! of MmwvUuly luxl tlioro Hupportc.I, id till' jMlltlic ('(rnt.' Tho niovoiiu'iits oCdie oiictnyat New York, iind tlio rt'turn of Sir Frcnry Clintoi. Ii(,„i l.in Hiuvi-sHnil i-iitor- priHc a/raiiiHt ('InirlcHt..!,, w^ro u.lditioi.al hoiuvoh „f Hiixiety, and led („ .vpcatcd and pri'HHin^r ndln for militia to aMniHt in Htate lo^'iHlatnrc, tlicivforc. on tlio 24tli of diino provided for rainin/; u foroe hy drafls from tlio 'Militia for a j.oriod of tlireo moutliH, and (Jonoral liol.ort Van Ronssolaor, wlio had rooontly boon pro- iMotod from a oolonol, t(. tlio conimund of tiio wooond l>npulo of Albany county militia, was ordoro.l to procood to Stono Aral.iu and tako oomniand at IA)rt Paris,* •Iii.Iiily, 17S0, Jcllis Pond.i wiiH II conlniptnr for 'iiippljin^. aOO na.ons .laily to ,l...stiiut(. Onci.lHs a.ul T..H,.ar.)raa ,it Hih.'.n.rtacly 1 1«<' 'iiul.is ..(ih.ir , amp tircH may atill be traeeil situated on a swell of firoimd about half a mile east by north from the churches at Stone .\rabia in the town of I'alaline. The surface descends from this point, northward towards th.. valley of (}aro-a i(»\\Tni<; uloii^' the froiitiorn, and an occnmonal tire, or niiinlcr, and the Huddeu eared at Shawangunk on tlio 18th of September, attacked the house of Colonel Johannis Jansen, killed and scalped t.vo young women and an old man, and carried away three negi-o slaves. Two regiments of militia were ordered in I'ursmt, but found no trace of the assailants, who were believed to be tories, and former residents of the district. The earlier invasions of this season, and public business depending in congress upon the action of I^ew York, made it necessary to call an extra session of the legislature, which met in Poughkeepsie on the 7th ot September. In his opening message, the governor stated the insufficiency of the force on the frontiers, for their adequate defense, the embarrass- INTRODUf'TloN. 41 ments atten.ling cnlistmontH iti the Contiuentiil service, the destitution of the army, and the necessity of granting more power to congress. The Articles of Confederation then under consideration had not yet heen ratified, and the genend congress had hitherto been able only to recommend to the several states, such measures as it should itself have had the power to enforce. This session of the legislature ended on the 10th of October, and was chiefly occupied in considering the military necessities of the day. It levied taxes upon the several counties payable in cattle and grain, extended former laws authorizing the impress of articles needed in the service, provided for completing the state quota in the Continental army, and gave to the governor all needed powers for the full control of the militia. Under this law, passed September 29th, the governor could order into the service from time to time as he might deem necessary, such numbers of the militia as might be required for the defense of the frontiers. The men were to be drawn by classes, were to be held for forty-five days from the time of their assembling, and in matters relating to discipline, pay and rations, were placed on a par with the Continental troops. The act embraced the necessary regulations for entbrcing the call by fines and forfeitui-es, for the conunutation of quakers, and other details necessary for its successful operation. In v\cw of the exposed condition of northern New (i ■■ .1 42 INTKOUUCTION. York, niul the iniportanoc of protecting the suppUcH of tlmt re. on, upon wliicl, the troops mainly relied for Hub8i8tenee during the eoniing wint<.r; but before any further hostilitien M'erc known to be in actual prepara- tion, Brigadier General Ja.ne« Clinton was asnigned by General Washington to the coninian.l at Albany and he was authorised by his brother the governor to call upon Generals Ten Broeck and Van Rennselaer for such assistance as their brigades might be able to render in ease of need. On the 1st of October, General Schuyler informed the governor by letter, of certnin indications of an approaching invasion by way of Lake Champlain, and on the Gth, a number of citizens of Tryon county united in a petition for' iminediate assistance, to prepare against an attack from the westward. From intelligence which had been received, it appeared quite certain, that a large force of the enemy under Sir John Johnson, Butler and Brant, had six days before left Niagara, and were then on their way to Oneida. On the 10th, an Indian deserter arrived at Fort Schuyler with news that the enemy were approaching in con- siderable force, with the view of attacking Stone Arabia, and ultimately Fort Schuyler. He stated that they were furnished ^vith mortars and cannon, with shells in large quantities; and to confirm his statement he exhibited a five inch shell which he had brought with him in his blanket. Major Hughes in command at that post, immediately INTRODUCTION. 4n coiniiuiiiu'utoeiny,ffave Intonimti.,!, at K,.,t K.hvard <.ftho rava^ros tiiat wore bdn^ connnittixl above; hut OoI...k.| Livin^r. 8ton WHH not ill force to march, and „o relief wan to ho luid nearer than from tlic Albany militia.* Miyor Carleton appeared before Fort George on tlie 11th, but not vvitlu.iit some Iohh by the firo of the garrison. This post was eomman.led by Captain .lolui Chipman, of the second Continental battalion, and his troops about forty in number, were chiefly composed of drafts from the militia classes, from the neighboring towns of Charlotte county. Ho was not in condition for vigorous resistanct-, or u protracted siege; and no i^elief being in prospect ho surrendered upon terms similar to those that had been granted at Fort Ann. The prisoners were transferred to the vessels on Lake Champhiin, and the fort was destroyed. Kr This fort was built in 1777 and like the former, every vestige has long since' disappeared, excepting a small jtart of the original buildiuff. ^Theknver fort, finished in 1778, had also a stockade clef™' TZ 7"^"P^'"'"*''" '"■■'J- '" « '•^«i">ent of levies for tl.e oTe a br^ '"' "? ""^ l«">f '^"'3', 1780, and subsequently r 1 e b nf " 'TT "' """"'■ '"'- "" ""fortunate turn in a tt If '"'"''■'"' ""^^ '" ^'«^' ^V"« a petitioner for reli.f by hollthloS T '=°"" '' "''°" "' organization, and be continued to 'Old this office twenty years. Afler a long residence in PJnttsburrf. he mnoved to Trenton in Oneida county, where he died June S,' 1«1!), m lus sixty-third year. He was the father of the late Comnu, So; w'"f "" ^- '^'"'"^' '' '"'' "->•• '^"^ -»«''-- .ith wldd. Major ^Voolsey contniucd to be held by Governor Clinton, and the «n.ents be received at his hand, sutficiently disc;.:!;' t Md.lonal stones that have been published concerning bis alleged q-.nent upon the occasion of Sir John Johnson's 'attack po^ reported, or if told were not believed, at that period Major Woolsey's weekly return of the Schoharie forts, dated S" f' M™?' "r. " '''''' "''''^ "-'- t'aptainsUnsi g Mullci , J oord, Poole and IJogart. INTHODUCTION. 49 with two blook-houses mounted with small cannon. It enclosed a stone church, still standing a mile north of Schoharie Coui-t-house,' and also enclosed an area of about half an aicre. Along the west side of the enclosure were small huts built of rough boards, for the accommodation of families, and for the shelter of their most valuable cftccts. It was about six miles down the valley, north of the middle foi-t,^ and was at this period commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Volkert Veeder.'' The approach of the enemy had been conducted with as much secrecy as possible, but two Oneidas having deserted, brought in the intelligence of their movements. It had been expected that the first attack would be made upon the upper fort. Early in the morning on the 17th of October, the enemy were discovered passing at some distance from the upper fort. A signal gun was fired to notify the posts below of this movement, and their garrisons hastened to make such preparations for defense as their situation allowed. No attempt was made by the enemy to molest the upper fort; but finding themselves discovered, and secrecy no longer possible, they began at once their work of devastation, by setting fire to • Tliis building is now owned by the state, and is used as an annory. ^Simms'sIlMory of Srhohnrk County, p. 309-271. 'This officer was comuiissioned as lieutenant colonel, April 4, 1778, and resigned !March 13, 1781. He was six yeai's a nirniber of asseiul)ly, and subsequently held the rank of brigadier general in the; militia, lie died February 33, 18i;{. ■ 50 INTRODUCTION. buildings, barns an.l stacks of grain. Most of the inliabitiints liad removed their families to tlie forts, and only wont out to tlae harvest fields armed, and in' parties of sufficient force to guard against surprise. As It was Htill early in the morning, none had gone out, and but few individuals remaif^ed at their homes These were chiefly those who secretly sympathised ^vith the loyalists, and their property was for this reason mostly spared by the invaders, but only to await destruction at the hands of their indignant neighbors, after the enemy were gone. It was a cold autumnal (hiy, and the driving north- west wind, often laden with sleet, served to fan and spread the fires which the enemy set to the abandoned property of the settlors. ' Soon after the first alarm, a party of nineteen volunteers was sent out from the middle fort, to ascertain its cause ; but soon returned, having narrowly escaped being surrounded and cut oft? The enemy Boon appeared ],efore the fort, and some skii-mishino- ensued between their advanced forces and small parties of the garrison, l)ut without loss on either side. Colonel Johnson then brought up a small morh.r and^wtliree pounder field piece, and fired for some ' Slmms', History of fIrJmhaHe Cojuif,,, p. 403 We l.avo ,>,-!n,.i.>„n ml., wluch were ck-nvea entirely ,ro,„ personal r.n.ollee ,„. an ul.nons rece.ve.1 from the families present npon ,he .urasi W arc not aware of the exislenc.. of any offl..ial aeconnts wit! minme ...n.lents dating at or near the tin.e of these events iM^ INTKODUCTIOiV. 51 time upon the fort, but without material effect. An officer ami two men were then sent bearing a wliite flag, but as they approached the fort, they were fired upon.' This checked their advance, and they returned. The flag advanced a second and a third time, but was each time stopped l)y a rifle shot from the fort, when finding further attempt at parley impossible, the firing was resimied. The work of devastation having been completed, and the spirit of tne garrison a]»pearing to defy an assault, the invaders about three o'clock in the 1 Popular traditions, ami published accounts founded thereon, unite in denouncing Major Woolsey as a coward, and in ascribing tlie tiring upon the flag, to Thomas Murpliy, an intrepid partizan of Irisli birtli, wlio liad formerly belonged lO Morgan's Uifle Corps, and had remained at Sdioluirie after his company were withdrawn. According to these accounts, Major Woolsey was disposed to receive tlie flag, and to surrender upon any terms that might be oH'ered ; but that Murphy, encouraged by the militia officers and tlie garrison, persisted in stopping it with his ritle, and even threatened violence to the major, should he venture to attempt a negotiation. It is (piite probal)le that the major may have been very unpopular, and the ranger a great ftivorite with the garrison ; but we are not disposed to give credit tc the extreme statements respecting either of these persons. The tendency to miignify the faults of an unsuccessful t)fflcer, and to multiply anecdotes concerning tliose who prove themselves ener- getic and enterprising in times of danger, is too well known to allow us to place dependence upon either, as elements of precise history. We have a forcible illustration of tliis, in tlie traditions that have Ijcen embodied in all the histories reliiting to General Van Kenssehier's pursuit of Sir John Johnson up the Jloliawk valley in 1780. Without an exception, these are altogetlier unfavorable to his reputation. And yet, a court of incjuiry, held soon after, and before which all the testimony that enemies could find was produced, failed to detect any fault in his measures, and felt itself constrained to report, " that the whole of his conduct, botli before and after, as well as in the action of the 19th of October, was not only unexceptional, but such as become a good, active, faithiul, pnulent and spirited officer, and 52 INTUODIKJTION. I 1 ^tftor,u,oM, ,loHiHto'-lht, continued up on the south bunk of the Mohawk, to a pkace nZ known as Willow Basin n ai . ,• . mow iiami, a short distance below the ^ose, where they encamped for the night. Their route wasmai^ed l,yageneral pillage and burning':^trS except.. Of a few houses owned by persons^ 'suppos^ to be ot loyal sympathies. Most of the inhab tants !!:!!!!!^!^ of the coming danger.in time to e^^ trooj,s. P"'"' *^' ^'°"«''« destroyed In June by Sir John's lift' 'if 1; INTKODirf'TIOX. nr, into tho flclds anc Arabia wore, at this 'C.lonol Brown wbh bom October 1», 1744, uriMlimtwl ot Yalo coHcRcin 1771, was c(hicalc(l iih a lawyer, niarrlotl, aii<» mttlcd at PlttKfieUl in MnHsaclnmcttH. llo took an early IntirvHt in tlio rcvo- Intion, and accompanied the eximlition to Canada in 1770, wlicrc lie served witli niucli credit, and especially dlstUiguiBhed himself in the capture of Clianibly. During tidg campaign, Colonel Brown had repeated opportuniliea for olwerving tlie cliaractcr of Arnf)ld ; and judged correctly of tlut basencHs of Ma principles, and the sliallowiiess of hlH patriotism. Wliiie stationed at Albany tlie following winter, he publicly and boldly accused tiu- general of treasonable motives, and althougli these expressions were repeated l)y Brown in his presence, he did not venture to reply. This luitred to Arnold was clierished to the last, and when the geniTal was arraigned before a c^ourt martial, under charges of misconduct while in command at Pliiladelphia, Colonel Brown sought occasion to tender to the prosecution, tlie information he possessed concerning his conduct. In the course of Burgoyne's expedition. Colonel Brown performed an act of successful strategy in tlie rear of the Britisli army which tended to hasten the result. On the 12th of Heptember, 1777, he was sent byOeneral Lincoln, witli live iiundred men, to destroy some stores at the north end of Lake George, while anotlier force under Colonel Johnson, was ordered to attack Tlconderoga and Mount Independence. Htill another body of militia, under Colonel Wood- bridge, was sent forward to Bkeenesborougli and Fort Ann. Colonel Brown arrived on tlie heights above the landing on the ITtli, attacked the enemy the next morning, and got possession of the landing place, the mills, and a block-house. Captain Ebenezer Allen, witli forty Bangers carried Mount Defiance, and the party sent against Tlcon- deroga surprised and captured a company of troops. Tliese several parties captured 13 oflicers, 144 British, and HI) Canadians, and 18 artificers, and released 118 American prisoners besides destroying a large ([uantity of stores. No mention is made of Colonel Brown in the oftlclal reports of these events, as Arnokl who then had the ear of Gates, is supposed to have prejudiced tliat officer against him. 8 58 INTRODUCTION. Uh time crowded with families, and capable of but feeble resistance. The enemy had, however, no time to waste in attacking them, and after the defeat of CoIoncUBrown, they dispersed over a wide extent of Tradition relates, that wl.cn Colonel Brown fonned his men ,n lawyer at Canajoharie ' ^^°°^' ""^"^ " y°"°ff ^ni?;;:3:-zr ;; -= ir c.r ::trrf Its ft..,ations have settled, S^in^i": i::^!:^:^^ t!. ;::~;o:r-st:r^^''-^^ Of Uje lollowin, verses-written l^ -': ^fl^r ^^^^^ event. They were set to musle, eud have been favorably noticed IIB SLEEPS: -THE ICY SEAL OF DEATH. (Am -0/ bid me not thai strain to si,ig). He Bleeps. " The icy seal of death Ih set upon his brow." The cannon's roar, ho heeds no more. He rests in silence now. The tnimpet's clangor's heard afar, And standards i)rrvudly wave. But he who braved tlie battle's shock. Now slumbers in tlie grave. Now slumbers in tho grave. INTRODUCTION. 69 country, setting fire to every thing combustible in the settlement.^ General Van Rensselaer came up a little before noon, about an hour after the battle was over. lie had seen the columns of smoke, and heard the firing ; Un Bleeps. The noble warrior sleeps Upon the battle plain : Nor e'er will he, to victory, Ills comrades lead again. Uls country called him to command, He spumed the tyrant's sway ; The God of battles nerved his arm, And glory led the way, And glory led the way. With patriot band he left Wb hciiie To strike for Liberty ; And march'd to brave the battle's wave. Determined to be free. Ills country now his fate deplores. Ills gallant comrades weep : He cannot hear their loud laments. He sleeps a dreamless sleep, He Bleeps a dreamless sleep. Rest Warrior I Tlion liast galn'd a wreath Of never dying fame ; And hallow'd be thy memory ; And honored be thy name. Thy spliit, warrior 1 is with God In mansions of the blest, The clash of arms, and war's alarms. No more disturb thy rest. No more disturb thy rest. ' Fort Keyscr was a stone house stockaded and used as a place o f retreat for families in case of alarm from tlic enemy. It stood on the site of a barn now owned by John A. Faling about a mile and a quarter southeast of Stone Arabia. On the 19th, it was in charge of Captain John Zielie and about half a dozen men. Jlr. John Dillenbeck , now (1800) ninety-two years ofage, remembers having seen as a child, from an upper window, the flames of some neighbors' houses in the direction of Fort Paris, and a file of red coats pa.ssing at some distance to the west. He is probably the only one living, who has any personal recollection of the events of this invasion. ''[ f INTRODUCTION. I".t itw,. i,„„o„ible f,„. hin, to „rt,,^ ti,„e,y,elioi: 11.. fo.-co at thi, time c„„.i*,, „f „w„t „i,.o l.„„,„,., mo„ „K.l,„Ii„g fltty o„cM„,, „,Kl after „ briof c„„. ."lta.,o„ with Colonel B„ Hoi, a, Fort Re„«Iao,. ho save o„lo«forUs .roo„s ,o cro« to the north b^k a. »o„ „, ,,„„„,,,. T,,oy „.o,.„ oxba,„.o ,,,,j,„„ ^^ ^.j.^.,,;^ tlu. opinions oxpro.Ho.l in the corroHpondonoo of the •loj: that tlu-v wofo onlore.l for tlio purpose of I'roatin- a (livorniou of the American forc-es, and of «"'Ili...i; off a part of tlie troops from the noi^rhborhood of West Point, in order to facilitate its surrender. Fndcr this view of the facts, we are justified in the inference, that the .letails of tlie conspiracy would have been arran.i,^cd, ana the plans Tnafn-edtowards the end of October, and that the treason M-as dis- eovered about one month before it was to have been carried into effect. The devastation and consQquent alarms on the Connecticut, on the upper IFudson, and nhmg the Afohawk and Schoharie valleys, followed by the Hi.rrender of the TFi-hlands, mifrht indeed havJ been conntod ui.on as a fearful if not a fatal blow to the rebellion, and these prospects doubtless led those who were privy to the nejrotiations, to count lar Sec BUme's Life of Brm. t, ii, 104. Jkntan's Herkimer, 93. 9 1 II ir GO NORTHERN INVASION. Other two sons beLuvod during the affair with the greatest spirit, and assisted the father. He got one of the death, [dead] whose name has been Matthew Bryon, and put tliem both in the liouse, gave the womuled their milk and bread, went oft' and came in tliis morning about eight o'clock. They carried seven on litters with them. The man [is] supposed [to] liave, with his three sons, wounded and killed fifteen of the enemy, but it has been in vain, by the first intelligence received, I detached fifty men for his assistance about mid..;,bt, but the darkness of the night hindered them from being there sooner. Just [at] daybreak they came to the house, found the enemy being gone, then they carried the death, [dead] and followed the enemies a piece, found the field all over spotted with blood. They brought the prisoner to tliis post, and the doct' found his thy [thigh] bone very much fractured, and a swan shot in the joint of his knee, so he proposed the amputation. I should have sent a stronger partv, but some of our militia heard eight guns firing up towards Germantown, so I thought they miglit appear, and attempt to attack our fort, which is but weak in men. Then we ha^-e no other assistance than twenty"of the three months levies, whereby is eighteen of my Reg' we have been but purely [poorly] assisted all the time, anAffgm- - NORTHERN INVASION. 67 P. S. — Sir: You will please to send this to Col. Van Schaik/ wlio will forward to liis Excellency the Governor. Letter from Colonel Van Schaiek to Governor Clinton. Sir: Albany, September blh, 1780. At the desire of Colonel Pellingcr, I have the pleasure to enclose your Excellency a letter containing an account of a gallant aftair which happened near the Grerman Flatts. I have yesterday been informed by Captain James Watson, one of the purchasing coniniissaries for the state of Connecticut, that no salt meat could be had at any of the magazines in that state, and that the order sent for that purpose by his Excellency General Washington would bo returned. It is -with the utmost concern that 1 inform your Excellency that notwithstanding the impress warrants put into the hands of the persons appointed for procuring supplies of provisions for the use of the troops in this quarter, nothing has yet been procured in consequence of them. I have for some time past caused repeated applica- •Gozen Van Schaiek, of the 2cl Continental Battalion, lie died at Albany, .July 1, 1T89, a^cd oU yeaw. 68 NORTIIEKN INVASION. tions to be made for provisions for the northern and western frontier posts in this quarter who have for this month past been illy supplied but these to no purpose. The time in which Fort Scliuyler ought to be supplied with provisions until the first of February next is rapidly advancing, and I have not now even a distant prospect of a supply for that garrison until the 1st of December next, and by a letter I have received lately from Fort Schuyler I find the minds of that garrison are more disaftected to their situation and circumstances than ever. The true reason of Brant's appearing with his party before the garrison, was the fullest assurance had been given him that thoy would join him to a man. Indeed, from their situation, and the great difficulty I have been under in procuring only a few pair of shoes, it is what I have ex-pected daily to hear, and they are made to believe they are to remain until their three years are finished. T am, most respectfully your Excellency's most obpdt. humble servant G. Van Sciuick. His Excellency Govei-iior Clinton. NORTHERN INVASION. 09 Letter from Lkut. Col. Jansm to Governor Clinton.^ SlIAWANQUNK, Scpt" 18, 1780. Sir: This is to acquaint your Excellency, that the savage enemy have been at my house this morning, took away a white woman and three negro men, and firing has been heard throughout the neighborhood. Myself and wife have escaped after defending the house for some time till the enemy dispersed, and remain in haste, your very humble servant, JoH" Jansen, Jun' I Letter from Governor Clinton to Lkau Col. Jansen. POUQHKEEPSIE, Sept. 18, 1780. Sir: I have rec'd your letter of to-day, and am happy to hear that you have escaped the enemy. I have wrote to Major Clark directing him to march that part of your regiment — which lies on the river, to your (iBslHtauce, unless he shall have received accounts iu tfiK Interim w""" may render it unnecessary, f^jid you litivo inclosed 'See fitoiw's Life oflimnt, ii, (15 ro NORTHERN INVASION. H letter to Col" Xewkirk, for the like pun^oBe, w- you wm forward to ln,n, if .you nhall conceive you have occa.o„ for hi.s aid. Col. Pawling with his levies was at N:ven's[?JKilI thi.s naorning, and if quickly acquan.ted with the ciroun.stance. you mention, will W It m hia power to iutoreept the enemy on hin return CoP Oantine is also dispatched to that quarter to put Ins reg' in motion. I am, etc., G. C. Lcticrfrom Governor Clinion to IJcut. Col. Naoklrk} I Sil.. roUGIIKEEl'PIE, Septr 18, 1780. . I ^'"r" J"''* '•^"^'•' '^ '^"tter from Col" Joh^ Jansen^ i"formH.g n.e that the savages have a^acked him in 1-^ .ouse and that firing has since been heard in the neighborhood. 1 have therefore to request that you will march to i-epel the enemy as many men of your reg' as you can convomently collect leaving orders for the remainder to tollow you. m ^ I am &c. a C ToLt. CoPJfewkirk. ' ■ J-ob -ewkirk UHH nppoint.,1 li.„„,,,„t ..olon.!, Marrl. o^,1770 ^JoLannis Jansen became major Marcli -» i-« , ,• colomO, FH). 37, 1779. ■' ' ' •'' ^"^^ '>"^1 lieutenant NORTHERN INVASION. 