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Mezzotint Portrait of Major Robert Rogers. ? t \> I BBS^SSSR^^^^f] i MAP OP LAKE GEORGE. Showing the principal pointG mentioned in the Text of Roger's Journals. The soundings (in fathoms), are as given in the map of Capt. Jackson, as surveyed in 1756. REFERENCES. r«N* -t A. Fort Ttconderoga. B. Part of Lake Champlam. C. Falls in Outlet. D. Prisoner's Island. E. Anthony's Nose, (formerly " French Point.") F. Sabbath Day Point. G. Bosom Bay. H. Sugar Loaf Mountain. I. Northwest Bay, (formerly " North Arm, or Can- kusker Bay.") J. Tongue Mountain. K. Shelving Rock : First Narrows. L. Roger's Slide. M. Basin Bay. N. Bolton, (modern Village.) O. O. South Arm, or Takundawide Bay, (Vah Wormer's and Sand Bays and on modern Maps,) P. Dunham Bay. Q;_Long Island. R. French Mountain. S. Diamond Island. T. Fort William Henry. U. Cal4well, (modern Village.) '^ \ H. fii REFtRiiNCES. A Dave del Roches fcudu», B The Narrows. C Button Mould Bay D IStonc {Quarries. E Beavcf Creek 1' Otter Creek. G Crown Point. H West Bay. I Pt. *a U Chcvelure. J Half Way Brook. K. Fort Ticonderogt. L Falls in Outlet of Lake George, M Sabbath Day Point. N Point Pleasant. O North Arm. P First Narrows. Q Long Island. R South Arm. S Diamond Island. T Fort William Heiry: (afterwards Fort George). U South Bay. V Mouth of Wood Creek, (afterwards Skenesboro', and now Whitehall.) W Narrows between two perpendicular Rocks. X Drowned Lands called by Indians Ond- eri-guegon,or the" cooflux of waters."* Y East Creek. Z Wood Creek. / MAP OF A *ART of LAKE CHAMPLAIN. Traced from William Brassier'. M«p, baRd upon lorTey. made by ora«r •f Gen. Amherst, and pdb.ished in 176*. mmaaesacaa ) \ R South Arm. S Diamond Iiland. T Fort William Henry : (afterwar George). U South Bay. V Mouth of Wood Creek, (afterw Skenesboro*, and now Whitehall. W Narrows between two perpendicu Rocks. X Drowned Lands called by Indians Ond eri-guegun,ur the" cooAux of waters.' Y East Creek. Z Wood Creek. MAP OP A 1?ART OF LAKE CHAMPLAIN. raced from William Brassier's Map, bated upon surveys made by orJer en. Amherst, and pdb.isi^ed in 176X. ff» «■ ll' |The most a Continent, JOURNALS OF MAJOR ROBERT ROGERS: ^ containing an account of the several excursions he made under the generals who commanded upon the continent of north america, during the late war j From which may be Collected The most Material Circumstances or Every Campaign upon that Continent, from the Commencement to the Conclusion or the War. WITH AN INTRODUCTION AND NOTES, And an Appendix containing Numerous Documents and Papers Relating to tkk Doings of Major Rogers while Com- manding at MiCHILIMACKINACK, in 1767; AND HIS Conduct in the early part of the Revolutionary War. By franklin B. HOUGH. I i ALBANY : JOEL MUNSELL'S SONS. 1883. ^, R 2^ -/ t. L ■y-iu INTRODUCTION. I I M The Journals of Major Robert Rogers, giving the details of his services as a partizan officer in the French and Indian war of 1755-60, have been very generally regarded as forming a work of unquestion- able historical value. The volume does not profess to be in any sense, a general history of the events of that war, nor a connected account of the military operations of a particular frontier ; but simply a nar- rative of what he himself saw and did, with here and there a brief allusion to the doings of others, where they seemed in some way to have had relation to his own. Being evidently written with a view of promoting his own military reputation, as he may have doubtless felt that he de&erved, it would be surprising if he had been uniformly as fair in his account of others as of himself, or if his narratives 4 Journals of Major "Robert Rogers. were in all respects such as another, as well ac> quainted with every fact and circumstance, and with- out personal motives, would have written. An author in describing his own acts, does not naturally seek to expose his own errors, nor always to conceal those of others ; nor can we expect, in scenes and circumstance ' like those which our author describes, that no jealousies, or rivalries, or disappointments were encountered, that mighk sometimes influence his conduct, and show themselves in his writings. Such, upon several occasions, will be noticed by the careful reader of his Journals nor should they be re- garded as exceptional, in publications of this class, where the exploits of the written form the principal theme. The general tenor of the narrative, and details in abundance, are however well verified by independ- ent authorities, and justify the belief that the accounts of services here given, are in the main reliable, and that the work fairly presents the condition of affairs, as they existed, and the events, as they occurred, in the time and manner described. In annotating this work for a new edition, no Journals of Major Robert Rogers. 5 attempt has been made to supply the links in the chain of events which the author omitted ; but simply to illustrate by citation and reference, such passages and allusions as appeared to admit of anno- tation or enlargement, from such sources of infor- mation as came within our reach. The incidents in the early life of this partizan soldier, are for the most part lost ; but from his own statement, the rude and rugged hardships of a frontier settlement, were of such a character that he could hardly avoid gaining a thorough practical know- ledge of the manners, customs and language of the Indians near whom he was reared, and a general acquaintance with the wild and hardy forest life of the pioneers. He mentions the twelve years that immediately preceded the war in which he served, as full of hardships, and particularly well calculated to qualify him for the arduous duties of the service in which he engaged. Of the ancestry of this celebrated Ranger we have few details. He was the son of James Rogers' \ I f I ! ! ' Major Roger's father perished in a very singular manner. Mr. Rogers was going to a hunter's camp, in order to invite some gentle- 6 'Journals of Major Robert Rogers, originally from Ireland, or of Irish descent, and one of the first settlers of Dunbarton, now in Merrimack county. New Hampshire, first known as " Starks- Town." The settlement of this town began some years before 1746, but at what time cannot now be ascertained. Robert Rogers was born in Lon- donderry, N. H., (or Methuen Mass.), in 1727, and was probably fourteen or fifteen years of age, when his father began a settlement in the wilderness. From his youth, he was inured to the hardships of the frontier, acquiring that character of decision, self-reliance and boldness, which distinguished him men who were making surveys to dine with him. The hunter, [Ebenezer Ayer of Haverhill, Mass.] saw him approaching through the bushes at a distance, and not expecting a visit from others than wild animals, fired upon him, mistaking him for a bear, and killed him on the spot. It is reported of Major Rogers, that while in Lon- don after the French war, and in company with several other persons, it was agreed that the one who should tell the most improbable story or the greatest lie, should be exempt from paying his fare. When hit turn came, he related, that his father was shot in the woods of Ame- rica by a person who supposed him to be a bear; and that his mother was followed several miles through the forest by hunters, who mistook her track for that of some animal. It was acknowledged by all, that he was entitled to the prize, although he had told nothing but the truth. Farmer and Moore^s Hist. Coil., i, 240, In the memoir of Gen. John Stdrk by Caleb Stark, (i860) the details of this singular accident are related. Memoir and Correspondence of Cen. Stark, p. 386. Journals of Major Robert Rogers, 7 in after life. He was six feet in statute, well pro- portioned, and one of the most athletic men of his time, well known in all the trials of strength and activity among the young men of his vicinity, and for several miles around.' Of his entrance into the military service, at the age of twenty-eight years, and his perilous adventures until the final surrender of the French posts in the West, ample details are given, mostly from his own pen, in the following pages. His name and fame appear to have become familiar throughout the country, and in both armies ; and in a military point of view, his services must be regarded as of the first importance to the British cause. The brutal warfare of his day, resulting from a century of murderous invasion and vindictive reprisal, had grafted upon *he system every custom that was horrid and barbar- ' Potter'' s Hist, of Manchester, p. 488. Caleb Stark's Memoir of Gen. yohn Stark, p. 387. An engraved full length portrait of Major Rogers, was published in London, in 1776. He is represented as a tall, strong man, dressed in the costume of a Ranger, with a powder horn slung at his side, a gun resting in the hollow of his hand arm, and a countenance by no means pre« possessing. Behind him at a little distance, stand his Indian followers, Parkman's Pontiac, i, 1 64. I ir ! ■- — -1' 8 Journals of Major Robert Rogers, ous. Each of the nationalities then contending for the mastery of the Continent, had brought to its aid the cunning and cruel Savage ; had taught him the use of arms more destructive than his native weapons, and had stimulated his passions by every art and motive, until humanity to the wounded, or mercy to the captive were unknown ; and if the prisoner escaped the ocalping knife and the stake, he was led off into a captivity often worse than death. Through "scenes of peril and danger which threatened every step, our partizan soldier passed without serious harm j but we can scarcely believe that the attractions of home, or the ease of private life, had many charms for him, when the war was over, and not an enemy could be found throughout the length and breadth of the Continent, which the ivinning Government found it necessary to repress. Nor is there room for doubt, but that amidst the scenes of bloodshed of which he witnessed so much, and took so active a part, the finer sensibilities of humanity were lost in moments when expediency or policy dictated to the contrary ; for in the reports • made immediately upon his return from a scout, we ' These Rogers, b the fourth as notes — the New ' * Mrs. J command: ' Seige Scries, No, iffiraa T •i ' Journals of Major Robert Rogers. 9 find it mentioned, that he had scalped the dead within sight of a French garrison, and murdered a prisoner when too badly wounded to march.* Major Rogers married, but at what period is un- known, a Miss Elizabeth Browne, or as some ac- counts give it, Elizabeth Furness, of Portsmouth. She obtained a divorce, and afterwards married Capt. John Roche, or Roach of Concord.' In the troubled times which preceded and attended the seige of Detroit, by Pontiac, in 1763, Major Rogers was sent with a body of troops to the relief of that garrison, and he assisted in the sortie upon the occasion that Captain Dalyel was killed. 3 After the surrender of the western posts, Rogers engaged in an expedition against the Cherokees in * These stati*ments were omitted in the volume published by Major Rogers, but appear over his own signature, in the Journals printed in the fourth volume of Documentary History which we have introduced as notes — the originals being found among Johnson Manuscripts in the New York State Library. * Mrs. Rogers appears to have been living with her husband, when commandant at Michilimackinac, in 1767. Roach died May 11, 18 1 1. — Bouton^s Hitt of Concord, p. 351. — Stark's Memoirs, p. 389. * Seige of Detroit, edited by F. B. Hough (Munsell's Historical Series, No. IV), p. I o Journals of Major Robert Rogers, \ I F.I'. the south under the orders of General Grant, but no details of this enterprise, have come to our notice : and on leaving the service he was retired upon half pay. His accounts appear to have been embarrassed from vvrant of vouchers, so that it was not until 1763, that he secured a settlement with the Provincial Government of New Hampshire, for services rendered eight years before." The trouble that he encountered in adjusting these claims, appears to have arisen from a negligent habit in the keeping of accounts, and probably in some degree from the death of persons whose living testimony would have sustained his claims. Not long after this, Rogers went to England, to present his claims for accounts, and while there, pub- lished the work which we now reproduce. The title- p.^ge of the original edition shows that it was printed for the author, probably on subscription,'^ and in the ' See appendix, B. ''Sold by J Millan, Bookseller, Whitehall, 1765. 8vo, pp. 237, In 1769, this was republished in Dublin by R. Acheson, together with the account of Col. Henry Bouquet's Expedition against the Ohio Indians, in 1764, including his Negociations with the Indians relative to the delivery of Prisoners, and the Preliminaries of Peace, and an In- ogers. journals of Major Robert Rogers. 1 1 ; i ant, but no our notice : d upon half embarrassed until 1763, ; Provincial ces rendered encountered have arisen af accounts, he death of ive sustained England, to le there, pub- The title- t was printed I,'' and in the 8vo, pp. 237- \cheson, together against the Ohio e Indians relative Peace, and an In- same year another work, — with still the promise of a continuation, which, so far as we can ascertain, never appeared. The other work published by Major Rogers in London in 1765, have the following title : " A Concise Account of North America ; con- taining a Description of the several British Colonies on that Continent, including the Island of Newfound- land, Cape Breton, &c.,as to their Situation, Extent, Climate, Soil, Produce, Rise, Government, Religion, present Boundaries, and the number of Inhabitants supposed to be in each. Also of the Interior, or westerly Parts of the Country, upon the Rivers St. troductory Account of the preceding Campaign and the Battle of Bushy Run. Pages x and 218. A condensed anonymous edition of Rogers's Journals, was published by Luthei Roby, at Concord, N. H., in 1831. (lamo, pp. 276), of which the editor is known to have been Caleb Srark, Jr. The title of this work is as follows ; " Reminiscences of the French War j containing Rogers's Expeditions with the New England Rangers under his Command, as published in London in 1765 ; with Notes and Illustrations. To which is added an Account of the Life and Military Services of Maj. Gen. John Stark ; with Notices and Anecdotes of Officers distinguished in the French and Revolutionary Wars." Of this volume, the abstract of Rogers's Journals fills 132 pages — and an Appendix 36 more, — the remainder being de- voted to the Memoirs of G*"'' '^^ fohn Stark. 1 2 'Journals of Major Robert Rogers. iliii ! I Lawrence, the Mississippi, Christino, and the Great Lakes. To which is subjoined, an Account of the several Nations and Tribes of Indians residing in those Parts, as to their Customs, Manners, Govern- ment, numbers, etc. Containing many useful and entertaining Facts, never before treated of. By Major Robert Rogers, London: Printed for the Author, and sold by J. Millan, Bookseller, near Whitehall. MDCCCLXV, 8vo, pp. 264." In the first of these publications, the author an- nounced his intentions of publishing an account of his travels into the Cherokee country and the Southern Indians; of his second tour into the interior country, upon the Great Lakes ; and of the Indian wars in America since the year 1760 ; together with correct plans of all the British posts upon the continent. In the second, of the above noticed publications, he pro- posed to issue a volume containing maps of the several colonies, and of the interior country of North Ame- rica, "more correct, and easier to be understood than any yet published." The price of each, was to be ^n English guinea, but so far as we are informed, Major at Mid Canada I trading p From trade of northwes charge of ment, th responsib he lost n short, V authority went to charges o and then ' The fraj Munsell's H to form a p; from May 6 ' Letters January 25, 3 See App rs, »e Great It of the iiding in Govern- >eful and 3f. By for the er, near thor an int of his Southern country, wars in h correct lent. In J, he pro- le several rth Ame- tood than k^as to be informed, Journals of Major Robert Rogers. 1 3 nothing further of this nature appeared under his name, relating to American affairs.* Major Rogers, in 1766, was appointed Commandant at Michilimackinac, which after the conquest of Canada had become the most important military and trading post in the interior.' From its fine location, it naturally intercepted the trade of all the country beyond it to the west and northwest, and as there was no Commissary in special charge of the trade, at the time he received his appoint- ment, the office of Commandant was one of great responsibility, as one also of rare opportunity, which he lost no time in turning to his own advantage. In short, we find him incurring expenses without authority, drawing orders upon the Government which went to protest for non-payment, and falling under charges of a design to plunder the Fort he commanded, and then desert to the French in New Orleans.^ ' The fragment of a Journal of the Siege of Detroit, first published in Munsell's Historical Series, No. IV, in i860, they have been intended to form a part or the proposed work. His Journal covers the period from May 6 to July 4, 1763. * Letters from Gen. Thomas Gage to Sir Wiliiam Johnson, dated January 25, 1767. — Doc. Hist, of H. T.y iv., 837. 3 See Appendix C. . I. !';■ 14 Journals of Major Robert Rogers, He was arrested, and brought a prisoner to Mon- treal, but managed to acquit himself of these charges, and in 1769 again went to England, where he was presented to the King.* Major Rogers remained abroad on this second occasion until the summer of 1775, and from one of his letters, we learn that he was for a time in the Algerine service. He appears to have become attached to the soldier's profession, in which he had had so long an experience, and for which, on outpost duty and occasions requiring prompt decision, courage and endurance, he had shown himself eminently well fitted. He was now approaching the age of fifty years — a period of life at which the judgment matured by ' While in England at this time, the following anecdote is related of him : A mail coach, in which he was a passenger, was stopped by a high- wayman en Hunslow Heath. The robber, thrusting a pistol through the coach window, demanded the purses and watches of the occupants. While others were taking out their valuables, the bold American stranger suddenly seized the man by the collar by main strength, drew him through the window, and ordered the coachman to drive on. The captive was an old offender, for whose apprehension a reward of £50 Sterling has been offered by the Government. — Stark't Memoir, p. 385 Potter' t Mancbester, p. 489. u-,. - SBgg yournals of Major Robert Rogers, 1 5 experience operates with clearness, and the physical powers are with many still capable of great achieve- ment. During his six year's absence, his native country had been steadily preparing for the crisis of the Revolution ; and although absent, we may well believe, he could not have been indifferent, as to the tendencies of the times, and the probabilities of a conflict, in which military experience would be sought and valued, and ample opportunities afforded for pro- motion and reward. As to his preferences at this time, we have no in- dication. His long associction with military men and affairs, might have naturally predisposed him to regard the Royal cause as the one of right, as well as the one of power, and his long separation fi'om family and friends of early life, may have failed to inspire him with the patriotic impulses then filling the country with enthusiasm, and hastening it to organized rebellion. Under all the circumstances of his case, the fact that he was a retired half pay officer of the British army, that he had for many years taken no interest in American civil affairs, and perhaps, the knowledge of his transactions at Michilimackinac, appear to have (■■ iir 1 6 "Journals of Major Robert Rogers, led his countrymen to distrust him, before he had declared his preference, and possibly before he had formed his own opinions.' Under these suspicions, some regarded him as an enemy in disguise, and even serving as a spy, while others looked upon him as a mercenary soldier, ready to accept the highest bid from either party, and with no principles that would deter him from selling out his opportunities, if it could be done with probable success. At any event, his conduct was not such as to invite confidence, from the time of his first arrival in the country, until his preferences were publicly declared. We find him wandering about the country, without visible employment, or plausable pretext, — associating with suspected persons, and visiting places of doubtful reputation, — arrested time and again on suspicion, and ( Mr. Stark, who afterw4rd8 became so efficient in the American service, and who had shared the hardships and dangers of the partizan service with Major Rogers in the war of i75;-6o, visited him when at Medford, Mass , in December, 1775, endeavoring to gain an inter- view with Waiihinston, and expressed the belief, that if Major Rogers had not been charged with disloyal sentiments before he had expressed them by word or deed, he might have been won to the support of the Continental cause. by Lieut. s. he had he had 1 as an r, while r, ready nd with ling out )robable to invite [ in the leclared. without iociating doubtful :ion, and e American :he partizan him when in an inter- ajor Rogers id ezpreued tport of the i Jonrna/s of Major Robert Rogers. 17 giving his parol under oath, to which he paid no re- gard, — and finally when confined, escaping to the British lines, and openly accepting a commission as a partizan officer in the Royal cause. It is now known, that long before this decision was openly avowed, lie had tendered his servicee to both parties ; and that be- fore he in writing to General Washington said, " I love North America ; it is my native country, and that of my family, and I intend to spend the evening of my days in it," he had pledged the wealth of hi talent for inroad and des'ruction, to the commander- in-chief of the British army, and had been promised His Majesty's future tavor.* His services as a loyalist, were short and inglorious. He was commissioned with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel Commandant, to raise a partizan corps to be- known as the keen's Rangers ; but on the 21st of October, 1776, his party was surprised at Mamoranec, near Long Island Sound, a part were captured, and Rogers himeelf barely escaped, in the confusion of the encounter." Not long after this, he returned to I See Appendix D. 'See Appendix E. The Sheens Rangers, were afterwards commanded by Lieut. Colonel Simcoe, subsequently Governor of Upper Canada. ! ! ' ' 1 8 'Journals of Major Robert Rogsrs, England, where he died about the year 1800. He is said to have lived a wild, improvident and extravagant life, and to have been the victim of bad habits. Major Rogers was banished from the State by an Act of the New Hampshire Legislature, in Novem- ber, 1778, but his estate was not confiscated, as was the case of many others. His son Arthur Rogers, lived with his mother many years upon the family farm near Concord, and died in Portsmouth, N. H., in 1841, leaving three children of respectable standing, in San Domingo. Long after the death of Major Rogers, some cor- respondence passed among those who were seeking to learn, and who were willing to inform, concerning his standing and character in the community where he had lived. We cheerfully present this tribute of friendship, from one whose good opinion might well be prized, as tending to show that the wild and rugged traits in the character of this partizan soldier, were relieved by traces of softer tone ; and that among those who had no words of approval for the final course of his military career, his memory still re- tained the sympathies of a friend. Concord, July 16, 1842. Journals of Major Robert Rogers. 19 Dear Sir; I have made some inquiry respecting Major R. Rogers, and among our oldest inhabitants I find but one opinion^ respecting his character, and that is fully expressed in the note enclosed to me and transmitted herewith to you from Govenor Hill. Mr. Hill has perhaps a better knowledge of Major Roger's character, as an officer, than any other per- son here ; he has been prompted by reasons which could not have operated on others. Respectfully, your Obedient Servant, Robert A. Davis. Mr. Charles Coffin, N. Y. City. " Gen. Robert Davis. My Dear Sir : 1 have this moment read Mr. Coffin's letter addressed to you, requesting informa- tion in relation to the character of the late Maj. Robert Rogers. Having recently had occasion to make inquiries relative to his early history, I find nothing in the region of his birth, that goes at all to discredit him. One o^ the last of liis c'ood relations in this vicinity who personally remembered him, a lady, died about a year ago. From her mouth, through Mark Buinham, Esq., a native of the same ' f; 1 ^ \'; ! I., i ill 20 journals of Major Robert Rogers. town with Rogers, I derived the information that all the family were proud of his name, and were re- luctant to associate it with a reputation that was not entirely unsullied. Maj. Rogers never resided in this State permanently after the commencement of the Revolutionary war. He was in the British service in Canada, after the close of the old French war, partly in a military and partly in a civil capacity. The only child bearing his name was several years under my care as a guardian. This circumstance, among others, has led me more particularly to rriari^ the character of the celebrated warrior. I consider him to have been one of the most talented men of the country — perhaps the best partizan officer this country ever produced. I believe him to have been the author of thatiperfect mode of attack and defence which enabled a hundred of the Rangers to do more service than thousands of the British regulars, espe- cially in the winter service of the old war of 1756, Such safety to troops on fatigue, amid the severest seasons of a sever climate, was never cefore secured. such certainty in the results, either on the advance or .retreat, perhaps has never realised by any other * 1 ! Journals of Major Robert Rogers, 21 force than the Rangers, under the perfect arrangement and discipline invented by Rogers, I consider him to have been as great a man in his pecular sphere, as Napoleon Bonaparte, and for decision and firmness equal to Andrew Jackson. Yours truly Isaac Hill." I t ! 4; I ; i II i ir The Author's Introduction. I * • » I It would be offering an affront to the public, should T. pre end to have no private views in publishing the i . -/ing journals ; but they will excuse me if I leave therii to conjecture what my particular views are, and claim the merit of impartially relating matters of fact, without disguise or equivcoation. Most of those which relate to myself can at present be attested by living witnesses. And should the troubles in America be renewed, and the savages repeat those scenes of barbarity they so often have acted on the British subjects, which there is great reason to believe will happen, I flatter myself, that such as are immediately concerned may reap some advantage from these pages. Should any one take offence at what they may here meet with, before they venture upon exhibiting a charge, consider, attack m soldier, n things he but in de hurries, c depressioi of exhaus the follov to the gei I am not very grosi It wou particular the' I coi dishonor i with my i rences as country, « the servic particular received i Journals of Major Robert Rogers. 23 a charge, they are desired, in favor to themselves, to consider, that I am in a situation where they cannot attack me to their own advantage ; that it is the soldier, not the scholar, that writes ; and that many things here were wrote, not with silence and leisure, but in deserts, on rocks and mountains, amidst the hurries, disorders, and noise of war, and under that depression of spirits, which is the natural consequence of exhausting fatigue. This was my situation when the following journals or accounts were transmitted to the generals and commanders I acted under, which I am not now at liberty to correct, except in some very gross and palpable errors. It would- perhaps gratify the curious to have a particular account of my life, preceding the war ; but the' I could easily indulge them herein, without any dishonor to myslelf, yet I beg they will be content with my relating only such circumstances and occur- rences as led me to a knowledge of many parts of the country, and r.ended in some measure to qualify me for the service I have since been employed in. Such, in particular, was the situation of the place in which I received my early education, a frontier town in the l-l' I « 24 Jonrnals of Major Robert Rogers. province of New Hampshire,* where I could hardiy avoid obtaining some knowledge of the manners, customs, and language of the Indians, as many of j them resided in the neighborhood, and daily conversed and dealt with the English. Between the years 1743 and 1755 my manner of] life was such as led me to a general acquaintance both with the British and French settlements in North America, and especially with the uncultivated desert, the mountains, valleys, rivers, lakes, and several passes that lay between and contiguous to the said settlements. Nor did I content myself with the ac- counts I received from Indians, or the information of hunters, but travelled over large tracts of the country myself, which tended not more to gratify my curi- osity, than to inure me to hardships, and, without vanity I may say, to qualify me for the very service I have since been employed in. ' Dunbarton, originallcy called "Stsrkstown," was granted in 1751, by the Masonian proprietors to Archibald Stark, Caleb Page, and others. Settlement was begun some years before 1746, by Joseph and William Putney, James Rogers and Obadiah Porter. It is included in County Merrimack, New Hampshire, and the country adjacent be- pnges to tne Abenaque tribe. \^k Jonrnals of Major Robert Rogers. 25 About this time the proceedings of the French in America were such as excited the jealousy of the English, especially in New York and New England ; and as Crown Point was the place from which, for many years, the Indians in the French interest had been fitted out against our settlements on the frontiers, a design was formed in the beginning of 1755 to dis- possess them of that post ; pursuant to which troops were levied in the several provinces of New England, New York, and New Jersey. The general ren- dezvous was appointed at Albany in the proinvce of New York, and the troops put under the command of Major General (since Sir William) Johnson.' I had the honor of commanding a company in the troops furnished by the province of New Hampshire, with which I made several excursions, pursuant to special orders from the governor of that province, on the northern and western frontiers, with a view to deter the French and their Indians from making inroads upon us that way. In this manner I was employed till the month of July, when I received orders to re- pair to Albany, at which place I tarried till August i ■ r 1 '.(■ M ■ i ' See Appendix (A). !'1 26 journals of ^lajor Robert Rogers, 26th, and was then ordered with 100 men to escort] tha provision waggons from thence to the Carrying- Place, then so called, since Fort Edward. Here I| waited upon the General, to whom I was recom- mended as a person well acquainted with the haunts! and passes of the enemy, and the Indian method ofj fighting, and was by him dispatched with small parties on several tours towards the French posts, and was on one of these up Hudson's River on the 8th ofj September, when Baron Dieskau was made prisoner,] and the French and Indians under his command de- feated, at the south-end of Lake George. The 24th of September I received orderes from! the General to proceed with four men to Crown Point, and, if practicable, to bring a prisoner from thence ; and with an account of the manner in which] I executed these orders I shall begin my Journals. '<'- UORGE, not )iiP(^P(i0(ifiti^^t^f^^ iVflKSiA^i i^paa»aaBi^M3'^S^p f JOURNAL, . ! September 24, 1755. Pursuant to orders of this date from Major General [ohnson, Commander in Chief of the Provincial ^orces, raised for the reduction of Crown Point,* I jmbarked with four men upon Lake George,f to *According to Wm. Brassier's map of Lake Champlain, published in 62, Crown Point, or Fort St. Frederick was called by the Indians, ek-ya-dough-nigarigee, which signifies " Two points opposite to each er. " The opposite point, on this map, is called the "Dutch Crown oint." The name, "St. Frederick," is said by Kalm, to have been liven in honor of Frederick Maurepas, French Secretary of State, in hose hands the direction and management of the Court of Admiralty vas, at the time of its erection. f Lake George is a little over 33 miles long and nearly 4 miles wide It the broadest place ; it is 321 feet above tide water and 225 feet |bove Lake Champlain ; the whole of the lake, and all of its islands Duth of the line of Essex county, lie in Warren county, the east bounds wh'ch, are by statute located along the easterly shore of the lake. The Iroquois name of the lake was Andia-ti-roc-te. " Where be lake shuts itself." The French called it "St. Sacrament," which ^as given it by Father Jogue, the Catholic Missionary, in 1646, from be fact that he first came there on the festival of Corpus Christi. The English name of Lake George, was applied for the first time. Sir William Johnson, who in a letter to General Shirley undei »te of Sept. I, 1755, says, — ** ^ ''"^^ given the name of Laki [eorge, not only in honor of this Majesty, but to assert his uo- ]>ubted dominion here." — y ohnson MSS. ii, 199* iii;! •f^ 28 'Journals of Major Robert Rogers. reconnoitre the strength of the enemy, and proceed- ing down the lake twenty -five miles. I landed on the west side, leaving two men in charge of the boat, while I marched with the other two till the 29th, when I had a fair view of the fort at Crown Point, and discovered a large body of Indians round the fort, and, from their repeated irregular firing, supposed they were shooting at marks (a diversion much in use among the savages). At night I crept through the enemy's guards into a small village lying south! of the fort, and passed their centries to an eminence south-west of it, from whence I discovered they were building a battery, and had already thrown up an en- trenchment on that side of the fort. The next day,] from an eminence at a small distance from the former,! I discovered an encampment, which extended fromi the fort south-east to a wind-mill, at about thirty] yards distance; as near as I could judge, their num- ber amounted to about 500 men ; but finding no op portunity to procure a captive, and that our small party! was discovered, I judged it proper to begin a retreat! homeward the ist of October. I took my route! within two miles of Ticonderoga, from whence I ob- served a large smoke to arise, and heard the explosionl of a number of small arms ; but our provisions being! expended, we could not tarry to ascertain the numberl of the enemy there. On the 2d we arrived at the' place where we left our boat in the charge of twc men, but to our great mortification found they werej gone, and no provisions left. This circumstancej hastened us to the encampment with all possible] speed, where we arrived the 4th, not a little fatigued and distressed with hunger and cold.* '"'The "Journals of Sir William Johnson's Scouts," printed in th| fourth volume Qi the Documentary History of New York, give notice of several of the expeditions described in the text, lomewhaj 'Journals of Major Robert Rogers. 29 !| i 1 October 7, 1755. I received orders of this date from General Johnson, to embark with five men different in some cases, and more fully in others; for which reasons we insert the mure important of those by Capt. Rogers, as notes. In doing this we have not attempted to follow the illiterate orthography which appears in some c-ases, and have ad>ipte(^ a punctu.ition and divi- sion into sentences that appeared to give most fully the meaning of the writers. It will be noticed that the dates are usually some ten days behind those given in the text, — evidently from the fact that the Old Style calendar then lately adopted in England and English colonies, had not I as yet, come entirely into use. According to this authority, the party here noticed in the text, set out on the 14th of September, — landed about daylight, left two men of I Connecticut in charge of boats and provisions, and in the morning, saw sundry Indian canoes passing in the lower part of the lake. The Journal I then adds : "The 17th day, at evening, discovered the wheat fields, and four houses, about two miles southerly from Crown Point fort. In the night went to the intrenchment, made from the fort, encompasing a I little hill, the trenches not finished, but reached about thirty rods from the fort ; which intrenchment begins at the South-west corner of the fort, and trends south-westerly, about two rods wide at the fort, and widens to about fifteen at the other end. Went into the trench, and spent the night, for discovery in and about there till morning, and then [retired to a Mountain about a mile west from the fort, where (here was a clear view of all the fort and appurtenances — and saw an [addition to the fort, from the North-west corner, about twenty-five rods [which reached to the water side, inclosing some buildings — many ■ tents were set up in it. A wind mill about sixty rods south of the fort, in which space jmany tents were up had clear discovery of the fort and appurtenances; jthe soldiers were mustered and exercised. The whole of French and ■Indians we judged were near upon five or six hundred. Their people, some few were at work at the intrenchments, seemed lunconcerned — hunting pidgeons, etc., all around in the wood. Some of which came within about fifteen rods of the scout. We came ofT the hill at night. 19th. Set homeward, travelled to the lake, about six miles from rionduroque. 20th. Set up the lake, to where we left the Battoe, found that, and ihe two men (we left) were gone, and we set homeward. The x^i ^ate at night, arrived at the great camp. The land is rough and mountainous from the lower end of the lake ,. il 30 Journals of Major Robert Rogers, under my command to reconnoitre the French troops at Ticonderoga.* Accordingly I proceeded at night to a point of land on the west side of the lake, where we landed, hid our canoe, and left two men in charge of it. The next day, with the other three, I marched to the point at Ticonderoga. where we arrived about 1 noon. I here observed a body of men, ' h 1 1 judged to be about 2000 in number, who ha^. ..irown up an entrenchment, and prepared large quantities of hewn timber in the adjacent woods. We remained here the second night, and next morning saw themj lay the foundation of a fort, on the point which com-j mands the pass from Lake George to Lake Cham- plain, and the entrance of South Bay, or Wood Creek. Having made what discoveries we could, we beganl our return, in which we found that the enemy had a( to Crown Point. The distance about zo miles, and we apprehend im- practicable to get a feasible road there, — which is the general account! of the discovery we have made." The report is signed by Robert Rogers, dated Sept. r J trans-j mitted to Gen. Johnson by Joseph Blanchard of the Nf ipshirtl Regiment. — Doc. Hist. N. Y., iv, 259. [In citing from this work, in this volume, the octavo edition is re- fericd to, and not the fuarto.^ — £ii. * The orders issued on this occasion were as follows : Camp at Lake George, 7 Oct'r, 1755. You are to embark with the party under your command, and landl with them on one of the nearest and most convenient islands in thtf lake toward the carrying place and Ticonderoga and then send out threa or four proper persons to reconnoitre the enemy thereabouts and makJ what discoverys they can : you are then to send out the Birch Canoel as a bait for the enemy, and to remain with the rest of the party, inl order to succor and assist them if pursued, or to circumvent the enemyj for which purpose you are to be in constant readiness with your Menl and Battoes, and keep a good lookout. By the General's Command, Pktir Wraxall, A.D. Camp. W s. Journals of Major Robert R'fgers. 31 I troops It night , where 1 charge narched i ;d about [ •'b 1 ...rown itities of emainedl iw theml ich com- e Cham- d Creek.! ve began! my had a| prehend im- leral accounti i trans- 1 -ipshirel sdition is re-l EORGE, ct'r, 1755. d, and Un(i| stands in th nd out threi is and mak Birch Canoel the party, inl \t the enemy, th your Men] 'raxall, UD. Camp. large advanced guard at the north end of Lake George, where the river issues out of it into Lake Champlain. While we were viewing these, I observed a bark canoe, with nine Indians and a Frenchman in it, going up the lake. We kept sight of them till they passed the point of land, where our canoe and men were left, where, when we arrived, we had information from our people that the above Indians and Frenchman had landed on an island six miles to the south of us, near the middle of the lake. In a short time after, we saw them put off from the island; and steer di- rectly towards us ; upon which we put ourselves in readiness to receive them in the best manner we could, and gave them a salute at about 100 yards distance, which reduced their number to four. We then took boat and pursued them down the lake, till they were relieved by two canoes, which obliged us to retreat towards our encampment at Lake George, where we arrived the 10th of October. October 15, 1755. Agreeable to orders of this date from General Johnson, I embarked with forty men in five boats. Our design was to discover the .strength of the enemy's advanced guard, and, if pos- sible, to decoy the whole, or part of them, into an ambush ; but tho' we were indefatigable in our en- deavours for se 'eral days, yet all our attempts of this ind proved abortive i and, as an account of our several loven ents during this scout would little gratify the eader, 1 shall omit giving a particular detail of them, e returned safe to our encampment at Lake George in the 19th.* 'ii I *The report of this tour made to Gen. Johnson, contains many de- rails omitted in the text : "October 7th, 1755. In the evening embarked by order from be camp at Lake Georjje, with a party of about 50 men to make dis- ry of the French at Atianderogoe, and we went by three or four 32 Journais of Major Robert Rogers, October 21, 1755. I had orders from Grneral Johnson on this date, to embark for Cr<>wn Point, fires, and in sixteen miles sailing, I missed one batoe — it being dark could not find it. Went on with the rest of the command, and about brake [of] day landed our battoes on ye east side of y*^ Lake George, within twelve miles of the Carrying Place, at Atenderrogo. Lay there that day ; made no discovery. The eighth day at evening, landed our batoes and bore towards Tianderroge, and discovered a fire on an is- land. Put to land, and sent off a birch canoe to see what was there. They, that were on the island discovered y« canoe, and put out their fires, and, as we supposed, went off in their canoe. Then went down with y^ party within about seven miles of the Carrying Place, and landed on a point en y" west side of Lake George, and drew up y* batoes and secured them . " "On the 9th at morning, sent offCapt. Putnam, with one man and Capt. Hunt with three men more, in order to go to the Carrying Place and Tiandeeroge and make discoueries there and return to the party. At evening, Capt. Hunt came ^ack with two men. At night, sent off Ens'n. Putnam with three men, and ordered them to make what discovery they could with the birch canoe, and go to the Carrying Place, tarry there all night, and in y*-' morning as soon as it was light come back to their command. This night discouered several fires on ye shore of ye lake." "loth day, Sun half an hour high. In y" morning our birch canoe 1 77 Si ^° explain ti.e situation, and in referring to Rogers' account, speak of him as one whose bravery and sagacity stand very clear in my opinion, and of all who knew him. Tho' his regiment is gone, he remains here a volunteer, and is the most active man in our army. To-morrow he proposes to set off with two or three picked men, take a review, if he can, of Ticonderoga, and proceed to Crown Point for a prisoner. — yohnton MSS. iii, 83. i I i ] I h i ! 34 Journals of- Major Robert Rogers, 1 1 for us to hasten to the mountain. I arrived safe at our camp the 30th, with ail my party.* November 4, 1755. Agreeable to orders from General Johnson this day, I embarked for the enemy's advanced guard before mentioned, with a. party of thirty men, in four battoes, mounted with two wall-pieces each. The next morning, a little before day-light, we arrived within half a mile of them, where we landed, and concealed our boats ; I * A report by "Capt. Rogers and Co." (s' ' by Robert Rogers, Jonathan Butterfield and Israel Putnam), ^ addressed to Gen. Johnson, under date of Oct. 22, [O S.] as foi'ows : "On the 14th day of October, 175^, I embarked in a birch canoe at the camps on the south end of Lake George, with four men beside myself, and sailed twenty-five miles, and landed on the west side of the lake. Then traveled by land, and on the i8th day I arrived on the mountains on the west side of Crown Point, where I lay that night and all the next day, and observed the enemy's motions there, and about Crown Point. Observed Ambussers built upon the mount, about thirty rods to the south-west of Crown Point post. In the evening went diwn to the houses that were built upon the lake, to the south of Crown Point, and went into a barn that was well filled with wheat. Left three men and proceeded with one man to make further discover- ies at the fort. Found a good place to ambush within sixty rods of the fort, and immediately went back and took our partners and am- bushed, at the proper place we had found, and there we lay till about ten o'clock. Observed several canoes passing up and down the lake, and sundry men that went out to work about their secular affairs, and judged the whole that was in the fort to be about five hundred. At length, a Frenchman came out of the fort towards us, with his gun, and came within fifteen rods of where we lay. Then I with another man ran up to him, in order to capture him — but he refused to take quarters — so we killed him, and took his calp, in plain sight of the fort — then ran, and in plain view, about twenty rods, and made our escape. The same night we came right west of Tianarago, about three miles, and upon a mountain in plain sight of their fort, and saw a large encampments around it. and heard a vast number of small arms fired. Judged there to be two thousand men at Tianarago. "On the 2 1 St day, got to our canoes about eight o'clock in the morning, and found ail safe. About nine o'clock in the evening, ar- rived all well at our encampments, from whence we had set out." — Joknton MSS. iii, lai — Doe. Hitl. N. T., iv, 269. 'Journals of Major Robert Rogers. 35 then sent out foiM* men as spies, who returned the next evening, and informed me, that the enemy had no works around them, but lay entirely open to an assault ; which advice I dispatched immediately to the General, desiring a sufficient force to attack them, which, notwithstanding the General's earnest- ness and activity in the affair, did not arrive until we were obliged to retreat. On our return, however, we were met by a reinforcement, sent by the Gener- al, whereupon I returned again towards the enemy,'^ ! I * The party sent to reinforce Capt. Rogers, was under Capt. Roger Billings, who made a brief report, found in Doc. Hist, iv, 274. The originil is in Johnson M-^S. iii, 166. Billings was the bearei of the following letter to Capt. Rogers : "Agreeable to your message and desire, I send you a reinforcement of men under the command of Capt. Billings, who with the men, arc to put themselves under your command. I would recommend yuu to act with silent caution, and so to post your men as to cut off their re- treat to Ticonderoga. It appears to me most desirable to begin the attack from the water, securing their canoes, and that at break'of day. You will consult with the officers upon your proceedings, but the stroke must be struck without delay. If there are any works and time will permit, destroy them. Do your business as soon as possible, and don't delay one moment. Whtn you have done the best yuu can, suffer no men to delay time by looking after plunder, for if you are dilatory, the enemy from Ticonderoga may come upon you, and be too powerful for you to make a safe retreat." Camp at Lake George, 2d Nov. 1755. The instructions to Colonel Billings were as follows : "You are to embark with the party under your command, in order to join Capt. Rogers. Yuu are to keep the men orderly and silent, upon the pain of death, and not scatter the battoes out of si{;ht of each other. Yourself, and the next officer in command to be in the last battoe, in order to bring up the rear regularly. On your joining Capt. Rogers, you are to be under his command, and deliver him my letter herewith. I have directed him to consult with the officers when oc- casion requires. Your success depends upon secrecy and silence. Let that be your principal care and attention. Take Connor in the bat- toe with you as a pilot, and let the offictrr who brings up the rear have the Indian who came from Capt. Rogers in his bat toe. * — Johnson MSS, iii, 168. ! I 36 Journals of Major Robert Rogers, and the next evening sent two men to see if the enemy's Gentries were alert, who approached so near as to be discovered and fired at by them, and were so closely pursued in their retreat, that unhappily our whole party was discovered. The first notice I had of this being the case, was from two canoes with thirty men in them, which I concluded came out with another party by land, in order to force us be- tween two fires : to prevent, which I, with Lieuten- ant McCurdy, *and fourteen men, embarked in two boats, leaving the remainder of the party on shore, under the command of Captain Putnam. t In order to decoy the enemy within the reach of our wall- pieces, we steered as if we intended to pass by them, which luckily answered our expectations ; for they boldly headed us till within about an hundred yards, when we discharged the before mentioned pieces, which killed several of them, and put the rest to flight, jn which we drove them so near where our land-party lay, that they were again galled by them ; several of the enemy were tumbled into the water, and their canoes rendered very leaky. At this time I discovered their party by land, and gave our people * John McCurdy, Second Lieutenant of Capt. Rogers* company. f This was Israel Putnam, afterwards Major-General in the Revolu- tionary war. He was then in command of a company of Connecticut levies, in Lyman's regiment. Putnam shared with Rogers the hard- ships and perils of many scouts during this campaign, but he seldom mentions his name, and on one occassion, as "One Captain Putnam, of Connecticut." Is it not probable that jealousies may have been excited between them, that prevented amicable relations, and generous mention in the work written after the war was over? There are many anecdotes of Putnam, of this, and later periods, related by Mr. David Humphrey's, his biographer, but we consider the statements of this writer so little reliable, as not to be worth quoting. , < -^ . ■>-..»- I 'Journals of Major Robert Rogers. 37 notice of it, who thereupon embarked likewise, with- out receiving any considerable injury from the enemy's fire, notwithstanding it was for some time very brisk upon them. We warmly pursued the enemy, and again got an opportunity to discharge our wall-pieces upon them, which confused them much, and obliged them to disperse. We pursued them down the lake to their landing, where they were re- ceived and covered by lOO men, upon whom we again discharged our wall-pieces, and obliged them to retire ; but finding their number vastly superior to our's, we judged it most prudent to return to our en- campment at Lake George, where we safely arrived on the 8th of November. * I I * A report signed by Robert Rogers, Israel Putnam and Noah Grant, was addressed to Gen. Johnson, giving the following account of this expedition : "Pursuant to your orders of y* a9th of October last, I set off with y'' party to me ordered, and went down y" lake, and on y« 3i8t made a discovery of a number of fires, by night, situated on a point of land on ye west side of y*^ lake, [a) upon which we landed, and secured our battoes, upon y" same side of ye lake, about a mile and a half distance from their encampment. Next morning sent out spies for further discovery. In the evening Captain Fletcher, one of ye spies returned, leaving two of y" spies there, and made a report that there were four tents, and sundry small fires on ye point, and upon that, after consultation, it was concluded advisable to acquaint your Honor of our discovery, and reinforce us if you think it advisable, in order to proceed fu thei, and make a push upon our enemy. Accordingly Capt. Fletcher was dispatched to you with six men in y'- battoe,, and six being returned as invalids — leaving me with nineteen men only; — but being uneasy with the report, I took a battoe with five men, and went down within twenty-five rods of their fires. Discovered a small fort, with several small log camps within y" fort, which I judged to contain about a quarter of an acre — said fort being open toward! y* water, the rest picketed. Made no further discovery there, and returned to my party. Found all well except Capt. Putnam and (y their party, and that it was designed to surround our people on shore, and then attack us by keeping us between them and their party, rinding rheir design [we] attacked them first, put them to route and surprised [them] so that they made to ye shore, where Cipt. Putnam with ye rest of our party lay. But unhappily for them, he was pre- pared for them, and shot and killed their cockswain ; and by our wall- pieces, etc., killed divers of them. But upon his firing upon their ca- noe, immediately y enemy that was upon his back, fired and [he] had but just time to shove his battoe out into y" water, and get into it, before ye enemy appeared upon ye water's edge, and made a brisk fire upon him. [He was] shot through his blanket in divers places, and tiirough ye battoe, and he then made to our battoes for refuge. Upon his escape, we pursued ye canoes with a constant fire upon them tin we came within eighty rods of their fires. Discovered a number of men upon each side of y" shore, within about forty rods of us, and gave each a broad side which put them to y" bush, and gave us a clear pasitage homewards. After we got fairly into ye lake, [we] H, i ut. Grant h a wall- by their mischief people on leir party, route and Putnam was pre- our wall- their ca- and [he] id get into ide a brisk vers places, for refuge, upon them a number of us, and gave us a ake, [we] 'Journals of Major Robert Rogers. 39 erected three new barracks and four store-houses in the fort, between which and the water they had eighty battoes hauled upon the beach, and about fifty tents near the fort ; they appeared to be very busy at work. Having by these discoveries answered the de- sign of our march, we returned, and arrived at our encampment on the 19th of November. December 19, 1755. Having had a month's re- pose, I proceeded, agreeable to orders from General Johnson, with two men, once more to reconnoitre Found none killed, but one wounded, which gave joy to all of us, after so long an engagement, which I judge, was near two hours. "And then we made y*^ best of our way to our headquarters. About half v.jy, we met with y" reinforcements — but upon con- sultation, thouiiht best to report what had happened, without further proceeding, an! accordingly arrived here, to y« encampment, yo 3d \mtiin."—yoAnson MSS. iii, 172. — Doc. Hist. N. T., iv, 272. The correspondence presented in the Johnson MSS., show that there was much diversity of opinion in the enemy's camp, at this period — from the conflicting reports of scouts, spies, and deserters — concerning the strength of the enemy at Ticonderoga and Crown Point. Sir William Johnson in writing to General Shirley, Nov. 18. 17S5» says : ' "When Capt. Rogers had his skirmish with the enemy's advance party, he told me he heard the alarm cannon fired at Ticonderoga. I find upon looking over his written report, [that] he has omitted this circumstance. He persists that he was not mistaken, but very plainly, heard the cannon. Now I apprehend, that upon this alarm, the enemy assembled at Crown Point, and from all parts of the country that way, marched to Ticonderoga, imagining our army was coming forwards — posted themselves in some advantageous pass to oppose us, and that this was the army the Indian saw, for I cannot bring myself to think they were mistaken. The oldest of them is to this moment I as positive as ever, with regard to the greatness of their fires, and (hat he clearly saw a vast number of tents. Whether that army remains, if broke up, upon further discovery that their alarm was groundless, or I are taking measures to attack ut — which of these is the case, I will I not pret..'nd to determine. Perhaps before the close of this day, some lof our scouts may help us to form some more certain judgment." Johnwn MSS. iii, 115. Letter to Col. Gradley. / and Major General in the British army, Febuary a6, 17S5- 42 Journals of Major Robert Rogers. H^l forts } we proceeded down the lake on the ice, upon skates, and halted for refreshment near the fall out of Lake George into Lake Champlain. At night we renewed our march, and, by day-break on the i6«h formed an ambush on a point of land on the east shore of Lake Champlain, within gunshot of the path in which the enemy passed from one fort to the other. About sun-rise, two sledges laden with fresh beef were presented to our view, we intercepted the drivers, destroyed their loading, and afterwards re- turned to P'ort William Henry, where I arrived with my prisoners and party in good health the 17th. January 26, 1756. Pursuant to orders of this date, from Colonel Glasier,* I marched from Lake * The fullowing is doubtless the order here referred to, although of different date: FoTKT William Henry, 29th Jany. 1756. "Sir, You are hereby ordered to march the party under your command the ni^hest and best way you can t<> Crown Point. Then take a view of that fortress and outworks, and make minutes of the same. If you meet Indians, or any enemies on your way, you are to take them pris- oners, or kill them, or distress them any other way or means your pru- dence shall ditect. You are tu take good care ot your men, and not expose them too much. You are to use all imaginable protettion not to loose a man. If it should snuw, you are to return immediately to this fort. If you discover any large bodies cf the enemy, you are to send one of the most active of your men with intelligence to me. As soon as you can perform this service, you are to return to this fort with your party. I heartily wish you success." — yohmon MSS. iv, 26. I am Sir, Your Humble Servant, B. Glasiek. To Capt. Robt. Rogers : The report of Capt. Rogers made upon his return to Fort William- Henry, is more minute than as given in the text. "Set out with a party of fifty nien with orders to look into Crown Point and the advanced battery that is built around it. The first day we marched down the Lake George about eighteen miles and camped. So we procecdel by the westward of the great mountains and continued our march until the 2d of February ; then climbed up a great moun- tain, to the west of Crown Point, about one mile, and gave it the name of Ogden's Mount. There we took a particular view of the overtake any longei house, wl their carti in %<^ \ "About fire. The so I stoppe ing and Li ing and I the remaif A tr { ! 'Journals of Major Robert Rogers. 43 Ml \\ I krant. George with a party of fifty men, with a design to discover the strength and works of the enemy at Crown Point. On the 2d of February, we arrived within a mile of that fortress, where we climbed a very steep mountain, from which we had a clear and full pros- pect of the fort, and an opportunity of taking a plan of the enemy's works there. In the evening we re- tired to a small village, half a mile from the fort, and formed an ambuscade on each side of the road lead- ing from the fort to the village. Next morning a Frenchman fell into our hands ; soon after we dis- covered two more, but they unluckily got sight of us fort and the ridouts that is built around it, and a plan of the same. We laid there until the eveninc, then went down the mountain, marched throu^^h a small village .ibout half a mile from the fort to the southward. There we laid in anihush upon each side of the road that leads from the fort th-ough b'' village. There we laid until about nine of the clock in morning, and there came along one Frenchman which we took prisoner, and two more were a coming toward us but discovered our ambush and made a speedy escape to the fort and some of my men pursued them within gunshot of the fort but could not overtake them. So we being discovered thought it needless to wait any longer for prisoners, but immediately set fire to the barns and house, where was abundence of wheat and other grain and we killed their cartle, horses and hogs in number about fifty. Left none living in s** village to our knowledge. "About II o'clock we marched homeward, leaving the vill.ige on fire. The jth inst., in the morning, one of our men was taken sick, so I stopped with seven men and sent the rest home with Capt. Gush- ing and Lieut. Ogden. They arrived at our fort about 6 in the even- ing and I got home the next day about 4 o'clock in y<= afternoon with the remainder of my partv." A true account by your humble servant. Witness, Seth Gushing. Doc. Hi it. N. r., !v, 183-284.— _7oA«M« MSS. V, 27. 