Production Note
Cornell University Library produced this
volume to replace the irreparably deteriorated
original. It was scanned using Xerox software
and equipment at 600 dots per inch resolution
and compressed prior to storage using CCITT
Group 4 compression. The digital data were
used to create Cornell's replacement volume on
paper that meets the ANSI Standard
Z39.48-1984. The production of this volume was
supported in part by the New York State
Program for the Conservation and Preservation
of Library Research Materials and the Xerox
Corporation.	Digital file copyright by
Cornell University Library 1993.MAJOR NORRIS’ JOURNAL
OF
SULLIVAN’S EXPEDITION.
JUNE TO OCTOBER, 1779.
FROM ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPT IN POSSESSION OF THE SOCIETY.
^779
June 18 Friday Morning June 18. 1779. The N Jersey and
N Hampshire Brigades with Procters Reg1 of Artillery,
under the command of Major General Sullivan, began to
march from Easton on an Expedition to the Western fron-
tiers against the Savages. About 12 °Clock the Troops
halted for the day, at Hilliers Tavern 12 Miles from
Easton—
19 Marched at 4 °Clock this Morning. & advanced as far as
Brinkers Mills 7 Miles, where the Army halted to draw
provissions & Refresh themselves, we came through a
narrow pass of the blue mountain, calld the Wind-gap, a
Note.—The present being the centennial year of General Sullivan’s expedition against
the Seneca Indians and Tories in Western New York, it is fitting that the Buffalo Histori-
cal Society should at this time furnish its contribution to the original documentary history
of that event. This is done by publishing the interesting Journal of Major James Norris,
an officer in the expedition, from the original manuscript, in the possession of the Society,
the gift of Hon Joseph Williamson of Belfast, Maine.
This Journal is but one of a number—perhaps twenty—which have been found in differ-
ent places; while others are coming to light here and there.
It is not a complete narrative of the expedition, although it covers the whole period, day2 I 8
MAJOR NORRIS’ JOURNAL OF
passage apparently designd by Nature for a Communi-
cation; and according to the description given by Corne-
lius Nepos. pretty much resembles the Straits of Thermop-
ylae where 300 Greeks under Leonidas checked the prog-
ress of 800,000 Persians commanded by Xerxes—After
having taken rest and refreshment, the Troops marchd 9
Miles farther to Learns’s Tavern near Pogono point and
encampd, at this place a rattle snake was killd having
7 Rattles on his tail, and a full grown bird in his Stomach,
which would seem to confirm the Notion of Snakes having
the power of facinating or charming their prey—The
Land thro this days march is mountainous, rocky, barren,
& uninhabitable; but well waterd and the Streams abound-
ing with Trouts—
20	Marched at 8 °Clock & enterd an exstensive Forrest,
calld the great Swamp into which we advanced 5 Miles,
& encampd on a small brook; the Gen1 gave this the
name of Chowder Camp — The House we left this morn-
ing is the last of the Inhabitants ’till we reach Wyoming.
21	This days march of 21 Miles was as Severe as it was un-
necessary, through a Wilderness, where there had been
only an Indian path, till the Troops cut a road this spring
for the passage of Sullivans Army—the fatigues of this
Day might have been prevented by a longer march Yes-
terday: but after crossing two Considerable Streams calld
the Tobehanah & Tanckhannanck, there is no proper
ground for an Encampment till we get through the Swamp
After we had crossd the Creek, we come to the Lehi, the
by day, from June 18th to October 25th, 1779; and it is in some.parts only an account of the
proceedings of certain detachments of the army; yet readers of the general histories of the
campaign will find it of unquestionable value in corroborating and supplementing these.
It has not been thought best to annotate the Journal, or to accompany it with a general
sketch of the expedition from combined sources; though it Y'ould have been useful and in-
teresting to do so. The endeavor has been to reproduce the manuscript with scrupulous
exactness, so that so far as could be done with types, it might be accurately presented.
A “plan” or drawing of the “order of battle,” which was furnished to accompany the
general orders for the expedition (a copy of which orders is appended to the Journal), is.
referred to on page 251, but is not found with the document.—Ed.GEN. SULLIVANS EXPEDITION.
219
Western branch of the Delaware, & having passed this we
enter a gloomy grove of Cypress, Hemlock, Pine, Spruce
&c calld the Shades of Death, the growth of Timber in
this swamp is amazing—•
22	We moved but 5 Miles to a desolate Farm, the property
of one Bullock, who had been driven of with his Familey
by the Savages—here we found large meadows & plenty
of grass for our horses—
23	Our next place of halting is Wyoming, distant 7 Miles,
about 4 Miles from this Town we saw two Monuments set
up by the way side in memory of Capfc. Davis & Lieu11
Jones of 11th. Pensylvania Reg1, with the following In-
scriptions. “ The place where Cap1. Davis was murderd
by the Savages April 23d 1779 & “The blood of U Jones
—About 12 °Clock we enterd the Town of Wyoming,
which exhibits a melancholy scene of desolation, in ruin’d
Houses, wasted fields & Fatherless Children & Widows.
These unhappy people after living in continual alarms, &
disputing for many Years their possessions with the Penn-
sylvanians, at length were attacked by a merciless band of
savages, led on by a more savage Tory, the Unnatural
monster Butler: their Houses were plunderd and burnt,
their cattle and effects conveyd away after they had
capitulated; and the poor helpless Women and Children
obliged to Sculk in the Mountains and perish—or travel
down to the Inhabitants, hungry, naked & unsupported,
in a word Language is to weak to paint, & Humanity un-
able to bear the history of their Sufferings—The Refugees
who joind the Indians to cut off this settlement, are said
to have given proofs of more wanton and unnatural Bar-
barity than even the Savages themselves—The following
is a deeper Tragedy than has been acted since the Days of
Cain. A Young man by the Name of Henry Pensil, who
had escaped the fate of most of his Countrymen, & in the
Evening after the Battle had taken refuge on a small220
MAJOR NORRIS' JOURNAL OR
Island in the River, was discovered by a Tory who fiercely
accosted him with the Appellation of a Damnd Rebel: the
poor fellow being unarmed began to implore his pity, fell
down upon his knees and entreated him not to stain his
hands with his Brothers blood, “John, I am your brother,
spare my Life and I will serve you:” I know you are
my Brother replied the Villain; but you are a damnd
Rebel, Henry, and we are of opposite sides and Senti-
ments—in the mean time was loading his gun with great
coolness, which after the most moving appeal to his hu-
manity & Justice, with all deliberation he levelled at his
breast and shot him! then Tomahawked, & scalpd him!
another young man who lay concealed in the bushes a
little way off, & afterwards made his Escape, heard all that
passed, and saw the Murderer, who stood up upon a
log while he loaded his Gun, and knew him to be the
Brother of his unfortunate companion:	He also adds that
the Savages came up soon after he had finishd the bloody
deed: and cursed his cruelty in the bitterness of their hearts
& said they had a great mind to put him to death the
same way—
24	This Evening one of the Centries fired upon a Savage,
who had crept up within 2 or 3 Rods of him in order to
take him by Supprise but the fellow made his escape-
25	& 26 Nothing happened worthy Notice—
27 The 2d & 3d N Hampshire Regts were orderd to move
off their ground and pitch upon the’plains of Abraham, 3
Miles higher up on the Western bank of the Susquehanna,
in order to be more convenient to Cilleys and Courtlandts
Regts. who composed part of Poors Brigade; and had
been lying some time on Jacobs plains—The place of
our Camp near an old Stockade fort, built by the Inhabi-
tants and call’d Forty Fort from 40 Persons to whom the
grant of the Wyoming lands was made by the Gover-
nment of Connecticut—GEN. SULLIVAN'S EXPEDITION.
221
28 Gen1 Sullivan reed a Letter from Gen1 Clinton, dated
Schoharra, advising that he was furnishd with 3 Months
Provissions, 1700 effective men with him present, & 300
more at another post ready to join him, & was waiting%his
Commands.—Same Letter adds that he had taken & hanged
a British Officer, a Spy, who was going from Butlers Army
to N York-^-by the Same Express we learn from Gen1.