71 Letter from Lieut. Col. Jansen to Governor Clinton. Sir SlIAWANCUTNIv, Si'pf Idth, 1780. I liereby transmit yoii a more particular account of the miscliief done by that party of Enemy who discovered themselves at my house yesterday morning, viz : Two young women and an old man killed and scalped, one of the former was taken at my house and carried about half a mile from thence, where she was found c;ead, and three negro slaves they took with them : t^^o of whom belonged to myself and one to my brother Thomas. As soon as some men were collected, a pursuit was made after them for six or eight miles along the mountains towards Memacatinge, but supposing them to be some distance ahead, and our men liavins; been without provisions p11 that day, and being not able to discover their tracks any longer, which oliiigod them to return without receiving any satisfaction. From the men's accounts, I have however, some liopes that Col. Pawling will intercept them, as he had early intelligence of their route. This affair has so much alarmed the jK^ojle, that they threaten to abandon their homes, unless they get a small guard, and as I conceive tlieir a[>prehension8 as far from being ground- less, T have therefore thought it necessary to order (>\it one class from each of the iive frontier companies*, 72 NOUTHEllN INVASIOISr. which I propose to station, with such of the inhabitants as I conceive to be most exposed, until I shall obtain your Excellency's directions how farther to conduct myself: hoping what I have done, may meet with your Excellency's approbation, and I am with the greatest deferonco and esteem, your excellency's most humble serv'. JoiiANNis Jansen, To his Excellency ^^'''"*- ^°^- George Clinton I'lsq. Governor. Letter from Gommor Clinton to Colonel Pawling. Dear Sir : Po'keepsie, 21" SepP, 1780. Since I wrote you last, I have received several letters from Col. Malcom in all which he repeats in the strongest terms, the necessity of your taking the eommand of the troops destined to relieve the present garrison of Fort Schuyler. I proposed to him, as I mentioned to you, ]\fajor De Witt for this service, but he informs me that this would occasion new and insurmountable embarrassments, on the score of rank. This being the case, I must tho' reluctantly consent to your taking that command. You will accordingly on the receipt of this letter, NORTH EKN INVASION. 78 repair with the leant |>0H8ible delay to Col. A[alcom, pi'cpared for this service, leaving your present command to Major De Witt. Malcom on your arrival at Schenectady, will order a company as a reinforce- ment to the troops on the frontiers of Ulster and Orange counties. I am, &c, G. C. Lieut. Col. Pawling. ii n Letter from dil. ./. Ncirhirh- to Gorcrnor CVmton. Dear Sir : In consequence of your Excellency's orders dated the 18th September, 1 marched immediately in person, Avith two companies, to where the road crosses the mountains to Neponeck, and beginning there ranged the mountains along until I met Major Philips, whom I had ordered out with two companies to range the mountains from Minnisink road until I should uieet with him about midway between the respective forementioned roads. We made all possible search, but could make no discovery of any enemy. It is my opinion, and the opinion of the most sensible in these parts, that the perpetratoi-s of the bai-barity at Col. Johnston's [.fanst^ii's] were tories. Your Excellency will easily perceive the propriety of my not calling out the whole regiment, when I 10 If' 11 74 NOliTIIKIJX INVASION. inform you, tl.at Col. JohnHton Avas returned home with his whole regS after having searched and pursued tor the enemy t.> „.. ,,ur,...s(., l.elbre I rec'd your K.veellency'H order. ►Sir, r have the honor to he, your Exeellencv'.s most ohedt & y'- humhle ser'. ir r, Jacob Newkirk Jfimorn; Sept, 2-^, 1780. ■^''^^"jviuk. fpii.i -■t Letter from Gorcnior ('Jmto)> to Gcuntl Wnshhujtoi, . Dear Sir: Scjf V^m. I am favored with your Ej^eelleney's letter of the 27'" ult", and am much oldiged hy your attention to my application (through Gen' Schuyler) in ordering Col'. iAfalcom's corps to the defence of tlao frontieinT Every measure in my power will l>o t;ikcn to expinlitc liis march, and he has my ortlers to relie\x> the garrison of Fort Schuyler without the least d(^ay, by tho levies raised for the defense of the frontie»>* last s^,*mg, whose times of service will not expire uwil the irst Dec' n^-xt. It will take some considerable thne, however, to colkvt them, as they are posted at ^Klferent and remicvte i-iuts of the frontiers. But T wouki fai?n hcf.© that the discontents of the present garrison will swbside when they are informed tlvat measures are taken to relieve them. I have direcUnl Col' Malcolm to proceed imme- diately to Albany, and take the necessary measures for NORTH EUN INVASION. I-) coUoctiiiij; iiH large u sup[ily of provisions t'oi" Kort St'lmylcr as (laii be spared, for, wliicli purpose he has warrants to impress that he may avail himself of an oseort hy the troops intended to garrison that post. I shall take the earliest opportunity of communieatiiig to the legislature, (who are requi^'ed to meet at this phioo on the 4"' Tnst), your Kxcelleney's letter of the •27"' ult", together with the several letters from the committee of congress on the subject of supi»lies for the army. In the mean time the state agent will have my directions to make every exertion in his Dower for affording them immediate relief. I take the liberty of inclosing (confidentially) for your Exeell^' perusal, a copy of the proceedings of a convention of committees from the states of Massachusetts Bay, Connecticut and Nt V Hampshire, in wliich I am happy to find, even at this late hour, sentiments which generally adopted, cannot fail of producing much good.' 1 believe 1 nniy venture to assure you sir, that as the most sensible among us have from tlic beginning of the contest 'Till' j^Dvcrnor here ivt'i'is to ii coiivciidoii wliiih iiift in IJostou Aug. :', 1780, "to (inmiDic the most vigorous exertions tor tliciiirscnt campaign, and to cultivate a good imderstaiuling and procure a generous reception tor tlie ofHcers and men of tlie Frencli arm}' and fleet," tlien lately arrived at Newport. Tlie convention chose Thomas C'ushing as president, and continued in session until the 9th of August. Among the resolutions which they adopted, was one urging a more perfect union of tlie stales, larger iHiwers to congress, and the choice of a supreme head to the national ali'airs. It may be regarded as one of the earliest movements towaids the establislnuent of the Federal government, if luit llie pioneer of this idea, which was not carried into ell'ect until luarlv nine vears afUrwards. 76 NUUTIIKKN INVASION. foiXMeeu the .•„„ho.,uc.,k.oh .,f tcnporary ox,K..ru.ntH, they w.ll na-ot the choerful approbation of this Htuto. I hiivi' tlio Iioiior to ho, &c. iriHKxc-olle.u^-,(j,M'WaHlnn;,ton. ^'- ^'"^^"^- ■' if ' ! ' • I ! ( /..««•./•/•.., (/aural liuhcrl Vai, Unmclan- (o Gom-nur (J (in lot I. Dour Gov : ^''""^ Kknssulaku,' .S',y.r 4, '80. The reports of tlio enemy's intentions are still vagne and nneortain. S,nne say, Sir Jolui is connni? I'y wayof Lake ('han.],lain; Brunt and Bntler from tlie westward. Sn.all parties are freqnently seen upon the frontiers. Last Tlxursday, tliey attacked tlie Jiouse •f one Shell, al,ont three ,niles nortli of Fort ITerkin.er I'Ih' house was hravely defendcMl by the man, his tw.', son^d wiie. He supposed they killed or wounded ■Mr .1. R. Simms of F.„t Plain, wh„ is n.nmrliA en of tlio oiiomy. 'I'lioy Itf't oiio kill' 1 uiid OIK! wonii ([Uuixo,' at wliich place I am suspicious tiu'v make tin ir rendesvous. I am anxious to hear from you quarters, and sliall esteem it a pai-ticiilar favor to hear from you. I am. Dear Uov' your most Ohed' and llndj' Serv' Ron' V" Kensselakk. Lrllcr /rum Cot, L'allirsun tutd utkci's lu O'uccrnor Cdidvii. To his Hxcellcucy, George Clinton, Eaqr. We having received infornuitions of an alarming nature, some of which we have sent your Excellency in writing, and for a more particular account we refer your Excellency to the hearer hereof, as we are destitute of authority we humbly conceive that the appointment of a committee if they are invested with 'Now Wiusor, Brooiuu toiinly, N. Y. 1 I ,,rfl»^~■•. V V] IMAGE EVALUATrON TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 I.I laiM 12.5 2.0 11.25 II 1.4 I 1.6 nil__x. 1_. rliuiopcipllic Sdences Corooration 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716)872-4503 fe m o {./ .% % :^ /. u. ^ '^ ^ t "* ^ [•u^ •r^ t/. .6> ^ Cn 0^ 78 NORTllEKN INVASION. some clogrec of uutl.onty might be of great service for detecting such iuhabitaats amongst us as we have reason to suppose are conspiri.ig against us with our enemies who secretly hu-k an.ongst us, and we further beg leave to suggest to your Excellency whether some- thing by way of scouts will not be the best to be done The bearer hereof will inform your Excellency what measures we have taken, and by him we hope to receive from your Excellency such directions as your Excellency's wisdom shall direct. We are Dear Sir, Your Excellency's loyal subjects, Eleazer Patterson^ Col"- i Jonathan Church, John Sargent, U. Col Aaron Nash, Timothy Church, Capt' Artimas How, ^ETH Smith, Henry Seoer, Sam^ Warriner, Lkonahi. Hexdrick, Ben.t. Butterfield, Lt., William Hark is. Brattle- boroiigli Septem- ber 11th, 1780. Letter fro,a Gorcrnor Clinton to Person, hi Qmherhnd Conntij. Gen': PouGJiKKEPsiE, 16** September, 1780. I have received your letter of the 10'" Inst., requestin«- the appointment of Com" for the purpose of discoverin" ■ — . . O ■Col. Patterson resided at Hinsdale, now Vernon Vt He l.,.l,l lor >us Hostility to the new government of Vermont. NORTHERN INVASION. 79 and defeating the secret designs of the enemy in your county. Before this can be done, there must be a strict law passed, authorizing it, as the number of Com" directed by our present law is already complete, and as this will take some time, I have thought it most advisable not to detain Mr. Smith, as I shall have an opportunity of forwarding the commission by Mr. Knowlton on his return from Philadelphia, or by some earlier safe conveyance. I would beg leave to observe, that as the powers to be granted to the comi-" will be extensive, it will be their duty to be particularly prudent and careful in piitthig them into execution, and as congress has recommended to this state, not to exert any authority over the inhabitants of the tract of land commonly called the ISTew Hampshire Grants, and who do not acknowledge the authority of this state, until the controversy relative to the same is settled, I have to request that these com" when appointed, do not by any act contravene the above resolution. I am, &c., G. C. Letter from. Col. G. Van Schakk to Gorcrnor Clinton. Albany, Sept. 12, 1780. Sir: His Excellency General Washington, has directed me to march my regiment to the grand army 80 NORTIIERISr INVASION. immediately after they are relieved from Fort Schuy/er. Tiic want of clovjiiiig amongst the men is snch, that it requires my utmost exertion to procure them, although out of the line of my duty. I should not give your Excellency any trouble about this matter was it not that the men are in a manner naked, and that I apprehend, on their arrival at Schenectady, great desertions will take place, if we have nothing to give them. There are a small quantity of shirts and linuen in the hands of Mr. John N. i31eecker, one of the gentlemen directed by a late law to collect clothing for the Continental battalions of this State : and Mr. Bleecker informs me, there is some more expected. I must intreat the favor of your Excellency, to furnish the bearer Lieut. Abraham ' Ten Eyck, paymaster, with an order on Mr, Bleecker, to deliver all the shirts and linnen, he may have in his hands, provided it does not exceed one shirt and a pair of overhalls per man. As the regiment has not yet r jeived a../ kind of clothing, since the first of December last, it is easily judged the condition they must be in. Should your Excellency disapprove of the measure, my attachment and zeal for the service, and in order as much as in me lays to prevent mutinys and desertions, will I flatter myself sutHciently apologize for troubling your Excellency on this subject. I am, &c., G. Van Sciiaiok. NOUTIIKUN" INVASION. 81 Lettd' from Governor Clinhn to Colonel G. Van Sehaick. 14'" Sept'., 1780. Sir: Agreeable to yoiiv request, I have enclosed an order for the clothing in the hands of Mr. Bleecker for the use of your regiment, not to exceed one shirt and one ovei'all p"" man. This your paymaster is to receipt for, and you will please to forward a duplicate receipt, which I have occasion for as a voucher. I am, &c. G. C. From Eirinqton's Jio>/al Gazette, Sept. 23, 1780. "FOiiT STANWIX. "By a person of good reputation and perfectly intelligent, just arrived from the northward, we are info med that about a fortnight ago. Fort Stanwix, after having been five or six weeks closely invested, was taken by six hundred British troops, commanded by a lieutenant colonel, supposed to be the king's or Vni Regiment. Our faithful friend Captain Joseph Brant, with a party of Indians, shared in the glory of this conquest, which was fixcilitated by STARVATION, {a phrase ice adopt from our old acquaintance andfelloio citizen, William Licinqston, Esquire, now of New Jersey). The Indians have laid waste the whole country, the tory houses excepted, down tc Schenectad}^, where some rebels are at work throwing up works to oppose the 11 II! f Hll 82 NORTHERN INVASION. progress of the Britisli troops, and our Indian allies. The rchel women and children have retired to Albany, where, from a consciousness of their unprovoked per- secutions and murders, terror and jeopardy prevail, even to distraction. The seditious seminarv,' under the direction of iuissionary Wheelock, of attrocions name, we are informed, has lately been completely expurgated by a long merited conflagration." ill Letter from. Govamor Clinton to General Sehm/lcr. Bear Sir- T'ouoiikeepsie, Oct. 3d, 1780. I wrote you last night, in answer to yours of the :27th ultimo, by my brother, who is on his way to Albany to take the command in that quarter. I am since favored with your two letters of the 31st of last month and the 1st instant. If my health permitted, I would immediately set out for Albany, but I am so affected mth the rheumatism occasioned by my last jaunt and the present damp weather, that I dare not undertake the journey. I have communicated to my brother the intelligence transmitted me from your qii ter, and have directed him to call on Gen" Ten Broeck and Van Rensselaer for a sufficient force from their brigades to cover the settlements, agst the incursions of the enemy and repel them ; and I have wrote to ' At Hanover, N. II. The greater part of tbis article Is fictitious. NOUTllEUN INVASION. 83 thoHG geiitlemeu to comjily with liis roqiiisitioiis, AVhat we shall do for provisions (tho the country ahounds with it), God only knows. The assessments come on so slowly notwithstanding eveiy endeavor to hasten them, that no certain dependance can be placed upon them. The cattle when received, are scarcely worth killing. The mills for want of water, unable to grind the wheat. I have this moment received a very pressing letter from Gen' Iloath who commands in the Highlands on this subject of his wants, by which I am informed that his only dependance for bread is on this state. It is not in my power to relieve him. Your letter fully confirms me on what I had some reason to suspect, on the first incursion of the enemy, respecting the conduct of Allen. I wish this matter may be fully investigated and I beg that it may continue to engage your attention. Your letter to tho commander-in-chief, shall be immediately forwarded. If the present alarm is as imminent as is to bo appre- hended I will see you soon if my health will enable me. I am, &c., G. C. Gen' Schuyler. Letter from. Citizens of Tri/on Count ij to Goemior CUnton. Johnstown, Odob'' 3", 1780. Hon-* Sir : We are unhappily situated in this county, by keeping so many uisatfected families amongst us, and 84 NOllTIIEUN INVASION. it is With regret Me intbnu yonv Excellency, tl.at the act provided for sending them off, uppears to ub verv deficient. Many of the.se diHaftectcd families are not uhlo to transport themselves ten miles, (and yet as capable of g m hurt as the richer kind). Others are able to defray the expenses of themselves and something to spare. We should be glad to divide what they have amongst them, so as to carry the whole off, but in doing of this, we must act without law. We would therefore pray your Excellency, to give us your advice by Lieut. Bradnor, if there is no prospect of an amendment being made to the act soon. The necessity of their being sent off immediately is notorious, as we are fully convinced they harbor and give intelligence to the enemy daily. We have also a number of men, who we believe do infinitely more damage than the women. Some of them have applied to go off. ^V\. .should be very glad to know whether we are to provide a fiagg to send them off, or where we are to apply for one. With Respect your Excellency's Most Obed' Humble servt. Teter S. Deygekt,' Gov Chnton. ^''"' ^^'''''^^^^^- • Appointed major Mareli 4, 1780. NOliTIIKKN INVASION. 80 Petition, from Citizens of Ih/on Count 1/, Thyon County, Gth October, 1780. The Petition of the Inhahitants of Tryoii Comity, Iliimhly Sheweth, That your Petitioners have durinij thiw eampaia^n, hibored under the most dreadful difficultieH ; that neveral of their principal settlements, viz : Comiwaga, ' [and] Conajohary, liave been entirely destroyed, whereby a great number of families were forced to leave the country, in order to seek refuge in some other part, more remote from our cruel savajc enemies : that still the greater number, trusting in the Providence of God, a:id the protection of their country, did rather choose to stay in defence of their property, rights and liberties, than to give way to thoughts unbecoming a people that is determined to be free, and would rather share the good will and danger of their fellow brethren, in the country, than to be a burden upon the public. That it most seasonably happened by your Excel- lency's paternal care, which they have so often experienced, that troops have been sent up to their assistance, time enough to enable and protect them to gather their grain, whereof a vast quantity stands now dispersed all over the several settlements of their country, staulked up in their fields and round the ' Caughnawaga, now Fonda, Montgomery county. 86 JJOKTIIFnjN I.JVASION. ^■i ''"»--"t ^o-'K That thin h«pi,ycircun.Htunccs an., tl.o P'-poct that the HufforerH could find shelter and -f".- with those who enjo, their houHe., whereof t .ore ,H a considerable n.nnber. have been the support of the.r hopes and porneveranee. B„t that their iinu rosoh.tu,n is ,uitc shaken, when they tind that the tnne of the troops whieh were sent to their protection •H ulniost expired, at a tin.e whez. the enen.y in the verge of their settlen.ents, has in the sight of a ".unberof thebeat troops, and nu.t vigihu.t officers, burndkdl'd and taken prisoners, of which almost every day brings a new instance, that your petitioners W.ntelgenee that this is the si.th day since Brandt iuul left Magara, with, a large body of n.en -th an „.tent to invade our country, that your' petitioners presume if that should be the case as thoy have the greatest reason to believe it wili be -ue time this fUll, then it would be in the power of the enemy to destroy almost all the grain col- lected, besides the rest of the settlements yet standing If seasonable and effective measures is not imme- diately adopted to prevent it. Your petitioners are therefore under the n.ost dreadful apprehensions, and presume to lay their case once more before your Kxcellency, appealing to your known humanity -■avn.gyour Excellency's kind interposition with tit Legislature, and the commander in chief, to have such relief granted as our case recpiires, and you in your wisdom shall see meet. NORTIIEKN INVASION. 8/ Your ExcellencyH huniblo J'ctitioi'orB, as in duty bound hIiuH over pray. Signed in l)C'lialt' of tlio InlmbitantH of Tryon County. Jac'ou I. Ki.ot'K, Col.' John Kaski.man, J. Daniel Guos, Minister,' John T. Backus, Jellis Fonda, Adam Condekman, Adam Levi-, Nicholas Coppernoll, tall DOMMAS X (JooUMAN, mark Samuel Vanettia, Left. John Snell, IIexrich Laiuh, William Lairs, John Zielley, Adam Cinoe, (?) bin (lEoiKiE X Kklman, Sen'. mark PlETER S. J)eY<1ERT. Sir: Letter from Gocernor Clinton to Colonel Klocl; Kingston, l\th Ocfobcr, 1780. I have tliis moment received a petition dated 8tli instant, subscribed by yourself and other iidiabitants of Tryon county, in answer to which I am happy in 'Colonel of the Piilatinc district regiment of state militin. '■' Tlie Rev. Jolmn Daniel Gros, was a German emigrant who came to America shortly before the revolution, was naturalized by the general assembly, >Iarch 8, 1773, and settled at Canajoharie. At this period he was holding a commission as eliaplain to the levies raised for the defence of the frontiers. The date of his appointment was June 1(5, 1780. After the war, he removed to New York, and was settled as pastor of a German Reformed Cliurch. For several 88 NOHTIIh'HV INVASrOV. being nblo to inform you tluvt LogiHiutivo proviHion !« made for cHlliMg out u part of Uio niilitiu for a certain period for the furtlier defcnHe of tlie Frontiers, and orders are accordingly insned for tliin purpcmo wliici, I tniMt will roach you heforc this can, i,h (hoy were forwarded houw days since. The BeiiHO of the ineniberH reprcnonting the frontier counticH, was taken, as to the nunihor of men noccssury for this service, and 1 trust tlierefore, that this force ordered to l,e raised, will prove competent. The ^M-eatest fear is, tliat it may not ho brought into the field as early as exigencies may require. In this case, T must entreat the best exertions of the militia of Tryon' county, imtil they can l)o enn^lled and forwarded for their relief. He asssured that every effort shall ho nuide on my part for your protection. CohKlock. ''^"^'*^-' ^•^• Coll .... , II.. ,1,,.,, at f .„„„j„l,ari.. May 1.^, IHl^, ,,,..,1 s..v,.„.y.flve yours 1h.. lut.. (.„v..m...- J).. Witt Clint,,,, i„ a„ a.l.lr..,s.s Mhvml Llhw ""■ " """' C..l.ii,.l,ia C.,1!..^..., thus all„.l(.stoMr. Orns. "II,.],a,i oini^rrat...! to this ,„u„try I-othre tho rcvolnti...,, a„,l sotlle,! m;n tl„. banks of the Mohawk, in a Imntio,- .ountiy, i„.,„lia,ly ...xnos..,! to irruptions Iron, Canada an.l th.. liostil,. Indians. Wh..,, war ..on, nicn,.,.,l, 1„. took the side of An.<.,.,(.a, and, enthroned in thcl,..arfs of Ills .■ount.yn,,.,,, and distinguished for the conrage wliieh marks the (Je,-nian charael..r, 1... rallied the .h'sponding, animated tl„. wavering eontii-n.ed the douhtfiil an.l enrou,.ag..(l the hrave to more th',,, or. Xo Indian to enter the fort, until a British detachment takes possession of the fort. Article 5'^ Major Carleton passes his honor that no levies in the fort shall be lost, nor any person be molested. Article 6'". Each soldier to carry his knapsack. Article 7^\ Ensign Barrett shall be permitted to NORTHERN INVASION. 93 return lioinc with bis family and the regimental books, on giving hi^^ parole to Major Carleton. John Cihi'Man, Cap' Com* 2'' Battalion. James Kihkman, Lt. 29th Reg'. Wm. Johnston, Lt. 47tb Reg'. Cii" Carlton, Major 29tb Reg'., &c., &c., &c. Letter from Col. \V. Malcom to Gen. Van Rensselaer. Sir: Albany, Ccf 13'", 1780. A very considerable body of the enemy appeared on Tuesday at Fort Ann, which was instantly given up by Cap' Sherwood. They came on to the river and burnt a number of houses about Fort Edward. Yesterday they returned towards Lake George. Gen' Ten Brocck's Militia above Albany are ordered to Fort Edward. This morn*^ I have an express from Fort Schuyler, informing that Sir John, Butler and Brandt, with a very large body were at Oneida, that they had cannon, mortars and shells with them. An Ind" deserted and went into the fort with this notice, and carried a five inch shell with him as an evidence. I have consulted with Gen' Ten Broeck, and he joins in opinion with me, that it is proper to have assistance from you, of at least 800 men. I beg therefore that you will be pleased to give your orders accordingly. L^'nless we 94 NORTHERN INVASION. have roinforceinents immediately, no doubt but Fort Schuyler and all that remains of the fine country on the Mohawk river, particularly 8tone Arabia, \vnll be destroyed. It is al.o necessary that cattle and flour come forward, nou only for your subsistence but for the troops already here. It is a fact that we have no beef, nor is there either wheat or flour collected, notwith- standing my constant and most pressing solicitations. I am persuaded that you will see the propricV of marching the troops forward instantly. You know little is to be depended on in this quarter, and the levies are necessarily scattered, so that it is impossible to collect any body of theni without leaving some valuable part of the country exposed. ^ I have wrote to the Gov^ this morning, but at that time did not imagine the enemy were so formidable. Yours very Respectfully, To Gen.. Van Kensselaer. ''' '''^""^'' ^''"^ ^^"^^^ ' Letter from Gen. Van Rensselaer to Governor Clinton. Dear Gov- Claverack, Od- 18M780. Inclosed I send you a copy of a letter fi-om Coll" Malcomb, in consequence of wliieh [I] have ordered tlie whole brigade to march with the greatest dispatch, and intend to set oft" from this to-morrow morning.' NORTHERN INVASION. 