44 'Journals of Major Robert Rogers, before th~" were in our power, and hastily retired to the fort. Finding ourselves discovered by the enemy by this accident, we employed ourselves while we dare stay in setting fire to the houses and barns in the village, with which were consumed large quanti- ties of wheat, and other grain ; we also killed about fifty cattle, and then retired, leaving the whole vil- lage in flames* and arrived safe at our fort, with our prisoner, the 6th of February. February 29, 1756. Agreeable to orders from Colonel Glasier, I this day marched with a party of fifty-six men down the west side of Lake George. We continued our route northward till the 5th of March, and then steered east to Lake Champlain, about six miles north of Crown Point, wheie bv the intelligence we had from the Indians, we expected to find some inhabited villages. We then attempted to cross the lake, but found the ice too weak. The 17th we returned and marched round by the hay to the west of Crown Point, and at night got into the cleared land among their houses and barns ; here we formed an ambush, expecting their labourers out to tend their cattle, and clean their grain of which there were several barns full ; we continued there that night, and next day till dark; when discovering none of the enemy, we set fire to the houses and barns, *The remains of a village with its streets, and the cellars of housei is still visible near the ruins of the fortress of Crown Point. The Swedish traveler Kalm, mentions a thriving settlement at this place. Mr. Winslow C. Watson in his history of Essex County, (p. 117), mentions the trace of a French settlement near Cruwn Point, and from allusions in ancient manuscripts and traditions draws the conclu- sion that this must have been the seat of an important N.itTic -rween the Trench and Indians, with a resident popul ion timatcu n. iti best days, at from 1,500 to 3,000 inhabitan'* 'M (hat even before French military occupation, it might have b important ma ' of Indian trade. 'Journals of Major Robert Rogers, 45 and marched off. In our return I took a fresh view of Ticonderoga, and reconnoitered the ground be- tween that fort and the advanced guard on Lake* George, approaching so near as to see their Gentries on the ramparts, and obtained all the knowledge of their works, strength and situation, that I desired. The 14th of March, we returned safe to Fort William Henry. The next day, after my return from this scout, I received a letter, dated February 24, 1756, from Mr. William Alexander * of New York, who was secretary to Mr. Shirley, Commander in chief of the troops at Oswego the preceding year, and who now upon the decease of General Braddock,f succeeded to the chief command of all his Majesty's forces in North America, and was now at Boston, preparing for the ensuing campaign, being previously recom- mended to this gentleman by General Johnson. I was dc-sired by the above mentioned letter to wait on him at Boston ; of which I informed the command- ing officer at the fort, and, with his approbation, I set out on the 17th of March, leaving the command of my company to Mr. Noah Johnson, J my Ensign ; my brother Richard Rogers, who was my Lieutenant, * Mr. Alexander served on Gen. Shirley's staff as aid-de-camp and private secretary, and after the war accompanied him to England to assist in the settlement of his accounts. He is known in history as Lord Stirling, a Major General of the American Revolution. f Major General Edward Braddock was killed July 13, I7SS> '"^ * battle on the Monongahela near Pittsburgh. X Johnson belonged in Dunstable, and had been in Lovewell's fight, in 1725. At the age of eighty, he went up to Frcyburg, to shovf to the settlers the scene of this engagement. — Stark'i Rtminitctntti of tbt French fVar, p. 18. 1 - * 46 Journals of Major Robert Rogers. being sent to Boston by the commanding officer, on some dispatches previous tu this.* On the 23d, I waited on the General, and met with a very friendly reception ; he soon intimated his design of giving me the command of an independ- ent company of Rangers, and the very next morning I received the commission, with a set of instructions. According to the General's orders, my company was to consist of sixty privates, at p. New York currency per day, three Serjeants at ^s. an Ensign at 5s. a Lieutenant at js. and my own pav was fixed at 105. per day. Ten Spanish dc^iars were allowed to each man towards provi 'ng cloaths, arms, and blankets. My orders were, to raise this company as quick as possible, toinlist none but such as were used to travelling and hunting, and in whose courage and fidelity I could confide ; they were, moreover, to be subject to military discipline, and the articles of war. Our rendezvous was appointed at Albany, from thence to proceed in four whale boats to Lake George, and, ** fr^m time to time, to use my best ** endeavors to distress the French and allies, by ** sacking, burning, and destroying their houses, " barns, barracks, canoes, battoes, &c., and by killing ** their cattle of every kind ; and at all times to en- " deavour to way-lay, attack, and destroy their convoy j of provisions by I nd and water, in any part of the coui ^ry, where I could find them." * It is stated in Potter's History of Manchester, N. H. (p. 489), that Rog>-rs while engaged in enlisting soldiers in Massachusetts, had become implicated with some others in countorteiting the paper money of the colony, and was arrested and put under bonds for his appearance' at*court. The government was in want of troops, and an arrjngemrnt I was soon made, that the proceedings should be stayed against him and his companions provided they enlisted for the war. Rogers wii i commissioned as a Captain and in a very short time, had his compl'. ment of men and was on his way to Albany. 'Journals of Major Robert Rogers, 47 i 1 With these instructions, I received letters to the commanding officers, at Fort William Henry and Fort Edward, directing them to forward the service, with which I was now particularly charged.* When my company was completed, a part marched under the command of Lieutenant Rogers to Albany ; wiih the remainder, I was ordered to march through the woods to Number Four then a f'-untier town greatly exposed to the enemy ; where, f April 28, 1756. I received orders to march from thence to Crown Point, in pursuance of which we travelled through deserts and mountains. The second day of our march, my Second Lieutenant, Mr. John Stark, was taken sick, and obliged to return, with whom I sent six men to guard him to Fort Edward. We continued our march till the 5th of May, when I arrived with nine men at Lake Champlain, four miles south of Crown Point. Here we con- cealed our packs and marched up to a village on the * The offireis of this company were : Robert Rogers, Q'ptain. Richard Rogers First Lieutenant. John Stark, tsccond Lieutenant, Noah Johnson. Emi^n, The company consisted of sixty privates, and was the nucleus of the famous '• Roger's Rangers." — Report of Adjutant General oj N. H., 1866, ii, 158. + ** Number Four," now Charlestown, Sullivan Co. N. H., wai granted by Massachusetts, and settled about 1736. A furt was built here at an early period, to check the enemy from Canada, in their inroads upon the English settlements. In the spring of 1747, the post was attacked by a large party of p'rench and Indians under Monsieur Dcbelinc, but gallantly and luccessfuli) defended by Capt. Phineai Stevens, \^ho with thirty men, sustained a leige of three days, with but small loss. Sir Charles Knowles, who was then at Boston, sent [an elegant sword to Captain Stevens, and when the place was incor- porated ai a town in 1753,11 was nimed Charlestown in compliment jtu the commodore. The post was subsequently attacked several timet [by the enemy, and in March 1748, Captair. Stevcni was killed. 48 Journals of Major Robert Rogers. east side, about two miles distant from Crown Point, but found no inhabitants there. We lay in wait the whole day following, opposite to Crown Point, ex- pecting some party to cross the lake; but nothing appeared except about four or five hundred men in canoes and battoes, coming up the lake from St. John's to Crown Point. We kept our station till next day, ten o'clock a m. to observe the motions of the enemy, but finding no opportunity to trapan any of chem, we killed twenty-three head of cattle, the tongues of which was a very great refreshment to us on our journey. We at this time discovered eleven canoes manned with a considerable number of French and Indians crossing the lake directly towards us, upon which we retired ■, and the better to escape our pursuers we dispersed, each man taking a differ- ent route. We afterwards assembled at the place where we concealed our packs, and on a raft crossed over to the west side of the lake. In our way we had a view of the French and Indians, encamped at the old Indian carrying place, near Ticonderoga, and the nth of May arrived saf*? at Fort William Henry. Mr. Stark, with his party, arrived at Fort Edward three days before. In their way they dis- covered a scouting party of three or four hundred Indians. Lieutenant Rogers with his party had arrived some days before this, and was at this time out upon a scout. May 20, 1756. Agreeable to orders from the General, I set our with a party of eleven men to re- connoitre th«* F.ench advanced guards. The next day, from the top of a mountain, we had a view of them, and judged their number to be about 300 ; they were busy in fortifying themsel* ss with palisa- does. From the other side of the mountain we had a prospect of Ticonderoga fort, and, from the ground journals of Major Robert Rogers 49 their encampment took up, I judged it to consist of about 1000 men. This night we lodged on the mountain, and next morning marched to the Indian carrying path, that leads from Lake George to Lake Champlain, and formed an ambuscade between the French guards and Ticonderoga fort. About six o'clock 118 Frenchmen passed by without discover- ing us ; in a few minutes after, twenty-two more came the same road, upon whom we fired, killed six, and took one a prisoner ; but the large party return- ing, obliged us to retire in haste, and we arrived safe, with our prisoner, at Fort William Henry the 23d. The prisoner we had taken reported, *' that a party of 220 French and Indians were preparing to invest the out-parties at Fort Edward," which occasioned my marching the next morning with a party of 78 men to join a detachment of Col. Bayley's* regiment, tu scour the woods as far as South Bay, if possible to intercept the enemy ; but we could not discover them. June 13, 1756. Agreeable to orders this evening, I embarked with a party of 26 men in battoes upon Lake George, to revisit the French advanced guard ; excessive thunder and lightening obliged us to land at about ten miles distance from our fort, where we spent the night. The next morning, about sun-rise, we heard the explosion of upwards of twenty small arms, on the opposite side of the lake, which we sup- posed to be a party of French and Indians, cleaning * Col. Jacob Bayley, w»t a native of Hampitead, to which father had moved from Newbury, Mass. After the close of the "Seven Year's War *' he removed to Newbury, Vt., having obtained a grant of that town for himself and associates from Governor Wentworth. He was very influential in the C061 Country in the Revolution and held various important Civil Offices. He died March, 1815, a^ed 89 years. — Refcn of Adjutant Ctntral of Nitu HamftAirt, 1866, ii, i8«. !,,\.!:.:t: 50 Journals of Major Robert Rogers. their guns after the rain. In the evening we em- barked again, and early in the morning of the i6th drew up our battoes about four miles distant from the advanced guard, and afterwards lay in ambush by a path leading from thence to a mountain, in order to surprise the enemy, who went there daily in parties, to take a view of the lake ; but finding they were not at that place, we marched to the spot where the enemy had posted their advanced guard, but they had retired and demolished all their works there ; we then continued our march toward Ticonderoga, near which place we ascended an eminence, and had a clear view of their works. I judged that their garri- son and encampment consisted o\ about 3000 men : We then set out on our return, and arrived at Fort William Henry the i8th instant, except one man, who strayed trom us, and who did not get in till the 23d, then almost famished for want of sustenance.* ^The report of this expedition made to General Johnson, was as follows : '• Journal of a Scout from Fort William Henry down into Lake Champlain, pursuant to an order from his Excellency, Major General Shirley to Captain Robert Rogers — as followeth, viz. June y" aoth, 1756, set out with a party of fifty men in five Whale Boats, and proceeded at about twent) miles in Lake George, where we enc-nped. The next day went five miles further down y Lake an'! thrre landed, hauled our boats ashore, and carried them over a movntaiu about six miles to South Bay, where we arrived on ye xA Jul), in the afternoon, and y« same evening went down y" Lake ' to] about six miles distance from y" Forts. July y' 4th towards morning we hauled up y" Boats on the east I tide of thu lake and concealed them, and laid by until evening. Then •et out again, and passed by Tiantiroga and found we were not dis- covered by being 10 near y* enemy as to hear y" sentry's watch word, we judged from the number of their fires [that] they had a body of I about two thousand men, and that y" Lake in this place is about •eventy rods [wide]. Continued on till day-light ; about five milei from y* Fort ; then hauled up y* Boats and concealed all day, on J* aame ihore, and ditcovered sundry Battoes, loaded and unloaded, | ^i ■■> journals of Major Robert Rogers. 51 ion, was as About this time the General augmented my com- pany to seventy men, and sent me six light whale- boats from Albany, with orders to proceed immedi- ately to Lake Champlain, to cut off, if possible, the provisions and flying parties of the enemy. Accord- ingly, June 28, 1756, I embarked with fifty men in five whale-boats, and proceeded to an island in Lake which were coming and going upon y'^ lake. [In a marginal noto ii here added — Thirty going loaded from Crown Point to Ticonderoga ; two birli canoes, with about twenty Indians; nine empty, returning from Ticondproga.] In )" evening of y" fifth day, put off again, and attempted to pass by Crown Point ; but thought it imprudent to pursue this intention by reason of the clearness and light of the night — so [we] hauled up)^ boats ag.iin, and lay concealed all day, being of 6th current. This day near one hundred boats passed us, seven of which came very near ui, and asked to land at the point where we lay, but their officers went further on, and landed about twenty -five rods from us, where they dined in uur view ; hut [we] did nut think it advisable to attack them in the situation we were in. [Added in a marginal note. — Thirty of the sailing boats, empty, and going north ward, and three loaded, guing to Ticonderoga.] About 9 in y" evening', set out again Passcif y' Fort at Crown Point and went ten miles trom it down y' Lake and hauled up y^ Boats about the break of day. July 7th about ten in y" morn, thirty boats passed towards Canada, [Supposed in part to be those seen thi; day before] \ also a light schooner of about 35 or 40 tons. Set out again in y" evening, and went fifteen miles further down, and went asiiore about I o'clock a. m., upon a point on y" east side of — and immediately sent a party further down the Lake for discovery. They saw a schooner at anchor some distance from y' shore, about a mile 'Vom us, and, upon thii intelligence, lighted our boats and intended to board them, but were prevented. About three o'clock saw two lighters coming up the Lake, who, we fuunil, intended to land in y" place where we were. These vessels we fired upon immediately, and afterwards hailed them, and offered them quarters if they would come ashore — which they said they would comply with — but instead thereof, put off in their boats to y'^ opposite shore. But we foilowing them in our boats and intercept ted tiiem, and after taking them, found twelve men, three of whom were killed and two wounded. One of the wounded could not Tiarch therefore [we] put an end to him to preuent discovery. As soon ai the prisoners were secure, we mployed ourselves in des'.riying and ! sinking vessels and cargoes, which were chiefly Wheat, Flour, Rice, - ■■■— 52 journals of Major Robert Rogers, George. The next day, at about five miles distance from this island, we landed our boats, and carried them about six miles over a mountain, to South Bay, where we arrived the 3d of July. The following evening we embarked again, and went down the bay to within six miles of the French toit, where we concealed our boats till the evening. We then em- barked again, and passed by Ticonderoga undiscov- ered, tho' we were so near the enemy as to hear their Gentry's watch-word. We judged from the number of their fires, that they had a body of about 2,000 men, and the lake in this place to be near 400 yards wide. About five miles further down, we again concealed our boats, and lay by all day. We saw several battoes going and coming upon the lake. At night wc put off again, with a design to pass h\ ''>own Point, but afterwards judged it imprudent by reason of the clearness of the night, so lay concealed Wine and Br.indy — except some few <.d»k> of" br.indy and wine, which we hid in some very secure places, with our whale boats, at some dis- tance on y" opposite shore. The prisoners informed us, that about I five iiumlred men, of" which they were foremost, were on their pas- sage at about two leagues distance, which occasioned us to get forward I on our return, on y" morning of the 8th inst. and pursued our march till y" I 2th, when we arrived on the west side of Lake George, about twenty-five miles from Fort William Henty. Sent Lieut. Rogers to laid fort for the battoes and provisions to carry us by water. On th( 14th, in y° evening, y" Lieut, returned to us with thirty men andl ten battoes, and on the 15th at two o'clock, we arrived safe with all my pJity and prisoners at Fort William-Henry.'* In a let er from Gen. Winslow to Gov. Wentworh, dated June! 27, 1776, the following account is given of this expedition: "Capt. Rogers has lately returned from reconnoitering the fortreiil of Ticonderoga, and nforms us that the enemy are retired and underl their Furtrris, and that he judges them to be three thousand strong! all that fort, and that they have been out and intirely destroyed their Ad- ' vance Guard, about six miles on this side. Hope things will surcrrdl according to the desire of my Constituents, and my Country i?-z^ hn this expedition, which I am sensible is not only costly, but hazardous." — Nttu Hampihiriy Premintial Paftrt — vi, 5 29 J "journals of Major Robert Rogers, 53 again the next day, when near a hundred boats passed by us, seven of which came very near the point where we were, and would have landed there ; but the officer insisted, in our hearing, upon going about 150 yards further, where they landed, and dined in our view. About nine o'clock at night we rc-im- barked, and passed the fort at Crown Point, and again concealed our boats at about lO miles distance from it. This day, being July yth, 30 boats and a schooner of about 30 or 40 tons, passed by us towards Canada. We set out again in the evening, and landed about fifteen miles further down, from which place I sent a party for further discovery, who brought intelligence of a schooner at anchor, about a mile from us ; we immediately lii;htened our boats, and prepared to board her ; but were prevented by two lighters coming up the lake, who, we found, in- tended to land where we were posted ; these we fired upon, then hailed them, and offered them quar- ters, if they would come ashore ; but they hastily pushed towards the opposite shore, where we pi«r- sued and intercepted them ; we found their numl.er to be twelve, three of which were killed by our fire, and two wounded, one of them in such a manner that he soon died. We sunk and destroyed their vessels and cargoes, which consisted chiefly of wheat and flour, wine and brandy ; some few casks of the latter we carefully concealed. The prisoners in- formed us, that they were a part of 500 men, the remainder of which were not far behind on their passage, which induced us to hasten our return to our garrison, where, with our prisoners we safely arrived the 15th of July. These prisoners, upon examination, reported: "That a great number of regular troops and militia were assembling at Cham- I f 54 Journals of Maftr Robert Rogers. Is blee, and destined for Carillon, or Ticonderoga ;* that great quantities of provisions were transporting there, and a new Generalf with two regiments lately arrived from France ; that there was no talk of any design upon our forts on this side ; but that a party of 300 French and 10 Indians, had already set out to intercept our convoys of provisions between Al- bany and Lake George ; that 60 livres was the re- ward for an English scalp, and that the prisoners were sold in Canada for 50 crowns each ; that their prospect of an harvest was very encouraging, but that the small-pox make great havoc amongst the inhabitants." About the time of my setting out upon this scout, Major-General Shirley was superse- ded in his command by Major General Abercrombie,| who arrived at the head-quarters in Albany on the 25 of June, and brought with him two regiments of regular troops from England. I therefore, upon my *The former is the French, the latter the In;' .'v ordered a new company of rangers to be raised^ an i gave the command of it to my brother,* appointed Noah Johnson, my former Ensign, his First Lieu- tenant, Nathaniel Abbotf his Second Lieutenant, * He completed his company in 28 days, and, by the General's or- ders, went up Mohawke river, to serve as a scouting party fur the troops that way. Note Ay the Author. This second company of Rangers was officered as follows: Hichard Roger t. Captain. Noah yohnson. First Lieutenant. Naihanid Ahhntt^ Second Lieutenant. Calth Page, Ensign. These, as well as the first company, were all of New Hampshire, and the men were mainly of this Province. Rogers' origin-il company uf Rangers was then officered as follows : Robert Roger Sy Captain. John Start, Kirst Lieutenant. John MeCurdy, Second Lieutenant. Jonathan Burhank, Ensign. — Report of Adjutant Genoa! of N. H., 1866, ii, 158. About the first of December, 1756, the Corps of Rangers aug mented by two companies, wasofficeied in part as follows : Hobbi, Captain. Bu/k/ey, Lieutenant. Sfnieman, Captain. Kennedy, Lieutenant. Bretver, En.i.n In the Spring of 1759, a new c )mp3ny of R.ingers was formed, of troops from New Jersey, under the command of Capt. Burgin. f Nathaniel Abbot, was born in Andover, Mass., in 1709, and when about thirty years old, settled in Penacook, N. H., of which he was an enterprising and useful citizen. He died in 1770. — Boulon'i Hilt, of Concord — p. 131. 56 Journals of Major Robert Rogers. and Caleb Page his Ensign.* John Stark, formerly my Second Lieutenant, was appointed my First, John McCurdy succeec'td to his place, and Jonathan Burbank was appointed my Ensign. August 2, 1756. Agreeable to orders received of General Abercrombie at Albany, the 23(^ of July, I embarked this day at Fort William Henry, on board one of the lighters built there this summer, with twenty one ot my company, in order to reconnoitre the enemy at Ticonderoga and Crown Point, and sixty men under Capt. Larnard of the provincials, who had General Winslow'sf orders to proceed with his men to the French acUanccd guard ; but he not being acquainted with thtr way thither, put himself under my command. We landed this morning about fifteen miles down Lake George, and proceedtd with the party till the 4th in the evening, and encamped about a mile from the advanced guard. The 5th in the morning mustered the whole party and got to the summit of a hill, west of the advanced guard where we discovered two advanced posts which 1 then imagined was the whole of the jiuard, one of them on the west side, half a mile southward of Lake Champlain, the other on the east side of the Lake opposite the former, at the old Indian carrying- place. We judged there were about 400 men on the east, and 200 on the west. After de- * Caleb Page, Jr., son of a prominent citizen of the same name, was from Dunbarton, N. H., the home of Major Rogers. He was killed in the battle fought J^n'y., iid, 1757. He is said to have been the hjndsomest man of the Page family. Siari't Hist, of DuntaUon, N. H., 189. f General Winslow commanded the provincial troops this year, by virtue of a commission from the several provinces, who were concerned in 175S1 in the same expedition, and was new with the greatest part of the provincial troops at Lake George. — Note by rhe j1ui\\or T^ 'Journals of Major Robert Rogers. 57 liberating with Capt. Larnard upon the strength, and disposition of the enemy, and the report of our advanced party, we concluded it unadvisable to con- tinue there any longer. He returned towards Fort William Henry, and I went on with my own party till we came vithin view of Ticondcroga Fort, where from an eminence, I discovered the situation, but could not ascertain the strength of it to my satisfac- tion. August 6, I went down towards Crown Point, by the west side of Lake Champlain, and discovered several battoes passing from that place to Ticondcro- ga with troops on board. We then proceeded to the place, where we burned the vilhige, as mentioned be- fore, and there encamped, and perceived a party sally- ing out, driving a number of horses to feed. The 7ih we lay in ambush by the road, with a design to intercept such as might come out to drive in the cattle ; but no one appearing for that purpose, we approached nearer, to within half a mile of the fort, where we were discovered by two Frenchmen, before they were in our power. This accident obliged us to make a retreat, in which we killed up- wards of forty cattle. We arrived at Fort William Henry, August lo. A company of Stockbridge Indians was this year [employed in his Majesty's service, commanded by j Indian officers, properly commissioned by General Shirley, before he was superseded in his command. iGcneral Abercombie was somewhat at a loss how to jdispose of this company, and applied to Sir William Ijohnson, who advised, that a part,* viz.: thirty privates * The remainder of this Indian company with their Captain, were ent to Saratoga, to be under the direction of Colonel Burton. Noie by the jiutier. 58 'Journals of Major Robert Rogers, and a Lieutenant, should scout and scour the woods under my direction, which party had arrived while I was out upon my last scout, and Lieutenant Stark had strengthened their parly with some of our peo- ple, and sent them out with particular directions what route to take, the day before I arrived. About this time his Excellency, the Earl of Lou- doun, ariived in Albany, and had taken upon him the command of the iirmy, to whom I applied as I had done before, to Gen. Abercrombie, transmitting to him an account of the Indian scout above mentioned (who returned the 13th with two French scalps, agreeable to their barbarous custom) and desiring that with them I might attempt to penetrate into Canada and distress the inhabitants, by burning their harvest (now nearly ripe) and destroying their cattle. Accordingly, August 16, we embarked in whale- boats in two departments, the one commanded by I^ifutenant Stark, the other by myself. The next morning we joined each other, at which time also fell in with us a party of eight Mohocks, who had marched out from Fort William Henry the day be- fore. We then marched directly to the place where we left our whale-boats the 7th of July, proceeding about twenty-five miles northward of Crown Point fort, on the west side of Lake Champlain, where wej all (excepting one n>an who strayed from us and re- turned) arrived safe the 24th. VVe embarked again I in our boats, and steered down the lake towards St. | John's. The 25th we proceeded twenty miles fur- ther, and about midnight discovered a schooner stand-l ing up the lake with a fair wind towards Crown Point } they passed us so swiftly that we could not possibly board her, as we intended. The 26th we landed, and the Mohocks left us to| join another party of theirs, then out on a scout. 'Journals of Major Robert Rogers. 59 The 27th we got on a point, W\ih a design to in- tercept the enemy's baitoes that might pass up and down the lake; but not discovering any, and our provisions growing short, we returned up the lake, and landed eight miles north of the fort at Crown Point, on the east side of the lake. The 2gth in the morning we marched to a village lying east of the fort, and in our way took prisoners, a man, his wife and daughter, (a girl about fourteen years of age) ; with these prisoners we returned, and arrived safe at Fort William Henry, Sept. 22, 1756. The man-prisoner, above mentioned, upon exami- nation, reported : "That he was born at Vaisac, in "the Province of Gui.nne, in France; that he had "been in Canada about fifteen years, and in the colo- "nies service about six, and two years at Crown "Point; that there were only 300 men at Crown "Point, and those chiefly inhabitants of the adjacent "villages ; that there were 4000 men at Ticonderoga "or Carillon, 1500 of which were regular troops, "who had a sufficiency of all kinds of provisions ; "that he never was at Ticonderoga or at the advance "guard, but heard there were only fifteen men at the "latter; that the French had 600 Indians at Ticon- *'deroga, and expected b^o more; that 1200 were "arrived at Quebec for Carillon, which last 1800 *'wete under the command of iVlons. Scipio de la "Masure ; that they had a great quantity of cannon, "mortars, shells, &c., at Ticonderoga, but he did not "know the number or quantity ; that they expected I*Mhe above reinforcement in two or three days at ' Ticonderoga, having sent boats to Montical to fetch ' them : that they understood by a letter that Oswego ' h;)d fallen into their hands, but the news was not 'confirmed : that they had heard we intended to in- * vest Carillon, but did not know what movements 6o journals of Major Robert Rogers, i( were intended on their side should we neglect it : "that they had 150 battoes on Lake Champlain, *' which were kept at Carillon, thirty-five of which "constantly plied between Montreal and that fortress : "that Mons. Moncalm commanded at Frontiniac "with 5,000 men, but did not know whether these " troops were regulars or provincials : that a great " number of vessels had arrived at Canada with pro- " visions and military stores : that they heard we had "several ships in the river Lawrence: that Mons. ** de Conti; de Levi commanded at Carillon, and came " last May from France ; and that, since the two last " shiilops or lighters (before mentioned) were taken, " thoy had augmented the number of men on board the " large schooner in Lake Champlain from twelve " to thirty." Upon my return to the fort, I received orders from mv Lord Loudon to wait upon Col. Burton, of the 48ih regiment, for instructions, he being then posted at Saratoga. By him I was ordered to return to my company at Fort William Henry, and march them to the South Bav, thence east to the Wood Creek, then to cross it southerly, opposite to Saratoga, and return and make my report to him. In this tour we apprehended four deserters from Otway's regiment, who were going to the enemy, and whom I sent back to Fort Edward, with a part of my detachment, under the command of Lieutenant Stark, and proceeded with the remainder to complete my orders, after which I returned to Saratoga to make my report. There I met my brother Capt. Richard Rogers with his company, he being ordered back from Mo- hock river, to join me with tfic remainder of the Stockbridge Indi.ins ; and I marched both companies to Fort Edward, where I was ordered to form an en- 'journals of Major Robert Rogers. 6i campment. A part of the Indian company were sent out on the east side ot Lake Champlain to alarm the enemy at Ticonderoga, whilst I, with a detachment of my own, and Capt. Richard Rogers's company, was ordered on another party down Lake George, in whale boats, and the remainder of the companies were employed in reconnoitering round the encampment, and also served as flankers to the parties that guarded proviNions to Lake George. Capt. Jacob, uho com- manded the Indian party before mentioned, returned two days before me with four Fretch scalps, which they took opposite to Ticonderoga on the east side. Sept. 7, 1756. Agreeable to orders, I this day embarked on Lake George, with a partv of fourteen men in a whale-boat, which we landed and concealed the evening following, on the east shore, about four nnles south of the Krcnch advance guard. Here I divided my party, taking seven men wnh me, leaving the remainder -n chaige of Mr. Chalmer (a volunteer sent me by Sir John Sinclair) with ordeis, upon his discovering the enemy's boats going up the lake, &c., to mak«* the best of his way wuh ihe intelligence to Fort William Henrv. I was the 9th current within half a mile of Ticon- deroga fort, where I endeavored to reconnoitre the enemy's woiks and stiength. They were engaged in rai>ingthe walls of the fort, and had erected a large blotk-house rtu he south-east corner of the fort, with ports in 'X f ^r canu'Mi. East frtjm the block- house was .' battery, which I imagined comrranded the lake. I di»;covered five houses S(»uth of the fort close to the water side, and 160 t»'nts south-west of tlie fort, and twenty-seven battocs hauled upon the beach. Next morning with oiic private, I went to vie'v the falls betwixt Lake Champlain and Lake George \ I 62 Journals of Major Robert Rogers. (where I had heard the explosion of several guns the evening before, and had at that time sent Sergeant Henry to discover the reason of it) leaving the re- mainder of my party in chargt* of Mr. Gibbs, another volunteer, to wait our rt-turn. Sergeant Htnry followed soon after me, and reported, "that the French were "building a small fort at the head of the falls on the "east-side of the lakf; that he also discovered their ** guard to the westward, and imagined both con- " sisted of 500 men." I returned, after findi.'ig the French were cn^a'^jcd in buildmg a saw-mill at the lower end of the fills, and founil mv boats, wiih pro- visions left, as I suppose, by Mr. Chalmer and his party, whom I waited for till seven o'clock next dav , but he not returning;, and I judging from their tracks that thev were returned to Fort VVilJjani Henry, we likewise hej^an our return, atui arrived safe the nth of September, where 1 found Mr. C'halmer and the partv left with him, he having punctually obeyed I orders given nim anove U pon my return, 1 ci municated mv observations upon the Lakes George and Ct amplaui to mv Lord Loudoun, giving him as I just a description as I could or iheir situation. September 24, (i-n.-ral Abcrcronibie issued out orders, that three commissioned oflicersof the Rangers, with 20 privates each, shouM reconnoitre the VVood Creek, South Bay, and Ticonderoga j and these were alternately sent out, so that a continual scout was kept up for a considerable time. October 22, 1756. The greatest part of the army was now at Foit Kdward, umler the command of General Abercrombie, and Lord Loudoun arriving about this time with the remainder, it was geneially expected that the army would cross the lake, and en- deavour to reduce the French forts, notwithstanding the season was so tar advanced ^ but his Lordship! Journals of Major Robert Rogers. 63 IS the geant ne re- lothcr lowed I were jn the I their \ con- tig the at the ih pro- md his Kt dav , r tracks talcing into consideration the probability that those lakes would freeze (which they generally do in the month of December) in which case no supplies could he had from, nor any communication kept up with P'ort William Henry ; he detei mined to desist from this design and contenteu himself with keeping the Beld till Mons. Montcalm retired to winter-quarters, and accordingly sought all opportunities to learn his situation and movements. Agreeable to orders from his Lordship, I this day embarked in two whale-boats, with a party of twenty men, upon Lake George, with an intent to bring a prisoner from Ticonderoga. We passed the Narrows twenty miles from our embarkation, when Capt. Shephard (who was made a captive in August last, ind tarried to Canada) hailed our boat ; I knew his voice, and !ook him on board with three other men, one of whom was taken with him. He reported, that he left C^inaJa fifteen days before. I went on mv course till the 2']i\\y towards Carillon, and landed that night on the west-side cA the lake, concealed our [boat, and travelled by land to within a mile of the fort. I kept spies out the day after to improve any opportunity that might offer, and the next day sent llhem still nearer, but to no good purpose ,- I at length iiscovered two men, ccntries to the piquet guard of ic French army, one of which was posted on the road that leads from the fort to the woods ; I took ivc of my I arty, and marched directly down the road In the middle of the day, till we were challenged by ie ccntry. I answered in French, signifying that w were friends ; the centinel was thereby deceived, 1 I came close to him, when perceiving his mistake, jj;rcat surprize he callt'd, i^«/ etcs vous ? I answered, Rogers," and led him from his post in great haste, 64 'journals of Major Robert Rogers, cutting his breeches and coat from him, that he might march with the greater ease and expedition. With this prisoner we arrived at Fort William Henry, Oct. ji, 1756. Upon examination, he reported, "That he belonged to the regiment of Languedoc \ that he left Brest last April was a twelve-month, and had served since at Lake Champlain, Crown Point, and Carillon, was last year with General Dieskaw in the battle at Fort William Henry : that they lost in that engagement of regulars, Canadians, and Indians, a great number : that at Carillon were at this time mounted thirty-six pieces of cannon, viz. twelve eighteen pounders, fifteen twelve pounders, and nine eight pounders: that at Crown Point were eighteen! pieces, the largest of which were eighteen pounders:! " that Mons. Montcalm's forces this year at Cariliorij were 3000 regulars, and 2000 Canadians and Indians: that Montcalm himself was drawn off with one hat*] talion, and that the forces then in that neighborhood consisted of five battalions and about 800 Canadians I that the Indians were all gone off, 200 of whoinl talked of returning to spend the winter at Carillon: that the advanced guard on the west side above thtj falls were all drawn in, and that on the east cunj sisted of 600 men, who were to decamp the istoi November: that they had a camp of five battalionJ and sixtv Canaditins, about half a league fiom Canij Ion, and that the rest of the army were under the fortf that they had barracks sufficient for 500 men, whicj he understood were to quarter there: that they Hal one schooner <:nd 200 battoes on Lake ChamplairJ and but five or six on Lake George : that Mons. tt'l Chevalier de Levi commanded in Motis. Moncalmf absence, and that the Canadians were commanded ''' Messieurs le Corn and Columbie : that when Muj iicur Montcalm went off, he said he had done enouJ 'Journals of Major Robert Rogers. 65 for this ye;»r, and would take Fort William Henry early in the spring: that the French had taken four of Captain Rogers's whale boats in Lake Champlain : that when he was taken prisoner, he imagined him- self to be about a gun-shot and a half from the fort, and that the French camp was pretty healthy." From this time we were constantly employed in patrolling the woods about Fort Edward till the 19th of November, 1756, when I had his Lordship's or- ders to take another excursion down the Lake. Captain Abercrombie, Aid-de-camp and nephew to General Abercrombie, did me the honour to ac- company me ; but nothing material being in our power to effect, except taking a view of the fort and works of the enemy at Ticonderoga, we returned safe to Fort Edward the 25th in the evening. About this time his Lordship drew off the main body of the troops from F'ort Edward to be quartered at Albany and New York. Both armies being now retired to winter-quarters, nothing material happened to the end of this vear. The rangers were stationed at the Forts William Henry and Edward, to which also two new cuDpa- nies of rangers were sent this fall, commanded by Captain Spikeman and Captain Hobbs, in one of which my brother James Rogers was appointed an Ensign.* Phese two companies were stationed at Fort Wil liam Henry, mine and my brother Richard's at Fort Edward. Captain Richard Rogers had leave to go into New * Cjpt. Spikrman and Lieut Kennedy were killed on nut expedition. The former was sun ceded in cummand by Lieut. John Stark, Major General in 'he Revoluuoa. "p*ssaa 66 'Journals of Major Robert Rogers. England for recruits to complete our two companies. He this winter waited upon the government of Bos- ton, to obtain pay for our services in the winter 1 755 before mentioned, but could obtain none, notwith- standing Lord Loudoun, who was then at Boston, generously supported and enforced our solicitations with his interest. January 15, 1757. Agreeable to orders from the commanding officer at Fort Edward, I this day marched with my own Lieutenant Mr. Stark, En- sign Page of Captain Richard Roger's company, and fifty privates of said companies, to Fort William Henry, where we were employed in providing pro- visions, snow-shoes, &c., till the 17th, when being joined by Captain Spikeman, Lieutenant Kennedy and Ensign Brewer of his company, and fourteen of their men, together with Ensign James Rogers and fourteen men of Captain Hobbs's company, and Mr. Baker,* a volunteer of the 44th regiment of foot, we began our march on the ice down Lake George, and at night encamped on the east-side of the First Nar- rows. The next morning, finding that some of the detachment had hurt themselves in the march the day before, as many were dismissed to return to the fort, as reduced our party to seventy-four men, offi- cers included. The 1 8th we marched twelve miles down the lake, and encamped on the west side of it. The I9ih we marched three n»iles from our en- campment further down the liike, and then took the land, and, upon snow-shoes, travelled north west about eight miles from our landing, and three from the lake, where we encamped. The 20th we marched north-bv-east the whole day, and at night encamped on the western side, op- * Mr. Uaker wii killed on thit eip^dition. journals of Major Robert Rogers, 67 posite to and about three miles distant from Lake Champlain. The 21st we marched east, till we came to the lake, about mid-way between Crown Point and Ti- conderoga, and immediately discovered a sled going from the latter to the former. I ordered Lieutenant Stark, with twenty men, to head the sled, while I, with a party, marched the other way to prevent its retreating back again, leaving Captain Spikeman in the center with the remainder. I soon discovered eight or ten sleds more following down the lake, and endeavored to give Mr. Stark intelligence of it before he sallied on the lake and discovered himself to them, but could not. They all hastily returned towards Ticonderoga. We pursued them, and took seven prisoners, three sleds and six horses ; the re- mainder made their escape. We examined the cap- tives separately, who reported : "That 200 Cana- "dians and 45 Indians were just arrived at Ticonde- "roga, and were to be reinforced that evening, or "next morning, by fifty Indians more from Crown "Point } that there were 600 regular troops at that "fortress, and 350 at Ticonderoga, where they soon "expected a large number of troops, who in the "spring were to besiege our forts i that they had "large magazines of provisions in their forts, and "that the above mentioned party were well equipped, "and in a condition to march upon any emergency at "the least notice, and were designed soon to way-lay "and distress our convoys between the forts." From this account of things, and knowing that those who escaped would give early notice of us at Ticonderoga, I concluded it best to return \ and or- dered the party, with the utmost expedition, to march to the fires we had kindled the night before, and prepare for a battle, if it should be offered, by ^i"^^ 68 Journals of Major Robert Rogers. trying our guns, it being a rainy day, which we ef- fected } and then marched in a single file, myself and Lieutenant Kennedy in the front. Lieutenant Stark in the rear, and Captain Spikeman in the center. Ensigns Page and Rogers were between ihe front and center, and Ensign Brewer between the center and rear, Serjeant Walker having the command of a rear guard. In this manner we advanced half a mile, or therabouts, over broken ground, when passing a Talley of about fifteen rods breadth, the front having reached the summit of a hill on the west side of it ; the enemy, who had here drawn up in the form of a half-moon, with a design, as we supposed, to sur- round us, saluted us with a volley of about 200 shot, at the distance of about five yards from the nearest, or front, and thirty from the rear of their party. This fire was about two o'clock in the afternoon, and proved fatal to Lieutenant Kennedy, and Mr. Gardner, a volunteer in my company, and wounded me and several others ; myself, however, but slightly in the head. We immediately returned their fire. I then ordered my men to the opposite hill, where I supposed Lieutenant Stark and Ensign Brewer had made a stand with forty men to cover us, in case we were obliged to retreat. We were closolv pursued, and Capt. Spikeman, with several of the party, were killed, and others made prisoners. My people, how- ever, beat them back by a brisk fire from the hill, which gave us an opportunity to ascend and post our- selves to advantage. After which I ordered Lieuten- ant Stark and Mr. Baker in the center, with Ensign Rogers ; Serjeants Waiter and Phillips, wi\h a party, being a reserve, to prevent our being flanked, and watch the motions of the enemy. Soon after we had thus formed ourselves for battle, the enemy at- tempted to flank us on the right, but the above re- journals of Major Robert Rogers. 69 serve bravely attacked them, and giving them the first fire very briskly^ it stopped several from retreat- ing to the main body. The enemy then pushed us closely in the front ; but having the advantage of the ground, and being sheltered by large trees, we main- tained a continual fire upon them, which killed sev- eral, and obliged the rest to retire to their main body. They then attempted to flank us again, but were again met by our reserved party, and repulsed. Mr. Baker about this time was killed. We maintained a pretty constant fire on both sides, till the darkness prevented our seeing each other, and about sun-set I received a ball thro' my hand and wrist, which dis- abled me from loading my gun. I however found means to keep my people from being intimidated by this accident ; they gallantly kept their advantageous situation, till the fire ceased on both sides. The enemy, during the action, used many arts and strata- gems to induce us to submit, sometimes threatening us with severity if we refused, assuring us that they j every moment expected a large reinforcement, which should cut us to pieces without mercy ; at other times flattering and cajolling us, declaring it was a jpity so many brave men should be lost ; that we |lhould, upon our surrender, be treated with the great- est compassion and kindness ; calling me by name, they gave nie the strongest assurances of their esteem ind friendship that words could do ; but no one be- ing dismayed by their menances, or flattered by fair womises, we told them our numbers were sufticient, Ind that we were determined to keep our ground as )ng as there were two left to stand by each other. After the action, in which we had a great number severely wounded that they could not travel with- it assistance, and our ammunition being nearly ex- tnded, and considering that we were near to Ticon- JO Journals of Major Robert Rogers. deroga, from whence the enemy might easily make a descr-nt, and overpower us by numbers, I thought it expedient to take the advantage of the night to re- treat, and gave orders accordingly, and the next morning arrived at Lake George, about six miles south of the French advanced guard, from whence I dispatched Lieutenant Stark with two men to Vox\ William Henry, to procure conveyances for our wounded men thither ; and the next morning v/c were met by a partv of fifteen men and a sled, under the command oi Lieutenant Buckley, of Hobbs's company of Rar,gers, at the first narrows at Lake George. Our whole party, which now consisted of only forty-eight eft'ective, and six wounded men, ar- rived at Fort William Henry the same evening, be- ing the 23d of January, 1757.* * This engagement ij located by Mr. Watson in hit hiitory of Eisei Co., (p. 64,) ai near the residence of M. U. Tuwniend, in the town of Criiwn Point. In Mr. Stark'i edition of Rogers' Journals, the following note ii given : "In regard to the battle of January ii, 1757, the late venerable Mr Shute, of Concord, remarked that Rogers did not act with his usual prudence. He states that after taking the sleds, a council of war jd vised to return by a different route from that by which the part*! came, which was the usual practice of the Rangers, and on this ucci' •ion, would have enabled them to escape the hazards of a battle Rogers however, said in regard to the enemy, that they would not dare to pursue him, and took the sjme route back. The first notictj the Rangers had of the enemy was the noise in cocking their t;uni,j which Shute supposed was one of the rangers preparing to kill a part' ridge. He was himself struck senseless by a shot, which ploughed tht^ top of his head ; on coming to himself, the first sight which met hi eyes, was one of the Rangers cutting off Rogers' cue to stop the hole ill his wiist, through which a shot had passed. On the night of thciil retreat, the Rangers made a circuit, to avoid a large fire in the woodil supposing the Indians were there. This caused them to lose time •:[ that Joshui Morton, who had kindled the fire to warm himself, w«| enabled to follow, and get in sight of them, on the lake; otherwise must have perished." Siari'i Reminitceniti of tkt Frtnck ffar. (p. 36 1 KAR SU V Majoi ^hiinks "h ^oth you WSO tl)ilt 'A defaiicj survey ofl ' ^''otiuaion 'Journals of Major Roi'ert Rogers. j\ The nearest compulation we could make of the number which attacked us, was, that it consisted of about 250 French and Indians ; and we afterwards had an account from the ciu-my, that their loss in this action, of those killed, and who afterwards died o\ their wounds, amounted to 116 men. Both the officers and soldiers I had the honour to command, who survived the first onset, behaved with the most undaunted bravery and resolution, and seemed to vie with each other in their respective stations who should excel.' Having laid this return before Major Sparks, com- manding officer at Fort Edward, he transmitted the same to the General ; and the 30th of January fol- lowing, I wrote to Capt. James Abercrombie, then at Albany, recommending such officers as I thought most deserving, to fill up the vacancies occasiotied by our late action, among whom were Lieutenant J Stark to be Captain of Spikeman's company, and Ser- Ijcaiit Joshua Martin to be Ensign in Captain Richard jRoger's company ; and I also mentioned several [things in favour of the Rangers. In consequence Whereof, I received the following answer: Alhany Feb. 6, 1 757. )ear Sir : "The General received your letter that was sent >y Major Sparks, and returns you and your men lanks tor their behaviour, and has recommended both you and them strongly to my Lord Loudoun, as llso that they have payment for the prisoners they 'A detailed account of this expedition is given by Dr. Asa Kitch, in I survey of Washington County. ■Tramutiiont of N. T. Stait Agricultural Socitis — 1 848. (p- 917.) IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 I.I m ma 2.5 IM 1112.2 Ii2 12.0 1.8 1.25 1.4 1.6 <4 6" — ► Photographic Sciences Corporation S: ^^ «• \\ < ^,, <^ V o"^ -!!!> <> '^^ 33 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 87a-';503 >" w^. % V, 4a s C M Cb E o O -: e M Killed ditto ditto ditto ditto - Missing, ditto ditto ditto o -o M w OS o B< ■o ei U Joseph Stephens - Benjamin Woodall David Kemble Ensign Caleb Page David Page ditto ditto ditto ditto ditto ditto ditto ditto ditto ditto ditto ditto - d w '■3 M to J3 X o. n U o « 'c M E ti j)t 'o. en s. u Serjeant Jon. Howard Phineas Kemp John Edmonds Thohias Farmer - Emanuel Lapaiu .. Capt Spikeman - Lieut. Kennedy Robert Avery Thomas Brown - Samuel Fisk Serjeant Moore - John Cahill • - ditto ditto ditto ditto Total, , •4 6 6 tak V. B. Those returned en prisoners by the enenr as Missing, w e aftei wards f( — Note by • >und, had been tht Author. journals of Major Robert Rogers. 73 took. Upon receiving an account of your skirmish we sent an express to Boston, and, by the said op- portunity, recommended, for Spikeman's company, your brother,* for a Lieutenant. We expect the express back in a day or two, by whom, I dare say, we shall have my Lord's approbation of the Rangers. Please to send me the names of the officers you would recommend for your own company, and also to fill up the vacancies in the others ; as I am cer- tain you have the good of the service at heart, your recommendation will be paid great regard to. I yes- terday received your's of the 30th of January. You cannot imagine how all ranks of the people here are pleased with your conduct, and your mens behaviour; for my part, it is no more than I expected ; I was so pleased with their appearance when I was out with them, that I took it for granted they would behave well whenever they met the enemy. When I re- turned I reported them as such, and am glad they have answered my expectation. *4 am heartily sorry for Spikeman and Kennedy, who I imagined would have turned out well, as like- wise for the men you have lost ; but it is impossible to play at bowls without meeting with rubs. We must try to revenge the loss of them. There is few people that will believe it ; but, upon honour, I could be glad to have been with you, that I might have learned the manner of fighting in this country. The chance of being shot is all stuff, and King Wil- liam's opinion and principle is much the best for a soldier, viz. : " That every bullet has it's billet,* and that it is " alloted how every man shall die ; " so that I am certain that every one will agree, that it is better to die with the reputation of a brave man, Jamet Rogers. (Nott in tht Original.) 74 Journals of Major Robert Rogers, t 4 \: ■ m fighting for his country in a good cause, than either shamefully running away to preserve one's life, or lingering out an old age, and dying in one's bed, without having done his country or his King any service. "The histories of this country, particularly, are full of the unheard-of cruelties committed by the French, and the Indians, by their instigation, which I think every brave man ought to do his utmost to humble that haughty narion, or reduce their bounds of conquest in this country to a narrow limit. As soon as General Abercrombie receives my Lord's instructions in regard to the Rangers, I shall send you notice of it ; in the interim, I hope you'll get the better of your wound. If I can be of any ser- vice to you or your men as long as they continue to behave so well, you may command. Your most humble servant, To Capt. James Abercrombie, Robert Rogers. Aid de Camp." My wound growing worse, I was obliged to re- pair to Albany for better assistance, and there re- ceived the following instructions from General Abercrombie, viz. Instructions for Capt. Robert Rogers. " His Excellency the Earl of Loudoun having given authority to me to augment the company of Rangers under your command, to lOO men each, viz. One Captain, ^ Two Lieutenants, > upon an English pay ; One Ensign, j Four SerjeaAts at 4s. each. New York currency ; 100 private men, at 2s. and 6d. each ditto per day; 'Journals of Major Robert Rogers, j^ ■ ■•>■ lither e, or Isecl, r any U are ly the hich I ost to >ouncli :. As Lord's II send I'll get ny ser- inue to BIE, »» to re- ere re- "^^-^ [cneral having )any of each, Irrency i litto per '* And whereas there are some private men of your company serving at present upon higher pay than the above establishment, you are at liberty to discharge them, in case they refuse to serve at the said estab- lishment, as soon as you have other men to replace them. If your men agree to remain with you and serve upon the above establishment, you may assure them they will be taken notice of, and will be first provided for ; each man to be allowed ten dollars bounty-money, and to find their own cloaths, arms, and blankets, and to sign a paper subjecting them- selves to the rules and articles of war, and to serve during the war. You are to enlist no vagrants, but such as you and your officers are acquainted with, and who are every way qualified for the duty of Rangers ; and you and your officers are to use your best endeavors to complete your com- panies as soon as possible, and bring them to Fort Edward. James Abercrombie, Major General." About this time I again wrote to his Lordship, earnestly soliciting his friendly interposition and as- sistance, to obtain from the government here, an order for payment of what was due to me and my men, for our respective services during the winter 1755; but if that could not be obtained, that he would be pleased to direct me what method to take for recovery thereof. Whitherto his Lordship replied, that as these services were antecedeiit to his com- mand here, it was not in his power to reward them. General Amherst, afterwards, on a like application, gave me much the same answer. These applications not being attended with any 7 1 \ \ ■■ i/ ( 76 Journals of Major Robert Rogers, success, and suits of law being afterwards commenced against me, by, and on the behalf of those who served under me in that campaign, and verdicts obtained in their favour, I was not only obliged to answer their several demands, to the amount of X. 828 : 3 : 3 sterling, which I paid out of my private fortune, but also a considerable sum for law charges, exclusive of what I ought to have received for my own services during that severe season. But for all which I have not at any time since received one shilling considera- tion. In the same letter I likewise informed his Lordship of the death of Capt. Hobbs of the Rangers who died a few days before, and recommended Lieutenant Bulkley of the same company, as a proper person to succeed him in that command. March 5, I was taken ill with the small-pox, and not able to leave my room till the 15th of April following, during which time my officers were re- cruiting, agreeable to his Lordship's instructions. Not long after I received the following letter from Capt. Abercrombie. Sir, New Torky Jpril 22, 1757. "As there is another ranging company sent up to Albany, with orders to proceed to the forts, you will acquaint Colonel Gage, that it is my Lord Lou- doun's orders, that the two companies at Fort Wil- liam Henry, and your own from Fort Edward, come down immediately to Albany, to be ready to embark for this place. Show this letter to Colonel Gage, that he may aqOaint Colonel Monro of his Lordship's orders, and that quarters may be provided for your companions in the houses about Albany. You will take particular care that the companies have provided 'f 'Journals of Major Robert Rogers, yj themselves with all recessaries, and see that they are complete and good men. Since his Lordship has put it in your charge, I hope you will be very diligent in executing the trust, for, upon a review of the men, if any are found insufficient for the service, the blame will be laid upon you. If the officers of this ranging company that is gone up, are not acquainted with the woods about Fort William Henry, your brother must send some officers and men of his com- pany along with them, to let them know the different scouts. To Capt. Robert Rogers^ at Albany. I am Sir, Your most humble servant, James Abf.rcrombie, Aid de Camp." Capt. Richard Rogers, with his own, and the new company of Rangers before mentioned, which was raised in the Jersies, and commanded by Capt. Bur- gin, being left at Fort William Henry, my own com- pany from Fort Edward, and Capt. Stark's and Capt. Bulkley's from Fort William Henry, agreeable to the above instructions, marched down to Albany, and from thence embarked for New York, where we were joined by another new raised company of Rangers, under the command of Capt. Shephard from New Hampshire, and after some small stay there, re-embarked on board a transport, and left Sandy Hook on the 20th of June, v^ith a fleet of near an hundred sail, bound for Halifax, where we soon arrived, and, according to orders, T encamped on the Dartmouth side of the harbour,* while the * Dartmouth lies on the east side of Chibucto Harbor, opposite the town of Halifax. ! . 4 .■>*>,*•»>«-». : i. : \ yS Journals of Major Robert Rogers. army lay encamped on the Halifax side. The Ran- gers were here employed in various services. On July 3d, by orders, I commanded a party to Lawrence Town, and from thence to Schitzcook ; som*; were left there to cut and make up hay in the meadows, for the horses intended to be used in an expedition to Louisburg; others covered the hay- makers, and others ^ere dispatched on scouts, to make discoveries ; in one of which two deserters from the 45th regiment were seized and brought in. About the latter end of this month forty Rangers were sent across the Isthmus of Nova Scotia, to the settlements on the Bay of Fundy, and a party down to the north-west arm, to scour the woods for deser- ters, &c., and brought in several, both from the army and navy. About this time Admiral Holbourn arrived with a fleet from England, with several regiments of regu- lar troops on board, which were landed, and likewise encamped at Halifax, upon which all scouting parties were called in ; but certain intelligence being re- ceived that a French fleet of superior force had ac- tually arrived at Louisburg, the intended expedition against that place was laid aside, and thereupon the Rangers were remanded back to the western fron- tiers. Great numbers of the Rangers having been car- ried off^ this summer by the small pox, I sent several of my oflicers, by his Lordship's command, to recruit in New Hampshire, and the Massachuset's provin- ces, with orders to join me at Albany. I afterwards embarked with the Rangers under my command, on board the fleet which carried the regular troops to New York, and from thence proceeded in small ves- sels up Hudson's River to Albany, where I was soon after joined by the new-raised recruits. Journals of Major Robert Rogers. 