W Kk^ljL lilm. t *r^ i LIBRA KY OF imGRKSS. t\ pn Bradford Club Series. NUMBER SIX. THE NOR Til E 1{ N I N Y A s T O N OCTOBER 1780 A SERIES OP PAPERS RELATING TO THE EXPEDITIONS PROM CANADA UNDER SIR JOHN JOHNSON AND OTHERS d)e jfrontters of il?etu gorft WHICH WEUE SUI'POSED TO HAVE CONNECTION WITH ARNOLD'S TREASON PREPARED FROM THE ORIGINALS WITH AN INTRODUCTION AND NOTES BY e,-^j' ,^" FRANKLIN B. HOUGH x I-: ^^' y o w k M DCCC LXVI V SUBSCRIBER'S COPY, iVo. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 18G0, By John B. Moreau, FOR THE BRADFORD CLUB, In the Clerk's Office of the District Conrt of the United States for the Southern District of New York. SKVKNTV FIVK COPIKS IMIINTKI). ^ PUBLICATIONS BRADFORD CLUB. No. I. — Papers concerning the Attack on Hatfield and Deerfield . . . 1859 " II. — The Croakers I860 " III. — The Operations of the French Fleet UNDER Count De Grasse . . . 18G4 "■ IV. — Anthology of New Netherland . 18G5 " V. — Narratives of the Career of . De Soto in Florida .... 1866 " VI. — Northern Invasion .... 18GG EXTRA number. Memorial of John Allan . . - . . 18G4 THE BRADFORD CLUB. Under this desigaatiou, a few gentlemen, interested in the study of American History and Literature, propose occasionally to print limited editions of such manuscripts and scarce pamphlets as may be deemed of value towards illustrating these subjects. They will seek to obtain for this purpose unpublished journals or correspondence containing matter worthy of record, and which may not properly be included in the Historical Collections or Documentary Histories of the several States. Such unpretending contemporary chronicles often throw precious light upon the motives of action and the imperfectly narrated events of bygone days ; perhaps briefly touched upon in dry official documents. The Club may also issue fac-similes of curious manuscripts, or documents worthy of notice, which, like the printed issues, will bear its imprint. " These are the Registers, the chronicles of the age They were written in, and speak the truth of History Better than a hundred of your printed Communications.'' — Shakerli/ Marmi/ons Antiquary. William Bradford — the first New York Printer — whose name the Club has adopted, came to this country in 1G82, VI 11 TIIK J5RADF0KI) CIAJ15. and established his Press in the neighbox-hood of Phihidelphia. In 1693 he removed to this City — was appointed Royal Printer — and set up his Press "at the Sign of the Bible." For upwards of thirty years he was the only I^rinter in the Province, and in 1725 published our first Newspaper — The New York Gazette. He conducted this paper until 1743 when he retired from business. He died in May, 1752, and was described, in an obituary notice of the day, as " a man ol' great sobriety and industry, a real friend to the poor and needy, and kind and aflFable to all." He was buried in Trinity Church Yard, by the side of the wife of his youth ; and the loving affection of relatives and friends reared a simple and unosten- tatious Monument to his memory. CONTENTS. Page. Introduction, 17 Letter from Colonel Bellinger, Sept. 1, 1780, 65 Letter from Colonel Van Scliaick to Governor Clinton, Sept. 6, 1780, G7 Letter from Lieutenant Colonel Jansen to Governor Clinton, Sept. 18, 1780, C9 Letter from Governor Clinton to Lieutenant Colonel Jansen, Sept. 18, 1780, 69 Letter from Governor Clinton to Lieutenant Colonel Newkirk, Sept. 18, 1780, 70 Letter from Lieutenant Colonel Jansen to Governor Clinton, Sept. 19, 1780, 71 Letter from Governor Clinton to Colonel Pawling, Sept. 21, 1780, 73 Letter from Colonel J. Newkirk to Governor Clinton, Sept. 23, 1780, 73 Letter from Governor Clinton to General Washington, Sept. 1, 1780, 74 Letter from General Robert Van Rensselaer to Governor Clin- ton, Sept. 4, 1780, 76 Letter from Colonel Patterson and others, to Governor Clinton, Sept. 11, 1780, 77 Letter from Governor Clinton to persons in Cumberland county, Sept. 16, 1780, 78 Letter from Colonel G. Van Schaick to Governor Clinton, Sept. 12,1780, 79 Letter from Governor Clinton to Colonel G. Van Schaick, Sept. 14, 1780, 81 2 \ CONTENTS. Page. Extract from Uiriiiglon'sUmjal G(tzeUe, Sept. 33, 1780, 81 Letter from Governor C'linton to General Schuyler, Oct. 3, 1780, 83 Letter from citizens of Tryon county to Governor Clinton, Oct. 3, 1780, 83 Petition from citizens of Tryon county, Oct. 6, 1780, 85 Letter from Governor Clinton to Colonel Klock, Oct. 11, 1780, 87 Letter from Stephen Lush to Governor Clinton, Oct. 13, 1780,. . 89 Articles of capitulation of Fort George, 93 Letter from Colonel W. Malcom to General Van Rensselaer, Oct. 13, 1780, 93 Letter from General Van Rensselaer to Governor Clinton, Oct. 13,1780, 94 Reply of Governor Clinton to General Van Rensselaer, Oct. 14, 1786, 95 Account of the attack upon Forts Ann and George, from Holt's Journal, Oct. 16, 1780, 95 Letter from Governor Clinton to General Greene, Oct. 14, 1780, 96 Letter from Governor Clinton to General Washington, Oct. 14, 1780, 97 Letter from Captain Sherwood to Colonel Henry Livingston, Oct. 17, 1780, 99 Letter from General Heath to Governor Clinton, Oct. 17, 1780, 101 Letter from Lieutenant Colonel Veeder to Henry Glen, Oct. 17, 1780, 103 Letter from General Robert Van Rensselaer to Governor Clin- ton, Oct. 18, 1780, 103 Letter from Governor Clinton to General Schuyler, Oct. 18, 1780, 105 Letter from Lieutenant Colonel Barent I. Staats to Governor CUnton, Oct. 18, 1780, 106 Letter from Major J. Lansing to Governor Clinton, Oct. 18, 1780, 107 Letter from Governor Clinton to General Washington, Oct. 18, 1780, 108 Letter from Governor Chittenden of Vermont to Governor Clinton, Oct. 18, 1780, Ill Letter from Isaac Stoutenburgh to Governor Clinton, Oct. 19, 1780 112 CONTENTS. XI Page. Letter from General Ten Broeck to Governor Clinton, Oct. 10, 1780, 113 Letter from General Ten Broeck to Governor Clinton, Oct. 19, [1780], 114 Letter from General Van Rensselaer to Governor Clinton, [Oct. 19,1780], 115 Letter from Sampson Dyckman to Governor Clinton, [Oct. 19, 1780], 117 Letter from General Robert Van Rensselaer to Governor Clin- ton, [Oct. 19, 1780], 117 Letter from Colonel Lewis Dubois to General Van Rensselaer, [Oct. 20, 1780], 118 Letter from Colonel Lewis Dubois to Governor Clinton, [Oct. 20, 1780], 119 Warrant for impressing cattle and flour, 120 A return of ordnance and stores taken from the British Army commanded by Sir John Johnson, Oct. 19, 1780, 121 Notice of Northern Invasion from Loudon's Paper, Oct. 19, 1780, 121- Letter from General Schuyler to Governor Clinton, Oct. 20, 1780, 123 Letter from Governor Clinton to General Schuyler, Oct. 26, 1780, 125 Letter from Governor Clinton to Colonel Klock, Oct. 23, 1780, 126 Letter from Governor Clinton to Colonel Bellinger, Oct. 23, 1780, 126 Order for garrisoning Frontier Posts, Oct. 23, 1780, 127 Letter from Colonel Alexander Webster to Governor Clinton, Oct. 24, 1780, 128 Extract of a letter from Captain Jonathan Lawrence, Junior, to Colonel Samuel Drake, Oct. 24, 1780, 129 Memorial from the Inhabitants of Schenectady, Oct. 24, 1780,. . 131 Letter from Governor Clinton to Ebenezer Russell, Oct. 26, 1780, 132 Letter from Governor Haldimand of Canada, with lists of casual- ties, Oct. 25, 1780, 133 Address of the Maj-or and Common Council of Albany to Go- vernor Clinton, Oct. 26, 1780, 137 Reply of Governor Clinton to the foregoing address, 139 Marching orders of Colonel Weissenfels, Oct. 26, 1780, 140 Letter from General Schuyler to Governor Clinton, Oct. 27, 1780 140 Xll CONTENTS. Page. Letter from General Ten Broeck to Governor Clinton, Oct. 29, 1780, 142 Letter from Colonel Lewis Van Woert to General Ten Broeck, Oct. 28, 1780, 142 Letter from Governor Clinton to James Duane, Oct. 29, 1780,. 143 Letter from Governor Clinton to General Heatli, Oct. 30, 1780, 147 Letter from General Ten Broeck to Governor Clinton, Oct. 30, 1780, 1,50 Letter from Governor Clinton to General Washington, Oct. 30, 1780, 151 Letter from Governor Clinton to General Washington, Oct. 31, 1780, •. 157 Letter from General Washington to Governor Clinton, Novem- ber [5], 1780, 159 Proceedings of a Court of Inquiry upon the conduct of General Robert Van Rensselaer, March, 1781, 164 Memorial of the Supervisors of Tryon County, 209 Tabular Summaiy of Casualties in Tryon County, 215 Index, 217 PREFACE. Few regions have presented more frequent or more tragic examples of the horrors of war than did the Mohawk valley during the American Revolution. The settlements extending in a narrow strip up into the wilderness, more than fifty miles beyond the general outline of the frontiers, were exposed on every side and at all times to an attack of the enemy, who, favored by long lines of water communication, could approach from the north, west or south, strike at the most exposed points, and retire before pursuit could be made. If we bear in mind that the hostile parties who infested this region were often made up of those who had been former inhabitants of the valley, or at least were always led by those who had been forced from their homes by the events of the war, and were inflamed with the fiercest revenge against their former neighbors, whom they often found enjoying the property from which they had been driven, we may well infer that this partizan warfare would be active, unrelenting and cruel. The events of this period upon the western frontiers of New York could never be forgotten by the survivors or their descendants, and most of the traditions gathered from the aged witnesses, or received at second hand from their accounts, have passed into written nar- ratives, and claim credit as history. Although founded upon facts, XIV PREFACE. and in tlic main correct, as to tiiiR-, place and circumstances, many of these narratives are warped ])y prejudice or inflamed by passion, and none of tliem can claim the merit of presenting the motives which actuated those who controlled the military movements of the occasion, the information upon which they acted, or the difficulties they had to overcome. The sufferers from an incursion of the enemy could see that no relief came, although timely application had been made ; but they could not know the reasons that prevented. They knew that the enemy had escaped Avith impunity, and might very bitterly complain of the result, which, under all the circumstances, absolutely could not be prevented. This reflection has often occurred to the editor of this volume in looking through the public records of the revolution. But, perhaps, in none of these are the generalh' received accounts, and the inferences derived therefrom, more widely different from truth than those relating to the invasions from Canada in the autumn of 1780, in which the enemy's main body, under Sir John Johnson, after sweeping through the Schoharie and Mohawk valleys, destroying every thing left by former invasions and not guarded by force, eluded pursuit, and returned with comparatively small loss to Canada. The official documents relating to this invasion were found so full and ample, that it was thought advisable to collect and preserve them together, to the end that history might stand corrected, so far as it related to these events, although at variance with every statement hitherto published concerning them. In arranging these papers, attention has been paid to connection of subjects rather than to strict order of time, and the documents have been used without abridgment, although sometimes relating to PREFACE. XV subjects not connected with the prmcipal events in view. It was not deemed necessary to extend the series by including the papers relating to excliange of prisoners, and other subjects incidentally resulting from the invasion described ; but it is believed enough will be found to justify the conclusion that no charge of inetficiency, cowardice or intentional wrong can be properly laid against those acting under the authority of the state upon that occasion. " THIS ENTERPRISE OF THE ENEMY, IS PROBABLY THE EFFECT OF ARNOLD'S TREASON." Gov. Clinton to Gen. Washington, Oct. 17, 1780. " IT IS THOUGHT, AND PERHAPS NOT WITHOUT FOUNDATION, THAT THIS INCURSION WAS MADE, UPON THE SUPPOSITION THAT ARNOLD'S TREACHERY HAD SUCCEEDED." Washington to President of Congress, Oct. 21, 1780. INTRODUCTION. The invasion of the Indian settlements upon the Genesee by General Sullivan, in the autumn of 1779, occasioned great distress among the natives, who were driven to seek shelter at Fort Magara. The destruction had been sweeping, and the miseries which followed, during the hard winter of 1779-80 were severe; but although crops and settlements were laid waste, most of the Indian warriors escaped, and very naturally soon began to meditate plans of revenge. The villages of the Oneida tribe friendly to the Americans, were menaced during the winter, and while the snow yet lay deep in the forests, and the streams were bridged withice, the warparties of Brant and Butler began active hostilities, along the whole northern and western fron- tiers of ISTew York. These incursions, although not accompanied by scenes of butchery, like those perpe- trated at "Wyoming and Cherry Yalley, were still marked with incidents of thrilling terror, and were attended with great loss of property ; many prisoners were led into captivity, many lives were sacrificed, and 3 18 INTRODUCTION. the greatest alarm was spread tliroughout the border counties. The first of their hostile parties appeared on the 15th of March, 1780, at Eeimensnyder's Bush, four miles north of the Little Falls, where they took Captain John Keyser, his two sons and two other prisoners, killed one man, burned the captain's house, killed his stock, and left his wife and babes destitute. A body of militia was called out, but from want of snow shoes could not pursue. The party was reported about fifty in number, chiefly tories disguised as Indians, and from their tracks they appeared to haye come from the country of the Five ISTations. It was strongly suspected, that some unfriendly Oneidas had been privy to this movement, and had harbored the party.^ Six days later, about one hundred Indians from Canada, with three tories from Ballston and Tryon, surprised a small post at Skeenesborough, captured its little garrison of thirteen men, killed and scalped a man and his wife, burnt several buildings, and retired down the lake on the ice, by the way they came.^ On the 3d of April, a party of tories and Indians said to be sixty in number returned to Eeimensnyder's Bush, burnt a mill, and carried oS nineteen prisoners from that settlement northward into Canada. On the same day, a block-house on the Sacondaga, north of 1 Clinton Papers, No. 2,751. «LeUer of Gen. Abraham Han'Qvo&ck.— Clinton Pupers^o?,. 2,758, 2,767. INTRODUCTION. 19 Johnstown, was attacked by a party of seven Indians, who attempted to set it on fire, hut were prevented by the activity and boldness of one man, its sole occupant,^ who extinguished the fire and severely wounded one of the number. When they had retired, he rallied six others, pursued and killed the whole of the invading party. On the 7th of April, Brant with a small party of tories and Indians, on their way to surprise Schoharie, came upon a few men under Capt. Alexander Harper, engaged in making maple sugar at Harpersfield. Three of the number were killed, and eleven or twelve taken prisoners to Niagara.^ It is said that Brant was dissuaded from his first design of striking at Schoharie, by the fictitious declarations of Captain Harper, that large reinforcements had arrived at that place. On this expedition. Brant detached a small party which fell upon the Minisink settlement, and brought off several prisoners. Simultaneous with these events, intelligence was brought to the commander-in-chief, of preparations by the enemy, in the collection of munitions, horses, ves- sels and boats, which seemed to indicate an intention of operating in force against the American posts on the Hudson. These events occurring at so early a period, seemed to ' Solomon Woodward. ^ CampbeWs Tryon County, 1st ed., 159 : Stone's Life of Brant, ii, 56 : Slmms's Sclwharie County, 325. Captain Harper remained a captive till November 28, 1782. 20 INTRODUCTION. indicate a troublesome and dangerous summer on tlie frontiers. The minds of tlie inhabitants were filled with the most gloomy apprehensions, and Colonel Yates in writing from Palatine upon the Mohawk, intimated, that unless a number of troops sufficient to protect the settlements could be sent up, very few of the inhabitants in that section would remain. " The country," said he, " is very extensive, and lies open on all sides to the inroads of the savages. I need not describe to you the distresses of such as are obliged to abandon their habitations, and the consequent dis- tress and inconvenience of such as they fly to for refuge, besides the preventing of which, the crops now in the ground, and those to be put in, must (I should rather say ought to) be saved, or there will be famine to those who are now residing here. I have every opportunity to con- vince myself, that people have bread for no longer than the ensuing harvest. Indeed too many have not that." ^ These inroads upon the frontiers, called for active measures for the public safety. Guards were stationed at various points on the upper Mohawk, and the militia were ordered to keep themselves in readiness to march at a minute's warning, upon a given signal. ' Clinton Papers, No. 2,751. Col. Christopher P. Yates, the writer of the above, was a leading patriot of Tryon county, and chairman of the committee of correspondence at the beginning of the war. He served as a captain and afterward as a colonel of militia, and was the first county clerk under state appointment. He represented Montgomery county in assembly five years, and died on his farm three miles west of Canajoharic, and a mile from the river, Jan. 21, 1814, at the age of 65 years. INTRODUCTION. 21 Before further tracing the events of 1780, we will briefly describe the extent of the settlements in Albany and Tryon counties, and the defenses then existing for their protection. The Mohawk valley, at the beginning of the revolu- tion, had a population of about ten thousand, scattered along in a narrow belt as far west as the present town of German Flatts, in Herkimer county. ISTorthAvard, the settlements extended to a short distance beyond Johnstown. Towards the south, they had reached the head waters of the Susquehanna, and in the valley of the Schoharie creek, to about seven miles beyond Middleburgh. ]N^orthward of Albany, they were thinly scattered over the southern and eastern portions of the present county of Saratoga, and in Washington (then Charlotte) county, to Skeenesborough, now Whitehall. Small settlements had been commenced on the western shores of Lake Champlain, and considerable, yet widely scattered improvements had been made in Cumberland county, then claimed by I^ew York, but now included in Vermont. At the beginning of hostilities, many of the inhabitants decided to support the royal cause, especially among the Scotch settlers near Johnstown, although loyalists were found in almost every district in the colony. Their relative number was not large, but their fami- lies often remained in the country, a burden upon society, and objects of constant suspicion and jealousy with those friendly to the American cause. They 22 INTRODUCTION. harbored tlie enemies' spies, procured information, and secretly favored Ms movements as opportunities offered. Those who had fled to the enemy to bear arms for the king, proved the most dangerous and vindictive of partizans, being thoroughly acquainted with the topography of the country, and familiar with every road and stream and valley, that would favor the movements of an invading party, or of a lurking foe. The invasion of General Burgoyne, from the north, and repeated inroads upon the Mohawk frontiers, had entirely broken up the feeble beginnings upon Lake Champlain, and the thri^dng settlements of Cherry Valley, I^ewtown-Martin, Springfield, Harpersfield, and Andrustown, southward of the INIohawk. Over six hundred persons from Tryon county alone, had gone off to the enemy, and hundreds of forms all around the borders of civilization, were abandoned by their owners, or destroyed by the enemy, leaving dreary solitudes in places that had lately been enli- vened by industry, and with here and there a heap of rubbish to mark the site of what had been a home. During the French and Indian wars, fortifications had been erected at various points along the frontiers, and the troubles of the revolution led to the construc- tion of stockades around dwellings at numerous places throughout the country, for sheltering of the inhabitants in times of danger. The number of these outposts having led to a greater distribution of the troops available for their defense INTRODUCTION. 