95 (T) have requested the agent of this state in this quarter, to forward on all the cattle and flour they can collect. I am Dear Gov-' your Most dev' Servt, Rob'' V Rensselaer. Reph/ of Goirmor Clinton to General Van Rensselaer. October 14'\ 1780. Dear Sir : I have this moment received your letter of yester- day, and perfectly approve your ordering out your whole brigade. My orders of yesterday were for 800, but those of this morning were for your whole brigade. I must beg you to hasten them on with all possible speed, and take with them all the provisions that can be collected. I expect to set out for Albany to-morrow morning, if not this evening. Brig. Gen. Van Rensselaer. Yours, &c., G. C. Attack upon For*s Ann and Geore/e. From Holt'g Puughkeepnie Journal, dated October 16, 1780, quoted ia Almoii's Remembi-aneer, vi, 82. " We heav from the northward, that a considerable body of British Troops, Indians and Tories from 96 NORTIIEKN INVASION. Canada, by the way of Lake Champlain, have taken our posts at Fort George and Fort Ann, with the small garrison; and that the enemy are still in that quarter, burning and ravaging the country, in the neighborliood of Fort Edward. The Inhabitants of Tryon County, are also alarmed by intelligence, that a considorablo party, under Butler and Brandt, are expected that wa v. When the last accounts came off, the militia were assembling to ojipose them." Letter from. Gorcmcr Clinton to Gmcral Greene. ■r. r,. POUGHKEEPSII: OrF 14". 1780 Dear Sir: > • • I have reC your letter of the 9th and 10th Inst, and am unhappy that it is not in my power to have met you at Poughkccpsie agreeable to your appointment. I received the information too late for the purpose. I should do myself the pleasure of waiting upon you, at West Point, but from the information con- tained in the papers enclosed, in the letter to his Excellency General Washington, (which I send under a flying seal for your perusal, and to be forwarded by express), I find it absolutely necessary to proceed to Albany, and intend to set out this evening or in the morning. The almost total Avant of every species of supplies, I fear will prove flital to us. We have not a NOKTHERN INVASION. 97 single Continental troop there, and our whole depcnd- ance is in the militia, and this to oppose a very formidable body of regular troops. I am with great esteem, Dear Sir, Your ohed' Serv', G. Clinton. Major General Green. [Forwarded by Cap' Belding.] Letter from Governor Clinton to General Washmf/io7i. PouGiiKEEP.siE, 14"' October, 1780. Dear Sir : I transmit your Excellency enclosed, copies of several letters I received last night, at Kingston, from Col" Malcom, Lt. Col"' Lush & Livingston. They contain the only account I have, of the disagreeable situation of our affairs to the northward and westward. I shall immediately set out for Albany to employ every man in my power to oppose the further progress of the enemy, and should Fort Schuyler be invested, as there is reason to apprehend, I will endeavor to succor that fox't. Your Excellency will be informed by one of Col" Malcom's letters, that Van Schaick's regiment is left Albany and on their way to join the army, so that our whole dependence at present must rest on the militia. 13 'I ;3 98 NOHTnERN I'.VASION. The levies raised for tlic service of the frontiers, compose the garrison of Fort Schuyler, and Malcom's corps occupy the other posts on the north, and Mohawk rivers and at Schoharie and are of course very much dispersed. If it was possible for your Excellency to spare some Continental troops on this occasion they would inspire the militia with confidence, and enable us to repel the enemy. The want of supplies of every kind in this quarter, will greatly embarrass every measure, and I fear that with our utmost exertions, we shall fail in collecting a sufficient supply of provisions for the troops that it may be necessary to keep in the field on this emergency. It is a little ^remarkable that we have not had the least intelligence from the Grants, of the approach of the enemy, though they passed their settlements in boats, on their way to Fort Ann. This enterprise of the enemy, is probably the effijct of Arnold's treason, and when they are infomed that the capital object of it is discovered and defeated, it is to be presumed they will be discouraged in prosecuting the full extent of their designs, though I think we ought not to place any reliance on this presumption. I am, &c., G. C. His Excellency General "Washington. [Forwarded by Oct' 14"> in the evening enclosed to Gen. Green by Capt. Belding.] NOUTIIERN INVASION. 99 Letter from Ca.]^ Sherwood to Col. Jlcnri/ LivliKjston. On Board the Cauleton, 17" October, 1780. Dear Sir : It is with regret that I write from this place, hut my situation will admit of no other. I have not had the least reason to complain since a prisoner, but have been used with the greatest politeness. You have doubtless heard the particulars of my giving up the garrison at Fort Ann to Maj' Carleton, who was at the head of seven hundred and seventy-eight men, chiefly British.' I have with me seventy-five men, officera included, which was the whole of my garrison. ' Seth Sherwood, a ciiptain of exempts, in a petition for relief, dated April, 1783, says; " On the 10th of October, 1780, was informed that on the foregoing night an express had passed from Fort Ann to Fort Eilward, with intelligence that the tracks of 150 or 300 of the enemy had been discovered by a scont from Fort Ann, near Soiitli Bay. And ratlier thiniiing them to be less in number tlian more, as generally so proves in alarms, and taking advice from some of his company, who were gathered to draw ammunition, &c. I rode off for further information, in order to know in what manner to proceed for the relief of troops at Fort Ann. I being soon met by a number of the enemy, who informed Fort Ann was taken and burnt, which I gave but little credit to, till made sensible by being brought to tlie niain body of Major Carlton's party or army, whieli consisted of 800 regular troops and loyalists exclusive of 35 savages, and seeing tlie garrison was captured to my surprise and made sensible of the truth. And my being examined strictly concerning the strength and number of troops at Fort Edward and I'ort George, &c., was ordered to fall in with the body of the rest of the prisoners." Captain Sherwood's premises were wasted, and property destroyed, which he valued at £941 hard money. luu NOUTMKUX INVASION. and not to oxcecd ten (.oiiikIh of ainimiiiition p' luuii, lay commuuiwitioiiH cut off and without tlie loant hopes of ivliof for Hoiiio timo. It in not only chugnuin^i.- hut hcart-hmikiu^' hoon to rohite tlic dolofull tail. Ilowovof after c()n8ultin«r my ortiwrs and Hoinc of luy most scnsihle men, [I] afjivcl to eapitidate, and . gavii up the garrison, and consider myself aiul men as prisoners of war, could have made some resistence lis long as my powder and hall lasted, hut when that was exhausted, what men that should then [have] survived would have been niassacred by the savages. This being my situation, hard as it was, I agreed to sign tlio articles, having liberty to send tlie women and children to their respectiyo homes. My men are divided, so as I am not able to write au exact account of the numbei- of my men and tho militia apart. Maj'- Chipman is also prisoner here with about forty men from Fort George.' Have sent p' the bearer ; On the t4th of Mnroh, 1781, Captain Chip.uan, who who wasstill a rnsonci-, but on paroK' at Alhany, pctiiionrd tho h-ishiture Correlid" The (M.nanions of his parole .ectuired him to return to the eaeniv unless a I>r. Geor^a- Smyth of the .:ty of Albany. wr..s exehang..,! t\,r himself and servant, before the firs, day of .>[ay following The committee to whom this petition w.is referred reported that ns tai)tam Chipman was not a subject of the state, nor captured while in tho nnmediato service of the same, a compliance would do great injustice to subjects of the state, then prisoners with the enemy and anxious for an exchange. Dr. Smyth an.l family had been allow.'d to .go to Canada on parole in October, 1780, to be exchanged for Peter Hanson and Adam Fonda of Tryon county. This transa.tion appears not to have been perfected, or if so, was not known to Captain Chipman in March, 1 < 81 .- I^yiMirc /V^«t.,, 2,084. Clinton Pajwrs, ii 2liii r?l NOKTIIKHN INVASION. 101 u few liuoH to Mrs. Slierwood. You will do ruo piirticiilar fuvour to send it her by the tti-Ht safe hand. 1 am 111 u poor Hituatioii to coiitiimo in thiw cold climate this winter, having no clothoH with mo but what 1 brought on my hack, and dentitutc of any money. Must consequently suiter greatly if no way is devised by our legislative body for the relief of the state prisoners. My men are very bad clad, and most of them without shoes. You will please let Mr. Gillet know that my aecoui) • of issuings for this month is destroyed, but the number of men are about the same of last month. I am, Sir, with Esteem your very Humble Serv' Adiel Sjikuwoou. Col" Livingston, Comiiiaiidiiig Levies at Fort Kdward. I iSir Letter from General Heath to Gocernur Clinton. West Point, Oetoher 17'", 1780. ALijor General Greene, a day or two since, ordered Colonel Gansevoort's Jtcgiment to the assistance of the upper counties. They embarked yesterday, but the wind has since been so fresh down the river, as to prevent their sailing. I have this day ordered Weissenfel's regiment immediately to embark and sail for Albany, there to receive the orders of your excellency, or the commanding officer. I hope these 102 NOIITIIEHN INVASION. iil't rugimuutrt will univc in season to cnrb the incurHionn of till! eiuMiiy. Colonel Van Hchuick iimvcd Iutc thh day, witli the regiment under his oo.nnmnd. J. winh he had l.ecn dotaitied if it was iiccessnry. His EYoolloncy General Washin^rton, has been [.loaned to honor mo with the comnumd of this post and its depondi.neies. Your Excellency can well form a judgment in what state this post is in at present, in respcet to provisions fuel and forage, and the obstructions which the ai.proaching cold season will soon throw in the way of obtaining them. While I assure you that the into-v-t of the State of New York and the security of this irnportant post shall have my every attention, I earnestly re.p.est the continuance of your assistance, the salutary cfibcts of which for the public service, I have often experienced, and or^ which at present I principally depend. r have the honor to be, with the greatest respect, Your Most Obedient Servant, His Excellency Governor Clinton. " ' ' Letlerfrmi Lieut. Col. Vmla- to llmrij Gkn. Lower Fort Sciioiiary, OcI'- 17, 1780 Dear Sir : The enemy have burnt the whole ., ■ uoli.uy. The first fire was discovered about the iir ^dle fort, NOBTHEHN rNVASION. 103 8 o'clock this morning. Thoy pnHHod th'iH I'ui-t on l>oth flidos at 4 o'clock thirt afternoon. Tlioy took the whole of their hooty, and moved down to JIarnion Sitney'H.* They have fired two Hwivol Hhots thro' the roof of thiH church. I have sent three scouts to luako Homo diHccvericH ahout the middle fort at different times this day, and none have as yet returned. No express has arrived at this post from cither fort. By what wo have soon of the enemy, wo suppose their force to ho between 5 and GOO, mostly regulars and tories. V. Veedkr, Lt. Col. 3 o'clock at nigh*:. The express says there were 150 more of the enemy at the upper part of Schohary. To II. Glen, Ksq'. I li Lctkr from Gnural llohcrt Van Jinissdacr to Goirrmr Clintou. Dear Sir : The letter of which the enclosed is a copy, was delivered me this morning. The express who hrought the letter advises, that colonel Veeder directed him to inform Mr. Glen, that 150 of the enemy in addition to the number mentioned in his letter, were in the upper part of Schohary. I shall in an hour or two, as nearly as I can estimate, have between and 700 men. Fifteen head of cattle ' Sidney's place was about one mile from Slonnsville at the lower end of the flats. 104 NORTHERN INVASION. intended for Fort Schuyler arrived Lero yesterday. I Jiave ordered six to be killed this morning, to victual the troops for two days, and as I shall in all probability bo necessitated to make use of the rest, and Avant an addilioual number, your Excellency will perceive the necessity of directing the agent to take measures for replacing those destined for the fort. The cattle are extremely small, and I am informed will not on an average net more than two hundred w' per head. As I have been disappointed in procuring the horses and wagons I intended, I shall immediately march to F ^ Hunter, and upon my arrival, take such measures as circumstances will admit of, to intercept the enemy's retreat. The express who brought Colo. Veeder's letter, says that Major ^Voolsey saUied from th- garrison yesterday, and killed five, and took two of the enemy. The prifoners arc British soldiers. I am, very respectfully, your Excellency's most obd' serv' Q ^ Ron" V REXssKr.AKi!.' ScnENEC'^ADY, Oct 18, 9 A. M. p. ,s._Thave di-ected Colo. Veeder, with all the force he can collect from the different garrisons, (so as not to weaken them too much), to hang on the enemy's rear, but to avoid an engagement, and I hope to bo able to be at hand to support him. 'Ci'iu-ral l{ol,crt Van 1? issclaer resided at C'lavera.k th..n in Albany county, and under tl.o colonial -..vernnicnl, was colonel of NOKTIIEKN INVASION. 105 Tjcttcr from (rurcrnor (Jlinton to General Srhiii/kr. Albany, Ortohcr 18, 1780. Ir Sir : I wrote yen yesterday, since which I liave seen your letter to Gen' Ten Broeck, giving an account of the enemy's appearance near White (h-eek. Tliey are also at Schohary in very considerable force. They have artillery with them, and have completed the dcKtruction of that settlement. Thus cii'cumstanced, I have been obliged to divide the small force that could be raised immediately trom the lower pai'ts of this county, to oppose Ll:e enemy at Ballstown and Schohary, and as yet it is impossible to do more than detach Col" Schuyler's Keg', to the assistance of the militia in your vicinity. This I have directed Gcii. Ten Broeck to do, and tliey are to march immediately. Before I left Poughkeepsie, I wrote Gen. Washington accounts of the enemy's app'^arance on our frontiers. militia. lie served ns ii ili Icirnte in tlie provincinl congress, and was elected to the first, second and fourth sessions of the lower hraneli of the state legislature. On the 25th of February, 1778, he was again apiiointed colonel under state authoritj', und on the S.'Jth of .June, 1780, was made brigadier general in command of the second brigade of Albany county. He lield this ofhce until the state militia were arranged into five divisions, on the 18th of April, 1800, when he became major general of the third division, coini)rising CJolumbia, Uensselaer, Washington, Clinton aiid Essex counties. He died at his home in Claverack, Septendu'r lllli, t80'2, aged si.\ly-one years. lie was the father of .Jacob l{utsen Van Hensselaer, formerly a leadinir lawyer and |mliliclan of Claverack, who was secretaiy of state in I8i:!-1,-.. 14 100 ! NORTireRN INVASION. and the capture of Forts Ann and George, and pressed the necessity of send« some troops for our relief. T am Sir, Sec. G C Gen, Schuyler. ' * P. S. 1 this morning Avrite to Gen. Washington repeating my request for relief, and immediately after this is done, I intend to set out for Schenectady, leaving (:Jen. Ten Broeck in command here, uith orders to forward you further assistance as soon as a suflicient mimber of militia shall come in to render that measure proper. You will immediately order Col. Stephen Schuyler's reg' to Saratoga, to join the militia collecting there, and assist in the protection of the Inhabitants, in that pari of the country, against the incursions and depredations of the enemy. G. C. Letfcr from Linit. Col. Barcvl I. ^faah to Gorervor Clinton. LowEK Fort, Octohrr 18"', 1780. This moment your Excellency's letter came to hand. Two prisoners from Sir John's army arriv'd at the same time, with the following intelligence : that eight o'clock this mornhig, Johnson, Butler and Brant, mov'd with their army from Sidney's saw mill, down the Mohawk road to the said river, where they were Hi i;i;; NOllTHEKN INVASION. 107 to joyiie the party of the eiiemj' from the nor'ward. their strength by the ace' of these prisoners, is one thousand men, of which were 2 hundred Indians : the rest regular troops and torys. Another party of 150, were gone to Katskill. Tlie post at this place is safe, Barent I. Staats,' Lieut. Coll. To his Excellency, George Clinton Esq'. [Forwarded to the care of Henry Glen, Schenectady.] Letter from Major J. Laimnij to Goccrnor Clinton. Mohawk River, 6 Miles East of Fort Hunter, Ocio'' 18, 1780, 6 p. M. Sir: This moment, General llonsselaer is advised by express, that the enemy are burning the country in the neighborhood of Fort Hunter. Their force could not be ascertained when the man came away. General Rensselaer intends to push on by moonlight,^ as soon as ho possibly can. Perhaps your Excellency may deem it advisable to order the militia now at ' Tills offlcer IjL'longcd to Pliilip Schuylt-r's regiment, and wiis commissioned, .June ^3, 1778. '^Full moon occurred on llic morning of tlie lytli. The moon arose on tlie 18tli, ut eight minutes before 10 i'. m. I ■ I OS NOUTIIKliN INVASION. ScluMuvti.d.v, to n.aivli up s,. .,s to .-over our ivtmit should wo cxiuTioncc" 11 rotrvat, vvliich wo Imvo' liowovor MO ulva of at prosi^nt, as the militia ovincu Htu-li a disposition to oii-ra-o, as proiniscs a Iiappy issuo. I liavo the honor to bo, voiir lOxt'olloiicv's MostObod' SoiV, d. IiA^'SJ^'(), Major. fl js; : ; ! 'i !■■, Sir r^cthr jVoii, (lormtor (Uiithrn to (faimil Was/im/hx. Albanv, Onh-- 18'", 1780, 10 1'. M. ^ 1 Avroto to your Exoollonoy from I'ou-hkoopsie on Saturday last,' and communioatod to you the accounts whioli I l.ad then roooivod from this quarter. The next .lay I set out for this pla.'o, and arrived here on Monday. lTp„„ ,ny i,n-ival, I found tlie main body of the enemy whioh appeared iu the northward,^ had 'OcloluT 14tli. ^{erernng to lluM.xp,.,li , .nul.r M,.,i„r ChristopluT CaHof.n lias oncer who bdon,..,! ,» tl... '2'MU n^nn.nt, U.Kl .,.„k as ooUrn..! K.br.m.y 1U, 178^. a.ul his na.n,. was last on Ihe an,.; M Jj In tlu. sprin^r of 1778, a Col md ("arldon, nq.lu.w of 0,.n..ral CMrldon was ,-o„ovl,.,l as havin,- l.,...„ for son,, ti.n.. ...n,. 1 i.n.on.u: Ih. to,-y innahitants a,„u,„l Johnstown, as a spy and th , h took the .on,.. tro„, tl,..,u.o,o Oswego, on l,is .v.nn, .o'c;.;! ''t Man„„s .le La Ka.yette, in w.^iti,,.- fh,n, Johnstown, Ma,eh (i, 1778, NOKTIIKKN INVASION. 10!) roturncd by the way of Lake George, and that part of the country seemed again to be in a state of tran(iuility. Yesterday luorning, however, I was informed tliat a party had made its appearance at BallHtoii, and destroyed some Imildiiigs there, and about noon, I received accounts that tlie enemy were at Scholiary, and it was confirmed that they Jiad destroyed tlie whole of that vahiable settlement. Their num1)ers of one division, are computed at about (500, and the amount of tlie other division is uncertain. They have artillery with them. Major Woolsey, who commands the levies, made a sally from one of the small forts there, and took two regulars, and killed live savages. By wliat route they came, or mean to return, I have not been able to ascertain. Yesterday morning, I ordered General Yan Rensse- laer, with some troops to iSchenectady, with directions, as soon as he could make the proper discoveries, and if his force should ap],»ear competent, to march and endeavor to intercept them. By a letter from General Schuyler at fSiiratoga, 1 uri?i'(l upon (JoloiK'l (Jimscvoort, the iniportmice of eiuU'avoring to ciipturc liiiu, iiiiil li-oin liis own i)ursc, otrured tilly guineas lumd money (besides sill tliey niiglil find on his person), to any party of soldiers or Indians who would bring him in alive. These efforts were unsueeessful, and this enterprising person \>as not apprehended. Altlio' h mentioned under a different rank, we eonjeeture thai he was the same ollieer tliat led the expedition by way of Lake Cham- phiin, in tlie autumn of 1T80. The eorrespondouce relative to his supposed presence in the country as a spy, is given in CnmphelVs Annakof Tnjon Oo'iiili/ (I8:il), p. 15!). ' "I 1(1 NORTIIEKN LVVASIOX. am inforniod that the enemy yesterday burnt the settlement of White Creek, in Charlotte county, and the ftnioke was discernalile from tlie heights near his house. The post at Fort Edward, after the removal of the stores is evacuated, the levies who were stationed there, having insisted that tlieir time of seiTice is c'xpiiod, and Col» Livingston' the commanding otKcer, with the other ofHoers are now on tlieir return. I have ordered out the whole of the militia from this part of the state. A considerable part are already in the Jield, and I shall leave this [place] immediately for Schenectady, in order to make the necessary arrangements. From this state of the mattter, your Excellency >vilt perceive the necessity of sending a force, if it can possibly be spared for the defense of this part of the country. No dependance can be placed on the militia remain- ing long from home, and the three months levies will soon be dismissed, so that without some further protection, Schenectady and this place will be our frontier. I received no intelligence from the Grants, either whether the enemy have done any mischief there and whether their militia is turning out for our assistance. 1 am &c. G. Q ' Colonel .James Livingston of tliu Confinentiil army. NOKTIIERX INVASION. Ill Letter from Governor Chittenden of VeiTiiont, to Oovemw Clintou. Bennington, 8 o'clock, evening 18"' Oct., 1780. Sir: I enclose to your Excellency a copy of a letter I this moment received (by Express), from Col° Webster,' requesting the assistance of the militia of this neighborhood to his assistance. I have called for the assistance of the militia of Berkshire county, who have attended in the late alarm, and are now returning home. The militia of this state are still in the north, watching the motions of the enemy. I have nevertheless sent for Berkshire militia, to call on me as soon as may be, who I shall send immediately to your assistance, unless I have counter advises from yonv Excellency, by the time of their arrival. I am !Siv your Excellency's Obed' Humble Serv' Tno's Chittenden. His Excellency Gov' Clinton. > Alexander Webster was a native of Scotland. He suceecded Col. John Williiinis in eoniniandof a militia regiment in Cliarlotte county, Alareh 4, 1780, and resigned Miircli 29, ITHK lie served in the provincial congress, was two years in as.'^emlily, and from 1777 to 178r), and from 17!t() to 17!):i in the state senate, and while a member of this body held for five years a place on tiie council of ajjpoint- inent. He was two years first judge of Washington county, and held other offlc'es of trust. He died at Hebron, N. Y., Sept. 17, 1810, aged seventy-five years. 112 NOKTIIKUN INVASION. I'. S. This sta(o arr ahvjiys mi(l_y to coiliicratc in any nieaauroH to triiHtratt' tlio (ii'sitrns nl' tin- coimnoii onomy. %'-l] II /ji/tcr frotti Isiuir Sloittotlmrijli to Gorcrtior Clinhii. ^^^. Ai.ltANY, 1!!"' fA-A>Arr, 1780. I)' bir: I nokn(m!c(l. Robert Benson, elcrk of the senate. He died in New York February, 182;!, aged eighty-tliree years. = Dr. Stephen MeOreti, medical direetor of the northern department. •' Dr. Malaelii Treat. *Tlien .It Siuatogii, but witliout offleial eommand. NOkTIIKItN INVASION. 115 IdotlK'i',' now in liin inari'li to Hanito^a, to inirtli on, and onik'avorto inkuvojit Sir. John, if he wliould (.mcupo Oen' KunssL'iaer. I remain your Excolienfy'H most liuinl)lc Hervt., All" Ten Hiiukok. r. S. Al)' 150 men of Livingston's niilitiu ai-e now erossing the ferry. I shall hurry them on. His Excellency George Clinton. Ldlcr from General Van Jienssekur to Goraiior Clinton. Canajoiiaiue, opposite Frey's, 11 .