79 I then proceeded to Fort Edward, which was the only remaining cover to the northern frontiers of New York, and the more eastern provinces. Fort William Henry * having been taken by the French, under the command of Monsieur Montcalm, the August before.f General Webb was then command- * My brother Captain Richard Rogers died with the imall-pox a few days before this fort was besieged ; but such was the cruelty and rage of the enemy after their conquest, that they dug him up out of hit grave, and scalped him. In consequence of the articles of capitu- lation at the surrender of this fort, the two companies of Rangers there were disbanded, and dismissed the service. — Note by the Author. In Stark's edition of Rogers Journal, the following note is added : "When the French took Fort William Henry, they were rather more favorable with Samuel Blodget, the suttler of the garrison, whom they found concealed undet a battoe, than they were with the remain* of Capt. Rogers. They suffered him to go about his business, after plundering him of everything but his scalp. He was never partial to the military service afterwards; but became a considerable Merchant, a Judge, and was the first projector of the canal at Amotkeag Falls, on Merrimack River. He lived to a great age, and died at the Falls, universally respected, as an enterprising and public spirited citizen." Fouchot, in his Memoirs of the war of 1756 — 60, mentions an in- stance of disinterment of the dead — perhaps the same as that of Richard Rogers, above noticed by the author, and relates the conse- quences as follows : "The Indians at they set out to return to their country, carried with them a disease of which many died. Some of them seeing new graves, disinterred the dead to take their scalps, but unfortunately found that they had died of the small-pox, and the infection was thus given to the Indians. The Pout6otame's Nation, one of the bravest and most strongly attached to the French, almost entirely perished of this epidemic. We especially regretted some of the Chiefs, whom the French highly esteemed." — Hough'' s Translation of Pouchot's Memoirs, ii, 91. f In Stark's edition of Rogers' Journals, a statement is here intro' duced as text not found in the original. It is as follows : ''The capture of William Henry was more than once attempted by the French. Longee, a famous French Partisan, endeavored to effect a surprise on the night of March 17, 1757, while the Irish portion of the garrison were engaged in a drunken carousal. It was, however , ! ii 8o journals of Major Robert Rogers, ing oflicer at Fort Edward, and by his orders we were continually employed in patrolling the woods between this fort and Ticonderoga. In one of these parties, my Lord How dii" us the honour to accom- pany us, being fond, as he expressed himself, to learn our method of marching, ambushing, retreating, 5cc., and, upon our return expressed his good opinion of us very generously. About this time Lord Loudoun sent the following volunteers in the regular troops, to be trained to the anging, or wood-service, under my command and inspection ; with particular orders to me to instruct them to the utmost of my power in the ranging dis- cipline, our methods of marching, retreating, am- bushing, fighting, &c., that they might be the better qualified for any future services against the enemy we had to contend with, desiring me to take particu- lar notice of each one's behaviour, and recommend them according to their several deserts, viz. : Walter Crofton Mr. Lyshat Mr. Roberts Charles Humbles Richard Edlington Andrew Crawley Thomas Millet } ] of the 4th regiment of foot. of the 22d ditto. defealed by the vigilcnce of the Rangers, who repulsed the French, while the other troops were coming to their senses." Reminiscettses of the French War^ p. 43. He also gives as "text," an account of the siege and capture of Fort William Henry, with reflections upon that event, which, perhaps •hould have occurred, or did occur to Major Rogers, but were ommit- ted in his own edition«of the Journals. A more detailed account of the St. Patrick's aflfair, is given by Mr. Caleb Stark, in his Memoirt and Official Correspondence of Gen. John Stark, p. ao. 5^1 'Journals of Major Robert Rogers, 8 1 John Wilcox John Wrightson Mich.^el Kent Mr. Monsel Francis Creed Alexander Robertson William Frazier John Graham Andrew Ross William Frazier, Jun. Archibald Campbell Arch. Campbell, Jun. Augus. Campbell Charles Menzies John Robertson Will. Ervin, or Irwin Thomas Drought William Drought Francis Carruthers John Clarke Walter Paterson Mr. Nicholson Richard Boyce Charles Perry Mr. Christopher Mr. Still Mr. Hamilton Mr. Young Allen Grant Jonathan McDougal Mr. Frisborough i Nicholas Ward James Hill of the 27th ditto. y of the 42d ditto. of the 44th ditto. I of the 48th ditto. of the 55th ditto. of the second bat- talion of Royal Americans. of the 3d ditto. » of the 4th ditto. 82 'Journals of Major Robert Roger Sm John Schloser Geor ge Wardoman Francis Barnard Engeibertus Horst Ericke Reinhault Andrew Wackerberg Luhainfans Dekesar Donald M'Bean Henry Ven Bebber John Boujour Edward Grafton James Pottinger Simon Stephens Archibald McDonald Hugh Sterling Mr. Bridge > Rangers. I J These volunteers I formed into a company by themselves, and took the more immediate command and management of them to myself; and for their benefit and instruction reduced into writing the fol- lowing rules or plan of discipline, which, on various occasions, I had found by experience to be necessary and advantageous, vi%. : I. Ail Rangers are to be subject to the rules and articles of war; to appear at roll-call every evening on their own parade, equipped, each with a fire-lock, sixty rounds of powder and ball, and a hatchet, at 1 which time an officer from each company is to inspect the same, to see they are in order, so as to be ready on any emergency to march at 1 a minute's warning ; and before they are dismissed the necessar; j guards are to be draughted, and scouts fortht ...xt day appointed. II Whenever you are ordered out to the enemies forts or frontier) I tor discoveries, if your number be small, march in a single file, keep- 1 ing at such a distance from each other u to prevent one shot fiooj killing two men, sending one man, or more, forward, and the like oil each side, at the distance of twenty yards from the main body, if tbtj ground you march over will admit of it, to give the signal to the ( cer of the approach of an enemy, and of their number, &c. III. If you march over marshes or soft ground, change your p tion, and march abreast of each other, to prevent the enemy frosl 'Journals of Major Robert Rogers. 83 tracking you, (as they would do if" you matched in a single file) till you get over such, ground, and then resume your former order, and march till it i: quite dark before you encamp, which do, if possible, on a piece of ground that may afford your centries the advantage of seeing or hearing the enemy at some considerable distance, keeping one half of your whole party awake alternately through the ni(;ht. IV. Some time before you come to the place you would reconnoi- tre, make a stand, and send one or two men, in whom you can con- fide, to look out the best ground for making your observations. V. If you have the good fortune to take any prisoners, keep them separate, till they are examined, and in your return take a different rout from that in which you went out, that you may the better dis- cover any party in yur rear, and have an opportunity, if their strength be superior to yours, to alter your course, or disperse, as circumstances may require. VI. If you march in a large body of three or four hundred, with a design to attack the enemy, divide your party into three columns, each headed by a proper officer, and let these columns march in single files, the columns to the right and left keeping at twenty yards dis- tance or more from that of the center, if the ground will adr.it, and let proper guards be kept in the front and rear, and suitable flanking parties at a due distance as be ■', r lirected, with orders to h?'t on all eminences, to take a view of the surrounding ground, to prevent your being ambuscaded, am ; > notify the approach or retreat of the enemy, that proper dispositions may be made for attacking, defending, Sec. And if the enemy approach in your front on level grouud, form a front of your three columns or main body with the advanced guard, keeping out your flanking parties, as if you were marching under the command of trusty officers, to prevent the enemy from pressing hard on either of your wings, or surrounding you, which is the usual method of the savages, if their number will admit of it, and be care- ful likewise to support and strengthen your rear guard. VII. If you are obliged to receive the enemy's fire, fall, or squat down, till it is over, then rise and discharge at them. If their main body is equal to yours, extend yourselves occasionally ; but if superior, be careful to support and strengthen your flanking parties, to make them equal with theirs, that if possible you may repulse them to their i main body, in which case push upon them with the greatest resolution, [with equal force in each flank and in the centre, observing to keep at j« due distance from each other, and advance from tree to tree, with lone half of the party before the other ten or twelve yards. If the Icnemy push upon you, let your front fire and fall down, and then let four rear advance thro* them and do the like, by which time those rho before were in front will be ready to discharge again, and repeat ae same alternately, as occasion shall require ; by this means you rill keep up such a constant fire, that the enemy will not be able isily to break your order, or gain your ground. ?^ ! 84 Journals of Major Robert Rogers. VIII. If you oblige the enemy to retreat, be careful, in your pur- suit of them, to keep out your flanking parties, and prevent them from gaining eminences, or rising grounds, in which case they would perhaps be able to rally and repulse you in their turn. IX. If you are obliged to retreat, let the front of your whole party firs and fall back, till the rear hath done the same, making for the best ground you can; by this means you will oblige the enemy to pur- sue you, if they do it at all, in the face of a constant fire. X. If the enemy is so superior that you are in danger of being sur- rounded by them, let the whole body disperse, and every one take a diflTerent road to the place of rendezvous appointed for that evening, which must every morning be altered and fixed for the evening en- suing, in order to bring the whole party, or as many of them as possi- ble together, after any separation that may happen in the day; but if you should happen to be actually surrounded, form yourselves into a square, or, if in the woods, a circle is best, and, if possible, make a stand till the darkness of night favours your escape. XI. If your rear is attacked, the main body and flankers must face about to the right or left, as occasion shall require, and form them- selves to oppose the enemy, as before directed ; and the same method must be observed, if attacked in either of your flanks, by which means you will always make a rear of one of yuur flank guards. XII. If you determine to rally after a retreat, in order to malce a fresh stand against the enemy, by all means endeavor to do it on the most rising ground you can come at, which will give you greatly the advantage in point of situation, and enable you to repulse superior numbers. XIII. In general, when pushed upon by the enemy, reserve your fire till they approach very near, which will then put them into the greater surprise and consternation, and give you an opportunity of rushing upon tiiem with your hatchets and cutlasses to the better advantage. ' XIV. When you encamp at night, fix your centries in such a man- ner as not to be relieved from the main ody till morning, profound secrecy and silence being often of the last importance in these cases. Each centry, therefore, should consist of six men, two of whom must be constantly alert, and when relieved by their fellows, it should be done without noise; and in case those on duty see or hear any thing which alarms them, they are not to speak, but one of them is silently to retreat, and acquaint the commanding officer thereof, that proper dispositions may be made ; and all occasional centries should be fixed in like manner. XV. At the first dawn of day, awake your whole detachment; that I being the time when the savages chuse to fall upon their enemies, you should by all means be in readiness to receive them. XVI. If the enemy should be discovered by your detachments in tht morning, and their numbers are superior to yours, and victory doubtful, you should not attack them till the evening, as then they will not| \ii journals of Major Robert Rogers. 85 know your numbers, and if you are repulsed, your retreat will be fa- voured by the darkness of the night. XVII. Before you leave your encampment, send out small parties to scout round it, to see if there be any appearance or track of an enemy that might have been near you during the night. XVIII. When you stop for refreshment,chuse some spring or rivulet if you can, and dispose your party ao as not tu be surprised, posting proper guards anJ centries at a due distance, and let a small party way- lay the path you came in, lest the enemy should be pursuing. XIX. If, in your return, you have to cross rivers, avoid the usual fords as much as possible, lest the enemy should have discovered, and be there expecting you. XX. If you have to pass by lakes, keep at some distance from the edge of the water, lest, in case of an ambuscade or an attack from the enemy, when in that situation, your retreat should be cut off. XXI. If the enemy pursue your rear, take a circle till you come to your own tracks, and there form an ambush to receive them, and give them the first fire. XXII. When you return from a scout, and come near our forts, avoid the usual roads, and avenues thereto, lest the enemy should have headed you, and lay in ambush to receive you, when almost exhausted with fatigues. XXIII. When you pursue any party that has been near our forts or encampments, follow not directly in their tracks, lest you should be discovered by their rear-guards, who, at such a time, would be most alert; but endeavor, by a different route to head and meet them in some narrow pass, or lay in ambush to receive them when and where they least expect it. XXIV. If you are to embark in canoes, battoes, or otherwise, by water, chuse the evening for the time of your embarkation, as you will then have the whole night before you, to pass undiscovered by any parties of the enemy, on hills or other places, which command a pros- pect of the lake or river you arc upon. XXV. In padling or rowing, give orders that the boat or canoe next the sternmost, wait for her, and the third for the second, and the fourth for the third, and so on, to prevent separation, and that you may be ready to assist each other on any emergency. XXVI. Appoint one man in each boat to look out for fires, on tht ladjacent shores, from the numbers and size of which you may form home judgment of the number that kindled them, and whether you I are able to attack them or not. XXII. If you find the enemy encamped near the banks of a river, [or lake, which you imagine they will attempt to cross for their se- curity upon being attacked, leave a detachment of your party on the Opposite shore to receive them, while, with the remainder, you cur- ^rise them, having them between you and the lake or river. XXVIII. If you cannot satisfy yourself as to the enemy's number I' i! 86 Journals of Major Robert Rogers. \A and strength, from their fire, &c., conceal your boats at some distancei and ascertain their number by a reconnoitering party, when they em- bark, or march, in the morning, marking the course they steer, &c., wl)en you may pursue, ambush, and attack them, or let them pass, ai prudence shall direct you. In general, however, that you may not be discovered by the enemy on the lakes and rivers at a great distance, it is safest to lay by, with your boats and party concealed all day, with- out noise or shew, and to pursue your intended route by night ; and whether you go by land or water, give out parole and countersigns, in order to know one another in the dark, and likewise appoint a station for every man to repair to, in case of any accident that may separate you. Such in general are the rules to be observed in the Ranging service ; there are, however, a thousand oc- currences and circumstances which may happen, that will make it necessary, in some measure, to depart from them, and to put other arts and stratagems in practice \ in which cases every man's reason and judgment must be his guide, according to the particu- lar situation and nature of things ; and that he may do this to advantage, he should keep in mind a max- im never to be departed from by a commander, viz,: to preserve a firmness and presence of mind on every occasion. My Lord Ldudoun about this time made a visit toj Fort Edward, and after giving directions for quarter- ing the army the approaching winter, left a strong] garrison there under the command of Colonel Havi- land, and returned to Albany. The, Rangers,* with! the before mentioned volunteers, were encamped and! quartered in huts on an adjacent island in Hudson's! River, and were sent out on various scouts, in whicfaf my ill state of health at this time would not permilj * Several of them were dismissed with an allowance of thirteen dijil pay to carry them home, being rendered unfit for immediate service li|l their past fatigues, and several officers were sent recruiting in order nl have the companies complete by the opening of the Spring. Note by the Author. Aiik. Journals of Major Robert Rogers. 87 iStancci ,ey cm- er, &c., pass, ai r not be tance, it tf, with- ;ht} an* rsigni, in a station f separate 1 in the and oc- en, that depart igems in ,son and particu- t he may d a tnax- er, vit, : on every fcrs,"^ with mped and Hudson's! in whicb] not permitl • thirteen diji liate service W Tjg in order o| ftbt Author. me to accompany them, till December 17, 1757, when, pursuant to orders from Lieutenant Colonel Haviland, commanding officer at Fort Edward, I marched from thence with a party of 150 men to reconnoitre Carillon, [alias Ticonderoga, and if possible to take a prisoner. We marched six miles and encamped, the snow being then ibout three inches deep, and before morning it was fifteen; e however pursued our route. On the i8th in the morning, eight of my party being ;ired, returned to the fort ; with the remainder, I marched ine miles further, and encamped on the east side of Lake eorge, neat the place where Mons. Montcalm landed is troops when he besieged and took Fort William Henry, here I found some cannon ball and shells, which had en hid by the French, and made a mark by which I ight find them again. The 19th we continued our march on the west side of e lake nine miles further, near the head of the north- 'est bay. The 2ist, so many of my party tired and returned as iduced our nunii)er to 123, officers included, with whom proceeded ten miles further, and encamped at night, dering each man to leave a day's provisions there till our iturn. The next day we marched ten miles further, and en- mped near the great brook that runs into Lake George,' ht miles from the French advanced guard. The 23d we marched eight miles, and the 24th six more, id then halted within 600 yards of Carillon fort. Near the Jills we discovered five Indian's tracks, that had marched t way the day before, as we supposed, on a hunting ty. On my march this day between the advanced guard the fort, 1 appointed three places of rendezvous to lair to, in case of being broke in an action, and acquainted |ry officer and soldier that I should rally the party at the 8 J 88 'Journals of Major Robert Rogers. m ,^.a. nearest post to the fort, and if broke there to retreat to second, and at the third to make a stand till the darknessoi the night would give us an opportunity to get off. Sooi after I halted, I formed an ambush on a road leading froi the fort to the woods, with an advanced party of twenti men and a rear-guard of fifteen. About eleven o'clock sergeant of marines came from the fort up the road to m advanced party, who let him pass to the main bodv, whe. I made him prisoner. Upon examination, he reporte *' that there were in the garrison 350 regulars, aboui ti;ii *' workmen, and but five Indians; that they had plenty: " provisions, &c., and that twelve masons were constant " employed in blowing up rocks in the entrenchme " and a number of soldiers to assist them ; that at Cro *' Point there were 150 soldiers and fourteen Indiar. " that Mons. Montcalm was at Montreal ; that 5 *' Ottawawas Indians wintered in Canada, and that 5 ** Rangers were lately raised in Canada, each man hav '* a doable-barrelled fuz^-e, and put under an experienc; " officer, well acquainted with the country ; that he didci " know whether the French intended to attack any " the English forts this winter or not; but that theyei " pected a great number of Indians as soon as the ice woaj " bear them, in order to go down to the English forts ; 2 •* that all the bakers in Carillon were employed in bak: " biscuit for the scouts above-mentioned." About noon, a frenchman, who had been hunt came near my party in his return, when I ordered a pil to pursue him to the edge of the cleared ground, and lai him prisoner, with this caution, to shoot off a gun or t and then retreat to the main body, in order to intice enemy from their fort ; which orders were punctu obeyed, but not* one of them ventured out. The last prisoner, on examination, gave much the sa; account as the other, but with this addition, '^ that he thi^l heard tl 'Journals of Major Robert Rogers. 89 i heard the English intended to attack Ticonderop;a, as [soon as the lake was froze so as to bear them." When I found the French would not come out of the Irt, we went about killing their cattle, and destroyed seven- ;n head, and set fire to the wood, which they had collected the use of the garrison, and consumed five large piles ; le French shot off some cannon at the fires, but did us harm.* At eight o'clock at night I began my march newards, and arrived at Fort Edward with my prisoners 27th. In my return, I found at the north end of Lake eorge, where the French had hid the boats they had taken ''ort William Henry, with a great number of cannon- lls ; but as the boats were under water we could not Btroy them. Upon my return to Fort Edward, I re- ived a letter from Captain Abercrombie, informing me the Earl of Loudoun, who was then at New York, tl oughts of augmenting the Rangers, and had desired heral Abercrombie to command me down to receive his jctions. I accordingly prepared for my journey, and )n my arrival was received by his lordship in a very [rdly manner ; and, after much conversation upon the See Pouchot's Memoirs, i, 99, which closely agrees as to the number of the attacking party and the extent of damage done. a document entitled '■^Journal of Occurrences in Canada, 1757-1758," ed with the Pans Documents, under date of January 2, 1758, we find the ing entry : " A courier from Carillon reports, that the English shewed ktlves there on Christmas eve, to the number of 150, with the design or |g tile to the houses under tiie curtain of the fort ; that the cannon pre- |ld tliem from doing so ; that they killed some fifteen beeves to the horns ot which the commander had affixed a letter couched in these words: am ubliged to you sir, for the repose you have allowed mc to take. I \ou tur the fresh meat you have sent me. 1 will take care of my lers I request you to present my compliments to the Marquis de Mont- (Signed) Rogbrs, Commander of the Independent Companies.'" — N, T. Colonial History , [ ; i' I j ; j ] . i ^1 i"' : I 90 journals of Major Robert Rogers. subject, he was pleased to inform me of his intentions oi levying five additional companies of Rangers, desiring me to name the persons whom I thought fit for officers, and such as might be depended upon, to levy the men his lordship desired j which I accordingly diu, and then received tiora him the following instructions. " By his Excellency John Earl of Loudoun, Lord! Machline and Tairenseen &c., &c., &c., one of the sixteen peers of Scotland, Governor and Captair,] General of Virginia, and Vice Admiral of the samel Colonel of the 13th Regiment of foot. Colonel in chie: of the Royal American regiment, Major General acii Commander in Chief of all his Majesty's forces, raised or to be raised in North America : " Whereas J have this day thought proper to auiiiiu-ii!! the Rangers with five additional companies, that is, fouj New England and one Indian company, to be fortHvviii;! raised and employed in his Majesty's service ; and wheieail I have an entire confidence in your skill and knowledge, .[ the men most fit for that service -, I do therefore, by iheJ presents, appoint you to raise such a number of non-coral mission officers and private men as will be necessary :| compleat the said five companies, upon the following esta^ lishment, viz, ^ach company to consist of one Captain, til Lieutenants, one Ensign, four Serjeants, and 100 private! The officers to have British pay, that is, the same d an officer of the like rank in his Majesty's regular forcejj the Serjeants 4^. New York currency per day, and trj private men 2s. 6d. currency per day. And the betrf to enable you to make this levy of men, you shij have one month's pay for each of the said five compani advanced to you ; upon these conditions, that, out of ti first warrants that shall hereafter be granted for the sui sistence of these companies, shall be deducted the saj month's pay now advanced. Your men to find their ow i*ikyl 'Journals of Major Robert Rogers, 91 »rms, which must be such as upon examination, shall be JFoiind fit, and be approved of. They are likewise to pro- vide themselves with ^ood warm cloathing, which must be iniform in every company, and likewise with good warm lankets. And the company of Indians to be dressed in all lespects in the true Indian fashion, and they are all to be ibject to the rules ar d articles of war. You will forth- i^ith acquaint the officers appointed to these companies, lat they are immediately to set out on the recruiting srvice, and you will not fail to instruct them that they are )t to inlist any man for a less term than one year, nor any It what are able-bodied, well acquainted with the woods, bed to hunting, and every way qualified for the Rangeing Irvice. You ate also to observe that the number of men Iquisite to compleat the said five companies, are all to be Kort Edward on or before the 15th day of March next kuing, and those that shall come by the way of Albany to be mustered there by the officer commanding, as ill those who go strait to Fort Edward by the officer Immanding there. Given under my hand, at New York, nth day of January, 1758. Loudoun, his Excellency's command, To Capt. J. Appy." lobert Rogers. \t\ pursuance of the above instructions, I immediately officers into the New England provinces, where, by assistance of mv friends, the requested augmentation of igeiswas quickly compleated, the whole five companies ig rcadv for service by the 4th day of March. H)ui of these companies were sent to Louisburg to join ieral Amherst, and one joined the corps under my imand ; and tho' I was at the whole expence of raising [five companies, I never got the least allowance for it, R I I i V. 92 'Journals of Major Robert Rogers and one of the captains dying, to whom I had delivered a i thousand dollars as advance pay for his company, which, agreeable to the instructions I received, 1 had a right to do ; yet was I obliged to account with the government for this money, and entirely lost every penny of it,^'" It has already been mentioned, that the garrison at Fonl Edward was this winter under the command of Lieut. Co;,| Haviland.f This gentleman, about the aSth of February, ordered out a scout under the direction of one P.itnani,| captain of a company of one of the Connecticut provincial regiments, with some of my men, giving out publicly at m same time, that, upon Putnam's return, I should be senttol the French forts with a strong party of 400 Rangers. Thi'l was known not only to all the officers, but soldiers also, a;| Fort Edward before Putnam's departure. While this party was out, a servant of Mr. Best, a sutltj to the Rangers, was captivated by a flying party of the enem;! from Ticonderoga ; unfortunately too, one of Putnamil men had left him at Lake George, and deserted to § I II * In Rev, Caleb Stark's edition of Roger's journals, the following note^ given at this place : •* Speaking of his financial concerns, puts us in mind of the followid anecdote of Rogers. While in garrison at Fort Edward, in the winter of r;!j two British officers half seas over, or sufficiently so to be very affectionate a:j patriotic, were one evening lamenting the misfortunes of their countrj, casioned by her enormous debt. Rogers coming in and learning the cau.-d their trouble, told them to give themselves no more uneasiness about I matter, as he would pay half the debt and a friend of his the remaincler, iJJ thus clear the nation at once of her difficulties. The officers trcatL'd captain and pronouncerf him the nation's benefactor. Hence the saying— ''j pay one's debts as Rogers did that of the nation, ' " --- Stain's History r,f l)A barton, N. H., p. '1 80, f William Haviland was appointed lieutenant colonel of the 27th rci'imeiJ Dec. 16, 1752, and arrived with his regiment at Halifax, July i, i757- was with the army on the northern frontier in February, 1758-60, becaiwj brigadier general in 1762. General in the army in February, 1783, and Js n September, 1788. Journals of Major Robert Rogers. 93 Inetny. Upon Captain Putnam's return, we were informed had ventured within eight miles of the French fort at 'iconderoga, and that a party he had sent to make dis- )veries had reported to him, that there were near 600 idians not far from the enemy's quarters. March 10, 1758. Soon after the said Captain Putnam's hum, in consequence of positive orders from Col. Havi- id, I this day began a march from Fort Edward for the kighbourhood of Carillon, not with a party of 400 men, iat first given out, but of 180 men only, officers included, k Captain, one Lieutenant, and one Ensign, and three [luiueers, viz : Mess. Creed,* Kent and Wrightson, one Vgeant, and one private, all volunteers of the 27th regi- tnt ; and a detachment from the four companies of lingers, quartered o'l the island near Fort Edward, viz. [pt Bulkley, Lieutentnts Philips, Moore, Crafton, Camp- ll, and Pottinger ; Ensigns Ross, Wait, M'Donald, and [hite, and 162 private men. I acknowledge 1 entered )n this service, and viewed this small detachment of ive men march out, with no little concern and uneasiness mind ; for as there was the greatest reason to suspect, |t the French were, bv the prisoner and deserter above itioned, fully informed of the design of sending me out in Putnam's return ; what could I think ! to see my ky, instead of being strengthened and augmented, reduced less than one half of the number at first proposed. I It confess it appeared to me (ignorant and unskilled as I was in politicks and the arts of war) incomprehen- ; but my commander doubt/ess has his reasons^ and is able indicate his own conduct. We marched to the half-way V' • Francis Creed, Michael Kent and John Wrightson, were three of the Iteers from the regular troops already mentioned on another page, as having Jlent by Lord Loudon, to be trained in the Ranging service under Roger's Sand and inspection. 41 94 Journals of Major Robert Rogers, brook, m the road leading to Lake George, and there en- camped the' first night.* The nth we proceeded as far as the first Narrows on Lake George, and encamped that evening on the east side of the lake j and after dark, I sent a partv three miles further down, to see if the enemy might be coming towarJi our forts, but they returned without discovering any. Wei were however on our guird, and kept parties walking o.- the lake all night, besides centries at all necessary placei I on the land. The I2th we marched from our encampment at sun rise,! and having distanced it about three miles, I saw a Joij running across the lake, whereupon I sent a detachn entt5[ reconnoitre the island, thinking the Indians might havelaicl in anibush there for u- ; but no such could he discovered [ upon which I thought it expedient to put to slioic, ndkJ by till night, to prevent any party from descrying us on till lake, from hills, or otherwi^p. We halted at a place callei Sabbath day Point, on the wtst side of the lake, and ses| out parties to look down the lakef with perspective giasse * The '* First Narrows," opposite the point ot' Tongue Mountain and north of the entrance of the " North Arm," or Catikusker Bay, of C,i|)t. J;: son's map of 1756,* are about a mile in width, the narrowness being cau-ti] the numerous islands in the lake at this point, rather than by a convuigan;!! the shores. This is perhaps the most picturesque part of the lake, these!!: on all sides being most grand and beautiful. Tiie whole of these iblanii this region, lie in the town of Bolton, Warren County. The ** Second Narrows " were very near the outlet ot the lake, and ancJ carrying place. ♦ Known as " Nortn-west Bay," upon modern maps. j- Sabbath D4y Point, is a low level point of land, on the west sideolj lake, in the present town of Hague, Warren County. The lake here more northerly, as we go toward the outlet, and the point commands a:! tensive view both up^nd down the lake. It alibrds a natural and conve landing place and camping ground, and was often used as such in the mi- expeditions of the French and Revolutionary wars. The origin of the name is uncertain j but the inviting opportunity wii^ presents for quiet repose, justifies the belief, that it may have been lirstj) by some early travelers who rested here for a Sabbath, on their journey w the lake. journals of Major Robert Rogers, 95 which we had for that purpose. As soon as it was dark we proceeded down the lake. 1 sent Lieutenant PhiHps with fifteen men, as an advanced guard, some of whom went before him on scatcs, while Ensign Ross flanked us on the left under the west shore, near which we kept the main body, marching as close as possible, to prevent sepa- ration, it being a very dark night. In this manner we con- tinued our march till within eight miles of the French advanced guards, when Lieutenant Philips sent a man on scauss back to mc, to desire me to halt; upon which I [ordered my men to squat down upon the ice. Mr. Philips [soon came to me himself, leaving his party to look out, land said, he imagined he had discovered a fire * on the east Ishore, but was not certain ; upon which 1 sent with him jEnsign White, to make further discoveiy. In about an lour they returned, fully persuaded that a party of the Bnemy was encamped there. I then called in tl e advanced {uard, and flanking party, and marched on to the west ihore, where, in a thicket, we hid our sleys and packs, leaving a small guard with them, and with the remainder I larched to attack the enemy's encampment, if there was ly ; but when we came near the place, no fires were to seen, which made us conclude that we had mistaken )me bleach patches of snow, or pieces of rotten wood, )r fire (which in the night, at a distance resembles it), [Thereupon we returned to our packs, and there lay the ^mainder of the night without fire. The 13th, in the morning, I deliberated with the officers )w o proceed, who were unanimously of opinion, that it is best to go by land in snow shoes, lest the enemy should '■> ; ■ A small party of the French, as we have since heard, had a fire here at I time J but, discovering my advanced party, extinguished their fire, and tied the news of our approach to the French fort. — Note by tht Author. 9 pi '\ 96 'Journals of Major Robert Rogers. discover us on the lake ; we accordingly continued ou:| march on the west side, keeping on the back of ilit mountains that overlooked the Fiench advanced guards, At twelve of the clock we halted two miles west ot ttiosti guards, and there refreshed ourselves till three, that ttit day srout from the fort might be returned home before w; advanced ; intending at night to ambuscade some of thcirj roads, in order to trepan them in the morning. We the:! marched in two divisions, the one headed by Captai: Bulkley, the other by myself; Ensigns White and U'ai; had the rear guard, the other officers were posted propeml in each division, having a rivulet at a small distance on on,- 1 left, and a steep mountain on our right. We kept cl()set;[ the mountain, that the advanced guard might better obscntl the rivulet, on the ice of which I imagined they woui; travel if out, as the snow was four feet deep, and vtrv kj travelling on snow shoes. In this manner we marched; mile and an half, when our advanced guard infornud iTi| of the enemy being in their view ; and soon after, thattl^el had ascertained their number to be ninety-six, cliitlij Indians. We immediately laid down our packs, and prtj pared for battle, supposing these to be the whole numb or main body of the enemy, who were marching on uiij left up the rivulet, upon the ice. I ordered Ensi^' M'Donald to the command of the advanced guard, whictj as we faced to the left, made a flanking party to our rigkl We marched to within a few yards of the bank, which w!j higher than the ground we occupied ; and observing tfe ground gradually to descend from the bank of the rivu!; to the foot of the mountain, we exteided our party alurj the bank, far enough to command the whole of the enemv at once ; we waited till their front was nearly opposite;! our left wing, when I fired a gun, as a signal for a gLiieri < ischarge upon them ; whereupon we gave them the lii fire, which killed above forty Indians ; the rest retreatfl 'Journals of Major Robert Rogers. 97 ami were pursued by about one-ha.f of our people. I now imagined the enemy totally defeated, and ordered Ensign jM'DonaUl to head the flying rL-mains of them, that none mii>;ht escape ; but we soon found our mistake, and the Ipaity we hail atticked were only their advanced guard, ItluMr main body com ng up, consisting of 600 more, [Canadians and Indians ; upon which I ordered our people to retreat to their own ground, which we gained at the jxpence of fifty men killed ; the remainder I rallied, and Irew up in pretty good order, where they fought with such Intrepidity and bravery as obliged the enemy (the' seven to )ne in number) to retreat a second time ; but we not being a condition to pursue them, they rallied again, and re- tovered their ground, and w; Mily pushed us in front and Both wings, while the mountain defended our rear ; but [hey were so warmly received, that their flanking parties )on retreated to their main body with considerable loss. "his threw the whole again into disorder, and they retreated third time ; but our number being now too far reduced take advantage of their disorder, they rallied ag in, and lade a fresh attack upon us. About this time we dis- )vered 200 Indians going up the mountain on our right, we supposed, to get possession of the rising ground, and hack our rear j to prevent which I sent Lieutenant Philips, |ith eighteen men, to gain the first possession, and beat lem hack ; which he did : and b?ing suspicious that the jlemy would go round on our left, and take possession of other part of the hill, I sent Lieutenant Crafton, with teen men, to prevent them there ; and soon after desired gentlemen, who were volunteers in the party,* with a men, to go and support him, which they did with great I very. lud before this desired these gentlemen to retire, offering them a Serjeant Jii luot thjm ; that as they were not used to snow shoes, and were qui'.e C'luainted with the woods, they would have do chance of escaping the ^m I 98 Journals of Major Robert Rogers. The enemy pushed us so close in front, that the parties were not more than twenty yards asunder in general, anc sometimes intermixed wrth each other. The fire ccmtinue' almost constant for an hour and half from the beginnings the attack, in which time we lost eight officeis, and more than 100 private men killed on the spot. We were at last obliged to break, and I with abcvut twenty men ran up the hill to Philips and Crafton, where we stopped and tirei! on the Indians, who were eagerly pushing us, with numberi that we could not withstand. Lieutenant Philips beinj surrounded by 300 Indians, was at this time cipitulatinj for himself and party, on the other part of th*^ hill. He spoke to me, and said if the enemy would give them good! quarters, he thought it best to surrender, otherwise that he would fight while he had one man left to fire a gun.* enemy, in case we should be broke and put to fliglit. which I very niuth ^u:• pected. They at first seemed to accept the offtM-, and began to retire; k.\ leeing us so closely beset, they undauntedly returned to our assistance. \Vhi;| befel them after our flight, may be seen by a letter from one of the gentlcrattj to the commanding officer, which I have inserted next to this account of ctf scout. — Note by the Author. *Thi8 unfortunate officer, and his whole party, after they surrendered, upusj the strongest assurances of good treatment from the enemy, were inhumjn;; tied up to trees and hewn to pieces, in a most barbarous and shocking mannf: — Note hy the Authir There appears to have been an error in this statement as will appear intcJ subsequent part of this note. It must have been overlooked by the autl because this same man Phillips is subsequently mentioned in the Journ.il. Lieut. William Phillips was half Indian, his father being of Dutch oi FrenJ origin, and at the time when the war began, he resided near Albany. Heer listed in Roger's c,ompany in 1755, became a sergeant, and after the battle::! Lake Champlain, January 21, 1757, he received a lieutenant's commission !ro:I the Earl of Loudon. The following account of his adventures in the encountrl on Lake George, is givep by the Rev. Mr. Bouton, in his History of Cj>:<'''\ N. H. : "In the bloody fight at Lake George, March 13, 1758, when PhilipsiKJ his company of about twenty men were nearly surrounded by about m hundred Indians, he said to Rogers, if the enemy would give good quarters, thought it best to surrender, otherwise he would fight while he had a man Iti Journals of Major Robert Rogers. 99 I now thought it most prudent to retreat, and bring ofF (with me as many of my party as I possibly could, which I immediately did ; the Indians closely pursuing us at the le time, took several prisoners. We came to Lake leorge in the evening, where we found several wounded len, whom we took with us to the place where we had left our sleds, from vvhence I sent an express to Fort Edward, desiring Mr. Haviland to send a party to meet us, knd assist in Sringing in the wounded ; with the remainder tarried there the whole night, without fire or blankets, Ind in the morning we proceeded up the lake, and met rith Captain Stark at Hoop Island, six miles north from port William Henry, and encamped there that night ; the 6xt day being the 15th, in the evening we arrived at Fort Edward.* !i, I Are a gun ! He and his party were all taken, and fastened tu trees by the kdians, for the purpose of being shot or hewn to pieces. Philips got one nd loose, took a knife from his pocket, which he opened with his teeth, cut |e string that bound him and escaped." — Bouton^s History of Concord, p, 200. [Tills account, based, it is true upon tradition, was generally accepted by Ose with whom he was acquainted in after life. After the war, Phillips ailiarly known as " Bill Phillips," lived for some time in Rumford, [Con- 1] where lie married Miss Eleanor Eastman, daughter of Ebenezer Eastman, by whom he had .1 son. About 1784, his wife joined the Shakers at iterliury, but Phillips said he " ccjld not dance, and would not join." He Jrwards lived a roving, unsettled life — fishing, hunting and stealing f somC' working at the blacksmith's trade, of which he knew a little, and at cr times woiking at day's labor. He lived a while with his wife's brother, Son Eastman, but at length became a pauper, and according to usage of the was "bid otf," to be supported at the town charge. He lived several in the family of Richard Potter, of Anthony Potter, of Joseph Potter Ebenezer Tenney, on the Loudon road. ^ At length it was discovered that Hd gained a residence in Northfield, where he died about the year.1819, I, as was supposed, about a hundred years. His wife died at the Shaker ||ement at Canterbury, November 17, 18 16, aged 70 years. — Bouton^s History of Concordy p. 2C ). LThe account of this battle given by Puuchot, the French historian, is as [On the ist of March, a party of two hundred of our domiciled Indiani and ! I .. L • i '"1 I loo 'Journals of Major Robert Rogers. The number of the enemy was about 700, 600 of whid were Indians. By the best accounts we could get, wt killed 150 of them, and wounded as many more. I wi not pretend to determine what we should have done hai forty Canadians left Montreal. These Indians coming to the fort, asked ^i M. d'llbecourt, the commandant, some provisions, and said they wished ::l rest a few days, before setting out on their march. He gave them some, mi a little brandy, and the Indians returned to their camp, and began tu driul One of them who did ijot wish to join them, begin a jugglery, and after scjul time he called the rest to a council, and told them "hat he had learned bytis means that the English had out a party, who had come to Carillon and tkl they could not be far distant. He then exhorted his comrades to set out :J next day, which they in fact did. The commandant was agreeibly surj::,: at this prompt resolution of relieving him, and granted all they asked. Sev;J officers and soldiers of the garrison wished to join the expedition. Thevp:j ceeded along the lake shore, and at three leafiues beycmd, their scouts notci the tracks of men in considerable numbers on the ice, and reported thiuir. It was determined at once to retire into the woods near which the En;; would pass. Our scouts seeing the English troops descending a little hill to notify their people that they were approaching. They arrived at a tsj elevation by the time that the English were at the bottom of the hill, andtiJ at once attacked them, killing one hundred and forty-six upon the spot. TiJ did not save more than the fifth part of the two hundred that theyi Robert Rogers who commanded them, left his clothes, his commission; his instructions, to enable him the better to flee. Eleven officers or volun;;5 had joined this detachment of whom four belonged to regiments thit '■ lately arrived from England. Five were taken prisoners to Carillon, and oisd were lost in the woods, where they perished of hunger. We had in this jc five Iroquois of the Sault. Killed one Meppissen of the lake, and tlirL'ei!i;| Iroquois mortally wounded. This was the most vigorous action of the Indid They afterwards formed a select detachment of" v )lunteers, under the mv. Deccuverues. — .Pouc/iot's Memoirs (Hough's Translation), i, p. i:ij Substantially the same account is given by Adjutant Malartic, in his ']■• 0/ Occurrences in Canada, 1757, 1758, under date of March 19, 1758; " A cadet detached from Carillon, came to inform the general that Ml Durantaye's party had arrived the 12th, on which day an old sorcerer: assured them that tijey would see the English before long ; on the m 1 of the 13th five or six Indian scouts came to say that they had iliiijvfj fresh tracks of two hundred men, whereupon the chiers raised the muiij whoop and set out immediately with their warriors, some soldiers and Caniiii who travelled three leagues without meeting any one; suspecting thais Journals of Major Robert Rogers, loi K been 400 or more strong ; but this I am obliged to say \i those brave men who attended me (most of whom are bow no more) both officers and soldiers in their respective itions behaved with uncommon resolution and courage ; Dglish had taken the Falls road, they took the same course. M. la Durantaye, 1)0 had joined them at the Bald mountain, was with the Vanguard ; he re- ived the enemy's first fire which made him fall back a little, and gave them Be to scalp two Indians whom they had killed. Meanwhile M. de Langy ring turned them with a strong party of Indians, and having fallen on them hen they felt sure of victory, had entirely defeated them. The Indians Ifing discovered a chief's scalp in the breast of an officer's jacket, refused all irter, and took one hundred and fourteen scalps. The opinion is, that only Jve or thirteen men escaped, and that this detachment was comprised of hundred and seventy to one hundred and eighty, commanded by Captain gers, who is supposed to be among the killed." ■N. Y. Colonial Hi story y x, 837. The modern tourist in passing through Lake George, cannot fail of having [attention called to a rock just south of the Essex county line sloping from ilevation of some five hundred feet, by a steep angle down to the lake. It the west side, about six miles from the outlet, and is known in all maps I guide books as " Roger's Slide." According to the tradition, the intrepid er, in the winter of «, in an encounter with an overwhelming force ir the command of — and escaping across , here eluded his pursuers by gliding down the the ice. Had this incident actually occurred, it scarcely have been overlooked by our author, and his complete silence the subject, appears to justify the belief that it has no foundation in truth. ticethat Mr. W. C. Watson in his History of Essex County (p. 83) regards iradition as a myth. If it occurred, it must have been upon the expedition nutic'^d in the text, and if the romantic or the credulous insist upon Bg this incident believed, there is no point on the lake more suitable than jfor the exploit, and no occasion more probable than that of this date for currence. B. C. Butler in his Lake George and Lake Champlain (p. 191), gives a [irubable version of the origin of the name. He says : lo-eis himself escaped by approaching Bald Mountain, at the place since h'u'^er's Slide, then reversing his snow shoes, and taking a back track Bmc distance, he swung himself by a convenient branch into the defile, Buiui his way thence down into the lake. The Indians followed, ap- liel the slide, and were awestruck at the apparent feat of sliding down six hundred feet into the lake, and gave up the pursuit." le Montcalm in a letter to M. de Paulmy, dated Montreal, April 10, I in speaking of this encounter, says : UA I' 1 1 02 journals of Major Robert Rogers. nor do I know an instance during the whole action in which I can justly impeach the prudence or good conduct of any one of them.* -.3; The following is a List of the Killed^ Missing, &c. The Captain and Lieutenant of his Majesty's regular troops volunteers in this party, were taken prisoners ; the Ensign, another volunteer of the same corps, was killed, as were two volunteers, and a Serjeant of the said corps, and one private. Of Capt. Rogers's Company, Lieut. Moore - - - - Killed. Serjeant Parnell - . - - Ditto. Thirty-six privates - - - Ditto. " The English detachment consisted of two hundred picked men, under tht command of Major Rogers, their most famous partisan, and twelve officers He has been utterly defeated ; our Indians would give no quarter ; they hare brought back one hundred and forty-six scalps ; they retained only three prisoners to furnish /I've letters to their father. About four or five days after, two officers and five English surrendered themselves prisoners, because they were wandering in the woods, dying of hunger. I am fully persuaded that the small number who escaped the fury of the Indians will perish of want and not have returned, to Fort Lydius, we had two colonial cadets and one Canadian slightly wounded, but the Indians who are not accustomed to lose, have had eight killed and seventeen wounded, two of whom are dying. The Marqui> de Vaudreuil takes great care of the sick, has made presents in the name ot the gieat Ononthio (that is, the king), to the families of those who have been slain, and the dead on this occasion have been covered with great ceremony; the Indians are content and very anxious to avenge the loss. Lieut, de Fouviei, of the la Sarre regiment, and Sieur d'Avenne proposed to be employed on tli! regiment of Languedoc, have distinguished themselves on this occasion." — N. Y. Colonial Hist., x, 693. See also p. 697 of the same volume. * John Ogilvie in writin| to Sir William Johnson, March 28, 1758,51)1: " The late affair of Rogers was gallant and bloody, and a considerable proot of his bravery and conduct, but envy, that arch fiend, will not allow him mucli merit. — yohnun Mss.^ xxiii, 276. 3aB«.aMTOBaiBji Journals oj Major Robert Rogers, 103 Of Capt. Shepherd's Company, Two Serjeants Sixteen privates Of Capt. James Rogers's Company, Ensign M' Donald - Of Capt. John Starks's Company, Two Serjeants - - - Fourteen privates - . - Of Capt. Bulkley's Company, Capt. Bulkley Lieut. Pottinger Ensign White Forty-seven privates Of Capt. William Starks's Company, Ensign Ross . . _ Of Capt. Brewer's Company, Lieut. Campbell . _ - A gentleman of the army, who was a volunteer on this party, and who with another fell into the hands of the French, wrote the following lc;ter, some time after, to the officer commanding the regiment they belonged to at Fort Edward.* Killed. Killed. Ditto. Killed. Ditto. Ditto. K. and Miss. Killed. Killed. Carillon^ March 28, 1758. '' Dear Sir, " As a flag of truce is daily expected here with an answer jto Monsieur Yaudreuil, I sit down to write the moment I lam able, in order to have a letter ready, as no doubt you [and our friends at Fort Edward are anxious to be in- \ ^ In Stark's edition, the authorship of" the letter is ascribed to Captain "rancis Reed, one of the volunteers from the 27th regiment, mentioned on Duther page. 10 :■-(. -3 • s '^t 104 "Journals of Major Robert Rogers. formed about Mr. and me, whom, piobablv you have reckoned amongst the slain in our unfortunate I rencontre of the 13th concerning which at present shall not be particular; only to do this justice to thretl who lost their lives there, and to those who bvt escaped, to assure you, Sir, that such dispositions werti formed by the enemy (who discovered us long enouKJ before), it was impossible for a party so weak as ours til hope for even a retreat. Towards the conclusion of tkl affair, it was cried from a rising ground on our right, t;| retire there; where, after scrambling with difficulty, asi was unaccustomed to snow shoes, I found Capt. Rogers,ar,i| told him, that I saw, to retire further was impossible, thertj fore earnestly begged we might collect all the men lelJ and make a stand there. Mr. , who was with hiil was of my opinion, and Capt Rogers also ; who therefcil desired me to maintain one side of the hill, whilst hedtl fend».d the other. Our parties did not exceed above tei or twelve in each, and mine was shifting towards ttj mountain, leaving me unable to defend my post, or J labour with them up the hill. In the mean time, Caa Rogers with his party came to me, and said (as did all tlicij with him) that a large body of Indians had ascended to( right ; he likewise added, what was true, that the comii| was very unequal, that I must retire, and he would fj Mr.. and me a serjeant to conduct us thro' mountain. No doubt prudence required us to accept! offer ; but besides one of my snow shoes being unticiij knew myself unable to march as fast as was requisite f avoid becoming a sacrifice to an enemy we c6uld no lonl oppose ; I therefore begged of him to proceed, aiif leaned against g rock in the path, determined to subniiij a fate I thought unavoidable. Unfortunately for JI ■ his snow shoes were loosened likewise, wis obliged him to determine with me, not to labour in a I "Journals of Major Robert Rogers. 105 we were both unequal to. Every instant we expected the [savages ; but what induced them to quit this path, in which jwe actually saw them, we are ignorant of, unless they langed it for a shorter, to intercept those who had just left us. By their noise, and making a fire, we imagined ley had got the rum in the Rangers packs. This thought mh the approach of night, gave us the first hopes of re- kirino; ; and when the moon arose, we marched to the Southward along the monntains about three hours, which brought us to ice, and gave us reason to hope our difficul- ies were almost past ; but we k^ew not we had enemies [et to combat with, more cruel than the savages we had gcaped. We marched all night and on the morning of le 14th found ourselves entirely unacquainted witn the ice. [ere we saw a man, who came towards us ; he was the trvaiit of Capt. Rogers, with whom he had been often- les all over the country, and, without the least hesitation Ihatsoevcr, he informed us we were upon South bay •, that ^ood creek, was just before us -, that he knew the way to )rt Anne extremely well, and would take us to Fort Iwaid the next day. Notwithstanding we were dis- pointed in our hopes of being upon Lake George, we )ught ourselves fortunate in meeting such a guide to jlom we gave entire confidence, and which he in fact con- Jied, by bringing us to a creek, where he shewed the :ks of Indians, and the path he said they had taken to rt Anne. After struggling thro' the snow some hours, were obliged to halt to make snow shoes, as Mr. the guide had left theirs at arriving upon the ice. fere we remained all night, without any blankets, no coat, ' but a single waistcoat each, for I gave one of mine to , who had laid aside his green jacket in the as I did likewise my furred cap, which became a Ik to the enemy, and probably was the cause- of a slight ind in my face ; so that I had but a silk handkerchief f ^.;4«-:.;^ i!. i: 1 i '1 [.;-;,; , s 1 06 'Journals of Major Robert Rogers. * on my head, and our fire could not be large, as we had nothing to cut wood with. Before morning we contrived, with forked sticks and strings of" leather, a sort of snow shoes to prevent sinking entirely ; and on the 15th, followed our guide west all day, hut he did not fulfil his promise ; however the next day it was impossible to fail;! but even then, the i6th, he was unsuccessful ; vet still we were patient, because he seemed well acquainted with ttie way, for he gave every mountain a name, and shewed A several places, where he said his master had either killejl deer or encamped. Thi ground, or rather the want o.I sunshine, made us incline to the southward, from whenctl by accident we saw ice, at several miles distance, to tlifl south-east. I was very certain, that, after marching twol days west of South bay, Lake George could not lie soutlif east from us, and therefore concluded this to be the uppe: end of the bay we had left. For this reason, togethc; with the assurances of our guide, I advised continuing oiij course to the west, which must shortly strike Fort Annej or some other place that we knew. But Mr. — wished to be upon the ice at any rate ; he was unable [J continue in the snow, for the difficulties of our march ha;| overcome him. And really, sir^ was I to be minute il those we had experienced already and afterwards, thcj would almost be as tiresome to you to read, as they wen] to us to suffer. Our snow shoes breaking, and sinking to our middj every fifty paces, the scrambling up mountains, and acroM fallen timber, our nights without sleep or covering, aiil but little fii'e, gathered with great fatigue, our sustenancl mostly water, and the bark and b "ries of trees ; for allou] provisions fron>« the beginning was only a small bologa sausage, and a little ginger, I happened to have, and whicj even now was very much decreased ; so that I knew m how to oppose Mr. — — — 's intreaties ; but as our guii journals of Major Robert Rogers, 107 Istill persisted Fort Anne was near, we concluded to search la little longer, and if we made no discovery to proceed next iay towards the ice; but we fought in vain, as did our ruide the next morning, tho' he returned, confidently as- serting he had discovered fresh proofs, that the fort could not be far off. I confess I was still inclined to follow him, lor I was almost certain the best we could hope from des- cending upon this ice to our left, was to throw ourselves no the hands of the French, and perhaps not be able to Feet even that ; but, from the circumstances I have men- loned, it was a point I must yield to, which I did with jreat reluctancy. The whole day of the 17th we marched idreadful road, between the mountains, with but one good low shoe each, the other of our own making being almost geless. The i8th brought us to the ice, which tho' we [e longed to arrive at, yet I still dreaded the consequence, id with reason, for the first sight informed us, it was the try place we had left five days before. Here I must own |y resolution almost failed me ; when fatigue, cold, hunger, )d even the prospect of perishing in the woods attended I, I still had hopes, and >till gave encouragement, but now /anted it myself; we had no resource but to throw our- Ives into the enemy's hands, or perish. We had nothing eat, our slender stock had been equally shared amongst jthree, and we were not so fortunate as ever to see either Id or beast to shoot at. When our first thoughts were little calmed we conceived hopes, that, if we appeared Tore the French fort, with a white flag, the command- officer wonld relieve and return us to Fort Edward, ^is served to palliate our nearest approach to despair, and prmined a resolution, where, in fact, we had no choice, lew Carillon had an extensive view up South bay, there- we concluded to halt during the evening, and march le night, that we might approach it in the morning, be- the wind pierced us like a sword ; but instead of its J ^ 1 08 Journals of Major Robert Rogers. abating it increased, together with a freezing rain, thai incrusted us entirely with ice, and obliged us to remain until morning, the 19th, when we fortunately got some juniper berries, which revived, gave us spirits, and I thougli; strength. We were both so firmly of that opinion, that I we proposed taking the advantage of its being a dark snowi day, to approach Carillon, to pass it in the night, andgeil upon Lake George. With difficulty we persuaded the guide to be of our opinion, we promised large rewards id vain, until I assured him of provisions hid upon the lake; but we little considered how much nature was exhausted, and how unequal we were to the task ; however, a te»j miles convinced us, we were soon midway up our legsicj the new fallen snow ; it drove full in our faces, and wail as dark as the fogs upon the banks of Newfoundland. Oii;[ strength and our hopes sunk together, nay, even those o!| reaching Carillon were doubtful, but we must proceed o:[ perish. As it cleared up a little, we laboured to see M fort, which at every turn we expected, until we came iJ where the ice was gone, and the water narrow. This not agree with my idea of South Bay, but it was no timJ for reflection ; we quitted the ice to the left, and atk[ marching two miles, our guide assured us we ought toixl on the other side of the water. This was a very distressirj circumstance, yet we returned to the ice and passed to til right, where, after struggling through the snow, about (oJ miles, and breaking in every step, as we had no snow shifil we were stopped by a large waterfall. Here I was agaf astonished with appearances, but nothing now was to thought of "only reaching the fort before night ; yet to pa^ this place seemed impracticable: however, I attemptciii ford it a little higher, and had almost gained the opposJ shore, where the depth of the water which was up toiij breast, and the rapidity of the stream, hurried me ofFt slippery rocks, and plunged me entirely in the waters. 