23 than was thouglit desirable, the board of war, about the middle of March, decided to break up several minor stations, including those at Schenectady, Scho- harie, Johnstown, Fort Plank, Oneida Castle, Half Moon Point, New City, Saratoga, Fort Edward, and Skeenesborough. The events upon the frontiers, already noticed, induced Governor Clinton to retain some of those at Skeenesborough, Fort Plank, Her- kimer, Schoharie, and Fort Edward. Fort Schuyler, on the site of the present village of Rome, was then the most important post on the frontier, and of sufficient strength to resist a large force.^ During a part of the summer of 1780, it was garrisoned b^^ Colonel Van Schaick of the Continental troops, but early in September, he was ordered to join the grand army, and Major Hughes was left in command. It was the frontier post on the jSIohawk, and nearly thirt}'- miles beyond the settlements. Fort Herkimer on the south bank of the Mohawk, opposite the mouth of West Canada creek, and Fort Dayton in the present "\dllage of Herkimer, were then garrisoned by small bodies of troops. At the former, a company of fifteen men had been stationed during the winter under Lieutenant John Smith, for the protection of military stores. Their time had expired in April, and they were clamoring for their discharge. Fort Plain, 1 A return of artillery at Fort Schujier, made November 23, 1780, showed that there were then 23 cannon and G mortars, mostly iron pieces and mounted for garrison use. 24 INTRODUCTION. half a mile west of the present village of that name, and Fort Hunter, east of the Schoharie creek, near its confluence with the Mohawk, were works that could oppose a hand attack. In the Schoharie settle- ments there were three small forts, and on the northern frontier there were forts with feeble garrisons at Lake George, Fort Ann, Skeenesborough, Fort Edward, and a few other points. Some of these were mere block- houses, others were old works in partial ruin, and none of them of sufficient strength to resist a vigorous assault. The territorial divisions of Albany and Try on coun- ties as they existed in 1780, will be understood by reference to the accompanying map.^ The militia of that portion of the state not in the power of the enemy, was organized into forty-five regiments, of which seventeen were in Albany, one in Charlotte, one in Cumberland, eight in Dutchess, three in Orange, five in Tryon, four in Ulster, and six in Westchester counties. Of these, two were composed wholly of exempts, and in addition to the regimental organizations above enumerated, there were twenty- five companies of associated exempts, whose officers had received commissions from the state council of appointment. The militia were only called out as occasional alarms or invasions made it necessaiy, the 1 The colonial act dividing Albany and Tryon counties into dis- tricts, was passed March 22d, 1773, and amended March 8, 1773, by changing the names of the districts as given in the map. INTRODUCTION. 25 duty of guarding the advanced posts, being chiefly entrusted to detachments from the Continental army, and to levies raised from time to time, and usually for but short periods, for the special duty of defending the frontiers. During the summer of 1779, two distinct corps of five hundred men each, had been ordered by the legis- lature for this service, and placed under Lieutenant Colonels Albert Pawling and Henry K. Yan Rens- selaer. To replace these, a law was passed March 11th, 1780, for raising eight hundred men by detach- ments from the state militia, whenever congress should declare that these troops should be paid and subsisted by the United States. The necessary action was taken by congress on the 4th of April, but the levies were not raised and organized in time to prevent the mis- chief against which they were intended to guard. Yet there was no needless delay in perfecting these plans, and the correspondence of the period shows, that while the inhabitants along the frontiers were trembling at the premonitions of coming dangers, the executive Avas making every efibrt to meet the emergencies of the impending crisis. The commander-in-chief was at this time embarrassed by the expiration of the period of enlistment of many troops in the Continental army, and the governors of ISTew Jersey and j^ew York were requested to take measures for assembling the militia in case of danger, and to detach a portion for garrison duty until a reor- 4 26 INTRODUCTION. ganization could be efiected. The letters of command- ing officers at this period were burdened with complaints of the scarcity of provisions, which greatly delayed all military movements, and demanded the most active exertions to keep the army supplied. We will now resume our narrative of events upon the frontiers. On the 29th of April, a prisoner taken at Skeenesborough, escaped from prison at Montreal, and in fifteen days reached home, with intelligence that extensive preparations were being made for an invasion from Canada. Col. Jacob Klock, on the 12th of May, wrote to the governor from Fort Paris, in the Stone Arabia settlement, that he had evidence that convinced him of the approach of Sir John Johnson towards Johnstown, and that Brant with a band of tories and Indians, was expected to fall at the same time upon Canajoharie. These events would have happened before this date, had not the melting snows and spring floods^ prevented. The disaftected throughout the valley were expecting these movements, and it was rumored that considerable bodies of tories had been enrolled, for the purpose of joining the invaders when they appeared.^ ' We have been more minute in stating these facts, to correct an error of the late William L. Stone in his Life of Brant. He says, " The first blow was as sudden as it was unexpected, especially from the quarter -whence it came. On Sunday the 21st of May, at dead of night, Sir John Johnson entered the north part of Johnstown — * * * ; and so entirely unawares had he stolen upon the sleeping inhabitants, that he arrived in the heart of the country' un- discovered except by the resident loyalists who were probably in the secret." — Life of Brant, ii, 72. INTRODUCTION. 27 These rumors threw the country into the greatest alarm, and Col. Van Schaick writing from Albany of the 17th of May, informed the governor that he was receiving hourly applications from the north and west for aid, that the more remote settlements were daily breaking up and moving down the country, and that unless something was speedily done to check the alarm, the whole region west of Schenectady and north of Albany would be abandoned. Under these circum- stances one half of General Ten Broeck's brigade was ordered out, to meet the coming invasion. The regi- ments of Colonels Yates, Yan Woert, Schoonhoven and McCrea had assembled at Saratoga on the 20th of May. On the 18th, troops were dispatched from Albany for Stone Arabia, and other reinforcements were hastened forward for the defense of the valley as they could be assembled. Five full regiments were ordered into Tryon county and the Schoharie settlements, but as it was still uncertain where the blow would fall, they were held in reserve until the movements of the enemy could be definitely ascer- tained. In the meantime Sir John Johnson with a force reported as consisting of four hundred whites, from his own apjil Butler's regiments, and the regulars with two hundred Indians, proceeded in vessels up Lake Champlain to Crown Poiut.^ Leaving his boats and Clinton Papers, No. 2,893. 28 INTRODUCTION. vessels at the head of Biilwagga bay, under a small guard, he striu'k into the forest toward the upper Hudson, and from thence following up the Saeondaga valley, he appeared on Sunday night. May 21st, at his former residence near. Johnstown. There was at this period a stockade around the court-house, with a garrison sufficient for its defense, hut too feeble for hostile movements. Without spending time upon this, he detached a part of his force, to proceed further down the river and strike the Mohawk at or below Tribe's hill. Their route led along familiar roads, and through friendly neighborhoods. The invaders were minutely informed of every circumstance that could favor or impede their movements, and the political bias of every inhabitant was well known ; the victims of revenge were selected, and the details of their operations were arranged. A little before daybreak on Monday morning, the blow fell, and their course up the valley from Tribe's hill to the Nose,^ was marked by scenes of confla- gration, pillage and murder ; yet even in this, the hand of the destroyer was somewhat stayed, and no violence was offered to women and children.^ The houses of tories were spared, and great numbers of loyalists joined the invaders upon their return towards Johns- ' A gorge on the Mohawk between the present towns of Palatine and Root. 2 Clinton Papers, No. 2,910. Minute details of this invasion are given in Stone's Life ofBrant,\\, 73, and in Blmms's Schoharie County, p. 343. INTRODUCTION. 29 town. In the meantime, a quantity of plate and treasure which had been buried at the baronial hall by a faithful slave, after its abandonment in 1776, was recovered by Sir John, and having accomplished the main objects of the expedition, he prepared for his return to Canada. Excepting ten or a dozen houses owned by tories, every dwelling on the route of the invaders, on the north bank of the Mohawk, for a distance of over ten miles, had been burned ; many prisoners were taken, and numbers of negro slaves were recovered by their former masters. On the evening of the same day, Sir John retired to Mayfield, where he encamped. On the first day he proceeded seven miles, and on the second fourteen, his course being in the direction of Lake Champlain. A party of militia under Colonels Harper and Vrooman, and a body of troops from Schenectady under Colonel Van Schaick, undertook to pursue him, but want of provisions delayed their movements until they were too late for effect. Governor Clinton hastened from Kingston upon the first alarm, and with such troops as he could rally in Albany and Charlotte counties, marched to Fort George. Ordering Major Allen and Colonel Warner to meet him at Ticonderoga, with such militia as could be rallied on the Kew Hamp- shire Grants, he finally, on the eighth day after leaving Kingston, succeeded in crossing Lake George, from whence he hastened to Crown Point; but the retreating enemy were safe beyond pursuit, having 30 INTRODUCTION. embarked six hours before for St. Joliii.' TLe delay in procuring boats and provisions at Lake George had disappointed his efforts, and after taking measures for covering the frontier against further inroad from Canada, he returned.^ Public rumor had led to an expectation of an attack from the westward under Brant, but if this had originally been intended, some event had thus far prevented its execution. The protection of the Mohawk settlements was, however, of the utmost importance, and the condition of Fort Schuyler especially called for prompt action on the part of the commander-in- chief. The militia of Tryon county had for a long period been relied upon for garrison duty at this post, and the dangers that hung over their families made these soldiers restive under the restraints of this service, and anxious to be at their homes for their protection. This feeling had increased until it almost amounted to open mutin}^, and early in the summer. General Washington ordered Colonel Van Schaick with two hundred and fifty levies to proceed thither. The recent movements of the enemy had appeared to menace his post, and common prudence demanded that it should be secured 1 Clinton Papers, 2,972, 2,973. The governor expressed his gratifi- cation at the promptness with which the troops from tlie Grants were raised and marched to his aid. 2 Anecdotes of tliis passage down the hilvcs by Governor Clinton, are given by the author of the Sexncjcnary (edition of 1866, p. 177), but with a mistake in the time, which is there given as following the invasion of October, which forms the principal subject of this volume. INTRODUCTION. 31 against a surprise, and provisioned against danger from a siege. The militia who were so discontented in garrison, would not be the less reliable for the public defense, and they gladly embraced the opportunity of guarding the minor posts that were scattered through the settlements, and nearer their own homes. Their discontent was in no degree inspired by cowardice, but by a natural, and perhaps pardonable anxiety to be with their families, who were constantly in danger, and frequently driven by real or false alarms to seek refuge in their block-houses. It was manifestly the policy of the enemy to multiply these alarms by their small parties, scattered along the borders of the settle- ments, and to magnify the fears of the inhabitants. In this they were but too well favored by the presence of the disaifected families in the country, who were willing to give currency to every rumor tending to their interests, whether founded upon facts or fiction. The larger portion of the Oneidas, and a small part of the Tuscaroras, had hitherto remained friendly to the American cause; but the influence of British agents, and of the other tribes of the Six Nations, was brought strongly to bear upon them, to induce their removal to Niagara. Sconondo, a leading chief, was imprisoned at Niagara, and every argument by way of threat and promise, was used to effect this end. Under this pressure, and to secure that quiet which was denied them in their own settlements, some evinced a willing- ness to yield ; and to prevent such a misfortune about 32 INTRODUCTION. four hundred of these people were removed to the neighborhood of Schenectady and there supported, at the pubhc cost.^ The movements of the enemy at New York, and the return of Sir Henry Clinton from his successful enter- prise against Charleston, were additional sources of anxiety, and led to repeated and pressing calls for militia to assist in guarding the passes of the High- lands. The state legislature, therefore, on the 24th of June provided for raising a force by drafts from the militia for a period of three months, and General Robert Van Rensselaer, who had recently been pro- moted from a colonel, to the command of the second brigade of Albany county militia, was ordered to proceed to Stone Arabia and take command at Fort Paris.^ 1 In July, 1780, Jellis Fonda was a contractor for supplying 390 rations daily to destitute Oneidas and Tuscaroras at Schenectady. The cinders of their camp fires may still be traced on the brow of the hills southeast of the city. We find nothing among ihe Clinton Papers to justify the statement of Colonel Stone {Life of Brant i, 55), relative to the destruction of the Oneida settlements by the enemy during the winter of 1779-80, and are led to believe, that the removal of these people to a place of safety in the interior was a measure of policy, rather than of actual necessity from the presence of an enemy. Their country might still be justly spoken of as abandoned and laid waste, their industry and prosperity as destroyed, and their condition as in every way injured and impoverished by the war. '^ This was a block-house surrounded by a stockade situated on a swell of ground about a half a mile east by north from the churches at Stone Arabia in the town of Palatine. The surfoce descends from this point northward towards the valley of Garoga creek, and south- ward to the Mohawk, and it is the most elevated place within several INTRODUCTION. 33 Early in July larg'c bodies of tlie enemy were reported as seen near the old Oneida castle ; but notliing definite was discovered, nor is tlieir presence tliere at that time certainly known. Lurking parties of the enemy were continually prowling along the frontiers, and an occasional fire, or murder, and the sudden disappearance of individuals as prisoners, kept the troops on the alert, and the country in frequent alarm. The cultivation of the fields, except in the vicinity of block-houses, was necessarily abandoned; and the transportation of supplies for tlie forts was never attempted without a military guard. On the 26th of July, a large party of the enemy, chiefly Indians, and said to be eight hundred strong, under Brant, with several British officers, appeared before Fort Schuyler, killed several horses and cattle in the adjacent fields, and began a fire of musketry upon the fort, which they continued until nine o'clock in the evening. The news of this event, reaching General Van Rensselaer at Stone Arabia, he imme- diately set out for the relief of the place, and for the purpose of guarding several bateaux laden with miles of the locality. The block-house after being removed and used many years as a barn has disappeared, leaving in the open fields only a single aged fruit tree to marl? the vicinity of this place of refuge for the surrounding settlements. Fort Paris was named in honor of Isaac Paris, an English emigrant, who settled in Tryon county a few years before the revolution, was naturalized March 20th, 1763, and fell in the battle of Oriskany in August 1777, while serving as colonel of militia. 5 84 INTRODUCTION. provisions tlioii on tlicir Avav np tlio river. To assist in this sennce, nearly eveiy al)lc hodied man in the ^ncinity of Canajoharie was called out. It was currently reported that the fort was about to l)e invested by a force of British regulars, and it was felt that every exertion must be made for the safety of that important post.^ Threats were also circulated by the enemy, that the convoys of tlie boats would be attacked, and the cargoes destroyed. Meanwhile the savages, having effected this diversion from their real point of attack, made a circuit to the south (at the same time observing without alarming the troops on their Avay up the river), and came down on the Canajoharie settlements on the 2d of August, stealthily, but with destructive energy. This place had been the home of Brant before the Avar, and doubtless many of his followers were like him, refugees from the places they now saw occupied and enjoyed by others. Finding it impossible to recover their lost possessions, they resolved to make their destruction thorough. Scatterin«: his forces so as to set fire to many houses at the same instant, the chieftain Brant, began a work of desolation with nothing to stay his progress, and in a brief space of time, accomplished his mission and retired. A report, made two weeks after and upon careful inquiry, returned seventeen as killed, two as Clinton Papers, No. 3,111. INTRODUCTION. DO scalped and then living, forty-one prisoners led into captivity, fifty-two houses and forty-two barns, a church and a grist mill burned, three hundred cattle and liorses killed or driven oif, and all the wagons and fanning implements burned. Every thing was laid waste except the gromng crops, and there remained no means of harvesting these. The ruin extended several miles along the south bank of the Mohawk. A portion of the families found refuge in Fort Plank, which was not attacked. ]SIost of the prisoners taken were women and children, a few of whom were sent back, but the greater portion endured a long and painful capti^dty.