Clinton that the Oneida tribe of Indians had reed a Letter
from Gen1. Haldiman, Governor of Quebec, charging them
with a breach of faith, & breathing out threatenings against
them, if they did not declare in favor of Britain—
30th Cilleys & Courtlandts Regts were musterd—
July ist. Michael Rosebury & Lawrence Miller, inhabitants
of Sussex county of N Jersey being convictd by court
Martial, held at East Town 3d June Gen1 Maxwell presi-
dent, for enticeing Soldiers of the American Army to de-
sert, & sentenced to suffer death, were brought on with
the Provost & this day led forth to the place of Execution
where the former was hanged and the latter reprieved—
2d Rode out this Morning with Gen1 Poor & Lieu1 Col Dear-,
born about 4 Miles from Camp to view the ground where
the battle was fought between the Savages and the people
of Wyoming under Col Butler, we saw a Stockade fort
with a covert Way to a fountain which our guide told us
was built for a shew by some of the disaffected Inhabi-
tants & given up to the Enemy immediately upon their
Approach, we examined the Trees where the line of Battle
was formd; but found very Tew marks of an Obstinate
Engagement: it appears indeed that the Enemy were
superior in numbers to the Militia and soon after the
Commencement of the Action turned their left flank, this
brought on a retreat, in which the Savages massacred up-
wards of 200 Men—We saw more or less of bones scattered
over the ground for near two miles, & several Sculls
brought in at different times, that had been Scalpd and22 2	MAJOR NORRIS' JOURNAL OR
inhumanly mangled with the Hatchet—A Capts Commis-
sion with seventeen Continental Dollars was found in the
pocket of the Skeleton of a man, who had laid above
# ground 12 months—Our guide shewed us where 73 Bodies
had been buried in one hole this place may with propriety
be called Golgotha All the Houses along this River have
been burnt; and the Gardens and Fields the most fertile
I ever beheld, grown over with weeds and Bushes, exhibit
a melancholy picture of savage rage and Desolation.
3d. Anniversary of the battle & Destruction of the Settlement
of Wyoming—
4	Anniversary of American Independence declared by Con-
gress July 4 1776 at Philadelphia: this Day being Sunday
the Celebration was defferred till next day, when Brigadr
Gen1 Poor gave an Entertainment to the Officers of his
Brigade 87 of whom were present—
After Dinner the following 13 Patriotic Toasts were drank—
1	July 4th. 1776 The memorable H£rra of American In-
dependence
2	United States
3	The grand Council of America
4	Gen1 Washington and the Army
5	Gen1 Lincoln & the Southern Army
6	Gen1 Sullivan & Western Expedition
7	King & Queen of France
8	May the Counsellors of America be wise and her Sol-
diers invincible
9	A Successful & decisive Campaign
10	Civilization or death to all American Savages
11	The Immortal memory of those Heroes that have
fallen in defence of American Liberty
12	May the new World be the last Asylum for Freedom
and the Arts
13	May the husbandmans Cottage be blest with peace
and his fields with plenty—GEN. SULLIVAN'S EXPEDITION.
223
The whole of the Entertainment seemed to be conducted
with such joy and festivity, as demonstrated an indepen-
dent elevation of Spirit on this important and interesting
Occasion—
5th. Advices from Juniatta, the West branch of the Susque-
hanna, that a party of Indians had set upon and Scalpd 9
of the Inhabitants—
6 Early this morning one Winslow, a Soldier belonging to
the 3d N Hamp Regh went to bathe and was drown’d—
About 8 °Clock an uncommon black & heavy cloud arose in
the East with uncommon distinct claps of Thunder like
the report of a Cannon followed by a Severe Shower of rain
& hail some of the hailstones were as large as hens eggs—
7.8. 9. No News—
10	A Detachment of 150 Men from 1 & 2d N Hampshire
Regimts was sent towards Easton to Escort some Stores
and Repair the roads
11	Our Officers reed their commissions from Congress on the
new Arrangement—
12	Three Companies of the German Regh deserted
13	We reed a Visit from Col Butler and his Lady & \ doz
Young Ladys from Wyoming with whom we pass an
agreeable afternoon:	Col Butler shewd us a death Mall,
or war Mallet that the Indians left by a Man they had
knocked on the head: the handle resembles that of a
hatchet, with a string drawn thro near the end to hold it
by—It is made of the Root of a Tree with a large ball
worked on the head of it, & looks not much unlike a four
pound Shott in the Bill of an Eagle, with a tuft of feathers
on the Crown: the end of the handle shows the face of a
Wild-Cat—224	MA JOR NORRIS ’ JO URN A L OF
15	We learn from the Eastward that the main body of the
British Army have retired from Kings ferry on Hudsons
River, leaving 6 Regts to keep that post—
16	Rode out with Genls Sullivan Maxwell & Poor & several
other Gentlemen to View the ground where the two
Butlers fought
17	By advices from Connecticut, the Enemy have made an
incursion into that State, and burned Fairfield and plun-
dered New Haven—
18	Nothing remarkable
19	-------------
20	-------------
21	We reed a Letter from Major Gibbs of his Excellency^
Guard advising that in the night of the 15 Ins1. B. Gen1.
Wayne with the Light Infantry had Supprized and taken
the Fort at Stoney point near Kings ferry on Hudson’s-
River, by which important Enterprize upwards of 500
British & new Levies with all their Cannon, War like
Stores and Baggage fell into our hands—
2 2d ------------
23	Made an Excursion to Lachawanunch about 8 Miles on a.
party of pleasure with Lieu1 Col Dearborn, Cap1. Fogg &
Revd Mr Evans, staid out all night and returned next day
—a Guard of 20 men from Poors Brigade was sent up to
this place to protect some of the Inhabitants till they
mowed their grass and reaped their grain that grew spon-
taneously from last years crop ungathered—wherever we
rode the same sad Scene of Ruin and desolation appeared—
24	Gen1 Hand arrived at Wyoming from Sunsbury with 70
boats laden with provissions for our Expedition—
25	Five Soldiers belonging to the German Reg1 were sen-
tenced by Court Martial to be shot for desertion—
26	The five deserters sentenced to suffer death Yesterday
were reprieved
27	Gen1 Poors Brigade marchd from Forty fort to WyomingGEN. SULLIVAN'S EXPEDITION.
225
in order to be convenient to fall in with the line of march—
28	Nothing remarkable—
29	Reed Orders to march towards Tioga—next day Gen1 Sul-
livan reed a Letter from Northumberland—
30	Copy of the Letter
The Enemy yesterday made themselves masters of Freelands fort on
the West branch of Susquehanna upon terms of Capitulation Viz.