\. m. Sir : This morning ahont nine, 1 arrived so near the enemy's rear, as to attbrd me a prospect of engaging them l»ofore noon. They have however, hy the celerity of their movements, ett'ected their escape to Stono Arabia, part of which is now in flames, and the whole will probably share the same fate, before I can possibly support the distressed inhabitants. I intend to ford the river immediately, and march in quest of them, but harrasscd and fatigued as my force is, by a long march, I am apprehensive I shall 'Col. Stephen ). Schuyler, iippointed May 38, 1778; resigneil f'-uni ill health, March 20, 1781. Ill) NOKTHKUN (NVASroX. «i«»t bo ul.lo ti. iMirniK. tlu-ii. with that (liHput.,-1. wliu'h is .u'c-HMury t.. ..vcTtake tlu-iii. No oxortiori iK.wover, Two priHoiifi-H who wt'iv l.n.u^ht in at Fort iriintor, irif..n.u.n/i,, ix, m -. Stnrtanfs Offic. u.rn,d on the day ol th,. battle. On the l;>th of Noven.her, 1784, the Rev Jon, Frederick Kics, its pastor, petitioned for a grant of con- hscated lands at Johnstown to aid in rebnilding it. "Mil u nulc above Ih,. modern village of tliis mim.'. NOKTIIKKN INVASION. I I UUcrJrom ,Stmpsun JJi/cfcman tu (jonnior Clinton. Sir: 1 o'clock. Col. Livin^'Htoii' Ih jimt an-ivi'd. lie tells rue pro- viMiouH arc coni'm^r „i,, l,„th flom- and nittlc. I have procured a mniiber of baggH, and iinproHHed Home good hoFHCs, and hIuiII Ijo on as soon as poHHiblo. (\.I Hay' will bo hero witli more proviHions in ubont three liourn. I am, Ac, Gov' Clinton. 8. DyCKMAN. Letter from GcnmU Van Rensselaer to Oovenior Clinton. Sir: The enemy wan, by the hwt intelligence I can collect, and from their burnings, about u mile in advance of my brigade. I have about 000 men, including about 50 Indians. I shall pursue with as much dispatch, as is consistent with safety to the troops under my command. I am your Excellency's obed' servant. Kuu^ Van Rens8elakk. ' Probably Lieut. Col. Henry Livinj^ston, jr., wlio then coinnmiKkHl the Livingston manor regiment, in i)hice of Col. Peter R. Livingston, who resigned September 31, 1780. ''Uduy Ilay, agent for supplying troops. IIS NOUTIIKHN INVASION. A (losortoi- \vl„. arrived this iiftoriioon, advises that tiic t'liom.v's force does not exeeed rm men. Afohawk river, ahont 2 niiU's alx.ve eaini) Kensselaer, north side of the river, ^ after r» i". m. Ldt,r/rom iU. Lad, Dubois h Gaimd Van licnssdaer. Dear Coll: H o'clock. Wo are now as far as Fall Hill, Edl's House,' in i'uU pursuit of the enemy. They passed this place, «nn half an hour high. They' spoke with some people here, and said that they had 1200 piek'd men, and eould go where they pleased. After they passed this, a smart tiring was heard, supposed to he at the fort, as they passed the German Flail 1 have three more prisoners of their party. No time must he lost in pursuing them. The prisoners say they have great numbers wounded; that Sir John is wounded through the thigh. They en(iuire(l of Esq' Eell, particularly, concerning the strength of Fort Schuyler, and their number there. •Fall mil was a httio souti. of tho J.iui,. Falls, ('apt. George lonry Bell, a brother-m-law of Gcnoral Ilorkin,-,-, was womule.l at O.iskany, a,ul thoivl.y (l.s,,,u.lili,.,l f.„,„ n.ilitary service at this limo He was apponU.Ml a jnstie,. of ll„. peace Fel,n,ary 2, 1778. A notict- ot him IS -iven in ticii/on'n Ikvkima- Coiin/i/, ji. CM. \§l NOIITIIKKN INVASION. iin Thoy left all tlioir cuttle behind tlieui, wlien tliey croHsM the river. Esff Bell supiioscd tlieir munbers to be about 400. They divided at the Fall Hill, one part by German FJatts, tlio other by Andrnstovvn.' I am yours sincerely, Lewis DrnoYs.'' (icu' Tieiisselaer. Letter from Col. Lewis Dubois to Govcrmr Clinton. FoKT Hi;iiKiMi;it, 1 o'clock. D' 8ir : I am here; pursued the enemy so close, that I prevented them from burning or doing the least damage to the inhal)itants. From what T can learn by the Tnhabitants, the enemy is not above four miles in front of us. My men much ftitigued, without provisions, I must here make a halt untill T can get some provisions to refresh them. 'Tlio testimony aubscciiRMitly otferecl before a court of inquiry shows that tlie pursuing piirty lost all traces of the route of the enemy beyond Fort Herkimer, anil that ,-iome Indian scouts returned, unable to lind tlieir trail. Andrustowii was a settlement in the lu-esent town of Warren, Herkimer coimty. Seven families were livinir here when the revolution began. The seUlement was plundered aiul burn! in .Inly 1778, and some of the inhabitants taken luisoners. ••^TUis name has usually been spelled Du Hois, or Dubois, and was sonutimes thus written, we believe, by the eolonel himself, at a later period. The family was of Huguenot descent, and the name is evidently of French origin, 120 NORTHERN INVASION. The enemy is very much fatigued. They travelled almost all last night, without any refreshment. They must make a lialt. This moment I reC information, that the enemy is at a place call'd Shoemaker's Land, ahout four miles from here. Gen' Rensselaer this moment appears in sight, with the militia. The enemy are bending their course for Buck Island.' I am, yours, Lkwis Duboys. P. S. My men have agreed to naarcli without eating. I expect to attack them in 3 hours time. Warrant for Imjyresswg Cattle and Flour. By his Excellency George Clinton, Esquire Governor of the State of New York &c. &c. &c. To Col" Abraham Wemple, & Henry Glen, Esqrs. or either of them. Greeting: The emergency requiring the same, you are hereby authorized and required, to impress forty head of fiit »Now Carleton island, in the St. Lawrence. It was then fortified and maintained as a rendezvous of parties sent out upon the frontiers. A portion of tlie works of tliis fort were excavated from tlic roclc and its ruins are still an object of mucli interest. A small guard of mvalids was kept here by the IJritisii until 1813, although the island IS on the American side of the boundary line. NORTHERN INVASION. 121 cattle, and sixty barrels of ilour for tlio use and service of the army. For which this shall be your warrant. Given at Schenectady, this 19th October 1780. Geo. Clinton. The provision impressed immediately to bo for- warded to the troops under my command. Geo, Clinton. A Return of Ordnance and Stores taken from the British Army commanded Inj Sir John Johnson. Fort Rensselaer, Oeto. 19"', 1780. I Piece Brass Ordnance, 3 PJ with implements complete ; 43 Rounds round shot fixed ; 10 do canister; 1 Quadrant; 2. Powder measures; 1 Hand saw; 1 Four P^ W; 1 Half do; 1 Quart do; 1 Scale beam; 1 Mallet & set; 20 Fuses; 1 Scane marlin; 2 Port Wires; 1 Cold chisel; 1 Augur; 1 Punch; 1 Soano Quick match; 100 W Corn powder; 1 Dredging box. Jo. Driskill, Lieut. Artillery. The Invasion from the North. From Loudon's New York Packet, and Americun Advertiser (Fishkill), October 19, 1780. "By the arrival of yesterday post from Albany, we have it reported : That Sir Join. Johnson, had, with a 16 122 NORTHERN INVASION. party said to bo about 500 moii, como down tbo Mohawk river, and advanced witbiii six miles of Johnstown ; when, hearing that a party of our hree-nionths men lay there, he contented himself with burning a few- houses, killing and canning off some inliabitants. Another party of about 800, commanded by Major Carleton, nephew to Gen. Carleton, came down the lake from St. John's and advanced to Fort Ann, which was garrisoned by al)Out 70 men, among whom w^ere 14 Continental soldiers. They having cannon with them, and the fort 1)eing only stockaded, every shot .iiade a breach, ft was however defended by Capt. Sherwood, Avith the greatest gallantry, until two thirds of his men were sldin, when he surrendered,^ This party also destroyed several houses, killed some men, and took the women and children prisoners. ' In the introduction (page 44), we have followed the statement above given, although different from that given in a note to AVash- ington's letter to the president of congress, found m Sparks' s Life and WritiiKjH of Um/iin(/ton, vii, 209. The note referred to, is us follows : " * * * A large force came up Lake Chaniplain and took Fort George and Fort Anne, with all the troops stationed in tlieni. Captain C'hipnian commanded a part of Warner's regiment at Fort George. On the nioriiing of the 11th of October, he despatched an express to Fort Edward for the purpose of obtaining provisions. While on his way, this person was fired upon by a i)arfy of twenty- five men, but he escaped and returned to the fort. Ca])taui Oiipman Ruppo.sing the parly to consist of a jiarty from the enemy, sent out all his garrison except fourteen men. Tins detachment mot the enemy l)etween Hloody Pond and (Jage's Ilill, where a eonllict ensued, in whicii almost every man was either killed or taken. Tlie enemy marched to Foil George, whicli atler a sliort resistance was surren- dered by capituliition. Colonel Warner and Lieutenant Safford were alisenl. The force of (he eiu'my was estimated at eight himdred NORTH i;kn invasion. 123 They were pursued by Col. Liviugstou as far as Bloody Pond, but too late, they having retreated to their l)oatH and made off. So far, the reports from tliat (piarter, wliieli we hope arc not so bad as related. Ill our next, we expect to have a more exact narrative of this unhappy atfair." Letter f rum Genenil S'chni/kr to Gocenior Clinton. Sakatuoa, Veto. 20"', 1780. Dear Sir : Your Excellency's favor of yesterday morning from Caughnawaga, I had the pleasure to receive at five in the afternoon. I am happy to learn that Sir John Johnson has been overtaken and put to route. When Itritish troojis, two liiiiulrcd liidiiins, iiiul two fonipmiics of lories. Twciity-oi^riit of tliu u;ariisoii were killed uiul tifty-six taken prisoners. Two days previously, Captain Sherwood had surrendered Fort Anne and the whole garrison, eonsistinj,' of seventy-seven men. "The invading troops approaehed Fort Edward, but were prohalily prevented from making an attaek by a stratagem of Colonel Livingistou, who commanded there. Hearing of the incursion of the enemy he wrote a letter to Captain Sherwood, on the morning of the day in which Fort Aniu! was suriendered, saying he was very strong and would supi)ortthat garrison if attacked. lie gave this letter to a messenger, who he had little doubt Avould carry it to the enemy, which he is presumed to have done, and thus to have saved that post thmi the fate which had befallen the others. The garrison did not amount to seventy men. I'arties penetrated near to Saratoga. Tliirty-tive hou.ses were burned.— 3/*'. Dfter from Colone' Ziringsfon, Octohir \Wi— Colonel Warn(r\i Mter, October SOt/i." General Schuyler states that the force at Fort Edward consisted of one hundred and fifty men. 124 NOHTllKKN INVASION. .your IfttcT anivc'd, we liiid ;il,„iit 150 men ut Fort Edward, and an many more liad arrived liere, about ten in the morning ; those at Fort lOdward witliont any heel", and those here Avith none hut wliat 1 eoidd turninh tlioni. All my cattle iit for the knife are ah-eady killed, and 1 have sent lo try and eoUeet some more, but 1 fear a supply will arrive too hvto to push u party in pursuit of the enemy who were at Balistown. 1 huvi' however, sent to Fort Edward on the subject, but with little liopcs that any will move from thence. One of the enemies party who stole into the country, and was taken,' informs that Afajor Oarletou intended to renuiin at Ticonderoga, and to push for White Creek, as soon as the militia should Ije retired. The prisoner calls himself Ensign, and cmne from New York in August last. Another villain has gone past here who corroborates the account, as some torics advise, with wliom he lodged. The panic that has si'i^^ed the people is incredible. AVith all my efforts, I cannot prevent numbers from deserting their habitations, and I very much apjire- hend that the whole will move, unless the militia remain alone, until pennauent relief can be procured. 1 am dear Sir most sincerely your Excellency's most ob' scrv', TT- T.. n ,^ !'"• SCHUYLKB. 1118 Exceilency Gov. Clinton, .tc. 'Alluding to .lanics Van Driescn, who was subse(|ueutly tried by i court lunrtial and sentenced lo l)c Ining as a spy. N(»UTIIi;UN INVASION. 125 1'. S. Tlio women and cliildrcii, whoBO IrnHbandM liiivo jLfono to (Juiuida Htlll romaiii Irmv, Tlicy will bo an intoU'i-ablc bunion to tlio country if they ronuiin in it all winter. I bog your Excclloncy an Hoon uh yon can Hparo tinio to turn your attention to tlioir diHpo«itioii. Letter from Gomrnor Clinton to General Schut/ler. Sir: ArjiANY, Oclolicr 2fi, 1780. I liavo l)oon favored with your letter of the 20th Inst. Wo are just returned from the pursuit of Sir John, though unfortunately without that complete suoeess whiith I informed you wo had reason to expect, after the tMigagement at Canajoharie. There are, however, about 40 prisoners, and the enemy have lost their baggage and artillery. Tliis action also stopped them in their devastations, and obliged them to tly with i)recii)itation. Col. Gansevoort's reg' has marched to your frontier, and this I doubt not, will give you inimcdiato pro- tection, and a proportion of the levies will bo ordered to that part of the country as soon as they are raised. The necessary passports for the women and children you mention shall be made out immediately after I ^•^'^ NOKTIIKKN INVASION. »m i-v ,shc..l with tl.oir nanu-M, ur..! the Htci.8 tiikon prescribud by tho law made ihv that imrpoHu. 1 um, &c. G. C. Lcltci- f,;,,!, (lormm- Clinhn tn Vuhnvl hlock. j^. ,_ J'OHT IvENHSKLAKll, Oct. 23'', 1780. Tlie hito invaHion of tlio enemy, has doluyed the ruiHiiig of the troops wliicli are iuteuded to relieve the levies ill this county, and it will be some dayn more, before any troops can be collected for the defence of the several posts on the river. You will therefore order out from the county militia, mdx nundxr of men to tliose posts us the officer commandii.ir the Department shall require, and yon may be assured they will be relieved as soon as possible. Yours &c. G. C. To Col. Klock commandin.ir the Militia of Tryon Co. Letter from Governor Clinton to Colonel BelUnffcr. FoiiT TlEniajiER, Octo. 23'', 1780. To Col. Bellinger. Sir: Until troops ca.i be raised for the defense of the country, it is necessary that the militia be detached to NOinriFUV INVASION. 127 hold tlio frrtiiticr poHtH. V'ou will tlioroforo nnlcr twr.ity moil of your rcgimont into Foi-t Bnytoii, iiiid tlio Humo immbor into Fort Herkimer, tliis day. There will he olHcers left at thene posts to direct the duty and your men will he relieved an Hoon aH posHihIc. T am, &c. G. C. Oi'tfcr for Garrisoniiif/ Frontier 7'o.sifi, Head Quarters Fort Herkimer 28'' Ocio, 1780. Coi. Vroomaii is without delay to cmhody as many men of liis regiment as he shall deem sufHeient for the garrisoning of the several small posts at Sohohary, and for keeping out scouts on that part of the western frontier, and to station them as he shall esteem hest for the protection and security of the inhahitants, and to relieve them occasionally. Such of the levies raised for the defence of the frontiers as are in that quarter are to remain there, and he continued in their i)reHeut service. By order of his Excellency the Gov'. Stephen Lusir, A. 1). Camp. 128 NOHTItKUN INVASION. Lclli'r from Columl Mtximthr Wthdr h Govcnior Cliiihti. i VViiiTi; CuKiiK, 0,r i'4'\ 17H0. I )' Uovornor : Ever since the 10th TiiHtnnt, wo have boon nil annod and onihodu'd. Ever Hint'o our rctuni from Kort Edward, the alarniH came both from the wcHtward and north. I kept out HcoutH between Fort Edward and Skenesborough, and shall continue till otherwiHO provided for. I received last night, a letter from General AUon, a copy of which I should have sent your E.xcellency if the want of i»iiper had not prevented nie. Hut this much he says : the enemy, my scouts have discovered them and boon reconnoitring tlicir motions from Saturday. Yesterday eight days ago, their ship].ing lay off Mount Tiidependenee. They nnn-ed down the lake; lay awhile at rutnam's Point. A large body of them at the same time occupied tho westward shore, as appeared from their fires, and pass- ing to and from their shipping. They moved from thence to Hulwagga Eay, and Urog Bays, Kayments Mills, and its vicinity. Tho last scout informs, that they reconnoitred those bays and other parts of tho lake from tho Beautiful Elm, in I'aiitoii, but dis- covered none of tho enemy or their shipping, tho 5 of their vessels had been discovered in those bays tlie day before. They further add, that they heard a Brhish NOHTIIKUN tNVASION. 129 lirliiK "f Hinall iirniH, down the liiko, but it boiiijif I'oKKy tlu-y coiikl not soo tlio tMieniy, TIuh contaiiiH tlio I)articuliirrt. Duto, Oct'' i-», 2 of the clock i'. m., 17H0. Hir, As [ Imvo vvroto to you before luul biivo received no auHwer, and aH we jointly joined otHcerH and principal inhabitantu in coinicil, and sent Major McOracken' and Scpiire liuHHcl, with our rcHolven to your Excellency, and as they, hearing of your beinj^' at Hchetjectady, only wrote, and sent tlio resolvcH, r can only add, I do my best to keep the people from moving oft; and act upon the defensive, till F hear from your Excellency, Ijeing in great haste, must begg to be excused and remain your Excellency's very obliged and Humble Servant, Alkx" \Vi:iiSTi;u. Extract of ft Letter from Oapt. Jonathan Laurence, Jm., to Col. Samuel Drake.' Fort Sciiuyleu, Oct" 24"', 1780. On the 22"' Inst., agreeable to orders from the gov' and Coll Malcolm, a party of 2 C[aptuiiis] 2 L[ieuten- ants] 4 S[ergeauts] and 50 Privates, commanded by • Jo'^eph McCrnckcn had resigned the offlc(! of lunjor in tlic fourtli Continental biittalion, April 11, 1780. lie died in Sulcni, N. Y., in May, 1825, in his c'i.!,'hty-ninth year. •Colonel Drake wasoi" Westchester county, and hud been formerly appointed to command a regiment of militia in the Continental service, 17 NORTHERN INVASION. Capt. Vrooman/ Josliua [Drake,]^ tho other Cap' was sout out in order to harrass the Enemy's front and flank, and if possible to destroy the boats in Onondaga Lake,'' wliicli could it have been eftected, would have been the means of the whole of their force fixUing into the hands of Gen. Rensselaer, who was following them in their rear. On their arrival at Canashraga,* we found the enemy had just moved off, and that 7 men of the party had deserted and iinding the enemy to be numerous by their tracks, and the militia not pursuing their rear so close as they had reason to expect the officers, agreed to retreat back to the fort. They had returned three miles, destroying the Indian settle- ments, when unfortunately my unhappy friend, with the party, were surrounded by almost 500, who they discovered not until the enemy gave the Indian shout. Two of the party, after the enemv began to disarm them, pushed thro' them, who fired several shots, but fortunately they escaped. One of them was my man, who Joshua had taken as a waiter. He arrived about an hour since." ' Cnpt. Walter Vroomaii, of Col. .Tolin Harper's Ipvips, appointed May 11, 1780. He remained a prisoner until tiie close of the war, and died in Guilderlitnd, Albany Co., Fell. 17, 1817, aged seventy years! 'A captain in ."Major Van IJunsclioten's corps, coniniission'nl .Inly 1,1780, and also remained along time pnson<'r. He snl)se(inently .joined an exju'dition into the Indi.in coiinlry, and was killed in the battle of the Miami, Nov. 4, 17i)l. '•Probably intended for Oneida lake. * Canaseraga. 18 NORTHERN INVASION. 131 Memorial from the Inhabitants of Scheneetntlij. To his Excellency George Clinton, Esquire, Governor of the State of I^ew York, &c. The men.oriiil of the Inhabitants of the town of Schenectady, liuml)ly sheweth : That Col. WempeP has received orders from General Ten Broeck, to send seventy men from his liegimout to Fort liensselaer. And whereas, the present situation of this place is become a frontier town, which wo have reason to believe the enemy aims to destroy, and which we, your memorialists are a good deal concerned about, particularly when we consider the different settlements round about us. If we turn our eyes to the north, we lind a settlement called Galloway,''' and another called Peasley, who are all enemies to the country, and even Balls Town, a great part of them. To the Southward from us, we have tlie ITellebcrgh, which are likewise mostly tories, at which places the enemy may lay con- cealed, untill they find an opportunity to destroy this place. And one half of our Regiment are going to these settlements. We, your memorialists, therefore humbly pray, that your Excellency will take our situation in consider- 'Abniliam Wi'nipcl was tlii'ii colonel of the Schenectady regimunt. His commission was dated .Iiine '20, 1778. " Galway, now a town in Sarato^ra county. I m 182 NOHTJIEUN INVASION. fttion, and grant that our Regiment may remain at homo, to defend the place, and as Balln Town is like- wise exposed to great danger of anotlier attack of tlie enemy, we lying nearest to them might on oe^'asion bo a great assistance to the good people of that place. And we, your memorialists as in duty bound shall ever pray. [Signed by forty-one citizens,] Schenectady, October 24th, 1780. Letter from Governor CUipn to Ehmczer Busscll} ^ „. Albany, Oct. 26, 1780. Dear Sir : I am favored with your letter of the 20th Inst. Col. Gansevoort has marched his rcg' for the defence of the northern frontiers, and as soon as the levies are raised, a portion of them will be ordered for the same pur- pose. This, I hope, will give you security, and pre- serve the country against further incursions of the enemy. The inhabitants of Charlotte county, may rest assured of an equal attention to their safety with those of any other part of the state. I am, &c., a. C. I^benezer Russell, Esq"". ' Mr. Russell was at this time a state senator, and resided at Salem. NORTHERN INVASION. 133 Letter from Governor HaUlimand of Caimla. From the TMndun Oazette, Whitohiill, Jan. 0, 1781. Extract of a letter from General naldinuuid, govenK)r and commaiidcr-iii-chief of his Majesty's forces iu the province of Qnchcc, to Lord George Germain, one of his Majesty's principal secretaries of state; received by his Majesty's sliip Danae. Quebec, October 25, 1780. "I have the honour to acquaint your Lordship, that I have just received an express from Major Carleton, who commands one of the detachments mentioned in my letter to your Lordship of the 17th ultimo. The secrecy and dispatch with which this detachment penetrated, prevented any opposition of consequence on the part of the enemy; and on the 10th and 11th instant, the garrisons of Fort Ann and Fort George, surrendered prisoners of war. Major Carleton, who has, as well as his detachment, shown great zeal and activity in this affair, having fully answered the purposes for which he is sent, is returned to Crown Point, where he is to remain as long as the season will permit the vessels to navigate the lake, in order to draw the attention of the enemy. The report? already published on all occasions, by the enemy, of cruelties committed by the Indians, are notoriously false, and propogated merely to exasperate Ill •! ! 134 NOltTIIKRN INVASION. the ignomnt unci deluded people. In tliis lute iiiHtanoe, Major Carleton informs ,ne, tl.ey behaved with the greatest moderation, and did not strip, or in any respect ill use their prisoners. T inclose fory.mr Lordship's information, a list of the killed, wounded and prisoners. A party of 100 mei. and Mohawk Indians, crossed Lake Champlain, with Major (!arleton, to cooperate with Sir John Johnson,' who must be by this time, upon the Mohawk i-ivor, and another party of 200 Canadian Indians with their proper officers, under the command of Lieutenant Ilaughton ' of the 5.3^ regiment, marched the same time towards the Connecticirt river.' They are returned, having bi^ought away 32 prisoners, without any loss, although pursued by a superior force,' of whicli, it is thought many were killed. I every day expect to hear of Sir John Jolmson's success upon the Afohawk I'ivcr." "P. S. Nov. 2. I have kept this open, in hopes to give your Lordship on account of the party which was sent upon the Mohawk river, under the command of Sir John Johnson. The enemy by the means of the Oneida Lidians, who deserted from Niagara, liad received information of the intended attack upon the ■ This „,ay liave been the expedition that left the lal^e at Bulwaffga bay, and by an interior route fell upon Oallston settlement. ^^Kichurd and William Ilaughton, were at this tin.e lieutenants in the .),id. It IS uncertain which was the one referred to. Details of the operations of this j.arty are given in HaWH E„.tn;i Vermnnt p 38B \:V% NOKTIIEUN INVASION. 135 Mohawk river, and had prepared accordingly ; but this did not prevent his success, thougli it occasioned liim to meet with a great opposition. I liave just received a letter from 8ir John, wherein he acquaints nie, that he had destroyed the settlements of Schohary and Stone Arabia, and laid waste a great extent of country. He had several engagements with the enemy, in which ho came oft' victorious. In one of them, near Stone Arabia, he killed a Colonel Browne, a notorious and active rebel, with about 100 officers and men.' The vessel being under sail, 1 have only time to inclose the return of the killed wounded and missiiiir. 