^ The smoke of the burning settlement was seen at a distance of four miles, by an armed party in charge of some laden bateaux, and by the inhabitants of Johnstown ; but before they could hasten to the relief of the inhabitants the destruction was complete, and its authors on their way to the Susquehannah. A branch of this expedition at about the same time fell upon a settlement on the Norman's Kill, in Albany 1 A list of these prisoners with their ages and remarks, is found in tlie Clinton Papers, No. 3,127. There were 11 boys, 3 old men, 26 girls under 20, and 10 women. Cornplanter, the celebrated half-breed Seneca chief was in this ex- pedition. Among the prisoners taken was his own father, a white man named O'Bail. Having marched him ten or twelve miles, he made himself known, and allowed him the alternative of joining his fortunes with his red son, or of returning home. He preferred the latter, and was escorted back in safety to the settlements. — Life of Mary Jemison. Stone's Life of Brant', ii, 127. 36 INTRODUCTION. county, and hiinifd twenty houses. General Van Rensselaer liavinii: in the meantime delivered his charge at Fort Schuyler, returned. Tidings of the disaster were quickly conveyed to Albany, and General Ten Broeck ordered a large detachment of militia from Albany and Schenectady, to hasten up the valley for the relief of the distressed inhabitants. On the 5th of August, five hundred troops of the Massachusetts levies were ordered to march for the protection of. the Mohawk settlements,^ and measures were speedily taken for supplying the immediate wants of such families as had escaped captivity with the loss of every thing. The troops as they arrived, were stationed so as to protect them in harvesting their grain, for present subsistence. A period of comparative tranquility now followed, and the harvest, which was unusually bountiful this season, was secured without further molestation from the enemy. On the iirst of September, Colonel Malcom's corps was sent by General Washington for the defense of the frontiers, and the relief of the German Flatts and Fort Schuyler, and a part of the militia who had been called out for a short period returned home. Vague rumors of danger were, however, at times circulated through the country, and small parties appeared frequently upon the frontiers, committing ' The number of Massachusetts troops that were actually sent up the Mohawk Yalley, was considerably less than this number. We have not met with any specific statements of their force. INTRODUCTION. 37 hostilities as circuiiistaiices favored, but not always witli iinpnnit}^ One of the most heroic incidents whicli the annals of this period record, occurred on the last day of August, about four miles northeast of Fort Dayton. A party consisting of forty-eight Indians and eighteen whites suddenly fell upon a farmer named John Christian Shell, who was laboring with his six sons in a field. The latter succeeded in reaching their house, excepting two little boys eight years old, who were captured. The house was built for defense, and its occupants including the heroic ^^^fe made a most resolute resistance, in which without further loss to themselves, they killed eleven and wounded six or seven of the enemy. Their leader, one Donald McDonald, being wounded at the door, was dragged in by the family, and their house thus secured against being burned by the assailants. The unequal contest continued several hours, when the enemy retired, and the family having pro^dded food for their prisoner withdrew to Fort Dayton, and the next day the wounded who had been left on the premises were brought in,^ A imrty was sent in pursuit of the eneni}", but returned without success. The two little sons of Mr. Shell returned after a long capti^dty. He was himself killed the next year by an enemy lurking in ambush. ^Full details of this event are given in Benton's Ecrkimer County, p. 93, but under an erroneous date. A version in rhyme is found in CamphelVs Tryon County (1831), p. 71. 38 INTRODUCTION. The difficulties atteiuling- tlie maintenance of the arinv, were at tliis period greatly eidianced hy the depreciation of the paper currency that had been issued by congress, and which liad fallen since the autumn of 1777, from par to two and a lialf per cent. This rendered it necessary for the states to levy taxes in kind, for whatever articles were of greatest necessity foi- the troops. The governor of jSTew York was authorized to issue press warrants for taking cattle, flour, grain, teams and labor, as the emergencies of the service required; and this harsh expedient was employed man}^ times during the summer, when prompt action could not otherwise be secured. The destitution of the army, which at this time formed a most serious obstacle in its operations, was not so much due to absolute want of supplies in the country, as to difficulties attending their collection and transportation. The maintenance of a garrison at Fort Schuyler, was regarded as essential to the protection of the Mohawk frontier; and the only practicable route for trans- portation being the Mohawk river, it was highly important tliat the winter supplies should be forwarded before the river was closed by ice. The boats used in this service always required a convoy, and the na\dgation, interrupted by frequent rapids and a portage, was attended with great labor. The conduct of some of the public leaders in Cum- berland county was at this period in the highest degree embarrassing to Governor Clinton, and led to INTKODUCTION. 39 serious suspicions of treachery in tlie mind of General Washington, The party who were endeavoring to estabhsh an independent state government, in defiance of the authority of New York, appeared to he in communication with the enemy, for purposes which could not l)e ascertained, and under circumstances which led to the worst conjectures as to their motives and designs. The conduct of Colonel Ethan Allen was especially censured, and so fiir did these sus23icions of treachery gain credit, that the commander-in-chief issued orders to General Schuyler, then at Saratoga, to arrest a certain iKvson., in the event of certain contingencies, which however did not occur. These determined advocates of a new state organi- zation declared themselves ready for any alliance that would favor their end, and under the pretext of negotiating for the release of prisoners, engaged in a correspondence which has scarcely been justified by any apology of their friends. Occurring at this juncture, when harmony and confidence were of the greatest importance, it proved a source of anxiety and embarrassment injurious to the public welfare, and encouraging to the enemy. Yet in anticipation of coming favors, the enemy spared the inhabitants of the " Grants " many of the evils they might have easily inflicted, and which were felt with increased severity by the unhappy citizens of northern ]^ew York. During the early part of the autumn of 1780, the return of a scout, or of a prisoner escaped from the 40 INTRODUCTION. enemy, l>rong-lit intelligence from time to time, of some hostile design in preparation in Canada; Ijiit these rumors were vague and disconnected, and nothing transpired to indicate any particular point of danger. These rumors might be merely founded upon some de^^ce intended to mislead the military authorities, and distress the inhabitants with constant alarms, and nothing positive could be ascertained relative to the intentions of the enemy. Hostile parties appearing at mdely distant points, and occasionally a murder, the disappearance of a person as a prisoner, or the burning of a house, kept the troops at the various stations on the alert, and rendered the designs of the enemy more difhcult to determine. One of these parties appeared at Shawangunk on the 18th of September, attacked the house of Colonel Johannis Jansen, killed and scalped two young women and an old man, and carried away three negro slaves. Two regiments of militia were ordered in pursuit, but found no trace of the assailants, who were believed to be tories, and former residents of the district. The earlier invasions of this season, and puljhc business depending in congress upon the action of ]^ew York, made it necessary to call an extra session of the legislature, which met in Poughkeepsie on the 7th of September. In his opening message, the governor stated the insufficiency of the force on the frontiers, for their adequate defense, the embarrass- INTRODUCTION. 41 meuts attending enlistments in the Continental sei*vice, tlie destitution of tlie army, and tlie necessity of granting more power to congress. Tlie Articles of Confederation then under consideration had not yet been ratified, and the general congress had hitherto been able only to recommend to the several states, such measures as it should itself have had the power to enforce. This session of the legislature ended on the 10th of October, and was chiefly occupied in considering the military necessities of the day. It levied taxes upon the several counties payable in cattle and grain, extended former laws authorizing the impress of articles needed in the ser^dce, pro^aded for completing the state quota in the Continental army, and gave to the governor all needed powers for the full control of the militia. Under this law, passed September 29th, the governor could order into the ser^dce from time to time as he might deem necessary, such numbers of the militia as might be required for the defense of the frontiers. The men were to be drawn by classes, were to be held for forty-five days from the time of their assembling, and in matters relating to discipline, pay and rations, were placed on a par with the Continental troops. The act embraced the necessary regulations for enforcing the call by fines and forfeitures, for the commutation of quakers, and other details necessary for its successful operation. In view of the exj^osed condition of northern New 6 42 INTRODUCTION. York, and tlie importance of protecting the supplies of that region, upon wliicli the troops mainly relied for subsistence during the coming winter ; but before any further hostilities were known to be in actual prepara- tion, Brigadier General James Clinton was assigned by General Washington to the command at Albany, and he was authorized by his brother the governor to call upon Generals Ten Broeck and Van Rensselaer for such assistance as their brigades might be able to render in case of need. On the 1st of October, General Schuyler informed the governor by letter, of certain indications of an approaching invasion by way of Lake Champlain, and on the 6th, a number of citizens of Tryon county united in a petition for immediate assistance, to prepare against an attack from the westward. From intelligence which had been received, it appeared quite certain, that a large force of the enemy under Sir John Johnson, Butler and Brant, had six days before left Niagara, and w^ere then on their way to Oneida. On the 10th, an Indian deserter arrived at Fort Schuyler with news that the enemy were approaching in con- siderable force, with the view of attacking Stone Arabia, and ultimately Fort Schuyler. lie stated that they were furnished with mortars and cannon, with shells in large quantities ; and to confirm his statement he exhibited a five inch shell which he had brought with him in his blanket. Major Hughes in command at that post, immediately INTRODUCTION". 43 communicated tliis intelligence ; tlie several garrisons throughout the valley were placed on their guard against a surprise, and detachments of militia were called out. The force reported as approaching by way of Lake Champlain, consisted of about a thousand men, regulars, loyalists and Indians under Major Christopher Carleton, of the 29th regiment. He came up the lake from St. John's vtdth a fleet of eight vessels and twenty-six boats, and having landed in South Bay, suddenly appeared before Fort Ann on the 10th of October, and demanded its surrender. The garrison consisted of seventy-five men, ofiacers included, under the command of Adiel Sherwood, captain of one of the regiments of levies raised the summer previous to reinforce the Continental army. He had but a scanty supply of ammunition, and being unwilling to exasperate the enemy by using what little he had, after a short consultation among the officers, he surrendered himself and men prisoners of war, reserving only the liberty of sending the women and children to their respective homes.^ This fort, which was only a block-house rudely built of logs and enclosed by a stockade, was burned, and marauding parties were sent out, who burnt and destroyed portions of the settlements of Kingsbury, ^ Captain Sherwood had previously been a lieutenant in the 1st Continental battalion, but resigned May 16, 1780, and on the 18th of July was appointed to the command above stated. In a letter written by him while a prisoner, he says that the force appearing befoi'e him at Fort Ann, consisted of 778 men, chiefly British regulars. 44 INTRODUCTION. Queensbiiry and Fort Edward.^ The smoke of these burnings and the reports of refugees driven in by the enemy, gave information at Fort Edward of the ravages that were being committed above ; l)ut Colonel Living- ston was not in force to march, and no rehef was to be had nearer than from the Albany militia.^ Major Carleton appeared before Fort George on the 11th, but not ^Aithout some loss by the fire of the garrison. This post was commanded by Captain John Chipman, of the second Continental battalion, and his troops about forty in number, were chiefly composed of drafts from the militia classes, fi'om the neighboring toAvns of Charlotte county. He was not in condition for vigorous resistance, or a protracted siege ; and no relief being in prospect he surrendered upon terms similar to those that had been granted at Fort Ann. The prisoners were transferred to the vessels on Lake Champlain, and the fort was destroyed. Ensign Barrett was permitted to return with his family and the regimental books, upon giving his parole, and two wagons w^ere allowed for the women and children and tlieir effects.^ 1 Petition for exemption from taxes in Cliarlotte county, Jan. 23, 1781 , Legislative Papers, No. 2,422. 2 Fort Edward was temporarily abandoned upon this occasion, but tlie enemj' appeared not to linow it, and made no attempt to occupy or destroy it. ^ 4 deserter named Van Deusen reported a liorrid case of torture inflicted upon a soldier in revenge for the death of an Indian ; but the charge was repelled in a subsequent correspondence with Colonel Gansevoort. The letters exchanged upon this and other subjects, are given in Stone's Life of Brant, ii, 129. INTRODUCTION. 45 A branch of this expedition, consisting of about four liundrecl regulars, tories and Indians, under the command of Major John Munro, a tory, formerly a merchant at Schenectady, ha\dng left their boats at the head of Bulwagga bay near Crown Point, pro- ceeded by an interior route west of Lake George, with the original intention, as is believed, of surprising Schenectady. Whatever may have been the intended point of attack, the information obtained by their scouts, or other reasons, decided them to proceed no further than the Ballston settlement. There was at this time a "fort" of oak logs surrounded by a stockade and provided with loop holes for musketry. It stood at the southwest corner of the square, at Academy hill, and had been garrisoned five days before by a small party of Schenectady militia. The enemy decided not to spend time in attacking this, but found a convenient opportunity for surprising several families in their houses, and of executing their destructive mission uf)on the devoted settlement. The first attack was made under the guidance of one McDonald, a tory refugee from this neighborhood, upon the house of Mr. James Gordon,^ a worth}^ and ^ General Gordon was at this period a member of assembly, in which office he served nine years. From 1791 to 1795 he was in congress, and from 1797 to 1804, he was state senator. He died at Ballston, January 17, 1810. A brief notice of this revolutionary patriot, is found in the Albany Gazette, January 19, 1810. "We are indebted to the Hon. George G. Scott of Ballston, for most of the above details. 46 INTRODUCTION. influential citizen, whose strong adherence to the Con- tinental cause, had made him particularly obnoxious to the torics. As his clock was striking the midniglit hour on the night of October 16th, he was awakened by the crash of windows broken in with bayonets, and in a brief space of time he and several persons in his employment were secured, and his house pillaged by the Indians. Having killed one man, wounded another as they supposed mortally, and captured twenty-two prisoners in the settlement, they set out to return; but lingered for some time in the north- west corner of the town. They then retired along an Indian trail which led up the Hudson, and along the route by which they came. Fearing an attack. Major Munro issued an order for the prisoners to be instantly killed in case there was the least prospect of their being rescued. For this atrocious order, he was disgracefully dismissed from the service upon his return to Canada. From their first night's encamp- ment, three of the wounded prisoners were allowed to return, and they narrowly escaped an ambuscade that had been laid for the enemy. The party were eight days in returning to their boats, from whence they continued to Montreal. Mr. Gordon was held nearly two years as a prisoner in Canada. A party consisting of about two hundred, chiefly Indians, under Major Haughton, of the 53d, had set out about the same time from Canada, to fall upon the upper settlements of the Connecticut valley. They INTRODUCTION. 47 succeeded in burning several houses, and in carrying tliirty-two inhabitants into captivity. Li the mean time, the enemy who had been reported as in force at Oneida Lake, crossed over to the valley of the Susquehanna. They here probably received reinforcements fi'om Niagara by way of the Tioga route, and proceeded up the eastern branch in the direction of Schoharie, with the view of surprising the posts, and destroying the settlements of that valley. This force, under the command of Sir John Johnson, was composed of regulars, tories and Lidians, and was reported to be from eight hundred to a thousand strong.^ Sir John was accompanied by Colonel Butler and Captain Brant, and many of his men were intimately acquainted with the topography of the country through which they were to pass, having formerly resided in the valley. "We have already noticed that the Schoharie settle- ments were at this period protected by three forts. The upper fort, completed in 1778,^ was a one story dwelling owned by John Feeck, enclosed by a stockade, and a breast work. It stood near the upper part of the neighborhood known as Vrooman's land, about five miles west of south from Middleburgh. iTbe enemy's force under Sir John Johnson was reported by Governor Clinton, in writing to General Washington about a fort- night after, to consist of 750 picked troops from the 20th and 34th British regiments, Hessian yagers, Sir John's corps, Butler's rangers, and Brant's corps of Indians and tories. 2 The land on which this fort stood, is now owned, it is believed, by a descendant of the proprietor in 1780. 48 INTRODUCTION. The middle fort was at the present village of Middleburgh, from which the latter derived its name. It stood ahoiit half a mile east of north from the bridge, and was built around a two story stone house then owned by John Becker. It was a stockade, enclosing about half an acre within the pickets, with block-houses mounted with small cannon upon two of its angles. From its central position it was usually the headquarters of the commandant of the Schoharie posts, and was at this time garrisoned by about two hundred state troops, under the command of Major Melancton L. Woolsey.