The men to remain prisoners of War; the whole Garrison to be plun-
derd by the Indians; the Women to go free—the number of the Ene-
my appearing before the fort about 250, one third British, the residue
were Savages, togather with a Corps de Reserve of 100 More at some
distance; the whole under the command of Capt McDonald, we have
now at Northumberland about 150 to oppose the Enemy & protect
the Women & Children, whom it is impossible to get off—We expect
to be attacked every hour as we are the most frontier garrison & fear
without some speedy Assistance, must fall a prey to Savage Tyrants—
The Enemy have collected all the Cattle & every thing Valuable as
they came on—We beg leave to give it as our opinion that a party
of men thrown across the Country will retake the plunder and every
thing else
Wm. Cooke D Q M. G—
N. B. The number killd in Action were Capt. Hawkins Boon & 40
men, after the Capitulation, who were on a Scout and had not heard
of the Surrender of the Garrison—
The Accts we reed from the Delaware at Minisings on
the 29th are more favorable than at first Represented—
The Tories & Savages made a descent upon that Settle-
ment & having burned several Houses, Barns &C. were
attackd by a Regh of Militia who repulsed & pursued
them a considerable distance—Forty men were killd on
our side the Col° & Major included—The Enemy’s loss
unknown We hear Gen1 Clinton with the main Body of
the British Army is moving up Hudsons river—
The Army Under Gen1 Sullivan reed orders to march to-
morrow Morning—
31	After a great deal of trouble in fitting and loading the
boats & in fixing the Pack Horses for the march, we moved
from Wyoming at 1 °Clock, in the following order-—226
MAJOR NORRIS' JOURNAL OF
Gen1 Hands Brigade a.mile in front to act as light Troops
-‘-Gen1 Maxwells & Poors, then the Pack Horses about
1200 in Number, followed by about 500 head of Cattle—
One Reg1 for rear Guard—200 men as a flank Guard on
the Right & 60 men on our left by the River—
Col. Procters Regfc of Artillery go by Water with about 120
Boats with provissions and Stores—a Capfc & 6o men march
on the opposite side of the River to Scour the Shore & pre-
vent Ambuscades being formd—we marchd about 10 Miles
and encampd near a Stream calld Lachawanunck which
falls into the Susquehanna at this place—The land here is
level and exceeding fertile, but now desolated and the
hpuses burnt by the Savages; the Inhabitants having
shared the fate of their Neighbors at Wyoming—
We have had a remarkably wet Season for a Fortnight
past which still continues:—
August Ist Sunday
We lay still this morning waiting for fair Weather & the
Arrival of our boats—Afternoon 4 °Clock we Struck Tents
(the Weather being favorable & boats arriving) & marchd
to Quilutimack 7 Miles the difficulty of the Way along the
foot of the Mountain that jutted down upon the River,
gave inconceivable Embaressments to the Troops as well
as to the pack horses & Cattle, so that the former did not
arrive at the place of Encampment before 9 oClock nor
the latter with the Rear guard till next Morning—About
3 Miles from Quilutimack is a romantic fall of Water down
a Precipice in the Cliff of a Rock 70 feet high—In this
Days march we passd over a large tract of good land—
:2d The Army lay Still on this ground to rest and recruit the
pack horses & collect the Keggs of flowr, Ammunition and
other baggage that was left behind from the perplexity of
the Way and darkness of the Night—The morning shewd
us that the ground we encampd on had been inhabited
and tilled, tho now over run with Grass and Thistles of aGEN. SULLIVAN'S EXPEDITION.
227
mighty growth—a wild enormous mountain lay close on
our front & the River in our Rear—We drew the Seine at
this place and caught a number of fish consisting chiefly
of Rock, Pike, 1 Garr, Chubbs & Suckers—next Morning
at 7 oClock—
3d We proceeded 12 Miles farther, over a much better Coun-
try than we expected and encampd in an old Field, near
the Mouth of a Small river that falls here into the Susque-
hanna calld Tunkhannuck—Nothing remarkable happened
thro this days march—the Deer seemd to be plenty on this
ground—a large Fawn that lay Sulking in the Bushes
alarmd with the noise of the Troops attempted to make
his escape, but being entirely surrounded was taken with-
out a wound—Affording great amusement to the Soldiers
& and an agreeable Viand to several of the Officers—
4	The General beat and w^e struck Tents at 6 °Clock this
Morning and marchd 13 Miles by Actual Survey—we
passd several places that were once the habitations of re-
tirement and domestic peace—but now the Solitary haunts
of Savages, the last stood near a small rapid river calld
Meshopping; we encamped 2 or 3 miles beyond this Stream
on a desolate Farm, the property of one Vandelip who had
joind the Savages and gone off—This day several large
Rattle Snakes were killd—our little Fleet found great diffi-
culty & Embarassment from the Shoals & Rapids, so
that they did not come up with the Army till 10 the next
day—Immediately upon their Arrival the Troops were put
in motion—The land we passd over this day is fine to admi-
ration & the growth of Walnut the Stateliest I ever saw—
5	Our next place of Encampment is Wyalusing, distant 10
miles the Ground rocky and Mountainous, particularly one
tremendous ridge, over which our right Flank was Obliged
to pas-s, that seemd to over look the World & threaten
Annihilation to our prostrate Troops—After leaving this
place the Scene opened into a fine, clear, extensive peice228
MAJOR NORRIS' JOURNAL OR
of Wood land; here the Gen1 apprehending an attack the
Signal was beaten for the Army to close Column this or-
der of march was observed till we left this forrest and %
gaind the Summit of a verry lofty Mountain; when another
Signal was given for marching in files—From the Top of
this height we had a grand prospective view of our little
Fleet coming up the River at about 3 Miles distance—The
green hills as far as the eye could reach rising like the
seats of an Amphitheatre and the distance of the prospect
gave the River and boats the beautiful Resemblance of
Miniature painting—After marching abb 2 Miles we de*
scended into the low grounds of Wyalusing where every
one was amazed at the luxuriant growth of Timber chiefly
Sycamore—few of the Trees being less then 6 feet in
Diametre and to close this days march the more agreeably
after passing half a mile of a piny barren, the plains of
Wyalusing opened to oUr sight coverd with english grass,
the greenest and Richest carpet that Nature ever Spread
—There was once an Indian Town at this place consist-
ing of about 80 houses, or hutts built in two parallel right
lines forming a Street of 60 or 70 feet wide; with a church
or Chapel in the Centre the plan of the Town is still
to be seen from the old Ruins that Remain on the ground
—The Natives it seems had actually embraced the Chris-
tian Religion which was taught them by a Moravian Mis-
sionary from Bethlehem for that purpose in the Year 1770
the Connecticut Company having purchased the lands on
this River, the Indians retired farther Westward, and left
this place in the possession of a few Americans, who have
joind the Enemy since the commencement of this War—
notwithstanding the Settlement has been over run by the
Savages and the Town burnt—The Susquehanna at this
place makes nearly a right Angle, and forms a point on
which the Town stood, and where Gen1 Sullivans Army
lay two Days encamped—GEN. SULLIVAN'S EXPEDITION.
229
8th. Sunday Morning- 7 °Clock moved on towards Tioga, and
Encamped on a peice of low ground by the River, where
there has been a Settlement & 4 families dwelt in the Year
1775—this place is calld Standing Stone Bottom—Cap1
Spalding who commands the Independent company in
Gen1 Hands light Troops, lived at this place—distance 10
Miles—
9 Marched at 6 this morning & halted to breath near a cold
stream calld Wesawking—about 3J Miles from last en-
campment—Then pursued our rout without rest or re-
freshment 12 Miles farther the Weather hot and men
much fatigued, this brings us to Sheshukonuck bottom a
large meadow of near 150 Acres lying on the Susquehanna,
covered with a vast burthen of wild grass—we rested here
this Evening and next day and Wednesday Morning—
11 The Army reed orders to march to Tioga, about two Miles
from Sheshekonunck plain the troop forded the river
where the Stream was rapid and pretty deep, notwithstand-
ing the Men all came safe over, except one who was car-
ried down the Current a considerable distance, and saved
by Lieu1 Col Barber Adjfe Gen1 at the hazzard of his own
Life—The Cattle and pack Horses were as fortunate as
the Troops—After advancing about one mile through a
rich bottom covered with strong and stately Timber which
shut out the Sun, & shed a cool agreeable twilight; we
unexpectedly were introduced into a Plain as large as that
of Sheshekonunck, call’d Queen Easter s Plantation—it
was on this plain near the bank of the Susquehanna that
Easter Queen of the Seneca Tribe, dwelt in Retirement
and Sullen Majesty, detached from all the Subjects of her
Nation—The ruins of her Palace are still to be seen; sur-
rounded with fruit Trees of various kinds—At the East
end of the plain, the Tioga River forms a junction with
the Susquehanna—At this place the Army forded & en-
camped about half a mile above on the Susquehanna—We230
MAJOR MORRIS’ JOURNAL OF
now find ourselves happily arrived at Tioga, with our
Army & Fleet, our Troops generally in health and spirits;
and fewer accidents happening on the march than could
be expected in the same distance, thro a Mountainous,
wild, uncultivated Country—It appears by the Number of
hides lying on the ground that the Indians have lately had
an Encampment at this place—By the place of burial seen
here, one would be led to think this was once an Indian
Town, but there are no Vestiges of Hutts or Wiggwoms—
Whether through principle of Avarice or Curiosity, our
Soldiers dug up several of their graves and found a good
many laughable relicts, as a pipe, Tomahawk & Beads &c—
12th The Gen1 gave orders for a fort and four Block houses to
be built at this place for the Security of the Fleet and
Stores which are to be left here under a pretty strong
Garrison, after the Army moves into the Indian Country
—and this movement will take place as soon as Gen1 Clin-
ton, who is coming down the Susquehanna, joins us with
his Brigade—This afternoon Intelligence came by a small
scout sent'out yesterday, that the Enemy at Chemoung,
an Indian Town 15 Miles distant up the Cayuga branch,
were about moving off upon hearing of our Arrival at
Tioga—in consequence of which the main body of our
Army marched at 8 °Clock this Evening in order to be
ready by Day break for surprising Chemoung; our march
was attended with difficulty & fatigue, having a thick
Swamp and several dangerous defiles to pass,—We arrived
however before the Town between dawning & Sun rise,
but to our no small mortification found the Town aban-
don’d & two or three Indians only to be seen sculking
away—According to the accounts of those who pretend to
be acquainted with Indian Citys, this seems to have been
a pretty Capital place—It consisted of about 40 Houses
built chiefly with split and hewn Timber, covered with
bark and some other rough materials, without Chimnies,GEN. SULL1 VAN'S EXPEDITION.