1 have the pleasure to acquaint your Lordship, from Sir John's letter, that 1 have great reason to hope, that many of the missing will iind their way to Oswego or Magara, as some Indians and rangers well acquainted with the woods are with them. I cannot finish, without expressing to your Lordship, the perfect satisfaction which I have, from the zeal, spirit and activity, with which Sir John Johnson had conducted this arduous enterprise." Ednrn of the killed and wounded of the detaohment under the eonimand of 3Lijor Carletoii, the \lth of Octoher, 1780. u 34tu i-egimont, 1 private killed, 1 sergeant and 1 private wounded. — King's rangers, 1 private killed. — •The real iuiin))C'r was forty, incluUing Colonel Brown. I:50 NOKTIIKHN INVASION. nans. M Major Jessup's corps, 1 private wounded.— Indi 1 killed, 1 wouudcd. Deserted, 84th regiment, 1 private; McAlpin's, 1 ditto," Return of the Idllal, wounded and imsoners taken at Forts Ann and Georyc, the lOth and Uth of October, 1780, "Killed, 1 captain, 2 lientenants, 1 ensign, 23 pri- vates.— Wounded, 1 lieutenant, 1 private.— Prisoners, 2 captains, 2 lieutenants, 114 privates." Jietum of the killed, wounded and mlssinrj of the detach- mcnt on the expedition to the Mohaivk rirer, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Sir John Johnson in Oct 1780. ' "Royal artillery; 1 private missing.- 8th, or the King's regiment; 1 private killed, 1 drummer, 3 privates missing.- 34th regiment; 13 privates miss- ing.- Chasseurs, 4 privates missing, 2 of them wounded.— The King's royal regiment of New York, 3 privates killed, 1 lieutenant Avounded, 13 privates missing.— Rangers, 1 captain, 1 sergeant, 16 privates missing; 3 of them wounded.- Indians, .-J killed, and Captain Joseph Brandt wounded. Deserted of the Royal :N"ew York regiment, 3 privates." Return of the rebels killed and taken on the expedition to the Mohaick river, in October, 1780. " On the Mohawk river, and at Stone Arahia, the 18th, 19th and 20th October, prisoners, 10 privates ; yy y r.1 I a NOKTMKKN INVASION. 187 i I \ killod, one colonel, 100 privatCH. At Cnnnghsiorngn, the 'li\* of October, prisoiicrH, 2 eaptiiiiirt, 1 lieu(< nnnt, 4 sergeants, 4 corponils, 45 privates; killed, 1 lieutenant, 8 privates. " — AlmuiCs Jietnanbmrurr, xi, 81. Address by the Mayor and Common Conneil of Albany, to Governor Clinlon. To Ills Excellency, George Clinton, Kscj' Governor of the State of New York, General, and Commander in chief of the Militia, and Admiral of the navy of the same. The liespectful address of the Mayor Aldermen and commonalty of the city of Albany. May it Please your Excellency : We, the mayor aldermen and commonalty of the city of Albany, beg leave to congratulate your Excellency on your safe return to this place. It aftbrds us the highest satisfaction, that your Excellency has, by tlie suffrages of the people at the last general election, been contiiuicd as Chief Magistrate of the state : ' and we reflect with pleasure, on the prospect of a continuation of those civil and religious liberties, which we in common with other of 'At the triennial election olgivcrnor in May oftliis yeiir, Governor Clinton was reelected by 3,204 imijorWv. — liiriiigfon'ii a,iz This rumor was subsequently disproved. » Van Woert, colonel of the (Cambridge district regiment in Albany county, was appointed April 4, 1778, and resigned Feb. 2(5, 1781. nir. Duane was then a delegate from New York in the Continental nr 144 NOUTIIKUV INVASION. If I' evening before I left lionie. Col" JJenson informs me of the receipt of anotluM- letter from you, by Mr. Chin, which was forwarded to me at Albany, but which, as I returned by water, I have not yet received. I must therefore refer you to the enclosed papers, for an account of our and the enemy's proceedings on the frontiers, as fiir as it respects men, but I have the mortification to inform you that for want of a permanent and adecpuite force, and before a sufficient body of the militia could be assembled to prevent it, the wliole of the valuable settlements of Schoharie, and a part of the settlem" at Bull's Town, and almost the whole of the intermediate country. On both sides of the :\[ohawk river, fibm Fort Hunter to Fort Rensselaer, at the upper end of Canajoharie including the settlement of Stone Arabia, are burnt and laid waste, On a moderate computation, we have lost at least 150,000 bushels of wheat, besides other grain and forage, and 200 dwellings. Schenectady may now be said to become the limits of our western frontier, and the first object worth a new enterprise. I am not surprised at the conduct of Congress with respect to our dispute with the people on the Grants, for upwards of a year past, it has api)eared to me, that they were encouraged and supported in their revolt, and that delay was studied to strengthen their opposition. There are many however, who firmly believed that Congress would take up the matter, and V' It J. > I • ! A'4I NOKTIIKUN INVASION. 145 decide upon and enforce the decision, agreeable to their resohition of June k8t.> The evasion of it, and the encouragement afforded to the revolters, lias given universal disgust to all ranks of j^eoplo, and in confidence I cannot but inform you, that the most sensible among us begin to be jealous of a premeditated intention to make a sacrifice of this state, to answer the political views of others, and of interested individuals, and I should not be suiiorised, tho' I may be mistaken, if these jealousies should so far prevail, ss that at the next meeting of the legislature our delegates should be withdrawn, and the resources of the state which have hitherto been so lavishly afforded to the continent, be withheld for our own defence. •Alluding to resolutions of June 2c1, declaring the proceedings of the Vermont i)coplc highly unwarrnntabie and subversive of the public peace and welfare of the United States. The resolutions required the inhabitants to abstain from all acts of authority civil or military, until a decision should be made concerning their claims to separate and independent jurisdiction in matters of state government. The jealoufiy with which these proceedings were regarded may h" inferred from the following letter from General Schuyler to Governor Clinton : . (Secret.) Dear Sir ■- Saratoga, Octr 31, 1780. The conduct of some people to the eastward is alarmingly mysterious. A flag under pretext of settling ii cartel with Vermont has been on the Grants. Allen has disbanded his militia, and the' enemy in number upwards of l,(iOO are rapidly advancing towards us. Tlie night before last, they were at Putnam's Point. Intrcat Gen. Washington for more Continental troops, and let me beg of your Excellency to liastcn up here. I am, dear sir, sincerely yours &c. Pii. SciitrYi.Kn. 19 'I T" mi < !M n I' '! 146 NORTHERN INVASION. Yourself, Mr. Floyd,' Mr. Scott,' Mr L'lTomniedin,' and Gen' McDougall,^ arc appointed delegates for the ensuing year, and by the next convenient opportunity, your comniissionH will be transmitted. I have the honor to be &c. Geo: Clinton. The iron'''" James Duanc, Esq. P. S, I lodged at Col" Livingston's the night before last, and have the pleasure of informing you that Mrs. Duano and the family are well." Since writing the above, I ani informed, the' not vfticially, that a detachment of sixty men, who were ordered to march from the garrison of Fort Schuyler, to hang on the enemy's flank, on their retreat, unfortunately, before they discovered the enemy, fell in with their main body, and the whole of them (two excei»ted), made prisoners. I am in great hopes how- ever, that this account is not true, as the order given to the party, by Maj' IFughcs," was couched in the * William Floyd, then of Siifl'olk county. 'GcncrnlJolm Morin Scott, of New York city. 'Ezra L'lloinnu'dicn, of SuUblk county. * Alexander AIcDougnll. "Jlrs. Dunne wiis tlic eldest daughter of Robert Livingston, pro- prietor of Livingston manor. 'Major Peter Hughes, a deserving oflieor who then commanded at Fort Schuyler, died at Cayuga, N. Y., in December, 1810, aged Hi.vty- flve years. NOKTUKUN INVASION. 147 most exact teriiis. He was to proceed with the greatest circumspection, and not to hazard any tiling tliat might endanger their retreat. LeUer from Governor Clinton to General Heath. PouGiiKEEi'siE, Octr 30'\ 1780. Dear Sir : Your letter of the 17th Inst reached me on my pursuit after Sir John Johnson, ab' 14 miles above Fort Herkimer. Gansevooi-t's and Wcissenfers reg" did not reach Albany, until the enemy were driven out of the country and those to tine northward had recross'd the lake [and] returned as far as the neighborhood of Ticonderoga. The Inhabit" on the northern frontiers, from the easy access the enemy had among them, were greatly distress'd & Col" Gansevoort, before my return to Albany from the westw* by the advice of Gen. Ten Broeck, marched his regiment to cover that part of the country, and prevent its being abandoned. Weis .leufels ' marched to Schenectady, the levies 'Frederick II. Baron de Weissenfels was a native of Prussia, settled in Dutelicss county a few years before the revolution, and was naturalized by an act of the general assembly, December 20, 1763. He had fonnerly held an office in the British service. His acquaint- 148 NOltTllEKN INVASION-. wliosc tonus expire ab' the niicldle of Dec', siud were imniediutoly to march to Fort Herkimer, to keep open the commuiiieatiou with Fort Scliuyler. The Reg' itself will remain at Schenectady, niitil a competent Hiipply of I'rovisions can he procured for the garrinon at Fort Schuyler during the winter, and to escort it niK A very iu(;onsiderable part of the wupplies for this service is yet provided, and unless i)articular unco with military ;vffiiir8, iind liis attiicliinfiit for tlio Contincntul cause, led to his early employment in revolutionary army. He Avas a|)i)ointca a lieutenant colonel of the ad New York battalion, Marcli 8, n;fl, and was mlm juently commissioned twice with the same rank, in command of regiments of levies raised for the defense of the frontiers. He was aj)i)()inte(l hy the commander in chief to command the 3d New York battalion and fought at White Plains • acconii)anied the army through New Jersey, and assisted in the capture of the Hessians at Trenton. He was present with this regiment at the surrender of Burgoyne, and in the battle of Monmouth, with fi.xed bayonets, executed an order greatly to his honor, and to the credit of the troops he conunanded. He accompa- nied the expedition of General Sullivan in 1771), and fought gallantlv m the bi-.ttle of Newtown. Like many other public servants he became impoverished hy the war, and although he received commutation certitieates for five years pay, his necessities compelled him to dispose of them for a trifle, and 111 1787 and 179;}, special legislation was granted for his relief The treasurer was by this action authori/ed to li(piidate In , debt due to the state, upon such principles as might appear just, so as to enable him to obtain the benefit of an act of insolvency, the state taking its chances with his other creditors. He became the lessee of a forfeited estate of George Folliott in Amenia, but subseciuently removed to New Orleans, was appointed to an humble olHce in th'^ volice, and died there in August, 180«, aged seventy-eight years, ii. isys, his daughter petitioned congress for compensation for his services, but without success. In balloting for hinds in the military tract, Lieut. Col. Weissenfels drew five lots, of si.K hundred acres each; but the patents were issued to another party, and he probably derived but little benefit from them. NOUTHEUX INVASION. 14U attention is paid to this buninesH, an tlie Hcason for water transportation in tlie course of ji month will bo over, and it will be impossible to forw'' it by land, tlic post must, in the course of the winter, be abandoned. The newspaper will give you u pretty just account of the progress of the oiwrny on the frontiers, except as to the devastation com- mitted by them, which it might not be so prutlent to publish. They luive destroyed at least 200 dwellings, and 150,000 bushels of wheat, with a proportion of other grain and forage, though by the rapid pursuit after them, a considerable tract of country, which would share the same fate was saved. I shall be happy in rendering you any assistance in my power, in the execution of your important command, but believe me Si'- the distress of this state is such, that unless those who have experienced less of the war, make greater exertions than they have lately done, there will be great ditHculties in maintaining your post. I find Weissenfels' Regt exceedingly deficient in point of clothing, for the climate to which they [are] destined. I should have been glad, therefore, if some other Reg' better provided could have been ordered for that (bity, especially as I find from this consideration, and because the troops of this state conceive it a hardship to be obliged perpetually to garrison that post, it is extremely disagreeable to them. If the direction of this matter does not i i' Ka 150 NOKTIIEKN INVASION. li«^' vvit' ,1 hIuiH bo obliged by your coiu- muiiifntiti.'T this information to his Excellency the communtler in chief. I remain with the Oroatest Respect &c. Geo: Oli.nxon. Tho lion"' 1 Major Gen' llc.uh. J Letter from General Ten Broeck to Govemm- Clinton. Sir Albany, 80" Octo., 1780. I wrote your Excellency yesterday, since whi(>h, I have received accounts which seem to contra;! let those of Col. Van Woert sent you. The enemy had not landed, but are still near Skeenesborough. Whether they will come into the country is uncertain. I have countermanded the orders issued in consequence of Col. Van "Woert's information, and directed the whole brigade to be ready to miuch at the shortcdt notice. I remam your Excellency's Most Humble Servt., _. _ Ab" Ten Broeck. His Excellency, George Clinton. ■I V II !« Ml 'OLiSS?':'" lilii NOKTIIKIIN INVASION. 161 Ldtrrfrom Ooccmor Clinton to Ommd WttshmytiW. t. rouGiiKEEi'SiK, Octr 80'*, 1780. Dear Sir: My last letter was flated at Albany, and commtmi- catod the disagreeable intelligence of the destruction of Schoharie and part of Balls Town, ab' 12 miles N. E. of Schenectady, since which I have not been able to write to your Excellency. As I then proposed, I immediately left Albany, in order to take the necessary measures for checking the further incursions of the enemy. On my arrival at Schenectady, I was advised that different parties of the enemy at Schoharie and Balls Town, had left those places, the former moving towards the Mohawk river, and the latter shaping their course towards Sacondaga. Gen' Van Rensselaer had arrived at Schenectady before me, at the head of about four or five hundred militia, with orders to act according to emergencies. On receiving this intelligence, I immediately moved up the river, in hopes of being able to gain their front, but this proved impracticable, as their route was much shorter, and their troops were enured to marching. They reached the river, at the con- fluence of the Schoharie Kill, ab' six miles ahead of him, and recommcncod tlioir dovastiitions in that fV'n i 1 ! I ! r 152 NORTHERN INVASION. fertile couutiy, by burning the Iiouhcs, and destroying with ni.irk.s of the greatest barbarity, every tiling in tlieir way. Under these circumstances, I was exceedingly per- plexed. The militia under General Van Ilensselaer, wore inferior in number to that of the enemy ; the few I had with me were too far in the roar to sustain them, and not much could be expected from the militia of the country through which the enemy passed, their whole attention being engaged in the presentation of their families, and the levies were necessarily very much dispersed at the different posts, to cover the fi'ontier settlements against the incursions of small parties. Gen' Van Rensfeelaer, however, continued to move on, and being soon after joined by Col° Dubois, with between three and four hundred levies, and 60 of the Oneida Indians, pursued the enen\\ with vigor. He came up with them, and attacked them at Fox's Mills ^ (2(> miles from whei-e the enemy first struck the river), about sunset. After a considerable resistance they gave way and fled, with precipitjition leaving behind them their baggage, provisions, and a brass three pounder, with its ammunition. The night came on too soon for (is to avail ourselves of all the 'Fox's mills were a grist mill ami saw mill, on the cnst side of Garoga i reck, near the Palatine church, and twenty or thirty rods ahovc the present mills of C. Y. Edwards. They 1)elonged to Philip Fox. Some years since in clearing away the rubhish on Ihe site of the mills, some charred wheat, the result of the fire in 1780, was lmm\.— Litkf of J. ]{. Simiiw. NOKTllKRN INVASION. 153 advantages wliich we liad reason to promise ourselves from this action. The enemy took advantage of passing the nver, at a ford ' a little above, where they again collected and renewed their march up the river with great celerity, and it became necessary for our troops, who had marched upwards of thirty miles without halting, to retire from the ground, to refresh themselves. The pursuit was, however, resumed early in the morning after the action, and the enemy so closely pushed, as to prevent their doing any further mischief. The morning after the action, I arrived with the militia under my immediate command, but they were so beat out with fatigue, liaving marched at least 50 miles in less than 24 hours, as to be unable to proceed any further. I therefore left them, and put myself at the head of the advanced troojis, and continued the pursuit till within about 15 miles of Oneida, and if we could possibly have procured provisions, to have enabled us to have pursued one or two days longer, there is little doubt but that we might have succeeded, at least so far, as to have scattered their main body and made many i>risoners. But there was no supplies but such as I was obliged to take from the inhabitants on our route, and these were inade(iuate, and the collection of them attended with delay, nor could the pack horses, with the small quantities, procured in this 'Near the present dam lor a canal feeder below St. Jolinsvillc 20 w ;' n if r i u r if i:t i^ ; ^ f ^i :^ 154 NOKTIIKUN INVASION. disagreeable manner, overtake us in so rapid a march through a perfect wilderness. I was tlierefore obliged, tlio' reluctantly to return, most of the troops having been near two days uttei-ly destitute, and unable to proceed. Sir John, Brandt and Butler, immediately after the action at Fox's Mills, left their troops, and with a party of Indians, on horseback, struck across the country, and went towards Oneida, taking their wounded with them. Wo discovered, where they joined their main body again, near the waters of the Susfiuehanna, six miles on this side, Avherc we quitted the pursuit. Brandt was wounded through the foot. The enemys force under Sir John, from the best account I liave been able to collect, amounted to 750 picked troops from the 20th and 34th British reg", Hessian Yaugers, Sir John's Corps, Butler's Rangers and Brant's Corps of Indians and tories, and the party that appeared at Balls Town of ab' 200 chiefly British and by some accounts it appears they intended to form a junction at Johns Town. In the ditferent skirmishes, a considerable number of the enemy were killed; the exact amount I am not able to ascertain. We have taken ab' 40 prisoners,' recovered most of those they had taken from us at > On the liOth of October, Oovcnior Clinton forwarded thirty-one prisoners under tlie cure of Cuptahi Henderson to lie secured in the provost at FisliltiMi(h^rid)lc ina.£ra7,iiie8 of hreud from the country which haw boon laid wawte, and wliicli, from your Kxcelloncy'rt letter, is so oxlonmvo, that I am upprohenHive we shall 1)0 ohllgod to bring Hour from the southward, to support tlio troops at and near West Point. Yon will bo jileaaed o give your opinion upon the ((Mantity of Hour that may yet, with prol)al)ility, be procured above, in the course of tlio winter, that I may form some calculation of tlio quantity which it Avill be necessary to dra\y from Jersey, I'ennsylvania and Maryland. I am sorry that the troops from your state should look upon it as a hardship to do the gari-ison duty of Fort Schuyler. I had always allotted it to them, as thinking it would be agreeable to both officers and men, to guard their own ii-ontior, especially when they were not continued an unreasonable time upon the tour. The frontier posts of Pennsylvania and Vir- ginia, have been constantly garrisoned by their own regiments, which have not been relieved these two years. The troops of the line, in general, are u point of clothing, upon a footing with the rest of the army, which is very bare, and which has a poor jirospcct of being well supplied. But as Col Weissenfeld's Pesri- ment is going to a distance and where he will not have an oiiportunity of drawing those temporaiy supplies NOUTIIKHN INVASION. KU which tho troops with tlio main army Homotiincs do, he -- iders to have it as well furnished as our .111' - will admit. I havr iippoiiitt'd Briiradlor General Cliiifon to take tlxe command in the northern department,' and liavo ordcied him to repair to Alhany for tliut purpose. I am convinced ho will second every measure which may bo thought expodiont, for tho security of tho frontier. I much obliged to your Excellency for tho attention which you promise to pay to tho provisioning Fort Schuyler. I daily t .poet four or five hundred barrels of salt beef Irom Connecticut. As soon as they arrive upon the Xorth River, part of them shall be sent up to AlNany forthe garrison of Fort Schuyler. I desired CJovernor Trumbull to hurry them on, that they might be up in this month. I am very happy to find that the Legislature vested your Excellency with the power of complying [with] tho requisitions of congress for completing the new army. T find that the Resolve of the S"* of Oct' had only reached you, and that your calculation of tho deficiency of 813 men had been founded upon that. Congress, by a subsequent act of the 21st have made some very material and salutary amendments, the principal of which are — giving halt-pay for life to the oflicers, confining the term of service expressly to the • Sparks's Life and Writings of Wus/tington, vii, 279 21 ^ ,^^ v^,^ >.v^. .0^.\^ IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 4?^ ^^ 1.0 I.I 11.25 £ la 12.0 m V] /] / r^ . %^^' i^^. c Sciences Corporatioii 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, NY. 145S0 (7U) 872-4503 fe ^o 162 NORTIIEBN INVASION. war, and augmentiug the number Oi:' men in each Eeg* to 612 rank and file. I therefore state your exact deficiency at 449 men, upon the following principles. 2 Regiments of Infantiy, Rank and file - 1,224 1 Reg' of Artillery non Com* & Privates 650 Rank and file for the war, by Return transmitted Already in Lamb's Reg' which is the one "» which will be apportioned to the state ) Deficiency, - - 449. 1,874 1,121 304 1,425 This, your Excellency ^vill be pleased to obsei-ve, is the deficiency in figures — but when we come to take into the computation the casualties which will happen between this time and the junction of the recruits, — the number of men sick in hospitals, and upon extra service, many of the first, incurables, and of the last so detached that we shall never find them. The deficiency which there will be in the number of recruits voted, and other unforeseen deductions, it will appear plainly, that if the assessment is laid at 449 only, the regiments will want very considerably of that strength, which is absolutely necessary to make our continental force any ways adequate for the probable services of the next campaign. I would therefore beg leave to recommend to your Excellency, to lay your NOHTHEHN INVASION. 163 assessment at 100 men more than the apparent deficiency, I am convinced it will be found cheaper, and in every respect more eligible to compleat the matter at one stroke, than to have a second tax to lay. Our affairs to the southward put on a more pleasing aspect since the defeat of Col Ferguson. Lord Corn- wallis was retreating precipitately from Charlotte, and giving up a fine district of countiy which he had in possession. But the diversion which General Leslie v/ill occasion by taking post in Virginia, Avill, I fear, operate against the formation of the Southern army, and will embarrass us on the score of supplies. Another embarcation is preparing at New York, which, I have no doubt, is also intended for the south- ward, as, without considerable reinforcements, they must abandon their late conquests in that quarter. I have the honor to be With the greatest esteem, Your Excellency's Most obed' humble serv' G. Washington. His Excell' Gov' Clinton. il'l! t Jlil r 1 1 If 1 , 1 |: ir f " i!l ■ 1G4 NUKTIIIOKN INVASION. Procccdim/s of a Court of Inquir>/ upon the Conduct of General Robert Van liensselaer. At a Court of Enqiiiiy held at the city of Albany, oil the 12th day of March, 1781. To enquire into the conduct of Brigadier General Robert Van Rensselaer, on the Incursions of the enemy into Tryon County, in October last, pursuant to general orders of his Excellency Governor Clinton : Present, Brig' General Swartwout.