^ This fort was built in 1777, and like the former, every vestige has long since disappeared, excepting a small part of the original building. The lower fort, finished in 1778, had also a stockade ^This officer was appointed major in a regiment of levies for tlie defense of the frontiers, on tlie 1st of Julj^, 1780, and subsequently became a brigadier general of militia. By an unfortunate turn in trade lie became involved, and in 1785, was a petitioner for relief by an act of insolvency. On the 7th of March he was appointed county clerk of Clinton county upon its organization, and he continued to hold this office twenty years. After a long residence in Plattsburgh, he removed to Trenton in Oneida county, where he died June 39, 1819, in his sixty-third year. He was the father of the late Commo- dore Melancton T. Woolsey of the navj^. The confidence with which Major Woolsey continued to be held by Governor Clinton, and the appointments he received at his hand, sutBciently discredit the traditional stories that have been published concerning his alleged deportment upon the occasion of Sir John Johnson's attack upon the middle fort at Schoharie. These statements were evidently not reported, or if told were not believed, at that period. Major Woolscy's weekly return of the Schoharie ibrts, dated September 27, 1780, gave a total of 225, under Captains Lansing, Muller, Foord, Poole and Bogart. INTRODUCTION. 49 witli two block-houses moimted with small cannon. It enclosed a stone church, still standing a mile north of Schoharie Court-house/ and also enclosed an area of about half an acre. Along the west side of the enclosure were small huts built of rough boards, for the accommodation of families, and for the shelter of their most valuable effects. It was about six miles down the valley, north of the middle fort,^ and was at this period commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Volkert Yeeder.^ The approach of the enemy had been conducted with as much secrecy as possible, but two Oneidas having deserted, brought in the intelligence of their movements. It had been expected that the first attack would be made upon the upper fort. Early in the morning on the 17th of October, the enemy were discovered passing at some distance from the upper fort. A signal gun was fired to notif)^ the posts below of this movement, and their garrisons hastened to make such preparations for defense as their situation allowed. JSTo attempt was made by the enemy to molest the upper fort ; but finding themselves discovered, and secrecy no longer possible, they began at once their work of devastation, by setting fire to • This building is now owned by the state, and is used as an armory. ^ Simms' s History of Schoharie County, p. 269-371. * This ofBccr was commissioned as lieutenant colonel, April 4 1778, and resigned March 12, 1781. He was six years a member of assembly, and subsequently held the rank of brigadier general in the militia. He died February 22, 1813. 7 50 INTRODUCTION. buildings, barns and stacks of grain. Most of the inhabitants had removed their famihes to tlie forts, and only went out to the harvest fields armed, and in parties of sufficient force to guard against surprise. As it was still early in the morning, none had gone out, and but few indi\dduals remained at their homes. These were chiefly those who secretly s^anpathised with the loyalists, and their property was for this reason mostly spared by the invaders, but only to await destruction at the hands of their indignant neighbors, after the enemy were gone. It was a cold autumnal day, and the dri\^ng north- west vnnd, often laden with sleet, served to fan and spread the fires which the enemy set to the abandoned property of the settlers. Soon after the first alarm, a party of nineteen volunteers was sent out from the middle fort, to ascertain its cause ; but soon returned, ha^dng narrowly escaped being surrounded and cut oif.^ The enemy soon ajipeared before the fort, and some skirmishing ensued between their advanced forces and small parties of the garrison, but without loss on either side. Colonel Johnson then l)rought up a small mortar and a brass three pounder field piece, and fired for some ' Simms^s History of Sclioharie County, p. 402. We have principally followed this author in the above account, omitting many of his details, which were derived entirely from personal recollections and traditions received from the families present upon the occasion. We are not aware of the existence of any official accounts witli minute incidents datins,- at or near the time of these events. INTRODUCTION. 51 time upon the fort, but without material effect. An officer and two men were then sent bearina; a white flag, but as they approached the fort, they were fired upon.^ This checked their advance, and they returned. The flag advanced a second and a third time, but was each time stopped by a rifle shot from tlie fort, when finding further attempt at parley impossible, the firing was resumed. The work of devastation havino" been completed, and the spirit of the garrison appearing to defy an assault, the invaders about three o'clock in the ^Popular traditions, aud published accounts founded thereon, unite in denouncing Major Woolsey as a coward, and in ascribing the firing upon the flag, to Thomas Murphy, an intrepid partizan of Irish birth, who had formerly belonged to Morgan's Rifle Corps, and had remained at Schoharie after his company were withdrawn. According to these accounts, Major Woolsey was disposed to receive the flag, and to surrender upon any terms that might be offered ; but that Murphy, encouraged by the militia ofiicers and the garrison, persisted in stopping it with his rifle, and even threatened violence to the major, should he venture to attempt a negotiation. It is quite probable that the major may have been very unpopular, and the ranger a great favorite with the garrison ; but we are not disposed to give credit to the extreme statements respecting either of these persons. The tendency to magnify the faults of an unsuccessful officer, and to multiply anecdotes concerning those who prove themselves ener- getic and enterprising in times of danger, is too well known to allow us to place dependence upon either, as elements of precise historj". We have a forcible illustration of this, in the traditions that have been embodied in all the histories relating to General Van Rensselaer's pursuit of Sir John Johnson up the Mohawk valley in 1780. Without an exception, these are altogether unfavorable to his reputation. And yet, a court of inquiry, held soon after, and before which all the testimony that enemies could find was produced, failed to detect any fault in his measures, and felt itself constrained to report, " that the whole of his conduct, both before and after, as well as in the action of the 19th of October, was not only unexceptional, but such as become a good, active, faithful, prudent and spirited oflJcer, and 52 INTRODUCrnoN. afternoon, desisted from furtlicr hostilities, tiud con- tinued tlieir nuireli down tlie valley. But two persons were mortally wounded in tlie middle fort, while the loss of the enemy is believed to have been greater. The little garrison had expended most of their ammunition when the enemy retired. Several scouts sent out from the lower fort to learn the progress of events up the valley returned pursued by the enemy, who appeared about four o'clock in the afternoon, and passed this fort upon both sides. Several sharp-shooters were stationed in the tower of the church, that the public clamors raised to his prejudice on that accouut, are without the least foundation." "We would not, however, in any degree detract from the fame of Timothy Murphy, who well deserved the reputation which his ser- vices won him during the troublesome times of the revolution. Intrepid in the ftice of danger, fond of enterprise, and never quiet, while any thing remained to be done involving perilous adventure, he passed through the war without wound or capture, inspired the enemy with a terror at his name, and earned the gratitude and esteem of the community in which he lived. He owed none of his success to acquired attainments, and although he could neither read nor write, he possessed a native eloquence, which in a rude way had its influence upon the public mind. He passed through life respected as a man of energetic character and upright intentions, and died at his residence near the site of the upper fort, in Middlcburgh, Schoharie county, on the 37th of June, 1818. The following epitaph is engraved upon his tomb stone : " Here too, this warrior sire with honor rests, Who bared in Ireedom's cause his valiant breast. Sprang from liis half drawn furrow, as the cry of threatened Libertj' came thrilling by ! Look'd to his God, and reared in bulwark round, Breast free from guile, and hands with toil embrowned. And bade a monarch's thousand banners yield- Firm at the plough, and glorious in the field, Lo ! here he rests, who every danger braved, Honored and marked amid the soil he saved." INTRODUCTION. Oo wlio were prepared for effective service, and the enemy after firing a few cannon shot, two of which lodged in the timbers of the root^ and burning several buildings in the neighborhood, continued their march without attempting further hostilities at this place, and en- camped for the night six miles below. Intelligence of the presence of the enemy at Schoharie reached Governor Clinton at Albany by noon on the 17th, and Colonel Yeeder sent another messenger with a full account of the destruction of the settlements as soon as the enemy had passed the lower fort. Orders were at once sent to General Robert Van Rensselaer, and measures were immediately taken to rally a force of militia suificient for pursuit. The general arrived at Schenectady towards evening on the 18th, while the horizon towards Schoharie was still glowing with the fires set by the enemy the day before, and lost no time in consulting upon measures for hastening the march of his troops in pursuit of the enemy. He also sent word to Colonel Vrooman, directing him to send such troops as could be spared from the Schoharie forts, to hang upon the rear of the enemy, but to avoid an engagement until he could come up. This order was faithfully executed. His force at that time was about seven hundred men, but more were expected during the night. A few head of cattle intended for Fort Schuyler were slaughtered, and all the ovens in 'Mr. John Gebhard, jr., of SclioLarie, has one of these shot in his possession. The other is owned by Mr. Simms of Fort Plain. 54 INTRODUCTION. town wore put in requisition to supply the troops with bread. During the evening, General Van Rensselaer called a meeting of the principal citizens, to consult upon means for hastening his march, and it was proposed to use wagons for transporting them a part of the way ; but a sufficient number could not be collected during the night, and this plan was abandoned. The troops were bivouacked in the suburbs of the town, and as soon as they could receive their rations in the morning, they began their march up the south side of the river. Governor Clinton, who was then at Albany, took measures for assembling at once such remaining troops and supplies as the country could afford, with the view of follomng the expedition, and sustaining its movements. On the morning of the 18th, the enemy resumed their march down the Schoharie valley, and lea\ang Fort Hunter half a mile to their right, continued up on the south bank of the Mohawk, to a place now known as "Willow Basin, a short distance below the Nose, where they encamped for the night. Their route was marked by a general pillage and burning, with the exception of a few houses owned by persons supposed to be of loyal sympathies. Most of the inhabitants were alarmed of the coming danger,^ in time to escape ' Some of the dwellings burned upon this occasion were temporary log huts, built to replace the houses destroyed in June by Sir John's troops. INTRODUCTION. 55 into tlie fields and woods, where tliey witnessed the plunder and destruction of their property. A detach- ment under Captain Duncan/ crossed to the north bank, and destroyed what had escaped the invasion of Sir John in May previous, excepting a stone church at Caughnawaga that had been built under the patronage of Sir William Johnson a few years before the war.^ On the morning of the 19th, having forded the Mohawk with his main body at Keator's Rift, near the present village of Sprakers, they continued their course up the north side of the valley, as the south, having already been ravaged in August by Brant, had but little left to invite destruction. General Van Rensselaer continued his march during the day with as much expedition as the state of the roads would admit, and at night on the 18th, had arrived opposite the former residence of Sir William Johnson, about twenty miles above Schenectady. He there halted to rest his troops until the moon arose, and between ten and eleven resumed his march, having in the meantime dispatched a messenger to go around 1 Captain Richard Duncan had formerly lived near Schenectady, and died there in February, 1819. He was for a time member of the executive council of Upper Canada. '^This venerable edifice after being used as a church until quite modern times, and afterwards for a short time as an academy, unfortunately became the property of an opulent, but avaricious citizen, who a year or two since, sold the materials for other building purposes. A small part is said to be still left. It stood near the rail road, in the lower part of the village of Fonda. It is to be regretted that the veneration for things ancient, evinced by Sir John's Indians, could not find its counterpart at the present time. 56 INTRODUCTION. ill advance of tlic cuem^^ to notify Colonel Brown at Stone Arabia, and Colonel Dn Bois at Fort Plain, (then called Fort Rensselaer) of liis approach. He ordered them to endeavor to hold the enemy in check until he conld come up, when it was hoped that by their combined forces, they might be able to capture the invaders. Colonel Brown, who then commanded at Fort Paris, in the Stone Arabia settlement, had under him a force of about one hundred and thirty men of the Massachusetts levies, and he was an officer of undoubted ability and tried courage. It is not certainly known whether he received the message of General Yan Rensselaer, or whether his movements were occasioned by the rumors he received of the enemy's approach, and his own sense of duty under the circumstances.^ He, however, formed his com- mand in line of battle, on the morning of the 19th, excepting a few left to guard the fort, and marched down the road leading southward towards the Mohawk. He met the enemy on the slopes of the valley, about a mile from the present village of Palatine Bridge, when a battle ensued that continued to be fought with l)ravery, until himself and thirty-nine of his men were killed, and two captured. The remainder of his troops broke and fled towards Fort Rensselaer, ^Governoi- Clinton states in liis correspondence, tliat Colonel Brown was led by folse intelligence into the fire of the wliole body of the enemy. INTRODUCTION. b i about tliree miles distant, on the soutli bank of tbe river.^ The loss of the enemy on this occasion is not known. Forts Keyser and Paris, at Stone Arabia were, at this 1 Colonel Brown was born October 19, 1744, graduated at Yale college in 1771, was educated as a lawyer, married, and settled at Pittstield in Massachusetts. He took an early interest in the revo- lution, and accompanied the expedition to Canada in 1776, where he served with much credit, and especially distinguished himself in the capture of Chambly. During this campaign, Colonel Brown had repeated opportunities for observing the character of Arnold; and judged correctly of the baseness of his principles, and the shallowness of his patriotism. While stationed at Albany the following winter, he publicly and boldly accused the general of treasonable motives, and although these expressions were repeated by Brown in his presence, he did not venture to reply. This hatred to Arnold was cherished to the last, and when the general was arraigned before a court martial, under charges of misconduct while in command at Pliiladelphia, Colonel Brown sought occasion to tender to the prosecution, the information he possessed concerning his conduct. In the course of Burgoyne's expedition, Colonel Brown performed an act of successful strategy in the rear of the British army which tended to hasten the result. On the 12th of September, 1777, he was sent by General Lincoln, with five hundred men, to destroy some stores at the north end of Lake George, while another force under Colonel Johnson, was ordered to attack Ticonderoga and Mount Independence. Still another body of militia, under Colonel Wood- bridge, was sent forward to Skeenesborough and Fort Ann. Colonel Brown arrived on the heights above the landing on the 17th, attacked the enemy the next morning, and got possession of the landing place, the mills, and a block-house. Captain Ebenezer Allen, with forty Rangers carried Mount Defiance, and the party sent against Ticon- deroga surprised and captured a company of troops. These several parties captured 12 oflicers, 144 British, and 119 Canadians, and 18 artificers, and released 118 American prisoners besides destroying a large quantity of stores. No mention is made of Colonel Brown in the oflicial reports of these events, as Arnold who then had the ear of Gates, is supposed to have prejudiced that oflicer against him. 58 INTRODUCTION. time crowded witli families, and capable of but feeble resistance. The enemy bad, bow ever, no time to waste in attacking tbem, and after tbe defeat of Colonel Brown, tbey dispersed over a wdde extent of Tradition relates, that when Colonel Brown formed his men to march out against Sir John Johnson, he was mounted on a black horse, and that after he fell he was scalped. The dead w^ere the next day buried in the grounds adjoming the churches at Stone Arabia, and fifty-six years afterwards, on the anniversary of the battle, a small monument of Berkshire marble was erected at his grave, by his son, the late Henry Brown, Esq., of Berkshire. This occasion was made impressive by appropriate ceremonies. A large concourse of citizens assembled in the adjoining church. A sermon was preached by the Rev. Abraham Van Home, and a patriotic address delivered by Mr. Gerrit L. Roof, then a young lawyer at Canajoharie. In June of the present year (1866), the editor of these pages visited the locality with an artist, to procure a view of the monument, from which the engraving in this volume is made. It stands about three hundred yards west of the Reformed Dutch Church at Stone Arabia, in a large field set apart as a cemetery, but chiefly used as a pasture. The monument is two feet square at the base, by seven in height. Its foundations have settled, giving it an inclination to one side, and a picket fence in ruins, partly encloses it, while a cherry tree of spontaneous growth, overshadows it. Mr. Roof, who delivered the address in 1836, is now a respected clergyman in Lowville, N. Y. He has kindly furnished us a copy of the following verses written by him, at about the time of that event. They were set to music, and have been favorably noticed. HE SLEEPS: — THE ICY SEAL OP DEATH. (AiK— 0! bid me not that strain, to sing). He sleeps. "Tbe icy seal of death Is set upon his brow." The cannon's roar, be heeds no more. He rests in silence now. Tbe trumpet's clangor's heard afar, And standards proudly wave. But he who braved the battle's shock, Now slumbers in tbe grave, Now slumbers in the grave. INTRODUCTION. 59 country, setting fire to every tiling combustible in the settlement.