'Journals of Major Robert Rogers. 109 ain, that :) remain rot somt I 1 thougk nion, thai I irk snow\ t, and 2e'J uaded ilie rewards in the lake;! exhaustci,! ver, a few our legsir' ;s, and wai iland. Oil! en those oi proceed o;| , to see til! ve came i; This dr. i^as no tiniil ;, 'and atte:' ought tol« y distressirJ assed to tM -^ about toi •snow sh'ie'] I was aaai was to yet to pii tttempteil' the opposi' as up toitj nie off I' waters. was obl/ged to quit my fuzee, and with great difficulty escaped being carried down the fall. Mr. , who followed me, and the guide, though they held by one another, suffered the same fate ; but the hopes of soon reaching a fire made us think lightly of this ; as night approached, we laboured excessively through the snow ; e were certain the fort was not far from us, but our guide onfessed, for the first time, that he was at a loss. Here e plainly observed that his brain was affected ; he saw ndians all arour^d him, and though we have since learned e had every thing to fear from them, yet it was a danger e did not now attend to ; nay, we shouted aloud several imes to give information we were there ; but we could ither hear nor see anybody to lead us right, or more ely to destroy us, and if we halted a minute we became liars of ice; so that we resolved, as it froze so hard, to ake a fire, although the danger was apparent. Acciden- lly we had one dry cartridge, and in trying with my pistol it would flash a little of the powder Mr. unfor- bately held the cartridge too near, by which it took fire, 5w up in our faces, almost blinded him, and gave excessive lin. This indeed promised, to be the last stroke of fortune, our hopes of a fire were now no more ; but although were not anxious about life, we knew it was more bc- ling to oppose than yield to this last misfortune. We ide a path round a tree, and there exercsied all the night, pugh scarcely able to stand, or prevent each other from 5ping. Our guide, notwithstanding repeated cautions, Iggled from us, where he sat down and died immediately. the morning of the 2rth, we saw the fort, which we broached with a white flag ; the officers run violently |ards us, and saved us from a danger we did not then rehend ; for we are informed, that if the Indians, who close after them, had seized us first, it would not have in the power of the French to have prevented our 1 1 o Journals of Major Robert Rogers. being hurried to tneir camp) and perhaps to Montreal tk: next day, or killed for not being able to march. MonJ Debecourt and all his officers treat us with humanity a.i: politeness and are solicitous in our recovery, which returril slowly, as you may imagine, from all thsee difficultiei and though I have omitted many, yet I am afiaid youwil think me too prolix ; but we wish, Sir, to persuade you a truth, that nothing but the situation I have faithtfu! described could determine us in a resolution which appear::} only one degree preferable *.o perishing in^the woods. " I shall make no comments upon these distresses; malicious perhaps will say, which is very true, we broud them upon ourselves j but let them not wantonly add, xl deserved them because we were unsuccessful. Theymiuj allow we could not be led abroad, at such a season otsncil aud ice, for amusement, or by an idle curiosity. I gaii you, Sir, my reasons for asking leave, which you wq pleased to approve, ar.d I hope will defend them -, andtiJ same would make me again, as a volunteer, experiencta chance of war to-morrow, had I an opportunity Thei are Mr. 's sentiments as well as mine ; and we boJ know you. Sir, too well, to harboin the least doubt J receiving justice with regard to our conduct in this aft] or our promotion in the legiment ; the prospect of joining that so soon as we flattered ourselves, hasdepie>i our spirits to the lowest degree, so that we earnestly i;| you will be solicitous with the General to have us restol as soon as possible, or at least to prevent our being sen! France, and separated from yeu, perhaps, during the wij I have- but one thing more !o add, which we learK here, and which perhaps you have already observed tri what I have sjid, that we were upon no other ice thani of Lake George ; but by the day overtaking us, the m\ ing of the 14th, in the very place we had, in comil marched during the night, we were entirely unacquaicj itreal th; lanity arJ ch retuffi' ifficultiei, d you wi ade youq : faithtfat :h appear;! oods. resses ■, tkl we broud ,n\y add,xj They mJ tson ot" snoif iity. h^] •h yuu w« em •, ■•in wait upon Colonel Grant, commanding officer at Fonl .'d,- journals of Major Robert Rogers. 1 1 3 Edward, to assist him in conducting the Rangers, and scouting parties, in such a manner as might best serve the common cause, having a letter from my Lord to him. Capt. Stark was immediate!)' dispatched to Ticonderoga on the west-side of Lake George, Capt. Jacob, whose Indian name was Nawnawapeteoonks, on the east-side, and Capt. Shepherd betwixt the lakes, with directions to take if possible some prisoners near Carillon. About the same time I marched myself with eighteen men for Crown Point. Capt. Burbank was likewise dispatched in quest of prisoners. These scouts, being often relieved, were kept out pretty constantly, in order to discover any parties of the enemy that might sally out towards our forts or frontiers, and to reconnoitre their situation and motions from time to time. The success of mv own scout was as follows : April 29, 1758, I marched from Fort Edward with a party of eighteen men, up the road that leads to Fort William Henry four miles, then north four miles, and en- camped at Schoon Creek, it having been a very rainy day. On the 30th we marched north-and-by-east all day, and encamped near South-Bay. The ist of May we continued the same course, and at night encamped near the narrows, north of South-Bay. The 2d, in the morning, made a raft, and crossed the bay over to the east-side, and having distanced the Izke about four miles we encamped. The 3d we steered our course north, and lay at night about three miles from Carillon. The 4th we marched north-by-t ast all day, and en- camped at night three miles from Crown Toint Fort. The 5th we killed one Frenchman, and took three prisoners. w 1 1 4 yourna/s of Major Robert Rogers. The 6th, in the morning, began our return homeward, and arrived with our prisoners at Fort Edward the 9th. One of the prisoners, who appeared to be the most in- telligible, reported, " that he was born at Lorrain in France; that he had been in Canada eight years, viz. two at Quebec, one at Montreal, and five at Crown Point ; that at the latter were but 200 soldiers, of which Mons. le Janong was commander in chief; that at Ticonderoga there were 400 of the Queen's regiment, 150 marines, 200 Canadians, and about 700 Indians ; and that they daily expected 300 Indians more ; that they did not intend to attack our forts this summer, but were preparing to receive us at Ticon- deroga ; that they had heard that I, with most of my party, was killed in the conflict last March; but afterwards, by j some prisoners which a small party of their Indians ha taken from Dutch Hoosyk, they were informed that Rogers 1 was yet alive, and was going to attack them again, beinj fully resolved to revenge the inhumanity and barbarity witij which they had used his men, in particular Lieut. Philips and his party, who were butchered by them, after theyliaij promised them quarters ; that this was talked of zmowif the Indians, who greatly blamed the French for encouraEJ ing them so to do." Captains Stark and Jacob returned the day before me the former brought in with him six prisoners, four of whica he took near Ticonderoga ; they having escaped fiom Neif York and Albany, were in their flight to the French forti The latter, who had but one white man with him, ad eighteen Indians, took ten prisoners, and seven scalps, oij of a party of fifty French. An account of these scout^ and the intelligence thereby gained, was transmitted my Lord How, and by him to the General. journals of Major Robert Rogers, 1 1 5 About the middle of May, the flag of truce was sent to Ticonderoga, on Col. Schyler's account, which put a stop to all oflFensive scouts, till its return. May 28, 1758, I received positive orders from the [General, to order all officers and men, belonging to the Rangers, and the two Indian companies, who Vr'ere on Ifurlow, or recruiting parties, to join their respective com- Ipanies as soon as possible, and that every man of the corps [under my command should be at his post at or before the lioth of next month. These orders were obeyed, and par- ties kept out on various scouts till the 8th of June, when ly Lord How arrived at Fort Edward with one-half of ^he army. His Luidiiiiip immediately ordered me out with fifty men wiialf boats, which were carried over in waggons to ^alce George, and directed me at all events to take a plan the landing-place at the north-end with all possible accu- »cy, and also of the ground from the landing-place to the [rench fort at Carillon, and of Lake Champlain for three liles beyond it, and to discover the enemy's number in pat quarter. Agreeable to these orders, on the I2th in it niuining, I marched with a party of fifty men, and en- kmped in the evening at the place where Fort William- lenry stood. I On the 30th we proceeded down the lake in five whale- its to the first narrows, and so on to the west-end of the lake, where I tock the plan his Lordship desired. Part my party th n proteef^ d to reconnoitre Ticonderoga, discovered a las^e encampment there, and a great [triber of Indiar s. VV ille I was, with two or three others, ing a plan of the fort, encampment, &c. I left the re- Inder ot my party at some considerable distance ; when l^as returning to them, at the distance of about 300 yards, were fallen upon by a superior number of the enemy m A 1; 1 1 6 ^Journals of Major 'Robert Rogers. who had got between me and them. Capt, Jacobs, with the Mohegon Indians, run off at the first onset, calling to our people to run likewise ; but they stood their ground, and dis- charged their pieces several times at last broke through the enemy, by whom they were surrounded on all sides except their rear, where a river covered them ; they killed three of the enemy, but lost eight of their own party in this skirmish. My party rallied at the boats, where I joined them, and having collected all but the slain together, we returned homewards. On the 20th, at Half Way brook, we met my Lor. ITowe advanced with three thousand men, to whom I gave a ":ount of my scour, together with 2 plan of the laridin- iace, the fort at Carillon, and the situation of the lakes. I obtained leave of my Lord to go to Fort Edwarr' vvhere 1 his Excellency Major General Abercrombie was then posted, who ordered me to join my Lord Howe the nexi day with all the Rangers, being 600, in order to pioceccj with his Lordship to the lake. On the 22d his Lordship encamped at the lake whertj formerly stood Fort William-Henry,' and ordered Rangers to advance 400 yards on the west side, and eni camp there ; from which place, by his Lordship's orderJ I sent off next morning three small parties of Rangers. viJ one to the narrows of South Bay, another to the v^est-sicf of Lake George, and a third to Ticonderoga Fort, ail thrd ■ Fort William Henry was captured by General Montcalm, August 7, i' through the cowardice of General Daniel Wells then stationed at Fort Eii»rJ who with a large army at hand, ^efjsed to send succor to Colonel Munri) II horrible massacre that followed this surrender, presents the blackest pi:!! our colonial history. It was estimated by Carver, the traveller, wh; present, that fifteen hundred persons were killed upon this occasion, or cim into a captivity scarcely preferable to death. Fort William Henry was named by Gen. Johnson ir honor of W;l Hen-y, Duke of Cumberland, brother of the heir apparent, George the Tj witb the jg to Our 1, and (lis- rough the .es e;heH About ten o'clock the army moveiij again, when my Lord How went in the front with his whale-boat. Lieutenant Col. Broadstreet's and mine, withj Lieutenant Holmes, in another, whom he sent forward to go near the landing-place, and observe if any enemy wasi posted there. Holmes returned about day-break, met the army ncaij the Blue Mountains within four miles of the landing placff and reported that there was a party of the enemy at tlitj landing-place, which he discovered by their fires. As soon as it was light his Lordship, with Col. BroaiJ street and myself, went down to observe the landing placi before the army, and when within about a quarter of a miiij plainly discerned that it was but a small detachment of enemy that was there ; whereupon his Lordship said would return to the General, that the armv might landau march to Ticontieroga. About twelve o'clock the whai army landed, the Rangers on the left wing. I immediaii sent an officer to wait upon the General for his orders, tttMHi I Lieu- lake for lUt 300 ie-boats. General ;r of the of July, 000, em- ight •, the ach wing, juard, the battoemen till dusk, e the army ■my moved! ,t with his I .mine, Willi I |nt forwaiill enemy wasj army ^^A ding-place,! lemy at m is 'Journals of Major Robert Rogers. 1 1 8^ received directions from Capt. Abercombie one of his Aids de Camp, to gain the top of a mountain that bore north about a mile from the landing place, and from thence to steer east to the river that runs into the falls betwixt the landing and the saw mill, to take possession of some rising ground on the enemy's side, and there wait the army's coming. I immediately marched to the place I was or- dered, where T arrived in about an hour, and posted my party to as good advantage as I could, being within, one- quarter of a mile of where Mons. Montcalm was posted with 1.500 men, whom I had discovered, by some small reconnoitering parties sent out for that purpose. About twelve o'clock, Colonels Lyman and Fitch of the Pro- vincials came to mv rear, whom I informed of the enemy's being so very near, and inquiring concerning the army, ithey told me were coming along. While this conversation [passed, a sharp fire began in the rear of Col. Lyman's [Regiment, on which he said he would make his front im- Imediately, and desired me to fall on his left flank, which 1 laccoidingly did, having first ordered Capt. Burbanks with )ne hundred and fifty men to remain at the place where was posted, to observe the movement of the French at le Saw Mills, and went with the remainder of the Lingers on the left flank of the enemy, the river being their right, and killed several.* By this time my I* The map in Mante's History, showing the plan of attack at Ticonderoga iresents the position of the Rangers as described in the text. They were on I extreme left of the English line, and in front of the French regiments of tn and La Reine. The firinf in the rear, was probably by the party of I 1! 1 1 S6 Journals of Major Robert Rogers. Lord Howe, with a detachment from his front, had broke the enemy and hemmed them on every side; but advancing himself with great eagerness and intrepidity M. de Trepesec, which got separated from their main body, and were nearly all killed or captured. The French had stationed three regiments under M. de Boulamarque at the foot of Lake George, to prevent if possible the English from landing j but finding it impossible to do this, they hastily destroyed their camp and retreated. M. de Montcalm in reporting an account of the battle, after speaking of this withdrawal of the French from the portage, says ; " This retreat would have been eft'ectcd without the loss of a man, had not M. de Trepesec's detachment gone astray; abandoned by the s.nall number ot I Indians which acted as guide.ave all along expressed for the English, ever since you lave been allied to them, by raising a company of your ten with the utmost expedition. " Should you chuse to come out a Captain, General Amherst will readily give you the commission for it \ if 18 128 'Journals of Major Robert Rogers. not, 1 shall expect Doquipe and Nunnipad. I leave to you the choice of an Ensign and two Serjeants ; but I hope you'll engage the fittest men for their stations. I would have the company consist of fifty private men, or more, if you can get them ; and if those men that deserted from Capt. Brewer will join you, the General will pardon them. You may employ a Clerk for the company, to whom General Amherst will allow the usual pay. " I heartily .wish you success in raising your men, and shall be exceeding glad that you join me with all the expedition you possibly can. [ am, Brother Uncus, Your most obedient humble servant, To King Uncus. Robert Rogers." With this letter, or any other wrote to them, in order to give it any credit or influence, must go a belt of wam- pum, suitable to the matter and occasion of it, and upon which the bearer, after having read the letter, interprets it, and then delivers both to the Sachem, or person they are directed to. The latter end of February, about fifty Mohocks, com- manded by Captain Lotridge, came from Sir William Johnson to join me, and proceed to Ticonderoga on i scout. March 3, 1759,1 received the following orders from Col. Haldiman : " An officer being chosen by the General to make observations upon the enemy's situation, and the strength of their forts upon Lake Champlain, you are ordered to march with your Rangers, and the Mohock Indians, under the command of Capt. Lotridge, and take all the measures and precautions possible, that he maj execute his intentfons, and perform the service, which the General has much at heart ; and to effect this with morel security, a body of regulars is likewise ordered to join vm I i Journals of Major Robert Rogers, i 29 you, and you are to have command of the whole. Lieut. Biheem* is to communicate his orders to you ; and the service being performed, you will endeavour to take a prisoner, or prisoners, or strike such a stroke on the enemy, and try to biing us intelligence. " He recommends it in the strongest manner, that if some of the enemy should fall into your hands, to prevent the Indians from exercising their cruelty upon them, as he desires prisoners may be treated with humanity. Fred Haldiman, Fort Edward^ Commander at March 3, 1759. Fort Edward** Pursuant to the above orders, I marched the same day with a party of 358 men, officers included, and encamped the first night at Half- Way Brook. One Indian, being hurt by accident, returned to Fort Edward. The 4th, marched to within one mile and a half of Lake George, and halted till evening, that we might the better pass un- discovered by the enemy, if any were on the hill recon- noitering. We continued our march till two o'clock in the morning, and halted at the first narrows. It being ex- cessive cold, and several of our party being frost-bitten, I sent back twenty-three, under the charge of a careful Serjeant, to Fort Edward. We continued here till the evening of the 5th, then marched to Sabbath-day Point, where we arrived about eleven o'clock, almost overcome with the cold. At two o'clock we continued our march, and reached the landing place about eight. I sent out a small * Diedrick Brehm wd a German, and was commUsioned as lieutenant in the id Bittallon of the 60th oi- Royai Amcric?n Regiment Feb. 21, 1756. He iccompanied Major Roge.s to Detroit ; obtained ihe command of a company if "he 60th Regiment, November 16, 1774, and became major in the army M. ch 19, 1783. See Wihont Orderly Book, p. 46, and authorities there cited. I {O 'Journals of Major Robert Rogers. party to observe if any of the enemy's parties went out. They returned and reported, that none were to be seen on the west-side of the lake, but on the east were two work- ing parties, it now appeared to be a suitable time for the engineer to make his observations. I left Capt. Williams to remain at this place with the Regulars, and thirty Rangers, whUe I, with the engineer, forty-nine Rangers, and Capt. Lotridge, with forty-five Indians, went to the isthmus that ovctlooks the fort, where he made his obser- vations. We returned to our party, leaving five Indians and one Ranger to observe what numbers crossed the lake in the evening from the east-side to the fort, that I might know the better how to atiack them next mornina. At dark the engineer went again, with Lieut. Tute, and a guard of ten men, to the entrenchments^ and returned at midnight without opposition, having done his business to his satisfaction. On which I ordered Capt. Williams with the Regulars back to Sabbath-day Point ; the party being extremely distressed with the cold, it appeared to me im- prudent to march his men any further, especially as they had no snow shoes. I sent with him Lieut. Tute and thirty Rangers, with directions to kindle fires on the afore- said point. At three oMock I marched with three Lieutenants and forty Rangers, one Regular, and Capt. Lotridge with forty-six Indians, in order to be ready to attack the enemy's working parties on the east-side of the lake early in the morning. We crossed South-Bay about eight miles south of the tort j* from thence, it being about six o'clock, bore down right opposite the fort, and within half a mile of where the French parries, agreeable to our expectations, were cutting of wood. Here I halted, and * Here we found that a party of Indians had gone up the bay towards our j forts. — Note in thi original. •■PF^ Journals of Major Robert Rogers. 131 sent two Indians and two Rangers to observe their situa- tion. They returned in a few minutes, and brought intelligence, that the working parties were close to the banks of the lake, and opposite the fort, and were about forty in number ; upon which we stripped off our blankets, and ran down upon them, took several prisoners, and destroyed most of the party as they were retreating to the fort, from whence being discovered, about eighty Cana- dians and Indians pursued us closely, being backed by I about 150 French regulars, and in a mile's march they I began a fire in our rear ; and as we marched in a line abreast, our front was easily made ; I halted on a rising ground, resolving to make a stand against the enemy, who [appeared at first very resolute : but we repulsed them before Itheir reinforcement came up, and began our march again lin a line abreast ; having advanced about half a mile irther, they came in sight again. As soon as we could obtain an advantageous post, which was a long ridge, we igain made a stand on the side opposite the enemy. The '!)anadians and Indians came very close, but were soon topped by a warm fire from the Rangers and Mohocks. ^hey broke immediately, and the Mohocks with some Angers pursued, and entirely routed them before their tegulars could come up. After this we marched without ly opposition. In these several skirmishes we had two tangers and one Regular killed, and one Indian wounded, id killed about thirty of the enemy. We continued our :h till twelve o'clock at night, and came to Capt. Williams at Sabbath-day Point (fifty miles distant from the ice we set out from in the morning). The Captain re- Bived us with good fires, than which scarce any thing »uld be more acceptable to my party, several of which |id their feet froze, it being excessive cold, and the snow ir feet deep. Next morning marched the whole de- m 132 'Journals of Major Robert Rogers. as far as Long Island* in Lake George, and there en- camped that night. On our march from Sabbath-clay Point to this island, I gave leave to some of ihe Rangers I and Indians to hunt near the side of the lake, who brought 1 us in great plenty of venison for our re/reshmenr. I sent Lieut. Tute, with the following letter, to Col Haldiman, fearing lest a oarty of Indians we had soniej notice of might have gone up South Bay, and get anoopori tunity of doing mischief before I could reach Fort Edward with the whole detachment. Camp at Sabbath-day Pointy fridaj, eight o'clock in the morning. « Sir, *■*' I send this to let you know that sixty Indians, in twol parties, are gone towards Fort Edward and Saratoga, and I fear will strike some blow before this reaches you. MrJ Brheem is satisfied he has done his business agreeable t his orders \ since which I have taken some prisoners frcd Ticonderoga, and destroyed others of the enemy, ofi particulars of which toe bearer will inform you. "The Mohocks behaved with great bravery; somebaij been within pistol-shot of the French fort. *' Two-thirds of my detachment have froze their fd (the weather being so severe, that it is almost impossiblej describe it) some of which we are obliged to carry. I am, &c., R, Rogers: * LoitK Iiland, about six miles f>oin the he?.d of the lake, is the \»t island in the, lake and lies opposite the entiance of the *< Sourh Ara,'| Takundatu'de Bay. The-e are in fact three b;.ys or divislojis of this < variously nam'id as ''Van Worme-'s Bay," Sandy E?y," "Middle Bay,"^ on roode.n maps. « As named on Capl. Jaouson's m^p of 1756. Ititj present day has a f?rm upon it in the tow.i of Queentbuy, Wutcd Co^ hat a steambo^t dock on the east tide. BOB journals of Major Robert Rogers, 133 Fort Edward^ March lo, 1759. "Dear Sir, " I congratulate you heartily on your good success, and [send you twenty-two sleys to transport your sick. You {will, by this opportunity, take as many boards as you can Iconveniently.* My best compliments to Capt. Williams, [and to all the gentlemen, I am, Sir, Your most humble servant, Fred Haldimand. dians, in ml .ratoga, and I ;s you. Mf s agreeable t; risoners froi nemy, of tM )U. I a\ somebd >ze their fej : impossibH :arry. Rogen! " P. S. I had the signal-guns fired to give notice to the lifFerent posts. Nothing has appeared as yet. f " We were met by the sleys, and a detachment of 100 len at Lake George, and all arrived safe at Fort Edward, rhere I received the following letters upon my arrival. " Sir, " I yesterday received your letter by Mr. Stark. The ieneral approves of raising the Indian companies ; but as has not heard the Rangers are complete, he cannot gree to the raising more companies, t'll the present les are complete at Fort Edward. Mr. Stark sees out -morrow for New England. I have ordered him to irry up the recru'ts of your corps, and repeat my orders the officers, to jo».i their companies if they are com- |ete. You"' arms have been tried and proved by the lillery ; they answer very well, and are ordered to be sent you as fast as possible : the General has sent to you by ipt. Jacobs. We have chose out one hundred men from Lite, is the N r:ons I M'-ddle Bay, 1756- WuTcn lt«| Boards left at ..be pkce wbere Fort William-Henry itood, and now |ted at Fort Edwikd. The explosion of these signal -guns (as we afterwards heard) was heard by party of the enemy, then near Fort Millar, eight miles below Fort £d- who thereupon supposing themselves discovered, retreated with precip- bn.— iVo« in tht original. 1 34 Journals of Major Robert Rogers. m each regiment, and pitched upon the officers to act this ya as light infantry ; they are cloathed and accoutred as ligtita,] possible, and, in my opinion, are a kind of troops thatbl been much wanted in this country. They have what ammJ nition they want, so that I don't doubt but they willxl excellent marksmen. You may depend upon Genenl Amherst's intentions to have you \ I heard Brigadier GaJ mention you to him. From what knowledge I haveoftitl General, I can only say that merit is sure to be rewardecf nor does he favour any recommendation, without i person recommended really deserves his promotion. \i will return your companies to me as soon as complete, Your obedient humble servant, R. Townshenl" New Torky Feb. 26, 1759, To Major Rogers. **SiR, New Tork^ Feb. 13, i;59,j " This will be delivered to you by Capt. Jacob Nj| nawampeteoonk, who last campaign commanded a comp of Stockbridge Indians, and who, upon hearing that n had wrote to me concerning him, came to offer mei service for the ensuing campaign : But as you have mentioned to me the terms and conditions on whicll was to engage, I have referred him to you to give iol proposals, that you may report to me thereupon, and intl me if you think his service adequate to them ; after wif I shall give you my answer. I am, Sir, Your very humble servant, Jeff. Amhen\\ To Major Rogers. Before I received this letter from his Excellency, 11 wrote to him, recommending several officers to the si cies in the ranging companies, and inclosed a jouro UHk^Mlllii journals of Major Robert Rogers. 1 35 my late scout ; soon after my return from which I went to Albany, to settle my accompts with the government, where I waited upon his Excellency the General, by whom I was very kindly received, and assured that I should have the rank of Major in the army from the date of my commission under General Abercrombie. I returned to Fort Edward the fifteenth of May, where I received the melancholy news, that Capt. Burbank, with a party of thirty men, had in my absence been sent out on a scout, and were all cut ofF. This gave me great uneasi- ness, as Mr. Burbank was a gentleman I very highly esteemed, and one of the best officers among the Rangers, and more especially as I judged the scout he was sent out upon by the commanding officer at the fort was needless, and unadvisedly undertaken. Preparations for the campaign were hastened by his Excellency the General in every quarter ; the levies from the several provinces forwarded, the companies of Rangers compleated, and disciplined in the best manner I was capable of, and of which the General was pleased greatly to approve. In the month of June, part of the army marched with General Gage* for the lake. I was ordered to send three companies there with Capt. Stark, and to remain with the General myself with the other three companies, till such [time as he marched thither. In this interval, pursuant to his Excellency's orders, I sent out several parties to the French forts, who from time to time discovered the situa- jtion of the enemy, and brought satisfactory intelligence. * Gen. Thomas ^^ge, after the conquest of Canada, was appointed Gov- ernor oi Muntreul, and in 1763 succeeded Lord Amherst ai Commanderin- Phief oi the British forces in America, and in 1774 was appointed Governor Jj^i Massachusetts. He returned to England in October, 1775, "*<' ^'^'^ '" April, 1787. 14 1 36 'journals of Major Robert Rogers, About the 20th of June, the General with the remain- der of the army marched to the lake, the Rangers being in the advanced guard ; and here his Excellency wa^ pleased to fulfil his promise to me, by declaring in public orders, my rank of Major in the army, from the date ut my commission, as Major of the Rangers. We continued here collecting our strength together, and making neces- sary preparations, anu getting what intelligence we cuuld of the strength and situation of the enemy, till July 21, 1759. when the army embarked for Ticonderoga. I was in the front with the Rangers on the right wing, and was the first body that landed on July 22, at the north end of Lake George, followed by the grenadiers and light infantry, which Colonel Haviland commanded. I marched, agreeable to orders from the General, across the mountains in the isthmus ; from thence, in a by-way. athwart the woods to the bridge at the Saw-mills ; where finding the bridge standing, I immediately crossed it with my Rangers, and took possession of the rising ground on the other side, and beat from thence a party of the enemy, and took several prisoners, killed others, and put the remainder to flight, before Col. Haviland with his grenadiers and light infantry got over. The army took possession that night of the heights near the Saw-mills, where they lay all thisi evening. The enemy kept out a scouting-party, with a body ot| Canadians and Indians, which killed several of our men,| and galled us prodigiously. July 23, the General, early in the morning, put thel army in motion j at the same time ordered me in the frort.f with directions to proceed across the Chestnut Plain the nighest and best way I could, to Lake Champlain, and dol my endeavour no strike it near the edge of the c' iredj ground, between that and the breastwork, where journals of Major Robert Rogers, i 37 : remain- Ran^crs ency was .n public le date of :ontinued ng neces- we could July 21, a. 1 was , and was jrth end ot It infantry, eral, across , a by-way. iUs -/where ised it with pund on the enemy, and ' e remainder I (rs and light I [hat night of [lay all this a body of| )f our men. ig, p"^ ^H [in the fror:.! lut Plaint*'^ ])lain, and del the c' :uec| kere halt till I received further orders. Having pursued mv orders, and halted at the lake, I informed the General of my situation, and that nothing extraordinary had happened in our march. The General by this time had appointed and formed a a detachment to attack their main breast-work on the hill, and had got possession of it. I was ordered to send tv/o hundred men to take possession of a small entrenchment next to Lake Champlain ; and Captain Brewer, whom I had sent to take possession of this post, happily succeeded. From the time the army came in sight the enemy kept up a constant fire of cannon from their walls and batteries at our people. The General at this time had left several Provincial regiments to bring the cannon and ammunition across the Carrying Place, together with provisions, which they did with great expedition *. July 24. All this day the engineers were employed in raising batteries, as was likewise a great part of the army in that work, and in making and fetching fascines, till the 26th :)t night ; all which time I had parties out to Crown Point to watch the motions of the enemy there ; by which means the General had not only daily, but hourly intelli- [gence from those posts. I this day received orders from the General to attempt I to cut away a boom which the French had thrown across the lake opposite the fort, which prevented our boats from jfrom passing by, and cutting off their retreat. For the Icompletion of this order I had sixty Rangers in one * A ; -his time some of the Provincial regiments were sent to Oswego' assist in building a fort there. — Note by the Author. 1 38 'Journals of Major Robert Rogers, English flat-bottomed boat, and two whale boats*, in which, after night came on, I embarked, and passed over to the other side of Lake Champlain, opposite to the Ran- gers encampment, and from that intended to steer my course along the east-shore, and privately saw off fheir boom, for which end I had taken saws with me, the boom being made with logs of timber. About nine o'clock, when I had got about half way from the place where I had embarked, the enemy, who had undermined their fort, sprung their mines, which blew up with 2 loud explosion, the enemy being all rer^ly to em- bark on board their boats, and make a retrert. This gave me an opportunity to attack them with such success as to drive several of them ashore ; so that next morning we took from the east-shore ten boats, with a considerable quantity of baggage, p.iid upwards of fifty barrels of pcwder and large quantities of ball. About ten o'clock I returned, and made my report to the General. The 27th I was ordered with ./ly party to the Saw-mills (to wait the flying parties of the enemy which were ex- pected that way) where I lay till the nth of Augustt, on which day I received the following orders from General Amherst. * These boats were carried across the land from Lake George to Lake Champlain, on which day the brave and worthy Col. Towns! nd ^^.ls kill'i by a cannon ball from the enemy, whose fall was much lamented In tht General. — Nott by the Author. Roger Townshend, fourth son of Viscount Townshend was commissinnid u Lieutenant Colonel Feb. i, 1756, and served as Adjutant Geni-rai in tlif (i peditiori against Louisburgh, and <.« Deputy Adjutant General in the Campaiin of 1759, with the rank of Colonel. His remains were taken to /Ibanj (or burial. — ff^iUont Orderly Book, j- About thii time a oarty of my people discovered that the enemy's Fort I at Crown Point was likewise blown up, and the enemy fled. — Note hy the Author. Journals of Major Robert Refers, 1 39 oats" ^ in ssed over the Ran- steer mv off fheir the boom "Sir, " You are this night to send a Captain, with a proper )roportion of subalterns, and two hundred men, to Crown *oint, where the officer is to post himself in such a man- ijei as not to be surprised, and to seize on the best ground defending himself ; and if he should be attacked by the ^nemy, he is not to retreat with his party, but keep his jround till he is reinforced from the army. I am, Sir, Your most obedient, To i/rt/or Rogers. Jeff. Arr.henty Capt. Brewer went with a party, and the General fol- )wed the I2th with the whole army, and the same day [rrived at Crown Point, where it was found that Capt. Jrewer had executed his orders extremely well. This evening I had orders for encamping, and the [rounds for each corps being laid out, my camp was fixed in le front of the army. Immediately after the General had |ot the disposition of his camp setHed, he began to clear round, and prepare a place for erecting a new fort, in ^hich service great part of the army was employed. I had rders to send Capt. Stark, with two hundred Rangers, to It a road to No. 4. which party was immediately sent. During these transactions I sent out ( by the General's )probation ) several scouting parties against the enemy*, |hich brought in prisoners from St. John's Fort, and khcrs penetrated into the back country, the better to learn >c nature and sifuaiion of it. Thus were we employed till the 12th of September, ficn the General, exasperated at the treatment which ipt. Kennedy had met with, who had been sent with a Cipt. Tute, and Lkutenant Fletcher, in two different scouting partie«, \i taken and carried to Canada. —'Note by the Author, 140 Journals of Major Robert Rogers. •party as a flag of truce to the St. F'ancis Indians, witil proposals of peace to them, and was by them madeij prisoner with his whole party ; this ungenerous, inhuman(l treatment determined the General to chastize these savaaol with some severity, and, in order to it, I received from hiul the following orders, viz. * '' You are this night to set out with the detachmfirl as ordered yesterday, viz. of 200 men, which you will taitJ under your command, and proceed to Misisquey Bav, tro'l whence you will march and attack the enemy's settlcmeni on the south-side of the river St. Lawrence, in suchi manner as you shall judge most effectual to disgrace tin enemy, and for the success and honour of his iVlajestvl arms. "Remember the barbarities that have been committedil the enemy's Indian scoundrels on every occasion, where tlift had an opportunity of shewing their infamous cruelties ( the King's subjects, which they have done without mercij Take your revenge, but don't forget that tho' those vilbii have dastardly and promiscuously murdered the women arj children of all ages, it is my orders that no women children are killed or hurt. "When you have executed your intended service, yd will return with your detachment to camp, or to joini wherever the army may be. Yours, &c. Camp at Crown Pointy J^lf' yffthent.'^ Sept. 13, i75«. To Major Rogers. * That this expedition might be carried on with the utmost secrcsy atrH plan of it was concerted the day before my march, it was put into puili. that I was to marcii a different way, at the same time I had priv.ue mn tions to proceed directly to St. Francis. — Note by the Author. I I \J ^^^ journals of Major Robert Rogers. 141 In pursuance of the above orders, I set out the same •vcning with a detachment ; and as to the particulars of JV proceedings, and the great difficulties we met with in Effecting our design, the reader is referred to the letter I rrote to General Amherst upon my return, and the [emarks following it. Copy of my letter to the General upon my return from St. Francis. ^'SlR, ''The twenty-second day after my departure from Crown roint, I came in sight of the Indian town St. Francis in be evening, which I discovered from a tree that I climbed, about three miles distance. Here I halted my party, ^hich now consisted of \a.i men, officers included, being ^(luced to that number by the unhappy accident which 5tel Capt. Williams"''', and several since tiring, whom I is obliged to sond back. At eight o'clock tl.is evening I ft the detachment, and .took with me Lieut. Turner, jid Ensign Averv, and went to reconnoitre the town, which id to my satisfaction, and I found the Indians in a high )lic or dance. I returned to my party at two o'clock, kd at three marched it to within five hundred yards of the n\^ wh'-re I lightened the men of their packs, and formed tm for the attack. [" At half an hour before sl n-rise I surprised the town len they Wvire all fast asleep, on the right, left, and center, jich was done with so much alacrity by both the officers men, that the enemy had not time to recover themselves, [take arms for their own defence, till they were chiefly Capt. Williams of the Royal Regiment was, the fifth day of our march ientally burnt with gun-powder, and several men hurt, which, together some sick, returned back to Crown Foint, to the number of forty, under are ut Capt. Williami, who returned with great reluctance. — Note by tht Author 142 Journals of Major Robert Rogers. destroyed, except some few of them who took to the watt About forty of my people pursued them, who destrovc such as attempted to make their escape that way, and surj both them and their boats. A little after sun-rise I setiiJ to all their houses, except three, in which there was coj that I reserved for the use of the party. " The fire consumed many of the Indians who had a;| cealed themselves in the cellars and lofts of their housts About seven o'clock in the morning the affair was coci pletely over, in which time we had killed at least two hJ dred Indians, and taken twenty of their women and childrtf prisoners,* fifteen of whom I let go their own way, acj five I brought with me, viz. two Indian boys, and thrJ Indian girls. I likewise retook five English captives, whi I also took under my care. * These prisoners, when brought to Number Foi'r, claimed Mrs, Joh« as an old acquainta;j:e, she having been with t^eir tribe as a prisoner,: time before. One of them was called Scbattif. The bell of the Zii chapel was also brought away, and a quantity cf silver brooches taiceo' the savages who were slain. — Stark\ Memoirs, 4.49. A Fiench account of the burning of St. Fi.ncis, is given in a journal in the army of the late M. de Montcalm, as follows : "Towards the fore part of October, a detachment of about 200 men otlj Amherst's army, headed by Captain Rogers, having liad the boldness torr;i a pretty extensive tract of country covered with timber, succeeded, under;.! of the surprise, in burning the Indian village of St. Francis. M. dc 6.: mayne was fully advised of his march ; he had caused the renioval canoes which Rogers had been obliged to abandon beyond Isle jux \ expecting him to return by the same route, had him watched, at the pii by a strong detachment of Canadians and Indians; but Rogers had jn:^4 all that, and had, in consequence, resolved to reach Orange by another wjh could not however escape the pursuit of a party of 100 Indians wlioruvl vengeance. Want of provisions rendered it necessary for him to divide iiij in small platoons, in order more easily to Hnd subsistence. They n^^a: some forty, and' arried off ten prisoners to their village, where o. e ut : fell a victim to the fury of the women, notwithstanding the efforts thct dim could make to lave them. — N, Y. Colonial History, x, 1042. mtama Journals of Major Robert Rogers. 143 When I had paraded my detachment, I found I had 'apt. Ogden badly wounded in his body, but not so as to jiiider him from doing his duty. I had also six men slightly mounded, and one Stockbridge Indian killed. I ordered my people to take corn out of the reserved kouses for their subsistence home, there being no other Irovision there ; and whilst they were loading themselves examined the prisoners and captives, who gave the follow- intelligence : * That a party of 300 French, and some idians, were about four miles down the river below us ; id that our boats were way-laid, which I had reason to lieve was true, as they told the exact number, and the : where I left them at ; that a party of 200 French and fteen Indians had, three days before I attacked the town, )ne up the river Wigwam Martinic, supposing that was place I intended to attack ; * whereupon I called the icers together, to consult the safety of our return, who lere of opinion there was no other way for us to leturn ith safety, but by No. 4 on Connecticut River. I irched the detachment eight days in a body that way ; jid when provisions grew scarce, near Ampara Magog ike,* I divided the detachment into small companies, llting proper guides to each, who were to assemble at the )uth of Amonsook River,t as I expected provisions |)uld be brought there for our relief,^ not knowing which ly I should return. Lake Mcmphremagog on the line between the present state of Vermont and iJPruvince of' Quebec. Rogers afterwards endeavored to obtain a grant of near this lake. Anuin^ouk river falls into Connecticut river about sixty miles above liber Fdur. — Note by the Author. I An officer, upon some intelligence that I had v '^en B<>ing out, was sent to Crown Point from Misisquey bay, to desire iiat provisions might b<: kyed to this place, as I had reason to believe we should be deprived of our f, and consequently be obliged to return this way. — Note by the Autkry, 16 I i 144 Journals of Major Robert Rogers. " Two days after we parted. Ensign Avery, of Fitche's, fell in on my track, and followed in my rear ; and a pam of the enemy came upon them, and took seven of his pam prisoners, two of whom that night made their escape, and came in to me next morning. Avery, with the remainder of his party joined mine, and came with me to the Coha« Intervales, where I left them with Lieut. Grant, from which place, I, with Capt. Ogden, and one man more, put down the river on a small raft to this place, where I arrived yesterday ; and in half an hour after my arrival dispatched provisions up the river to Lieut. Grant in a canoe, which I am pretty certain will reach him this night, and next I morning sent two other canoes up the river for the relief of the other parties, loaded with provisions, to the mouth | of Amonsdok River. *' I shall set off to go up the river myself to-morrow, to I seek and bring in as many of our men as I can find, and expect to be back in about eight days, when I shall, wiihl all expedition, return to Crown Point. As to other par- Mculars relative to this scout, which your Excellency marl think proper to inquire after, I refer you to Capt. Ogden, who bears this, and has accompanied me all the time 11 have been out, behaving very well. I am, Sir, with th(| greatest respect, Your Excellency's most obedient servant. No. 4. R. Rogers." Nov. 5, 1759. 7o General Amherst. I cannot forbear here making some remarks on thcl difficulties and distresses which attended us, in effectinij this enterprize upon St. Francis, which is situated withiJ three miles of jhe river St. Lawrence, in the middle 0: Canada, about half way between Montreal and Queb^j It hath already been mentioned, how our party was leduceil MMikiMM 'Journals of Major Robert Rogers. 145 by the accident which befell Capt. Williams, the fifth day after our departure, and still farther bv numbers tir-ng and tailing sick afterwards. It was extremely difficult while we kept the water ( and which retarded our progress very much ) to pass undiscovered by the enemy, who were then cruizing in great numbers upon the lake; and had prepared j certain vessels, on purpose to decoy any party of ours, that might come that way, armed with all manner of machines and implements for their destruction ; but we happily escaped their snares of this kind, and landed ( as hath been mentioned ) the tenth day at Misisquey Bay. Here, that I [might with more certainty know whether my boats ( with Iwhich I left provision sufficient to carry us back to Crown IPoint) were discovered by the enemy, I left two trusty [Indians to lie at a distance in sight of the boats, and there to stay till I came back, except the enemy found them \ in i'hich latter case they were with all possible speed to follow }n my track, and give me intelligence. It happened the leconii day after I left them, that these two Indians came ip to me in the evening, and informed me that about 400 ^rench had discoveied and taken my boats, and that about )ne half of them were hotly pursuing on my track. This inlucky circumstance (it may well be supposed) put us into 3me consternation. Should the enemy overtake us, and fe get the better of them in an encounter ; yet being so »r advanced into their country, where no reinforcement kould possibly relieve us, and where they could be sup- )rte(i by any number they pleased, afforded us little hopes kf escaping their hands. Our boa:s being taken, cut off" Ul hope of a retreat by them ; besides, the loss of our pro- [isions left with them, of which we knew we should have reat need at any rate, in case we survived, was a melan- aolly consideration. It was, however, resolved to prose- ite our design at all adventures, and, when we had - * 1 ^ ■ i 146 Journals of Major Robert Rogers. accomplished it, to attempt a retreat (the only possible wa, | we could think of) by way of No. 4; and that we miali; not be destroyed by famine in our return, I dispatcie:! Lieut. M'Mullen by land to Crown Point, to desire of tht General to relieve me with provision at Amonsook River, at the end of Cohase Intervales* on Connecticut Rive:, that being the way I should return, if at all, and the plact appointed being about sixty miles from No. 4, then tht most northerly English settlement. This being done, wtl determined if possible to outmarch our pursuers, and etfec;! our design upon St. Francis before they could overtake uJ We marched nine days through wet, sunken ground ; m water most of the way near a foot deep, it being a spructl bog. When we encamped at night, we had no wavtcl secure ourselves from the water, but by cutting the bow![ of trees, and with them erecting a kind of hammochl We commonly began our march a little before day, antl continued it till after dark at night. The tenth day after leaving Misisquey Bay, we c-mecl a river about fifteen miles above the town of St. Fraiicisrr the south of it; and the town being on the opposite o:| east side of it, we were obliged to ford it, which ml attended with no small difficulty, the water being five feci deep, and the current swift. I put the tallest men oil stream, and then holding by each other, we got over witrl the loss of several of our guns, some of which we recoverf;] by diving to the bottom for them. We had now good linl ground to march upon, and discovered and destroyed ti;i town as before related, which in all probability would had been effected with the loss of no man but the Indian ul) was killed in the action, had not my boats been discover and our retreat that way cut ofF. * Variously writtien ai Cohan, Cohos, Coo$, etc., referring to the meaici along the Upper Connecticut Valley in the present ^county ot" Cuus, Ni* Hampshire. Tinr Journais of Major Robert Rogers. 147 This nation of Indians was notoriously attached to the [French, and had for near a century past harrassed the frontiers of New England, killing people of all ages and »exes in a most barbarous manner, at a time when they lid nof in the least expect them ; and to my own knowl- tdi'C, in six years' time, carried into captivity, and killed, }n the before mentioned frontiers, 400 persons. We found |n the town hanging on poles over their doors, &c., about ioo scalps, mostly English. The circumstances of our return are chiefly related in [he preceding letter ; however, it is hardly possible to jescribe the grief and consternation of those of us who ime to Cohase Intervales. Upon our arrival there ( after ko many days' tedious march over steep, rocky mountains, |)r through wet, dirty swamps, with the terrible attendants )f fatigue and hunger ) to find that here was no relief for |is, where we had encouraged ourselves that we should find t, and have our distresses alleviated ; for notwithstanding le officer I dispatched to the General discharged his trust ith great expedition, and in nine days arrived at Crown roint, which was an hundred miles through the woods, [nd the General, without delay, sent Lieut. Stephens to lo. 4, with orders to take provisions up the river to the Jlace I had appointed, and there wait as long as there was ly hopes of my returning ; yet the officer that was sent ting an indolent fellow, tarried at the place but two days, rhen he returned, taking all the provisions back with him, bout two hours before our arrival. Finding a fresh fire irning in his camp, I fired guns to bring him back, which ins he heard, but would not return, supposing we were enemy.* t * This Gentleman, for this piece of conduct, was broke by a general court- irtial, an] rendered incapable of sustaining any office in his Majesty's service the future : a poor reward, however, for the distresses and anguish thereby casioneJ tu so many brave men, to some of which it proved fatal, they ually dying with hunger. — Note by the jiuthor. 148 Journals of Major Robert Rogers, Our distress upon this occasion was truly in(;xpressiM(; our spirits greatly depressed by the hunger and fatigues wt had already suffered, now almost entirely sunk within uJ seeing no resource left, nor any reasonable ground to how that we should escape a most miserable death by famint, At length I came to a resolution to push as fast as possis!;! towards No. 4, leaving the remains of my party, no» unable to march further, to get such wretched subsistenc; as the barren wilderness could afford,* till I could gc; relief to them, which I engaged to do within ten days. with Capt. Ogden, one Ranger, and a captive Indian bov,| embarked upon a raft we had made of dcy pine-trees. Thel current carried us down the stream in the middle of tlit) river; where we endeavoured to keep our wretched ves>^[ by such paddles as we had made out of small trees or spirol split and hewed. The second day we reached VVhitfl River Falls, and very narrowly escaped being carried ()vt;[ them by the current. Our little remains of strength howl ever enabled us to land, and to march by them. At ttiJ bottom of these falls, while Capt Ogden and the Raneefl hunted for red squirrels for a refreshment, who had tkil good fortune likewise to kill a partridge, I attempted m forming a new raft for our further conveyance. Being nJ able to cut down trees, I burnt them down, and then buKj them off at proper lengths. This was our third day's vvo.'i| after leaving our companions. The next day we got oJ materials together, and compleated our raft, and floatel with the stream again till we came to Wattockquitcht| Falls, which are about fifty yards in length ; here wl landed, and by a weath made of hazel bushes, Capt. OgdcJ * This was ground-nuts and lilly roots, which being cleaned and troileJ '] ■erve to preserve life,* and the use and method oF preparing which I tauj;h:r| Lieut. Grant, commander of the party. ^Nott ty the Author, .dumumm Journals of Major Robert Rogers. 149 ield the raft, till I went to the bottom, prepared to swim and board it when it came down, and if possible paddle |t ashore, this being our only resource for lite, as we were l»ot able to make a third raft in case we had lost this. I had good fortune to succeed, and the next morning we ibarked and floated down the stream to within a small distance of No. 4, where we found some men cutting of limber, who gave us the first relief, and assisted us to the 3rt, from whence 1 despatched a canoe with provisions, rhich reached the men at Cohase four days after, which Igreeable to my engagement) was the tenth after I left liem. Two days after my arrival at No. 4, I went with other inoes, loaded with provisions, up the river myself, for w the relief of others of my party that might be coming that way,* having hired some of the inhabitants to assist in this afl^air. I likewise sent expresses to Suncook jd Pennecook upon Merrimack River, that any who kould chance to straggle that way might be assisted ; and revisions were sent up said rivers accordingly. [On my return to No. 4, I waited a few days to refresh :h of my party as I had been able to collect together, during my stay there received the following letter from fneral Amherst, in answer to mine of Nov. 5. "Sir, Crown Pointy Nov. 8, 1759. [*' Captain Ogden delivered me your letter of the 5th tant, for which I am not only to thank you, but to I met several different parties; as Lieut. Curgill, Lieut. Campbell, Lieut. Ington, and Serjeant Evans, with their respective division , and sent canoes hiT up for the relief of such as might be still behind, and coming this Somj I met who escaped from Dunbar's and Turner's party, who overtaken (being upwards of twenty in number) and were mostly killed ken by the enemy. — Note by the Author. 150 yournais of Major Robert Rogers. assure you of the satisfaction I had on reading it ; as evm step you inform me you have taken, has been very wtii judged, and deserves my full approbation. lam sorrv Lieut. Stephans judged so ill in coming away with the priv visions from the place where I sent him to wait for you. " An Indian is come in last night, and said he had lf!!| tome of your party at Otter River, I sent for them \ thtv are come in. This afternoon four Indians, two Rangers, I a German woman, and three other prisoners ; they (luitw four of your party some days since, and thought thev hac arrived here.* I am in hopes all the rest will get in very safe. I think there is no danger but they will, as yoil quitted them not till having marched eight days in a bodv the only risk after that will be meeting hunting partieil I am, Sir, Your humble servant, To Major Rogers. Jeff. Jmhent. A.S soon as my party were refreshed, such as were abitl I marched to Crown Point, where I arrived Dec. i, rjJ and upon examination found, that since our leaving ihtl ruins of St. Francis, I had lost three officers, viz. LieuJ Dunbar of Gage's Light Infantry, Lieut Turner of m Rangers, and Lieut. Jenkins of the Provincials, and fortv six sergeants and privates. The Rangers at that p,ac;| were all dismissed before my return, excepting two con^l panies, commanded by Captains Johnson and Tute f, wq whom I found orders left by the General for me to cor'j tinue at that garrison during the winter, but had leav^ however to go down the country, and to wait upon Excellency at New York. •Upon our leparation, lomc of the divisions were ordered to niJ«c; Crown Point, that Wng tbe best route for hunting. — Note by tht Au;h:r f Capt. Tute, who had been taicen prisoner, was returned by a Hi^ or'tis while I waa gone to St. Francis. journals of Major Robert Rogers, i 5 i After giving in my return to the General, and what intelligence I could of the enemy's situation, he desired me, when I had leisure, to draw a plan of my march to St. Francis ; and then, by his order, I returned by the way of Albany; which place I left the 6th of February, 1760, with thirteen recruits I had inlisted j and the 13th, on my way between Ticonderoga and Crown Point, my party was attacked by about sixty Indians, who killed five, and took four prisoners. I, with the remainder, made my escape to Crown Point, from whence I would have pursued them i immediately ; but Col. Haviland, the commanding officer i there, judged it not prudent, by reason the garrison at that time was very sickly.* I continued at Crown Point the [remainder of the winter. On the 31st of March, Capt. James Tute, with two jregular officers and six men, went out a scouting, and were [all made prisoners ; the enemy was not pursued, on ac- jcount of the sickness of the garrison. The same day I received from General Amherst the |following letter. Sir, Ntiv Tork^ March i, 1760. "The command I have received from his Majesty, to pursue the war in this country, has determined me, if pos- My uwn sley was taken with 1 196/. York currency in cash, besiiies stores [)tl utlii:rt necessaries \ 800/, ot this money bchmged to the crown, which was ifterward,- .illoweil mv., the remaining Jy6/, was my own, which I entirely Ut. — Niitf by tki yiulhcr Colonel Haviland was the same who had sent Ro^'rrs out in March, 1758, lith a sm.ill force, when he knew .1 superior one awaited him. It it rcmaikcd Mr. Stark that this officer was one ot tl1.1t jori ot" men who maiiagr to piipc pulilic censure, let them do what they will. " He was orn* ot the many ritish Othcers who were meanly jealous of the daring achievements of their rave American comrades, but toi whose intrepidity and ariluous services all be British armies sent to America, during the Seven Yeats War, would have Betted little towards the cunqueit of Canada." — Stari'i Memoir,^ p, 454. 16 i t 152 'Journals of Major Robert Rogers. sibie, to complete the companies of Rangers that wtie foot last campaign; and as Capt. Wait called upon m.\ yesterday, and represented that he could easily conipleitl the one he commands in the colony of Connecticut and ti>;j Province of the Massachuset's Bay, I liavc furnished Inn; I with beating orders for that purpose, as also with a war. rant for 800 dollars on account of that service. " This day I have wrote to Capl. John Stark in Nc»j Hampshire, and Cspt. David Brewer in the Massachusei'i Bay, inclosing to each of them a beating order for the respccl live provinces-, and I herewith send you a copy of the instrui tions that accompany the same, by which you will see thcil are ordered, as fast as they get any number of men, to $en:| them to Albany, i am, Sir, Your humble servant To Major Rogers. 'Jeff'. Amhern My answer to the above. "Sir, Crown Pointy March 15, 1 ;f;: '* 1 received your Excellency's letter dated the instant, together with a copy of your instructions to Capl John Stark and Capt. David Brewer, whereby I Icarii tf/ they are to be at Albany by the ist of May next with ihH companies. Since I received intelligence from your Eij cellency that the Rangers are 10 be raised again, 1 '^^i wrote to several of my friends in New Kiiglanc, \yh^^j assist then) in conipleating their companies \ and as nari of the men belonging to the iwo coii\panies hcu wfl frost-bitten in the winter, and others sick, manv "I w^^* I judged would not be fit for service the ensuing eaiiipiiiii I employed Lieut. M'Cormack, of Capt. William Staik^ * William Stark wai thf elder brother of tlen John Stark, of the n\^<. He servrti as i piovinciiil otiicei at Ticuiidciuga, L>iuisbur|;h aa>l <^j(!'