231
or floors, there were two larger houses which from some
extraordinary rude Decorations, we took to be public
Buildings; there was little Furniture left in the Houses,
except Bearskins, some painted feathers, & Knicknacks—
in what we supposed to be a Chappie was found indeed
an Idol, which might well enough be Worshipd without a
breach of the 2d Command1, on account of its likeness to
anything either in heaven or Earth—About Sun rise the
Gen1 gave orders for the Town to be illuminated—& ac-
cordingly we had a glorious Bonfire of upwards of 30
Buildings at once: a melancholy & desperate Spectacle to
the Savages many of whom must have beheld it from a
Neighboring hill, near which we found a party of them
had encamped last night—And from appearances the in-
habitants had left the Town but a few hours before the
Troops arrived—Gen1 Hand with some light Infantry pur-
sued them about a mile, when they gave him a Shot from
the Top of a Ridge, & ran according to their Custom, as
soon as the fire was return’d; but unfortuneately for us,
the Savages wounded three Officers, killed Six men and
wounded seven more—they were pursued but without
effect—Our next Object was their fields of Indian Corn—
about 40 Acres of which we cut down and distroyed—In
doing this Business, a party of Indians and Tories, fired
upon three Regimts across the River, killed one and
wounded five—having compleated the Catastrophe of the
Towns & fields, we arrived at Tioga about Sun set the
same day, verry much fatigued having march’d not less
than 34 miles in 24 hours, without rest in the Extreamest
heat—
14th. No news to Day
15th. Nine Hundred chosen men under the Command of Brig:
Gen1 Poor are ordered to march Tomorrow morning up
the Susquehanna, to meet Gen1 Clinton, who is on his
march to join Sullivans Army with his Brigade and is in232	MAJOR NORRIS' JOURNAL 01
some Danger of being Atackted by the Enemy before he
can form a Junction with our Main Army; This afternoon
a Small Party of Indian’s fired on some of our Men who
were without the Guards after some Horse’s, and Cattle,
Killd and Sculped one man and Wounded another, a
Party was sent out in pursuit of them but Could not come
up with them—
16th General Poor March’d with his Detachment at io ©’Clock
A M. proceeded in two Collam’s up the Suscuhannah
River Over very rough Ground we Incampt Near the Ruins
of an old town Call’d Macktowanuck the Land near the
River is very Good—
17th We marchd Early this Morning Proceed 12 Miles to Owa-
gea an Indian Town which was Deserted last Spring, after
Planting, About the town is many Fruit Trees and many
Plants, and Herbs, that are Common in our part of the
Country; Hear is a Learge body of clear Intivale Covered
with Grass, Our March to day Very Survear and Fatigue-
ing Esspecelly for the Left Collom (to which I belong) as
we had to pass Several Steap Hills, and Morasses—
18th We March’d Early this Morning proceeded 14 Miles to
Choconant the Remains of a Learge Indian Town which
has been likewise Abandoned this Summer, here we found
Plenty of Cucombar’s, Squashes, Turnips &c, We found
About twenty Houses, Which we burnt our Days March
has been More Survear than Yesterday, as we had bad
Hills and Swamps, one swamp of about two Miles so
Covered with Large Pines, Standing and lying which ap-
peard as tho’ Several Haricanes had been busy among
since which a Tremendius Groatli of Bushes About twenty
feet high has sprung up so very thick as to Render the
passing through them Inpractible by any troops but such
as Nothing but Death can stop—at sunset we were Very
agreeably alarm’d by the Report of a Cannon up the River
Which was supposed to be General Clintons Evening Gun—GEN. SULLIVAN'S EXPEDITION.
233
19th Our Troops were put in Motion very early this Morning
after Marching about one Mile Gen1 Poor Received an
Exspress from General Clinton Informing him that the
Latter exspected to be hear by 10 °’Clock A M. this day
in Consiquence of which we Return’d to our Old In-
campment where General Clinton, Joind us at 10 °’Clock
with two Thousand Men—Including Officers, Boatsman
&.c. he has two Hundred and Eight Beautoes with Pro-
visions Ammunition &c after Mutual Congratulations
and Complements the whole Proceeded down the River
to Owagea and Incampt this Evening, the town of Owegea
was made a burnfire of to Grace our Meating our General
Course from Tiago to Choconant is about N. East—
20th We have very heavy Rain to day and no tents but we are
obliged to ride it out—
21st We March’d early Proceeded within 10 miles of Tiago—
22d We March at 6 of the Clock and at n arrived in Camp
where we were Saluted With thirteen Cannon and a tune
of Colonel Procters Band of Musick—
23 We are prepairing to March with all Possible Exsperdition
about five °Clock this afternoon a Very shocking acsident
happend in our Camp, a soldier Very accidently Dischargd
a Muskett Chargd with a ball and Several Buck shott,
three of Which unfortinately struck Captain Kimbell of
Colonel Cilleys Regiment who was standing at some Dist-
ance in a tent with several other officers in such a Manner
that he Exspired within 10 or 15 Munits—is Universally
Demented as he was assteamed by all who knew him—one
of the Shott wounded a soldier, in the leg who was some
Distance from the tent that Captain Kimble was in
24th The Remains of the Unfortinate Captain Kimble was In-
ter’d at 11 °Clock with the Honours of War—Attended by
General Poor and almost all the officers of the Brigade
with Colonel Procter’s Band of Musick—the Army is‘Very
busy in Prepairing to March—234
MAJOR NORRIS’ JOURNAL OF
25 th We find Great Difficulty in Gitting Ready to March for
want of a Sufficiently Number of Horses to Carry our
Provitions Ammunition &c. However we are to Move to
Morrow without fail with Twenty Seven Days Flower and
live Beef Our whole force that will March from hear is
about five Thousand Men officers Included, with nine
Pieces of Artilery,—and three of the Any da Warriers Ar-
rived hear this afternoon who are a going on with ous as
Guides—two Runner’s Arrived from Colonel Broadhead
at fourt Pitt—Informing that Colonel Broadhead is on his
way with about Eight Hundred Men against the Western
Indians—
26th Our Army March at 12 °Clock in the order laid down in
the Plan and Order of March & Battle a Garrison of about
three Hundred Men left at this Place under the Command
of Colonel Shreve the Army Proceeded about 4 Miles and
Incampt—Mr. Lodge a Gentleman who Survey’d Marchd
from Easton with us is going on with us in Order to take
an Actual Survey of the Country who measured the Road
as We go on—
27th The Army Marched at Eight oQock, our March was Very
much Impeaded by the Artilery and Ammunition Wag-
gons which we have to Clear a Road for through thick
Woods & Difficult Defiles the Army are obligd to Halt
Seven Hours to Day at one Defile for the Artilery & Bag-
gage—at 10 °Clock we arrived at our Incamping Ground
a learge body of Clear Intervale where we found Seventy
or Eighty Acres of fine Corn our March has not been more
than 6 Miles to Day—
28th As we had the Corn to destroy before we March it was two
, o’Clock P. M. before we moved off the Ground by Reason
of a High Mountain that shutt Down to the River so as to
Render Passing with the Artilery Impractable we Wear
obligd to fourd the River twice before we could git to
Shumung with the Artilery Pack Horses and one BrigadeGEN. SULLIVAN'S EXPEDITION.