^ General Van Rensselaer came up a little before noon, about an liour after tlie battle was over. He had seen tlie columns of smoke, and beard tlie firing ; He sleeps. The noble warrior sleeps Upon the battle plain : Nor e'er will he, to victory, His comrades lead again. His country called him to command, He spurned the tyrant's sway ; The God of battles nerved his arm. And glory led the way, And glory led the way. With patriot band he left his home To strike for Liberty ; And march'd to brave the battle's wave, Determined to be free. His country now his fate deplores, His gallant comrades weep : He cannot hear their loud laments, He sleeps a dreamless sleep. He sleeps a dreamless sleep. Rest Warrior ! Thou hast gain'd a wreath Of never dying fame ; And hallow'd be thy memory ; And honored be thy name. Thy spirit, warrior ! is with God In mansions of the blest. The clash of arms, and war's alarms. No more disturb thy rest, No more disturb thy rest. ^ Fort Keyser was a stone house stockaded and used as a place o f retreat for families in case of alarm from the enemy. It stood on the site of a barn now owned by John A. Faling about a mile and a quarter southeast of Stone Arabia. On the 19th, it was in char"-e of Captain John Zielie and about half a dozen men. Mr. John Dillenbeck now (1866) ninety-two years of age, remembers having seen as a child , from an upper window, the flames of some neighbors' houses in the direction of Fort Paris, and a file of red coats passing at some distance to the west. He is probably the only one living, who has any personal recollection of the events of this invasion. GO INTRODUCTION. but it was impossible for bim to aftbrd timely relief. His force at tins time consisted of about nine Imndred men, including Mtj Oneidas, and after a brief con- sultation witb Colonel Du Bois at Fort Rensselaer, be gave orders for bis troops to cross to tbe nortb bank as soon as possible. Tbey were exbausted with fatigue, tbe river was too deep to ford, and tbe means of crossing were limited to a small ferry, and a rude bridge made by placing wagons in tbe stream along wbicb tbe men could climb witb difficulty, from one to anotber. Several bours elapsed before tbey were all over. General Van Rensselaer baving at lengtb crossed bis troops formed tbem in three columns, the right along the high grounds under Colonel Du Bois, of the levies, the left- by Colonel Cuyler of the mihtia, and the centre by Colonel AAHiiting, and advanced towards the enemy who were met near Klock's place, about three miles below the present village of St. Johnsville. The enemy formed a line of battle with their rangers on their right, resting upon the river, their regulars in column in the centre, and their Indians and German riflemen on their left about one hundred and fifty yards in advance, in an orchard near Klock's house. The general came up to the enemy about sunset, and an irregular firing began; but his lines soon got into disorder, a portion in front of the rest, and there appeared danger of their firing upon one another. The darkness, which was hastened by the INTRODUCTION. 61 smoke of burning buildings in tlie valley, increased tbis danger, and after consulting witb bis officers it was decided to fall back about a mile and encamp on tbe hills. Tlie troops at tbis time were quite destitute of supplies ; but some were expected during tbe nigbt, and it was resolved to renew bostilities early tbe next morning. Tbe enemy were quite as exhausted as their pursuers by their late march, but with this advantage that they were abundantly supphed by plundering the country. Their force and condition did not, however, justify any further hostilities if they could be avoided, and during the night they succeeded in crossing again to the south bank, leaving one small cannon, their wounded and a part of their plunder in the hands of their pursuers. With the first morning light, a party set out to pursue, and as soon as practicable the whole army was in motion. But the river was again between them, and the enemy who had now no time to spare in l^lundering and burning made good their retreat by passing around Fort Herkimer to the south. The army under General Van Rensselaer reached Herkimer the next day ; but they had lost all trace of the enemy and the Indian scouts who were sent out failed to discover their trail. Governor Chnton here came up and assumed command. Parties were sent out to within fifteen miles of Oneida ; but, although they found the remains of their last nights' encampment, the 62 INTRODUCTION. enemy were beyond reach of pnrsuit, and tliey returned to Fort Herkimer. But this brief campaign did not end ^dthout still further disaster to the American arms. Major Hughes, commanding at Fort Schuyler, having learned of the place where the enemy had concealed their boats, dispatched a party of men under Captain Yrooman to destroy them, and thus prevent their escape. One of the party having been taken sick, or feigning himself so, was left at Oneida, and from him Sir John learned of the movement, and so eiiectually succeeded in surprising the party while at dinner, that nearly every man was captured. By this success, the enemy gained without loss to themselves, two captains, one lieutenant, eight non-commissioned officers, and forty-iive privates as prisoners. Three privates and one lieutenant were killed, and but two men escaped to report the tidings of the disaster. This event occurred on the 23d of October.^ About a week after the escape of Sir John by way of Oswego, the northern settlements were thrown into confusion by a false alarm of the reappearance of a large force on Lake George. It proved to be ground- less, and the orders which had been given for marching troops thither were countermanded. ' Some time afterwards, a report was brought in by an Indian, that he liad seen upon the eastern shore of Lake Ontario fragments of furniture and other property that had been wrecked, and it was believed that a storm overtook their vessels and occasioned a loss on their return to their rendezvous at Fort Carleton, on Buck island. INTRODUCTION. 63 In this invasion, the enemy upon a moderate computation destro3'ed two hundred dwellings, and a hundred and fifty thousand bushels of wheat, with a proportion of other grain and forage, and a large amount of property. They lost about forty prisoners, and were obliged to abandon most of those they had taken at Schoharie and other places, with the negroes, cattle and plunder, with which they were encumbered. Their loss was officially acknowledged as nine killed, seven wounded, and fifty-three missing; but was probably greater, although not equal to the loss they inflicted upon the country. IIa\'iug traced to its conclusion the events of this campaign, it may be interesting to notice their coincidence with others that were transpiring upon the Hudson. Early in August, General Arnold having been for many months in secret correspondence with the enemy, received upon his own application the command of West Point, for the purpose, as is now too well known, of giving value to the treason which he was preparing to commit, by surrendering a most important post into the hands of the enemy. In a letter from Governor ITaldimand to Lord Ger- main, dated on the I7th of September, two expeditions were mentioned as about to set out from Canada for the invasion of l^ew York ; and at the time when Arnold's treason was discovered on the 25th, these were both under way, and far advanced. Wliile it is not necessary to suppose that Governor G4 INTRODUCTION. Halclimaiul was informed of the treasonable plot then in progress, or mucli less any one connected with these expeditions, we find ample reason to credit the opinions exj)ressed in the correspondence of the day; that they were ordered for the purpose of creating a diversion of the American forces, and of calling off a part of the troops from the neighborhood of West Point, in order to facilitate its surrender. Under this view of the facts, we are justified in the inference, that the details of the conspiracy would have been arranged, and the plans matured towards the end of October, and that the treason was dis- covered about one month before it was to have been carried into eftect. The devastation and consequent alarms on the Connecticut, on the upper Hudson, and along the Mohawk and Schoharie valleys, followed by the surrender of the Highlands, might indeed have been counted upon as a fearful if not a fatal blow to the rebellion, and these prospects doubtless led those who were privy to the negotiations, to count largely upon the benefits they might derive from them. The documents we now publish, are chiefly derived from papers in the Secretary's ofiice and the 'New York State Library, and with the exception of such as are copied from cotemporary newspapers, have never before been printed. The series known as the Clinton Papers and Lcffislatkc Palmers, have been especially useful in the preparation of the present volume. NORTHERN INVASION. *^. Letter from Colonel Peter Bellinger} Fort Dayton, Seiit. the 1st, 1780. Sir: Yesterday afternoon, about four o'clock, the enemies appeared in our neighborhood about four miles IST. E. from this, QQ strong, as forty-eight Indians, eighteen white men, where a boy has been by they tooked last year prisoner down Susquehanna: — attacked Christian Shell with his family, tooked two of his sons, both eight years old prisoners, the man retired with the rest of his family in his house, and begun the battle with them, and fought with the greatest spirit till two hours in the night.^ He killed and wounded about fifteen, took one prisoner named Dan^ McDonneld. His oldest son got a slight wound through his arm by this affair, but all the rest of the tamely is save. His 'Colonel Bellinger was commissioned June 25, 1778, and his regiment included the German Flatts and Kingslands Districts., He died at Herkimer Sept. 1815, aged 57 years. '^See Stone's Life of Brant, ii, 164. Benton's Uerkimer, 93. 9 GO NORTHERN INVASION. other tu'O sons beliavcd during the affair with the greatest spirit, and assisted the father. He got one of the death, [dead] whose name has been Matthew Bryon, and put them both in the house, gave the wounded their milk and bread, went off and came in this morning about eight o'clock. They carried seven on litters with them. The man [is] supposed [to] have, with his three sons, wounded and killed fifteen of the enemy, but it has been in vain, by the first intelligence received, I detached fifty men for his assistance about midnight, but the darkness of the night hindered them from being there sooner. Just [at] daybreak they came to the house, found the enemy being gone, then they carried the death, [dead] and followed the enemies a piece, found the field all over spotted with blood. They brought the prisoner to this post, and the docf found his thj^ [thigh] bone very much fractured, and a swan shot in the joint of his knee, so he proposed the amputation. I should have sent a stronger party, but some of our militia heard eight guns firing up towards Germantown, so I thought they might appear, and attempt to attack our fort, which is but weak in men. Then we have no other assistance than twenty of the three months levies, whereby is eighteen of my Reg' we have been but purely [poorly] assisted all the time, and being entirely outside. If any thing else shall happen, I shall have the pleasure of acquainting you, and remain your hum\ serv'., Peter Bellinger, Coll. NORTHERN" INVASION. 67 P. S. — Sir : You will please to send tliis to Col. Van Scliaik/ wlio will forward to Ms Excellency the Governor. Letter from Colonel Van Schaick to Governor Clinton. Albany, September 6ih, 1780. Sir: At the desire of Colonel Pellinger, I have the pleasure to enclose your Excellency a letter containing an account of a gallant afi'air which happened near the German Elatts. I have yesterday been informed by Captain James "Watson, one of the purchasing commissaries for the state of Connecticut, that no salt meat could be had at any of the magazines in that state, and that the order sent for that purpose by his Excellency General Washington would be returned. It is ^\'ith the utmost concern that I inform your Excellency that notwithstanding the impress warrants put into the hands of the persons appointed for procuring supplies of provisions for the use of the troops in this quarter, nothing has yet been procured in consequence of them. I have for some time past caused repeated applica- 1 Gozen Vau Schaick, of the 3d Continental Battalion. He died at Albany, July 4, 1789, aged 53 years. 68 NORTHERN INVASION. tions to be made for provisions for the northern and western frontier posts in tins quarter who have for this month past been illy supplied but these to no purpose. The time in which Fort Schuyler ought to be supplied mth provisions until the first of February next is rapidly advancing, and I have not now even a distant prospect of a supply for that garrison until the 1st of December next, and by a letter I have received lately from Fort Schuyler I find the minds of that garrison are more disaffected to their situation and circumstances than ever. The true reason of Brant's appearing with his party before the garrison, was the fullest assurance had been given him that they would join him to a man. Indeed, from their situation, and the great difficulty I have been under in procuring only a few pair of shoes, it is what I have expected daily to hear, and they are made to believe they are to remain until their three years are finished. I am, most respectfully your Excellency's most obedt. humble servant G. Van Schaick. His Excellency Governor Clinton. NORTHERN INVASION. 69 Letter from Lieut. Col. Jansen to Governor Clinton.^ Shawangunk, Sejpt'' 18, 1780. Sir: This is to acquaint your Excellency, that the savage enemy have been at my house this morning, took away a white woman and three negro men, and firing has been heard throughout the neighborhood. Myself and wife have escaped after defending the house for some time till the enemy dispersed, and remain in haste, your very humble servant, Joh" Jansen, Jun"^ Letter from Governor Clinton to Lieut. Col. Jansen. PouGHKEEPSiE, Sept. 18, 1780. Sir: I have rec'd your letter of to-day, and am happy to hear that you have escaped the enemy. I have wrote to Major Clark directing him to march that part of your regiment — which lies on the river, to your assistance, unless he shall have received accounts in the interim w"*" may render it unnecessary, and you have inclosed ' See Stone's Life of Brant, ii, G5. 70 NORTHERN INVASION. a letter to Col" Newkirk, for the like purpose, w''' you will forward to liim, if you shall conceive jow liave occasion for liis aid. Col. Pawling witli his levies was at Mven's [?] Kill this morning, and if quickly acquainted with the circumstances you mention, will have it in his power to intercept the enemy on his return. Co? Cantine is also dispatched to that quarter to put his reg' in motion. I am, &e., G. C. Letter from Governor Clinton to Lieut. Col Neiokirk} POUGHKEEPSIE, Scpt^ 18, 1780. Sir: I have just rec'd a letter from Col° Joh' Jansen^ informing me that the savages have attacked him in his house and that firing has since been heard in the neighborhood. I have therefore to request that you will march to repel the enemy as many men of your reg* as you can conveniently collect leaving orders for the remainder to follow you. I am &c. G-. C. To Lt. Co? :N"ewkirk. ^ Jacob Newkirk was appointed lieutenant colonel, March 23, 1776. ^Joliannis Jansen became major, March 9, 1778, and lieutenant colonel, Feb. 37, 1779. NORTHERN INVASION. 71 Ldfer from Lieut. Col. Janscn to Governor Clinton. Shawangunk, SepP' 19th, 1780. Sir: I hereby transmit yon a more particnlar acconnt of the miscliief done by tliat party of Enemy wlio discovered themselves at my honse yesterday morning, viz : Two yonng women and an old man killed and scalped, one of the former was taken at my honse and carried abont half a mile from thence, where she was foiind dead, and three negro slaves they took with them : two of whom belonged to myself and one to my brother Thomas. As soon as some men were collected, a pursuit was made after them for six or eight miles along the mountains towards Memacatinge, but supposing them to be some distance ahead, and our men having been without provisions all that day, and being not able to discover their tracks any longer, which obliged them to return without receiving any satisfaction. From the men's accounts, I have however, some hopes that Col. Pawling will intercept them, as he had early intelligence of their route. This aflair has so much alarmed the people, that they threaten to abandon their homes, unless they get a small guard, and as I conceive their apprehensions as far from being ground- less, I have therefore thought it necessary to order out one class from each of the five frontier companies, 72 NORTHERN INVASION. wliicli I propose to station, with such of the inhabitants as I conceive to be most exposed, until I shall obtain your Excellency's directions how further to conduct myself: hoping what I have done, may meet with your Excellency's approbation, and I am with the greatest deference and esteem, your excellency's most humble serv'. JoiiANNis Jansen, Lieut. Col. To his Excellency George Clinton Esq. Governor. Letter from Governor Clinton to Colonel Pawling. Po'keepsie, 21*^ Sejyf, 1780. Dear Sir : Since I wrote you last, I have received several letters from Col. Malcom in all which he repeats in the strongest terms, the necessity of your taking the command of the troops destined to relieve the present garrison of Fort Schuyler. I proposed to him, as I mentioned to you. Major De Witt for this service, but he informs me that this would occasion new and insurmountable embarrassments, on the score of rank. This being the case, I must tho' reluctantly consent to your taking that command. You "will accordingly on the receipt of this letter, NORTHERN INVASION. iS repair with tlie least possible delay to Col. Maleom, prepared for tliis service, leaving your present command to Major De AVitt. Maleom on your arrival at Schenectady, will order a company as a reinforce- ment to the troops on the frontiers of Ulster and Orange counties. I am, &c. G. C. Lieut. Col. Pawlino;. Letter from Col. J. Ncioldrk to Governor Clinton. Dear Sir : In consequence of your Excellency's orders dated the 18th September, I marched immediately in person, with two companies, to where the road crosses the mountains to JSTeponeck, and beginning there ranged the mountains along until I met Major Philips, whom I had ordered out with two companies to range the mountains from Minnisink road until I should meet \ntli him about midway between the respective forementioned roads. We made all possible search, ])nt could make no discovery of any enem^^ It is my opinion, and the opinion of the most sensible in these parts, that the perpetrators of the barbarity at Col. Johnston's [Jansen's] were tories. Your Excellency will easily perceive the propriety of my not calling out the whole regiment, when I 10 74 NORTHERN INVASION. inform you, tliat Col. Joliuston was returned home with his whole reg', after having searched and pursued for the enemy to no purpose, hefore I rec'd your Excellency's order. Sir, I have the honor to be, your Excellency's most ohedt & y humble ser'. Jacob I^ewkirk. Hanover, Sept. 23, 1780. Letter from Governor Clinton to General Washington. Sejf V' 1780. Dear Sir : I am flivored with your Excellency's letter of the 27th -j^||.o^ ^^^^^ ^y^^ much obliged by your attention to my application (through Gen* Schuyler) in ordering CoP. Malcom's corps to the defence of the frontiers. Every measure in my power will be taken to expedite liis march, and he has my orders to relieve the garrison of Fort Schuyler without the least delay, by the levies raised for the defense of the frontiers last spring, whose times of ser\dce will not expire until the first Dec'' next. It will take some considerable time, however, to collect them, as they are posted at difterent and remote parts of the frontiers. But I would fain hope that the discontents of the present garrison will subside when they are informed that measures are taken to relieve them. I have directed CoP Malcolm to proceed imme- diately to Albany, and take the necessary measures for NORTHERN INVASION. collecting as large a supply of provisions for Fort Schuyler as can be spared, for, wMcli purpose lie lias warrants to impress tliat lie may avail himself of an escort by the troops intended to garrison that post. I shall take the earliest opportunity of communicating to the legislature, (who are required to meet at this place on the 4*'' Inst), your Excellency's letter of the 27"^. ulf, together with the several letters from the committee of congress on the subject of supphes for the army. In the mean time the state agent will have my directions to make every exertion in his power for affording them immediate relief. I take the liberty of inclosing (confidentially) for your Excell^^ perusal, a copy of the proceedings of a convention of committees from the states of Massachusetts Bay, Connecticut and Few Hampshire, in which I am happy to find, even at this late hour, sentiments which generally adopted, cannot fail of producing much good.