^ President. jThomas,^ ' Colonels ^ ^' ' Cantine,^ ■ members. The court met, and adjourned till tomorrow after- noon at 5 o'clock. Tuesday March 13"" 1781. The court met pursuant to adjournment. 'Jacobus Swartwoiit, of Fishkill, Dutcliess county. His rank as brigadier general dated from Marcli 3, 1780. General S. -A-as in the assembly 8i.\ years, and in the state senate from 1789 to 1795. "Colonel Thomas Thomas, of Harrison, Westchester county, appointed colonel, May 28, 1778. lie represented his county in assembly thirteen j-eurs, and in the senate foiii' years. 'Colonel John Cantine, of Ulster county, who succeeded Levi Paulding as colonel, February 21, 1778, upon the appointment of the latter as judge. Colonel Cantine was eight years in assembly and seven in the senate. He was elected to the 8th congress, but resigned before its close. lit' \'-\ NOKTUKHN INVASION. 166 Colo : John Karpor,' tlicn appoiued before them and oft'ercd iu evidoijco agaiiiat General Rensselaer, a copy of a letter written by John Lansing Jun'^ Esq. by order of tlio General, to Col» Lewis Duboia,* in these words, viz'. Van Eps,* Caohnawaoo, 19'* Odo. 1780. Sir: We are here, with a force sufficient to cope with the enemy, but if you can possibly cooperate with us, it will in all' probability tend to insure us success. General Kensselaer who commands here, 'John Harper was appointed colonel of a rcgini.mt of Tryon county militia, March 2, 1780, and on the 11th of May following, lieutcnaut colonul commandant of a rcginu- if levies for the defense of the frontiers. He died in Harpersfleld, 'Jelaware county N. Y November ?0, 1811. 'John Lansing, Jr., at an early period of the war was military secretary to General Schuyler. He wad afterwards member of the legislature seven yeavs, mayor of Albany four years, delegate in the old congress, and iu 1778 member of the convention for adopting the Federal constitution. In 1790, he was appointed one of the com- missioners for settling the Vermont controversy, and on the 28th of September of that year, became one of the justices of the supreme court. On the I5th of February, 1708, he became chief justice, and on the 81st of October, 1801, chancellor. In 1804, his political friends offered him their support for governor, but he declined. He was succeeded by Kent as chancellor, in 1814. In 1817, he was chosen a regent, and in 1820 a presidential elector. He disappeared at New York in December, 182J, and is supposed to have been robbed and murdered. 'Colonel Dubois was appointed Jujy i, 1780, as colonel of a regiment of levies to reinforce the army of the United States. He had been previously lieutenant colonel commandant of the 0th Continental battalion, but resigned December 28, 1770, and was succeeded in that office by Marinus Willet. ♦ In the present village of Fultonville, in the town of Glen. KW) NUHTllEUN INVASION. tlicrotbro lulviscs you to iiuirdi down uloiig tho Houtli sitlo of the river, with all the men you have, with as niueli expedition as possible, lie intends to attack the enemy as soon as the day appears. It depends on your exertions to favor this enterprize. I am Sir, yours, By order of Gyn' Rensselaer, J. Lansing, Jun'. Col" Dubois. Colo. John Harper being then sworn, says. That on the 19th of October, he was under the command of General Rensselaer on the Mohawk river: That ho commanded a party of Indians on the south side of the Mohawk River, east of Port Plane,* or Rensselaer: That he was under the immediate com- mand of Colo Dubois : That in the morning of the Iflth Octob' they proceeded down the river until they heard an engagement whicli happened on the north side of the river, between a detachment of troops under the command of Colo John IJrown, and the enemy under Sir John Johnson : That upon hearing the tiring, Colo Dubois ordered the greater part of the New York levies, under his immediate command, and the Indians commanded by the witness, to cross to the north side of the river to support Colo Brown's det^achment, when some men of that detachment, » Fort Pla!u stood on the hill next west of that on wliicli the Female Seminary stands, about half a mile west of the present village of Fort Plain, and on the south side of the Mohawk river. NORTIIKKN INVASION. 167 which had been defeated and dispersed, came to the river and crossed it, and gave the deponent informa- tion of the state of Colo, Brown's jtarty. That upon hearing that Colo. Brown was defeated, the deponent informed Colo. Dubois of the disaster, and that the whole of the detachm' of levies and Indians or part of them, who had crossed to support Colo. Brown, recrossed to the south side. That Colo. Dubois then informed the deponent tliat General Rensselaer was below, and requested him to ride down to the Gen' and .idvise him of the fate of Brown's detachment, which he accordingly did. That he found General Rensselaer halted about a mile below Fort liensselaer. That he entreated the general to march on : That he informed him there was a ford near at hand, about knee deep, where the troops might cross: That he urged the general to attack tlie enemy at all events : That the general informed him he did not know the enemy's numbers, nor the route they intended to take : That he told the general that if the enemy took the same route which they did when they came, they could do U8 no more injury than they had already done, or if he should go thro' Johnstown, they would hurt their friends and not ours. That the general then told him, that he would sro to Colo. Dubois and advise with him, and that he attended the general there: Tliat he is ignorant of what passed between Colo. Dubois and the general. I ft i I . i i * is: ^1 108 NOUTIIKUN INVASION. b»it that tho levies and Iiulians with some of the Tiyon county militia, recrosHcd to tho north side of tlio river, either hy tho generals', or Colo Duljois' orders: — tlio de[)onent suppoged it to have been hy tho Gen'" order. That while tho detachment under Col. Dubois, and the Indians & militia wore crossing, the Hon' and Colo Dubois went to Port Rensselaer and there dined. That they returned to the bank of the river, and there stood at tlio ferry ' for a considerable time after tho levies and Indians had cronscd : That the deponent came to the north bank of the river and hailed tlio Qon', intreating liim for God's sake to cross, but he rec* no reply. That tho deponent believes the levies and Indiana had all crossed about 1 o'clock, and that ho believes it was near three hours thereafter, before the imme- diate command of Genl. Rensselaer, (who had crossed about a mile below), canie up to the ferry, where tho levies and Indians remained paraded. That when the militia came up, the whole of tho troops were divided into three columns, and marched to attack the enemy. Colo Dubois with the levies on the right the Albany militia on the left and that he does not know who commanded tho central column, composed of whites and Indians. That the deponent commanded tho Indiana, in advance of the centre column. • John Wnlrod's ferry, opposite Fort Plain. Il.il NOHTUKKN INVASION. 169 That ut'tor ndvanoiiij? Homo (llHtunco, ho wuh met by uii Induvii who iutbrmcd ]iim that the oiicmy wore near at l-aiul, and that tho cnomy'H force waw about four hunured wlnto men, and l)ut few JudiauH; wliicli tlio deponent in por8on immediately communicated to Gen' ReuBHehier, tlienat the head of tho centre cohimn, and then returned to his command, witliout receiving any further orders from the general. That after advancing about lialf a mile, his party fell in with, and began to skirmish with the enemy's rear giuird, who were then retreating up the river. That part of tho centre column also fell in with that part of tho enemy. That the enemy then changed their front, camo down tlio river and engaged our left, and com- menced a regular and lieavy platoon tiring on them : But that our left, not being pressed, tired irregularly, and were beat back, but advanced again and con- tinued firing irregulariy. That at this juncture, the enemy attempted to gain and secure the ford. That thereupon part of the centre column, filed off to tho right and joined Colo. Dubois' detaclun' who attempted to gain the enemy's left fiank, and the remainder con- titnied, with five of the Indians, advancing In the centre. That soon after a heavy fire commenced, and was continued on the right, which the deponent has since been informed, haj^pencd between Colo Whiting ' and the enemy. That when the firing on the riglit 'William W. Wlilting, conimisHionod colonel June 16, 1778. 22 170 NOHTIIKRN INVASION, commenced, it was quite (IiihIc, and the detachment under Colo Dubois had gained the enemy's left, and they were fording the river. That he was then informed by Colo Dubois, that the general had ordered a retreat, and was requested by the Colonel to communicate it tc Miyor Benschoten.* That he did not receive orders to retire, till the enemy had crossed to the south side of the river. That when he went in search of Major Benschoten, he found some of the troops composed of Tryon militia and levies, plundering. That he forbid it, and ordered the Indians to remain in close quarters, least some accident might happen to them. Question by the Gcri. TTow was you informed that the enemy had crossed ? Ansxcer. When I was in quest of Major Benscho- ten, I was informed by many people, who were on the ground, that the enemy had crossed. Quest. Did you see me after that ? vlns*". No, sir. Quest. Did you send mc any information that the enemy had crossed the river ? Ari^. I did not. Quest. Did our troops engage the enemy as they were first formed and advanced ? A'iis''. No. ' Elias Van Buntschotcn was appointed major in Colonel Dubois's regiment raised for the defence of the frontiers, July 1, 1780. NOHTilKHN INVASION. 171 Quest. Do you not i-ccollcct that you camo to mo l)otoi-o tlio HkiniiiHhiiif,' l)i'fraii, and mjui'MttMl that the IiidiaiiH might go in tho rear of the centre column 'i Alls". T do not. Quest. Did you observe the militia on the left to bo in great eonfuHion, when the firing commenced 'i Aiifi'. I did. Mr. Wm Harper,' being sworn, says, That ho was at Schenectady on the evening of the IT"" October, when Gen' Rensselaer arrived there with the militia, and tliey discovered the lights of fires at the lower end of Schoharie, where tliey had received information that the enemy were burning. That he was informed the militia under the general were to marcli the next morning. That the militia remained in Schenectady till it was late in tho morning. That the deponent being impatient, went on to the Williger, about four- teen miles above Schenectady, where he received information that the enemy were burning at the Cadorotty' about a mile above Poi-t Hunter. That the express who camo from Fort Hunter, to Gen' ' " Wllliivni Harper was an active member of the provincial con- gress, and after tlie war, was six years a member of the state legisla- ture. When Otsego county was formed, he was appointed one of tho assistant judges. He lived to a great agi-, and died a few years since at Milfoi'd, in Otsego county, retaining to the last that strong desire for information which had characterized his public life." — ^»n«i» of T)-yon County, ed. of 1831, p. 155. 'A mile or two up Schohario creek on the east side. Sometimes spelled GmhnighriUi. 1 172 NOimiKUV INVASION. ! :'M KtMiMHcliuT wiiH forwiiicU'd Ity tlif |)»>|)', tliat tlicOoii' und troojm hkoh cuiiic on. Tliuf it whh near HiiiiHet when tlicy roo"* Intormatioii of tlic eiu'Tiiy'H Ix'in^ at NVarroiiHhiiHli.' That tlie troopH vvcro ordorcd to liult at Klli(.tt'8 at tlu! Old KaniiH. That tho (Jen' iipplicd to tho dciionont, to proi-iiro a roconiioitorliijf i>arty to diHcover tho nuiiihi'r, Hitu- ation and niovcuicntH of tho enoiny. That ho i)ro(!iired them and waited on the (Jen'. That the Gen' told hiiu lie would conHult with Iuh tidd otHooi-s, and that thereupon he Hont ii Her^eant, Win Wood, Avith sevetJ or eight men to reconnoitre tho enemy. That the depon' accompanied tho^ pnrty to Fort ITnntcr, and from thence, he with cne man went to Antliony's Noho, wliere tho enemy had their camp. That they returned with all possible dispatch to tho General, whom they found advanced with the troops as far as Qardinier's Flatts," about four and a half miles above Fort TTunter, and twenty-six above Schenectady, about twelve o'clock at niglit or after. That ho informed the general of the enemy's situation, and that the Gen' coniinued advancing with the troops to Van Eps, about half or three fourths of a mile. ' Wnrrcnabush was tho name applied to a tract of some fifteen thousftiid acres of land mostly in tlie present town of Florida, ]V[ont- goniery county, owned by Sir Peter Warren, an uncle of Sir Willianj Johnson. • \ short distance below Pnltonville. NOHTIiKHN INVASION. 173 Tliftt tho doii' then onU-ml U'ttvvA to ho writton to tlio otHcci-M (•((imrimidiii^ iit Fort. I'huio or Kt'iiH- Hcliior, u\u\ Stoiio Ariibiu and tli«'y were j^ivcn in (•lmi> ^i t !• NOUTIIKim INVASION-. is;{ onoiny'8 roar. Tlint, tlu-roup.)!., he Diml I, is hhmi about, and nmivlu- h>|'t oC tjio oontro oohimn, whoro ho found tho nnlilia iiad ^nvi-n way. Tliat it waH ho (hirk tiiat ho oould not disoovor CJon' lionssolaor at tho distanoo of iivo paces, nor know him hut IVom hi.s voico, and that whon ho camo np to tho (Jon' ho found his otforlH in vain. That lio infonnod tho (Jon' that tho rlglit of tlio oontro lino wore lirin^r on tlio lovioH, who woro advanood a^ainwt tho ononiy. That it wan thon propoHod hy oithor tho Gen' or tlio doponont, that tho iirin;? nhonld ho onh>rod (o coaHo, least our mon should kill oaoh othor, Tliat tho Oon' ro(picstod him to rido to tho roar of tho troops and stop thoir rc^troating, and inforni thorn tliat tho ononiy had rotirod ovor tho rivor. That lio wont somo diHtanco, and on Imh roturn informod tho Gen' that ho could not o\:crtako tho fronts. 'I'hat tho Gon' iiupiirod from him, whothor he know of a good ]>iooo of f-Toinid h» (Micamp on that night. 'JMiaf ho thereupon rooonimondod a hill noar Klock's house, and an ordor was sont to Major i{ons<']ioton (.1" tho levies to roturn to tho ground noar Klook's house. Hi 184 NORTHERN INVASION. ) , That on riding with tho Gen' he mentioned his apprehensions, that his men woidd want provisions for the march the next day. That tlio deponent then recommended to tlie Gen' a spot of ground near Fox's where the troops woukl bo secure from surprise and provisions might bo brought to them from tho baggage waggons which wore at Fort Rensselaer. That part of the levies were left at Klock's house, to take charge of the wounded, and of the stores taken from the enemy, and the remainder of the troops retired to Fox's. That the Gen' immediately ordered parties to Fort Rensselaer for provisions for the militia, and ordered the deponent to hold ' himself and the levies in readiness to march before daylight the next morning in pursuit of the enemy. That in consequence thereof, he marched with the troops about 3 o'clock in the morning. Question hy the court. Did the Gen', in your opinion, do every thing in his power, to annoy and repel the enemy, and save the country from desolation ? Ans'^, Yes sir, while I was with him, I saw nothing wanting in him. Quest. b>i court. Did the Gen' at any time discover the least want of personal bravery and firmness in the course of the action, and transactions of the 19th October last? An^. He did not, but the contraiy. Quest, by court. Did you know that the place where I! I NOUTIIKUN INVASION. 185 tho enemy crossed the river wus a common tbrding place ? Ans'-. I did not, nor was it. Tho bank at tho place where they crosHed was breast high from the water, and the water was deep. Qucsf. "Was it very dark on the evening of tho action 'i Ans'-. 1 do not think it was fifteen minutes after the firing commenced, before it was so dark as to render it impossible to distinguish one person from another at a dist' e of ton paces. Tho court adjourned till to-morrow at 7 o'clock. The court mot pursuant to adjournment. Mr. Sampson Dyckman being sworn, says. That he joined General Rensselaer about five miles above Sehenectfldy, at three or four o'clock on the afternoon of the day the Gon' marched from Schenectady. That when lie came up with the Gen' tho troops were marching with expedition, and continued so till evening, being then about fourteen or sixteen miles from Schenectady, where they halted till moan rise. That just as the moon rose, the Gen' came to tho encampment and ordered the troops to prepare and march immediately, and that in five minutes they moved. That tho Gen' informed him the enemy were some distance ahead and that he expected his troo[)s would 30on tall in with them. That the road over Chucktinunda llill was very bad, miry and deep, which impeded the march. That thoy arrived at Fort Hunter 24 18fi NORTHERN INVASION. at about 12 o'clock and croHHod instantly in n hcow, on waggons and on hoi-Hoback, and [(njcecdod in thoir march without delay, Tiiat when tho roads wero good, tho troops marched very fast, but whoro tho roa with them. Many of tho men wero much fatigued l>y ten o'clock next morning so as to render it necessary for them to go on horecback and in the waggons. Tho court adjourned till 6 o'clock p. m. The court met pursuant to adjournment. Major Lewis R. Morris, being sworn, says, That he overtook Gen' Rensselaer at Mr II. Glen's at Schenectady, on the 18th October last, at about 12 o'clock and joined liim as a volunteer aid-dc-camp. That ho was there ordered by the Gen' to assist Mr Le Roy, his Major of lirigado in getting the trooi ii out of town. That the troops marched out of town about one ui\d a half miles on the low lands where they were formt.' NOUTHKHiV INVASION. 187 and oidtTiul to II irch into scctionM to tJio Woostyne ut Mr Vhu Eps, about iiino inilcH from Hchenectatly, wlion* tlioy haltoci to rofroah theniHclvcH for a vory short tiinc, and then inarclied to Sir Williams old place.' That it waH thou dark, and the troops haltod till moon-rise al)out ton or olovcn o'clock. The deponent was then informed that the Gen' rnd field otficors on consultation, tho't it imprudent and dangerous to march over the cniicktinutida Hill in the night till moon rise, and the troo[)s wore accordingly haltod on the side of the load. That the deponent thereafter attended the advanced corp under Lt. Col. Pratt' and Major McKinstor. That about moon rise, the Gen' ordered the tioops in motion, and marched to Fort Hunter, and that the troops immediately crossed the river, or Schoharie creek in scows, and wliile the Gen' was examining two deserters from the enemy. That the troops were lialted on the west side of Sclioharie creek till the artillery came up, wliich liad gone a different route and joined them in a short time. That the troops then marched on without delay to Van Eps, wliero they arrived about four o'clock and halted not more than an hour. That during that halt, letters were written by order of the Gou' to Col" Dubois and Col" Brown, informing them of his approach with ' Three miles west of the present village of Ainstcrdaiii. "David Pratt, anpoiiitcd lieutenant colonel, Nov. 4tli, 1778. 188 NOKTIIEUN INVASION. 11 body of troops, and that these letters were given in charge to a Mr. AVallace. That soon after the letters were dispatched, the troopp -vero pnt in motion ; that the day then began to dawn. That the roads were very bad and the troops comjilained of being very much fatigued. That the whole body i;:archod about four or five miles and halted at the ruins of a house, for a few minutes for the purpose of examining a prisoner takeii that night. That the deponent then again Joined the advance corps and procee ' d on to a bridge, where he and Lt. Col. Pratt discovered a pai-ty of the enemy on the opposite side of the river. That the advance corps halted till the deponent rode down about a quarter of a mile to the Gen', (who was advancing with the troops), to inform him of the discovery of the enemy. Tliat as that party of the enemy was out of the reach of musket shot, the Gen' orderod up a piece of artillery, whereupon the enemy d'spersed. That the whole of the troops moved on to the south side of the river opposite Major Fry's' where (as the deponent had understood) the Gen' intended to cross the troops, but that on his arrival there, he found it impossible. That it was then between eight and ten o'clock. That a firing was then heard, which, from its direction, was supposed to be at Oswegatchie,^ and ' Now opposite Canajoharui villiige ■^A settlement a short distance nortlieast from Stone Arabia, in Palatine. NOHTIIKRN INVASION. 189 which ttrtoi'wanlH proved to h'.vvo boon Colo Brown's rencounter with the enemy. That the advanced corps not being incumbered with any waggons or artilK'ry moved on exi)ery, and that to the best of his knowli'dge, the baggagt! waggons were in the rear of the wJiole. That tlio main body moved on to a house about a mile below Fort J{ensselacr. That it was then between 10 and 1 o'clock. That tlie troops halted there, and the Gen' then rec"" information of Col" Brown's defeat. That Col" Dubois and Col" Harper there waited on the Gen'. That the troops were ordered to refresli themselves, and the Gen' gave orders for their crossing the ford as soon as they had relVeshod themselves. That after ilelivering the orders fo'- that purpose, the Gen' went with Colo Dubois to Fc.t RensHclaer. That the Deponent rec"* orders from the Gen' to go and assist Mr. Le Hoy in getting tlie tr()oi)s over the ford. That ho accordingly exerted himself in assisting Mr Le Koy to get the troops over the river. That the troops refused to ford the river, and waggons were dro\o into it, to facilitate their jiassago. That it was about an hour after the troops camo to the ford before they began to cross, and that it was between two and three hours from their first arrival before they were all over. 190 NORTHERN INVASION. ;( ' That they crossed this ford in diftereut ways. In some instances the waggons were drove into the river, behind each other, and the troops passed from one to the other by wading on t^e tongues. That Capt° Driskill came down to the ford, with orders from the Gen' to hasten the en ^sing of the troops, and that Ml*. Lansing also came and exerted himself in getting them over the river. That after they had all crossed, they were marched with dispatch to the Ferry where they joined the levies and Indians. That the General did there take the command of tlie whole. That fter he had joined, the whole were divided into three columns ; the right composed of levies, and the left and centre of militia. That the Oneida Indians marched between the left and centre but sometimes changed their situation. That the troops marched in this order in pursuit of the enemy for some miles. That the centre and left columns were then subdivided, and continued their march. That Colo Hai-pcr came to the Gen' and advised him that an Oneida Indian had discovered the enemy near at hand on the low grounds. That soon there- after, the deponent discovered them drawn up in order. That the Gen' then ordered Mr. Lansing to the right, and the deponent to the left. That the firing on the enemy from the advance party of the centre then commenced about (200) two NORTHERN INVASION. 191 hundred yards distance. That about the same time, Colo Cuyler's Regiment of the left column began to fire on the enemy at about four hundred yards distance. That the Gen' desired the Deponent to go to the left and order them to cease firing, and advance towards the enemy. That he thereupon went to the left and communicated the Gen" orders, but thnt it was a considerable time before he could effect it. That that regiment advanced a little, and inclined towards the river when the deponent left it. That Colo Rensselaer's Reg' was advanced towards the enemy in an orchard in front of Klock's house. That after delivering the orders to Colo Cuyler's Reg*, he returned to the General, whom he found in the centre, with Col" Rensselaer's & Whiting's reg" which were then in the greatest disorder and confusion, and that the Gen' did exert himself to get them in order again. Question by the Court. At what time did the firing commence ? Ans\ At about sunset, and continued for about thirty minutes. Quest, by the Court. Did the general discover any want of personal bravery and firmness, in the action of that day ? Alls'". He did not. Quest, by the Court. Was Colo Cuyler's Reg't also in disorder and confusion ? Alls'". They were. 192 NORTHERN INVASION, Quest, by the Court. "VVTiat was the extreme distance between the front and rear of that regiment ? Ans'^. About two liuudrcd and fifty or three hundred yards. Quest, by Geii Rensselaer. Did not the rear of the left fire at the same time when the front did ? Ans^. They did. Quest, by Gcn^ Rensselaer. Did you hear the reason assigned for ordering a retreat ? Ans^. I did. I think the reason was, that the troops were in such confusion that it would be easy for a small party of the enemy to cut them to pieces. Quest, by the Court. Did the Gen' tliro' the whole of his march from Schdnectady upwards, discover a solicitude to come up with the enemy ? Ans^. He even appeared anxious to come up with them. Quest, by the Court. Wliat v/as Gen' Rensselaer's conduct the day after the action ? Alls'. Colo Dubois with the levies marched in pursuit of the enemy the next morning, and the Gen' then ordered some light troops from the regiments of militia who were best able to march, ro go as volunteers to overtake Col" Dubois. That the dep* went accordingly with about thirty volunteers. That on his way, the General with a party of horse, passed him at the Castle' and that the deponent with his party "In the present town of Danube, opposite the mouth of East Canada creek. NORTHERN INVASION. 