235
the Water was so deep as Rendered fourding Very Diffi-
cult & Dangerous—A Considerable quantity of lower am-
munition and other Baggage was lost in the River at 10 in
the evening the Rear of the Army arrived at Shemung
where we Incampt, our March to day has not been more
than four Miles, a small Scout of ours arrived to day
which Inform’d that .they Discover’d a large Incampment
about 6 Miles from Shemung a small Party of Indians fired
on a small Party of our men to day that ware setting fire
to some Houses over the River, but did no Damage—
The army March’d at Nine °’Clock A. M. proceeded 5
Miles where our light Troops Discovered a line of Brest-
work about eighty Rods in their frunt, which upon Recon-
iting, was found to exstend half a mile in length on very
Advantageous Ground, with a large Brook in frunt, the
River on their Right, a High Mountain on their left, and
a large settlement in their Rear, called Newtown; their
works ware very Artfully Mask’d with Green Bushes, so
that I think the Discovering them was Accadental as it
Fortinate to us, Schurmishing on both sides Commins’d
soon after we Discover’d their works which Continued un-
till our Disposition was made which was as follows (viz)—
The Artilery to form in frunt of their works, Coverd by
General hand Brigade, General Poor’s and Riflemen to
turn the Enemys left, and fall in their Rear surported by
General Clintons Brigade, General Maxwells Brigade to
form a Corps Deserve; the left flanking Division and lite
Infantry to Persue the Enemy when they left their works,
at 3 °’Clock P. M. General Poor’s began his march by
Columns from the right of reg* by files we Passd a very
thick Swamp so Coverd with bushes for near a mile that
we found great difficulty in keeping in order but by Gen1
Poor’s Great Prudance and Good Conduct We Proceeded
in Much better order then I Exspected we could Possibly
have done—after Passing this Swamp we Inclind to the236
MAJOR NORRIS’ JOURNAL OF
left, crossed the Creek that runs frunt of the Enemys
work: on both sides of this was a large Number of New
Houses, but no land Cleard; soon after we passd this
Creek we began to assen’d the Mountain that coverd the
Enemys left, Immediately after we began to assend the
Mountain we ware surluted by a brisk fire from a body of
the Indians who were posted on this Mountain for the
Purpose of Preventing any troops Turning the left of their
Works, at the same Instant .that they began to fire on us,
they rais’d the Indian Yell, or war hoop the Riflemen kept
up a Scattering fire while we form’d the line of Battle
which which was dun Exceeding quick—we then advanced
Rapped with fix’d Bayonetts with out fireing a Gun till we
had gained the Summett of the Hill, wThich was half a mile,
altho’ they kept a stady fire on us all the while; we then
gave them a full Voley which obliged them to take to
their heels, Colonel Reeds Regiment whis was on the left
of the Brigade, was more servearly Attacted then any other
part of the Brigade, with Prevented his advancing as fast
as the Rest, as we assended the Mountain Lieufc Cass of
our Regiment Tommahawked one of the Indians with the
Indians own Tommahawk that was slightly wounded, our
Regiment being next to Colonel Reed’s on the left and
the Colonel finding he was still very warmly Engag’d nearly
on the same Ground he was first attacted ordered the
Regiment to face to the Right about and moved to his
assistance, we soon Discoverd a body of Indians, Turn-
ing his Right, which he Turned about by a full fire from
the Regiment, This was a Very seasonable, Relief to
Colonel Reed who was the very moment we fired on them
that were turning his right, found himself so Surrounded
that he was Reduced to the Necessity of Retreating or
Making a Desperate push with the Bavonett:	the latter
of which he had put in Execution the moment we gave
him Relief; The Enemy now all left the field of Action,GEN. SULLIVAN’S EXPEDITION.
237
with precepitation and in Great Confusion Persued by
our* Light Infantry above 3 Miles They left a Number of
their Packs, Blanketts &.c. on the Ground—half an hour
before the Action became serious with General Poor’s
Brigade,, the Artilery began to play upon their works—
which soon made their works, too warm for them, we
found of the Enemy on the, field of Action n Indians
Warriers dead ‘and one Sqaw, took one whiteman & one
Negro Prisoners; from whom we larnt that Butler Com-
manded hear, that Brant had all the Indians that Could
be Mustered in the five Nations that there was about 200
Whites, a few of which were British Regular’s Troops, it
seem’s that their whole force was about 1500.—The Pris-
oners Inform us that their loss in killd and wounded was
Very Great—the most of which they According to‘Cus-
tome carried off—our loss in General Poor’s Brigade,
killd and Wounded is (viz1)
Majr	Killd 0	1	Wounded Majr Titcumb
Cap‘	* 0	1	Cap1 Clays
Lieu1	0	1	Died the same night
Ensn	0	0	Leu1 MacCaully
Serjt	1 -	0	
Privates	2	29	
	3	32	
our loss in Killd and Wounded in the whole Army except
Gen1 Poor’s Brigade was Killd none wounded 4 Privates
at Sunsett the Army Incampt on the Ground lately Occu-
pied by the Enemy—-
30th The Army Remaind on the Ground to day & Destroyd
a vast Quantity of Corn and about 40 Houses—The Army
by a Request of General Sullivan—Agreed to live on half a
Pound of Beef and half a Pound of flower Pr Day, for the■i
i
238	MAJOR NORRIS' JOURNAL OF
future as long as it might found Necessary our Provisions
being short—This night the sick and Wounded together
with the Ammunition Waggons, and four of our Heavyest
Pieces of Artilery, are sent back to Tiago by water, which
will Enable the Army to proceed with much Greater ease
and Rapidity our Course from Shemung to hear is about
N. West—
31st We marchd at 10 °’Clock, The Right Collomn Marchd on
the hill some Distance from the River The left Collomn
and Artilery Marchd by the River The land we March’d
over very fine found and Destroyd Several fields of Corn
and Houses, Proceeded five miles to where the Alliganer
and Kaiyiigea Branches of the River unite—on the Point
between these two Streames was a Very Prity town Calld
Kannawalohalla, which from appearances was Deserted
this morning—some Boats were seen by our advanced
Party, going up the Allagana branch, a Number of feather
beds were burnt in the Houses, our Soldiers found Several
Large Chests Buried which were filld with a Great Variety
of household furniture and many other articles: after halt-
ing hear an hour we Proceeded between the two Rivers
on a fine Plain about 5 Miles and Incampt a Detachment
was sent up the Alagana Branch in Pursuit of the Enemy.
Sep1 ist The Detachment that was sent up the River in Pur-
suite of the Enemy Returnd this Morning, they Could not
Overtake the Enemy, but found and Destroy’d Several
large field of Corn—The Army Marchd at 10 °’Clock pro-
ceeded about 4 miles on a Plain then Came to what is
Calld the Beir Swamp Which exstends to French Katoreen
9 Miles, the Groth is Pine, Sprue and Hamlock—Exceed-
ing thick, a Small River runs through it which we had to
Cross about twenty times on each side of this Swamp is a
Ridge of Tremendious hills—which the Colomn were ob-
liged to march on having a rode to open for the Artilery
we proceeded very slowly at Dark when we had got withinGEN. SULLIVAN'S EXPEDITLON.
239
about 3 miles of the town we found ourselves in a Most
horrid thick Mire^y Swamp which Rendered our Proceed-
ing so Difficult that it was 10 0,Clock in the evening before
we arrived at the town where we found fires burning and
every other appearance of the Enemys having left the
town this afternoon, This town Consists of about 30
Houses’s and their is a Number of fruit trees in this town,
the streams we Crossed so often to Day runs through this
town and into the Seneca Lake, the South end of which is
but 3 miles from this town.