-' 4t th» he|(innin(; uf the rcvulutitui applied fur a cummuitd in a Nein»; thrown 1,1: a iuirif. Hr was prosciilted and hi» estates wen lonhsi itid by an act of t l<>;i%laiuie ut New Hampshire dated Nov. zH, tTjty ami in anutht-t act Kc^ June 15, 1779. H>* """ J"^" becanu an aAccr in the Oritiith army 1^4 journals of Major Robert Rogers. shall meet wi*h all the encouragement their services shall merit. All others that are too old or too young, I shall reject, nor shall I make them any allowance of payment, altho' they should join the army; so that, in order to pre- vent his having any difference with these people, it will behove him to engage none but what sha!! i}e esteemed fit for the service ; he must also observe to be asseinMcd with them at Albany by the ist of May at furthest, from which day he and they shall be entitled to their pay, thai is, for so many as shall be mustered there, and for no more; he must likewise take care that every man comes provided with a good Hrelock, and that they be always ready to march at a moment's warning, wherever they are ordered to, in default of which they shall forfeit their pay that shall be due to them at that time. All this you will explain to him particularly, and so soon as you receive his answer, inform me thereof. As an encouragement to enter the service upon the foregoing conditions, you may assure him also, that if he conforms to them in every respect, aoii that he and his men prove useful, they shall be better re- warded than they have yet been. Capt. Ogden having solicited me for a company ui Rangers, assured me that he could raise and complete a very good one in the Jersies ; I have given him a hcatii^ order for that purpose, and instructions similar to thoie! sent you a copy of in my last for Captains Stark and Hn-wa. and have uUo granted him a warrant for Hve hundred dollart,] on Account of the bounty-money, to be as usual stoppec out of the tirst warrant for the subsistence of that compaiii I am. Sir, Your humble servant. To Major Rogers. JfJ/. Jmhtni.' My Letter to the Gencial. "Sir, Crown Pointy 20th March^ 17^0 "1 observe the contents of your Excellency's letter journals of Major Robert Rogers. 155 the iQih. and shall take particular care to let Lieut. Solo- mon know every circumstance relative to his being em- ployed the next summer, and to advise your Excellency as soon as I hear from him. He has alreavly informed me he would be glad to engage with some Indians. " Mr. Stuart, the Adjutant of" the Rangers, who is at Albany, I have desired to go to Stockbridge, to deliver Solomon his orders, and to explain them properly to him. *' I am heartily glad that your Excellency hath been pleased to give to Capt Ogden a cimpany of the Rangers, who, from, the good character he bears, i doubt not: will answer your expectations. '' Inclosed is a sketch of my travels to and from St. Francis. I ar»^, Sii, Your Excellency's most humble servant, Tir (General Amherst. R. Rogtn." The General's Letter to me. "SiiJ, Art'-' Torky 6th ^pr/V, 1760. " I am to own the receipt of your letters of the 15th and 20th ultimo, and to approve what you therein mention to have done for completing your and Capt. Johnson's com- pany \ as also your having sont Adjutant Stuart to Stock- hiidge, to deliver Solomon his orders, and to explain them properly to him. This will avoid all mistakes, and enable you the sooner to inform me of Solomon's intentions, which I shall be glad to know a< soon as possible. " I (hank you for your sketch of your travels to and from St. Francis, and am, Sir, Your very humble servant, T'j Mufor Rogers. Jeff, yfmhfrst." So()n after this I had the pleasure of informing the (ien- [eral that the Stockbridgc Indians determined to enter the service this year j but as many of them were out a hunting, 156 'Journals of Major Robert Rogers, that they couUi not he collected at Albany before the iotho* May ; and that the recruits of the ranging companies hegar to asstmhie at Crown Point. May 4, 1760. This day Serjeant Beverly, who hac been taken prisoner, and made his escape, came iti sever. days from Montreal to Crown Point He had lived at tht Governor's (Monsieur de Vaudreuil) house, and hnugh: the following intelligence, which I immediately trans niitted to the General, viz : " That about the loth of April, the enemy withdrew a! their troops from Nut Island, excepting 300, which thn left there to garrison the place, under the commatu! Monsieur IJonville : that the enemy also brought from the | island one half f)f the ammunition they had there, and hal; of the cannon : that the enemv had two frigates, one ofjt guns, the other of 20 guns, that lay all winter in the rive; St. Lawrence, and some other small vessels, such as row- galleys, &c., that all the troops of France in Canada wer;j down to Jecorty the 20th of April, except those left i\ garrison their fort, which was very slenderly done, togethel with all the militia that could be spared out of the couiitn,[ leaving only one man to two females to sow their grair where they were assembled by Monsieur Levy, then (jer.I eral, with an intent to retake Quebec * : that ninety>ii| men of the enemy were drowned going down to ftcortv that he saw a man who was taken prisoner the 15th (I April, belonging to our troops at Quebec : that this nir| told him our garrison there was healthy j and that Biigiiicj General Murray had 4000 me ; fit for duty in tht citTJ besides a post of 300 men at Point Levy, which the cwm attempted to take possession of in the month of P\'bru.if| * Thin place, the capitil of all Canada, had been taken by the En|[i^ Irocpi lait year, under the command of General Wolfie. — Nute by iht >:/i.wl ■'"'^ iiiBMl 'Journals of Major Robert Rogers. 1^7 la>,t, with a c»)nsiderah!c body of troops, and began to for- tifv a church at or near the Point, but that General Murray >erit 'wc( a detachment of about 1000 men, which drove (he riiemv from post, and took a Captait^, with about thirty French soldiers, prisoners, and fortified the church for his own coveniencv '■ that the (leneral has another post on the iiorth-sidc of the river at Laurat* , a little distance from the lown, in which he keeps 300 men : that there is a line of bltjck-houses well fortified all around the land-side of the town, under cover of the cafinon • that a breast- work of tra/iers is extended from one block-house to another, as lar as those houses extend : that they heard at (^irbec of the cnefny's coming, but were not in the least poncerned : [that a detachment from (Quebec surprised two of the cnrrny'^ [guards, at a place called Point de Treamble, each jpuani consisting of fifty men, and killed or took the most put of them. One of those guards were all granadiers." He moreover reports, " That two more of our frigates jhad got up the river, and that two more men of war were near the Island of Orleans : that the French told him that there was a fleet of ten sail of men of war seen at Gaspee |H;iy, with some transports, but put back to sea again on accomu of the ice ; but as they had up different colours, llhcv could not tell they were French or English ; that the |biu;imiing of May the eiumy was to draw ot^' 2000 of their jmcii to Nut Island, and as many more to Oswagotchy t- jhr heard that they did not intend to attack Quebec, except |t»ii' French fleet gets up the river before ours : that lOO ladiaiis were to come this way, and i.et out about the fifth )f May ; the remainder ot th< Indians wen- at present gone l" J'.'corty . that (len. I-.evy, the Altawawas, and Cold 'untry Indians, will all be in CaiuUa by the beginning ' Lorrlte • Ouacn.burjjh, NY. 158 'Journals of Major Robert Rogers, of June, ten Sachems beint» sent by the French last tall to call those natiotis to their assistance : that a y;reat iiuin bar had deserted to the French from the battalion of Roval Americans at (Quebec, which the French have engaged 1 their service ; hut that they were to be sent ott", under thc| care of Monsieur Boarhier, up to Attawawas River, to ih; French colony betwixt the lakes and the Mississippi Kivcr that the most part of the enemy's Indians are intent going there ; and that a great numbei of French, espc( ial'i those who have money, think to save it by carryititj it New Orleans : that he saw at Montreal two Raiigcrsj Reynolds anil Hall, that were returned by Col. Havilin deserted last fall : that they were taken prisoners nai River-head Block-house, when after catttle ; that iw more Rangers are to be here ui ten days with fresh iiitel! I gence from Montreal, if they can possibly makr thr escape : that Monsieur l^ongee, the famous partisan, wzj drowned in the River St. Laurence, a few days after here turned with the party that took Capt. Tute : that tti! Indians have a great eye to the No. 4 roads, as they sa. they can get sheep and ox^n comitig here f.om that place that he heard Cien. Murray had hanged several Canadiarl lately, that were carrying ammunition out of Quebec to \\,\ enemy ; that the two Captains Jacobs are still in Canada | the one taken with Capt. Kennedy is on board a vessel tl irons, the other ran away last fall, but returned, havir.| froze hrs feet, and is at Montreal." A fev;' days after this, I went do».n the I^akc Chainplatj to reconnoitre Nut Island, and the tiarrison there, the Imi ing places, ^c. On my return from that service to Crow! Point, I had an order from C}en. Amherst to repair [ Albany, the head-(|uarters, as fast as possible. 1 set out, in obedience to this order, the r8th of Maij and wailed upon the General at Albany the 23d, and giK .I..M , ■ ■■ .„..,->...^-.--..^,.....^H.|.- Journais of Major Robert Rogers. 1 59 hint all the information I could, in regard to the passage into Canada hy the Island de Noix, or Nut Island, and likewise that hy Oswego and La (iaiette*. I'he (leneral heing acquainted by an express that (Quebec Jwiis then besieged by the French, informed me of his in- tentions of sending me with a party into Canada, and if the iiC;;o of ^)uebec was continued, to destroy their country as far as possible, and by constantly marching from one place lo another, try to draw oft' the enemy's troops, and prolong khc siege till our vessels got up the river. He strongly re- :()iiiiTR'iuled, and ordered me to govern myself according ^0 the motions of the French army ; to retreat if they had used the siege ; and in case, by prisoners or otherwise, I ouhl tind the siege still going on, to harrass the country, lu' it were at the expense of my party. I had at the ime time the following instructions from him in writing: " Major Rogers, you are to take under your command party of 300 men, composed of 275 Rangers, with their kropcr olfieers, and a subaltern, two Serjeants, and twenty- ivc men ot the Light Infantry regiments ; with which de- ichnient you will proceed down the lake, under convoy bf the brig, where you will fix upon the safest and best lace for laying up your boats, which I imagine one of the klands will best answer, while you are executing the follow- Ig services. " You will with 250 men land on the west-side, in such laiiiur that you may get to St, John's (without the enemy the Isle au Noix having any intelligence of it) where 1)11 will try to surprize the fort, and destroy the vessels. r (uleftc, wak tn Indian icttU-inent on the north b.ink of the St. L.iw- m J little below the preient town of I'reicott. It wa» founded by the tilth, for the Indiinii of the Five Nuion- whom tliey had [u-rsuadcd to emi- Itu ma :>cttlc under their prutcctiun in Canada. i6o 'Journals of Major Robert Rogers. boats, provisions, or whatever elst- may be there for tlK* jx| of the troops at the Isle au Noix. You will then iii.trr^ to Fort Chamble, where you will do the same, and vi. destroy cveiy maga/jne you can find in that part, so as t distress the enemy as much as you can. This will ml be known at the Isle au Noix, and you must take care no; to be cut ort in your rctrcar ; for which reason, wh( r. w.l have done all you think piacticahlf on the western suit, judge your best and safest retreat will be, to cross \k\ river and march back the cast-»id«. of Isle aux Nouf When you land on the west side, you will send such ui\ cer with the fifty Rangers, as you think will best uisttr their intended service, whi( h is to march for Wii^wir iVlartini(]ue, to destroy what he may find there and ontht east-side of the river, and afterwards to join y"n, or lortj treat in such manner as you will dnect him, Yon a take such provisions as you judge tiecessary with you, jrJ fix with Capt. Grant (who shall have orders ti) wait i , your return) the places where he may look out for \.\ when you come back. '* You will take your men as light with you as possih and give them all the necessary rauiion for the comluci and their obedience to their officers ; no firing withocl order, no unnecessary alarms, no retreating without J order ; they are to stick by one another and nothiiii: oT hurt them i let every man whose firelock will cany if hi.j a bayonet i you are not tt) suffer the Indians to iK^': women or children, no pluiuler to be taken to Ur.ul ' men, wl.o shall be rewarded at their return as^they 'itx'xl A/tfV 25, 1760. Jef/'. Amheni:' With the above instructions the Cieneral delivcici! nd a letter uircctdy to General Murray at (^ebec, ticsiipj me to convey it to him in such manner as I thought ^nm be quickest and safest. "Journals of Major Robert Rogers. i6i Hiivinj^ leccivcfi these instructions I returned ti) Crown 'oiiit as fast as possible, and about the beginning ot June ker luit from thence with a party of two hundred and fifty I * down Lake Chaniplain, having four vessels, on iourd of which this detachment embarked, putting our oat> and provisions into them, that the enemy might have |es> opportunity of discovering our designs. I'he 3d, I landed Lieut. Holmes with fifty men in Mis- Ijiiuey Bay, and gave him proper directions agreeable to Tiy oulcrs from the General, informing him that one of the kloops should cruise for him till his return, which upon signals |h.it were given him would take him in board, upon which Jc was to join me or wait on board till my return, as the kituation of atfairs might direct him. Here likewise I sent [ht letter I had reserved from the General to Brigadiei durrav, thro' the woods, and gave the following instruc- [iuiiN to the officer I intrusted with it, viz. Instruciions for Serjeant Beverly of his Majesty's Rangers. " You are hereby directed to take under your command, [hcsc three men, viz. John Shutef, Luxford Goodwin, and ' Thi- SfDckhridge Imlians who had Keen mustered at, and now marched Dtn Albany, and who werr to hv. a part of the detachment of" jno, a^;recablr ilie (ienfral'i orders, had not .arrived at Crown Point at the time of my Ixrkatiiin, but were ordered to foiiuw after .ind join nic. — N'jtt by the Author. i Sduir jnd Easfm.in were both from Rumford, N. H., and were mesi ^i',-\ through the vvar, equally distinguished for cntc.i)rise, hardihood an.i valor. nbu Shurc wa> the son of [jcob Shufe, and Kasttnan horn May lo, 1710, >' pmbalily nephew of Ehcnerer, an I son i)f Joseph of Salisbury. On acrount of the danger and difficulty of the service, the distance of thU iHiniiy itirouj;!! the wood.^ oeing estimated at tivu hurnired miles, a reward of li) '^ '" I'ffcred f)r any four who would volunteer. Serjeant Beverly who »<1 bfen t priboner and escaped from C^anada the precedinj; year, with the ^rer persons named, volunteered for the lervice, A iletailcd account of the juurney, as taken down fri^m Mr. Shute'i lipi kuut tilt ytar iSlo, ii given in Ikuton'i Hiittry, ■'\ I! 162 'Journals of Major Robert Rogers. Joseph Eastman, and march them from Misis(]uey iln, which place you will be convoyed by l.ieut. Holmes w| a party I have sent there for a particular purpose ; vou to land in the night-time, as otherwise you may hi- i. covered by a party from the Isle au Noix ; you will stf your course about north-east, and make all the dupi-j you possibly can with the letter in your charge to (^ie!y or to the English army at or near that place, and dclur to Brigadier Murray, or to the officer commanding Majesty's forces in or upon the river St. Lawrence, sketch of the country will be delivered vou with thn orders, that you may the better know the consideraid rivers you have to cross, betwixt Misisquey Bay ij (^lebec. The distances are marked in the draught, as is; road I travelled in last fall, from Misisquey Bay to St. Fui cis, which road vou will cross several times, if you b the course I before directed. The rivers are so plainlv scribed in the plan, that you will know them whein:i come to them. The river St. Francis is about h.ih-n of your journey, and is very still water, and may hi- nil rafted where you cross it j but lower down it is m) >»! and rapid that you must not attempt it. Shcdoir h\ you will likewise be obliged to pass on a raft \ it is sJ water for some miles from its mouth ; you had bq examine it well before you attempt to cross it. As as you pass this river, steer your course about east, Ica^i Point Lew on your left hand, and fall in with the iivcr: Lawrence, near the lower end of the Island of ()rlean>,j it may be possible that Gen. Murray may have encmo the army either at the isle of Orleans or the isle of (Juoda therefore you are not to depend on rtnding at once the act place of his encampment, but are postively onlerfiij look out for*the English fleet, and ihv* first line ot iu^ ship you see, you are to venture on board, as 1 ihiiikl not possible the enemy should have any large ship« thci ■•'*^'*^'""m journals of Major Robert Rogers. 163 Ind whatever English ship you get on board of, will convoy Ifou directly to (icneral Murray, when vou will deliver him t»c verbal message I told you. You may apply to the Ijeneral tor fitty pounds, who will pay it to you, and also live you proper directions to join me as soon as you have tstcil yourself from your march. I wish you a good jour- ty, and am, Your's &c. To Serjeant Beverley. Robert Rogers." As soon as I had dispatched the two parties before- ^fiitioncd, I, with the remainder, crossed Lake Cham- liii to the west-side, and the 4lh in the morning got into ky boats, and landed with about 200 men, about twelve ulcs south of the island Noix, with an intent to put in ex- pution the General's orders to me of May 5th with all ced. C'apt. Grant sent the two sloops to attend, which lordcrcd to cruize further ilown the lake than where I ided, and nearer to their fort, to command the attention the enemy till I could get into their country. I lay ill all the 5th, there being a heavy rain, and the bushes wet that both we and our provisions would have been tally exposed by a march. In the afternoon of this dav, several French boats ap- ired on the Lake, which were discovered by the two >ops, as well as by my party .on the shore. These boats nimud a;, near as they could to our vessels without en- igciing themselves, till after dark. Concluding their Its would cruize the whole night to watch the motions uur >luops, I imagined it would be a prudent step to lid the sloops back to Capt. Grant, the commander of pc vessels, who lav near Mott Island ; I accordingly lilt to the sloops in a boat after dark, and ordered them [return. The enemy, who kept all night in their boats, ^'^U .%. IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 I.I 1.25 It" IIM IIIM IIIIM IIIII22 I4J) i 2.0 U 1 1.6 Photographic Sciences Corporation 73 WEST MA'N STREET *E3STER,N.Y. 14580 (716) »72-4b03 ,\ (V ^^ o 4^ ^> % V # €<'.<. ' SS' 164 Journals of Major Robert Rogers. having, by a strict look-out, discovered where I landed, sent a detachment from the ishnd next morning to cut oJF my party. I discovered their intentions by my reconnoi- tering parties, who counted them as they crossed from the fort in the morning in their boats, to the west shore, and informed me that they were 350 in number. I had intel- ligence again when they were about a mile from us. Half after eleven they attacked me very briskly on my left, having on my right a bog, which they did not venture over, thro* which however, by the edge of the lake, I sent seventy of my party to get round and attack them in the rear. This party was commanded by Lieut. Farrington. As soon as he began his attack, I pushed them in front, which broke them immediately. I pursued them with the greatest part of my people about a mile, where they retired to a thick cedar swamp, and divided into small parties. By this time it rained agzin very hard. I called my party immediately together at the boats, where I found that En- sign Wood of the 17th regiment was killed, Capt. John- son wounded through the body, a second shot thro' his left arm, and a third in his head. I had two men of the Light Infantry, and eight Rangers, wounded, and sixteen Rangers killed. We killed forty of the enemy, and re- covered about fifty firelocks. Their commanding officer, Monsieur la Force, was mortally hurt, and several of the party were likewise wounded. After the action I got the killed and maimed of my detachment together in battoes, returned with them to the Isle a Mot, near which the brig lay. I dispatched one of the vessels to Crown Point, on board of which was put the corpse of Mr. Wood, but Capt. Johnson died on his passage thither ; this vessel 1 ordered to bring more ^provisions. 1 buried the rest of the dead on an island, and then began to prepare for a second landing ; being joined about this time by the Stockbridge Journals of Major Robert Rogers. 165 Indian Company, I was determined at all adventures to pursue my orders, settled the pkn of landing, and left the following instructions with Capt. Grant, viz ; '*You will be so good as to fall down tne lake with your vessels as soon as possible, as far as the Wind Mill Point, or near where you lay at anchor the last time I was with you, and cruize near it for two or three days, which will be the only method I can think of that has any ap- pearance of attracting the attention of the enemy till I get into their country ; as soon as I observe or think you pretty near the Wind Mill Point, I shall land with my party on the west side opposite to the north end of the Isle a Mot, in the river that runs into the bay which forms itself there, and from thence proceed to execute the Gen- eral's orders. If they do not attack me in my march till I compleat my design, you may be certain I shall come back on the east side, and endeavour to join you near the Wind Mill Point, or betwixt that and the Isle a Mot. When I arrive, the signal that I will make for your dis- covering me, will be a smoak and three guns, at a minute's interval each from the other, and repeated a second time, in half an hour after the first ; but if the enemy should at- tack me on my march before I get to the place I am or- dered, which I believe they will do, in case I am worsted I shall be obliged to come back on the west side, and shall make the before mentioned signals betwixt the Isle a Mot and the place where I had the battle with the enemy the 6th instant. It is uncertain when I shall be at either shore so that I would recommend it to you not to come back south of the Isle a Mot till my return, as a contrary wind might prevent your getting in with your vessels to relieve me, I send you Serjeant Hacket and ten Rangers, to be with you in my absence, as we this day agreed. If Lieutenant Darcy comes down in season to go with me, ^arc: I ' 1 66 'Journals of Major Robert Rogers, I shall leave Ensign Wilson with you ; but if Darcy should not come till after I land, you'll be pleased to take him un- der your direction, as well as all those that may come with him to join me ; tho' I would recommend it not to send any party to the island, to take a prisoner, till the fifth day after my landing, as the loss of a man from us may be of very bad consequence. Lieutenant Holmes has appointed between the eleventh and sixteenth day after his landing for his return to Misisquey Bay, and from the eleventh to the sixteenth, as before mentioned ; I should be glad the sloop might cruize for him at the place he appointed to meet her. I am. Sir, Your humble servant, R. Rogers.'' I cannot but observe with pleasure, that Mr. Grant, like an able officer, very diligently did all that could be ex- pected of him for the good of the service, carefully attending with his vessels till my return from this second excursion, on which I embarked with two hundred and twenty men, officers included, and landed the 9th of June, about mid- night, on the west-shore opposite the Isle a Mot, from thence marched as fast as possible to St. John's, and came to the road that leads from it to Montreal, about two miles from the fort, the evening of the 15th. At eleven o'clock this night, I marched with an intent to surprise the fort, to within four hundred yards of it, where I halted to re- connoitre ; which I did, and found they had more men than I expected. The number of the centries within the fort were seventeen,- and so well fixed, that I thought it was impossible for me to take the place by surprise, especially as they had seen me, and fired several guns accordingly. I left it at two o'clock, and marched down the river toi St. d'Etrese; at break of day I reconnoitred this place, and found that the enemy had in it a stockaded fort, de- Journals of Major Robert Rogers, itj M should him u ri- me with to send fifth day ay be of ippointed nding for ith to tiie the sloop to meet irant, liice lid be ex- r attending excursion, enty men, .bout mid- _ot, from and came two miles |en o'clock le the fort, ^Ited to re- men than Im the fort ht it was especially dingly. i le river to! jthis place, I ;d fort, de- fensible against small arms. I observed two large store- houses in the inside, and that the enemy were carting hay into the fort. I waited for an opportunity when the cart had just entered the gate-way, lun forward, and got into the fort before they could clear the way for shutting the gate. I had at this time sent different parties to the sev- eral houses, about fifteen in number, which were near the fort, and were all surprised at the same instant of time, and without firing a single gun. We took in the fort twenty- four soldiers, and in the houses seventy-eight prisoners, wo- men and children included ; some young men made their escape to Chamblee. I examined the prisoners, and found I could not proceed to Chamblee with any prospect of success; therefore concluded my best way was to burn the fort and village, which I did, together with a con- siderable magazine of hay, and some provisions, with every battoe and canoe, except eight battoes which I kept to cross the river, and these we afterwards cut to pieces: wc also killed their cattle, horses, &c. destroyed their wag- gons, and every other thing which we thought could ever be of service to the enemy. When this was done, I sent back the women and children, and gave them a pass to go to Montreal, directed to the several officers of the different detachments under my command. I con jnued my march on the east-side of Lake Champlain, and when passing by Misisquey Bay, opposite the Isle Noix, my advance-party, and the advance-party of about 800 French, that were out after me from their fort, engaged with each other ; but the body of the enemy, being about a mile behind their advance- party, retreated, to my great satisfaction. I pursued my march with all possible speed : and the same day, being the 20th day of June, arrived at the lake opposite where the vessels lay ; and as I had sent a few men forward to repeat the signals, the boats met us at the shore. We directly put on board, the enemy soon after appeared on the shore »7 \\ I \\ I 1 68 yournals of Major Robert Rogers. where we embarked. I had not at this time any account from Lieutenant Holmes, either by prisoners or other- ways. Upon examination the prisoners reported, (some of them had been at the siege of Quebec) '' that the French lost five hundred men there ; and that they retreated after twelve days bombarding and cannonading, and came to Jack's quarters, where General Levy left fiye hundred men, being composed of a picquet of each battalion of the army, and that there were four hundred Canadians who staid vol- untarily 'with them ; that the rest of the army was quar- tered by two's and three's on the inhabitants, from there to St. John's. In Montreal there are about a hundred and fifty troops, and the inhabitants do duty. That in Cham- blee Fort are about one hundred and fifty men, including workmen ; and the remnant of the Queen's regiment are in the village. That there are twelve cannon at St. John's, and about three hundred men, including workmen, who are obliged to take arms on any alarm. That at the Isle au Noix are about eight hundred stationed, besides the scouts be- tween that and Montreal. That there are about an hun- dred pieces of cannon there." This is the substance of their report, in which they all agree, and which, with an account of my proceedings, I transmitted to the Gen- eral. On the 2ist I put the twenty-six prisoners on board one of the vessels, with fifty men of my detachment, and or- dered her to proceed to Crown Point, and tarried with the other vessels to. cover Mr. Holmes's retreat, who joined us the same evening, without having succeeded in his en- terprise, missing his way by following down a river that falls into Sorrel, instead of that called Wigwam Martinic, which empties itself in^to St. Lawrence at Lake St. Francis. I arrived at Crown Point the 23d of June, and encamped my Rangers on the east-shore, opposite the fort. if- iccount other- of them nch lost ed after came to red men, he army, itaid vol- ras quar- 1 there to idred and n Cham- including iment are It. John's, , who are B au Noix couts be- t an hun- istance of 1, with an the Gen- board one It, and or- with the ho joined ]in his en- [river that Martinic, [. Francis, [encamped 'Journals of Major Robert Rogers, 1 69 The following letter I received from General Amherst *, dated :sx. Canijoharry, June 26, 1760. "Sir, "Colonel Haviland sent me your letter of June 21, which I received last night, and saw with pleasure you was re- turned without the loss of a man of your party, and that you had done every thing that was prudent for you to at- tempt with the number of men you had under your com- mand. From the situation the enemy is now in, by being forced back to their former quarters, on Governor Murray's having obliged them to abandon their cannon, and raise the siege of Quebec, I hope Lieutenant Holmes will return with equal success as you have done. I am. Sir, Your humble servant, To Major Rogers. 'J'ff' Amherst** I remained at Crown Point with my people, without ef- fecting any thing considerable, more than in small parties reconnoitring the country about the fort, while every thing was got in readiness for embarking the army the i6th of I August i which was done accordingly, having one brig, three sloops, and four rideaus, which latter were occupied by the royal train of artillery, commanded by Lieut. Colonel Ord. [Our order of march was as follows, viz. Six hundred Rangers and seventy Indians in whale-boats [in the front, commanded by Major Rogers, as an advance- Iguard for the whole army, all in a line a-breast, about half la mile a-head of the main body, followed by the light in- Ifantry and grenadiers in two columns, two boats a-breast in leach column, commanded by Col. Darby. The right wing Iwas composed of Provincials, commanded by Brigadier * Gen. Amherst wag at this time on his way to Canada, by way of Oswego, ko assist in finishing the conquest of the French in that province. Can- Ijoiiirie is about fifty-five miles west of Albany, on the Mohawk. * I ■ i 170 Journals of Major Robert Rogers. Ruggles, who was second in command of the whole army. The left was made up of New Hampshire and Boston troops, commanded by Col. Thomas. The seventeenth and twenty-seventh regiments, with some few of the Roy- als, that formed the center column, were commanded by Major Campbell of the 17th regiment. Col. Haviland was in the front of these divisions, between that and the light infantery, and grenadiers. The royal artillery followed the columns, and was commanded by Colonel Ord, who had, for his escort, one Rhode Island regiment of Provincials. The sutlers, &c. followed the artillery. In this manner we rowed down the lake forty miles the first day, putting ashore where there was good landing on the west-side, and there encamped. The day following we lay by. The. i8th, the windi blowing fresh at south, orders were given for embarking, and the same day reached a place on the west shore, within ten miles of the Isle a Mot, where the army encamped. It having blown a fresh gale most part of the day, some of my boats split open by the violence of the waves, and ten of my Rangers were thereby drowned. The 19th we set sail again early in the morning, and I that night encamped on the north-end of the Isle a Mot. The 20th, before day, the army was under way, with in- tention to land j having but twenty miles to go., and havind the advantage of a fair wind, we soon came in sight of the French fort, and about ten in the morning Col. Darby,! with the Grenadiers and Light Infantry, and myself witbj the Rangers, landed on the east-shore, and marched andj took possession of the ground opposite the fort on that side,[ without the least opposition. Having done this, an officer! was sent to acquaint Col. Haviland (who, with the ref mainder of the army, was at the place where we landed) thaj there was not the least danger to apprehend from the enemy.f The next day we b^gan to raise batteries, and soon afteil •s. journals of Major Robert Rogers, tji lole army, id Boston venteenth the Roy- landed by viland was \ the light llowed the , who had, 'rovincials. lis manner ay, putting it-side, and to throw some shells into the garrison. About the 24th proposal was made for taking the enemy's vessels, three of which weie at anchor a little below the fort, and some of their rideaus likewise. It was introduced by Col. Darby, who was ordered to take the command of the party ap- pointed for this service, which consisted of two companies of Regulars, and four companies of my Rangers, with the Indians. We carried with us two light howitzers and one six-pounder, and silently conveying them along thro' the trees, brought them opposite the vessels, and began a brisk fire upon them, before they were in the least apprised of our design, and, by good fortune, the first shot from the six-pounder cut the cable of the great rideau, and the wind being at west, blew her to the east shore, where we were, and the other vessels weighed anchor and made for St. John's, but got ail aground, in turning a point about two miles below the fort. I was, by Col. Darby, ordered down the east shore with my Rangers, and crossed a river of about thirty yards wide, which falls into Lake Champlain from the east. I soon got opposite the vessels, and, by firing from the shore, gave an opportunity to some of my party to swim on board with their tomahawks, and took ione of the vessels ; in the mean time Col. Darby had got on board the rideau, and had her manned, and took th6 [other two; of which success he immediately acquainted ICol. Haviland, who sent down a sufficient number of meti to take charge of and man the vessels ; and ordered the remainder of the Rangers, Light Infantry and Grenadiers, {to join the army that night, which was accordingly done ; land about midnight the night following the French troops lieft the island, and landed safe on the main ; so that next jmorning nothing of them was to be seen but a few sick, |and Col. Haviland took posession of the fort. The second day after the departure of Monsieur Bon- Iville and his troops from the island, Mr. Haviland sent me 1,72 'Journals of Major Robert Rogers. with my Rangers to pursue him as far as St. John's Fort, which was about twenty miles further down the lake ; and at that place I was to wait the coming of the army, but by no means to follow further than that fort, nor run any risk of advancing further towards Montreal. I went in boats, and about daylight got to St. John's, and found it just set on fire. I pursued, and took two prisoners, who reported, " That Monsieur Bonville was to encamp that night about halfway on the road to Montreal ; and that he went from St. John's about nine o'clock the night before ; but that many of their men were sick, and that they thought some of the troops would not reach the place appointed till the middle of the afternoon." It beinir now about seven in the morning, I set all hands to work, except proper guards, to fortify the log houses that stood near the lake side, in order that part of my people might cover the battoes, while I, with the remainder, followed Monsieur Bonville, and about eight o'clock I got so well fortified, that I ventured our boats and baggage under the care of 200 Rangers, and took with me 400, together with the two companies of Indians, and followed after the French army, which con- sisted of about 1500 men, and about 100 Indians they had to guard them. I was resolved to make his dance a little the merrier, and pursued with such haste, that I overtook his rear guard about two miles before they got to their en- camping ground. I immediately attacked them, who not being above 200, suddenly broke, and then stood for the main body, which I very eagerly pursued, but in good order, expecting Monsieur Bonville would have made a stand, which however he did not chuse, but pushed forward to get to the river, where they were to encamp, and having crossed it, pulled up the bridge, which put a stop to my march, not judging it prudent to cross at a disadvantage, inasmuch as the enehiy had a good breast-work on the other side, of which they took possession ; in this pursuit. r. Journals of Major Robert Rogers. 173 in's Fort, lake ; and »v, but by n any risk t in boats, it just set reported, ight about vent from ; but that ught some td till the t seven in )er guards, Ice side, in toes, while iville, and I ventured ,ngers, and npanies of rhich con- is they had nee a little overtook their en- who not od for the Lit in good ve made a ed forward nd having top to my advantage, rlc on the is pursuit, o however, we considerably lessened their number, and re- turned in safety. In the evening Mr. Haviland came in sight, and landed at St. John's. As soon as he came on shore, I waited upon him, and acquainted him with what I had done, &c., and that I had two prisoners for him ; he said it was very well, and ordered his troops to encamp there that night, and next day went down the river Sorriel, as far as St. d'Etrese, where he encamped, and made a strong breast- work, to defend his people from being surprised. I was sent down the river Sorriel, to bring the inhabitants under subjection to his Britannic Majesty, and went into their settled country in the night, took all their priests and mili- tia officers, and sent some of them for the inhabitants. The first day I caused all the inhabitants near Chamblee to take the oaths of allegiance, &c,, who appeared glad to have it in their power to take the oaths and keep their posessions, and were all extremely submissive. Having obliged them to bring in their arms, and fulfilled my instructions in the best manner I could, I joined Col. Darby at Chamblee, who came there to take the fort, and had brought with him some light cannon. It soon surrendered, as the garrison consisted only of about fifty men. This happened on the first of September. On the 2d- our army having nothing to do, and having good intelligence both from Gen. Amherst and Gen. Mur- ray, Mr. Haviland sent me to join the latter, while he marched with the rest of the army for La Pierre. The 5th in the morning I got to Longville, about four miles below Montreal, opposite to where Brigadier Murray lay, and gave him notice of my arrival, but not till the morning of the 6th, by reason of my arriving so late. By the time I came to Longville, the army, under the command of Gen. Amherst, had landed about two miles 'it ' ^1 / ' i! 174 journals of Major Robert Rogers. from the town, where they encamped ; and early this morning Monsieur de Vaudreuil, the governor and com- mander in chief of ail Canada, sent otit to capitulate with our General, which put a stop *~ all our movements till the 8th of September^ when the articles of capitulation were agreed to, and signed, and our troops took possession of the town gates that night. Next morning the Light Infantry, and Granadiers of the whole army, under the command of Col. Haldiman, with a company of the royal artillery, with two pieces of cannon, and some hobitzers, entered the town, retaking the English colours belonging to Pepperel's and Shirley's regiments, which had been taken by the French at Oswego. Thus, at length, at the end of the fifth campaign, Mon- treal and the whole country of Canada was given up, and became subject to the King of Great Britain ; a conquest perhaps of the greatest importance that is to be met with in the British annals, whether we consider the prodigious extent of country we are hereby made masters of, the vast addition it must make to trade and navigation, or the se- curity it must afford to the northern provinces of America, particularly those flourishing ones of New England and New York, the irretrievable loss France sustains hereby, and the importance it must give the British crown among the several states of Europe : all this, I say, duly considered, will, perhaps, in its consequences render the year 1760 more glorious than any preceding. And to this acquisition, had we, during the late war, either by conquest or ^--eaty, added the fertile and extensive country of Louisiana, we should have been possessed of perhaps the most valuable territory upon the face of the globe, attended with more real advantages than the so-much- boasted mines of Mexioo and Peru, and would have for ever deprived the French, those treacherous rivals of '■ r h ly this ] com- te with ;nts till lulation .session r Light der the le royal bitzers, longing d been onquest let with digious he vast the se- merica, ,nd and |hereby, among Isidered, 1760 te war, ttensive Issed of of the k-much- lave for rals of yournals of Major Robert Rogers. 175 Britain's glory, of an opportunity of acting hereafter the same perfidious parts they have already so often repeated. On the 9th Gen. Amherst informed mc of his intention I of sending me to Detroit, and on the 12th in the morning, I when I waited upon him again, I received the following I orders : By his Excellency JefFery Amherst, Esq.; Major General and Commander in Chief of all his Majesty's forces in North America, &c. &c. &c. I To Major Rogers, commanding his Majesty's independent companies of Rangers. " You will, upon receipt thereof, with Capt. Waite's land Capt. Hazen's companies of Rangers iiu l.?r your com- mand,* proceed in whale-boats from hence to 1 jrt William Augustus, taking along with you one Joseph Poupao, alias iLa Fleur, an inhabitant of Detroit, an i LieuL. Brr'ame, {Assistant Engineer. " F'-oir* Fort William Augustusf you will continue your jvoyage by the north-shore to Niagara, where you will land * John Hazen was doubtlesi at this time a citizen of Plaistow, N. H., and I 1757, '8, '9, '60, was enrolled in the New Hampshire Militia under Col. ^tevens. He subsequently settled at Haverhill, N. H., and afterwards at St. John's, Canada; but having joined the patriot cause, his house was burned Huring the Revolution and he was forced to leave the province. He finally lettled in Albany, where he suffered from paralysis in 1785, and died some after. — Report of Adjutant General of New Hampshire^ 1866, II, p. 211. The muster roll of his company for the season of 1758, is given at the report litre cited. I Fort William Augustus, had formerly been known as Fort Levis. l' tcupied the whole of Isle Royal, the Oraconenton, of the natives. It lie* bree miles below the present city of Ogdensburgh and is now known a* 'Chimney Island," from the ruins of its ancient works. The name was ged by General Amherst, after its conquest in August, 1760. A plan of hit fort as it existed at the time of its surrender by the French, is given in lante's History of the War of 1756-60, and a minute description by chot, by whom it was built in 1759, and defended till its final surrender 1760. 1::^'! HBP r * I 1 t ; 176 Journais of Major Robert Rogers, your whale-boats, and transport them across the Carrying- place into Lake Erie, applying to Major Walters, or the officer commanding at Niagara, for any assistance you may want on that or any other occasion, requesting of him at the same time to deliver up to you Monsieur Gamelin, who was made prisoner at the reduction of said fort, and has continued there ever since, in order to conduct him, with the above-mentioned Poupao, to their habitations at Detroit, where, upon taking the oath of allegiance to his most sacred Majesty, whose subjects they are become by the capitulation of the 8th inst ; they shall be protected in the peaceable and quiet possession of their properties, and, so long as they behave as becometh good and taithful sub- jects, shall partake of all the other privileges and im- munities granted unto them by the said capitulation. " With these, and the detachment under your command, you will proceed in your whale-boats across Lake Erie to Presque Isle,* where, upon your arrival, you will make known the orders I have given to the officer commanding that post \ and vou will leave said whale-boats and party, taking only a small detachment of your party, and march ing by land, to join Brigadier General Monkton,! wherever he may be. *' Upon your arrival with him, you will deliver into his hands the dispatches you shall herewith receive for him, and follow and obey such orders as he shall give you for the relief of the garrisons of the French posts at Detroit, Michlimakana, or any others in that district, for gathering in the arms of the inhabitants thereof, and for administering to them the oath of allegiance already mentioned ; when * Preaque Iile is now Erie, Pa., a point early occupied and fortified by the French aa a part of their chai^ of forts extending from Canada to Louisiana. f General Robert Monkton was governor of New York in 1762-3, ind afterwards of Portsmouth. He died in 178a. f. ; Carrying- ters, or the e you may of him at r Gamelin, d fort, and nduct him, ihitations at lance to his become by protected in >erties, and, lithful sub- ;s and im- :ion. r command, .ake Erie to I will make ommandingl and party, and march Vlonkton,! ver into his |re for him, ive you for at Detroit, r gathering! ministering ned ; when jrtified by tht Louisiana. 1762-3, and yournals of Major Robert Rogers, 177 you will likewise administer, or see administered, the same to the before- mentioned Gamelin and Poupao ; and when this is done, and that you have reconnoitered and explored the country as much as you can, without losing time un- necessarily, you are to bring away the French troops and arms, to such place as you shall be directed by General Monktonii " And when the whole of this service is compleated, you will march back your detachment to Presque Isle, or Niag- ara, according to the orders you receive from Brigadier Monkton, where you will embark the whole, and in like manner, as before, transport your whale boats across the Carrying-place,* into Lake Ontario, where yo.u will deliver over your whale-boats into the care of the commanding offi- cer, marching your detachment by land to Albany, or where- ever I may be, to receive what further orders I may have to give you. '^ Given under my hand, at the headquarters in the camp of Montreal, 12th Sept. 1760. Jef. Amherst:* "By his Excellency's command, An additional order was given, which was to be shewn only to the commanding officers of the different posts I might touch at, the expedition being intended to be kept a profound secret, for fear the march should be impeded by the enemy Indians, through whose country I was obliged to march. This order was as follows, viz : " Major Walters, or the officer commanding at Niagara, will judge whether or not there is provision sufficient at * The portage wat on the east side of Niagara river, from the present village ofLewiston, to the foot of navigation about two miles above the Fails. ! ' ■ ■■ i ! ; 1 ■ :!i ■ V 't 1 1 ■ ^ ■ U \'; 1 78 yournals of Major Robert Rogers. Presque Isle ; and Major Rogers will accordingly take provisions from Niagara. Eight days provision will take him from Montreal to Fort William-Augustus ; there he will apply to the commanding officer for a sufficient quan- tity to proceed to Niagara. Major Rogers knows where he is going, and the provisions he will want ; some should be in store likewise at Presque Isle, for the party Brigadier General Monkton will send. Jeff. Amherst.*' Montreal, 12th Sept., 1760. In pursuance of these orders* I embarked at Montreal the 13th Sept., 1760 (with Captain Brewer, Captain Wait, Lieutenant Brheme, Assisstant Engineer, Lieut. Davis of the Royal train of artillery, and two hundred Rangers) about noon, in fifteen whale-boats ; and that night we encamped at la Chine ; next morning we reached Isle de Praires, and took a view of the two Indian settlements at Coyhavagu and Conesadagu. On the 1 6th we got up to an island in the Lake of St. Francis, and the next night encamped on the western shore, at the lower end of the upper rifts. We ascended these rifts the day following, and continued all night on the north shore, opposite a number of islands. * Mr. Francis Parkman in his Conipiracy of Pontlac (6th ed. i, p. 163), in noticing Rogers' Journal of this expedition, says : " Although Rogers, especially where his pecuniary interest was concerned, was far from scrupulous, I have no hesitation in following his account of the expedition up the lakes. The incidents of each day are minuted along in a dry, unambitious style, bearing the clear impress of truth. Extracts from the Orderly Book and other official^papers are given, wnile portions of the narrative verified by contemporary documents, may stand as earnests for the truth of the whole. gly take mil take there he :nt quan- fs where le should Brigadier ihirst." Montreal ain Wait, Davis of Rangers) night we ed Isle de ements at , p. 163), in Journals of Major "Robert Rogers. 179 In the evening of the 19th we came to the Isle de Gallettes,'*' and spent the 20th in repairing our whale-boats, which had received some damage in ascending the rifts. This morning I sent off ten sick Rangers to Albany, by the way of Oswego, recommending them to the care of Col. Fitch, commanding at Oswego, who was to give them suitable directions. We left Isle de Gallettes on the 21st ; about twelve o'clock, the wind being unfavourable, we passed Oswegachi and encamped but three miles above it on the northern shore. On the 22d we continued our course up the river, the wind blowing fresh at south, and halted in the evening at the narrow passes near the islands ; but, upon the wind's abating at midnight, we embarked and rowed the remainder of that night and the whole day following, till we came to the place where formerly stood the old Fort of Frontiniac,t where we found some Indian hunters from Oswegachi. We were detained here all the next day by the tempestu- ousness of the weather, which was very windy, attended with snow and rain ; we, however, improved the tim6 in taking a plan of the old fort, situated at the bottom of a fine, safe harbour. There were about five hundred acres of cleared ground about it, which, tho* covered with clover, seemed bad and rocky, and interspersed with some pine-trees. The Indians here seemed to be well pleased with the news we brought them of the surrender of all Canada, and supplied us with great plenty of venison and wild fowl. * Isle de Gallettes, now Galloo Island, opposite Lisbon, in St. Lawrence Co., an'i near the head of the rapids of the St. Lawrence. There was formerly an Indian settlement and a mission church on the upper end of the island, the traces of which can still be seen. t The site of Fort Frontenac is now the city of Kingston, Province o^ Ontario, Canada. 1 80 Journals of Major Robert Rogers, We left this place the 25th, about ten in the morning, steering a south-course two miles, then west six miles, which brought us to the mouth of a river thirty feet wide ; then south four miles, where we halted to refresh the party. About four in the afternoon we rowed for a mountain bearing south-west, which we did not come up to till some time in the night, and found it to be a steep rock, about one hundred feet high. It now grew foggy, and mistaking our way about six miles, we rowed all night, and till 8 o'clock- next morning, before we put ashore ; which we then did on a point, where we breakfasted, and then pro- ceeded on our voyage, rowing till 8 o'clock at night (being about one hundred miles, as we imagined, from Frontiniac) we landed. This evening we passed two small islands at the end of a point extending far into the lake ; the darkness and fog prevented us from taking such a survey of them as to be able to give a particular description of them. The 27th of September, being very windy, we spent the time in deer-hunting, there being great plenty of them there, tho' the land is rocky, the timber bad, chiefly hemlock and pine ; and I believe it is generally so on the north-side of Lake Ontario. We embarked very early on the 28th, steering south- west, leaving a large bay on the right, about twenty miles wide ; the western side of which terminates in a point, and a small island : having passed both, about fifteen miles on a course west by south, we entered the chops of a river, called by the Indians the Grace of Man ; there we en- camped, and found about 50 Mississagua Indians fishing for salmon. At our first appearance they ran down, both men and boys, to the« edge of the lake, and continued firing their pieces, to express their joy at the sight of the English colours, till such time as we had landed. journals of Major Robert Rogers, 1 8 1 norning, c miles, ;t wide ; esh the lountain :ill some k, about tistaking id till 8 hich we hen pro- at night ;d, from NO small he lake ; ; such a scription They presented me with a deer just killed and split in halves, with the skin on, but the bowels taken out, which, with them, is a most elegant and polite present, and signifi- cant of the greatest respect. I told them of the success of their English brethren, against their fathers the French ; at which they either were, or pretended to be, very well pleased. Some of us fished with them in the evening, being in- vited by them, and filled a bark-canoe with salmon in about half an hour. Their method of catching the fish is very extraordinary. One person holds a lighted pine- torch, while a second strikes the fish with a spear. This is the season in which the salmon spawn in these parts, contrary to what they do in any other place I ever knew them before. I found the soil near this river very good and level. The timber is chiefly oak and maple, or the sugar-tree. At seven o'clock the next morning we took our de- parture from this river, the wind being a-head. About fifteen miles further, on a west-south-west course, we put into another river, called the Life of Man. The Messissa- guas, who were hunting here, about thirty in number, paid us the same compliments with those we just before re- ceived from their countrymen, and, instead of a deer, split up a young bear, and presented me with it. Plenty of fish was catched here also. The land continued good and level, the soil of a blackish colour, and the banks of the lake were low. The wind being fair the 30th, we embarked at the first dawn of day, and with the assistance of sails and oars, made great way on a south-west course, and in the evening reached the river Toronto, having run seventy miles. Many points extending far into the lake, occasioned a frequent alteration of our course. We passed a bank of .«1 mm 182 Journals of Major Robert Rogers, twenty miles in length, but the land behind it seemed to be level, well-timbered with large oaks, hickories, maples, and some poplars. No mountains appeared in sight. There was a track of about 300 acres of cleared ground, round the plac^ where formerly the French had a fort, that was called Fort Toronto. The soil here is principally clay. The deer are extremely plenty in this country. Some Indians were hunting at the mouth of the river, who run into the woods at our approach, very much frightened. They came in, however, in the morning, and testified their joy at the news of our success against the French. They told us *■*' that we could easily accomplish our journey from thence to Detroit in eight days ; that when the French traded at that place, the Indians used to come with their poultry from Michlimakana, down the river Toronto: that the portage was but twenty miles from that to a river falling into Lake Huron, which had some falls, but none very considerable; " they added, that there was a Carrying- place of fifteen miles from some westerly part of Lake Erie, to a river running without any falls, thro' several Indian towns into Lake St. Clair. I think Toronto a most convenient place for a factory, and that from thence we may very easily settle the north- 1 side of Lake Erie. We left Toronto the ist of October, steering south, I right across the west-end of Lake Ontario. At dark we arrived at the south-shore, five miles west of Fort Niagara, some of our boats being now become exceeding leaky and I dangerous. This morning, before we set out, I directed the following] order of march : "The boats in a^line. If the wind rose high, the red flag hoisted, and the boats to crowd nearer, that they might he ready to give mutual assistance in case of a leak or Journals of Major Robert Rogers. 183 other accident ;" by which means we saved the crew and arms of rhe boat commanded by Lieut. M'Cormacic, which sprung a leak and sunk, losing nothing except their packs. We halted all the next day at Niagara, and provided ourselves with blankets, coats, shirts, shoes, magassins, &c. I received from the commanding officer eighty barrels of provisions, and changed two whale-boats for as many battoes, which proved leaky. In the evening some of my party proceeded with the provisions to the falls, and in the morning marched the rest there, and began the portage of the provisions and boats. Mess. Brheme and Davis took a survey of the great cataract of Niagara. As the winter-season was now advancing very fast in this country, and I had orders to join Brig. Monkton from Presque Isle, wherever he might be, to receive his di- rections,' I set out this evening, the 5th of October, in a bark-canoe, with Lieutenants Brheme and Holmes, and eight Rangers, leaving the command of my party to Capt. Brewer, with instructions to follow to Prefque Isle, and encamped eight miles up the stream issuing out of Lake Ene. The land appeared to be good on both sides the river. Next morning embarked early, and steered a south-west course. About noon opened Lake Erie, and leaving a bay to the left, we arrived by sun-set at the southern shore of the lake; we then steered west till eight o'clock at night, and drew up our boats on a sandy beach, forty miles distant from where we embarked in the morning. The wind was veiy fresh next day, which prevented our setting out till 1 1 o'clock ; so that we made no further progress than about twenty-eight miles on a west-south- 18 r ' I t i 1 1 ■,: 1 i ,1 i i ? f Ji; 'IP jUj ,\ 1 ir 184 Journals of Major Robert Rogers, west course. A little after noon, on the 8th of October, we arrived at Presque Isle, having kept a southerly course all the morning ; I tarried there rill 3 o'clock, when having sent back my party to assist Capt. Brewer, Mr. Brheme, Lieutenant Holmes, and myself, took leave of Colonel Bouquet,* who commanded at Presque Isle, and with three other men, in a bark-canoe, proceeded to French Creek, and at night encamped on the road, half way to Fort du Bouf. We got to this fort about 10 o'clock next day, and after three hours rest launched our canoe into the river, and paddled down about ten miles below the fort. On the loth we encamped at the second crossings of the river, the land on both sides appeared to be good all the way. The nth we reached the Mingo Cabbins, and the night of the 12th we lodged at Venango; from thence went down the River Ohio; and on the morning of the 17th I waited upon Brigadier Monkton at Pittsburgh, and delivered him General Amherst's dispatches, and my own instructions. I left Pittsburgh the 20th, at the request of General Monkton, who promised to send his orders after me to Presque Isle, by Mr. Croghan, and to forward Capt. Campbell immediately with a company of the Royal Ame- ricans; I got back to Presque Isle the 30th of October, Captain Campbell arrived the day after ; Captain Brewer was got there before us, with the Rangers from Niagara, having lost some of the boats, and part of the provisions. We immediately began to repair the damaged boats ; and, as there was an account that a vessel, expected with pro- * Henry Bouquet, served in the British army with distinction through the French and Indian wars, and after the conquest of Canada was employed in expeditions against hostile Indian tribes in the west and south. He died at Pensacola in February, 1766, being at that time a brigadier general in the British army. Journals of Major Robert Rogers. 