193 marched on and scarae came up with the Gen' and Col" Dubois at Fort Herkimer. That as soon as the main body of militia came • the whole force marched in pursuit of the enemy about three or four miles above Fort Herkimer at Shoemakers', where they halted for soma time. That a diftercnce of opinion then arose on the route the enemy had taken, and on a consultation of the field officers, the whole of the troops returned to Fort Herkimer, where the Gov' took the command. Quest, by Gai^ Rmsselaer. Do you not recollect that I sent out three or four Indians to discover the enemy's track ? Ans''. I do. Edward S. Willet, being sworn, says : That on the day of the action of the 19th October last, he was attached to the artillery. That he was at Fort Eensselaer and afterwards with Gen' Rensselaer and Colo Dubois, on the bank of the river at the ferry. That he there received orders from the Gen' to go down to the place where the militia were crossin"- and desire the officers to hurry on the troops as quick as possible, which he did. Quest, by Gcri Rensselaer. Do you not remember that the artillery and ammunition waggons frequently halted on account of the badness of the roads ? Alls'". I do, anu particularly at and above Anthony's Nose, where the ammunition waggon Avas delayed the horses being very much fatigued. u Ifi' I III 194 NORTHERN INVASION. Lieut. Garret "W. Van Schaick,' being sworn says : That he was in the field of action on the 19tli Oct. last: That when Col" Ciiyler's Regiment, and the other trooj)8 were advancing towards the enemy then yet out of the reach of musket shot, Col° Cuyler's reg' began to fire upon the enemy, and rushed on a few paces, which broke the line or order they were in. That soon after, they were in great disorder and confusion and the deponent saw Gen' Rensselaer with them, endeavoring to form them. That the Gen' exerted himself gi-eatly on this occasion, but his efforts were fruitless. That the troops were worn down with fatigue occasioned by the long and rapid march and the want of rest the preceding night. The court adjourned till Tuesday morning. 7 o'clock, March 15'% 1780. The courtmetpursuant to adjournment and adjounied till the 16'" at 6 o'clock p. m. March 16"' the court met. Col° Samuel Clyde,^ being sworn says. That on the day of the action of the 19tli October last, he commanded a party of Tryon county militia. That he was at "Wolrod's feiTy near Fort Rensselaer at the time when Gen' Rensselaer with the militia arrived at Adam Countryman's, about a mile below it. That he ' First lieutenant of Captain Roseboom's company, Mar cb 3,1780. 2 Commander of the Canajoharie district regiment; appointed Jan. 25, 1778. NOHTIIEUN INVASION. 195 crossed tlio ferry to tlio north side with the levies and militia, about one o'clock v. m. by Col° Dubois' orders. That he had orders to halt there till Gen' Rensselaer should join him. That al}out three or four hours thereafter, the Gen' with his militia joined the levies and militia at the ferry, when without the least delay, the whole force marched with the grccatest expedition till they came up with the enemy. That the militia commanded by the deponent were attached to the levies under Colo. Dubois on the right. That the deponent was not informed of the disposition of the other troops, and had no opportunity to observe it, as he marched immediately into the woods on the hill. That the troops marched about four miles, till they had got above Col". Klock's. That he then heard a firing near Klock's house ; but that the right continued their march with design to out flank the enemy. That upon finding that tlie right had got above the enemy, two or three platoons of levies and militia were detached (by Maj. Benschoton) from the rear, to attack a body of the enemy who were posted about one hundred rods above Klock's. That that detach- ment fired six or seven platoons when the enemy fled, and the troops returned to their post. That the right was then ordered to halt, until Col". Dubois waited on the Gen' for orders. That it was then so dark as to render it difficult to enter into action with safety ; as it was hardly possible 196 NORTHERN INVASION. to distinguish our troops and the cuemy from one another. That he then observed a cross fire upon the right, from the low lands, which he supposed to have come from the enemy, but that he was the same evening informed by Col°. Dubois, that it proceeded from our own troops. That the right remained in that situation for about half an hour. That the enemy could just bo discerned and part of them were then heard crossing the river. That the daylight was then in, and the troops received orders to march, and they proceeded towards Klock's house, where they halted a short space of time. That on hearing the groanings of a man that lay wounded in the field of action, he detached six men to bring him in. That these men with some others, brought in the artillery waggons and artillery which had been deserted by the enemy. That a report of this matter was sent to Gen'. Rensselaer, two or three hours after dark. That it was agreed between this deponent and Maj. Benschotcn to halt the troops and remain on the ground where they were, and that soon after. Col". Dubois came to them with orders that they should remain on the ground near Klock's. That he did not hear of any coimcil of war being held, and a retreat resolved on. That Col" Dubois informed the deponent and Maj. Benschoten, that the Gen' would be with them in the morning, and that they were to march in pursuit of the enemy. NORTHERN INVASION. 197 ne he ,ve ne cd ut ed ed to rs, ch of ee aj. lid ae lie ^S )is he at That the levies under Col". Dubois, aud the miUtia comniauded by tlie deponent, marched accordingly about an hour after sunrise, and before the Gen' came up with thorn. That he heard the Gen' lodged at Fox's about three or four miles below Klock's, That Coh Dubois and the deponent, and their troops marched to Fort Herkimer and arrived there about two o'clock, being about eighteen or twenty miles. That about an hour after, they were joined by the general with a party of horse, and that some time thereafter, Major Morris, with a party of militia came up; and that about two hours after the General's arrival they were joined by a body of militia. That then (about four o'clock), all the troops marched from Fort Herkimer (about six miles), to Shoemaker's. Gml'' Question. Do you know the reason of our marching to Shoemaker's ? Ans''. The enemy had marched into the woods, and it was supposed they only meant to avoid the little forts which were along the public road, and would come into the road again at Shoemaker's. GcnF' Quest. Did you not hear that we were at a loss to know which way the enemy had gone, and do you not recollect that three Indians were sent out by me to discover their track ? A. I did hear that it was doubtful which route the enemy had taken and that the Indians were sent out. Quest. Did we remain there that night, or did wo 198 NOKTIIEUN INVASION. h'' 1 return, — and when — and do you know tlie reason of our return ? Ans. Wo remained tliere till near dark, and then returned to Fort Ilerkinior. I do not know the reaHon why, I heard the sroutrt had heen oi, ind returned, and that they could not discover that the enemy had gone that way. Quest. Did not the governor join us at Fort Her- kimer ? Aris. He did, some time in that night. Quest. Had you on the 19th Oct' from your situa- tion, any opportunity of seeing the confusion that prevailed on our left and centre ? Ans. I had not. Quest. Do you think it would have heen prudent in me, to have engaged the enemy with the party of levies and militia who wei'e on the north side of the river, at "Wolrod's ferry, hefore the militia who were below came up ? Ans. I do not think it would. Quest by the Court. Did you on the 19th or 20th Octobor, or at any time before, discover any want of personal bravery and firmness in Gen' Rensselaer? Ans. I never did, before, nor did I at any time on those days. John Lansing Jun', Esqr. being sworn, says as follows : On the 17th of October last, in the after- noon, I accompanied Gen' Rensselaer in quality of Aid-major from Albany to Schenectady. The city of NOUTIIKUN INVASION. I'M) Albany militlii, ntid some other regiments having previously proceeded on their niftrch to that place. Wo overtook and paHscd a number of the militia before wo arrived at that place, and Col". Van Alstyno's reg' which had been directed to march by the way of Nestagiuna, not having arrived at Schenectady in the evening, the general sent an express to him, with ordcrn to hasten his march, so as to be at Schenectady at daybreak next morning. In the mean time, the general having been informed that the enemy were still burning in the lower par*? of Schoharie, convened some of the principal inhabit- ants of Schenectady, and advised with them on the practicability of procuring a number of horses and waggons by the next morning, to convey such militia as could bo collected, towards the enemy, with the greatest expedition. The attempt was made in the course of the night, but a number very inadequate to the service could only be procured. The issuing commissaiy was the same evening sent for to inform the general of the state of provisions at Schenectady, It appeared from his information, as I was advised by Gen' Rensselaer an hour or two after ho was sent for, that there was not a sufficiency of provisions of the meat kind to victual the troops for a day, and a very small quantity of bread. Some cattle arriving destined for the garrison of Fort Schuyler, the general ordered some of them to be killed for the use of the militia. Those 200 NOHTIIEKN lNVASIO^f. were to have been ready at daybreak, ])»it the brond wlilch was ordered to l)o l»aked, and the cattle directed to bo killed, did not got ready till abont nine o'clock in tbo morning, before which orderH wore iwHued to march an soon as the provinionH shonid be received, VV^hile we were at Hclienectady on the morning of tlie I8th, General Kcnsselaer wrote a letter, or directed mo to write to Colonel Staats or Veeder (I cannot charge my memory to wliich), directing him, as nearly as I can recollect, to call upon Major VVoolsey, and to take all the force he could collect from the different posta at Schohary, without exposing the forts too much, pursue the enemy, and hang on their rear, avoiding however an eligagcment, and advising the (jleneral from time to time, of the route, numbers, and such other particulars respecting the eneiiiy as he could collect. I believe it was between niiie and ten o'clock before the militia got in march. They marched on the IHth, as far as Sir William Johnson's old place on the Mohawk River, which I think I was informed was sixteen miles above Schenectady. AVe arrived there atler it was dark, and took post on a hill. A council was called by the General as soon as the troops could be properly disposed of, consisting of a number of field officers and the General suggested to them the necessity of taking measures to procure intelligence of the enemy's route. It was agreed to send out a party to make discoveries, and which was NORTIIKKN INVASION. 201 nccordiiiKly doiii". Tlio TiiKlitoninulu ' Ifill homf^ covered with woods, mid it })i.i!ig very dnrk, tljo council agreed in Hontiiiicnt, that it woidd ho most udvisiil)Io to retimiii on tlie ground on wliicli wo then wore, till the moon shoidd hogiu to appear. Wo accordingly rtMnnlnod I think till some tinio hoforo tho moon rose, wlu>n tlio march was resumed. Wo arrived at Fort iruntcr ([ think) ahout twelve. Tho militia were directed to cross the Schoharie creek, which was soon etfected in a scow and tho waggons. I went into the fort with tho (Jencral, who exa»nined a prisoner that had heon taken and hrought in, and upon coming out wo crossed tho creek and found most of tho militia on the west side. Wo then nuirchod on, and I do not recollect that we made any halt after leaving tho creek, till wo got to Van Kp's where we halted, I think ahout an hour. TTero tho General directed me to write to CoIoucIh Duhoin and Brown, advising them of his situation and his intentions to pursue the enemy closely, and to attack them by break of day. In consequence of these orders, I wrote a letter to Col" Dubois, of wliich I bcliovo the paper Col" Harper produced to the court is a copy. Another was dinpatched to Colonel Brown. The General received the account at Van Eps, by one Wallace, that the enemy were cncami)ed at Anthony's Nose, on both sides of tho river, we continued our march to a field ' Chuctanimda. 202 NOUTIIKHN INVASION. at sonic distance IVom the east side of the Noso. It was then some time advanced in the day. Hero wo halted. The nmmnuition was inspected, and an additional quantity distributed among the troops. Colonel Louis was sent out to reconni>itre Anthony's Nose, M-hieh is a very dangerous defile. Upon his return, and reporting that he had made no discot'eries. and after the issues of ammunitions were completed, which might possibly have taken an hour, the miUtia were ordered on. After proceeding to the west side of the Nose, we discovei-ed a party of about forty of the enemy on the north side of the Mohawk River who were bending their course towards the river. Our advance was then about one quarter of a mile in front of the main body. Capt" Driskill of the artillery was with a field piece with the advance guard. I was directed by the Ocn' to go to the advance guard and order the otHcer commanding it, to nuvke proper dispositions to intercept the enemy, should they cross a ford, which it was said was in onr front, as the general supposed they mistook our troops for those of the enemy. 1 rodo to the advance, and delivered my orders. They halted for some time, and Cap' Di-iskill upon my returning desired me to beg the general to give the enemy's party a shot or two. "VVheu I returned, I communicated Driskill's retpiest. (ten' iiensselaer observed to me, our business was not so much to frighten the enemy as to fight them, and that a compliance with Driskill's request would only tend NOIITIIEUN INVASION-. 203 to discover to tlio enemy that we were in force. Wo continued marcliinii^ on, witliont niiiking any general halt, tluit I re(!ollecl:, till we arrived at the ford, abont a mile to the eastward of Fort Kensselacr. The militia Htop[)ed here to refresh themselves not having had time to cook tlieir provisions since their leaving vSchenectady, the enemy being then burning from the direction of their fires at Stone vXrabia, Soon after the halt, Gen' Ilensselaer went to Fort Rensselaer, to which place I followed liim and dined. Immediately after diinier, Gen' Jiensselaev directed me to go down to the militia and order them across the river as soon as possible. VVHieu I came down to the place where they had halted, I found that some had already crossed the river on waggons and others were following their example. But they went across very tardily, comjilainiiig of being too much harrassed by a forced march and many appeared much dispii-it(;d on account of IJrown's defeat which was genci'ally known among them. Imagining that the crossing would be expedited by forming a bridge across the river with our waggons, I suggested it to some of the field officers who agreed with me in sentiment, but the orders given for the execution of this service, were executed with such reluctance, that at least two hours elapsed before the militia had crossed, tho' many of the officers exerted themselves to facilitate their (!onveyiuice across the river. 204 NORTHERN INVASION. While the militia were crossing, 1 received two messages from tlie General, to push them on with all expedition, which was communicated to the field officers on the ground. In the mean time, an attempt was made to induce them to ford the river, but proved unavailing. As soon as they were crossed, they Avere marched to the place where the levies had crossed the river, and were formed and counted off in sections. The enemy were then about two miles in advance, burning the buildings as they proceeded. After we had marched on some distance, the general directed me to write a letter to his Excellency the Governor, advising him that he was near the enemy, and intended to attack as soon as he could overtake them. While I was A\Titing, the disposition of the troops was made for an attack. Upon my overtaking the General, who was at the head of what I was told was the centre column, I rode with him some minutes, when he observed to me, that the militia on the left, were marching on without observing any order, and directed me to go to them, and order them to march more compactly. I went dowTi and gave the orders to Colonel Cuyler and some other officers. Upon my return to the General, I observed a number of men in advance of the centre, as I afterwards found, and upon my taldng the shortest route towards them, I found they were Indians. I enquired of one of them whether he had seen the NORTHERN INVASION. 205 General. He liiippeued not to uncloi'staiul me, and wliile I was endeavoring to make him understand me the Indians hegan to fire, and received a warm one in return. The first fire, my horse fell with me. By this time, the troops in the low ground had commenced a firing at long shot from the enemy, broke, and some ran. I again made au attempt to mount my horse, but finding that he would not stand fire, I ran down towards the left, one of the militia attending me and leading my horse, till I came to Van Alstyne's regiment which was broke. I assisted in rallying it, which was partly eftected. I then went to Colonel Cuyler's and endeavored to assist the ofiicers in rallying that regiment, wliich was also partly rallied: but part of another regiment (Van Alstyne's I think) firing at Cuyler's they again broke, and could not be rallied. A similar confusion seemed to prevail in every part of the troops on the left. I did not see General Rensselaer after the firing commenced, till it had somewhat subsided, and from the direction of the fire, it appeared that the enemy's had entirely ceased, when he exerted to rally Cuyler's and other regiments on the left. He observed to me, that the confusion and darkness was such, that it would be imprudent to engage the enemy in the night, and directed me to assist in marching off the troops. When the firing commenced on our part, the rear of two regiments in the low grounds, were strung 206 NOHTJIKRN INVASION. iiloiim ii hundred and fifty or two liniidrcd yards boJiiiid the front, and kept up a warm fire, as well as the front, but the direction of the fire seenu.l to bo up in tlie air. At the time the engagement began it was dark, and in a few minutes it was quite dark, which I believe was occasioned by the smoke of the buildings which were burnt by the enemy. Immediately after the firing on the part of the enemy ceased, I lieard several exclamations at different times, by the militia on the low grounds, that they were in danger to be cut to pieces and surrounded by the enemy and many of them expressed a great disposition to run off. ' In the evening of the action, I suggested to the general, that the troops were without provisions and I recollect he informed me, that he had ordered the provisions to be over early in the morning, but it did not arrive till after sunrise. In the same evening, the General informed me, that lie had given orders to Col°. Dubois, for the marching of the levies in pursuit of the enemy the next morning, by break of day, or before day, (I do not recollect which), and those troops mai'ched accordingly. As soon as the militia had got their provisions and cooked and eat it, they nuirched also, I think about an hour after sunrise (but this I cannot ascertain with precision). NOUTIIEUN INVASION. 207 On the inaroli, tlio general deslicd tlint a small (ietaoliment of men of the different regiments who were best able to go on, should turn out as volunteers, to overtake, and who wcnit on to join Col°. Dubois. If I recollect right, this detaclimcnt was made in consequence of intelligence received, that Col°. Dubois was very near the enemy. The General went on, escorted by a small number of horsemen, to join CoK Dubois. I followed him, and we arrived at Fort Herkimer about two o'clock. About two hours after, the militia joined us and halted a small space of time. Here the General received intelligence, that the enemy had struck off from the i)ublic road to avoid the fort, and had taken the route to Shoemaker's. The General then marched the troops on to near Shoemaker's. It was there become doubtful what route the enemy had taken, and parties of Indians and white men were sent out to discover their track who returned and finally reported that from the observations they could make, the enemy had not gone that way. When the general found that he had mistaken the enemy's route, he ordered the troops to return to fort Herkimer, with intentions (as was said), to fall in with their track, to the southward of Fort Herkimer. It was just dark, when the troops marched from Shoemaker's towards Fort Herkimer. The next morning the governor took the commaiid. Question hji ih( Court. Froni the whole tenor of 208 NORTHERN INVASION. Geu' Rensselaer's conduct in his ninrcli up the Mohawk River, had you reason to suppose that ho was anxious to come up with the enemy ? Ans''. lie appeared to be very much so, in every part of his conduct. Quest, hi/ Cota-t. Did you, ir. • ^tre the action of the 19"' October, discover anj it of firmness, or personal bravery in the general ? Ans"". From wliat I observed of his conduct, before the action, he appeared to possess himself fully, and in the course of that action, or after it he did not betray the least want of resolution or firmness, as far as fell under my observation. The court then adjoi^rned till Saturday morning, March IT*, at 7 o'clock. The coiirt met pursuant to adjournment. Upon duly consideri'-'2j the proofs and allegations respecting B. Gen' Rensselaer's conduct on the incursions of the enemy into Tryon county, in October last : The Court do unanimously report their opinion : That the whole of General Rensselaer's conduct both before and after, as well as in, the action of the 19th of October last, was not only unexceptionable, but such as became a good, active, faithful, prudent and spirited officer, and that the public clamors raised to his prejudice on that account, are without the least foundation. Jacobus Swartwout, Presd' Tlis Excellency, Governor Clinton. NOUTIIKUN INVASION. 20!) Memorial of the Supcrmors of 7)y/on County. At a meeting of the supervisors of Tryon county on the 20tli (lay of December, 1780: The supervisors being convened according to the directions of the several acts for raising men during the war; for raising by tax a sum equal to 150,000 dollars in specie, and for drawing forth the supplies allotted to this state passed in the last setting of the legislature: — and liaving taken the same into con- sideration, arc obliged to obsei-ve, that in the former situation of the county, the quotas allotted to us might have been raised, but that in the present situation, we are persuaded, that as to the two former acts, it is out of the power of the county to comply with them, without distressing us in the highest degree. The latter cannot be complied with, without starving great numbers of people who have been burned out and abandoned their plantations. The poverty and inability of our people are such, that we think tliat in the present impoverished state of the country, it is unjust and unreasonable to be called upon for such large proportions of men, money and supplies, willing and ready as we always have been in our exertions for the public good, we cannot be understood to censure the legislature for passing the laws, for at the time thereof, we Miink we might have raised our quotas, but we mean to show that at present we have not that ability. 