The Army laying Still to day to Recrute and Destroy the
town Corn &c a Very old Squaw was found in the Bushes
to day who was was not able to go off with the rest, who
Informs us that Butler with the Torys went from this Place
with all the Boats the day before yesterday, the Indian
Warriers Moved off their familyes and Effects, yesterday
Morning, and then Returned and stay’d till sun sett,
she says the Squaws and young Indians were very loth to
leve the town, but were for giving Themselves up, but the
warriers would not agree to it, Several Horses and Cattle
were found at this Place-, a Party of light troops were sent
this morning to Indevour to over take some of the Indians,
who left this place last evening, but Returnd without being
able to Effect it—
The army March’d, at 8 o’Clock after proceeding 3 Miles
over Rough Ground Came oppersit the end of the Lake
and then found good marching the land very fine pro-
ceeded 9 miles and Incampt at 4 o’Clock P. M. near the side
of the Lake This lake is about 40 Miles in Length and
from 2 to 5 miles wide and Runs Nearly North, and South—
The Army march’d at 10 o’Clock proceeded 4 miles to a
Small Village where we found several fine fields of Corn
after Destroying the Village and Corn Marchd 8 miles
further andTncampt, the land we pass’d over to Day is
Exceeding good—240	MAJOR NORRIS' JOURNAL OF
5th The Army Marchd at io o’clock, proceeded 5 miles to and
Indian town, Call’d Candaia or Appletown where their is.
an old orchard of 60 trees and many other fruits. The
town Consists of 20 Houses, Very Beautifully situated
near the lake, in the town are three Sepulchres which are
very Indian fine, where I suppose that some of their Chiefs
are Deposited, at this town we found a man by the Name
of Luke Sweatland who was taken by the Savages at Wy-
oming last Summer and was adopted into an Indian family
in this town Where has lived or Rather stayd 12 months,
he appeard quite overjoyd at Meeting some of his Acquain-
tance from Wyoming who are in our Army, he says
that the Savages were very much stratend for food, from
April till the corn was fitt to Rost, that his being kept so
short on’t for- Provisions Prevented his attempting to De-
sert altho’ he had frequent opportunityes by being sent 20
miles to the salt Spring to make salt, which spring he says
afforded Salt for all the Savages in this part of the Country,
he says that the Indians were very much allarm’d, and
Dejected at being beat at Newtown they told him they had
a Great many wounded which they sent of by Water, we
Destroyd Great quantities of Corn here, an Exspress ar-
rived this afternoon from Tiago by which we had Account
that Abner Dearborn was Dead he was wounded at New-
town—
6th The Horses and Cattle were so scatterd this morning that
the Army Could not march untill 3 o’Clock P M. proceeded
3 miles and Incampt oppersit to where we Incampt on the
other side of the Lake we Discover’d, a Settlement where
We could see some Indians driving Horses—
7th We took up our March at 7 oClock, proceeded 8 Miles and
Came to the end of the Lake, where we Exspected the
enemy would give us another Battle, as they might have a
very great advantage over us as we forded the outlett of
the Lake, when we arrived in sight of the ford we halted,,GEN SULLIVANS EXPEDITION.
241
i and Several Scouts were sent out to Reconitree, the Ad-
jasent wood when we found the Course was Clear, the
army passd the ford proceeded 3 Miles by the end of the
Lake, and found a small Settlement which we Destroyd—
the Village and proceeded 2 Miles from the Lake, and
Arrived at a large town Calld Kannadasaga which is Con-
sidered as the Capital of the Senecas and is Calld the
Senecas Castle. It Consists of about 40 Houses very Ir-
reguallerly Situate in the Center of which is the Ruins of a
Stockade fort and Blockhouse, here is a Considerable Num-
ber of apple trees and other fruit trees and a few Acres of
land Covered with English Grass. Their Cornfields which
are very large are at some Distance from the town, we
found in this town a White Child about three years old
which we suppose was a Captive in the Houses was left a
Number of things some Corn and many of their Curiosi-
ties—
8th ’ The army lay still to day the Riflemen were sent to De-
stroy a town about 8 miles from hence on the west side of
the lake calld Gagssonghgwa we found a Number of Stacks
of hay not far from this town which we set fire to—a scout
of ours burnt a town to day about 10 miles from this N.
East on the Road to the Kauyuga Settlement Calld shai-
yus or large falls—
9th. By Reason of a Rain last night the Army did not march
till 12 o’Clock, all our sick Inverlids were sent back this-
morning to Tiago under an asscort of 50 men we proceeded
3 miles through old fields Covered with Grass, then En-
tered a thick swamp, Called the ten mile swamp we pro-
ceeded four miles in this swamp, with Great Difficulty
Crossd a Considerable stream of Water and Incampt—
10th The army Marched at 8 o’Clock proceeded through the
swamp and pas’d a large body of Clear land March’d one
mile and came to a small Lake calld Cannandaquah, we
fourded the Outlet of this lake, proceeded one mile and242	MAJOR NORRIS' JOURNAL Of
came to a Very Pretty Town Called Cannandaquah, Con-
sisting of about 30 Houses, Much better built Then any
that I have seen before, Near this town Discover’d Large
fields of Corn, near which we Incampt—Several Small
partys were Order’d out to Destroy the Corn this after-
noon—
11th The Army Marched at six o’Clock 14 miles to an Indian
Town call Anyayea Situate on a body of Clear Intervale
Land Near a Small Lake of the same name This town
Consists of 11 Houses near it was Several Corn field, the
land we Marchd over to day is very good and a Great
part of it very thinly Wooded and Covered with Grass it
appears as if it had be Cultivated too before—
12	The Weather being fowle the army did not March till 12
oClock, a Small fort assteblish’d hear, where we leave our
Provisions and Ammunition Except what will be Neces-
sary to carry us to Chenesee (about 30 miles) and bring
us back hear Again, one piece of Artilery is left hear at
this Place, the Army Marchd n miles this afternoon over
a body of Excellent land.
13	March’d at 7 °’Clock proceeded 2 Miles to a Town Calld
Kaneysas or Yucksea, Consisting of 18 Houses Situate on
an Exellant Intervale near a small lake we found a Large
quantity of Corn, beens, Squash, Potatoes, Cucombers,
Water Millions &c. &c. in & about this town the Army
halted 4 Hour’s to Destroy the Town, the Corn & to build
a Bridge over a Creek—at this town live a very Great noted
Warrier Calld the Great tree who has made great Preten-
tions of Friendship to us and has been to Philadelphia and
to General Washington’s head Quarters since the War
Commenced, and has Received a Number of presents from
General Washington and from the Congress—Yet we sup-
pose that he is with Butler against us, a Party of Riflemen
and some others 26 in Number, under the Command of
Lieut Boyd of the Rifle Corps was sent out last night to aGEN. SULLIVAN'S EXPEDLTION.
243
town 7 miles from here, to make what Discovry he could
and to Return at day brake—4 of his men went into the
town and found it abandoned, but found 3 or 4 scatering
Indians about it one of which they killd & Sculp’d,
then Return’d to Lieu1 Boyd—after sunrise who lay at
some Distance from the town—he then sent 4 men to Re-
port to General Sullivan what he had Discover’d and
Moved on slowly with his party towards Camp after he
had proceeded about half way to Camp he halted some
time exspecting the army to meet him. he after halting
some time sent 2 men to Camp who Discoverd some Scat-
tering Indians and Return’d to Lieu1 Boyd again he then
March’d on his party towards Camp Discoverd some scat-
tering Indians one of which they Killd he soon found him-
self Nearly Surrounded and Attackd by three Hundred In-
dians and torys he after fighting them some time attempted
to Retreat but found it Impractiable 6 or 7 of his Men
did Make their Eascape the Remainder finding themselves
Compleatly Surrounded ware Determined to sell them-
selves as dear as possible and bravely fight on till every
Man was killd but 2 Whites was taken one of which was
Lieu1 Boyd some of the men that made their esscape came
to camp and Inform’d the General of the Matter, upon
which General Hand with his light troops was sent to the
Place of Action but too late, they left all their Packs, Hutts
Baggage &c. When the Action it began which General
Hand found after he had finishd the Bridge, the Army
March on proceeded 7 miles to the before mentioned town
and Incampt, this town Consists of twenty two Houses,
situate on a small River that falls into the Chenesee River
abl 2 miles below here and is calld Gaghehegualahate.