185 tober, rourse laving heme, olonel 1 three LZreek, 'ort du ly, and river, i of the all the ind the thence ; of the gh, .and ny own leneral me to Capt. il Ame- Ictober, Brewer [iagara, isions. tsi and, [ith pro- [irough the 1 ployed in JHe died at Ural in the visions from Niagara, was lost, I dispatched Capt. Brewer by land to Detroit, with a drove of forty oxen, supplied by Col. Bouquet. Capt. Wait was about the same time sent back to Niagara for more provisions, and ordered to cruise along the north-coast of Lake Erie, and halt about twenty miles to the east of the streight between the Lakes Huron and Erie; till further orders. Brewer had a battoe to ferry his party over the Creeks, two horses, and Capt. Monter with twenty Indians, composed of the Six Nations, Dela- wares and Shawanese, to protect him from the insults of the enemy Indians. My order of march over from Presque Isle was as follows: *' The boats to row two deep ; first. Major Rogers's boat, abreast of him Capt. Croghan ; Capt. Campbell follows with his company, the Rangers next ; and lastly, Lieutenant Holmes, who commands the rear guard, with his own boat, and that of Ensign Wait's, so as to be ready to assist any boat that may be in distress. Boats in distress ■ are to fire a gun, when Mr. Holmes with the other boats under his command are immediately to go to their relief, take them to the shore, or give such other assistance as he thinks may be best. When the wind blows hard, so that the boats cannot keep their orrier, a red flag will be hoisted in the Major's boat ; then the boats are not to mind their order, but put after the flag as fast as possible to the place of landing, to which the flag- boat will always be a guide. " It is recommended to the soldiers as well as officers, not to mind the waves of the lake ; but when the surf is high to stick to their oars, and the men at helm to keep the boat quartering on the waves, ano briskly follow, then no mischief will happen by any storm whatever. Ten of the best steersmen amongst the Rangers are to attend Captain Campbell and company in his boats. It is likewise re- commended to the officers commanding in those boats, to hearken to the steersmen in a storm or bad weather, in <*■ ' \ ASi «# 1 ! ,5i 1 86 Journals of Major Robert Rogers. managing their boats. At evening, (if it is thought neces- sary to row in the night-time) a blue flag will be hoisted in the Major's boat, which is the signal for the boats to dress, and then proceed in the following manner: the boats next the hindermost, are to wait for the two in the rear, the two third boats for the second two ; and so on to the boats leading a-head, to prevent separation, which in the night would be hazardous. *^ Mr. Brheme is not to mind the order of march, but to steer as is most convenient for him to make his observa- tions : he is however desired never to go more than a league a-head of the detachment, and is to join them at landing or encamping. *' On landing, the Regulars are to encamp in the center, and Lieutenant Holmes's division on the right wing with Mr. Croghan's people, Lieutenant M'Cormick on the left wing with his division ; Mr. Jequipe to be always ready with his Mohegan Indians, which are the picquet of the detachment, part of which are always to encamp in the front of the party ; Capt. Campbell will mount a guard consisting of one Subaltern, one Serjeant, and thirty privates, immediately on landing, for the security of his own encamp- ment and battoes '■, Lieutenant Holmes's division to keep a guard of one Serjeant and ten Rangers on the right, and Lieutenant M'Cormick the like number on the left, and likewise to act as Adjutant to the detachment, and the orderly drum to attend him, to be at the Serjeant's call. The general to beat when ordered by the Major, at which time the whole party is to prepare for embarking, the troops half an hour after, when all the guards are to be called in, and the party embark immediately after. " There is to be no ^ring of guns in this detatchment without permission from the commanding officer, except when in distress on the lake. No man to go without the wj Journals of Major Robert Rogers, 1 87 centries, when in camp, unless he has orders so to do ; great care to be taken of the arms, and the officers to re- view them daily. Captain Campbell will order a drum to beat, foi- the regulation of his company when landed, at any time he thinks proper for parading his men, or reviewing their arms, &c. " It is not doubted but due attention will be paid to all orders given. " Mr. Croghan will, at landing, always attend the Major for orders, and to give such intelligence as he may have had from the Indians .throughout the day." We left Presque Isle the 4th of November, kept a western course, and by night had advanced twenty miles. The badness of the weather obliged us to lie by all the next day ; and as the wind continued very high,' we did not advance more than ten or twelve miles the 6th, on a course west south-west. We set out very early on the 7th, and came to the mouth of Chogage* River, ; here we met with a party of Attawawa Indians, just arrived from Detroit. We in- * Probably Cuyahoga River, at the modern city of Cleveland, O., Mr. Park- man thug describes the interview between Major Rogers and the Indians, on this occasion : " Soon after the arrival of the Rangers, a party of Indian chiefs and warriors entered the eamp. They proclaimed themselves an embassy from Pontiac, ruler of all that country, and directed in his name, that the English should ad- vance no farther until they had had an interview with the great chief who was close at hand. In truth, before the day had closed, Pontiac himself appeared ; and it it is here for the first time that this remarkable man stands forth dis- tinctly on the page of history. He greeted Rogers with a haughty demand, what was his business in that country, and how he dared to enter it without permission. Rogers informed him that the French were defeated : that Canada had surrendered, and that he was on his way to take possession of Detroit, and restore a general peace, to white men and Indians alike. Pontiac listened with attention, but only replied that he should stand in the path of the English until morning. Having inquired if the strangers were in need of anything i 1 ! f 11 i! 1 1 88 Journals of Major Robert Rogers, formed them of our success in the total reduction of Canada, and that we were going to bring off the French garrison at Detroit, who were included in the capitulation, I held out a belt, and told them 1 would take my brothers by the hand, and carry them to Detroit, to see the truth of what I had said. They retired, and held a council, and promised an Answer next morning. That evening we smoaked the calamet, or pipe of peace, all the officers and Indians smoaking by turns out of the same pipe. The peace thus concluded, we went to rest, but kept good guards, a little distrusting their sincerity. The Indians gave their answer ^arly in the morning, and said their young warriors should go with me, while the old ones staid to hunt for their wives and children. I gave. them ammunition at their request, and a string of wampum in testimony of my approbation, and charged them to send some of their sachems, or chiefs, with the party who drove the oxen along the shore ; and they pro- mised to spread the news, and prevent any annoyance from their hunters. We were detained here by unfavourable weather till the I2th, during which time the Indiana held a plentiful market n our camp of venison and turkies. From this place we steered one mile west, then a mile south, then four ^miles west, then south-west ten miles, which the country could afford, he withdrew with his chiefs, at nightfall, to bis own encampment;- while the English ill at ease, and suspecting treachery, stood well on their guard thr tighout the night. In the morning, Pontiac returned to the camp with his attendant chiefi, and made his reply to Roger's speech of the previous day. He was willing, he said, to live at peace with the English and suffer them to remain in his country, as long as they treate(| him with due respect and deference. The In- dian chieft and provincial officers smoked the calumet together, and perfect harmony seemed established between them." -—Parkman's Conspiracy of Pontiac ^ 6th ed. I, l6j. Journals of Major Robert Rogers, 1 89 then five miles west-and-by-south, then south-west eight miles, then west-and-by-south seven miles, then four miles west, and then south-west six miles, which brought us to Elk River, as the Indians call it, where we halted two days on account of bad weather and contrary winds. On the 15th we embarked, and kept the following courses; west-south-west two miles, west north-west three miles, west-by-north one mile, west two miles ; here we passed the mouth of a river, and then steered west one mile, west -by south two miles, west-by north four miles, north-west three miles, west-north-west two miles, west- by-north ten miles, where we encamped at the mouth of a river twenty-five yards wide. The weather did not permit us to depart till the i8th, when our course was west by-south six miles; west by- north four miles, west two miles ; here we found a river about fifteen yards over, then proceeded west half a mile, west-south-west six miles and a half, west two miles and an half, north-west two miles, where we encamped, and dis- covered a river sixteen yards broad at the entrance. We left this place the next day, steering north-west four miles, north-north-west six miles, which brought us to Sandusky Lake ; we continued the same course two miles, then north-north-east half a mile, north-west a quarter of a mile, north the same distance, north-west half a mile, north-by-east one furlong, north-west-by-north one quarter of a mile, north-west-by-west one mile, west-north-west one mile, then west half a mile, where we encamped near a small river, on the east side. From this place I detached Mr. Brheme with a letter to Monsieur Deleter, the French commandant at Detroit, in these words : 1 90 Journals (f Major Robert Rogers. To Capt. Beleter, or the Officer commanding at Detroit. Sir: " That you may not be alarmed at the approach of the English troops under my command, when they come to Detroit, I send forward this by Lieut. Brheme, to acquaint you, that I have Gen. Amherst's orders to take possession of Detroit, and such other posts as are in that district, which, by capitulation, agreed to and signed by the Marquis de Vaudreuil, -^nd his Excellency Major Gen. Amherst, the 8th of September last, now belong to the King of Greai Britain. '* I have with me the Marqt'is de Vaudreil's letters to you directed, for your guidance on this occasion, which letters I shall deliver you when I arrive at or near your post, and shall encamp the troops 1 have with me at some distance from the fort, till ,you have reasonable time to be made acquainted with the Marquis de Vaudreuii's instruc- tions, and the capitulation, a copy of which I have with me likewise. I am, Sir, Your humble servant, Robert Rogers.'* The land on the south-side of Lake Erie, from Presque Isle, puts on a very fine appearance ; the country level, the timber tall, and of the best sort such as oak, hickerie and locust ; and for game, both for plenty and variety, perhaps exceeded by no part of the world. I followed Mr. Brheme on the 20th, and took a coui^se north-west four miles and an half, south-west two, and west three, to the mouth of a river in breadth 300 feet. Here we found several Huron sachems, who told me, " that a body of 400 Irtdian warriors was collected at the entrance into the great streight, in order to obstruct our passage j and that Monsieur Beleter had excited them to ■M/:e«il ^Itl-tliKW iMO«tf 'Journals of Major Robert Rogers, 191 defend their country ; that they were messengers to know my business, and whether the person I had sent forward had reported the truth, that Canada was reduced." I con- firmed this account, and that the fort at Detroit was given up by the French Governor. I presented them a large belt, and spoke to this eiFect : " Brothers, " With this belt I take you by the hand. You are to go directly to your brothers assembled z* i.he .nouth of the river, and tell them to go 10 their towns till I arrive at the fort. I shall call you there as soon as Monsieur Beleter is sent away, which shall be in two days after my arrival. We will then settle all matters. You live happily in your own country. Your brothers have long desired to bring ^ this about. Tell your warriors to mind their fathers (the French) no more, for they are all prisoners to your brothers (the English), who pitied them, and left them their houses and goods, on their swearing by the Great One who made the world, to become as Englishmen forever. They are now your brothers; if you abuse them, you affront me, unless they behave ill. Tell this to your brothers the Indians. What I say is truth. When we meet at Detroit I will convince you it is all true." These sachems set out in good temper the next morning, being the 2ist ; but as the wind was very high, we did not move from this place. On the ?.2d we encamped on a beach, after having steered that day north-west six miles, north-north-west four, to a river of the breadth of twenty yards, then north- west-by- west two miles, north-west one, west four, and west-north-west five ; it wa.s with great difficnlty we could procure any fuel here, the west-side of the Lake Erie abounding with swamps. We rowed ten miles the next day, on a course north- west and by west, to Point Cedar, and then formed a ,rl ; ^ i' i H In^fc H ^ra^l 1 Bi il 192 Journals of Major Robert Rogers, camp ; here we met some of the Indian messengers, to whom we had spoken two days before : they told u?, their warriors were gone up to Monsieur Beleter, who, thev said, is a strong man, and intends to fight you ; a sachem of Attawawas was amongst them. All their Indians set out with us. The 24th we went north-west and by north ttn miles, and fourteen miles north-east, to a long point ; this night sixty of the Indian party came to our camp, who congratulated us on our arrival in their country, and offered themselves as an escort to Detroit, from whence they came the day before. They informed me, that Mr. Bhreme and his party were confined ; and that Monsieur Beleter had set up an high flag-staff, with a wooden effigy of a man's head on the top, and upon that a crow ; that the crow was to represent himself, the man's head mine, and the meaning of the whole, that he would scratch out my brains. This artifice, however, had no effect ; for the Indians told him (as they said) that the reverse would be the true explanation of the sign. After we had proceeded six miles north-east, we halted at the request of the Indians, who desired me to call in the chief Captains of the party at the Streight's mouth I did so, and spent the 26th at the same place, in con- ciliating their savage minds to peace and friendship. The morning of the 27, Monsieur Beleter sent me the foll6wing letter by Monsieur Babee. " Monsieur, " J'ai re^u la lettre que vous m'avez ecrite par un del vos Officiers ; comme je n'ai point d'interprete, je ne puisj faire la reponse amplement. L'OfHcier qui m'a remise la votre, me fait favoir qu'il etoit detache afin de* m'anoncer votre arrive, pour prendre! possession de cette garison, selon la capitulation fait enl Canada, que vous avez conjointement avec un lettre del 'Journals of Major Robert Rogers. 193 (( Monsieur de Vaudreuil a mon addresse. Je vous prie, Monsieur, d'arreter vos troupes a I'entrance de la riviere, jusques a ce que vous m'envoyes la capitulation & la lettre de Monseigneur le Marquis de Vaudreuil, afin de pouvoir y conformer. Je suis bien surpris qu'on ne m'a pas envoye un Officier Francois avec vous, selon la coutume. J'ai I'honneur d'etre, &c. &c. De Beleter." A Monsieur Monsieur Rogers^ Major, & commandant le detachment Anglois." In English thus, " Sir, " I received the letter you wrote me by one of your Officers ; but, as I have no interpreter, cannot fully answer it. The Officer that delivered me yours, gives me to under- stand, that he was sent to give me notice of your arrival to take possession of this garrison, according to the capitula- tion made in Canada ; that you have likewise a letter from Mons. Vaudreuil directed to me. I beg, Sir, you'll halt your troops at the entrance of the river, till you send me the capitulation and the Marquis de Vaudreuil's letter, that I may act in conformity thereto. I am surprised there is no French Officer sent to me along with you, as is the custom on such occasions. I have the honour to be, &c. Sic. " To Mr. Rogers^ Major and Commander of the Eng lish detachment." De Beleter." Shortly after a French party, under Captain Burrager, beat a parley on the west shore.; I sent Mr. M'Cor-nick to know his business, who returned with the Officer and the following letter : •^mm i ' ; i ( 194 yournals of Major Robert Rogers. Detroit, le 25me Novembre, 1760. " Monsieur, "Jevous ai deja marque par Monsieur Burrager les raisons pourquoi je ne puis repondre en detail a la lettre qui m'a ete remise le 22me du courant, par I'Officier que vous m'avez detache. J'ignore les raisons pourquoi il n'a pas voulu retourner aupres de vous. J'ai envoye mon interprete Huron chez cette nation, que Ton me dit etre attroupe sur le chemin de les contenir, ne fa(^hant positivement si c'est a vous ou a nous qu'ils en veuillent, & pour leur dire de ma part, qu'ils ayent a se tenir tranquilement ; que je savois ce que je devois a mon General, & que de lorsque I'acte de la capitulation seroit regie, j'etois oblige d'obeir. Le dit in- terprete a ordre de vous attendre, & de vous remettre la present. Ne soyez point surpris, Monsieur, si sur le long de la cote vous trouverez nos habitans sur leur garde ; on leur a annonce qu'il y avoit beaucoup de nations a votre suite, a qui on avois promis le pillage, & que lesdites nations etoient meme determinees a vous le demander ; je leur ai permis de regarder, c'est pour votre conservation h surete ainsi que pour la notre, en cas que les dites nations devenoient a saire les insolents, vous seul ne seriez peut- etre pas dans les circonstances presentesenetatde les reduire. Je me flatte, Monsieur, que si tot que la present vour sera parvenue, vous voudriez bien m'envoyer par quelqu'un de vos Messieurs, & la capitulation & la lettre de Monsieur Vaudreuil. J'ai I'honneur d'etre, Monsieur, , Votre tres-humble & obeissant serviteur, Pign. de Beletere:' A Monsieur Monsieur Rogers, Major, commandant le de- tachment Anglois au bas de la riviere. Journals of Major Robert Rogers. 195 nbre, 1760, lurrager les 1 a la lettre 3fficier que] n retourner Fluron chez r le chemin it a vous ou de ma part, ivois ce que I'acte de la Le dit in- remettre la i sur le long r garde ; on iona a votre ^ue lesdites mander ; je iservation & ites nations leriez peut- les reduire. t vour sera uelqu'un de le Monsieur Iteur, iBeletere. In English thus : "Sir, Detroit, 25th Nov. 1760. " I have already by Mr. Barrager acquainted you with [the reasons why I could not answer particularly the letter which was delivered me the 22d instant by the Officer you Isent to me. " I am entirely unacquainted with the reasons of his not Ireturning to you. I sent my Huron interpreter to that jnation, and told him to stop them, should they be on the road, not knowing positively whether they were inclined to [favour you or us, and to tell them from me they should jbehave peaceably ; that I knew what I owed to my General, ind that when the capitulation should be settled I was )bliged to obey. The said interpreter has orders to wait m you, and deliver you this. '' Be not surprised. Sir, if along the coast you Hnd the inhabitants upon their guard ; it was told them you had several Indian nations with you, to whom you had promised )ermission to plunder, nay, that they were even resolved to force you to it. I have therefore allowed the said inhabit- ints to take to their arms, as it is for your safety and pre- servation as well as ours ; for should these Indians become insolent, you may not perhaps, in your present situation, )e able to subdue them alone. " I flatter myself. Sir, that, as soon as that shall come to land, you will send me by some of the Gentlemen you lave with you, both the capitulation and Monsieur Vau- Ireuil's letter. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your very humble and obe- dient servant, |Tfl Major Rogers. Pign. Belttirt." I /M i s 196 Journals of Major Robert Rogers, We encamped the next day five miles up the river, having rowed against the wind ; and on the 29th I dis- patched Captain Campbell, with Messieurs Barrager and Babee and their parties, with this letter. *« Sir, *' I acknowledge the receipt of your two letters, both of which were delivered to me yesterday. Mr. Brheme has not yet returned. The inclosed letter from the Marquis de Vaudreuil will inform you of the surrender of all Canada to the King of Great Britain, and of the great indulgence granted to the inhabitants ; as also of the terms granted to the troops of his Most Christian Majesty. Captain Camp- bell, whom I have sent forward with this letter will shew you the capitulation. I desire you will not detain him, as I am determined, agreeable to my instructions from General Amherst, speedily to relieve your post. I shall stop the troops I have with me at the hither end of the town till four o'clock, by which time I expect your answer ; your inhabitants under arms will not surprise me, as yet I have seen no other in that position, but savages waiting for my orders. I can assure you. Sir, the inhabitants of Detroit shall not be molested, they and you complying with the capitulation, but be protected in the quiet and peaceable possession of their estates ; neither shall they be pillaged Indians, nor by your's that have joined me. by my ■ by your's I am, &c. R. Rogers. To Capt. Beletere, commanding at Detroit. 1 landed at half a mile short of the fort, and fronting it,| where I drew my detachment on a field of grass. Herej Capt. Campbell joined me, and with him came a Frencii officer, to inform me*that he bore Monsieur Beleter's coml pliments, signifying he was under my command. Froffll hence I sent Lieutenants Leslie and M'Cormack, witbl Journals of Major Robert Rogers. 197 thirty-six Royal Americans, to take possession of the fort. The French garrison laid down tiieir arms, English colours were hoisted, and the French taken down, at which about 700 Indians gave a shout, merrily exulting in their predic- tion being verified, that the crow represented the English. They seemed amazed at the submissive salutations of the inhabitants, expressed their satisfaction at our generosity in not putting them to death, and said they would always for the future fight for a nation thus favoured by Him that made the world. I went into the fort, received a plan of it, with a list of the stores, from the commanding officer, and by noon of the ist of December we had collected the militia, disarmed them, and to them also administered the oaths of allegi- lance.* The interval from this time to the 9th was spent in [preparing to execute some measures that appeared to be [necessary to the service we were upon. I put Monsieur JBeletere and the other prisoners under the care of Lieut. j Holmes and thirty Rangers, to be carried to Philadelphia ; and ordered Capt. Campbell and his company to keep possession of the fort. Lieut. Butler and Ensign Wait were sent with a detached party of twenty men, to bring the French troops from the forts Miamie and Gatanois. I ordered, thai, if possible, a party should subsist at the former this winter, and give the earliest notice at Detroit of the enemy's motions in the country of the Illinois. I sent Mr. M'Gee^ * Major Rogers was again sent to Detroit in 1763, and participated in the I military operations of that year. In a work entitled " Diary of the siege of Detroit, in the war with Pontiac," [etc., printed in i860, under the supervision of the editor of this volume, his Journal is given (pages 121 to 135), covering the period from May 6, to July U, 1763, and an account of occurrences attendmg the siege of Detroit under [Pontiac, within these dates. The original is found in the Johmon Manutcrifts, |vii, 116. — MumtlPi Historical Series, No. it, small 410, pp. 304. • I ^ ""'![ lit \i\ 1 98 Journals of Major Robert Rogers. with a French officer, for the French troops at the Shawa- nese town on the Ohio. And as provisions were scarce, directed Capt. Brewer to repair with the greatest part of the Rangers to Niagara, detaining Lieut. M'Cormack with thirty-seven more, to go with me to Michlimakana. I made a treaty with the several tribes of Indians living in the neighbouring country ; and having directed Capt. Wait, just arrived from Niagara, to return again thither immediately, I set out for Lake Huron, and on the night of the loth encamped at the north end of the little Lake St. Clair, and the next evening on the west-side of the streight, at the entrance of a considerable river, where many Indians were hunting. We opened Lake Huron the day following, and saw many Indian hunters on both sides of the mouth of the streights. We coasted along the west shore of the Lake, about twenty miles north-and by west, the next day being the 13th forty, and the 15th thirty-eight miles, passing the cakes of ice with much diffi- culty. We could not advance all the i6th a heavy north- wind setting the cakes of ice on the south-shore in such quantities, that we could find no passage between them. I consulted the Indians about a journey to Michlimakana across by land ; but they declared it impracticable at this season without snow-shoes, and to our great mortification we were obliged to return to Detroit \ the ice obstructing us so much, that with the greatest diligence and fatigue, we did not arrive there till the 21st. I delivered the ammunition to Capt. Campbell, and on the 23d set out for Pittsburg, marching along the west-end of Lake Erie, till the 2d of January, 1761, when we arrived at Lake Sandusky. I have a very g'^od opinion ot the soil from Detroit to this place ; it is timbsreJ principally with white and black oaks, hickerie, locusts, and maple. We found wild apples along the west-end of Lake Erie, some rich savannahs of Journais of Major Robert Rogers, 1 99 : Shawa- ; scarce, t part of lack with I. ins living ed Capt. n thither the night ttle Lake le of the sr, where :e Huron ) on both along the rth-and by the 15th nuch diffi- avy north- re in such een them, ilimakana )le at this )rtification bstructing id fatigue, 1, and on west-end we arrived several miles extent, without a tree, but cloathed with jointed grass near six feet high, which rotting there every year, adds to the fertility of the soil. The length of San- dusky is about fifteen miles from east to west, and about six miles across it. We came to a town of the Windot Indians, where we halted to refresh. On January 3d, south-east-by-east three miles, east-by south one mile and a half, south-east a mile through a meadow, crossed a small creek about six yards wide, run- ning east, travelled south-east by-east one mile, passed through Indian houses, south-east three quarters of a mile, and came to a small Indian town of about ten houses. There is a remarkable fine spring at this place, rising out of the side of a small hill with such force, that it boils above the ground in a column three feet high. I imagine it discharges ten hogsheads of water in a minute. From this town our course was south-south-east three miles, south two miles, crossed a brook about five vards wide, running east-south-east, travelled south one mile, crossed a brook about four yards wide, running east-south-east, travelled south-south-east two miles, crossed a brook about eight yards wide. This day we killed plenty of deer and turkies on our march, and encamped. On the 4th we travelled south-south-east one mile, and come to a river about twenty-five yards wide, crossed the river, where are two Indian houses, from thence south-by east one mile, south-south- east one mile and a half, south- south east two miles, south-east one mile, and came to an Indian house, where there was a family of Windots hunt- ing, from thence south-by-east a quarter of a mile, south five miles, came to the river we crossed this morning; the course of the river here is west-north-west. This day killed several deer and other game, and encamped. 19 ; ' ! / 2O0 'Journals of Major Robert Rogers, On the 5th traveled south-south-west half a mile, south one mile, south-south-west three quarters of a mile, south half a mile, crossed two small brooks running east, went a south-south-west course half a mile, south half a mile, south-east half a mile, south two miles, southeast one mile, south half a mile, crossed a brook running east-by-north, traveled south by-east half a mile, south>south-east two miles, south-east three quarters of a mile, south-south-east one mile, and came to Maskongom Creek,* about eight yards wide, crossed the creek, and encamped about thirty yards from it. This day killed deer and turkies in our march. On the 6th we traveled about fourteen or fifteen miles, our general course being about east-south-east, killed plenty of game, and encamped by u very fine spring. The 7th our general course about south-east, traveled about six miles, and crossed Maskongom Creek, running south, about twenty yards wide. There is an Indian town about twenty yards from the creek, on the east side, which is called the Mingo Cabbins. There were but two or three Indians in the place, the rest were hunting. These Indians have plenty of cows, horses, hogs, &c. The 8th, halted at this town to mend our mogasons, and kill deer, the provisions I brought from Detroit being en- tirely expended. I went a-hunting with ten of the Ran- gers, and by ten o'clock got more venison than we had occasion for. On the 9th travelled about twelve miles, our general course being about south-east, and encamped by the side of a long meadow, where there were a number of Indians hunting. * Muskingum. Journals of Major Robert Rogers. 201 le, south le, south t, went a a mile, one mile, by-north, east two outh-east )ut eight )ut thirty :s in our en miles, led plenty , traveled :, running lian town de, which t two or These isons, and being en- the Ran- we had ir general the side f Indians ')' The 10th, about the same course, we travelled eleven miles, and encamped, having killed in our march this day three bears and two elks. The 1 2th, continuing near the same course, we travelled thirteen miles and encamped, where were a number of Wyandots and Six Nation Indians hunting. The 1 2th, travelled six miles, bearing rather more to the east, and encamped. This evening we killed several beaver. The 13th, travelled about north-east six miles, and came to the Delaware's town, called Beaver Town. This Indian town stands on good land, on the west side of the Mas- kongom River ; and opposite to the town, on the east side, is a fine river, which discharges itself into it. The latter is about thirty yards wide, and the Maskongom about forty; so that when they both join, they make a very fine stream, with a swift current, running to the south-west. There are about 3,000 acres of cleared ground round this place. The number of warriors in this town is about 180. All the way from the Lake Sandusky I found level land, and a good country. No pine-trees of any sort ; the timber is white, black and yellow oak, black and white walnut, Cyprus, chestnut, and locust trees; At this town I staid till the i6th in the morning to refresh my party, and pro- cured some corn of the Indians to boil with our venison. On the 1 6th we marched nearly an east course about nine miles, and encamped by the side of a small river. On the 17th kept much the same course, crossing sev- eral rivulets and creeks. We travelled about twenty miles, and encamped by the side of a small river. On the 1 8th we travelled about sixteen miles an easterly course, and encamped by a brook. The 19th, about the same general course, we crossed two considerable streams of water, and some large hills timbered with chestnut and oak, and having travelled about ' i Ki 1 II 202 Journals oj Major Robert Rogers, w\ twenty miles, we encamped by the side of a small river, at which place were a number of Delawares hunting. On the 20th, keeping still an easterly course, and having much the same travelling as the day before, we advanced on our journey about nineteen miles, which brought us to Beaver Creek, where are two or three Indian houses, on the west side of the creek, and in sight of the Ohio. Bad weather prevented our journeying on the 2ist, but the next day we prosecuted our march. Having crossed the creek, we travelled twenty miles, nearly south-east, and encamped with a party of Indian hunters. On the 23d we came again to the Ohio, opposite to Fort Pitt, from whence I ordered Lieut. M'Cormick to march the party across the country to Albany, and, after tarrying there till the 26th, I came the common road to Philadelphia, from thence to New York, where, after this long, fatiguing tour, I arrived February 14, 1761. 1 \ 1 1 i ) 1 1 b Li,. 1 APPENDIX A. Commission and Instructions of Sir William John- son, IN THE Command of Provincial Troops raised IN 1755, FOR THE Reduction of the French Fort AT Crown Point. Commission of Sir ff^illiam "Johnson , as Commander-in- Chief of the Provincial Forces raised for the Reduction of Crown Points ^•^ His Excellency William Shirley, Esq., Captain Geneial and Commander-in-Chief, in and over His Majesty's Province of the Massachusetts Bay in new England, and ihe Lands and Ter- ritories thereon depending ; Vice Admiral of the Same, and Colonel in His Majesty's Army. To William Johnson, Esq^, Greeting: Whereas by my messages on the 13th and 15th days of last February to his Majesty's Council and House of Representatives for the aforesaid Province, in Great and General Court Assembled, recommending to them to make provision for carrying on an attempt in conjunction with some of His Majesty's other neighbouring Governments, to erect a Strong fortress upon an Eminence near the French Fort at Crown Point, and other services in the said * Johnson MSS., i} 153. f i 204 Journals of Major Robert Rogers. Messages expressed : In answer to which the said the Houses of the aforesaid Assembly by their message to me, on the eighteenth of the same February, among other things therein contained, desired me forthwith to make the necessary preparations for such an expedition, to appoint and commissionate a general officer, to command the same, to advise His Majesty's other governments thereinafter mentioned, of the said designs, and in such manner as I should think most effectual, to urge them to join therein, and to raise their respective proportions of Men, as follows, vizt : New Hampshire, 600 ; Connecticut, lOOO ; Rhode Island, 400 ; New York, 800, or such larger proportions as each of t !ie said governments should think proper, and to cause twelf hundred men to be enlist d for the service of the Sd Expedition, as the proportion of the Province of Massachusetts Bay, as soon as it should appear that the three thousand men proposed to be raised by the aforesaid Colonies of New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island and New York, should be agreed to be raised. And whereas, in consequence of my aforesaid messages, recommendmg the said Expedition, and of the Resolves of the Assembly of Massachusetts Bay thereupon, (copies of both which I transmitted to the beforementioned four neighbouring Governments together with a letter to each of them, to join in the same, as proposed by the Assembly of the Massachusetts Bay ;) and nominally you to be the Commander-in-Chief of the Provincial Forces to be em- ployed in the said Expedition, the Governments of New York, New Hampshire, Connecticut and Rhode Island, have agreed to raise in the whole, 2,900 men, for His Majesty's Service in the said Expedition, which with 1,500 men since agreed to be raised for the aforesa'd service, by the Massachusetts Bay, will make up 4,100 men, and ac- quiesced in my nomination o^ you to be Commander-in- Chief of the said forces. aasTEsaiSsHSESSsHSsE 'S. said the »ge to me, jng other make the to appoint the same, lereinafter inner as I in therein, IS follows, ; Rhode iroportions roper, and he service rovince of r that the e aforesaid ode Island messages, .esolves of (copies of oned four er to each Assembly 1 to be the to be em- ;s of New >de Island, n, for His with 1,500 service, by ;n, and ac- mander-in- Journals of Major Robert Rogers. 205 And whereas, his Excellency Major General Braddock, Commander-in Chief of All His Majesty's Forces in North America, hath since approved of my appointment of you to the said command : Now reposing especial trust and con fidence in your fidelity, courage and good conduct, I do by Virtue of the authority to me granted in and by His Majesty's Royal Commission, under the Great seal of Great Britain, and in consequence of the several proceed- ings of the governments of the aforesaid colonies of New England and New York, and of the approbation of Major General Braddock, appoint you to be Major General and Commander-in-Chief of the Forces raised and to be raised, by the aforesaid five Governments, or any of them for the service of the aforesaid expedition, as also of such Indians as shall assist His Majesty in the same : You are there- fore to take upon you the command of the said Forces, and diligently to execute the duty and office of commander-in- chief of the said expedition, according to such instructions as you shall receive from me, bearing even date with these presents, and to follow such further orders as you shall from time to time receive from me, or any your superior officer herein : Hereby requiring all officers and soldiers em- ployed, or to be employed by the aforesaid five governments, in the said expedition, to obey you as their commander in- chief. Given under my Hand and Seal at arms, the i6th day of April, in the 28th year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord, George the Second, by the Gracp of God, of Great Britain, France and i.eland, King, De- fender of the Faith, etc., and in the year of our Lord Christ, 1755. W. SHIRLEY. By His Excellency's command, Wm. Alexander, Secretary pro hac vice. w^ > *i 206 'Journals of Majbr Robert Rogers. \ A commission was also issued by Lieutenant Governor James De Lancey, of New York, of substantially the same import.* Instructions from Governor Shirley to General Sir JVilliam Johnson in his Expedition against the French at Crown Point. ■\ By his Excellency, William Shirley, Esq., Captain General and Commander-in-Chief in and over the Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New England and of the Lands and Territories thereon depending, Vice Admiral of the Same, and Colonel in His Majesty's army. To William Johnson, Esq., Grketing Whereas by my commission dated this day, under my seal at arms, I have appointed you to be Major General and Commander-in-chief, of the forces now raising by the said Goverment of the Massachusetts Bay, New York, New Hampshire, Connecticut and Rhode Island, for an expedition against the French incroachments at Crown Point and upon the Lake Champlain, as also of such Indians as shall assist in the service of the above expedi- tion i I do hereby give you the following Instructions and Orders for the regulation of your conduct. istly. You are to engage as soon as possible as many of the Indians of the Six Nations, as you can in the aforesaid service, upon the .encouragement proposed to be given them by the aforesaid colonies ; as also those ordered by his Excellency's Major General Braddock to be given them * Johnson MSS., 1, 154. I Johnson MSS., i, 152. I'fSlkMUfU f. jovernor the same IVilliam It Crown , Captain and over Bay in territories he Same, •TING ; inder my General ng by the ;w York, id, for an Crown such expedi- ions and r Ul many of laforesaid »e given Id e red by Ten them yournals of Major 'Robert Rogers, 207 in his Majesty's name, and you are to appoint such officer to lead and conduct the said Indians as you shall judge for his Majesty's service. idly. When you shall have finished your aforesaid business with the Indians, you are to repair to the city of Albany, and there wait the arrival of the forces to be employed in the aforesaid expedition and as soon as such number of them shall arrive as you shall judge sufficient for the service, you are to proceed with the train of artillery and ordnance stores provided for the expedition under convoy to Crown Point, clearing as you pass along a practicable road for the transportation of them, and the other stores and to cause such strong houses and places of security to be erected as shall be required to serve for Magazines of stores, places of Shelter for the men in their march, and return to and from the said city of Albany ; and you are to leave the necessary orders for such of the said forces as shall not be arrived at the time of your departure from Albany, to follow you to Crown Point as soon as may be. 3^/v. Upon your arrival at Crown Point, you are to cause one or more Batteries to be erected upon the rocky eminence nigh Fort St. Frederick, or as near as may be to the said forr upon the most advantageous ground for commanding the same, and to point the said Battery or Batteries against th? said Fort, rnd in case you shall Meet with any resis- I Micp in tiie erecting of said Battery or Batteries, from the iiS'jarrison oi' Fort Frederick, you are to attack the same ; I'd ise vour utmost efforts to dislodge the French Garrison, 1. 1 take possession thereof. 4*/'; V. In case you shall not be interrupted or annoyed by the French in erecting the said Batteries, then, as soon as you shall have finished the same you are to send a summons to the Commandant of Fort St. Frederick, re- ! ( 2o8 yournals of Major Robert Rogers. :■ I quiring him foithwith to retire with the garrison under his command from the same as being an encroachment upon his Majesty's territories, within the Country belonging to the Indians of the Six Nations, and erected contrary to the Treaty of Utrecht, made between the Crowns of Great Britain and France, whereby the Indians of the then Six Nations are expressly declared to be subject to the Crown of Great Britain ; and in case the the said commandant shall upon such summons, refuse or neglect to evacuate the same, you are to compel him to do it by force of arms, and to break up all the French settlements which you shall find near the said fort, or upon the lake Champlain. rthjy. If you should succeed in your attempt against i .t. Frederick, you are immediately upon becoming ma. r cf it, to strengthen yourself therein, and erect such works, as, with the advice of a Council of War which you shall summon for that purpose, you shall think necessary to preserve that important post ; and you are to put into it such a garrison, as you shall judge sufficient to maintain the same. But as the said Fort may not be situated in the most convenient or advantageous place for securing the possession of that Country to the English, you are by your- self and your officers to survey and examine the several places upon the Lake Champlain, and to find out such other places as you and a Council of War shall judge best to answer that purpose, of which you are to give me im- mediate notice, with vour and the Council's reasons for making the choice of the place you shall agree upon, that I may be enabled to give the necessary orders for fortifying the same. (ithly. You are to give me a regular and constant account, from time to time, of what you do, in the discharge of the trust reposed in you, ^which you are to transmit by express to me wherever I shall happen to be. TS. n under his iment upon nging to the ) the Treaty reat Britain Six Nations irn of Great shall upon : same, you nd to break 11 find near npt against 1 becoming 1 erect such • which you k necessary 3 put into it naintain the ated in the ecuring the ire by your- the several id out such judge best ive me im- reasons tor upon, that )r fortifying int account, large of the by express Journals of Major Kobert Rogers. 209 jthfy. You are by means of the Indians, or any other means, to procure the best intelligence you can of the designs and motions of the French, the number of any Body of Troops they may employ to oppose you, or any other of the King's forces, all which you are to communi- cate to me from time to time. Htbfy. You are to acquaint the Indians of the Six Nations, if you shall judge it, from the temper vou find them in, proper to do so, with his Majesty's design to recover the lands upon the Niagara and upon the Ohio River out of the hands of the French, and to protect them against future incroachments for the benefit of their tribes and to encourage some of them to meet me at Oswego, in order to assist me thereto, upon such services as I shall order rhem to go upon ; assuring them of my good dis- position towards their several castles, and that they shall be generously entertained by me. Lastly. You are to use your discretion in acting for the good of his Majesty's Service, consistant with the instruc- tions before given you in the business committed to your charge, in any matters concerning which you have no particular instructions given you ; acquainting me con- stantly with your doing there, as soon as possible. Given under my hand ye sixteenth day of June, 1755. W. SHIRLEY. "Lake St. Sacrament, 29th Aug., 1755. " Sir : We arrived here yesterday evening and made a temporary encampment in which we continue. We found no ground cleared but we are about it. However until Capt. Eyre comes up, a place for a fort fixed on, a more regular encampment made, and ground laid out for the use 21 o Journals of Major Robert Rogers. of the army (all which I hope will be done in a day or two), I must beg you will not move. I would wish the heavy artillery to come along while the weather is dry, but not the stores till you come. A working party must set out a little before to repair the road in those places where it may require. I think 50 men for the guard, 25 working for the road, and 25 to cover them will be sufficient, as I have sent out this morning reconnoitering parties several ways. " You will take care the waggons now sent return as soon as possible. Upon their return, 1 shall dispatch them back to you and send orders for your Marching. " I am sir, your most humble servant, Wm. Johnson. Tfl Alaj. Gen. Lyman, *•' You must keep a good look out upon the Waggoners or they will desert. If attempted, make an example." ill APPENDIX B. Settlement of the Claims of Major Rogers upon THE Provincial Government of New Hampshire. Entry in the 'Journal of Council and House. June 5, 1761. '*• The Memorial of Maj. Robert Rogers setting forth that in the year 175^, he was ordered to remain with a company at Fort William Henry during the Winter of Hi ri. "journals of Major Robert Rogers. 211 1 a day or d wish the is dry, but y must set aces where 25 working [icient, as I ties several it return as patch them fOHNSON. aggoners or ble." GERS UPON MPSHIRE. ie 5, 1761. etting forth nain with a Winter of 1755, and till the spring of 1756, &c., for which he nor his Company had received any allowance, and prays the Consideration of the General Assembly that they would set a time for him to produce his vouchers, &c., read and sent down." House 'Journal^ June 26, 1761. " The Memorial of Major Robert Rogers and the Muster roll of his Company therein referred to with the certificates thereto relating, read, and Major Rogers being admitted into the House by his desire said what he had to say in order to inforce his Memorial and retired. " The House took the matter under Consideration im- mediately, and it being after twelve o'clock, a. m., and the House being informed they were to be prorogued this fore- noon, and there being no time for a mature deliberation and debates thereon, and Major Rogers not having his vouchers with him to support his Memorial, he was ordered into the House, and by the Speaker was told the minds of the House, viz : — That the House was ready to do every thing in regard to his Memorial that consisted with Honour and Strict Justice, and that if he had paid any Moneys to any of his Company as therein represented, he must produce the vouchers therefor, and then the House would im- mediately proceed on the consideration of his Memorial ; but untill that was done and as the House was to be im- mediately prorogued, they could not with any propriety act thereon now, and then was ordered to withdraw."* On the 25th of January, 1763, Major Rogers again memorialized the House, and on the 28th, he was admitted, and presented his Roll for a company of men in the service of the colony in 1756, at Fort William Henry, and swore to the same. Finally, on the ist of February, 1763, an * Ntw Ham fs Aire Provincial Papers ; vi, 790, 794, i t 2 1 2 Journals of Major Robert Rogers, allowance of .£235 lis. g^d. sterling, was granted for 43 men, in the winter in which this service was rendered.* The Muster Roll of the New Hampshire Company commanded by Capt. Robert Rogers, left by order of a council of war held at Lake George in November, 1755, in connection with commissions appointed for several prov- inces of New England, to garrison the forts in the winter of 1755, and under the command of Col. Jonathan Bagley, Esq., from the 25th of November, 1755, to June 6 in- clusive, is given in Report of the Adjutant General of New Hampshire for 1866, vol. 11, p. 156. Four names on the roll were those of Indians, their pay was £15 per month, old tenor. At the council of war above mentioned, it was promised that four hundred and fifty men, officers included, should be immediately enlisted or drafted out of the troops then in camp to be employed during the winter to garrison Fort Edward and Fort William Henry, for which they promised both officers and men that their pay should be continued until they were relieved and the commissioners further promised that they would lay the affairs before the General Assembly of the several governments represented, imme- diately after their return home, for their consideration, for the allowance of a bounty for each man who should then remain. A memorial of Capt. Rogers addressed to Lord Am herst, and endorsed under date of May 23, 1760, presents his claim for £486 19;. id., lawful money of the Province, for services rendered in the winter of 1755-6, with his company, t * New Hamptkirt Provimial Papers, vi, 86l, 865, 866 ; Adjutant General'i Report, New Hamp., 1866, 11, 157. f Johnton MSS., xxiv, 84, 86. rs, ued for 43 rendered.* Company order of a jber, 1755, :veral prov- the winter lan Bagley, June 6 in- :ral of New Lmes on the per month, as promised ided, should troops then irrison Fort ey promised : continued lers further the General ited, imme- leration, for ihould then Lord Am 5o, presents e Province, 6, with his Ijutant GeneraPi Journals of Major Robert Rogers, 213 In answer to inquiries from Lord Amherst, Sir William Johnson replied : '* With regard to Major Roger's affair, my memory does not serve me to recollect particulars of the agreement between him and the Commissioners, but this I know that I recommended him, that he served, and I think he ought to be paid."* Again in writing Jan. 26, 1760, he says: "I think Rogers has done very well, as he merits y' Excellency's approbation, and I hope Lieut. Holmes will also succeed."! APPENDIX C. Extracts from Correspondence and Documents, RELATING TO MaJOR RoGERS' CoNDUCT AT MlCHILI- MACKINAC, IN I 766-8. It will be seen from the following extracts, that Major Rogers, on his return from England, soon after the publica- tion of his *' Journals," and the " Concise Account," etc., was appointed commandant of the Military Post at Mishi- limackinac, under orders from England, and sadly against the better judgment of Sir William Johnson, whose keen perception of character in this instance was most fully vin- dicated in the result. Finding this however a matter which he could not prevent this sagacious superintendent of Indian Affairs, lost no time in endeavoring to control Rogers in the * yobnson MSS., xxiv, 87. ■j- Johnton MSS., xxiv, 93. • ( I 'i J l( 214 Journals of Major Robert Rogers, best manner he was able, by tying him up in the instructions, and limiting to narrow limits, his authority to incur expense. He repeatedly and forcibly expresses in the very I; -ginning, his utter distrust of the man's principles, and fitness for the post, and declares that however well qualified he might have shown himself to be as a Ranger, he was lacking in judgment, as well as honesty, and wholly untrust- worthy in the management of accounts. In his previous employment in the western country, while still a pro- vincial officer, he had engaged in Indian trade, and he foresaw that as commandant on a remote and impor- tant trading post, he would inevitably get engaged in speculation, either directly or indirectly, to the detriment of the public service, and the general interests of the Indian trade. It appears that the conduct of Major Rogers, while in transient authority at Oswego, on his way up the lakes, had led an official to remark, that he considered him- self " not bound by instructions, unless they conformed to his own interests ;" and he lost no time in following up this loose maxim of policy, as opportunities presented. Major Rogers' instructions were dated January 10, 1766. He was a short time in the summer following, at Oswego, and on the 23d of July of that year, was present at an Indian Conference held at that place. He probably reached Michilimackinac, in the month of August. The following letters and documents, are now, in part, for the first time published, and will show his management of affairs, in a station to which, under better counsels, he would never have been appointed. They are arranged somewhat out of their order of time, to present the subject in its proper relations, and are chiefly extracts from letters and documents embracing information upon other subjects i.ere omitted. hi: * Journals of Major Robert Rogers. 215 itructions, r expense, -ginning, ;ss for the he might IS lacking untrust- previous ill a pro- , and he id impor- igaged in detriment the Indian r Rogers, 'ay up the ered him- brmed to owing up ited. 10, 1766. Oswego, an Indian reached m part, nagement nsels, he arranged e subject m letters subjects Sir fVilliam Johnson to General Thomas Gage.* [Private.] * * * " Touching your last favor : I must own it Surprised Me a good deal, to find the papers for some time past, filled with Governor Rogers and his Great Ap- pointments. '* He was a Soldier in my army in 1755, and as we were in great want of active men at that time, his readiness re- commended him so far to me, that I made him an ofiicer, and got him continued in the Ranging service, where he soon became puffed up with pride and folly, from the ex- travagant enconiums and notices of some of the provinces. This spoiled a good Ranger, for he was fit for nothing else — neither has nature calculated him for a large Com- mand in that service. He has neither Understanding or principles, as I could sufficiently shew. The character you have given him is exceedingly just, and I am astonished that the government should have thought of such an em- ployment for him : but since it is so, 1 am of opinion he should be tied up in such a manner as shall best prevent him from doing mischief; and I wish I could well point out how it is to be effected. I apprehend it will chiefly depend on the words of his commission, or appointment-. If he is appointed Commandant of Michilimackinac, and a Deputy Agent of Indian Affairs in ihat quarter, under the Superintendent, and bound by his orders, (except where those of Commander-in-chief for the time being, interfere), in every thing relating thereto, and obliged to transmit regular reports from time to time, of all transactions, I think he will not have it in his power, to do so much harm as otherwise — but to prevent him from doing any, is impossible, for he has been concerned in trade, during the * Johnson MSS, xil, 2Z. Dated January 23, 1766. 20 H 2 1 6 journals of Major Robert Rogers, time he was in the service, and will again, with those of his connections in that Quarter, where, by his being Com- mandant, he will have it in his power to confine the trade in a great degree to himself and friends; — neither can I think he would stick at saying anything to the Indians, to effect any of his purposes. " The like objection will be against him if appointed for any other place I wish the Government w ' revise the case, and put him on full pay, or give him . ..e little ap- pointment as a Barrack Master, Fort Major, &c., of which there will doubtless be some establishment. In such offices, it would be out of his power to do harm, either in accounts or otherwise ; but as Commandant and Indian Agent, it will be extremely difficult to check him, or detect him. If, after all, nothing else can be thought on, I shall, on your being pleased to signify to me the power contained in his commission, lay before you such articles, as may in some measure tye up his hands — for I presume he may not be sent out for his post this winter. In the meantime, as I observed before; the only thing to be done at present is, to point out from whom he i *o take his orders respecting Indian affairs, the channel ugh which his reports are to be transmitted, ard to lim.. ..» expenses to pipes, tobacco, and a little liquor, unless when he may be ordered to meet any body of Indians ; but not of him- self, to incur any other expenses, or to assemble or treat with the Indians ; and whenever they shall address him to send a faithful copy of his speeches, and to take care of all their Belts, Calumets, etc." * Instructions to Major Robert Rogers^ Commandant of the Post of Michilimackinac* " His Majesty's pleasure having been signified to me, that you should be appointed^to the command of Michilimackinac, * Jobnion MSS., Xii, lO. i t i!i< j:;,; ; ■■^] f. Journals of Major Robert Rogers. 217 those of ing Com- ihe trade ler can I ndians, to ointed for revise the little ap- , &c., of In such , either in [id Indian k him, or lought on, the power h articles, I presume In the :o be done take his ugh which » expenses n he may ot of him- e or treat ss him to care of all 'ant of the to nie, that imackinac, or some other post in the upper country, I do by these presents, appoint vou to he Captain Commandant of the Garrison of Michiiimackinac, and you are hereby authorized to take the command of the said garrison, and the officers and soldiers that compose the same are required to obey you as their commanding officer. You are therefo:e to take the said charge uoon you, and carefully and diligently to discharge the duty thereof, by doing and performing all and all manner of things thereunto belonging. And you are to observe and follow such orders and directions as you shall from time to time receive from his Majesty, myself, or any other your superior officer, according to the rules and discipline of war. And for your better guidance and direction, in the great trust reposed in you, you are here- with furnished with such orders as have been given out, during my command, to the officers commanding posts, to which you will pay due attention and obedience ; I can't recommend too strongly to you, the strictest economy in the small expenses that may un;i oidably be incurred at this post now put under your command. But nothing new or chargeable, must upon any account, be undertaken by you, of your own head. As in the course of your command, you must necessarily have some intercourse with the Savages. I have thought proper in this particular^ to put you under the direction of Sir William Johnson, Bart. His Majesty's sole agent and Superintendent of the Northern Indians, and he will furnish you with proper instructions for your guidance in your transactions with the Indians, who reside near, and may visit the said post of Michilimacknac, to which, and all such future orders as he may judge necessary to send you, upon this subject^ you are to pay the strictest attention and obedience. You will as frequently as possible report to the officer commanding at Detroit, under whose immediate command .:'■< 2 1 8 'Journals of Major Robert Rogers. you are, — (Michilimackinac being a post dependant thereon,) the state of the troops under your command, sending the proper returns and acquainting him of every occurrence re- lative to the better conducting His Majesty's affairs in that country, that you shall think it necessary he should be in- formed of. You will likewise correspond with Sir William Johnson, giving him notice of every thing you shall think worthy his knowledge, relative to the conduct and temper of the Indians. "Given, etc., New York, loth January, 1766." *' Sir fVilliam Johnson to Major Moncrieffe Gage.^ "Johnson Hall, Jan. 30, 1766. " Dear Sir, Major Rogers delivered me your favor of ♦he 20th inst., by which I am surprised to find that my letter of July was three months on the road. Indeed, the irregularity of the Posts, and miscarriages of letters are become very frequent of late, and a subject of general com- plaint from most of my correspondents. " I have known Major Rogers ever since r 755, and should be glad the Government had made a better or more adapted appointment for him. As Michilimackinack is pointed out, he must go there, where I hope he will act a proper part, prove of service to the public and extricate himself out of his difficulties, and deserve a better character than the public has for some time bestowed upon him, the partic- ulars and causes of which you are so well acquainted * Johmon MSS., xii, 2/. ii i t ^nm m Journals of Major Robert Rogers. 219 hereon,) ding the ence re- s in that Id be in- William all think 1 temper 766." tge- 1766. favor of that my leed, the :ters are ral com- d should ; adapted ited out, )cr part, f out of han the e partic- quainted with, that I need say no more than to assure you that \ our recommendation will always have due weight with me.* '*I heartily thank you for your honest remarks and candid sentiments on our American disputes. They have been always mine, and I trust we shall never differ in opinion thereon. The unconstitutional steps pursued to obtain a constitutional redress, can hardly be parallelled, and I fear they have kindled a fire which all their engines may not extinguish, not withstanding all the paper puffs, and the distresses which they threaten Great Britain. f If I could find one instance of patriotic disinterestedness and modera- tion — of respect for the Crown and its officers and un- prejudiced sentiments of liberty I should esteem them ; but when long experience induces me to think that opposition and bravado are their darling passions, I cannot but condemn their doctrine, and I shudder at the licentiousness it might introduce.! ^ country without fleet, army, or even * In the original draft, in place of the preceding sentence the following had been written and then erased : '' I am sorry to say, he does not appear much esteemed, for it gives me a sensible pain to find a useful active man, struggling under the disadvantages of distress, and i bad name, and he would have done much better, if not exalted too much by the people here, who appear now foremost in debasing him." t In the original draft, the followinij had been here written and erased : " I am nut friend to any act which may bring diHiculty or distress on a free people; but I love the British Constitution, and would not add t:ioo a year to my estate, to produce the smallest diminution of the Bricish Rights, I love a monarchy, such as England is, but not such as they would make it. I This passage as first written, in the original draft, and then partly erased, was as follows : " But when I know by long experience, by good information, and even from their own Mstory, that it ii not liberty but faction they court, and that their sentiments and conduct so strongly resembles that of those who once overcast the British Constitution, I shudder at the licentiousness they would introduce; and if they were absolved from all British tyes, cannot but consider them as a prey for the Tint mvitime power, or rather as fallen to the share of all the .marUime powers in Eurape." h ' 2 20 Journals of Major Robert Rogers. numbers equal to the smallest Kingdom, and they too, scattered over an extensive tract of country, with few sea ports, and those few, with all their commerce, liable to be totally obstructed by the smallest squadron, must certainly fall a sacrifice if left to themselves, to one, or other, or all the maritime powers, which makes me astonished at the extravagant speeches I daily hear (no doubt brought from good authority) of their strength and resolutions. In a country where we are denied the liberty of altering our thoughts, it is scarcely Safe to say much, and I can say little further than to express my wish that moderation may become more in esteem, and thai nc public may at length be convinced by serious reflection, that their violent conduct is in no wise calculated for procuring them redress, or esteem from the mother country. I sincerly thank you for all your good wishes, and if you approve of my senti- ments, shall expect a continuance of your friendly corres- pondence. '* Be assured of my unalterable esteem, of my best wishes for your prosperity, and that I am Dear Moncrieffe, your Sincere Friend, " William Johnson." Letter from Major Robert Rogers to Sir IVilliam Johnson* New York, February 14, 1776. ** Sir : 1 have received orders from General Gage for taking command of the troops and garrison at Michilimakina, a copy of which orders Mr. Croghan will forward to you with this letter. I hope for your approbation, and that I shall have your assistance for anv thing that may offer, that is in your Department, as I shall ever be happy to receive, so I shall take pleasure in obeying your commands. I ■ ♦ * Johnson MSS., xii, 40. I ' ^m^ms^f^. Journals of Major Robert Rogers. 