^ I believe I may venture to assure you sir, that as the most sensible among us have from the beginning of the contest 1 The governor here refers to a convention which met in Boston Aug. 3, 1780, " to promote the most vigorous exertions for the present campaign, and to cultivate a good understanding and procure a generous reception for the officers and men of the French army and fleet," then latelj^ arrived at Newport. The convention chose Thomas Cusliing as president, and continued in session until the 9th of August. Among the resolutions which they adopted, was one urging a more perfect union of the states, larger powers to congress, and the choice of a supreme head to the national aflFairs. It may be regarded as one of the earliest movements towards the establishment of the Federal government, if not the pioneer of this idea, which was not carried into effect until nearly nine years afterwards. 76 NORTHERN INVASION. foreseen the consequences of teniporiiry expedients, tliey will meet the cliecrful approbation of tins state. I liave the honor to be, &c., G. Clinton. His Excellency, Gen^ Washington. Letter fro)ii General Roljert Van Rensselaer to Governor Clinton. Fort Rensselaer,^ Sepf 4, '80. Dear Gov"" : The reports of the enemy's intentions are still vague and uncertain. Some say, Sir John is coming by way of Lake Champlain ; Brant and Butler from the westward. Small parties are frequently seen upon the frontiers. Last Thursday, they attacked the house of one Shell, about three miles north of Fort Herkimer. The house was bravely defended by the man, his two sons and wife. He supposed they killed or wounded ^Mr. J. 11. Simms of Fort Plain, Avho is remarkably well informed upon the ancient localities of the Mohawk valley, insists that Fort Rensselaer was a stockaded stone house in the upper part of the village of Canajoharie, and that this name was never applied to Fort Plain, that stood on the hills half a mile above the modern village of this name. This place has sometimes been called Fort Plank, but this name more properly applied to another stockade around a dwelling owned by a House family, nearly four miles from Fort Plain, further up the valley and back from the river. It was built early in the war, as a shelter for the inhabitants against Indian parties. In view of all the f\icts that have come under our notice, we cannot but regard Fort Rensselaer as a synonym for Fort Plain. The name was probably adopted when the general took command after Sir John's invasion in the spring of 1780. NORTHERN INVASION. / / fifteen or sixteen of the enemy. They left one killed and one wounded on the ground. The prisoner says, the party consisted of thirty-six British troops, and thirty Indians. Capt" Allen of the levies, went the next day in pursuit of them, with forty men who were not returned yesterday even^. On Saturday last, I sent off twelve boats with provisions for Fort Schuyler, escorted by two hundred men, under the command of Coll. Brown of the Massachusetts levies, which leaves the frontier very thin of men. I have also sent out a scout to Unadilla and Ocquago,^ at which place I am suspicious they make their rendesvous. I am anxious to hear from your quarters, and shall esteem it a particular favor to hear from you. I am, Dear Gov'' your most Obed' and Ilmb^ Serv* RoB'^ V Rensselaer. Letter from Col. Patterson and others to Governor Clinton. To his Excellency, George Clinton, Esqr. TVe having received informations of an alarming nature, some of which we have sent your Excellency in writing, and for a more particular account we refer your Excellency to the bearer hereof, as we are destitute of authority we humbly conceive that the appointment of a committee if they are invested with *Now Winsor, Broome county, N. Y. 78 NOKTIIEKN INVASION. some degree of iiuthority miglit l)e of grout service for detecting such inliabitauts amongst us as we have reason to suppose are conspiring against ns Avith our enemies who secretly hirk amongst us, and we further beg leave to suggest to your Excellency whether some- thing by way of scouts will not be the best to be done. The bearer hereof will inform your Excellency what measures we have taken, and by him we hope to receive from your Excellency such directions as your Excellency's wisdom fe'hall direct. We are Dear Sir, Your Excellency's loyal subjects, Eleazer Patterson, CoP- i Jonathan Church, John Sargent, Lt. Col., Aaron Nash, Timothy Church, Capt, Artimas How, Seth Smith, Henry Seger, Sam^- Warriner, Leonard Hendrtck, Benj. Butterfield, Lt., William Harris. Brattle- borough Septem- ber 11th, 1780. Letter from Governor Cliiifon to Perso/i.s la Camherland Coantij. Gen*: PouGHKEEPSiE, 16"' Scptehiber, 1780. I have received your letter of the 10*'' Inst., requesting the appointment of Com'"' for the purpose of discovering 1 Col. Patterson resided at Hiusdale, now Vernon, Vt. He held several offiees under New York appointment, and was distinguished for bis hostility to the new government of .Vermont. NORTHERN INVASION. 79 and defeating the secret designs of the enemy in your county. Before this can be done, there must he a strict law passed, authorizing it, as the number of Com'"' directed by our present law is already complete, and as this will take some time, I have thought it most advisable not to detain Mr. Smith, as I shall have an opportunity of forwarding the commission by Mr. Knowlton on his return from Philadelphia, or by some earlier safe conveyance. I would beg leave to observe, that as the powers to be granted to the comr' will be extensive, it will be their- duty to be particularly prudent and careful in putting them into execution, and as congress has recommended to this state, not to exert any authority over the inhabitants of the tract of land commonly called the ~New Hampshire Grants, and who do not acknowledge the authority of this state, until the controversy relative to the same is settled, I have to request that these com" when appointed, do not by any act contravene the above resolution. I am, &c., a. c. Letter from Col. G. Van Schaick to Governor Cl'mtov. Albany, Sept. 12, 1780. Sir: His Excellency General Washington, has directed me to march my regiment to the grand army so NORTHERN INVASION. immediately after they are relieved from Fort Schuyler. The want of clothing amongst the men is such, that it requires my utmost exertion to procure them, although out of the line of my duty. I should not give your Excellency any tronhle ahout this matter Avas it not that the men are in a manner naked, and that I apprehend, on their arrival at Schenectady, great desertions will take place, if we have nothing to give them. There are a small quantity of shirts and linnen in the hands of Mr. John I^. Bleeeker, one of the gentlemen directed by a late law to collect clothing for the Continental battalions of this State : and Mr. Bleeeker informs me, there is some more expected. I must intreat the favor of your Excellency, to furnish the bearer Lieut. Abraham Ten Eyck, paymaster, with an order on Mr. Bleeeker, to deliver all the shirts and linnen, he may have in his hands, provided it does not exceed one shirt and a pair of overhalls per man. As the regiment has not yet received any kind of clothing, since the first of December last, it is easily judged the condition they must be in. Should your Excellency disapprove of the measure, my attachment and zeal for the service, and in order as much as in me lays to prevent mntinys and desertions, will I flatter myself sufficiently apologize for troubling your Excellency on this subject. I am, &c., G. Van Schaick. NORTHERN INVASION. 81 Letter from Governor Clinton to Colonel G. Van Schaick. 14*'^ Sept^, 1780. Sir: Agreeable to your request, I have enclosed an order for tlie clothing in the hands of Mr. Bleecker for the use of your regiment, not to exceed one shirt and one overall p"' man. This your paymaster is to receipt for, and you will please to forward a duplicate receipt, which I have occasion for as a voucher. I am, &c. Gr. C. From Rivington's Royal Gazette, Sept. 23, 1780. "FORT STAN^WIX. " By a person of good reputation and perfectly intelligent, just arrived from the northward, we are informed that about a fortnight ago, Fort Stanwix, after having been five or six weeks closely invested, was taken by six hundred British troops, commanded by a lieutenant colonel, supposed to be the king's or YIII Regiment. Our faithful friend Captain Joseph Brant, ^vith a party of Indians, shared in the glory of this conquest, which was facilitated by STARVATION", {a 2)h7'ase ive adopt from our old acquaintance and fellow citizen, William Livingston, Esquire, now of New Jersey). The Indians have laid waste the whole country, the tory houses excepted, down to Schenectady, where some rebels are at work throwing up works to oppose the 11 82 NORTHERN INVASION. progress of the British troops, and our Tiidian allies. The rebel women and children have retired to Albany, where, from a consciousness of their unprovoked per- secutions and murders, terror and jeopardy prevail, even to distraction. The seditious seminary,^ under the direction of missionary Wheelock, of attrocious name, we are informed, has lately been completely expurgated by a long merited conflagration." Letter from Governor Clinton to General Schuyler. POUGHKEEPSIE, Oct. 3d, 1780. Dear Sir : I wrote you last night, in answer to yours of the 27th ultimo, by my brother, who is on his way to Albany to take the command in that quarter. I am since favored with your two letters of the 31st of last month and the 1st instant. If my health permitted, I would immediately set out for Albany, but I am so affected with the rheumatism occasioned by my last jaunt and the present damp weather, that I dare not undertake the journey. I have communicated to my brother the intelligence transmitted me from your quarter, and have directed him to call on Gen'" Ten Broeck and Van Rensselaer for a sufiicient force from their brigades to cover the settlements, agst the incursions of the enemy and repel them ; and I have wrote to > At Hanover, N. H. The greater part of this article is fictitious. NORTHERN INVASION. 8d tliose gentlemen to comply with liis requisitions. What we shall do for pro"\dsions (tho the country abounds with it), God only knows. The assessments come on so slowly notwithstanding every endeavor to hasten them, that no certain dependance can be placed upon them. The cattle when received, are scarcely worth killing. The mills for want of water, unable to grind the wheat. I have this moment received a very pressing letter from Gen^ Heath who commands in the Highlands on this subject of his wants, by which I am informed that his only dependance for bread is on this state. It is not in my power to relieve him. Your letter fully contirms me on what I had some reason to suspect, on the first incursion of the enemy, respecting the conduct of Allen. I wish this matter may be fully investigated and I beg that it may continue to engage your attention. Your letter to the commander-in-chief, shall be immediately forwarded. If the present alarm is as imminent as is to be appre- hended I will see you soon if my health vnll enable me. I am, &c., G. C. Gen' Schuyler. Letter froyn Citizens of Tryon Chwity to Governor Clinton. Johnstown, Oetoh''- 3'^ 1780. Hon"^ Sir : "We are unhappily situated in this county, by keeping so many disaifected famihes amongst us, and 84 NORTHERN INVASION. it is -witli regret wo iiiforin your Excellency, tliat the net provided for sending tlicm oft', appears to us very deficient. Many of these disaftected families are not able to transport themselves ten miles, (and yet as capable of doing us hurt as the richer kind). Others are able to defray the expenses of themselves and something to spare. We should be glad to di\ide what they have amongst them, so as to carry the whole oft", but in doing of this, we must act without law. We would therefore pray your Excellency, to give us your advice by Lieut. Bradnor, if there is no prospect of an amendment being made to the act soon. The necessity of their being sent oft" immediately is notorious, as we are fully convinced they harbor and give intelligence to the enemy daily. We have also a number of men, who we believe do infinitely more damage than the women. Some of them have applied to go oft". We should be very glad to know whether we are to x:)rovide a flagg to send them oft', or where we are to apply for one. With Respect your Excellency's Most Obed' Humble servt.. Peter S. Deygert,^ Zeph. Batcheller. Gov'^ Chnton. Appointed major March 4, 1780. NORTHERN INVASION. 85 Petition from Citizens of Tryon Coiintij. Tryon County, 6tli October, 1780. The Petition of tlie Inliabitants of Tiyou County, Humbly Sbeweth, Tliat your Petitioners have during this campaign, labored under tbe most dreadful difficulties ; that several of their principal settlements, \\z : Conawaga, ^ [and] Conajohary, have been entirely destroyed, whereby a great number of families were forced to leave the country, in order to seek refuge in some other part, more remote from our cruel savage enemies : that still the greater number, trusting in the Providence of God, and the protection of their country, did rather choose to stay in defence of their property, rights and liberties, than to give way to thoughts unbecoming a people that is determined to be free, and would rather share the good will and danger of their fellow brethren, in the country, than to be a burden upon the public. That it most seasonably happened by your Excel- lency's paternal care, which they have so often experienced, that troops have been sent up to their assistance, time enough to enable and protect them to gather their grain, whereof a vast quantity stands now dispersed all over the several settlements of their country, staulked up in their fields and round the Caughnawaga, now Fonda, Montgomery county. .86 NORTHERN INVASION. ditt'erent forts. Tliat this luippy eircii instance, and the prospect that the sufferers could tiiid slielter and refuge with those who enjoy their houses, whereof there is a considerable number, have been the support of their hopes and perseverance. But that their firm resolution is quite shaken, when they find that the time of the troops Avhich were sent to their protection is almost expired, at a time when the enemy in the verge of their settlements, has in the sight of a number of the best troops, and most \^gilant officers, burn'd kill'd and taken prisoners, of which almost every day brings a new instance, that your petitioners have intelligence that this is the sixth day since Brandt had left Magara, with a large body of men, witli an intent to invade our country, that your petitioners presume if tliat should be the case, as they have the greatest reason to Ijelieve it will be some time this fall, then it would be in the power of the enemy to destroy almost all the grain col- lected, besides the rest of the settlements yet standing, if seasonable and effective measures is not imme- diately adopted to prevent it. Your petitioners are therefore under the most dreadful apprehensions, and presume to lay their case once more before your Excellency, appealing to your known humanity, craving your Excellency's kind interposition with the Legislature, and the commander in chief, to have such relief granted as our case requires, and you in vour wisdom shall see meet. NORTHEEN INVASION. 87 Your Excellencys humble Petitioners, as in duty bound shall ever pray. Signed in behalf of the Inhabitants of Tryon County. Jacob I. Klock, Col.^ J. Daniel Gros, Minister, Jellis Fonda, Adam Conderman, Adam Leyp, ]!^ich0las coppernoll, his DoiMMAS X Goodman, mark John Kaselman, John T. Backus, Samuel Vanettia, Left. John Snell, Henrich Lairs, William Lairs, John Zielley, Adam Cinge, (?) his George x Kelman, Sen' mark Pieter S. Deygert. Letter from Governor Clinton to Colonel Klock. Kingston, ll^A October, 1780. Sir: I have this moment received a petition dated 8th instant, subscribed by yourself and other inhabitants of Tryon county, in answer to which I am happy in 1 Colonel of the Palatine district regiment of state militia. 2 The Rev. Johan Daniel Gros, was a German emigrant who came to America shortly before the revolution, was naturalized by the general assembly, March 8, 1773, and settled at Canajoharie. At this period he was holding a commission as chaplain to the levies raised for the defence of the frontiers. The date of his appointment was June 16, 1780. After the war, he removed to New York, and was settled as pastor of a German Reformed Church. For several 88 NORTHERN INVASION. being able to inform you that Legislative provision is made for calling out a part of the militia for a certain period for the further defense of the Frontiers, and orders are accordingly issued for tliis purpose which I trust will reach you before this can, as they were forwarded some days since. The sense of the members representing the frontier counties, was taken, as to the number of men necessary for this service, and I trust therefore, that this force ordered to be raised, will prove competent. The greatest fear is, that it may not be brought into the field as early as exigencies may require. In this case, I must entreat the best exertions of the militia of Tryon county, until they can be enrolled and forwarded for their relief. Be asssured that every eftbrt shall be made on my part for your protection. Iam,&c., G. C. Col. Klock. years he was professor of moral philosophy and logic in Columbia College, He died at Canajoharie May 15, 1812, aged seventy-five years. The late Governor DeWitt Clinton in an address delivered before the alumni of Columbia College, thus alludes to Mr. Gros : " He had emigrated to this country before the revolution, and settled near the banks of the Mohawk, in a frontier country, peculiarly exposed to irruptions from Canada and the hostile Indians. When war com- menced, he took the side of America, and, enthroned in the hearts of his countrymen, and distinguished for the courage which rharks the German character, he rallied the desponding, animated the wavering, confirmed the doubtful and encouraged the brave to more than ordinary exertion. With the Bible in one hand and the sword in the other, he stood forth in the united character of patriot and Christian, vindicating the liberties of mankind, and amidst the most appalling dangers, and the most awful vicissitudes, like the Red Cross knight of the Fairy Queen, ' Right faithful true he was, in deed and Avord.' " NORTHERN INVASION. 