14 The General Exspected to have found the Great Chenesee*
town within 2 miles of hear on this Side of the River but
on Reconiting found that the town is 6 miles from here
and on the other side of the River the Army was Imployd244
MAJOR NORRIS’ JOURNAL OF
untill 12 o’Clock in Destroying the Corn which we found
in Great Plenty—At 12 oClock he marchd after fourding
the small River that the town stands on, and passing
through a small Grove of wood we enterd upon what is
Calld the Great Chenesee Flatts, ,which is a vast body of
Clear Intervale 12 or 14 miles up and down the River and
Several miles back from the River on both sides and
. Covered with Grass from 5 to 8 feet high, and so thick
that a man can get through it but very slowly—our Army
appeard to Very Great advantage Moving on in the exact
order of March laid down in the Plan—but Very often we
that were on Horseback could see nothing but the Mens
Guns above the Grass—After Marching about two miles
on this flatt we Came to the River, which we forded pass’d
over a Body of Flatts on the other side and assended onto
Oak land and proceeded 4 Miles and arrived to the town
which we found Deserted, here we found the Bodys of
Lieu1 Boyd and one other Man, mangled in a Most Horrid
Manner, from appearance it seems that they were tied to
two trees near which they lay and first they were survearly
whip1, then their Tongues were Cutt out,, their finger
Nailes Pluck1 of, their Eyes plucked out, then Speard in
Several Placess, and after they had Venterd their Hellish
spite Cutt off their Heads and Skind them and then left
them. This was a most Horried Spectable to behold—and
from which we are taught the Necessity of fighting these
more than Devils to the last moment Rather .than fall
into their hands alive—This is much the Largest town we
have met with it Consists of more than 100 Houses, is
Situate on-an Exelland Piece of Land in a large bow of
the River; it appears that the Savages left this town in a
Great Hurry and Confusion, as they left large Quantities
of Corn Huskd and some in Heeps not huskd and many
other signs of Confusion—
15th At 6 oClock the whole Army was turnd out to Destroy theGEN. SULLIVAN'S EXPEDITION.	245
Corn in & about this town which we found in great
plenty, we were from 6 oClock to 2 oCk P. M. in Destroy-
ing the Corn & Houses it is Generally thought we have
Destroyd 20,000 Bushels of Corn at this place, The
Method we took to Destroy it was to make large fires with
parts of Houses and other wood and then piling the Corn
on the fire which affectually Destroyd the whole of it a
Woman with a Child came to us to day who was taken at
Wyoming when that Place was Cutt off her Husband and
one Child was killd and Sculped in her sight when she
was taken, She Informed us that Butler and Brant with
the Toryes & Indians left the Place in a Great Hurry the
13th Instant and are gone to Niagara'which is 80 miles
from hence where they exspect that we are going. She
says the Indians were very uneasy with Butler and their
other leders and are in Great Distress, we have now go to
the end of our Rout, and are turning our faces Homeward,
at 3 oClock we faced to the Right about and Marchd in
High Spirits Recrossing the Chenesee River and Incampt
on the Chenesee Flatts, this place Lays about North West
from Tiago—
16th A Number of fields of Corn was Discoverd this Morning
at Different places which Imployd the Army untill 10
o’Clock in Destroying them At 1 oClock P M. we Recrossed
at the stream Gaghehegwalahale and at 4 oClock arrived at
Kanigsas or Chocksett and Incampt 14 of Lieu1 Boyd’s
Party ware found Dead this afternoon near together
Sculped, Honyose an Anyder Indian of Considerable
note that was with Lieu1 Boyd’s was among the Dead—
17th The Army marchd at sunrise and at 10 oClock arrived at
Anyoye where we found all safe— •
18th The army Marchd at 8 o’Clock proceeded to Kannanda-
quah and Incampt four Onyder Indians one of which is
a Schecam met us to day who say that 100 of the Ony-
dars and Tuskororas set out with them to join us but246	MAJOR NORRIS' JOURNAL OR
meeting an Indian that Left us at Kannadasaga when
we were advancing who told them we Marchd on so
Rappadly that they could not Overtake us so as to be of
any Service, they all Returned but these four—
19th The Army March’d to Kanadasagea an Exspress arrived
from General Washington to day with Letters, by which
we are assured that Spain has Declared War with
England and that the Grand fleet of France and Spain,
have formed a junction at Sea at several towns that our
Army has Destroyed, we found Dogs hung up on Poles 12
or 15 feet High which we are told is Done by way of
Sacrifice, that when they are unfortinate in war they Sac-
rifice two Dogs'in the Manner above Mentioned to Appease
their Amaginary God one of the Dog skins they suppose is
Converted into a*----------& the other into a Tobacco
Pouch for their God, the Woman that came to us at
Chinesee says that the Savages Hung up Dogs Immediately
after the Battle at Newtown—
20th Five Hundred Men are Detachd under the Command of
Colonel Butler who is to March round the Kaiyuga Lake
and Destroy the Kaiyuga Settlement on the East end of
the Lake 100 Men under the Command of Colonel Gannas-
vorth are ordered to go and Destroy the Mohawk Castle
on the Mohawk River and to proceed from thence on to
Albany, the army Marchd this afternoon Crossd the Out-
let of the Seneca Lake and Incampt
21st Two Hundred men was Ordered under the Comm’d of
Colonel Dearborn to Proceed to the West side of the
Kieyuga Lake, from thence to the South end, to Destroy
what Settlement Corn &c we might find in our way at 8
o’Clock we Marchd and proceeded N East Corse about 8
Miles and found 3 Wigwam’s in the woods and some
small Paches of Corn Squash Water Millions Cucom-
bers &c and about 15 Houses which we could not take.
* Undecipherable.—Ed.GEN. SULLIVAN’S EXPEDITION.