221 shall send up my Journals* for your perusal, by the Post. The Packet is hourly expected, should she bring any in- telligence worthy your notice, I shall do myself the honour to communicate it to you. The London Papers inform that your son had the honour of a knighthood conferred upon him at his arrival in London. " I am with great Respect, Sir, your most Obedient and most Humble Servant, Robert Rogers." Benjamin Roberts to Sir IVilliam Johnson.^ Ontario. [Oswego] July 3, 1766. *' The traders applied to me here to procure liberty to remain on the other side of the river, where they were stationed by Capt. Fuller. I spoke to Captain Rogers to let them remain, but he said he had orders from General Gage to have them at this side the river, I offered to shew him my order from general where all orders con- cerning Indian affairs were to be obeyed, and that your direction to the Smith was to settle at that side, and I im- agined you intended the trade should be there, but t'was all to no purpose. " I have taken the liberty to mention this to you, as I find he thinks that he is not to obey any orders that don't come directly from the general, least I may meet with any difficulty by others being of the same npinion. I have known as such difficulties, to arise in other departments, till a general order cleared all doubts." * Probably referring to the volume printed in London in 1765, which we here republish. f JoAntoi MSS., XII, 23*. I "M 222 Journals of Major Robert Rogers. Sir IVilliam Johnson to General Gage.* Johnson Hall, September ii, 1767. " Tho' I wrote to you a few days ago by Mr. Croghan, yet I could not avoid saying something again on the score of the vast expenses incurred, and as I understand still in- curring at Michilimackinac, chiefly on the pretense of making a peace between the Sioux and Chipeweighs, with which I think we have very little to do, in good policy or otherwise. By letters I have this day received from Capt. Claas, I find that further drafts on me have been shown to him at Montreal, to the amount of £1100, and I hear the whole exceeds £5000. In short, from the several accounts I have received, I am induced to think there must be some particular motive for this Expense, and indeed the method practiced in conducting affairs there, tends to strengthen that opinion. The Traders have been vastly indulged to procure their esteem, but are nevertheless very importu- nate for their money, and J am at a loss what to say to them upon it, for expenses seem to have been made, and Indians called, purely to show authority and gain repu- tation. The business was given into the hands of the Com- missary with a bad grace, and much has been done to draw the latter into large expenses, which however he is suffi- ciently armed against by his instructions as was also the Major. Upon the whole, I have reason to apprehend something more than common is in view, (which may not be a matter of Surprise to you), and I should have given the Secretary of State a hint of it, so that at least he might be sent some where else, but that 1 would not do it with- out your knowledge and approbation." * Johmon MSS.,xv, 63; Doc. Hist., N. Y., 11, 863. Sec letter of Sir William Johnson to the Earl of Shelburn, dated Oct. z6, 1767, on a subse- quent page. Also the letter of* General Gage to Johnson, dated Oct. 21, 1767. Journals of Major Robert Rogers. 223 1767. >oghan, he score still in- tense of rhs, with policy or >m Capt. shown to hear the accounts ; be some e method trersgthen idulged to importu- to say to lade, and in repu- le Com- to draw is suffi- also the jprehend may not ve given le might 5 it with- letter of Sir on a subse- d Oct. z%, t( General Gage to Sir William Johnson.* New York, September 21, 1767. With respect to the Commander at Missilimakinak, I could devise no better means to stop his proceedings, and put an immediate end to all the mischiefs he may create, than to remove him immediately from his command. I have therefore done this, and ordered him to meet Mr. Crogan at Detroit ; at which place my letter to Supercede him in the command of Missilimakinak will be delivered to him.f The bills which he has thought proper to draw to so great an amount, pretended to have been incurred on a trifling affair, undertaken solely by his own authority, the expence of it by the same powers only, contrary to the orders and instructions given him by you as well as by me, must be protested ; and I acquaint him that they are pro- tested, and will not be paid. I have send orders that he shall return no more to Missilimakinak, or be permitted to hold any conferences publick or private, with any of the Indian Nations, and to watch his motions very narrowly. Of all this you will take no notice for some time to come, * Johnson MSS., xv, 63. Doc. Hist., N. Y., 11, 863. Sec letter from Sir William Johnson to the Earl of Shelburne, dated Oct. 26, 1767, on a tub- sequent page, also letter of Gen. Gage to Johnson, dated Oct. 22, 1767. t Mr. George Croghan in writing to Sir William [ohnson from New York, Sept. 14, 1767, says: The General [Gage] is much displeased with \fajor Rogers, but I have not had time yet to tallc with him on that subject. But from what he has said, I iind he wishes he had never been sent there. — [Johnson MSS., xv, 66.] In writing from Philadelphia, Sept. 25, 1767, he again says : " The General spoke to me about Rogers, and asked my opinion about him which I gave, and the General has sent by me orders to get him down to Detroit, and from thence down here, which the General has no doubt wrote your honor fully about the plan fixed for getting him down the country and which I will en- deavor to execute with as much prudence as in my power." — [Joknton MSS. XV, 89]. See also MSS., xv, 158, 160, 196; xvi, 55, 65, 144, 177; xix, 143. jnrrT] 224 Journals of Major Robert Rogers. I have wrote very fully to Lieut. Roberts to send the fullest information upon every part of his conduct, and given orders to the officers to assist him in his inquiries." Sir IVilliam Johnson to General Gage.* (Private), Johnson Hall, October 22, 1767. " Dear Sir : On my return I found a pacquet Just arrived from Montreal, inclosing me the depositions of Mr. Potter, taken before the Chief Justice of Quebec, relative to Major Roger's Schemes and conduct, a copy of which, I am informed, has been sent to you, and also that Potter is gone to England on that occasion. The Deposition is long, and with the other papers trans- mitted (one of which is a Letter to my Deputy, Lieut. Johnson) fully shew his views and confirm the strong suspicions we had before entertained concerning him. It appears to me necessary that the Government should be fully informed of these particulars, and you will doubtless agree with me, concerning the necessity there appears for preventmg him from putting his resolutions into practice, or eluding the plan you proposed for bringing him from thence. He is a weak vain man ; and however romantick his scheme may appear, I believe him capable of under- taking it, or in short any thing else and in the present state of affairs, should he escape, he might, I am certain, give us some trouble. The Traders there tho' ignorant of his particular project, begin to be greatly aiaimed on account of their persons and propertys, from some discoveries they have made, and my * Jo Anton MSS., xv, 105 j Doc. Hist,, N. Y., 11, 883. < , 1 , 1 ! m journals of Major Robert Rogers. 225 send the luct, and [uiries." , 1767- 1st arrived Ir. Potter, elative to • which, I t Potter is opinion is, that as he now knows he is discovered, he will be driven thro' dispair, and that he will leave the Garrison immediately, having concerted a plan with those seduced to follow his fortunes, and I am given to understand, with the assistance of some Indians, to plunder the Traders and go down the iMississippi, or put some of the rest of his plan in execution. Potter with great difficulty escaped from his clutches and got to Montreal, hut on the presumption that you will have received all informations hereon, I will add no more, but beg to be favored with your answer as soon as con venient :, and as my present hurry will not allow me to send copies, should they not be come to your hands, I shall send them in my next." pers trans- ity, Lieut, he strong ning him. should be doubtless ppears for practice, him from romantick of under- esent state in, give us "lar project, lersons and le, and my Sir IVilliam Johnson to the Earl of Shelburne. * Johnson Hall, Oct. 26, 1767. " My Lord : I think it an essential part of my duty to lay before your Lordship the particulars of a very ex- traordinary discovery made of the intentions of Major Robert Rogers, Commander of Mishilimacinac, to cor- roborate which, I transmit to your Lordship the enclosed letter and deposition. This gentleman has been known to me since 1755, when finding him an active man, I raised hint to the rank of a Provincial officer, and employed him on scouting service, there being very few people to be had fit for the purpose. He has since been advanced by several of the Commanders-in-chief, for his alertness in that way, but having mis spent his money, and being reduced in 1763, he was, since recommended by his Majesty's ministers to J * Johnson MSS., xv, N. Y. Colonial Hist., vii, 988. r\\ \i ' 226 Journals of Major Robert Rogers General Gage, to be appointed to his present command, and to act under my direction in Indian Affairs at that post. From very strong suspicions which tiow appear well grounded, I took care by the advice of General Gage, to give him very little powers with regard to Ind'n manage- ment or expenses there,* the General and myself well knowing the man, the heavy debts he had incurred, and reasonably concluding he ought not to be entrusted with much authority. Some particulars which I had early dis- covered, contributed to the discovering a villainous cor- respondence. One letter (of which the enclosed is a copy) of this, would have been earlier laid before your Lordship, but that notwithstanding the motives we had to suspect him, it was nevertheless judged best to wait for stronger proofs, least he might have denied his assent to ye proposals, which we could not then sufficiently disprove — by which means he must have been acquitted i and left perhaps to do much mischief, as he would be furnished with sufficient caution to prevent the future discovery of his designs. Soon after his arrival at his post, I was informed of his assembling numbers of Indians,t of secret conferences which he held, at which he suffered none to be present of the garrison,— of extraordinary titles he gave himself; ect. To prevent which, with the advice of the Commander in Chief,! I appointed and sent a commissary there§ for the * Johnson in writing to Gen. Gage, May 20, 1767, says : " I have received and forwarded the order, respecting the Cloaths remaining at the posts, and shall write to Major Rogers to incur no more Expenses as you desire." — Jobnson MSS., xiv, 189 ; Doc. Hist., N. T., 11, 855. f See Instructions for Mr. Deriver, sent by Rogers to negotiate with the Indians, dated Sept. 2, 1766. — 'Johnson's MSS., xui, 74. J Letter dated January 25, 1767, in which Gen. Gage lays : " Michili- mackinak seems to be the most material post we have, and certainly more necessary for a commissary thw any other." — Doc, Hist., N, T., 11, 837. \ Lieut. Benjamin Roberts. command, lirs at that ppear well i\ Gage, to 'n manage- lyself well curred, and rusted with 1 early dis- ainous cor- d is a copy) r Lordship, to suspect or stronger e proposals, —by which perhaps to h sufficient signs. med of his conferences present of nself; ect. nmander in re§ for the have received the posts, and ^ou desire."— otiate with the IS : '* Michili- certainly more ,, II, 837. Journals of Major Robert Rogers. 227 management of Indian Affairs, previous to whose arrival, Rogers had incurred a considerable expense, to the amount of several thousands,* and since gave drafts for the same on the Department for Indian Affairs, thefjretence alledged on account of part of this expense was to purchase a peace with the Chippawaes, of Lake Superior, and part of the Siouxf, as mentioned in my last, — a peace calculated to serve the purpose of a few Traders, who could not range the country at will, if a variance subsisted between these Tribes, although such variance in no wise affected any other of the Traders, or other his Majesty's Subjects, but should have been as good policy connived at, as it diverted some of the most dangerous Indians from concerting any thing to ye general prejudice. * Sir William Johnson in writing to General Gage, Sept. 6, 1767, says : "I left the Springs sooner than I should have done on account of some letters, etc., transmitted to me by Lt. Johnson, which were received from the frontiers, and from some accounts received from the Indians which I don't much like. On my arrival at Albany, I was surrounded by people with drafts drawn on me by Major Rogers to a very considerable amount Those I have already seen, come to between £2,000 and £3,000. I must defer saying any thing further on this subject for the present, but referring you to Mr. Croghan for other particulars, conclude, with assuring, etc." — jfobrtscn MSS., xv, 58 ; Doc. Hist., N. Y., 11,863. Several of these bills are preserved among the Johnson MSS., viz.: From Aug. 8, to Sept. 20, 1766, £290 55. 3^/. (MSS., xiii, 89.) From Sept. 21, 1766 to Feb. i, 1767, 429 131. 6J. (MSS., xiv, 42.) From Feb. i, to May 23, 1767, 212 191. 6d. (MSS., xiv, 193.) See also an answer to a Trader's petition concerning goods advanced to Major Rogers, dated Jan. 7, 1767 (MSS., xiv, 7). Letter from Major Rogers to Sir William Jphnson, dated Aug. 14, 1767, relating to the payment of accounts (MSS., xv, 31). Letter from Joseph Howard, of Montreal, Oct. 25, 1767, to Sir William Johnson, strongly urging his claims for pay for goods delivered to Major Rogers (MSS., xv, 114). f See letter to General Gage, dated Sept. 11, 1767. N '^;i 1 1 228 Journals of Major Robert Rogers. The bulk of the expence however which he incured, was evidently calculated to acquire a name and influence amongst the Indians,* for his preconcerted purposes, and of this, the Traders themselves latterly were suspicious, for although his toleration to them to do what they pleased, at first proved highly agreeable and induced them to accept his drafts for the payment of large sums, yet as he has since drawn so much, has employed so many persons under extravagant promises, and given them rank and powers to go with large Cargoes of goods amongst all the nations. The Traders begin to take the alarm, and from a knowledge of his vanity, and extravagant schemes^, (tho' ignorant of the material part), are now in the utmost consternation about the safety of their persons and prop- eriys. As he is a very illiterate man, he found it necessary to engage some person to do business for him, and accordingly the deponent. Potter, has, on the promise of a handsome allowance, followed his fortune for some time past, How he came to make the discovery of Roger's designs will ap- pear from the deposition which corroborates the particulars which came to the General's, and my knowledge. He has since insulted the Commissary, and interfered with him in his duty, f *nd ^^^ General has taken Measures * Letter from Daniel Ciaus to Sir fVilllam 'Johnson. Montreal, i6th October, 1766. " By the last account from Miehilimackina, Major Rogers was arrived there. and immediately without hesitation, gave a general permit to all Traders to g 1 wintering, for which he is vastly liked and applauded here. The Traders that came from there told me also that his behaviour towards the Indains was likel and approved of by them, as well as the people of the place." — jfohmon /l/.V.V. XIII. 134. I See Letter of Sir William Johnson to General Gage, dated Oct. 30, 1767, on a subsequent page. s. Journals of Major Robert Rogers. 229 le incured, 1 influence poses, and suspicious, ivhat thcv uced them ims, yet as so many them rank innongst all alarm, and t schemes, the utmost and prop- ecessary to iccordingly handsome St, How he ns will ap- particulars edge. He fered with Measures tober, 1766. s arrived thf re. Traders to gn e Traders tlut ains was likei Johnson JilSS. ated Oct. 30, for withdrawing him from thence. * It only remains for me to add thereon, that as his case is now become desperate by Potter's having abandoned his interest, I apprehend he will not wait the General's dispatches, but leave the place, and take some Measures agreable to his own character, which from the present alarming situation of Indian Affairs, may be attended with ill consequences to the public. The dangerous precedent which he has set to the Indians there, on the article of expense will be productive of much trouble to those who succeed him in the Manage- ment of Indian Affairs there, and indeed I cannot avoid observing, that the Indian accounts are greatly inflamed, through the present iri-^gular state of their affairs, and that if, as it was once intended, the Superintendant has orders to procure a certain quantity of articles, for presents, etc., at the Cheapest rates in England, the Indians would be better served, and contented, than at present, when goods are obliged to be brought up in haste, bad in quality, and at the most advanced prices, to answer sudden emergencies — and I am myself obliged, not only to advance my own cash, but very frequently to borrow money to answer the de- mands and drafts of the several distant oflicers, all which arises from the want of a regular established fund for the expences of the Department. This and all other heads, are humbly Submitted to your Lordship's consideration, with a confidence that they will Merit such attention, and produce such powers, as may be thought best, as a remedy against such evils, till when, all I can do is, to propose a General Congress of all the Nations, and in Case my endeavors to prevent hostilities if * Sec Letter of Gen. Gage to Sir William Johnson, dated Sept. 21, 1767, and of Johnson to Gage, dated Oct. zz, 1767. I '^:i il 230 Journals of Major Robert Rogers, should prove ineffectual, I persuade myself I can keep some tribes quiet, and even spirit up several partys to act offensively against the rest, if empowered to do so." ^^ Deposition Made by Nathaniel Potter^ late of Michilimackina, taken before the Hon. PVilliam Hay^ His Majesty* s Chief Justice of the .Province of ^ebec, the iSth day of Sept- ember^ ijtj. * **Mr. Nathaniel Potter, late uf Michilimackina, maketh oath, upon the Holy Evangelist and Saith, that about the Month of January in the year of our Lord 1765, he became acquainted with Major Robert Rogers, who is now Commander of the Fort of Michilimackina, and that from that time till this last Summer, he has continued to be much connected with him, and employed by him in various ways, That he has several times observed, that the said Major Rogers was much dissatisfied with his Situation, and expressed a distant design of taking some c xtraordinary Method to better it. That the said Major Rogers, sent the said Potter last spring to Lake Superior, from whence he returned about the latter end of last June, And in July last, the said Major Rogers had a private conversation with the said Mr. Potter at the Fort at Michilimackina, in which he explained his designs to the said Potter in a fuller manner than he had ever done before. He said he was much in debt to several Traders whom he was unable to pay and that this gave him great uneasiness, That he was therefore resolved to apply to the government of England to do something to better his situation, and he wished that they would erect the country about the Michilimackina, into a Separate Province, and make him governor of it, with a command of three Companies of Rangers, in- • Joknun MSB. xt. N. Y. Colonial Hist, v «>l Ci)mmissary, and was charged with the supervision of the civil affairs pertaining to the Indian trade. He had not been long at his p >st of duty before he be^an to observe irregularitiis and on the 1 2th of August, 1767, wrote to Sir William Johnson as follows : " Every hjur my uneasiness is increased, I fear that in spite of my vigilance, rum will ^ei amon;st the Indians and we shall have Mischief done. I hear by some rumors the Cliristian Indians have Deen stopped at the Grand Portage who were coming in to hear if Rogers would treat them better than the lait Commandant, [yohnson MSS. xv, 28.) On the 20th of August, he was arrested by Major Rogers, under circum- stances best shown by his own metnjrial to Captain-Lieutenant Frederick Christopher Spiessmacher, in command of troops at that place: The Memorial of Benjamin Roberts, Esq. Commissary for Indian Afi'airs and Trade for the District of Michilimackinac. To Capt. Lieut. Spiessmacher. Commandant of the Troops. Greeting. Humbly Sheweth, That your memori ilist received information yesterday ofa quantity of Rum being hid in the woods on the island opposite tliis place : that your memorialist applied to Captain Rogers for assistance to bring into the Fort tlw; Rum that should be found; that then Captain Rogers granted a Sergeant and two men, which your memorialist promised to pay for their trouble; That your memorialist deputized his clerk, John R. Hanson to seize tne Hum, and furnished him also with two Canadiins lo assist him. — that the rum was actually siezed and landed on the wharf at the Fort gate ; ' — that your memorialist desired the Rum should be put into the King's store appointed by General Order, of which the * In a lengthy memorial f Gc«. Gage, by Mr. John Weathcrhcad, dated, Jmh. 17, 1773, the details of his sni/ure are recited. — Jnhnson MSS. xxv, 181. ? ' 2^8 "Journals of Major Robert Rogers, Mr. Roberts in a lengthy letter to Sir William Johnson, dated Oct. 31, i 767, gives some details of the disturbances Commissary keeps one key and the Traders another, — that Capt. Rogers ordered the Deputy Commissary ot" Provisions to take charge of the said Rum ; t^ 't your memorialist desired that he might be permitted to keep one key of the stort, as well a> the Deputy Commissary of Provisions, which was refused with some warmth ; that \(;Ui memorialist said he looked upon himself js seizing officer, and tliereforc accountable for the Rum ; — therefore would hold the Deputy Commissary of Provisions liable for the Rum. Capt. Rogers told your memorialist he was very impertinent, and said that your memorialist had nothing to say to rhe affair, your memorialist replied he was acting in Office and that no man but the commanding officer dared tell your memorialist he was impertinent. Then Capt. Rogers got very warm and gave your memorialist the lie. Your memorialist answer'-d that he was a gentleman, and that he would not dare to tell him so out of the limits of his command. Then Captain Rogers cried out he was challenged as commmandlng officer , that your memorialist denied having challenged him ; that Capt. Rogers ordered your memorialist in anest, which your memorialist refused ; that Capt. Rogers called the guard, ordered your memorialist'! stick (which your Memorialist used to examine the bales and sacks, that no rum is hid in them) to be wrested out of his hands, and that your memorialist was lifted up, and carried like a criminal through the fort, guarded by soldiers with fixed bayonets, and cast into his house. Your memorialist from such arbitrary proceeding, has the gravest reason to apprehend tlic most f^tal consequences to his person and effi^cts. He also suffers much in mind from the risque these Traders run, who are ventured into the Im'.ian Country, on the assurance of Rum being prohibited for trade in the Indian Country. Your memorialist must further inform you that Rum was let out of the Fort after tatoo. That after your memorialist made his in- formation to Capt. Rogers that your memorialist saw Capt. Rogers talking to one of the parties concerned in carrying out Rum; that said party is Stuart (to whom by my infoimation the rum seems to belong) was met crossing over to the island in a Battoe. Your memorialist apprehends (that as it is His Majesty's Instructions that no person having Command in the Indian Country, Should interpose hit authority in anything concerning the tiade or civil commerce of the Indians ; but to give the Commissary, or other Civil Magistrate all the assistance in his power), that he has been greatly atiused. and has no other resource than your protection, as being Commander of the troops, from further insult, and for the security of the Traders who labor unler many grievances. Your memorialist intrcats you to consider the importance of his trust, and the appearance such behaviour must have in the eyes of the savages who are to ^N Journals of Major Robert Rogers. 239 created by Rogers not mentioned, in the preceding corres- pondence. The names Gooddard, Tate, Carver, Engineer, listen to hit voice as their father. That his military honor as well as his civil character, is irreparably sullied by such an unheard of violence, and grant your memorialist, all the assistance and protection in your power. Your memorialist must add that he is now on half pay. having resigned before he could accept of his employment, — therefore don't think himself sutiject to arrest; that your memorialist when the necessity of the service requires it thinks he is in duty bound to set on a Court Martial, if he can shew no urgent cause to the contrary, being first tendered his full pay. Your Memorialist is very sorry that any ill bred expressions occasioned warmth t-'tween the Commandant and me. but yout memorialist is in duty bound to protest against the Commandant's proceedings, least part of the general censure may fall on your memorialist; Taking your memorialists case into consideration will much contribute to his tranquility tho' your memorialist has no doubt of your assistance in every legal measure for the security of the subject, from his own experience and universal good character, yet is your memorialist is obliged to render an account of his actions and occurancet to hit Superiors he is obliged to take this formal manner. Your Memorialist Waiting the event, will ever pray. (Signed) B. Robkrti. Micilimackinac, ii August, 1767. yohmon MSS. xv, 38. Mr. Roberts had upon the day of his arrest, and having already been in- formed by Mr. Potter, of the treacherous correspondence that had been going on wrote to commanding officer of the troops, in the first moments of excitement this letter : "Sir: I impeach Robert Rogers Esq , commandant at Michilimackinac for hold- ing secret correspondence with the enemies of Great Britain and forming con- spira.:iet, I desire you in your allegiance, to seize his person and papers, amongst which you will find sufficient proof. I am, Sir. Your humble servant, B. Roberts, Commistary of Indiam Affairt. I have discharged my duty. To Caft. Lieut. Spitismacker Command' t of tbt troofs at Miehilimackinac. A court ot Inquiry was held August 22 by virtue of a warrant from Major Rogers and the circumstances of the seizure of forty-one kegs of different sixes, holding from fwo to eight gallons each, were iworn to by witneu. (MSS. xv, 44.) ' I 240 Journals of Major Robert Rogers. f ■ ^ '.i I Ir ' and one Atherton,* formerly in Wendells Rangers ; are mentioned as interested in Roger's plans. He attributes much of the difficulty among Indians to rum,t and it would prove of great advantage to the trade if all the rum was lodged with the Commissary, and none given or sold to the Indians at that post, — " that then he only having, as they call it, milk to give the Indians," their presents would cost less, and be more acceptable. He thinks the garrison should be often relieved, as the tendency was for the soldiers to become traders. Of Major Rogers he says : " he is very industrious to raise the expense of our department that his might appear small, and is doing everything to undermine me with the Indians and Capt. Speissmaclcer, in writing to Sir. William Johnson, Sept. 3, after de- scribing the affair more fully described in enclosed papers, stated his belief that both parties had acted imprudently, and says: "Some time after, they conferred together, and both came to my room, and before Lieut. Christie and me, Lieut. Roberts and the Major asked pardon of each other for the scurilous expression to one .ind another. Lieut. Roberts said, what he meant by Treason, was by sending him like a criminal to his room." (MSS. xv, 35.) It appears that Mr. Roberts was a second time arrested, and in writing to Daniel Claus at Montreal, Sept. 21, 1767, he complains of his close confinement, and the probability of his being sent in irons to Montreal. (MSS. xv, 74,90.) Capt. Spiessmacker wrote to Sir William Johnson Sept. 27, relating the difficulties that had occurred, but without expressins; his own opinions con- cerning them. (MSS. xv, 80.) Roberts again memorialized Capt. Spiessmacker, October 27, praying for protection, complaining of close confinement without cause, a^id stating his fears that the public interests would suffer on account of his forced detention from the duties of his office. (MaS. 73.) * It appears in a letter from Mr. Roberts in London to Sir William Johnson, dated June 7, 1771, that Atherton had commenced legal proceedings for alleged losses, and that he was doing him much injury. — Johmoni MSS. xx, 230: XXI, 32: XXII, 14, 191. f In a Memorial of the body of English Traders at Detroit, the same opinion expressed, and the advice is given that the quantity should be limited to 50 gallons to a three-handed battoe load of dty goods. — Johmon MSS. xv, 157, journals of Major Robert Rogers, 241 are 230 : to get a general petition from them that he might be Superintendent to the westward. I believe his endeavours would not prevail was he to remain here. They say he promises more than he can perform, — that he has more love for packs, but less sense than me." The peace which Rogers had got up at so much expense did not promise to bt of lona; continuance, and tr ubles between the conciliated tribes had again begu» "^be Indians at Prairie du Chicn had shown an insolti.. pre- ference to the French in the south-west. Rogers had taken into his friendship Mr. John R. Hanson, the clerk of Mr. Roberts afid Johnson was cautioned against receiv- ing information through him. — Johnson's MSS. xv, 125. Sir If^illiam Johnson to Capt. Cochran. Johnson Hall, Nov. 17, 1767. " I believe the public opinion concerning Major Rogers is not ill founded. I raised him in 1755, from the lowest station on account of his abilities as a Rangei, for which duty he seemed well calculated, but how people at home, or any where else, could think him fit for anyother purpose must appear surprising to those acquainted with him. I bflieve he never confined himself within the disagreable hounds of truths as you mention, but I wonder much they did not see through him in time." — "Johnson MSS. xv, 137. General Gage to Sir IVilUam Johnson. New York, December 6, 1767. " Mr. Roberts will no doubt lay his complaints before you. I have near twenty affidavits sent by Major Rogers, which most in fault I can't say. Most probably both of them in some degree. But I, I am apt to believe that the Major would be glad of any excuse to rid himself of an Indian Commissary." M' I h. I ' ' I 242 Journals of Major Robert Rogers, Sir William Johnson to General Gage,* Johnson Hall, November 24, 1767. " I do not doubt but that Potter will make the most of his discovery, from his cha'acter, at the same time I believe his account is within Conpass, and that probably he could say more if he chose to. Major Rogers has goods trading for his benefit in the Indian Country to a very con- siderable amount, and the returns may soon be in, as I am informed ; for which reason, I thought it best to hint, that it would not be amiss to have them secured for his creditors. I have a letter from Captain Spice Maker on the subject of Lt, Robert's confinement, I hear the latter is near this place on his way down.** Sir IVilliam 'Johnson to the Earl of Shelhurnef Johnson Hall, Dec. 3, 1767. " My Lord, The 26th Ultimo I had the honor to address two letters to your Lordship, the one on the Subject of Indian affairs, the other concerning the Commandant of Michilimackinac, which was accompanied with enclosures on the latter of which subjects we have not heard further since. The General sent to have him apprehended, but I have received, a very extraordinary plan for a government, etc., to be formed at Michilimackinac, with an estimate of trade, all which I understand has been sznt to his Majesty's Ministers. I As it is long, and that it speaks for itself, £, i> * Johnson MSS. XV, 154. Doc. Hitt N. T. 11, 888. ■j- Johmon MSS. xv, 167. ;{; An elaborate document of 13 pages, is preserved among the Johnson MSS. (xxv, 108) entitled •• An Estimate of the Furr and Peltrey Trade in the District of Michilimacknac, according to the Bounds and Limits assigned to it by the French, when under their '♦ Oovernment, which is set forth in the annexed Map, and the situation and names of the Several Posts specified, etc., etc." This is evidently the document referred to in the text. The map is not n8ts specified, e map it not it is needless here to point out the falsehoods and absurdi- ties contained in it, and shall only remark that it is calculated with an eye to his being Govr and to have it in his power to carry on an extensive trade where he pleases, assisted by four or five companys of Rangers, whom he proposes to have established there. In time, we may be form several governments, even, with consent of the Indians, but it is certain, that unless they are framed, and their power executed, by the most disinterested persons, they will totally defeat their intention. A scheme for establishing a needy man, of bad circumstances, and worse principies, in the first authority, and for the next branch of the Legislature of such traders as are at out-pusts, is too absurd to deserve any comment. To say that such Traders, (or merchants as they call themselves), will avoid being guilty of \vrong, as their own interest would be thereby arfected, is a specious tho' false argument, and is what they never yet regarded. It being notorious that men in trade, — much superior in judgment and understand- ing to any who resort to the frontiers — have constantly sacrificed their own interest together with that of the publick to the present moment, and they must always do so in this country, for reasons that can be easily given. We have seen how the New York Independent Com- panies first detached from His Majesty's best troops, degenerated in America, through the avarice of their captains, who to my certain knowledge seldom kept up half their number and these were for the most part, creatures unfit for any duty. How much more may we expect that Rangers, under an interested needy man, in a remote corners without check or control, will be in a short space of time, reduced to a handfull of faggots, or at least a few sufficient to be employed in trade for him, at the charge of the Crown : — but I shall waive this point to '• 1 a \> ' 244 'Journals of Major Robert Rogers. proceed to the material objects which have occasioned this letter." After a lengthy statement of views in respect to a General Indian Congress to settle sundry grievances with respect to boundaries and lands, the necessity of regulating and limiting trade, and the tendencies towards a jealousy between traders from different Colonies, where their interests come in conflict in remote regions, he adduces reasons for encouraging a trade nearer home. He alludes to the successful business formerly carried on by Quebec and Montreal, when in the hands of the French, and the material advantages which the former government had realised from bringing remote tribes into personal contact with the officers of Government, and among the improve- ments of civilized life. He notices the treachery with which the noted French Partizan Chabert Toncaire had endeavored to stir up discontent and insubordination among the Indians, after being allowed to go among the distant tribes with a large cargo of goods ^' with many assurances on the word of a gentlemen and an officer, as he expressed it ■, that he would not only demean himself as a faithful subject, but even make use of his influence for the public service to show the Indians the absurdity of their expecta tions from France, and so conciliate them to the British Government." These fine sayings he repeated at Niagara ; in the presence of Indians, and the officers of the garrison ; but when a little distance beyond " he called a number of Indians together, and told them that they should take no notice of what he had said before — being compelled to do so in the presence of the English ; but that he had brought them assurances from the King of France, of his steady regard for them — that he would shortly show it by the Journals of Major Robert Rogers. 245 )ned this ct to a ces with :gulatiiig jealousy re their adduces : alludes Quebec , and the lent had contact mprove- ;ry with aire had n among e distant surances xprcssed a faithful lie public expecta- e British ; in the son ; but mber of 1 take no led to do I brought lis steady it by the army he would send to their assistance and that in the meantime they should begin themselves to do something against the English." * * * " But to return to my subject ; I cannot help expressing my concern to see not only difference of sentiments and Jealousies amongst the traders, but alto an infatuation in favor of their dangerous projects, which induces them to make misrepresentations to government that might prove, if credited, fatal to themselves, and dangerous to the public in general. The public interest is always used as a cloak to private gain : otherwise they would have no occasion to disguise their real motive. For the fact is, if we set aside a few northern people, whose case I have already excepted, all the rest who hunt in a more favorable climate, are very dif- ferently circumstanced ; so that if La Baye, and the Miamis were re-established, their conveniency would be sufficiently answered. The Indians have no business to follow when at peace but hunting. Between each hunt they have a recess of many months. They are naturally covetous, and become daily better acquainted with the value of our goods, and their own peltry. They are everywhere at home, and travel without the expense or inconvenience attending our journeys to them. On the other hand, every step our traders take beyond the posts, is attended with at least some risque, and very heavy expenses, which the Indians must feel as heavily in the purchase of their commodities, — all which considered — is it not reasonable to suppose that, they would rather employ their idle time in quest of a Cheap Market than sit down with such slender returns as they must receive in their own villages ? As a proof of which, I shall give you one instance concerning Toronto, on the north shore of Lake Ontario^ formerly dependant on Niag- ara : which, notwithstanding the aspersion of Major Rogers, that even a single Um^tx would think it worth atten- 246 Journals of Major Robert Rogers. tion to supply a dependent post — yet I have iieard traders of long experience and good circumstances afHrm that for the use of that place for one season, they would willinglv pay Ciooo, so certain were they of a quick market, from the cheapness at which they coulil afford their goods there ; and I am certain that a handsome fund would arise from farming out the places of trnde to merchants of fortutie and character, they giving security to be answerable for the misconduct of their factors, which could not be more than we find at present." The writer, after expressing at length his views as to how these irregularities may be best remedied, suggests a, series of mcasujes, one of which is as iullows : " That all interfering of civil or Military officers be particularly guarded ajrainst, by express orders from his Majestv, and that the duty of the Commissaries to them residing at posts, be explained in such a manner, as to prevent disputes between them and Commandants, the suoerintendeni being answerable to removing and otherwise ileal with aiiv of the Commissarys who act contrary to instructions, on due complaint made to him. Tlie necessity of this will appear, from the behaviour of of Major Rogers to my Commissary at Michilimackanac who — remonstrating against his ii..ertering and against his extravagance to the Indians (whom he brought constaniU to the company, and insisted on their being loaded with lavois, in all appearance to acquire an interest tor th( dangerous purposes already communicated to your lordship), was insulted, di.igged to confinement, and sent prisonei from the post, notwithstanding the military and trading peof le's application in Ins fa\ (^r. From what has been repeated in former letteis, and from the many repori> transmitted on Indian affairs, concerning the management of these people, I hope will evidently appear, what arc the "Journals of Major Robert Rogers. 247 traders hat for /illinyly t, tVixii » there i se from fortunt" ; for tht" jre than .^s as to iggesis a, That all ticularly ;stv, ami at posts, disputes iiteiident with aiu ions, oil iviour ot lackanac rainst his jDstantly led wiiii K)r thi )rdsh':|>), prisoiu'i trading has heni \j re port N )a^;emciu I arc the powers necessary to he given to the Depaitmcnt for the purposes of the C-rown, ami the public advantage ; and therefore it will he unnecessar\ to repeat them, or to dwell longer upon the want of settling these important points and the alarming prospect of our attairs on that account. I have therefore only to repeat, that the promoting of religion amongst them is In no means to he neglected, and that the establishment of Missionaries, under proper authority, as promised and expected bv the Indians, (many of whoni educated in the principles of the Church of England are disgusted at our neglect), wouKi have very happy ejects. As I iinderstand, .\.\ Episcopate is now solicited for by the National Clergy and their congregations, I am of opinion if this application meets with the success and attention which it appears to deserve, that such an es- tablishment besules its advantage to tlie National Chuich, and its members, will temi, in the most etfectual manner, to promote religion among the Indians, under a proper Church government, and tlje auspices of the dignihed clergy njcn in America." Sir IVilliiim [fohnson to Gen Cage.* Johnson Hall, December 26, 1767. '' This will be delivered ti> you by I..ieut. Roberts, who arrived here some d.iys ago. It is judged necessary that as he was sent as a prisoner troin Michilimack'c he should wait upon you, notwithst.uulmg he was not received as such by the Com u.im ling Officir at the Detroit, to whom he was orderc! to be delivered up, but ,va!» left at liberty to go where !k pleased. From the conduct of the comm.indant >,^i Michilimackinac it is evivlent tliat ilu principal cause of the liifference arose from his aversion tu an uHicer who might detect or 22 I ' 248 yournais of Major Robert Rogers. inrercrfere with him. The principal dispute which arose on the seizure of the rum, is certainly in favor of Mr. Roberts, who as he discovered and seized it, was liable to answer for the same, :ind if a commanding officer will interfere in matters or trade, or any other points which fall within the limits of duty prescribed and approved of by the Government, the appointment of a Commissary is only an unnecessary charge to the Crown — besides that such treatment lessens a Commissary in the eyes of the Indians, who have been told, agreeable to orders, tliat that officer was to have sole management of their Indian affairs and trade. Mr. Roberts might have been more cool j but when we consider the man he had to deal with and the discoveries he had just made of his designs, it will in a great measure account for his conduct, and the letters I have received in his behalf, as well from the officers and traders, appear much in his favor. He thinks himself greatly injured, but you will be the best judge on hearing what he has to say, and examining the papers which he will bring before you. As the bonds, etc., entered into by the Traders are in his hands, and that the most necessary time for a Com- missary's presence is early in the spring, i think it best that he should return to his post after waiting upon you, without any other delay than what the season may create, and I believe the must expeditious way for his return will be by Montreal and the Ottawa River, which is generally open some time before the Straits of Niagara. Mr. Roberts has been noi only aijuied in his character, but put Ui a great expense by his journey, the amount of which, I think he should be allowed lor, and therefore take the liberty to recommend it to you. He has likewise w JobniQH MSS, XV, lyo. Dot. Hut. A'. ?'., 11, 895. "Journals of Major Robert Rogers, 249 accounts of expenses incurred lately, which if paid now, would do him real service."* Earl of Hillsborough to Sir William Johnson. Whitehall, 12 March, 1768. " Chabert Joncairc's treacherous conduct, and the wicked and intanu)Us bciiaviour of Rogers, and his corres- pondence with Hopkins, which appears from a copy of a letter from the latter which you inclosed in your letter No 7. arc ot such a nature .ts leijuire the utmost ciicumspec- tion and attention ot his Majesty's Servants in America , as in the present statr ot sixiie mens dispositions m that country when ones correspondence o^ that dangerous tend- ancy is discovered, there is reason to apprehend there may be more of the same kind.' — A^. T. Colonial Histuryy VIII, 36. Concerning the Instructions received hy Major Rogers from the Superintendent of Indian jiff air s.'\ Sir William Joh.ison in writing July 23, 1768, to iVlr. Hector Theo's Crainahe ni transmitting a copy of Roger's instructions on his way to his post, to be used on his trial, says : *' These Instructions merely regarded his conduct towards the liuli.uis. — At his departure he was ver^- desirous of some laiituil:* in the aiticle ot Expenses, which 1 did not then, nor since, think myself justifiable in grant- ing him j but on the contrary, duiing a long conversation gdve him such verbal orders ab I apprehended would have * Kuliertk returned tu Michilinucki[uc in |un(-, i:'61i, jmJ in tiiii abiitncc of ten inontlib, the rum wa» ''cither stolen or had leaked out ot the cmIci." Johmon MS6. x\v, 171. I 250 journals of Major Robert Rogers. been a sufficient caution to him to avoid such Expenses, and I make no doubt he had the like from the Comman- der in Chief. As 1 could not accept his liills, I did not keep them in my hands, consequently I caiint>t he exact as to their amount ; but to the best o\ my recollection, the whole of his drafts upon me tor Indian Expenses since May 1769, is about £.'5 000, N. Y. Currency, which were chiefly said to be incurred in the months of June and Julv, of that year. As to the inlorniaticMi which the General desires I should give you concerning the delivery of IIop- kin's Letter, and the Conversation that passed thereon, 1 am to tell you, that Major Rogers was at that time gone to his post : that I enclosed the Utter to bin), the receipt of which he acknowledged and for which he returned me thanks, in his answer to me, but was silent as to the con- tents, or any other circumstaiices regarding it. 'I'his is the whole ot w'-.at the General has requned of mc. I have only to add, that I am sorry his conduct has been such as to bring him into his present situation. I an) etc. VVm. Johnson. Daniel Claus to Sir William "Johmon* (Quebec, 3'd Aug., ''The Governor asked me at the Sanu- limi!, you did not give me any papers relative to Majur Arfairs, I told liini vou was not returned Irom Coast when 1 left home. He is an entire stranger to plot with the r'renchnian, and 1 could ^ive him ticulars, as 1 knew but a little about it, and that by I ■ V fl II I ■ 1768. whether Rogers, the Sea this last no par- , .... . .. , - - ^ heiirsay. The Chief Justice Hav t< '- me that in common law the affidavit would not hurt tnm. Rogers wants to prolong R< * Juhrnvn MS^,, xvi. 113. 'Journals of Major Robert Rogers. 251 his tryal upon several pretences, and desires to be tried by a civil court. When Mr, Hay told me he would en- deavour to evade In having his crime changed to Mutiny — he standing; now indicted tor High Treason, a crime under the cognizance of the civil law, and the form,er under that of the Military." Sir IViHiam Johnson to the Earl of Hillsborough. Johnson Hall, Aug. 17, 1768. " The Indians in the parts adjacent to Michilimaclcinac have been tt-cated at a very great expense for some time past. Vlajor Rogers brings a considerable charge against the crown for mediating a peace between some tribes of the Sioux and some C'hippawaes living about Lake Su- perior, which, had it been attended with success, would have been only interesting to a very few French, and others that had goods in that part of the Country, but the con- trrry has happened, and they are more violent than ever against one another, which perhaps is not an unfavorable circumstance to us at this juni ture, but the Indians on finding that they are to receive large presents for promising to lay down their arms, will never want occasion to quarrel with one another.'' Daniel Claus to Sir IVilliam Johnson. \ Williamsburgh 26 Sept., 1768. *' The otlicers horn Michil' that are to prt)secute Major Rogers were not arrived, when I left Montreal, hut hourly expecteil. If thev .irriveil, the prisoners could not come before the court, having been obliged to begin a Salivation, * JcL-'ison .IfiV.S'., vvi, 141. A^. K Colonial Hitlory, vni, 94. f Jijknton MSS , I VI, 169 ' ' 252 Journals of Major Robert Rogers. a little before I came away.* The principal paper that is wanted from you, is Potter's affidavit, you having the original. I brought Hopkiii's letter iiaclc, and left Roger's original ; acknowledged the recs-ipt of it as none but original papers may be produced before a court Martial sitting on such occasions, Col. Jones promised to take good care of it." Sir PFilliam "Johnson to General Gage:\ Johnson Hall Oec. 16, 1763. " I hope that any aflair of party arising from the late proceedings against Major Rogers may totally subside. If not, it will easy to see what keeps it up. The gentlemen concerned in the prosecution not having the same docu- * Mcrct ial Mrdicines ailministcreil t'> the i-xtcnt of producing ptyalism, were at thU period regarded as an essrnti.ii and radical cure uf a certain disease communicatrd by infection, that nerd not lie here named, and wi* lubmlt this as a prubabh' explanation of the above statt-mcnt. 'I'he following act u> the Legis- lature of New |{atn|>thire, leads to the inference that Rogers wii easily tempted, and that he was not alone in sutlering the conic4Ucnccs : An ait to diiiolve ike Mairiag^e hetivfen R'jhert Rearers tinJ Elizabeth his zvi/c. Passed March 4, 177S. Whereas Elizabeth Rogers of Portsmouth, in the County of Rockingham, and State aforesaid, hath petitioned the CJeneral Assembly for sai/ State, setting forth, that She was married to thtt s.ii I Robert Ro|u'ers about seventeen years ago, for the greater part of which time he had absented himself from, and totally neglected to support and maintain licr, and had in the most Hagrant manner in a variety of ways, V'iol.iteii the Marriage t'ontract ; but especially by infidelity :o her bed; For which reasons praying that a divorce from the said Robert Rogers, -V I'lmulti M.itriiKuitii, might be |,:ranted. The principal facts contained in said petition being made to appca; upon a full hearing thereof : Ttfrefore, Be it enacted by the Council and House of Representatives for Said State, in General Assembly convened, That thi' Bonds of Matrimony between the said Rohot and hli.-aheih, he ,ind hereby are dissolved. f Johnson MSS., x*ii, 13. » Journals of Major Robert Rogers. 2^3 iat IS g the )ger's ? but [artial > take ments to do him a prejudice as himself and sundry others have to manifest his innocence, and induce the publick to deem the whole as a Malicious attack upon a man of worth." Benjamin Roberts to Sir IVilliam Johnson. * Montreal 11 May, 1769. Sir : Your favor of the 24iilt I received the 8th on my arrival here. It made me much more happy to find I had not forfeited your esteem, than if it had been an order to reinstate me in mv office. It came in just time enough to bear up my spirits, under the disagrcable situation I am now in, surrounded by enemies, and threatened with as- sassination. My letters were detained in Montreal by Mr. Goddard, who was told I w(y;innin^ to gather and if he was a brave man, he wouUi not speak loud, or we would be hindered. He a>ked me to meet him at the mill, out- side the Recollet Gale. I U)ld him 1 would at 5 the next morning, but he desired it sht)u!d he at 10 o'clock, and alone. I said I could not trust myself to such a man, who I heard had neither honor nor couraiic. He made use of many invectives. I asked him, smiling', what became of all the valor, when he and i w is on a footino. and he ac- knowledged himself a Cow;ird, and begged my pardon. He told me, he'd blow my brains out and not give me any fair chance for my life, for he'tl kill me whenever he could. I all along could not forbear laughing, to see how he trembled, fumbling under his coat with one hand for his pistols, and with the other shaking his stick. He was pale as death, with his teeth gnashing, I desired him not to oppose my going about mv business, — says he " do you laugh in my face .' He put his hand to my face and threat- ened to pull my nose. I told him he had better let this alone i that if I had my sword on or even he thought my limbs as strong as his, he would not dare to insult me : but that he was now very brave, with his pistols and a spear, against a naked man. He went oft", and I went to Mr. Goddard, and provided myself; but somebody hearing he had been twice to look foi me at my lodging's and that l)e stop'd one in the street, let Mr. Forbishers who is my friend, know of it, and he told Colonel Jones, who sent for Rogers, and threatened to put him in close con- finement, if he did not give his word and honor he would neither give nor receive a chalenge from me, or insult me in any wise. He sent the town Major to me, to exact my 'Journals of Major Robert Rogers. 255 promise, threatening to put me in arrest if I refused it. I promised I wouKl not accept of, or send him a chalengc. The next morning, I went to the ground, at the hour, but he was not there. I was told he' was walking the ram- parts However he gave out he had pulled my nose, and made me go down on my knees in the street, to promise I would go out with him; — that he had been in the field, and [that] I did not appear ; that now he would give me no fair play for my life. 1 went to Colonel Jones yester- day and told him the affair. He said he had, before wit- nesses, made Rugers give his word of honor he would not go in my way : — that t'was I that insulted him as he was walking by my door; I desired he might keep the other side of the street ; — that he was a Rascal. He answered, was as free for him as for me, and called me a puppy, and that I challenged him. Think how disagreeable my situation ; obliged to carry pistols in my pocket, and be on my guard against a man who Colonel Jones wont believe carrys arms, Notwith- standing all that is said by evervbody seems prepossessed in his favor. What then can I expect, if any accident should happen ^ * Benjamin Roberts to Sir IViUiam 'Johnson '\ New York, Feb. 12, 1770. *' 1 find by Mr. Wallace and others, that Rogers is making r. noise in England — he might keep me in hot * On Mr. Roherti arrival in Albany on the 6th of" Dec, 1769, a writ was issued againbt him, out of the Miyot's Court, in an action of' trover lommented l)y Robtrt Hcnsy, John Jancll ani J.inicj Abbott, ("or the whole* amount of the rum scixed in 1767, and he was arrested. Not wishing to have hit caie tried in .Albany he [irmuied a transfer of' suit to New York, where Mr. Weathtriiead beiame bis special bail, .md he soon after sailed tor Hngland. The trial came on in his absence, and from the want of papers, to prove hit case, the jury found a verdict of L'i7i dama^'es for the plaintilFs besidet the cotts of luit, which his bail was forced to pay — 'J^hmou M^S., xxv, 191. f Johmun MSa., xviii, 179. 256 'Journals of Major Robert Rogers. water, if I have not such letters from you as may gain me protection." Benjamin Roberts to Sir fVilliam "Johnson.* London, 8 August, 1770. " Vile as Rogers is, his story is much attended to amongst some of the great, who are glad to censure any characters, as they can't bear to see any without a blemish ; *t would be so different to their own. So, till that fellow is sent somewhere, I shall be continually plagued with contradicting his vile story." Benjamin Roberts to Sir IVilliam Johnson * New York, February 19, 1770. " Kingston has a most extraordinary letter from London, which says that Major Rogers was presented to His Majesty, and kissed his hand — that he demanded redress and retaliation for his sufferings. The minister asked what would content him. He desired to be made a Baronet, with a pension of £600 St'g, and to be restored to his Government at Michilimackinac, and to have all his ac- counts paid, Mr. Fitzherbert is his particular friend. Rogers has got his Salary from G. Carlton as Govr. His expenses at Montreal, etc., were paid him here — he has got them again in England, and also his accounts for his expedition to the North-west. * Johnson MSS., xix, 172. In a letter from London dated Oct. 3, 1770, Mr. Roberts says: "I am informed by good authority, that three of the ministry intend providing for Rogcri." — Johnson MSS., xix, 2x6. f JoknioH MSS., xviii, 185. 'Journals of Major Robert Rogers. 257 Stedman has presented large accounts of losses and damages sustained, and is likely to have them paid. I suppose I shall find a strong party against me bv Rogers. The fear of that alone, made me trouble you for a Recommendation. ' Twould be so dishonourable to see that villian taken notice of, uid I, that have served thirteen years unblemished, and in many Capacities, em- ployed, not taken notice of. The triumph would be too great for our enemies.'' Appendix to a Letter from "James Rivingtoti to Sir lyUliam 'Johnson^'^ dated November 19, IJ'JO. *' The following is an extract from the Letter I received per paquet from England : '* Rogers talks very high of his usages and demands large terms, — to be created an English liaronet, and have £600 a year, with a .Majority in the Army, or he would not be Silent. I^hey have given him all his pay as Governor of Michilimackinac, to this time, but they have paid the accounts ot the Expediti hi, and Boats he sent from the above mentioned Post, to rTiake discoveries in the back countries, to one Carver.! Mr. Fitzherbert, wh(» is his friend, says he will give him something, for with his cursed impudence he hums.J; all the great people, and 1 firmly believe he will succeed beycmd what every one in America, who knows him, could expect." * yobmon MSS., xviii, i86. f Jonathan Carver, whose travels were published. J A '* hum'" (obsolete), is an imposition or hoax. IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 7 // ^ M ^J i#^3 ^ ///J, y A, 1.0 I.I IIM 12.5 IM mil 2.2 IIM :;i:io 2.0 1.8 1.25 1.4 1.6 ^ f^n _ ► V] <^ ''^. e. VI /a / el o / ///. Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 ^ V ^q\' ;\ \ ^9) N^ -^> ;v ^ % '^ v^ ^.^ 4iJ 1 r ^ 258 Journals of Major Robert Rogers. Benjamin Roberts to Sir William "Johnson.^ London i September, 177 1. *' Rogers is likelv to get his money paid, which was re- jected before in England and America. He has many people pushing for him, to whom he owes money." Malar Robert Rogers to Sir William Johnson. '\ " Sir : Havingon my way to iVIichilimackinak in the 1766, been favored with your appointment to manage the Indian Affairs at that post, I request the favor of you to certify chat appointment, as also the advance, which commissary who succeeded me had per year, in order that I may be paid by Government for that Service, I am Sir, Your most obedient and most humble Servant, Robert Rogers. Spring Gardens at Charing Cross, Monday, loth August, 1772.'* APPENDIX D. Official Documents and Correspondence relating TO Major Rogers, before his open adherence to THE Royal Cause in the Revolution. Major Rogers before the Pennsylvania Committee of Safety. The records of this Body in their proceedings under date of September 22, I775( have the following entry : * Johnson MSS.y xxi, 82. f Joknun MSS.y xxi, 238. ^Journals of Major Robert Rogers, 259 " Major Rogers having arrived here from England, and being on half pay in the British Army, this Board think it necessary that he should be taken prisoner. Colonel Roberdeau, at the request of this Board, accordingly give directions to Captain Bradford, to take the Said Major Rogers a prisoner and bring jiim before theiAi."* Mr. Rogers was accordingly brought as a prisoner before the Board, but not having an answer from the Congress, it was thought proper that he should give his word of honor to appear before the Board the next day, at 9 o'clock, which word he accordingly gave. In the mean time an answer was received from Con- gress, in the following Resolve, viz : "In Congress, Sept. 22, 1775. Resolved. That in case the committee find nothing against Major Rogers except that of his being a half pay Officer, that he be discharged on giving his parole not to take up arms against the Inhabitants of America, in the present Controversy between Great Britain and America." A True Copy from the Minutes : Charles Thomson, Secretary" He appeared accordingly, and gave the following Parole : " I, Robert Rogers, Major on half pay in his Majesty's Army, a prisoner in the custody of the Committee of Safety for the Province of Pennsylvania, and being kindly treated and protected by them, and engaged on parole, do hereby solemnly promise and engage, on the honor of a Soldier and a gentleman, that I will not bear arms against the American United Colonies, in any manner whatever, during the present contest between them and Great Britain ; and that I will not in that time, attempt to give intelligence * Force't American Archives^ Fourth Series, iii, 865. 26o 'Journals of Major Robert Rogers. to General Gage, the British Ministerys or any other person or persons, of any matter relating to America." Robert Rogers Major. Agreeable to his request, he was furnished with a copy of his Parole, and the following certificate, viz : " These are to certify to all persons to whom these presents may appear ; that the above writing is a true copy of the Parol of honor given by the bearer, Major Robert Rogers, to the Committee of Safety for the Province of Pennsylvania -, it is therefore recommended to such persons that the said Major Rogers be permitted to pass where his business may lead him, without any hindrance or molesta- tion."