89 Letter from Stephen Lush to Governor Clinton. Albany, Oe/o^n- 12, 1780. Dear Sir : I this moment arrived, and am now at Col" Malcom's Quarters. Major Hughes, in a letter to him of the 10th, which I have now before me, says, that an Indian deserter then just arrived, brings intelhgence, that a large body of British and Indians, under Sir John, Butler, and Brant, were the night of the -Sth Inst, at Oneida, from Niagara, on their way to Stone Arabia, and ultimately for Fort Schuyler : that they were furnished with mortars and cannon,' and a large number of shells, (one of which the Indian brought in his blanket). Major Hughes says, every preparation is making to receive them. The enemy have also appeared to the northward. CoP Livingston in another letter to Col° Malcom, (also before me), dated yesterday, 5 o'clock a. m. says, he had that moment rec^ a particular account of the taking of Fort Ann, that Cap* Sherwood command^ there, was summoned by ]\Iajor Carleton of the enemy : he refused, but upon their parading their forces, amounting to 850 British, Indians and Tories, in view of the garrison, they surrendered prisoners of war. Col" Li^nngston writes, that his intelligence is, that Carleton with his party are now at Fort George, and 12 00 NORTHERN INVASION". arc to be joined by a party from Ballstown under command of Sir Jobn : and that lie means if he can, with safety to his post, march to the rehef of Fort George. Thus stands the ace' from our northern and western frontiers. Col" Malcom has transmitted them by an express to Pokeepsie this morning, but upon my informing him that your Excellency was probably at Kingston, he is gone for another express, and has desired me to write your Excellency the above acc'ts, so as to have them in readiness to be dispatched as soon as the express can be obtained. This brigade is ordered to march immediately, and are now preparing to be disposed of as Col" Malcom, and Gen^ Ten Broeck shall think best, for the defence of the frontiers. ' Col. Malcom has made a request to Gen^ V" Rensselaer for 800 men, and intreats your Excellency, if possible, to have the men hastened on by your Excellency's orders. The scarsity of provisions,^ and the total uncertainty of obtaining supplies, is truly alarming. If any means can be fallen upon, to supply the troops now ordered iBy an act passed Sept. 21, 1780, the following quotas of fat cattle were assigned to the several counties : Albany, 300 ; Dutchess, 475 ; Ulster, 150 ; Orange, 150 ; and Westchester 50. By the same act, it was ordered that 2,600 barrels of flour should be assessed, viz : from Albany 2,000, Dutchess 1,000, Ulster 600, Orange 300, Tryon 600, and Charlotte 100. These quotas were to be distributed among the towns, and the whole were to be delivered before the 1st of January 1781. Of course no benefit was derived from this law in the present crisis. NORTHERN INVASION. 91 out, and tliose already ou the frontiers, Col" Malcom requests your Excellency's interposition, as without supplies, the militia must disband, as soon as they take the field.' And if any reinforcements of men can be obtained, from any other quarter than those already mentioned, CoP Malcom conceives they will be wanted, provided they come with sufficient supplies of provisions. Col" Livingston, in a letter to-day, sajs he is sur- rounded by the Indians and tories, who have hovered in notice of the fort for the last tw^elve hours : that they had not yet ventured an attack : that he had sent out a party of 20 men who were obliged to return, the enemy proving too numerous : that they were burning ab* 7 miles from the fort : that they had only 60 men fit for duty, and the enemy supposed 400. I am, mth the highest respect and esteem, Your Excellency's Most Obed' Serv' Stephen Lush.^ His Excellency Gov'" Clinton. The foregoing is a tolerable exact state of things. I have sent a letter to Col. Klock, requesting him to turn out the Tryon county brigade. It is necessary that we be able to advance with 1,000 men, the posts ^ Mr. Lush bad previously been a prisoner with the enemy, and afterward was private secretary to Governor Clinton. He died at No. 311 North Market street (now Broadway) Albany, April 15, 1825, aged seventy-two years. 92 NORTITERN INVASION. at tlie same time guarded. Gen^ Van Rensselaer is my only depondauce. Will you come up? It is necessary. It is yet impossible for me to know whether to go north or west. Provisions. If possible, send some from Esopus, &c. and do urge Gen^ Rensselaer to send some on. Come up. Gen. Ten Broeck's brigade is disposed of, some to Schoharie to Fort IS" & some to E . .Articles of Capitulation between Major Carleton, com- manding a detachment of the King's troops, and Capt. Ghipman, commanding at Fort George. Article V\ The troops of the garrison to surrender themselves prisoners of war. Article 2^. That the women and children be per- mitted to return to their homes, with two waggons and their baggage. Article 3^ Each officer shall be allowed their servants. Article 4:^^. No Indian to enter the fort, until a British detachment takes possession of the fort. Article b^^. Major Carleton passes his honor that no levies in the fort shall be lost, nor any person be molested. Article 6'^. Each soldier to carry his knapsack. Article Y"'. Ensign Barrett shall be permitted to NORTHERN" INVASION. 93 return home witli liis family and the regimental books, on giving liis parole to Major Carleton. John Chipman, Cap* Com^ 2'^ Battalion. James Kirkman, Lt. 29tli Reg'. Wm. Johnston, Lt. 47tli Reg*. Ch« Carlton, Major 29tli Reg*., &c., &c., &c. Letter from Col. W. Ifalcom to Gen. Van Rensseher. Albany, Oct" 1W\ 1780. Sir: A very considerable body of the enemy appeared on Tuesday at Fort Ann, wliicli was instantly given up by Cap* Sherwood. They came on to the river and burnt a number of houses about Fort Edward. Yesterday they returned towards Lake George. Gen^ Ten Broeck's MiUtia above Albany are ordered to Fort Edward. This morn^ I have an express from Fort Schuyler, informing that Sir John, Butler and Brandt, with a very large body were at Oneida, that they had cannon, mortars and shells with them. An Lid" deserted and went into the fort with this notice, and carried a five inch shell with him as an evidence. I have consulted with Gen^ Ten Broeck, and he joins in opinion with me, that it is proper to have assistance from you, of at least 800 men. I beg therefore that you will be pleased to give your orders accordingly. Unless we 94 NORTHERN INVASION. have reinforcements immediately, no doubt but Fort Scliuyler and all tliat remains of the fine country on the Mohawk river, particularly Stone Arabia, vnW be destroyed. It is also necessary that cattle and flour come forward, not only for your subsistence but for the troops already here. It is a fact that we have no beef, nor is there either wheat or flour collected, notwith- standing my constant and most pressing solicitations. I am persuaded that you will see the propriety of marching the troops forward instantly. You know little is to be depended on in this quarter, and the levies are necessarily scattered, so that it is impossible to collect any body of them without leaving some valuable part of the country exposed. I have wrote to the Gov"^ this morning, but at that time did not imagine the enemy were so formidable. Yours very Respectfully, W. Malcom, Coll. Comd'. To Gen^ Van Rensselaer. Letter from Gen. Van Rensselaer to Governor Clinton. Claverack, Ocf 1W\ 1780. Dear Gov'" : Inclosed I send you a copy of a letter from Coll" Malcomb, in consequence of which [I] have ordered the whole brigade to march with the greatest dispatch, and intend to set off" from this to-morrow morning. NORTHERN INVASION. 95 [I] have requested the agent of this state in this quarter, to forward on all the cattle and flour they can collect. I am Dear Gov'' your Most dev* Servt, Rob'' Y^ Eensselaer. Be2)l)/ of Governor Clinton to General Van Rensselaer. October 14'^ 1780. Dear Sir : I have this moment received your letter of yester- day, and perfectly approve your ordering out your whole brigade. My orders of yesterday were for 800, but those of this morning were for your whole brigade. I must beg you to hasten them on with all possible speed, and take with them all the provisions that can be collected. I expect to set out for Albany to-morrow morning, if not this evening. Yours, &c., G. C. Brig. Gen. Van Rensselaer. Attack upon Forts Ann and George. From EoWs PoughJceepsie Journal, dated October 16, 1780, quoted in Almonds Bemembrancer, vi, 23. " We hear from the northward, that a considerable body of British Troops, Indians and Tories from 96 NORTHERN INVASION. Canada, by tlie way of Lake Clianiplain, have taken our posts at Fort George and Fort Ann, mtli the small garrison ; and that the enemy are still in that quarter, burning and ravaging the country, in the neighborhood of Fort Edward. The Inhabitants of Try on County, are also alarmed by intelligence, that a considerable party, under Butler and Brandt, are expected that way. When the last accounts came off, the militia were assembling to oppose them." Letter from Governor Clinton to General Greene. POUGHKEEPSIE, Ocf 14*'', 1780. Dear Sir : I have rec'^ your letter of the 9th and 10th Inst., and am unhappy that it is not in my power to have met you at Poughkeepsie agreeable to your appointment. I received the information too late for the purpose. I should do myself the ^^leasure of waiting upon you, at West Point, but from the information con- tained in the papers enclosed, in the letter to his Excellency General Washington, (which I send under a flying seal for your perusal, and to be forwarded by express), I find it absolutely necessary to proceed to Albany, and intend to set out this evening or in the morning. The almost total want of every species of supplies, I fear will prove fatal to us. We have not a NORTHERN INVASION. 97 single Continental troop there, and onr whole depend- ance is in the militia, and this to oppose a very formidable body of regnlar troops. I am with great esteem, Dear Sir, Your obed' Serv*, G-. Clinton. Major General Green. [Forwarded by Cap' Belding.] Letter from Governor Clinton to General Washmgton. PouGHKEEPSiE, 14"* October, 1780. Dear Sir: I transmit your Excellency enclosed, copies of several letters I received last night, at Kingston, from Col° Malcom, Lt. CoP^ Lush & Livingston. They contain the only account I have, of the disagreeable situation of our affairs to the northward and westward. I shall immediately set out for Albany to employ every man in my power to oppose the further progress of the enemy, and should Fort Schuyler be invested, as there is reason to apprehend, I will endeavor to succor that fort. Your Excellency mil be informed by one of Col" Malcom's letters, that Van Schaick's regiment is left Albany and on their way to join the army, so that our whole dependence at present must rest on the militia. 13 98 NORTHERN INVASION. Tlic levies raised for the service of the frontiers, compose tlie garrison of Fort Scliuyler, and Malcom's corps occupy the other posts on the north, and Mohawk rivers and at Schoharie and are of course very much dispersed. If it was possihle for your Excellency to spare some Continental troops on this occasion they would inspire the militia with confidence, and enable us to repel the enemy. The want of supplies of every kind in this quarter, will greatly embarrass every measure, and I fear that with our utmost exertions, we shall fail in collecting a suflicient supply of provisions for the troops that it may be necessary to keep in the field on this emergency. It is a little remarkable that we have not had the least intelligence from the Grants, of the approach of the enemy, though they passed their settlements in boats, on their way to Fort Ann. This enterprise of the enemy, is probably the efiect of Arnold's treason, and when they are informed that the capital object of it is discovered and defeated, it is to be presumed they will be discouraged in prosecuting the full extent of their designs, though I think we ought not to place any reliance on this presumption. I am, &c., G. C. His Excellency General Washington. [Forwarded by Ocf^ 14"* in the evening enclosed to Gen. Green by Capt. Belding.] NORTHERN INVASION. 99 Letter from Cap^ Sherwood to Col Henri/ Lw'mgston. On Board the Carleton, 17^'' October, 1780. Dear Sir : It is with regret that I write from this place, but my situation will admit of uo other. I have not had the least reason to complain since a prisoner, but have been used with the greatest politeness. You have doubtless heard the particulars of my giving up the garrison at Fort Ann to Maj"" Carleton, who was at the head of seven hundred and seventy-eight men, chiefly British.^ I have with me seventy-five men, officers included, which was the whole of my garrison. ' Seth Sherwood, a captain of exempts, in a petition for relief, dated April, 1782, says : " On the 10th oi" October, 1780, was informed that on the foregoing night an express had passed from Fort Ann to Fort Edward, with intelligence that the tracks of 150 or 200 of the enemy had been discovered by a scout from Fort Ann, near South Bay. And rather thinking them to be less in number than more, as generally so proves in alarms, and taking advice from some of his company, who were gathered to draw ammunition, &c. I rode off for further information, in order to know in what manner to proceed for the relief of troops at Fort Ann. I being soon met by a number of the enemy, who informed Fort Ann was taken and burnt, which I gave but little credit to, till made sensible by being brought to the main body of Major Carlton's party or army, which consisted of 800 regular troops and loyalists exclusive of 25 savages, and seeing the garrison was captured to my surprise and made sensible of the truth. And my being examined strictly concerning the strength and number of troops at Fort Edward and Fort George, &c., was ordered to fall in witli the body of the rest of the prisoners." Captain Sherwood's premises were wasted, and property destroyed, which he valued at £941 hard money. 100 NORTHERN INVASION. and not to exceed ten pounds of ammunition p'' iiuui, in}' communications cut oft' and without tlie least hopes of reUef for some time. It is not only chagrining but heart-breaking boon to relate the dolefull tail. However after consulting my ofiicers and some of my most sensible men, [I] agreed to capitulate, and gave up the garrison, and consider myself and men as prisoners of war, could have made some resistence as long as my powder and ball lasted, but when that was exhausted, what men that should then [have] survived would have been massacred by the savages. This being my situation, hard as it was, I agreed to sign the articles, liaving liberty to send the women and children to their respective homes. My men are divided, so as I am not able to write an exact account of the number of my men and the militia apart. ]Maj'" Chipman is also prisoner here, with about forty men from Fort George.' Have sent p'" the bearer 1 Oil the 14th of March, 1781, Captain Chipman, who who was still a prisoner, but on parole at Albany, petitioned the legislature for relief The conditions of his parole required him to return to the enemy, unless a Dr. George Smyth of the city of Albany, was exchanged for himself and servant, before the first day of May following. The committee to whom this petition was referred reported, that as Captain Chipman was not a subject of the state, nor captured while in the immediate service of the same, a compliance would do great injustice to subjects of the state, then prisoners with the enemy, and anxious for an exchange. Dr. Smyth and family had been allowed to go to Canada on parole in October, 1780, to be exchanged for Peter Hanson and Adam Fonda of Tr}a)n county. This transaction appears not to have been perfected, or if so, was not known to Captain Chipman in March, 1781. — L('(jidative Papers, 2,084. Clinton Papers, 8,263. NORTHERN INVASION. 101 a few lilies to Mrs. Sherwood. You will do me particular favour to scud it her by the first safe hand. I am in a poor situation to continue in this cold climate this winter, having no clothes with me but what I brought on my back, and destitute of any money. Must consequently suffer greatly if no way is devised by our legislative body for the relief of the state prisoners. My men are very bad clad, and most of them without shoes. You will please let Mr. Gillet know that my accounts of issuings for this month is destroyed, but the number of men are about the same of last month. I am. Sir, with Esteem your very Humble Serv' Adiel Sherwood. Col" Livingston, Commandino- Levies at Fort Edward. Letter from General Heath to Governor Clinton. West Point, October 17"\ 1780. Sir: Major General Greene, a day or two since, ordered Colonel Gansevoort's Regiment to the assistance of the upper counties. They embarked yesterday, but the wind has since been so fresh down the river, as to prevent their sailing. I have this day ordered Weissenfel's regiment immediately to embark and sail for Albany, there to receive the orders of your excellency, or the commanding officer. I hope these 102 NORTHERN INVASION. regiments will arrive in season to curb the incursions of tlie enemy. Colonel Van Schaick arrived here this day, with the regiment under his command. I wish he had been detained if it was necessary. His Excellency General Washington, has been pleased to honor me with the command of this post and its dependencies. Your Excellency can well form a judgment in what state this post is in at present, in respect to provisions fuel and forage, and the obstructions which the approaching cold season will soon throw in the way of obtaining them. While I assure you that the interest of the State of Kew York and the security of this important post shall have my every attention, I earnestly request the continuance of your assistance, the salutary effects of which for the public service, I have often experienced, and on which at present I principally depend. I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect. Your Most Obedient Servant, W. Heath. His Excellency Governor CHnton. Ldtcrfrom Lieut. Col. Vceder to Hcnrtj Glen. Lower Fort Schohary, Ocf 17, 1780. Dear Sir : The enemy have burnt the whole of Schohary. The first fire was discovered about the middle fort, NORTHERN INVASION. 103 8 o'clock this morning. They passed this fort on both sides at 4 o'clock this afternoon. They took the whole of their booty, and moved down to Harmon Sitney's.^ They have fired two swivel shots thro' the roof of this church. I have sent three scouts to make some discoveries about the middle fort at different times this day, and none have as yet returned, l^o express has arrived at this post from either fort. By what we have seen of the enemy, we suppose their force to be between 5 and 600, mostly regulars and tories. Y. Yeeder, Lt. Col. 3. o'clock at night. The express says there were 150 more of the enemy at the upper part of Schohary. To li. Glen, Esq^ Letter from General Robert Van Rensselaer to Governor Clinton. Dear Sir : The letter of which the enclosed is a copy, was delivered me this morning. The express who brought the letter advises, that colonel Yeeder directed him to inform Mr. Glen, that 150 of the enemy in addition to the number mentioned in his letter, were in the upper part of Schohary. I shall in an hour or two, as nearly as I can estimate, have between 6 and 700 men. Fifteen head of cattle ' Sidney's place was about one mile from Sloansville at the lower end of the flats. 104 NORTHERN INVASION. intended for Fort Schuyler arrived here yesterday. I have ordered six to be killed this morning, to victual the troops for two days, and as I shall in all probability be neces.sitatcd to make use of the rest, and want an additional number, your Excellency ^vill perceive the necessity of directing the agent to take measures for replacing those destined for the fort. The cattle are extremely small, and I am informed "will not on an average net more than two hundred w' per head. As I have been disappointed in procuring the horses and wagons I intended, I shall immediately march to Fort Hunter, and upon my arrival, take such measures as circumstances will admit of, to intercept the enemy's retreat. The express who brought Colo. Yeeder's letter, says that Major "Woolsey sallied from the garrison yesterday, and killed five, and took two of the enemy. The prisoners are British soldiers. I am, very respectfully, your Excellency's most obd* serv* EoB^ V" Rensselaer.^ Schenectady, OcV 18, 9 a. m. P. S. — I have directed Colo. Veeder, with all the force he can collect from the difierent garrisons, (so as not to weaken them too much), to hang on the enemy's rear, but to avoid an engagement, and I hope to be able to be at hand to support him. ^ General Robert Van Rensselaer resided at Claverack then in Albany eonnty, and nndcr the colonial government, was colonel of NORTHERN INVASION. 