247
After Destroying this Little Village proceeded 4 miles to
the Lake where we found a Very Pritty town, of 10 Houses
and a Considerable quantity of Corn all which we burnt,
We Discoverd another town about one Mile above this
which we likewise Destroyd Skannayutenates after De-
stroying this town we Marchd one mile & came to a
New town Consisting of Nine Houses Which we Destroyd
and proceed one Mile & found one Large House which
we set fire to & march’d on 2 Miles, further and Incampt
the Land we March’d through to day is Exceeding fine—
22nd We marchd half an Hour before Sunrise proceeded about
5 mile’s and came to the Ruins of a town that a Party of
our Men when the Army was advancing who missed their
way and happend to fall in at this town We found a Large
field of Corn and 3 Houses, we Gethered the Corn and
burnt it in the Houses, this town is Calld Swanyawanah
We March’d from this place five miles and found a Wig-
wam, with three Squaws and one young Indian who was a
a Cripple—We took two of the Squaws who ware about 40
years old and Marchd on about three Miles and found one
Hutt and a field o Corn, which we Burnt and proceeded
about four miles and Incampt—
23rd March’d at Sunrise proceeded without any path or track
or any parson who was ever in this part of the Country
before to Guide us, and the land is Horridly Rough, and
Bushey that it was hardly Possable for us to advance how-
ever with Great Difficultie and fatigue we proceeded 9
Miles to the end of a Large Cape which we exspected
was the end of the Lake but found it was not, from hear
we Marchd off two or three Miles from the Lake and then
proceeded by a Point of Compass 8 Miles and Came to
the end of the Lake and Incampt this Lake is about forty
miles long and from two to five miles in Wedth and Runs
nearly North and South Parralell with the Seneca Lake
and they are from 8 to 18 Miles apart—248	MAJOR NORRIS' JOURNAL OF
24th Marchd at Sunrise proceeded about 3 Miles on the high
land and Cam to a path which led us to two Hutts and
some Corn fields after burning them Hutts and Corn
Several Small parties was sent out Different ways to
look for a large town we had been inform’d was not Many
Miles from the end of the Lake—the parties found 10 or
12 Scattering Houses and a Number of Large Corn fields
on and Near the Stream that falls into the Lake—after
burning and Destroys Several Houses and Corn fields a
Small Party was sent out and Discovered the town about
3 Miles from the End of the Lake on the above mentioned
Stream the town and its Sububs Consisted of about 25
Houses and is Call’d Corcargonett and is the Capital of a
Small Nation or Tribe Call’d-----our Party was Im-
ploy’d from 9 o’Clock a’m, ’till Sunsett—we Exspected to
have met Colonel Butler with his Party at this Town—
25th March’d at Sunrise for Katareen’s town where we was
ordered to Join the Main Army We proceeded a Due
West corse over a terrible Rough Mountain’s Country
about 4 oClock P. M. arrived at Katareens, but the army
was gone forward, we proceeded six miles in what is Calld
the Bear swamp and Incampt
26th March’d at Sunrise and at 12 oClock Join’d the Main Army
at Kannawalohala which is four miles from where we fought
the Enemy the 29th of August last, the Army had a Day
of Rejoycing here yesterday in Consequence of the News
from Spain—
27th Some Detachments were sent out on the Allagana River
to Destroy what Houses and Corn field they might find—
28th The Same party that was Sent Yesterday ware sent again
to Day, further up the River to Destroy a tory Settlement
—That a Small party Discover’d yesterday and a Large
Detachment was sent off to Compleat the Distruction of
Corn at and about Newtown at 12 o’Clock Butler ar-
rived with his party in Camp, on their Rout the lake theyGEN. SULLIVAN'S EXPEDITION.	249
Burnt and Destroyd Several towns and a Vast Quantity
of Corn—
29th The Army Marchd to Shemung—
30 Arrived at Tiago where we Ware Saluted with 13 Cannon
which we Answard with the same Number—Colonel Shreve
who Commanded the Garrison made an Entertainment
for the General and field Officers this afternoon the after-
noon was Spend in festivity and Mirth Joy appeard in
every Countenance, we now have finish’d our Campaign
and Gloriously too—
Octr ist We are Preparing to March to Wyoming
2d General Sullivan Made an Entertainment for all the Gen-
eral and field offs to day This evening we had an Indian
Dance at Head Quarters the Anydo Sachem was Master
of the Ceremonies
3d The Army is prepairing to March for Wyoming—
4th The Army March’d fifteen miles down the River—
5th The Whole Army Imbark on board Boats Except was
Necessary to Drive the Pack Horses and Cattle—
7th Arrived at Wyoming in High Spirits During the Whole
of this Survear Campaign our Loss in Kill’d, Died, of
Wounds & Sickness Did not Exceed fifty men—
8th General Sullivan Received an Exspress This Evening from
General Washington Informing him that Count De East-
ing is on the Coast Near New York with a fleet and Army
—In Consiquence of Which General Sullivan’s is Orderd
to March the 16 th Instant for Head Quarters—
9th Nothing new to Day—
10th The Army March’d for Easton &c.—
15th Arived their the Army has March’d from Tiago to Easton
(156 Miles through a Mountainious Rough Wilderness) in
8 Days with the Artilery, and Baggage, a Most Exstrod-
inary March indeed—
16th, 17th, 18th Remaind at Easton, We are Inform’d that
Count De Eastaing has taken Several Ships of War. to-250
MAJOR NORRIS' JOURNAL OF
gether with all the Transports and Troops, the Ene-
my had at and Near Georgia, he is Expected Dayly at
New York—
25th Our Army is to March the 27th Instant toward Head
Quaters—An Exspress arrived this Day from Head Qua-
ters which Informs that the Enemy have avacuated Their
port at Kings Ferry and have Retir’d to New York—
General Sullivan’s Army at Wyoming Consists of the troops
following (Viz1)-^—Maxwell’s Brigade Consisting of Ogdons,
Daytons, Shreaves and Spencer’s Regiments—
Poor’s Brigade Consisting of, Cilleys, Reeds Scammells Court-
lands Regiments—Hands Brigade Consisting of the German
and Hubleys Regiments, Shots Corps and Spauldings Com-*
pany—
Wyoming July 31st 1779 This Day the Army Marchd for Tiago
in the following Order—
Head Quarters Easton May 24th 1779 When the Army shall be fully Assem-
bled the Following Arangements are to take place;—
Lite troops Com-
manded by Gen-
eral Hand
Poor’s Brigade to
Consist of—
Maxwells Brigade
to Consist of—
Clinton’s Brigade
to Consist of
) Hubleys Regiment
j- Shots Corps—
) Six Compy of Rangers
Butlers Regiment— -
Morgans Corps
and all the
"Volatiers that
may Join the ar-
my—
\ Cilleys, Reeds, Scammills
\ & Courtlands Regiments
\ to form the Right of the
j first Line
l Ogdon’s Daytons
J Shreeves and
Spencers Regi-
ments to form
the left of the front
line
Late Livingston’s Du-
bois’s Garmsworths
-and Oldens Regiment
to form the second line
of Reserve—GEN. SULLIVAN'S EXPEDITION.
251
The Right of the first line to be Covered by 100 Men Draughted from Poor’s
Brigade—
The lift to be Covered by 100 men to be Draughted from Maxwells Brig-
ade;—
Each flank of the second line to be Covered by 50 Men Draughted from
Clintons Brigade—	#
The flanking Divisions on the Right to Consist of the German Battalion
and a Hundred men Draughted from the Whole line—-
The left flanking Division to Consist of Hartlies and Daytons Regiment,
with a Draught of 100 Men-—
The Order of Battle and the Order of March are Represented on the An-
nax’d Plan—and are to be attended to at all times when the Situation of
the Country will Possibly admit and when a Deviation takes Place it must
be Carried no further than the Necessaty of the time Requires Order of
March the Light Corps will advance by the Right of Company’s in files and
keep half a mile in front—
Maxwells Brigade will advance by the Right in files, sections or Platoons
.as the Country will admit—
Poor’s Brigade to advance by its left in the same manner—
Clintons Brigade will Advance by Right of Regiment in Platoons, section’s
or files as the Country will admit—all t^ie Covering partys and Flanking
Divisions on the Right will advance by the Left; and those on the Left by
the Right—The Artilery and Pack Horses will March in the Center—
Should the Army be attackted in front while on ’its march—the Light Corps
will Immediately form to Repulse the Enemy—
The flanking Divisions will Indevour to Gain the flank and Rear of the
Enemy—While the line is forming trie Pack Horses will in all Cases fall
into the Position represented on the annexed Plan—Should the Enemy at-
tack either flank, the flanking Division will form a -front and sustain the
Attack till Reinforced, in which Case a part of the Light Corps is to be
Attachd to Gain the Enemys flank and Rear, the Covering Party of the two
lines will Move to Gain the other flank Should the Enemy Attack our Rear
the 2 lines will face and form a line frunt to the Enemy—the Covering Par-
ties of the first line will Move to sustain it while the flanking Divisions face
about and Endevour to Gain their flank and Rear—Should the Light
troops be Driven back they will pass through the Intervale of the Main
Army, and form in the Rear. Should the Enemy in an Ingagement with
the Army when form’d endanger either flank, the Covering Party, will Move
up to Lengthen the line and so Much as may be found Necessary, from the
£anking Divisions will Display outwards to prevent the attempt of the
Enemy succeeding—252
GEN. SULLIVAN’S EXPEDITION.
The Light Corps will have their Advances and flank Guard a good Distance
from the Main Body—The flanking Divisions will furnish flank Guards and
the second line a Rear Guard for the Main Army—
When we find the Light Corps Ingaged with the Enemy in frunt the frunt
of the Pack Horses will halt and the* Rear Close up—While the Column
Moves at a small Distance Closes and displays Column’s which will bring
the Horses in the position Represented in the Plan for Order of Battle,
should the attack be made on Either flank or Rear the Horse’s must be
kept in the Position they are in at the Comminsment of the attack unless
other order’s are then Given—