27 210 noRtiikun invasion. In order to set the stiito of tlio country in n proper point of view, we have with great trouhlc and hibor, got uttcHtcd rcturnH made of the number of buildings burned, of families moved from their phmtations, of persona ran away to the enemy, of tlie number killed and taken prisoners, and as near as could be, the farms which lie uncultivated by reason of our defenceless situation: — By which it appears, that 700 buildings have been burnt, 354 families have abandoned their plantations and moved from the county, G13 persons have deserted to the enemy, l!t7 persons have been killed, 121 persons are prisoners with the enemy. The nund)cr of uncultivated farms in consequence of incursions by and desertions to the enemy amounts to at least 1,200. The whole of the county is not iiurluded in the above. Returns from Cherry Valley, Newtown-Martin, SpringHeld, Ilarperstield and Old England district, by reason of a total desertion of these settlements could not be got. The inhabitants have some deserted to the enemy, the greater number moved in. "When the above was made up, returns from three companies in Colonel Fisher's regiment had not come in, one of which is nearly burned out. To make our misery and distress appear clear, it is observable, that in Col" Bellinger's regiment, which comprehends the German Flatts and Kingsland districts, there are not more than forty-four farms cultivated, on which live 139 families, besides the NOUTIIKUN INVASION. 211 ovviRMH, the produce wlieroof in tiiiu' of [leiu-e would not muiiitiilii more than 1H;{ lauiilieH, m that uiakiiii^ allowance for the daiifjei'rt we are daily expoHcd to, thoy have not Hufticient hy a great deal for their sub- HiHtenee. Kighty-eight families have moved lower down. That in t!ol" Kloek'n regiment, eompreliending Talatine distriet, the greater part of the liuildingH are destroyed with the grain, one full third of the farms lie uncultivated, and not above fiO farmers left, who have any grain to spare : added to the large number of refugees from the upi>er Clanajohary districts makes it evident beyond a doubt that this district has not bread till the ensuing harvest. The greater half of Cnn")ohary is destroyed; some parts so long ago as 1778, which since have not been tilled : some part last summer. The devas- tation and property of tlie inhabitants and refugees in this district are such, that the grain in it will l)e barely sntticient for the subsistence of those wbo remain in it. Caughnawaga district in Ool" Fisher's regiment, is equally distressed with the two last having a large number of disaffected people on its back parts, who arc a continual terror to the well affected, who in order to aid the country, raise no more than a sufficiency for themselves, with the double destruction of the ablest part of the district lias undergone the part remaining being poor in general, added to a total destruction of a great part of the district shew a melancholy truth NonrilKKN INVASION. tliiil all tiu' ^viuu ri'iimiiiiiii'' tlu'iiiii, will not ki'i'p the iiiluil>itiiii and roi'iisrei'H ivHuli'iit, till tlu>y am Imvo tlio benefit of a now crop. Tlio Mohawk Diwtrict in (V»l" Kishcr'ri Regiment, hnH siiftered tlie louHt by the enemy and is not ho much hurtlieiied witli iTfiiujees as the otliers, — lins Homo grain to spare, but when the otlier parts of the country are supplied, what they fall short out of the supor- fluitioH of the Mohocks, we apprehend that the quantity remaining will not be great. The causes of our distress arise chielly from the following. The situation of the country make it an entire frontier, exposed to the iijroads of the enemy from the north, west and south. The fre(pient irruptions and many murders committed by the enemy, the constant dread of a repetition thereof, have induced the people to build numbers of small picketed forts, in which they are cooped up from spring to fall, the militia being at half of their time on duty. The dithculty if not impossibility in these cases to work our lands. The work that is done, is performed by halfs only, and under continual fear of the tomahawk and eoalpmg knife. The fiirms cultivated, are only those which lie near the picquets. The great and heavy losses sustained by us in lives, prisoners, desertions to the enemy, and [in] property, h^ve occasioned the removal from the country of a very large number of families most of them our wealthiest people, and to NdUTMKIlN INVASION. 2l:{ (liHlicui'tcii tlioKc wlio iviiiniii, iiuiudimh iiioro ant now piTpariiig to tbilovv tli tso ulrriuly ^oiio. Tho ])0()j)lc think, tliut wliivt i-t>iiiaiiiH of UiIh oiico HounHliiiij^ oouiity will Itc dcHtroycd the ciiHuiii^ Bummor. Tho iiuturo of tlio war in tiicHi^ luirtw is Huch, that a Hniall forco may do it. Having literally Hacriticod our livoH and fortiniow, in defence of the LihertieH of America, the HMperviHorn are Horry to hold up the lanjjiia^e of doHi)ondenne, hut tlic juHtieo wo owo to ournttlvoH our conHtitucntH and our country, tlic upitrehonHionH wo entertain that tlio peculiar circuniHtftnces of this county, and tho f^rcat distresses of tho people liave never heen fully nuide known by those whoso duty it was, render it iiidispensil)le. The nccesHity of tlie case obliges us to do it, in the plain language of truth and without cxuggerution. Wo cannot liclp representing as grievances, tliat upwards of one hundred tory womou witli destitute fiiniilics urct rcn.aining in Cauglmawnga district. The collection of the rents from the tenants of Sir John Johnson and Col" Butler in tlie same district, duo since the Declaration of Independence, at this time fall exceeding Imrd on that .".""trict, as thereby that grain is taken away, whicli is necessary for tlicir consumption. As the taking away cattle, at the point of the ])ayonet might liave been necessary for tho subsistence of troops, we do not tiomplain of it, but the refusal 214 NdKTIIKUN INVASION. I Ti of |iro|K'i- voiicln'iK hy thoMi' wlio I'xociitod tluit biiMiiiOHM, in H griovimco wt' cmiiKit ovorlook. Tho liirufc iiimihi'rH of slock drove oil' l»v the «'ii('m,v, nt ditH'iviit timt'H, imiki'H tho Imnljsliip oC Imviii^' our cuttlo Hoi/.od tin* ^ivhU'1% Tho coiiMCMjiu'in'OH of the di'|tivciiitioii of the paper enrreiu-.y in, that we can ohtuiii iieitlier tlie iieeeHHurieH nor eonveiiieiiceH of life hut hy luirter for gnuii. Money wo have none, as the supiiMes fiirniKhed the puhlie for upwards of a year past, are not yet paid. The depreeiation it is confeHHed, has arinen from Boverai causes. W'liatever eauHe it is asctrihed to, we feel ourHolves entirely froo of it, as we can make it ap[iear, tliat until the last Hpriui;, the prices were ulwuys lower with us than helow, and wo seldom if ever received the current price helow for our grain here. Tho reasons that wo have not raised every tax demanded of us hy law, are, as to one tnx, a disagree- ment hetween the suitervisors any order of tho Supervisors. IsAA(! I'AHis, Clerk. NOUTIIKUN INVASION. •215 livpnt'l i[f liiisxcH in llir '/'tfrUart/ of tlir 'Ih/aii Cinmfif llrii/ : Admii Ilt'Iincr t*i hoii, Peter Doriiig, Williain Cox, .Iju'ol) Dulricli, lioliiu't Siiiiclit and Hiidolith Hchoo- marker. Cttpt. irerter rojiorted !J(1 liouseH, 21) bnriiH nnd 2 luillH as Idirned, (I maloH and 2 fenudoH killed, U nialcH taken jtnHf)nerH, and 24 nnden and 2H fennden who liad moved out of Uie diHtrict mnce tlie eoninienceinent of the war. (!apt. Wturinj^ reported .'58 lionscH 84 l)arnH and ;i niillH burnt, 2(1 nudcH and 5 femaloH killed; 1(5 inalew nnd 8 femalcH taken ; and 8 nialeH and 88 fonndeH moved out sineo beginninj^ of the war. Cnpt Fred Frank in tlie hke [leriod reported 64 liouseH hh barns and 8 mills burned, HH males and 10 females killed, 37 males and 11 fenuiles taken, and 11 males and 44 females moved out of the district. ' ■= ' r # ' /;ftJ I, ■- '1 .'. ii-j.-u'. IN DEX. AliiniiH, ;ti, ;!;t, 10. Albnny, Aildicus dl' ('oiiinion ('(iimcil, c)l', l;t7; (loiinly.ij'l ; (<(iv. Cliiilon nocM Id', i)(l; Millliil, :i(l, lilH; tiiioUl, i)(l; Iniopj* for, 101. Allrii, ('ii|iliiiii. 77. Alli'ii, l')lir iczcr, ')7. Allen, I'll hull, jciiloiisy <)!', Hi), h;1, 115. Ailcn, Miijor, 2!». AihIiuscikIc nciir Oncidii Luke, t;lO; (if Col. liiowii, i.y Amslcnlimi, 17!), I.s7. Aiulnislown, l'«', I li). Aiillioiiy's Nos<', ;.'H, r.l, 1 7:i, 11)H, •iU\','^i)'i. Arnold, Co]. Ilrown's (|iiiirr{il Willi, 157. Arnold's irciison, 'dliisilolin, 7H7. Hallslon, IH, !'.>!, 1;!|, IIW, DM, Ml, Ml; ciM'iny nt, 45, 1)0, 105. Harrcll, Kiisiirii, It, 1)3. Hiilcliclliir, /ciilmiiiiili, Ml. I{iil('iMi\ ij'iiiirdcd, ;(;l. Hi'iiulifid KImi ill 1','inloii, ViH. Hcclicr, .loliii. Is. Ucl(liii!.C, Ciiiit., !I7. Hcldiny:, Col., i)8. Ucll,(icorirc llciirv, lis, no. J5('lliMi,'cr, Col. I'cirr, Icllcrof, (15; Idler lo, from Oov. Clinlon, fj(i; Col., {{(".dineiit of, 'JIO, a 15. IJcnHchoten, . Major, 170, IHit, 105, ll)(l. Hcnuon, Col., M4. HeiiHon, Holier!, I M. Hellilelieni, N. V., W'X Hionnipliieiil noliees; Melliiiucr, I'eler,(l5; lirowii. Col. .lolin, 57,(!:inline,.(oliii, l(il;Ciirle- loii, Cliris., lOH; Cliipniiin, Ciipl. .lolili, 100; Cook, Col. Louis, I7)t; Dnike, .Insliim, UiO; Dldioi-*, Keuis, Hi), 1(15; DuiM'iiii, Itieliiird ; (ionlon, .liinies, 15; (iros, l{e\ . .loliun Dniiiel, H7 ; lliirper, >Iolin, 1(15; lliirper, Williiiin, 171 ; lllllilies, I'eler, I 10; .liiiiseii, .loliiinnis, 70; liiiiisiiif;', .loliii, Jr., 1(15; l,lisli, Slepheii, 01 ; MeCrinkeii, .losepli, I'Ji) ; .MeKinsiry, .lolm, 171 ; .Mur- phy, 'I'iniolhy, K; I'aller- soii, Kleazer, 7H ; Schuyler, Sleplieil, i), I 15; Slierudiid, Adriel.llj; Snyder, .loliaii ids, li:!; Siaiils, TiMreiil ,1., II;!; Swiirlwoiil, .laeoliiis, 1(11; 'I'eil Mroeek, Alirahiiin, 1 l;i ; 'riionias, 'riioiiiiis. Kit; \;iii liunlschoieii, Kliiis, I ;0; \nn HeiisMi'liier.ltolierl, 101; Van Selmiek, Col., 0, (17; Van \'c;ilileii, llendriek, 17((; Van VVoerl, Lewis, M:i ; V"e(lcr, Volkeil, lil; Vroo- nian, Waller, |;i(); Wihsier, Allen, 111; Weissenfcls, Frederick II., 147; Wcmpcl, Aliraliaiii, i:il ; VVoolscy, .MelMiielon L., IH, 51 ; Villi's, Chiislopher I'., 'JO. niccvon eoimty, table of, 315. Cattle, press warrant for, 120. Caughnawaga, 55, 123, 173. Cayuiia, N. Y., 140. Cedars, 173. Cliambly, (!ol. Brown at, 57. Charleston, 32. Chnrlotte oounty, 81, 24, 21), 132 ; quotas, 00. Cherry Valley, 17, 20. Chin, Mr., l44. Chipman, ('apt. John, 44, 03, 03, 100. 115. Chittenden, (iov., letter of, to (Jov. Clinton, 111. Chuektininula creek, 171). Chuckliminda hill, 180, 185, 187. Church biu'ned at Stonu Arabia, 110. Clnireh, Timothy, 78. ('inge, Adam, 87". Clapp, Daniel, 154. Clark, Major, 00. Claverack, 04, 105. Clinton, Oov. DeWitt, 88. Clinton, (Jov. (Jeorge, 20, 38, 53, 54,01, 204; letters to, from Col. Van Schaick, 07, 74; Lt. Col. Johainiis Jansen, (H), 71; Col. J. Newkirk, 73; (Jen. H. Van liensselaer, 70, 04, 103, 115, 117; Col. K. Patterson, 77; eiti/ens of Trvon eountv, 83; Ste- phen Lush, 80; (ien. \V. Heath, 101; (^ol. B. 1. Staats, 100; (Jov. T. Chillenden, 111 ; Isaac Stoutenburgh, 113; (Jen. Ten Broeek, 113, 114, 113, l.-)0; Col. Lewis 1)11 Bois, 110; (Jen. Schuvler, 133, 140; Col. A. Webiter; (Jen. Wa.shintjton, 1.50; let- ters of, to C()l. .Jansen, 00; Col. Newkirk, 70 ; Col. Paw- ling, 73 ; (Jen. Washington, 74,07, 151, 157; citizens of (Uimberland county, 78 ; Col. (J. Van Schaick, 81 : (Jen. P. Schuvler, H'2 135; Col. Klock, 87,' (fen. Van Bensselaer, (Jen. (Ireene, 00; Col. linger, 120; Kbenezcr sell, 133 ; James Duane, (Jen. Heath, 147; address oi' mayor and council of Al- bany; 137; rcplvof, 13!). Clinton, Sir Ih'iiry, 33. (Minton, (Jeiu'ral James, command at Albany, 82, 101. Clinton Co., 48. 105, 130; 05 ; Bel- Bus- ,143; to 43, \.Li INDKX. 210 CMolhinK, want of, 150 ; Bupplicd, HO, 81. Clolliilltt ajrcill, HO. oioyi, Capi., air.. (Jlyilc, (!(il. Hamiu^l, luatimoiiy of, 1114. (!(ilmul)ia CollcKi', HH, OoiiawHj;!' il<'»lri)yi'(l, H5. OomicdU'til, (Icli'satt's iVoin, 75. (Joiiii('(^ti(uit Valli'v, o,\|)('dllioii to, 4(1, i:tl>. (/'oiiiu'sti;u;oiie, 178. ('onvcntion of BtiilOB ut HoHton, 75. Cook, Col. i.ouis, 17!), aoa. (Joppcriioll, Nicholas, H7. (Jornplaiilcr, ancwloUi of, VHi. Coniwallis, 1(W. Countryman, Adam, 87, 174, 1114. Court of liHiuirv, procciMliiigs of, 1(14; (Wisioii of, aOH. Cox, William, 315. Crown Point, 27, 45, 11(1, 155. Cruelty of Indiana, alli'^i'd, 44. Cumberland C<)unty,ai,24,i!8,7H. CuHhing, 'riion)as, 75. (!uyl(!r, Mr., 11(1. (Juylcr, Col., (10, 143, 17(1, 181, ■ 101,304, 305. Dam^(^ Shi)), Kl.'t. DcciMionofiloMrtof In(iuiry,308. I )i'pr('('ialion of cum'ncy, 88, 314. Dcscrlcr, IIH. DfVVin, .Major, 73, 7;t. I)cVK''i'', •''•tt'r, H., H4, H7. Didrich, .lucoli, 315. nillcnlicck, .lohn, 50. Disaircclcd fannlics, 84. Dorinu^, IVlcr, 315. Drake, .losliua, 1;)0. Drake, Col. Samuel, letter to, from ('apt. Lawrence, 130. Driskill, Joseph, 131, 1H0, 181, 100, 303. Duane, .lames, letter to, from (Jov. Clinton, I4;t. Duane, Mrs,, 14(1. Dubois, Col. Lewis, (10, 11(1, 110, 153,10(1, 1(17, Kin, 1(18, 1(10, 170, 187, IHO, 103, 10;!, 105, 100, 107, 301, 307; J,ewis, letter of, i> (}en. Van Hen- sselaer, 118; Gov. Clinton, HO. Drew, Mr,, 157. Duncan, (.'apt. Uii^hard, 55. Dutchess (lounty, 34; ip 00. (uotas, Dyckmun, HumpHon, letter of, lo (lov. (Minion, 117; tesliuKHiy of, 1H5. Kast Canada (Ireek, 143. Kllioll's, 173. Epitaph of Timothy Murphy, 03. Escort of provlslonH, 156. Falintc, .lolin A., 50, Fall hill, IIH, 110. Federal jfoverumenl, early inove- miait toward, 75. Fecck,.Iolin,47. Fer^fuson, (!<>l.. Kilt. Ferry, lOO. Fisher, ('ol., re^finxml of, 310, 31 1 313 315. Fishkill', T54! T(I4.' Florida, N. V., 173. Flour, press warrant for, 130, Floyd, Mr., 14(1. Folllot, Oeo., 148. Fonda, Adam, 100, Fonda, .lellis, 1)3, H7, Fonda villaK(^ 55. Foord, Cap!., 4H. Ford wh(!re the enemy crossed, 1H,5. Fording of riyer, IHO, 100, 20!), 304. Fort Ann, 34, 4:), 57, 80, iC), 00, 08, 00, 100, 133, 1!);), 1!)0, 1.55. Fori (,'arleton, (13. Fori l)ayt(i, ;)'2, 5(1, r.r, -)<» Fort I'liiiii, ^';i, Td, ik;, kki^ kjm, 17>J. Fort I'liiiik, i.i, ;!,->, 7(i, Fort lifrisscliicr, til), 7(i, l;il 144 Uu, Kis, I7:i, IW), hsi ' 1H4' lH!t, 1!)4, 2t);!. Fort Scliiivlfr, •,>;!, ;io, ;!;i, ;j(! ;{8 4-.', .-.:(, (i-,>, (IS. 7:>, 74, 7.v' 77,' W), !t4, OS, IIS, llii), 144 140 14S, im, KiO, 1(11, !{))). Fort Stimwi.\, riiiiior of I'liDtiiic 81. Fort I'liilii), ^r,'i. Fox's mills, l,->4, 181, 184. Friiiik, Fred., 21,-). Fiy, .Miijor, 188. Fiiltonv'illc, K. v., 10(>, na. Oiiixc's hill, I'M. ■ ( ill 1 way, l;il. I Giiiiscvoorf, Col. Peter, 44, 101 ' n»!i, 1 -',•), i:tt, i4t), 147, i.-ir,; lohii, Jr., 'ill j ticrinaiii. I.ord.ti:!, l;j;j. ' Gcriiiaii Flails, 21, ;!t>, ti,",, (i7 IIS, 11!), I to, 211). Cicnnaiilowii, (id. (Jilk'l, Mr., 101. Glen, Henrv, 102, lii;!, 107 120 177, 180. Glen, H., letter to, from Col Vccilcr, 102. Glen, town of, I7;i. Goodman, Dominas, 87 Gi'Mnville, 142. Green, Gen., 07, 101; leiter to, from Gov. Clinton, !)(i. Gioi;; 15ay, 12S. (iros, .Joiiaii Daniel, 87. Gordon, ,Ja Gnildeiiand, i;iO. »■), 4(i. Ilald Half Moon Point, 33. ' Hall's I'oMirhkeepsie Journal, 05 Hanover. N. II., 82. Hanson, I'cter, 100. Harper, Capl. Alexander, 11). Harper, Col. John, 2!), 111(1, 175 18!', l!io, aoi; tfstimony of, I (I."). Harper, William, i71. Harperslield, 1',), 22, 105,210. Harris, William, 78. Harrison, y. Y., 104. H.irvestins' prolee|e(i, ,'i(l, 85. Hauuiiton, .Major, l(i, i;i4. Hay, Col. I'dnV, ll;i, 117, 141. Heath, (Jencral, s;i, 150; letter to (rov. Clinton, 101; letter to, from Gov, Clinton, 147. lleliron, N'. V., m Jlelleliergh, l;!l. Jtelmer, Adam, 215. Henderson, {'a|it., 154. Hendriek, Leonard, 78. Herter, Capl., ai5. Herkimer, 2:!. Herkimer, (ie-i. Nicholas, 118. Hessians, 47. Hinsdale, Vt., 78. How, Artemas, 78. Hid>er, ('apt., 215. llufihes, .Major, 2:1, 42, 02 80 140, 1,50. ■'""1'"' !''• *^'"'- •'"Imiinis, 40, 70, 7i!, 74. ■lansen, 1,1. Col. Johannis, letters of, 0!), 71 ; letters to, 00, 71, Johnson, ^'ir John, 20, 27, 42 47 •' '" 51, 55, 57,'58,'(i2,' Oil' 50, Jol 48 7 1 172, ISO; rents due to, 21 ' IMO . ivi.iti. .1 ,1... luson, Sir W'i John.son, Sir William, 200. Johnston, William, !);!. lain, i),), 170. Vh ice ot, Joh islown, IS, 21, 2;i, 20, 28, ;i5, l'^2, 154 ; memorial froin,'8;i,' Carleton siiid to heat, 108. Kaselman, John, S7. 1^3. (Governor, O;!, (14, Ivatskill, I( Keillor's Mill, 55. INDEX. 221 Kcliimii, ((('(ii'Lrc, h7. Kcvwr, Ciipt. .Iiiliii, IH. Kilk'd 1111(1 wdiimlcti, i:t."), i;i(i. Kiii^isliinv liiiiiil, J;!. Kinfj;slim(i diMlricI, ti."), 210. Kinnslon, !IT. Kii'kiiiiiii, .liiiiics, l):i. KlcicU, Col. Jucol) 1., 2I\. HT, 1)1. KlocU, ('(il., IctliT to, Irom (Jov. Cliiiloii, H7, CJd. Klix'k, Col., n\u;iiii('iit of, 211, 21.->. KlockV, flclil Imttli' ot; (10. K lock's plucc, en. Alexiuulcr, 14(t. McKarlan, Mr., 141. Maeliin, 'riioinas, 157. .McKinsirv, Major .loliii, 17!l,r('4, 182, '187. .Malcoiii,Col. Winiani, ;)(l,73, 78, 74, 8i», 00, 01,04,07,08,130, 157 , letter of, to (Jen. Van l{inss(4a('r, Oil. Massachusetts, Delej^nU's from, 75. Maylleld, 20. JMciiiacatiiifi'e, ',\. Memorial of eili/ens ol' Slicncc- tady, i:il ; of supervisors of Trvoii Count V, 200, Miaiiii.'liatlle of, 'l:i(). Middlcliiiri,di,21,47, 48. .Miliiia, orj^ani/alion of, 24; for fiuardin;;- forts, 25, :!(); rallied in pinsiiil, 20; sent up .Mohawk Valley, IKi ; iiiiichl he ealleil out, 41 ; calleil out, 4:!. Milford, N. V., 171. Mills, Ahrahani, 141. Minisiiik, 10, 7;!. Mohawk DislricI, 212. Mohawk Indians, l:{4. Monmoulh, 148. Montreal, 20. MoMiuneiii lo Col. Hrown, 58. Morris, J.ewis !{., 180, 107. Morlars, 42,80, 157. Mount Deliaiice, 57. Mount Indepeiidenee, 57, 128. Muller, Capt., 48. Miiiiro, .Major .lohii, 45, 4(1. .Murphy, 'riiuolhy, 51, 58. Is'ash, Aaidu, 70. Naviuati >ii of Moliawk, ;IH. Nepoueck, 7;!. Nesti^uiiM, 100. Ne.s(i;;(iiia, n8, 170. New City, 2:!, New 1 lampsliiie, dclegiites from, 75. 222 INDKX. Oov. (}()V. 185. New llmnptiliiiv (Jrnnis, 30,80, 70, OH, no. 144, 14."i. Ncwkiik, Col., letter to Oov. Clin- ton, 7;!. Ncwkirk, .Iiicol), 70, 74. Ni'wkirk, liMlcr to, IVoin Clinton, 7:1; li'tici- of Clin on, lo, 7tt. Nt'wpoi'l, Krcncli iil, 75. Ncwlown, Hiillle of, 148. Ni'wtown-Miulin, '..".', 210. Niiijiani, III, 4-J, 8(i, 80, 1;14, Niskavnnii 178. Nivcn\ Kill, 70. Noiiniins Kill, (ifttlcnu'iits attiickcd, !ir». Nose (8eo Anthony's Noae). O'Biiil, 35. Oenuniio, scout to, 77. 01tl-K;iu:lii',ul Distriet aliiindoned, ',M0. Old Farms, 172. Oneida, 15;{, 154; enemy at, 88, 80, 08; expedition l>v way ot; 42. • I Oneida Castle, 28. Oneida Indians. 153, 100, 104, 204; jealousy of, 18; lidtli- Inl, 81 ; removed to Shenee- tadv, 82, 141. Oneida "l/ake, expedition by way of, 47. Oneida seltleiuents, rumored deslruelion ol', 82. Orange Counly, 24 ; (piolas, 00. Ordnance captured from enemy, 121. Oriskanv, Imttle ol", 118. Oswejratchie, 188. Oswego, (12, 185. Palatine, 20, 28, 82, 110, 188. Palaliiu! Hridffc, 50. Panton, 128. I'aris, Isaac, 88, 214. Patterson, Col. KIcazer, 71,78; liCtter of, to Gov. Clinton, 77. Pawlinir, Col. Levi, 104. Pawlinjr, Col. All.erl, 25,70,71, 72; letter to, from (iov. Clin- ton, 72. Pcasley, 181. Pellinu-er, Col., 07. Petit ion of citizens of Trvon Co., 85. Phillips, Major, 78. PillsOeld, M'iiss., 57. Plallslnnfih, 48. Poole, Capl., 48. Pou^'hkeepsie, tO, 00, 00, 07, 105. Praekness, 150. Pralt, \A. Col. David, 187, 188. I'risoners, 17, 10, 154, Provisions, scarce, 00, 02, 04, 08, 102, 117, 20(1; forwarded, 112. Putnam's Point, 138, Hli. Qiiclicc, 188. Qucensbnrv burnt, 44. Quotas, 00, 102; provided for, 158. Hav, .Mr , 148. liaymcnls Mills, 128. Hecruidiig for army, 41. Hcinlistineiit of Irdops, 25. Heimensiiyder's lliisli, 18. Hens.sclaci', Oen. Sec Vdn liens- selacr. Uenis diu' to Jolinson and Uutlcr, 218. Heseue from torture, 174. Hcward oU'eri'd for a spy, 100. Hies, Hcv. .lohn Frederick, 110. Hivinjttoii's (Jazettc, (luolalion from, 01. Hoof, Hcv. (ierrit L., .58. Hoot, N. Y., 28. Hoscboom, Cap!., 104. Hoscndal, 170. Hosie, ,)olin, 178. Uussell, KbcMczcr, letter to, from (iov. (ilinton, 183. Saeondnga, 151 ; iJlock House, 18. St. John, 80, 40, 122. St. .lohnsville, (!0, 188. St. He-is, 178. Sall'ord,(;ol., 122. Sah'm, N. V., 127, l'!2. Saratoga, 28, 70, U)0, 114, 115, 128. INDKX. 228 Hcnrcilv, (onipliiliitH of, 211, 'i\'i, •J(li. Hchi'Mci'liKly, 8», 87, 10(1, 1(»7, 110, 110, Ml, ItH, ir.l, I, 1,5, 171, 17'..', 177, 1H5, IHtl, 1H7, 111^, nil), 'M); li'()(i|m nillii'd 111, 'Jit; lmlinn«iil,!t:i; expedi- tion liileiideil I'oi', '15; iniopM linive III, M; lueeliiiir of citi/.eiiH of, 54 ; iiieiiiorial of, i:il. Hcliolmrie, 2:1, 101», m7, 144, 151, 157, 177,200; I'oi'tsdiwrilied, 84, 47; IroopH ill, 27; al- Incked, 111,47, 41t, lOJ, 105; llres seen 111 Helieneelil(ly,5!l. Relioliiiiie Conrl Mouse, 40. Selioliiirie Kill, 151. Heliooiilioveii, Colonel, !i7. Hililivler, (;eii. I'hilip, W, 105, 1011, 114, r,':;, 140, 105; or- dered in II eerliiin eiise lo iiireHl Allen, !iO ; iiolilles iippeiininee ol' eneliiv, 4'J ; leller lo, I'ldin (Jov. Clinlon, 82,105, 125; lellerol', lo( Jov. Clinlon, 12:1, 110. Hchnvler.Col. I'liilipl'., 107,1111. Sclurvlfi-, Col. Hlephen 1., KHt, 115. Selinvler, Miijor, 1H(I. Heliuyler's Uegl., 105, 10(1. Heonondo, :il. Heoleii loiieM, 21. HeotI, (li'difje (1., 45. Heolt, (ien. .loliii Morin, 14(1. Ht'Ki'l', lleni'y, 7H. HetilenientH," exlent ol', in I7H0, 21 ; broken up, 27. Hlmwuiifjnnk, 40, (lit, 71. Shell, .lolin CliriHliiin, :17, (15. Hherwood, Ciipl. Adiel, 4!i, Hit, iW, IM), 101, 122, 12:i; leller of, lo ('(d. II. l,iviii,nslon,I)l». Hlierwood, Mis., 101. Hlioeiniiker, Hii(ii, lO-l. S|)rukers, .55. SprhiKlield, 22, 210. Spy III .lolmslown, 101. SliiiilM, Col. H. I., li;i, 200; leller oi; lo( toy. Clinlon, 10(1. Stiirlii)^, Ciipl., 215. Stone Ariiliiii, 27, ;I2, lUt, 42, 5(1, 57, 5H, 511, Mil, 04, 115, U\r,, i:i(l, 144, 17:1, IHH, 20:1. Stone Aniliia riilenl, 11(1. Stone Hidce, I7il. Stone, Williiini {,.,20. Stoiitenliiir^'li, Isiiiie, letter of, lo Coy. Clint 112. »illiiviin,()eiieiiil, 17, 14H. Superyisors ol' 'I'ryoii (!o., nie- inoriiil ol', 2011.' Supplies lor iinny, KIO, 1(11. Siisipielianniili 21,47, (15, 1.54, Swartwont, (Jen. .lacolms, 1(14, 20H. Taxes ill kind, :!H, 41, Wl, 00. Ten Hroeek, (Ien. Aliraliain, IH, 27,42,H2,1)0,1)2, !i;i, 105, I (Ml, li;i, lUI, 147, 1.55, 1.50; letter of, lo (lov. Clinlon, llll, 114, 142, 1.50. Ten Hroeek, Direk, IKl. Ten Kyek, lA. Aliriiliain, 80. Tiionii'is, C(d., I((4, Tieonderouii, 57, IHI, 124. Tiojfii routes, party by way of, 47. ToricH, 81,30, 21), 125, 141. Trail of enemy lost, 111:!, 107,207. Treiieliery ol' Verinonl peopli! silspeeleii, liil. Treiisiire of Sir .lohn .lohnson, 211. Treat, Dr. .Malaclii, 114. Trenton, N. V., 4H, Tribe's IIill,2H. Tryoii County, 24; troops sent to, 27; petilion from, 42, 85; letter of eili/.ens of, lo (toy. Clinton, 8!1; 224 INDEX. Tryoii County; (|U()tit, IH); liri- fimlc, IM I'niciiioriiil ofsiiiHT- visi)rs,'JOil ; tiilik' oI'losHCi* in, 215. Tughtinundtt Hill, 201. Tuacarorii Indiiinw, iti . Ulster County, 24; ([iiotiis, 9(». Uniulilla, scout to, 77. Vim Alstyiio, Vol, 178. Van Alstync, Corui'lius, 174. Van Alstync's Hcgt., 205. Van Hci'iicn, Col. Anthony, 118. Van Uunschotcn, Major "Elias, i:i(), 17(1. Van Drpscn, James, 44, 124. VanKi)s,l(ir),17;i, 187,201. Van Kss, Col., 174. Vanetia, Samuel, 87. Van Hensficlaer, Henry K., 25. Van Home, l{ev. Abraham, 58. Van Kensselaer, Jacob Rulsen, 105. Van Hensselaer, ()en. Robert, ;!2, :ia, i!(i, 42, 51, ')-.', to ,")(), 5!) to (il, 82, 02, !)4, 05, 104, 107, 100, i:!0, l!i8. 1.52, 15i), 107 to 18(i, 101, 104 to 205, 208; letter to, i'rom Co]. Jlaleom, O;!; Oov. Clinton, 7(1, 05; Col. Louis Dubois, 118; letter of, to (iov. Clin- Um, 94, 10:i, 115,117; Cen. Court ot Inquiry on, 104; notice of, 104. Van Henssdaer, Stephen, ll!i. Van Schaick, Col U., 2;!, 27, 20, ISO, 81, 07, 102; letter of, to (Jov. Clinton, (17. 70, 81. Van SchaieU, Lt. (i. W., testi- mony ol", 104. Van Vejj:hten, Adjutant, 17(!. Van ■\Voerl, Col.', 27, 142, 14:i, 1.50; letter of, to (ien. Ten Broeek, 142. Vecder, Lt. Col. Volkert, 40, 5;j, 104, 177; letter of, to II. (ileu, l(r2. Vermont all'airs, 38, 39, 77, 78, 145. Virginia, 1('>3. Vrooman, Capt. Walter, 05, 130, Vroonuui, Coloiu'l, 2fl, 127,142, 1.53. Vroonian's Land, 47. Wallace, William, 188, 201. Walrath, John, 110, 108. Warrant for imprisonment, 120. Warriner, Samuel, 78. Warner, Coh)nel,20, 122. Warner's Heuiuii'ut, 122. Warren, Sir I'eter, 172. Warren, N. Y. 1 10. Warrensbush, 172. Washington, (!en., 30,30, 30, 70, 00,08, 102,105, 100, 108,145; letter to, from (Iov. Clinton, 74, 07; letter of, to (Jov, Clinton, 151, 157, 150. AVatson, Capt. James, 07. Webster, Col. Alexander, 111, 141, 142; letter of, to Gov. Clinl(ai, 128. Weissenfels, Col., 140, 147, 148, 1 10, 155, 100. Wemi>le,t;o!. Abraham, 120,131, 142. AVest Can.'ula Creek, 23. AVcstchester County, 24; quotas, 00. West Point, 03, 04, ItO, 100. AVheeloek, Rev. Mv., 82. Whitinir, Col, 82. WhituCreek, 110, 128, 140,143; <'nemv near, 105, 124. Whilehiili, 21. AVhite I'lains, 148. Whiting, Colonel, 00, 100, 182, lUl. AVilliams, Col. John, 111. Williii-er, 171. WilUiw Basin, .54_.^ Windsor, N. Y., 77. Woestviu", 1H7. AVolro'd'sfeirv, 175. 104, 108. AVood, Sergeant \Vm., 172. AVoodbridge, t^ol.. 157. Woodward, Solomon, 10. AVoolsev, Major Melaneton T.., 48,51, l(y4, 100,200. AVv(mung, 17. Yale, Major, 174. Yates, Col. Christopher P., 20,27. Zielley, Capt. John, .50, 87.7