* Major Rogers before the New Tork Committee of Safety, In less than a week after receiving the above certificate, M^or Rogers appeared before the New York Committee of safety, and under date of September 27, 1775, we find the following entry : '• Mr. Robert Rogers, commonly called Major Rogers, according to directions for that purpose, attended on the Committee. He absured the Committee that he was a prisoner on his parole of honor to the Committee of Safety at Philadelphia ; that he received from the said Committee a certified copy of his parole, with a certi- ficate thereof, signed by Benjamin Franklin, which he unfortunately lost ; and Mr. Rogers declared to this Com- mittee, upon his honour as a soldier and a gentlemen, that he will not depart from this city without leave of this Committee, until he shall have recovered the said certi- fied Copy of his parole, or another certified copy thereof, * Amtrican Archives, Fourth Series, iv, 874. other Journals of Major Robert Rogers. 261 and produce the same to this Committee : and that, in the mean time, he will, on request, attend upon this Committee. Mr. Rogers informed the Committee that he lodges at Doctor Harrison's in Broadway."* A certified copy of the lost parole and pass, was re- ceived by post from the Philadelphia Committee of Safety, October 5, ijyS-t Extract of a letter from Major General William Howe to the Earl of Dartmouth^ datrd Boston^ November 26, 1775. '' A letter from Major Rogers, at New York, to Gene- ral Gage, being directed to the Commander in Chief, came to my hand since the General's departure wherein he has made offers of his services ; to which I have given en- couragement, by desiring him to make his proposals, and by giving an assurance that I am well inclined to do every thing in my power to afford him an opportunity of recom- mending himself to His Majesty's future favour. I find from Governour Tryon, that the Rebels have made con- siderable overtures to him.";}; Letttr from President Wheelock of Dartmouth College to General Washington^ dated December 2, 1775. *' Much Honoured and Respected Sir : On the 13th Ult., the famous Major Robert Rogers came to my house from a tavern in the neighborhood, where he called for refreshments. I had never seen him * American Archives, FourtA Series, 111,914; yournals N. T.' Provincial Congress, i. 157. fib. Ill, 1271. — Journal N. T, Provincial Congress, 1, 167. J Ameriean Archives, Fourth Series, ill, 1 674. § Then in camp before Boston. 262 journals of Major Robert Rogers. |i ! before, He was in but ordinary habit, for one of his char- acter. He treated me with great respect : said he had come from London in July, and had spent twenty days with the Congress in Philadelphia, and I forget how many at New York ; had been offered and urged to take a Commission in favor of the Colonies ; but, as he was on half pay from the Crown, he thought proper not to accept it ; that he had fought two battles in Algiers under the Dey ; that he was now of design to take care of some large grants of land made to him ; that he was going to visit his sister at Morristown, and then return by Merrimac River to visit his wife, whom he had not yet seen since his return from England ; that he had got a pass or license to travel, from the Continental Congress ; that he came in to offer his service to procure a large interest for this College ; the reputation of it was great in England ; that Lord Dart- mouth, and many other noblemen had spoken of it, in his hearing with expressions of highest esteem and respect ; that Capt. Holland, Surveyor-General, now at New York, was a great .friend to me and the College and would assist me in the affair ; and that now was the most favourable time to apply for a large grant of lands for it. I thanked him for expressions of his kindness, but, after I had shown some coldness in accepting it, he proposed to write to me in his journey, and let me know where I might write him and he should be ready to perform any friendly office in the affair. He said he was in haste to pursue his journey that evening. He went to the aforesaid tavern, and tarried all night : the next morning told the landlord he was out of money and could not pay his reckoning — which was three shillings, but would pay him on his return, which would be within about three months, and went on his way to Lyme ; since which I have heard nothing from him. But yesterday, two soldiers, viz : Palmer, of Oxford (whom Journals of Major Robert Rogers. 263 they say was under Colonel Bedel) and Kennedy, of Haver- lill, on their return from Montreal, informed me that our cfficers were assured by a Frenchman, a Captain in the Artillery, whom they had taken captive, that Major Rogers was second in command under General Carlton ; and that he had lately been in Indian habit through our encamp- ments at St. John's, and had given a plan of them to the General; and suppose that he made his escape with the Indians, which were at St. John's. This account is according to the best of my remem- brance. If it shall prove of any service to detect such an enemy, I shall be glad ; if not my intention will, I trust, apologize for what I have wrote."* (( Letters from Major Rogers to General lVashington.'\ Medford (Porter's Tavern), 19 December, 1775. Sir: I sailed from Gravesend the 4th of June last, in a merchant ship, bound to Baltimore, in Maryland, which was at the time I came away, the nighest passage I could get to Philadelphia, where I waited on the gentle- men th?.t compose the Continental Congress, in order to obtain their permit to settle my private affairs, being much encumbered with debts, chiefly contracted in the Province of New York ; in which settlement my brother, Colonel J mes Rogers who lives in the Province of New York, about twenty miles west of Connecticut river was deeply con- cerned, being bound for me in several sums of money, which made it necessary for me to visit him in my way home ; and for that purpose came by the way of New * American Archi-ves, Fourth Series, iv, 159. f American Archives, Fourth Series, iv, 265. Spark's Correspondence of tht Revolution. 23 264 journals of Major Robert Rogers, York and Albany to my brother's and from thence to Portsmouth, to my wife and family (a pleasure long wished for), having been six years in Europe. I have taken the earliest opportunity that would per- mit to come to this town (where J arrived this morning), in order to lay before your Excellency the purport I re- ceived at Philadelphia, from the Committee of Safety there, a copy of which is transmitted at the bottom of this letter, together with the minutes made thereon bv the committees of safety of New York and New Hampshire. I do sin- cerely entreat your Excellency for a continuance of that permission for me to go unmolested where my private busi- ness may call me, as it will take some months from this time to settle with all my creditors. I have leave to retire on my half-pay, an'] never expect to be called into the service again. I love North Amer- ica ; it is my native country and that of my family, and I intend to spend the evening of my days in it. I should be glad to pay you my respects personally, but have thought it prudent to first write you this letter, and shall wait at this place for your Exctilency's Commands. I am. Sir, your Excellency's most Obedient and most humble servant, Robert Rogers. Letter from Brigadier General Sullivan to General Wash- ington.* Camp on Winter Hill, 17 December, 1775. Much Respected General, Agreeably to your orders, I have again waited on Major Rogers, and strictly examined him, I have seen his several * American AreAivts, Fourth iieries, iv, 300. Spark's Correspondence of the Revolution^ i, 196. * s. 'Journals of Major Robert Rogers. 265 hence to ig wished ould per- morning), jort I re- fety there, this letter, ommittees I do sin- ce of that •ivate busi- , from this ver expect arth Amer- mily, and 1 onally, but etter, and )mmands. nt, Rogers. eral H^ash- rliU, er, 1775- ■d on Major his several spondcnct of the permits, and think them genuine, and in every respect agreeable to the copy sent you. He says he left New Yo.'' about the 10th of October, being ill with the fever- and-ague, was ten days in getting to Albany ; and there, and at the place called Stone Arabia [Lansingburgh] he tarried ten days more ; he then passed through Hoosick, Stand- ford, Draper and Hinsdale, is his way to his brother, who lives in Kent j he was three days in performing this route, and tarried with his brother five or six days more ; he was then three days in going to Westminister, and in his way passed through by Dartmouth College, and saw Mr. Wheelock ; from thence he went to his farm in Pennicook, where Vt tarried six or eight days ; from thence he went to Newburg, and from thence to Portsmouth, and, after tarrying there some few days, laid his permit before the Committee of Safety. He owns everything in Mr. Wheelock's letter except that of having been in Canada, which he warmly denies, and says he can prove the route he took, and prove himself to have been in the several towns at or near the days he has mentioned. I asked him why he came to the camp, as he had no business with any particular persons, and had no inclination to offer his service in the American cause ; to which he said he had voluntarily waited upon the committees of several colonies, as he thought it a piece of respect due to them, and would probably prevent his being suspected and treated as a person unfriendly to us ; that he likewise thought it his duty to wait on your Excellency, and ac- quaint you with the situation of his affairs, and if he could to obtain your license to travel unmolested These, Sir, are the facts as handed to me by him. What may be his secret designs I am unable to say, and what steps are most proper to be taken respecting him your Ex- cellency can best judge. I am far from thinking he has 266 Journals of Major Robert Rogers. been in Canada j but, as he was once governor of Michi- limackinac, it is possible he may have a commission to take that command, and stir up the Indians against us, and only waits for an opportunity to get there ; for which reason I would advise, lest some blame might be laid upon your Excellency in future, not to give him any other per- mit, but let him avail himself of those he has ; and should he prove a traitor, let the blame centre upon those who enlarged him. I beg pardon for intruding my opinion, and subscribe myself, Your Excellency most obedient Servant John Sullivan. Correspondence between General IVashington and General Schuyler. * General Washington in writing to General Schuyler, Dec. i8, 1775, informed him of the report received through Doctor Wheelock, concerning the visit of Major Rogers to the camp at St. John in the disguise of an Indian, and requested him to have the report examined into, and to inform him as to the authenticity or probability of the truth of it. He was then in xVlassachusetts, and might be ap- prehended if any circumstances should be discovered to induce a belief that he was there. To this. General Schuyler, on th6 5th of January, 1776, in writing from Albany, replied : "Since the receipt of your Excelency's of the i8th, Major Rogers is come to this town. I sent to him, and amongst a variety of passes, he produced a late one from the Committee of New Hampshire, to pass unmolested to New York, for which place he sets out to day. I believe there is no truth in the intelligence sent by Mr. Wheelock, * Am. Archivtif 4 Scr. iv, 311, rs. • of Michi- mission to inst us, and for which le laid upon r Other per- and should those who pinion, and rvant ULLIVAN. ind General 1 Schuyler, ved through ajor Rogers Indian, and into, and to of the truth light be ap- iscovered to luary, 1776, if the 1 8th, to him, and te one from imolested to I believe , Wheelock, Journals of Major Robert Rogers. 267 for I find upon inquiry that Rogers arrived at this place after St. John was invested, and that he went hence to New England." * General Washington in writing to General Schuyler January 16, 1776, alluded to Major Rogers as follows : *'I am apt to believe the intelligence given Dr. Wheel ock, respecting Major Rogers was not true, but being much suspected of unfriendly views to'this Country, his conduct should b- attended with some degree of Vigilance and Circumspection." f Extract of a Letter from Lord Germain to General Howe. Lord George Germain, in writing to Major General Howe, under date of January 5, 1776, says: " The King approves the arrangement you propose, in respect to an Adjutant General and a Quarter-master General, and also your attention to Major Rogers, of whose firmness and fidelity we have received further testi- mony from Governor Tryon, and there is no doubt you will find the means of making him useful." | Letter from Major Rogers to the President of the New York Provincial Congress. New York, February 19, 1776.1 Sir : Business of a private nature, and such only as respects myself and creditors, renders my attendance on board the Dutchess of Gordon indispengibly necessary. * li. 581. Spark^s fVasbington^ m, 243. f lb, 695. Spark's Washington, in, 208. J Ameriein Archives, Fourth Ser., iv, 575. ^ Journals of New Tork Provincial Congress, 11, IZ5. American Archives, Fourth Series, iv, 1201 ; lb., v, 291. 268 Journals (tf Major Robert Rogers. As I am soliciting grants for several tracts of land within this Province, I shall be obliged frequently to attend the Governor and Council to facilitate those grants, I shall be greatly obliged to you if you w-'l be so obliging as to mention these matters to the gentlemen of the Congress, in order that 1 may obtain a permit to go on board the Governor's ship at any time when my business ma* require my attendance. t , I am Sir, Your very Humble Servant Robert Rogers. To Colonel Woodhull, President of the Honourable Provincial Congress for the Province of New York." f The series of Land Papers in the office of the Secretary of State at Albany, contains several petitions from Major Rogers and his associates for grants of land, some of which were rejected, and some approved ; but too late to be recognized by the State, which has in its Constitution from the beginning declared that " all grants of land, made by the king of Great Britain, or persons acting under his authority, after the 14th day of October, 1775, shall be null and void." The following is an abstiact of all the papers on file referring to Roger's claims for land : On the loth of March, 1761, Major Robert Rogers, Dequipe, Esa Putnam, John Miller, Hugh Miller, Roger Prince, Francis Doyne, James Osgood, Samuel Osgood, Ephraim Dickison, Daniel Chase, James Miller, David Thomp- son, John Taggart, David Hughes, John Herring, Daniel Miller, Robert Miller, James Moores, Daniel Moores, John Evans, David Evans, John Shute, Benjamin Osgood and Jonathan Chace, petitioned for a grant of land on the West side of Lake George, in the County of Albany, — beginning at the garrison lands of Fort William Henry, from thence running west two miles; thence Northerly to the head of a brook called Putnam's Brook that falls into the northwest Bay of Lake George ; thence easterly to a place called the First Narrows on the said Lake, and from then'-e along the lake to the place of beginning — con- taining 25,000 acres of land, including the islands fronting the tract, under quit-rents restrictions and limitations as directed in his Majesty's Instructions. — Land Papers, xvi, 36. (Endorsed May 27, 176 1 : " Read in Council and granted, and warrant of surrey issued dated the tame day.") /. Journals of Major Robert Rogers, 269 nd within ttend the I shall ;ing as to L^ungress, )oard the a' require OGERS. c at Albany, for grants of o late to be le beginning n, or persons ;haU be null referring to Lsa Putnam, nes Osgood, vid Thomp- >bert Miller, e, Benjamin le West side son lands of :e Northerly E northwest Narrows on ining — con- tract, under (ructions. — Journal of the New Hampshire House^ 7""« 25i 177^. " Voted to choose a Committee of this House to join a Committee of the Hon'ble Board to confer upon the ex- A duplicate of this petition [Land Papers, xvi, 39), bears the following agreement, dated New V'orlt, March 17, 1761, and signed by Robert Rogers: " It is agreed, if a patent is obtained for this tract of land, being copy of petition given in, th.it Mr. Alexander Golden, Mr. Goldsborough Banyar, Mr. Jacob Walton, Mr. Waddeil Cunningham, Mr. Henry White, and Mr. John Dies, all of New Vork, are to be equally concerned in the land granted with me, they paying third part of all expenses and charges, and assisting all in their power, in obtaining patents for said Land." (A letter Irom Mr. Cunningham to Sir William Johnson, dated New York, M^rch I, 1762, strongly urges this claim of Major Rogers, and .illudes to an order from the Home Governmertt, that would stop all further grants of land from the Government. Mr. Banyar also appear '", )m this correspondence to be deeply interested in Roger's behalf. — Johmon M' ., v, 198.] A petition dated January 22, 1776, was present d by .Robert Rogers, in behalf of himself, and twenty-four associates nam<'a, asking for a grant of land in Charlotte Co , between Lake George an ' -iudso.'i. River beginning on the west side of Lake Georgs 58 chains N. 16° W fron. hort George, and ?. ; ;hains from the old Fort called Fort William Menry ; thence W. 160 Chains; thence N. 51° W 4*13 chains, to the Hudsca river; thence up said river, as it winds, to a marked t.ee 623 ch.iins fr :m the S. bounds of this tract, measured on a course runn'ng north from said South bounds; thence £. 352 chains to Lake George, and alon.j; said lake to the place of beginning — together with the islands fronting said lands, containing in all, 25,000 acres, with the usual allowances for roads, etc., and under the customary quit-rents, provisoes, limitations and restrictions, — and that the same be erected into a township, by the name of Mount Rogers, with the usual privileges. This petition states that a Warrant of Survey dated May 27, 1761, had been issued by Cadwallader Colden, then President of the Council and that a return of this survey had been made April 5, 1763, by Alexander Colden, then Surveyor General of the Province. — Land Papers, xxxv, 132, Secretary's Office. (Endorsed Feb. 26, 1776, "Read in Council and postponed for ftirther consideration.") On the same date, Rogers and eight associates named, addressed a petition to the Governor in which he stated that he had discovered a tract of vacant land in Albany Co., between lots 7 and 9, of the Wosen Hook Claim, and the line of the Manor of Rensselaer Manner proper, containing about 4,200 acres, being lot 8, surrendered by John Van Rensselaer to the Crown : — And also another taact of land within the county of Charlotte, on the east side of ^- 1 270 Journals of Major Robert Rogers, pediency of securing Major Robert Rogers in Consequence of Sun-iry informations against him as inimical to the rights Hudson's River, beginning at the S. E. cor. of a tract of land belonging to Edward and Ebenezer Jesbup (opposite the mouth of the Sacondaga River), from thence Northerly about two miles; thence easterly, towards Queensbury, about one mile and a half; thence Southerly about four miles; thence Westerly, about two miles, to the South bounds of the said tract, and from thence to the place of beginning — the two tracts containing about 9,200 acres of land, with usual allowances and customary quit-rents. — Land Papers^ XXXV, 133. (Endorsed, Jan. 29, 1776 : " Read in Council and rejected, the prayer being contrary to His Majesty's Instruction*.") On the same date, Rogers individually petitioned, for a tract of vacant land, known by the name of " Nipper Moshee," in Albany Co. ; beginning on the N. bounds of the Manor of Rensselaerwyck, at the S. E. cor. of Pittstown ; thence northerly, on the E. and N. bounds of said Pittstown, to the N. W. cor., and thence from the E. and N. lines of Pittstown, easterly and northerly to the W. and S. bounds of Hoosic Patent, — including all the unpatented lands between the E. and N. bounds of Pittstown, and the W. and S. bounds of Hoosick, being about 4,000 acres of land. — Also another tract of vacant land, bounded westerly by the E. bounds of the Township of Cambridge, easterly by lands granted to Aaron Van Corlear and others, Southerly by lands granted to reduced officers, and northerly by lands granted to Ryer Schermerhorn, containing about 800 acres of land, in Albany Co. — Also another tract of vacant land in Albany Co., bounded Westerly by Saratoga, Northerly by Cambridge, and Southerly by Hooseck Patents, containing about 100 acres, — being in all 5000 acres, more or less. To this grant he expressed the belief that he was entitled by Royal proclamation dated Oct. 7, 1763, as compensation for services during the late war, — with usual allowances, and customary quitrents. To this petition an affidavit was appended, declaring that he had not re- ceived any grants of land as a reduced Major, under the above proclamation, by any of His Majesty's Governors in America. — Land Papers, xxxv, 136. (Endorsed, Jan. 29, 1767 : '* Read in Council and rejected, as to the first tract, it having been prior located and petitioned for, and the petitioner to exhibit a map certified by the Surveyor General, and showing the second and third tracts herein prayed for.") • On the 7th of December, 1775, Major Rogers certified that Ensign William Philips had served under his command in the late war, and had bc9n reduced at the conclusion thereof. — Land Papers, xxxv, 1 ji. sequence ;he rights lelunging to laga River), (Jueensbury, lies ; thence ct, and from ibout 9,100 Land Papers, :t of vacant . ; beginning i. E. cor. of Pittstown, to own, easterly uding all the 1 the W. and another tract Township of and others, lands granted Albany Co. — y by Saratoga, itaining about t he expressed ;t. 7, 1763, as lowances, and le had not re- proclamation, XXXV, 136. that Ensign and had bc«a Journals of Major Robert Rogers. 271 and Liberties of this Country, and to make report thereon to this House as soon as may be ; and that Capt. Harriman, On the 22d of January, 1776, Major Rogers as agent of Mark Noble, Thomas Read, Henry Phillips and William Phillips petitioned for a grant of land for services, adjoining Rensselaerwick on the North, Pownell on the east, the Massachusetts line on the sonth and by ea:>t, and Stephentown on the west, coataining about 8,000 acres of land. — Land Papers^ xxxv, 131. (Endorsed Jan. 29, 1776, " Read in Council and granted.") On the 6th of February, 1776, Rogers and 21 associates named, petitioned in relation to a grant of land in the town of Hubbardton on the Connecticut river, previously granted (June 15, 1764), by the Governor of New Hampshire, and containing 23,000 acres of land. The petitioners stated that they were owners of the greater part of the said townships. — Land Papers, xxxv, 137. (Endorsed, Feb. 19, 1776, "Read in Council and granted — not interfering with any prior grant. The petitioner to produce a map of the lands prayed for, certified by the Surveyor General prior to any further proceedings.") [See also in relation to Hubbardton Grant, the English Colonial MSS., CI., 138 ; Secretary's Office.] A similtr petition on th* same date, from Rogers and 21 other associate*, prayed for the grant of the township of land, previously granted by the Governor of New Hampshire, June 17, 1764, under the name of" Dunbar," which they asked to have granted under the name of Rogkrsborough. — Land Papers, xxxv, 138. (Endorsed, Feb. 14, 1776, " Read in Council, and granted on the equity herein set forth. The Petitioners to give bond to convey to the persons claiming Rights in the said pretended grant of " Dunbar," their respective and proportionable shares in the within mentioned lands.") A warrant of Survey of the above township was issued to Edmund Fanning Surveyor General of the Province, March 20, 1776. — Land Papers, xxxv, On the 7th of February, 1776, Rogers and 23 associates named, petioned for a grant of land on the east side of Lake Champlain, previously granted in 1763 to Samuel Willis, Edward Burling and others, and bounded northerly by Onion River westerly by the Lake by common land and easterly by Deerfield, containing 25,040 acres, and named " Rogerston." — Land Papers, xxxv, 139. (Endorsed, Feb. 14, 1776 : " Read in Council and rejected, it interfering with the Canada claimi.") ( /' 272 journals of Major Robert Rogers. Major Philbrick and Mr. Bell be the Committee of this House for that purpose."* On the id of July, the following entry was made on the Journal of the House: " Whereas it is strongly suspected that M^jor Robert Rogers and one Samuel Dwyer are inimical to the Rights and Liberty of Americans. Therefore voted, that it be and hereby is strongly re- commended to the several Committees of Safety and of Correspondence in this Colony, or either of them. That they [take] effectual care to seize the bodies of the said Samuel Dwyer and Robert Rogers or either of them under proper guard and convey them, or either of them to this House or Committee of Safety of this Colony, as soon as may be for examination. "f Extract of a Letter from General JVa$h'tngton to the Presi- dent of Congress^ dated June 27, 1776. " Upon information that Major Rogers was travelling through the country under suspicious circumstances, I thought it necessary to have him secured. I therefore sent after him. He was taken at South Amboy, and brought up to New York. Upon examination he in- formed me that he came from New Hampshire, the country of his usual abode, where he had left his family ; and pretended he was destined to Philadelphia, on business with Congress. As by his own Confession he had crossed Hudson's River at New Windsor, and was taken so far out of his proper and direct route to Philadelphia, this consideration * Provincial Papers, N. H., viii, 163. f State Papers New Hampshire^ Tin, 185. : ■ rs. tee of this lade on the jor Robert the Rights strongly re- ety and of em. That of the said them under hem to this , as soon as to the Presi- ). ,s travelling mstances, I I therefore imboy, and tioji he in- ipshire, the his family ; on business 1 Hudson's • out of his lonsideration Journals of Major Robert Rogers. 273 added to the length of time he had taken to perform this journey, his being found in so suspicious a place as Amboy, his unnecessary stay there on a pretence of getting some baggage from New York, and an expectation of receiving money from a person here, of bad character, and in no cir- cumstances to furnish him out of his own stock, the Major's reputation, and his being a half pay officer, have increased my jealousies about him. The business which he informs me he has with Congress, is a secret offer of his services, to the end that, in case it should be rejected, he might have his way left open to an employment in the East Indies, to which he is assigned ; and in that case he flatters himself, he will obtain leave of Congress to go to Great Britain. As he had been put upon his parole by Congress, I thought it would be improper to stay his progress to Philadelphia, should he be in fact destined thither, I there- fore sent him forward, but, to prevent imposition, under the care of an officer, with letters found upon him which from their tenor, seem calculated to recommend him to Congress. I submit it to their consideration, whether it would be dangerous to accept the offer of his services." — Sparc's Life and IVritings of Washington^ ill, 440. Letter from the President of the Continental Congress to General Washington. On the ist of July, 1776, John HancocK President qf Congress wrote to General Washington as follows : " Sir : I wrote you by the express on Saturday last, since which nothing has occured worthy of your notice. The sole reason of troubling you with this is to acquaint you, that in consequence of your orders to Captain Peters, he proceeded with Major Rogers to this city, and called on 274 journals of Major Robert Rogers. m* on Saturday last, and in the evening of that day I relieved him of his charge, and put Major Rogers under guard at the barracks, where he now remains, the Congress having, by a particular appointment, haH under considera- tion a momentous matter this day, which prevented their attention to Major Rogers. My next will inform you, I hope, of some very decisive measures."* Congress in a communication to the New Hampshire Assembly, July 6, 1776, informed them that Major Rogers would be sent to that state to be disposed of as that Government should judge best.f Upon which that body appointed Captain Harriman, Major Philbrick and Mr. Bell as a Committee for that purpose. | An order for his arrest was voted, as also of one Samuel Dyer, and that effectual measures be taken to seize them, or either of them wherever found in the Colony, and to bring them to the House, or Committee of Safety of the Colony for exam- ination. § Before he was sc it off from Philadelphia, Rogers found means to escape,|| and found his way to General Howe, by whom he was empowered to raise a battalion of Rangers.** * American jirchivts. Fifth Series, i, i. tl''»'» 33. »36» »S68. X lb. I, 7X. § lb, I, 80. II A reward of £50 was offered by the Committee of Safety for his arrest. — lb. I, 348, 1291. ** Gen. Howe, in a letter dated August 6, 1776, wrote : — " Major Rogers having escaped to us from Philadelphia, is empowered to raise a battalion of Rangers, which I hope may be useful in the course of the campaign." — Spari't Washington, iv, 520. Governor Tryon in writing to Lord George Germain, Sept. 27, 1776, says that Major Rogers was then raising a Corps of Provincials for the war generally. — N, Y. Colonial History^ vili, 687. rs. that day I jgers under e Congress considera- ented their "orm you, I Hampshire ajor Rogers of as that b that body k and Mr. irder for his ;r, and that or either of ing them to ly for exam- Logers found il Howe, by ■Rangers.** for his arrest. — -" Major Rogers ise a battalion of paign." — Sparft . ay, 1776, says als for the war journals of Major Robert Rogers. 275 It appears that Rogers lost no time in accepting this appointment, for in a letter from William Duer, to Gen. Washington dated at Harlem, Aug. 30, 1776. He says: " I have likewise to inform your Excellency, that on yesterday Morning, one Lounsberry, in Westchester County, who had headed a body of about fourteen torics, was killed by an officer named Flood, on his refusal to surrender himself prisoner ; that in his pocket book was found a Commission signed by General Howe to Major Rogers, empowering him to raise a battalion of Rangers, with the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel Commandant ; that annexed to this was a warrant to this Lounsberry signed by Major Rogers, appointing him a Captain of one of these companies, as likewise a muster-roll of the men already inlisted.— lb. i, 789, 1236. APPENDIX E. Correspondence and Statements concerning the ATTACK UPON LlEUT. CoL. RoGER's PaRTIZAN CoRPS AT Mamaronec, N. y., October 21, 1776. Extract of a Letter from Colonel Robert H. Harrison^ Secretary to General Washington, To the President of Congress. Headquaters White Plains 25 October, 1776. * * * On Monday night a detachment of our men under the command of Colonel Haslet was sent out to surprise and cut off Major Rogers if possible, with his regiment which was posted there. By some accident or other the expedition did not succeed so well as I could 2/6 Journals of Major "Robert Rogers. have wished. However our advanced party led on by Major Green, of the first Virginia Regiment, fell in with their out-guard, and brought off thirty-six prisoners, sixty muskets, and some blankets. The number killed is not certainly known ; but it is reported by an officer who was there, th^t he co nted about twenty-five. Our loss was two killed and ten or twelve wounded ; among the latter Major (John) Green, whose recovery is very doubtful.*" Sparks Life of Washington^ iv, 524. Extract of a Letter from Colonel fohn Haslet^ to General Ca far Rodney^ dated White Plains^ N. K, Oct, 28, 1776. " On Monday Night, Lord Sterling ordered me out with seven hundred and fifty men to attack the enemy's outposts ten miles from this place , at the village of Mam- aronec ; which was done, and their guards forced. We brought in thirty-six prisoners a pair of colors, sixty stand of arms, and a variety of plunder besides. The party we fell in with was Colonel Rogers's, the late worthless Major. On the first fire he skulked off in the dark. His Lieuten- ant, and a number of others were left dead on the spot. Had not our guards [guides?] deserted us on the first out- set, he and his whole party must have been taken. On our side three or four were left dead and about fifteen wounded; Among the latter is Major Green of the second Virginia Regiment wounded in the shoulder ; and Captain Rope who acted as Major, and behaved with *Major Green recovered and subsequently became a Lieutenant Colonel. The affair it mentioned in a letter from Major General Greene to General Washington dated Oct. 4, 1776, but without material addition. He laments the loss of Major Greene, who is' mentioned as a brave officer, and mortally wounded. — Spark's Official Correspondence of the Revolution, i, Z99. An extract from a letter of Gen. Heath, referring to the above affair, is given in Bolton's History of Westchester Co., N. T. i, ^ii. .f. Journals of Major Robert Rogers. 277 led on by ell in with ners, sixty iiled is not r who was jr loss was g the latter ioubiful.*" , to General f. 28, 1776. ed me out he enemy's 2;e of Mam- )rced. We sixty stand he party we iless Major, lis Lieuten- n the spot, le first out- aken. On and about reen of the aulder j and haved with lant Colonel, eene to General n. He laments and mortally '99- ^ . . above affair, is great bravery wounded in his leg ; both likely to recover. As this was the first effort of the kind, and a plan of his Lordship's he was so highly pleased with our success, that he thanked us publicly on the parade." — Spark's life of tVash- ington, IV. 526. The following account of this affair was published in a Hartford newspaper of the day : "On Monday last (October 21st) a party of Tories (100), Some of whom came from Long Island, under the command of the infamous Major Rogers, made an attack upon an advanced party of our Men, when a smart en gagement ensued, in which the enemy were totally routed. About twenty were killed on the spot, and thirty-six taken prisoners who were safely lodged in the goal at White Plains. Their gallant (Commander, with his usual bravery, left his men in time of action, and made his escape." — Stark's Memoirs^ p. 389. Enlisting orders issued by Rogers in the British Service, Valentine's Hill, 30 December, 1776. " Whereas, his Majesty's service makes it absolutely necessary that recruits should be raised, this is to certify that Mr. Daniel Strang, or any other gentlemen who may bring in recruits, shall have commissions according to the number he or they shall bring in for the Queen's Amer- ican Rangers. No more than forty shillings bounty is to be given to any man which is to be applied towards pur- chasing necessaries to serve during the present Rebellion, and no longer. They will have their proportion of all rebel lands, and all privileges equal to any of any of his Majesty's troops. The officers are to be the best judges in what manner they will get their men in; either by parties, 278 Journals of Major Robert Rogers. detachments, or otherwise, as may seem most advanta- geous i which men are to be attested before the first Magistrate within the Brstish lines." Robert Rogers, Lieutenant Colonel Commandant of the ^een'i Rangers. Strang, who had the above paper in his possession, was taken up near the American Camp at Peekskill. He was tried by Court Martial, and making no defence was con- demned to suffer death, on the charge of holding corres- pondence with the enemy, and lurking around the camp as a spy. General Washington approved the sentence.* Extract from a Letter of Governor Irumbull^ of Connecticut ^ to Colonel Livingston^ dated October 13, 1776.* " 1 have received intelligence which I believe may be depended on, that Major Rogers, now employed by Gene- ral Howe, and who you know was a famous partisan or ranger, in the last war, is collecting a battalion of Tories on Long Island, and that he proposes soon to make a sudden attack in the night on Norfolk, to take the con- tinental stores, and lay waste the town. I hjpe we shall be able to frustrate his designs. I have no need to ap- prize you of the art of this Rogers, He has been a famous scouter, or woods-hunter, skilled in waylaying, ambuscade, an(! sudden attack. I dare say you will guard against being surprised by his or any other party." * Spark's fF'asAingtott, iv. 520. * Spark's ffashington, iv. 125. TS. »st advanta- re the first IS, I Rangers. session, was II. He was ce was con- Iding corres- the camp as itence.* f Connecticut^ 1776.* ieve may be |red by Gene- i partisan or on of Tories n to make a ake the con- i.ipe we shall I need to ap- : has been a in waylaying, ou will guard irty." INDEX. ^BBOTT, James, 255. Abbot, Nathaniel, appointed a lieutenant, 55. notice of, 55. Abercrombie, Maj. Gen., succeeds Gen. Shir- ley, 54- mentioned, 56, 62,65, 74, 135. ^apt. James, 65, 71, 74, 77^ 89, 118^, 119. Acheson, R., republishes Rogers' Journals, 10. Albany, Troops rendezvous at, 28. commissioners meet at, 71- rangers to rendezvous at, 46, 47. interview appointed at, 55. Gen. Abercrombie at, 56. Lord Loudoun at, c8, 86. troops winter at, 65. Rogers goes to, 74. Albany, rangers return to.76, 77. 78. mentioned, 152, 154, 158. Alexander, William, 45. Algiers, Rogers in, 14, 262. American Archives cited, 259. 260, 261, 263,' 264, 266, 267, 274. Amherst Gen. Jeffrey, 75. at Louisburg, 91, 124! letters from, 134, 151^ }sz^ 155. orders from, 140, 169 177. sends Rogers to De- troit, 175. Amonsook River, 143, 144 146. Amoskeag Falls, 79. Amhara Magog Lake, 143. Ancestry of Rogers, 5. Anecdote of Rogers in Eng- land, 14. Andover, Mass., N. Abbot born at, 55. Andia-ti-roc-ie, (Lake George) 27. f ' 280 Index, Arrest of Rogers, 14. Atherton, 240. Atianderogoe, 31, 32. Attawawas, 157, 158, 187. Author's Introduction, 22. Avery, Ensign, 141, 144. Robert, killed, 72, Ayer, Ebenezer, remin- iscence by, 6. "DABEF, M., 196. Baker, Mr. 66, 68, killed, 72. Bald Mountain, loi. Barnard, Francis, 82. Barrager, Capt., 193, 196. Bay of Fundy, Rangers sent to, 78. Bayley, Col. Jacob, notice of, 49. Col. Jonathan, 212. Bayley's regiment, 49. Beam regiment, ii8fl. Beaver Creek, 202. town, 201. Bedel, Col., 263. Beletere, M., French com- mandant at Detroit, letter of Rogers to, 189. rumor of opposition from, 190, 191, reply of, 192, 194. M. sent to Philadelphia, 197. Bell, Mr., 274. Best, Mr., servant of, cap- tured, 92. Beverly, Serjeant, 156. sent to Gen. Murray, 161. Billings, Capt. Roger, 35. Blanchard, Joseph, 30. Blodget, Samuel, suttler at Fort William Henry, 79. " Bloody Fight " account of, 97- French account of, 100. Blue Mountains, 1 18. Boarbier, M,, sent up the Ottawa, 158. Boats destroyed on Lake Champlain, 53. found, 89. Bolton, Islands in Narrows in the town of, 94. Bolton's Westchester cited, . 276. Bonapart, Rogers compared with, 21. Bonjour, John, 82. Bonville, M., 156, 171. pursued, 172, Boom across Lake Cham- plain, 138. Boston, Gen. Shirley at, 45, 46. _ Lord Loudoun at, 66. Index. 281 : of, cap- 156. . Murray, 'ger* 35- 1, 30- suttler at am Henry, account of, mt of, 100. 118. ;nt up the 58. on Lake i>53- n Narrows m of, 94. ester cited, s compared \2. 156, 171. 172. ,ake Cham- 8. irley at, 45, 3un at, 66. Bouquet, Col., account of expedition by, printed 10. mentioned, 184. Bouton, Rev. N., cited, 98, 99, 161. Boyce, Richard, 81. Braddock, Gen. Edward, killed, 45. Bradford, Capt., 259. Brassier's map, cited, 27, 54. Brehm, Lieut. Diedrick, 129, 175, 178, 189, 192, 196. Brest, troops from, 64. Brewer, Capt. David, 103, I37> 139, 152, 154. 178, 183, 184, 185, 186, 198. Ensign of Rangers, 55. Bridge, Mr., 82. Broadstreet, Lieut. Col., 118. attacks Fort Frontenac, 124. Brown, Thomas, 72. • Browne, Elizabeth, marries Rogers, 9. Buckley, Lieut , 70. Lieut, of Rangers, 55, 76. Capt., 77, 93, killed, 96. Burbank, Jonathan, Ensign of Rangers, 55, 56. Burbank, Capt., 113, 117, 118^, 135. Burgin, Capt. of New Jersey Rangers, 55, 77. Burnham, Mark, verbal in- formation from, 19. Burning of harvests pro- posed, 58. Burnside, Thomas, wound- ed, 72. Burton, Col., Indians under, .■ 57- instructions expected from, 60. Bushy Run, battle of, 11. Butler, B. C., cited, 101. Lieut., 197. Butterfield, Jonathan, re- port from, 34. (^AHILL, John,wounded, ^ 72. Campbell, Angus, 81. Archibald, 81. Archibald, Jr., 81. Lieut., 93, 149. killed, 103. Capt., 184, 185, 186, 187, 196, 197, 198. Major, 170. Canadians sworn to British allegiance, 173, Cankusker Bay, 94. Cape Breton captured, 124. 282 Index, Cap Francois, letter from, 234, 236. Carillon, meaning of word, 54-. mentioned, 54, 59, 60, 63, 64, 87, 103. Carleton, Gov. Guy, 256, 263. Carruthers, Francis, 81. Carrying Place, 32, 48, 49. Carver, Jonathan, cited, 122, mentioned, 239. Cattle killed, 43, 48, 57, 89, 167. Chalmer, Mr., 61, 62. Chamblee, troops assem- bling at, 53. burned, 167, 168. Champlain, cited, 54. Character of Rogers, 18, ig. Charlestown, " Number Four," 47. Chcrokees, Rogers serves in an expedition against, 9. country, proposed his- tory of an expedition into, 12. Chibucto Harbor, 77. Chimney Island, 175. Chippawaes, 251. Chogoge River, 187. Christopher, Mr., 81. Claims of Rogers upon New Hampshire, 210. Clarke, John, 81. Claus Daniel, to Sir Wm. Johnson, 251. Clerk,- Mr., the engineer, 119. Cleveland, Rogers arrives at the site of, 187. CofEn Charles, letter to, 19. Cochran, Capt., 241. Cohase Intervales, 144^ 146, 147, 149. Cold Country Indians, 157. Columbie, Mons., 64. Commission, from Gen. Abercrombie, 11 1. ofSir William Johnson, 203. from James De Lancey, mentioned, 206. Commissioners meet at Albany, 41. Conesadagu, 178. Connor, — 35, Convoys, plan for intercept- ing, 154. Coos Co. — 49. Intervales, 14.6. Court of Inquiry held, 240. Coyhavagu, 178. Crafton, Edward, 82. Lieut., 93, 97, 98. Crainahe, Mr. H. T., 249. Craven, Major, 41. Crawley, Andrew, 80. Sir Wm. 151. engineer, rs arrives of, 187. letter to, >4i. les, 144, 149. dians, 157. , 64. om Gen. bie, III. n Johnson, DeLancey, , 206. meet at I. r intercept- 46. held, 240. , 82. I. T., 249. V, 80. Index, 283 Creed, Francis, 81, 93. Crofton, Walter, 80. Croghan, Mr., 184, 185, 187, 223. Crown Point, Rogers sent to bring a prisoner I from, 26. I mentioned, 27, 28, 29, (^ 58159167. \\ closely observed, 33, i 34- ) uncertainty as to strength of, 39, 40. Scouts sent to, 42, 43, 44. remains of a village at, 44. reconnoitered, 48. military movement at, 51. boats pass, 52, 53. party sent to, 56, 57. strength of, 64. site of a battle in town of, 70. evacuated, 138, 139. Rogers winters at, 151. plan for reduction of, 201. Cunningham, Mr., 125, 126. Curgill, Lieut., 149. Cushing, Capt. Seth, 43. Cuyohoga River, 187, "TJ'AVENNE Sicur,ment- *-^ ioned, 102. Dalyel, Capt., Rogers serves und r,9, DalyelKCapt. James, 122. Darcy, Lieut., 165, 166. Darby, Col., 169, 1 70, 171, 173. Dartmouth, near Halifax, troops encamped at, 77- Davis, Robert A., letter of, 19. Lieut., 178. Mr. at Niagara Falls, 183. Debecourt, M., no. Debeline, Mons., attacks " Number Four. " 47- De Courgne, M., account by, 122. Delceson, D'hainfans, 82. De Lancey, Col., 120. Dcpostion of Nathaniel Potter, 230. Derivier, Mr., 226. Detroit, Rogers serves at, under Capt. Dalyel,9. fragment of a journal of siege of, 13. Rogers sent to, 175. surrendered to the Eng- lish, 197. 284 Index. D'llbecourt, M., lOO. Discipline of Rangers, 82. Dieskau, Baron, taken pris- oner, 26, 64. Distrust of Roger's loyalty, 16. Divorce of Mrs. Rogers, 252. Doquipe, (a Mohegan) 128. Doriel, M., account given by, 123. Draper, 265. Drought, Thomas, 81. William, 81. Duer, Wm., 275. Dunbar, Lieut., 150. Dunbar's Party, 149. Dunbarton, N. H., settle- ment of, 6. Dunham, Col., 41. Dunstable, 45. Durkee, Lieut. Robert, 122. Dutch Crown Point, 27. Dutchess of Gordon, (ship) 267. Dwyer, Samuel, 272. t'AST Bay, 121. Eastman, Joseph, 161. Stitson, 99. Edlington, Richard, 80. • Edmonds, John, killed, 72. Ervin,.Will, 81. £vans,^Serjeant, 149. Eyers, Lieut., 122. Eyre Capt., 209. T7ALLS at outlet of Lake ^ George examined, 61, 62. Farmer, Thomas, killed, Farrington, Lieut., 149. Fatalism, maxim of, 73. Fishing, modes of, 180, 181. Fisk, Samuel, killed, 72. Fitch, Asa, cited, 71. Col., 117, 118, 179. Mr., of Conn., 41. Fitzherbert, Mr., 256, 257. Flag of truce, 115. Fletcher, Capt., 37. Lieut. John, 153. Fort Ann, IC5, 106, 107, 121. Chamblee, Rogers sent to, i6o. du Bouf, 184. Edward, 26, 40, 41, 47. 48, 49> 60, 62, 65, 66, 71, 75, 76, 76, 11, 79. 80, 82, 86,112,115,121,123, 125, 126, 132, 133. Levis, 175. Niagara, 182. Sc. Frederick, 27. orders for reduction of, 206. Index, 285 122. 39. utlet of Lake examined. mas. killed, eut., 149. m of, 73. es of, 180, killed, 72. ed, 71. 118, 179. onn., 41. >., 256, 257. 115. •.37. hn, 153. 5, 106, 107, , Rogers sent [84. 26, 40, 41, , 49, 60, 62, lU 75, 76, 79, 80, 82, 115,121,123, 6, 132* 133- 82. ick, 27. reduction of, Fort William Augustus, 175, 178. William Henry, 41, 42, 45. 47' 48, 49, 50» 52. 56, 57, 58, 59i 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 70, 76, 77, 79, 80, 115, 116. Frazier William, 81, Jr., 81. French Creek, 184. Freyburg, 45. Frisborough, Mr., 81. Frontenac, Gen. Montcalm at, 60. captured, 124. site of, 179. Fuller, Capt., 221. r^ AGE, General Thomas, ^^ cited, 13, letters of Johnson to, 215, 222, 224, 227, 242, 247, 252. Letters to Johnson, 223, mentioned, 134, 135. Col., 76. Major Moncrieffe, letter to, 218. Galloo Island, 179 Gamelin, Mens., 176, 177. Gardner Rev., killed, 68, 72 Gaspe Bay, troops arrive at, 157- Gatenois, French taken from, »97. _ Germain, Lord, to Gen. Howe, 267. Gillis, Mr., 62. Giddings, Capt., 122. Glasier, Col. B., orders from, 42, 44. Goddard, Mr., 239, 253, 254. Goodwin, Luxford, 161. Grace of Man, River so called, 180. Graham, John, 81. Grant, Allen, 81. Capt., instiuctions to, 165. Col, 112. Gen., Rogers serves under, 10. mentioned, 160, 168. Lieut., 144, 148- Noah, 36, 38. Green, Major, 276. Greene, Gen., 276. TT ACKET, Serjeant, 165. Haldimand, Col., 120, 128, ^33- Half-way Brook, 116, 121, 129. Halifax, troops sent to, 77, 78. Hall— a Ranger, 158. ' , 1 286 Index, \ Hamilton, Mr., 8i. Hancock, John to Washing- ton, 273. Hanson, John R., 237, 241. Hardy, Sir Charles, 33, 41. Harriman, Capt., 271, 274. Harrison, Col. Robert H", 275- Dr., 261. Haslet, Col., 276. Haverhill, 263. Haviland, Colonel, 82, 86, 87,92, 93,136, 151, 170, 171, 173. Hay, Chief Justice, 234, 250. Hazen, Capt. John, 175. Heath, Gen., 276. Henry, Sergeant, 62, 72. Hensey, Robert, 255. Hewson, Thomas, killed, 72. Hill, Gov. Isaac, letter from, 19. James, 81. Hillsborough, Earl of, to Johnson, 249. Hobbs, Capt. of Rangers, 55, 65, 66, 76. Holbourn, Admiral, 78. Holland, Capt., 262. Holmes, Mr., 153. Lieut., 118, !6i, 162, 166, 168, 169, 183, 184, 185, i86, 212. Hoosick, 265. Hopkins, Col., Letter from in West Indies, 234, mentioned 244, 250, 252. Horst, Engelbertus, 82. Howard, Joseph, 227.1 Serjeant Jon., killed, 72. Howe, Lord, accompanies the Rangers, 80. reception Hy, 1 1 r, 112, mentioned, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 274, 278. to Earl of Dartmouth, 261. letter to, 267. Humbles, Charles, 80. Humphrey, David, 36. Hunt, Capt. Samuel, 32. Huron Indians, 190. TCE, exhibition on the, 42. Indian trade at Michili- mackinac, 13. Rogers early acquaint- ance with, 25. at Crown Point, 28, 29. pass in bark canoe, 31. number of with French, 40. Mohawks, 58. Stockbridge in service, 57,60,61. Letter from Indies, 234, 244, 250, tus, 82. J, 227.1 on., killed. accompanies gers, 80. iy, III, 112, , 114. 115, 7, 118, 119, i. ■ Dartmouth, 267. les, 80. vid, 36. imuel, 32. 190. )n on the, 42. at Michili- ic, 13. rly acquaint- th, 25. Point, 28, 29. rk canoe, 31. "with French, , 58. ye in service, 61. Index, 287 Indian trade, interview at Cuyahoga, 187, 188. Instructions from Lord Loudon to Capt. Rogers, 90. of volunteers as rangers, 82. for the reduction of Crown Point, 206 . to Rogers, com'dt at Mich ilimackinac, 216. Introduction, author's, 23. editor's, 3. Irwin Will, 81. Isle Aux Noix, 159, 162, 165, 168, 170. de Galette, 179. la Motte, 159, 165, 166, 167, 170. of Orleans, 157, 162. Royale, 175. TACK'S QUARTERS, J [Jacques Cartier,] 168. Jackson Andrew, Rogers compared with, 21. Capt., map of, cited, 94, 131- Jacob, Capt. (an Indian) 61, 113, 114, 116, 133, 134. Jacobs, the two Captains, 188. Janel, John, 255. Jealousies presumed, 36. Jenkins, Lieut., 150. Jequipe, Mr., 186. Je.sies, Rangers raised in, 77. Jogue, Father, 27. Johnson, Noah, 45, 47. appointed lieutenant, 55- Capt., 150, 153, 155. wounded, 164. Sir William, 25, 27, 29, 3^ 32, 33» 34, 37» 3^1 39i 41, so, 57, 119, 201, 209, 213, to 258. Joncaire Chabert, 249. Jones, Col., 252, 253, 255. Jugglery, Indian, 100. I^ALM, Peter, 27, 44. Kemble, David, 72. Kemp, Phineas, killed, 72. Kennedy — Lieut, of Ran- gers, 55, 65, 66, 68, killed, 72, 73. Capt. 134, 158, 263. Kent, 265. Michael, 8r, 93. Killed and wounded, lists of, 72, 10?, 103. Kingston, Mr., 256. Knowles, Sir Charles, 47. 288 Index, m T A CFIINE, 178. La Durantaye, M., 100. La Fleur, of Detroit, 175. La Force, M., 169. La Galette, 159. Lake Champlain, expedition on, 51. map of, mentioned, 54. French troops seen on, 56, 57- nnmber of French boats on, 60. party sent to, 61. Lake George, French under Dieskau defeated near, 26. named and described, 27. French advanced guard at, 31. expedition on skates, expedition on, 56. troops sent on, 61. mentioned, 66. Land claims of Rogers, 268. Languedoc regiment, 64. Laporta, Emanuel, killed, 79. La Pierre, 173. La Reine, regiment, ii8fl. Larnard, Capt., of ' Pro- vincials, 56, 57. Lawrence town, 78. Le Corn, Mons., 64. Lejonong, French officer, 114. Leslie, Lieut., 196. Levi, Conte de, at Carillon, 60. Levy, M., 64, 156, 157, 168. Livingston Co., Gov. Trum- bull to, 278. Londonderry, N. H., Rog- ers born at, 6. Long Island, Lake George, 132. Longee, M., French parti- san, 79, 158. Longville, 173. Lorette, 157. Lotridge, Capt., of Mo- hawks, 128, 130. Loudon, Lord, 58, 60, 62, 66, 11, 74, 76, 80, 82, 86, 89, 90, III. Louisburg, expedition to, 78. four companies ot Ran- gers sent to, 91. Lovewell's fight, 45. Loyalist services of Rogers, 17; Lyman, Col., 36, 117, ii8tf, 209. Lyme, 262. Lyshat, Mr., 80. IS., 64. rench officer, 196. e, at Carillon, 4, 156, IS7> .,Gov.Trum- , 278. N. H., Rog- n at, 6. Lake George, French parti- '3- ipt., of Mo- , 128,130. d, 58, 60, 62, I, 74. 7^^ 80, j, 89, 90, III. expedition to, ipanies of Ran- ent to, 91. ght, 45- ices ot Rogers, ,36, 117, ii8fl, , 80. Index, 289 lyr'BEAN, Donald, 82. McCormick, Lieut., 152, 183, 196, 198, 202. McCurdy, Lieut. John, of Rangers, 36, 55, 56, McDonald, Archibald, 82. Ensign, 93, 96, 97, killed 103. McDougal, Jonathan, 81. McGee, Mr., sent to Shaw- nese town, 197. McMullen, Lieut., 149. Mamaronec, Rogers' party captured, 17, 275. Map of Lake Champlain mentioned, 54. Marvin, M., 121. Marriage of Rogers, 9. Martin, Joshua, prontioted, ■ 71- Serjeant, wounded, 72. Masure, Scipiode la, 59. Mau'-epas, Frederick, 27. Memphramagog Lake, 143. Mc:nzies, Charles, 81. Mecurial medicines, 252. Miame, French taken from, 197. Michilimackinac, Rogers commands at, 13, 15. to be occupied by En- glish, 176. Rogers first visit to, 198. Michilimackinac conduct of Rogers at, 213 to 258. Millet, Thomas, 80. Millan, J., publisher, 12. Mingo Cabbins, 184, 2oO. Mississagua Indians, 180, 181. Misisque Bay, 140, 145, 146. Mohawk River, a scouting party sent up the, 55- troops returned from, 60. Indians, 58, 130. join the Rangers, 128. Mohegan Indians, 116, 128, 186. Monkton, Brig. Gen. Rob- ert, 176, 177, 182. Monongahela, battle of, 45. Monro, Colonel, 76. Monsel, Mr., 8i. Montcalm, Marquis de, 54, 60, 63, 64, 79, 87, 88, loi, 116, 117. Monter, Capt , 185. Montreal, Rogers brought a prisoner to, 14. troops expected from, 59- boats passing to, 60. Moore, Lieut., 93. killed, 102. 290 Index* Morris, Mr., of Penn- sylvania, 41. William, 72. Morrison, John, 72. Morristown, 262. Morton, Joshua, 70. Motives for publication of journals, 22. Murray, General, 158, 160, 161, 162, 163, 173- Murder o\ a wounded pris- oner, 9. Muskingum River, 200, 201. NT ARROWS, 66, 70,94, ■•-^ 113. Newburg, Col. Bayley set- tles at, 49. New Hampshire not rep- resented in a con- vention at Albany, 41. Rangers, 55. claims of Rogers upon, 210. extract from journals, 269. Rogers banished from, 18. New Orleans, French re- tire to, 158. ' Rogers designs to desert to French at, 13. New Windsor, 272. New York, troops winter at, 65. troops sent to, 77. committee of safety, 260, 264. Niagara, carrying place 177. Rogers arrives at, 183. Falls, survey taken, 183. Nicholls, Col., part of reg- iment attacked, 121. Nicholson, Mr., 81. Norfolk, 278. North West Bay, 94. Nova Scotia, Rangers in, 78. Number Four, (Charles- town, N. H.) 47, 126, 139, 142, 143, 146, 147, 148, 149, 158. NunnipatJ (a Mohegan), 128. Nut Island, 156, 158, 160. QGDEN, Capt., 43, 144, ^^ 149, 154, 155. wounded, 143, 148. Ogden's Mount, 42. Ogilvie, John, cited, 102,. Ohio Indians, expedition against, noticed, 10. Old Style calendar, 27. Onderoga or Ticonderoga. Oraconenton Isle, 175. Ord, Lieut. Col., 169, 170. troops winter • ;nt to, 77. ee of safety, 264.. ■ying place 177. arrives at, 1S3. survey taken, ol., part of reg- t attacked, 121. Mr., 81. 8. t Bay, 94- ia, Rangers in, Four, (Charles- n, N. H.) 47, , 139, 142, 143' , 147, 148, H9» a Mohegan), 128. i, 156, 15B, 160. Sf, Capt., 43, 144, ), 154, 155- ided, I43> 140- Vlount, 42. ohn, cited, 102. idians, expedition ainst, noticed, 10. caltendar, 27. I or Ticonderoga. iton Isle, 175. :ut. Col., 169, 170. Index, 291 Orders for a scout, 30. Oswegachi, 157, 179. Oswego, 45, 59, 137, 189, 214. Ottawawa Indians, 88. Otter River, 150. Otway's regiment, deserters from, 60. TDAGE, Caleb, Ensign, 24, ^ 55, 56, 66, 68, killed, 72. notice of, 56. David, wounded, 72. Palmer, — 262. Parkman, Francis, cited, 178, 187. Parnell, Serjeant, killed, 102. Parole of Rogers, 259. Partizan Corps of Rogers dispersed, 275. Partridge, Col., 122. Peterson, Walter, 81. Pennicook, N. H., 55, 149, 265. Pennsylvania committee of safety, 258, 260, 261, 262, 264. Perry, Charles, 81. Peters, Capt., 273. Philbrick, Major, 274. Philips, Lieut. William, 93, 95» 97, 98, ii4» notice of, 98. Phillips, wife of, joins the Shakers, 99. Phillips, Serjeant, 68. Pittsburgh, 45, 184, 198. Point de Tremble, 157. Point Levy, 156, 157, 162. Pontiac's siege, Rogers serves in, 9. ambassy from, 187. Porter, Obadiah, 24. Portrait of Major Rogers described, 7. Portsmouth, Arthur Rogers dies at, 18. Potter, Anthony, Joseph and Richard, 99. Mr., 224, 225, 228, 229, 230, 253. Potter's Hist, of N. H., cited, 46. Pottinger, Lieut. James, 82, 93, killed, 103. Pouchot memoirs, cited, 79, 89,99, 175. Poupao, Joseph, 175, 176, ^11- Pouteotame notion, many die of small pox, 79. Pouviet, Lieut., mentioned, 102. Presque Isle, 176, 184. Prisoners, accounts given by, 59, 64, 88, 114. Proby, Major, 120. Programme of a work by Rogers, 11. 292 Index, ■3 ■ 1 1 / Provost, Col., 123, 253. Putnam, Capt. Israel, 32, 34' 36, 37. 3^* 92. » 93- Major, 121. Ensign Timothy, 32. Putney, Joseph and Will- iam, 24. QUEBEC, troops ar- rive at, 59. intention to retake, 156, 157. besieged, 159. Queen's Rangers, Rogers a Lieut. Col. Comdt. in, 17, 278. Quodoa, Isle of, 162. ■p ANGERS left at Fort -■^ William Henry, 41. instructions of, 46, 82. pay of, 46, 74. a company raised, 55. under Captains Spike- man and Hobbs, 65. sent from Albany, 76. recruited, 78. return to Albany, 78. sent to Halifax, 77, 78. incompetent, 82. to be increased, 89. Reed, Capt. Francis, 103. Reinhault, Erick, 82. Revolution, Rogers at begin- ing of, 14. double dealing of Rogers at beginning of, 17. Rogers did not return to live in States after, 20. Reynolds, or Ranger, 158. Rivington, James, to Sir Wm. Johnson, 257. Roach, (see Roche) Robber, Rogers arrests a, 14. Roberdeau, Col,, 259. Roberts, Mr., 80. Lieut. Benj., 221, 224, 234, 237, 238, 247, 248, 253, 255, 256, 258. Robertson, Alexander, 81. John, 81. Roby, Luther, prints a con- densed edition of Rogers' Journals, 1 1. Roche, John, marries di- vorced wife of Rogers, 9- Rodney, Gen. Ceasar, 276. Rogers, Arthur, son of Robert, 18. James, father of Robert, 5. James, 24, 65, 66, 68, 73> '03» 2163- Tcrs at begin- 4- . dealing or at beginning d not return in States 5. Ranger, 158. mes, to Sir ohnson, 257. 3che) rs arrests a, )1., 259. 80. nj., 221, 224, 37, 238, 247, 53' 255. 250. lexander, 81. , prints a con- edition of 5' Journals, 1 1. , marries di- wife of Rogers, . Ceasar, 276. thur, son of •t, 18. father of rt, 5. 24, 65, 66, 68, 03, 263. Index. 293 Rogers, Lieut. Richard, 45, ^47.48, 55- Capt. Richard, 60, 65, 66, 71, 76, death of, 79- Robert, ancestry of, 5. marriage of, 9. youth of, 5, 23. hardihood of, 20. winters at Lake George, 41. autograph of, 43. accused of crime, 46. Capt. of Rangers, 55. wounded, 72. commended, 73. goes to Albany, 74. recruits men, for his company, 74. sick with small pox, 76. suits against, 76. letter of to French at Ticonderoga, 89. paying ofF national debt, 92. attacked by French, 96, mentioned in French accounts, 98, to 102. rank as Major, 136. letters to Gen. Am- herst, 152. letter to Capt. Beletere, 196. settlement of claims upon N. H., 210. conduct of at Michili- mackinac, 213 to 258. letter to Johnson, 220, 258. conduct in America, prior to Revolution, 258. letter to Gen. Wash- ington, 263. to Pres. N. Y. Provin- cial Congrtss, 267. attack on partisan corps of, 275. Robert, banished from New Hampshire, 18. dtath of, 18. Rogers' Slide, 101. Rope, Col., 276. Ross, Andrew, 81. ensign, 93, 95. Ruggles, Gen., 170. Rules for ranger service, 82. Rutherford, Major, 41. CABBATHDayPoint,94, *^ 118, 129, 131. St. Clair, Sir John, 41. St. d'Etrese, surprised, 166. St. Francis Indians, treach- ery of, 140. expedition, against, 140. report of, 141. French account of burning of, 142. • < ' 3 294 Index. St Francis Indians men- tioned, 162. St. Johns, 48, 58, 139, 159, 172, 173, 263, 266. St. Lawrence, ships on the, 60. St. Patrick affair, 80. St. Sacrament Lake, 27. San Domingo, descendants of Rogers living in, 18. Sandusky, 189. Sandy Bay, 132. Saratoga, 57, 60. Saw Mill, building at falls, 62. Schitzcook, troops sent to, Schloser, John, 82. Schonn creek, 1 13. Schuyler, letter to, 266, 267. Col. Peter, 41. Scott, Major, 153. Sentinel, captured, 63. Sharp, Mr. of Maryland, 41. Shakers at Canterbury, N. H., 99. Shawnese Town, French troops taken from, 198. Shedoir [Chaudiere] River, Shelburne, Earl of, letter of Johnson to, 225,242. Sheppard, Capt., 63, 77, Shirley, Gereral, 27, 39, 4i» 45i 50» 54» 57» 205, 206. Shute, Jacob, 161. Shute, John, 161. Mr., reminiscence of a battle by, 70. Simcoe, Lieut. Colonel, 17. Sinclair, Sir John, sends a volunteer, 61. Sioux, 251. Small Pox, great mortality from, 54, 78, 79. Solomon (a Stockbridge Indian), 155. Sorcery, divination by, 100. South Amboy, 272. South Bay, 30, 50, 52, 60, 105, io6, 107, 108, 113, 116, 121, 130. Sparks, &J?j., commanding at Fort Edward, 71. Spark's Jared, Washington, cited, 267, 279. correspondence of Rev- olution, cited, 263, 276, 277. Spiessmacher, Lieut. F. C, 237, 240. Spikeman, Capt. of Rangers, 55, 65, 66, 67, 68, 71, killed, 72, 73. Stanford, 265. Stanwix, Gen., Information from, 126. Index, «95 39' 57» :ral, 27, 1 50, 54> 06. 161. 61. iniscence of a by, 70. . Colonel, 17. John, sends a eer. 61. reat mortality ■54» 78, 79- I Stockbridge ')» 155- laiion by, 100. I, 272. ;o, 50, 52, 60, [06, 107, 108, [6, 121, 130. ., commanding rt Edward, 71. d, Washington, 267, 279. ndence of Rev- n, cited, 263, 277- , Lieut. F. C, 240. apt. of Rangers, >5, 66, 67, 68, ilied, 72, 73. 5- :n., information , 126. Stark, Archibald, grantee, 24. Caleb, Jr., book edited by, II, 92. John, Lieut, of Ran- gers ; mentioned, 47, 48, 55. 56. 58, 60, 65, 66, 67, 68, 70, 71. — Captain, 77, 99, 103, 113, 114, iJ9> 133^ 135, 139, 152. 154. — General opinion of Rogers, 16. Life of, II. memoirs, cited, 70, ^ 79. 80, 277. Capt. William, 152. Starkstown, former name of Dunbarton, N. H., 6, 24. Steadman, 257. Stephans, Lieut. Samuel, 126, 147, 150. Stephens Joseph, killed, 72. Simon, 82. Sterling, Hugh, 82. Sterling, Lord, 45, 276. Stevens, Capt. Phineas, defends " Number Four," 47. Still, Mr., 81. Stockbridge Indians, 57, 60, 61, 126, 134, 155, 161, 164. Stone Arabia, 265. Stuart, Mr., adjutant of Rangers, 155. Sullivan, Gen., to Washing- ton, 264. Suncook, 149, Syms, Col., 41. "F AKUNDAWIDE Bay, 132. Tate 239. Tenney, Ebenezer, 99. ThoTias, Col., 170. Thomson, Charles, 259. Tianaroga, 34. Tiantiroga, 50. Ticonderoga, 28, 30, 32, 33> 38. 39» 40, 45, 48, 49. 50, 5I1 52, 54, 56, 57, 59, 61, 63, 65, 67, 80, 89, 118, 124. Tiondroque, 29. Toronto, 181, 182, 245. Townsend, M. B., engage- ment near residence of, 70. Townsend, Col., letter to, 125. Townshend, R. (D. A. G.), 127. Col., killed, 138. Trepezec, M. de, 118. Troops sent to serve with Rangers, 80. " ' .' V 296 Index, Trumbull, Gov., to Col. Livingston, 267, 278. Tryon, Gov., 261, 274. Turner, Lieut., 141, 149, 150. Tutc, Lieut. James, 130, 150, 151, 158. T JNCAS, King, address ^ to, 127. A 7AISAC, France, pris- * oner born at, 59. Van Bebber, Henry, 82. Van Wormer's Bay, 132. Vaudreuil, M. de, 156, 174. Venango, 184. Village, burned, 43, 44, 57, 59- on east side of Lake Champlain, 47. 'IXT'ACKERBERG, An- ^^ drews, 82. Wait, Ensign, 93, 96, 152. captain, 152, 175, 178, 185, 198. Walker, Serjeant, 68. Walters, Major, 176, 177. Wampum beli3, 128. Ward, Nicholai, 3i. Wardoman, George, 82. Washington:, Gen. Rogers writes to, 17, 273. Washington, to Gen. Schuy- ler, 266, 267. mentioned, 261, 263, 264. Watson, W. C, History of Essex Co., 44, loi, Wattockquotchey Falls, 148. Wawnawapeteoonks, (Capt. Jacob), 113. Weatherhead, John, 237, 253' 255- Webb, General Daniel, 79, 116. Wentworth, Gen., letter to mentioned, 41, 52. Westminster, 265. Whale boats, 51, 115. Wheelock, Pres., to Wash- ington, 261, 265, 266, 267. White, Ensign, 93, 95, 96. killed, 103. Plains, 276. Wigwam, Martinique, 143, 160, 168. Wilcox, John, 81. Williams, Capt., 130, 131, 133' H'l H5- Wilson, Ensign, 165. Windmill Point, 165. Winslow, Gen., 52, 56. Wood, Ensign, killed, 164. t -' Index, 297 Gen. Schuy- 267. 261, 263, ., History of o., 44, loi, ey Falls, lonks, (Capt. John, 237, 5- 1 Daniel, 79, len., letter to ied,4i,52. 165. ;i, 115. ;s., to Wash- 261, 265, >7- , 93» 95» 96- 3- 76. rtinique, 143, , 81. )t., 130, 131, in, 165. It, 165. n., 52, 56. >ign, killed, Wood Creek, Fort com- manding, 30, 60. Woodall, Benj., 72. Wounded prisoners killed, 9. Wrightson, John, 81, 93. Wraxall, Peter, orders signed by, 30. Wyandot Indians, 199, 201. yOUNG, Mr., 81.