105 Letter from G-orernor Clinton to General Schuj/ler. Albany, OctoI)er 18, 1780. I wrote yon yesterday, since which I have seen your letter to Gen^ Ten Broeck, giving an account of the enemy's appearance near Wliite Creek. They are also at Schohary in very considerable force. They have artillery with them, and have completed the destruction of that settlement. Thus circumstanced, I have been obliged to divide the small force that could be raised immediately from the lower parts of this county, to oppose the enemy at Ballstown and Schohary, and as yet it is impossible to do more than detach Col° Schuyler's Reg*, to the assistance of the militia in your vicinity. This I have directed Gen. Ten Broeck to do, and they are to march immediately. Before I left Poughkeepsie, I wrote Gen. "Washington accounts of the enemy's appearance on our frontiers. militia. He served as a delegate in the provincial congress, and was elected to the first, second and fourth sessions of the lower branch of the state legislature. On the 25th of February, 1778, he was again appointed colonel under state authority, and on the 35th of June, 1780, was made brigadier general in command of the second brigade of Albany county. He held this office until the state militia were arranged into five divisions, on the 18th of April, 1800, when he became major general of the third division, comprising Columbia, Rensselaer, Washington, Clinton and Essex counties. He died at his home in Claverack, September 11th, 1803, aged sixty-one years. He was the father of Jacob Rutsen Van Rensselaer, formerly a leading lawyer and politician of Claverack, who was secretary of state in 1813-15. 14 IOC) NORTHERN INVASION. and tlic capture of Forts Ann and George, and pressed the necessity of send^ sonK> troops for onr relief. I am Sir, &(-. a. c. Gen. SclnijJer. P. S. I this morning write to Gen. Washington, repeating my request for relief, and immediately after this is done, I intend to set out for Schenectady, leaving Gen. Ten Broeck in command here, with orders to forward you further assistance as soon as a sufficient numher of militia shall come in to render that measure proper. You will immediately order Col. Stephen Schuyler's reg' to Saratoga, to join the militia collecting there, and assist in the protection of the Inhabitants, in that part of the country, against the incursions and depredations of the enemy. G. C. Letter from IJent. Col. Barcnt I. Stoats to Governor Clinton. Lower Foet, October 18"', 1780. This moment your Excellency's letter came to hand. Two prisoners from Sir John's army arriv'd at the same time, with the following intelligence : that eight o'clock this morning, Johnson, Butler and Brant, mov'd with their army from Sidney's saw mill, down the Mohawk road to the said river, where they were NORTHERN INVASION. 107 to joyiie the party of the enenw from the nor' ward. their strength by the ace' of these prisoners, is one thousand men, of which were 2 hundred Indians: the rest regular troops and torys. Another party of 150, were gone to Katskill. The post at this phice is safe. Barent I. Staats,^ Lieut. Coll. To his Excellency, George Clinton Escf. [Forwarded to the care of Henry Glen, Schenectady.] Letter from Major J. Lansin// to Governor Clinton. Mohawk River, 6 Miles East of Fort Hunter, Odd'- 18, 1780, 6 p. m. Sir: This moment. General Rensselaer is advised by express, that the enemy are burning the country in the neighborhood of Fort Hunter. Their force could not be ascertained when the man came away. General Rensselaer intends to push on by moonlight,^ as soon as he possibly can. Perhaps your Excellency may deem it advisable to order the militia now at ^This officer belonged to Philip Schuyler's regiment, and was commissioned, June 22, 1778. ^Full moon occurred on the morning of the 13th. The moon arose on the 18th, at eight minutes before 10 v. m. 108 NORTHERN INVASION. kSclicneetiuly, to luaivli up so as to cover our rotreut sliould we experience a retreat, wliicli we have liowever no idea of at present, as the militia evince such a disposition to engage, as promises a happy issue. I have the honor to be, your Excellency's Most Obed* Serv*, J. Lansing, Major. Letter from Governor Clinton to General Washington. Albany, Octo' W\ 1780, 10 p. m. Sir : I wrote to your Excellency from Poughkeepsie on Saturday last,^ and communicated to you the accounts which I had then received from this quarter. The next day I set out for tins place, and arrived here on Monday. Upon my arrival, I found the main liody of the enemy which appeared in the northward,^ had 1 October 14th. - Referring to the expedition under Major Christopher Carleton. This oflBcer who belonged to tlie 29th regiment, held rank as major, from September 14, 1777. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel February 19, 1783, and his name was last on the army list in 1787. In the spring of 1778, a Colonel Carleton, nephew of General Carleton, was reported as liaving been for some time concealed among the toiy inhabitants around Johnstown, as a spy, and that lie took the route from thence to Oswego, on his return to Canada. The Marquis de La Fayette, in writing from Johnstown, March (i, 1778, NORTHERN INVASION. 100 returned by tlie way of Lake George, and that part of the country seemed agam to be in a state of tranquility. Yesterday morning, however, I was informed that a party had made its appearance at Ballston, and destroyed some buildings there, and about noon, I received accounts that the enemy were at Schohary, and it was confirmed that they had destroyed the whole of that valuable settlement. Their numbers of one division, are computed at about 600, and the amount of the other division is uncertain. They have artillery with them. Major Woolsey, who commands the levies, made a sally from one of the small forts there, and took two regulars, and killed five savages. By what route they came, or mean to return, I have not been able to ascertain. Yesterday morning, I ordered General Van Rensse- laer, with some troops to Schenectady, with directions, as soon as he could make the proper discoveries, and if his force should appear competent, to march and endeavor to intercept them. By a letter from General Schuyler at Saratoga, I urged upon Colonel Gansevoort, the importance of endeavoring to capture him, and from his own purse, offered fifty guineas hand money (besides all they might find on his person), to any party of soldiers or Indians who would bring him in alive. These efforts were unsuccessful, and this enterprising person was not apprehended. Although mentioned under a difi'erent rank, we conjecture that he was the same officer that led the expedition by Avay of Lake Cham- plain, in the autumn of 1780. The correspondence relative to his supposed presence in the country as a spy, is given in CamphelVs Annalii of Try on County (1831), p. 159. 110 NORTHERN INA^VSION. urn informed that tlie enemy yesterday burnt the settlement of White Creek, in Charlotte county, and the smoke was discernable from the heights near his house. The post at Fort Edward, after the removal of the stores is evacuated, the levies who were stationed there, having- insisted that their time of service is expired, and Col" Livingston^ the commanding officer, with the other officers are now on their return, I have ordered out the whole of the militia from this part of the state. A considerable part are already in the field, and I shall leave this [place] immediately for Schenectady, in order to make the necessary arrangements. From this state of the matter, your Excellency will perceive the necessity of sending a force, if it can possibly be spared for the defense of this part of the country. No dependance can ]>e placed on the militia remain- ing long from home, and the three months levies will soon be dismissed, so that without some further protection, Schenectady and this place will be our frontier. I received no intelligence from the Grants, either whether the enemy have done any mischief there and whether their militia is turning out for our assistance. I am &c. G. C. ' Colonel James Livingston of the Continental army. NORTHERN INVASION. Ill Letter from Governor Chittenden of Vermont, to Governor Clinton. Bennington, 8 o'clock, evening 18"' Oct., 1780. Sir: I enclose to your Excellency a copy of a letter I this moment received (by Express), from Col" Webster,^ requesting the assistance of tlie militia of this neighborhood to his assistance. I have called for the assistance of the militia of Berkshire county, who have attended in the late alarm, and are now returning home. The militia of this state are still in the north, watching the motions of the enemy, I have nevertheless sent for Berkshire militia, to call on me as soon as may be, who I shall send immediately to your assistance, unless I have counter advises from your Excellency, by the time of their arrival. I am Sir your Excellency's Obed' Humble Serv* Tho's Chittenden. His Excellency Gov"" Clinton. 1 Alexander Webster was a native of Scotland. He succeeded Col. John Williams in command of a militia regiment in Charlotte count}% March 4, 1780, and resigned March 29, 1781. He served in the provincial congress, was two years in assembly, and from 1777 to 1785, and from 1790 to 1793 in the state senate, and while a member of this body held for five years a place on the council of appoint- ment. He was two years first judge of Washington county, and held other offices of trust. He died at Hebron, N. Y., Sept. 17, 1810, aged seventy-five years. 112 NORTIIEKN INVASION. P. S. This state arc always read}- to cooiDerate in any measures to frustrate the designs of the common enemy. Letter from Isaac Stoutcnhur' at AVarrensbusli.^ That the troops were ordered to halt at Elliott's at the Old Farms. That the Gen' applied to the deponent, to procure a recouuoitering party to discover the number, situ- ation and movements of the enemy. That he procured them and waited on the Gen'. That the Gen' told him he would consult with his field officers, and that thereupon he sent a Sergeant, "Wm "Wood, with seven or eight men to reconnoitre the enemy. That the depon* accompanied the party to Fort Hunter, and from thence, he with one man went to Anthony's IS'ose, where the enemy had their camp. That they returned with all possible dispatch to the General, whom they found advanced with the troops as far as Gardinier's Flatts,^ about four and a half miles above Fort Hunter, and twenty-six above Schenectady, about twelve o'clock at night or after. That he informed the general of the enemy's situation, and that the Gen' continued advancing with the troops to Van Eps, about half or three fourths of a mile. 1 Warrensbush was the uamc applied to a tract of some fifteen tliousaud acres of land mostly in the present town of Florida, Mont- gomery county, owned by Sir Peter Warren, an uncle of Sir William Johnson. 2 A short distance below Fultonville. NORTPIERN INYASI(3N. 173 That tlie Gcii' tlien ordered letters to be written to the officers commanding at Fort I*Ianc or Rens- selaer, and Stone Arabia and they were given in charge to Lt Wm "Wallace. That the Gen' and troops remained at Van Ep's between two and three hours, and that soon after the march the day broke. That the troops marched about four miles, to Peter Lewis'^ where the whole halted about ten or twelve minutes for the purpose of examining a prisoner taken by our advance party. That the troops were marched two or three miles to' Putnam's Lands, where the whole body halted a considerable time, and the advance party were on or near the ground where the enemy had halted that night. That the deponent went to the Gen' and urged to him that the troops might be ordered to march, but the Gen' answered that he must first furnish the troops with cartridges. That soon after leave was obtained for Major McKinster with the advance party to march. That while the troops were halted there. Col. Louis ^ had been sent out to reconnoitre whether the enemy did not remain at the Kose, to ambuscade Gen' Rens- selaer's troops. ' At Stone Ridge, near the west line of the town of Glen. 2 Col. Louis Cook, an Indian from Caughnawaga village, near Montreal, who had joined the American army, and had received a commission as lieutenant colonel. His Indian name was Atiatonha- ronkwen. He afterwards lived at St. Regis. He died near Buffalo, towards the close of the war of 1812-15. — Hough's History of St. Lawrence and Franklin Counties, p. 183. 174 NOKTTTERN INVASION. That the advance i»ai'ty nndei' Major McKinster,^ marched on to hime Corn' Van Alstyne's, and that lie and the major discovered the enemy drawn npon the opposite side of the river at John Saxc's house. That the road at the K"ose was very bad, so as to render it ditHcult to come up witli artillery. That Major Mc- Kinster's party halted al)ont an hour at Van Alstyne's Ix'tbre the main body came up. That as soon as the main body arrived, the whole marched about a mile, to another Corn' Van Alstyne's ; and on their arrival there they heard a tiring between Col" Browns detach- ment and the enemy. That the Gen' enquired from the deponent the best place to ford the river. That upon trial at Major Yale's it was found impracticable. That they then marched on to Adam Countryman's ab' one and a * Col. John Mc Kinstry served with reputation through the war, in which lie was repeatedly and severely wounded, and some of the enemy's balls he carried with him to the grave. He was appointed a major in Col. Van Ess's regiment on the 28th of May, 1778, and served in this capacity in the Mohawk campaign of 1780. At the battle of the Cedars, on the St. Lawrence, while serving as captain in Col. Patterson's regiment, he was twice wounded and taken prisoner by the Indians. Being selected for torture, he was bound to a tree and surrounded by faggots, but as the torch was about to be applied, he was ransomed and rescued by Brant, who recognized a masonic sign given by the prisoner. A warm friend- ship sprung up from this incident, and Brant repeatedly visited his protege after the war. Colonel Mc Kinstry retired to his farm in Livingston, Columbia county, after the war, represented his county two years in assembly, and died on the 9th of June, 1823, aged 77 years. — Albany Gazette, June 18, 1822; Stone's Life of Brant, i, 155, ii, 490. NOETHERN INVASION. 175 half miles, where the whole of the troops halted and another party was ordered to advance. That the troops had heen there about half an hour when Col" Harper ^ came to the Gen' and gave him an acco' of Colo Brown's disaster. That it was full three hours from that time, before the troops under Gen' Rensselaer crossed and came np to Walrod's Ferry. That Gen' Eensselaer went np to Walrod's Ferry on the south side of the river, but when the deponent knows not. That the General stood at the ferry, and was pressed and intreated by him, Colo Harper and others to cross the river, and attack the enemy, but that he gave no answer, nor came over, till his militia had joined Colo. Dubois' command. That after the troops had joined, they were divided into three columns, the right commanded by Colo Dubois. That about sunset or after, the enemy came down out of the woods to Philan's orchard, when a skirmishing began between our left and the enemy in the lowlands. That our left was much disordered, and fired very irregularly and never were in order after the firing commenced. That the rear of our left was about five hundred yards from the enemy when the front began their firing at about two hundred and fifty and the whole kept up a brisk fire towards the enemy. That he saw 1 Colonel John Harper. 170 NORTHERN INVASION. several- officers (and particularly Adj' Yan Vegliten * of Colo Cuylers reg't), exert themselves to bring ou the troops, and to prevent tlieir running away, but that they were not able to bring up the men so close to action as to annoy the enemy. That the confusion took place as soon as the firing commenced, and that it was pretty dark before it ceased. That about the time when the firing on our part ceased, the Dep* saw the Gen' ^dtli the left column. That the Gen' informed him, that as it was dark, and dangerous to let the firing continue, least our troops should kill each other, he had ordered, or would order the troops out of action. That he pressed the Gen' to push the enemy while they were crossing the river, but the Gen' declined it. That it was then dark. That the General observed to the Deponent, that he was apprehensive that the enemy would surround our troops, and desired the deponent to ride down to the river and inform himself whether the enemy were not attempting it. That he replied to the Gen', they were crossing the river, but in compliance with the General's request he rode down. That the place where the enemy crossed the river is a common ford and generally made use of. That when the Gen' told him, he was resolved to call the ' Hendrick Van Veghten was appointed adjutant in Colonel Abraham Cuyler's regiment, April 4, 1778. NORTHERN INVASION. 177 men off, lie requested tlae Gen^ to encamp there on the low ground, the field of action. But that the General replied he would go to the hills, and he with the troops retired to a hill about a mile from the field of action. Henry Glen Esq'' being sworn, says : That on the 17th Ocf" about 5 o'clock p. m. General Eensselaer arrived at Schenectady at the deponent's house, and informed him that a number of troops were on their march from Albany. That the Gen' appeared solicitous to procure horses to mount his troops on, and expedite their march to Fort Hunter, to waylay the enemy who were on their way from Schoharie to the Mohawk river. That the Deponent as acting quartermaster of the Department advised the Gen' that the most eligible mode of procuring horses would be by having the inhabitants of Schenectady convened, which was accordingly done in the evening. That the Gen' then represented to the inhabitants that he wanted four or five hundred horses to mount his men on, to go to Fort Hunter, for the pui-pose above mentioned. That the Gen^ informed the inhabitants, that the deponent had received an express from Col" Yeeder commanding the lower fort at Schoharie, informing him that the enemy had burnt and destroyed the settlements at Schoharie, on that day, and were halted that night at one Sidney's,^ about fourteen or sixteen ' In the present town of Esperance. 23 178 NORTHERN INVASION. miles from Fort Ilnnter. That the distance from Schenectady to Fort Hunter is twenty miles. That the few inhabitants who were collected, promised the general their horses, and that they should be sent to the deponent's house by break of day, next morning. That it was also proposed by Gen> Rensselaer, that in case a sufficiency of horses could not be procured, he would take waggons to carry the greater number of the men on. Quest, hy Gen} Bensselaer. Were the horses or waggons ready as I had required ? Alls. They were not. Quest. Do you recollect, that as soon as I arrived at Schenectady, I went to the commissary, and desired him to procure, or get in readiness that evening, pro- visions for the troops who were coming on ? Ans. I do. But the commissary had no provisions. He sent out and procured two beeves, which were killed the next morning, but it was late before the troops were served. The last drew their rations about eight o'clock. Quest. Do you recollect my sending that night to Col" Van Alstyne^ who was at i^estigona^ to ex^^edite 1 Abraham Van Alstyne was appointed colonel, April 2, 1773. ■■^Nestigione is the name of a land patent, in Saratoga county, granted to John liosie and others, April 22, 1708. It lay in the rear of a row of farms fronting the river, and was a mile iu depth, in the present county of Saratoga. The name is sometimes found written Connestigone, or Mskayunn ; the latter now limited to a township south of the Mohawk in Schenectady county. NORTHERN INVASION. 179 liis march so as to be in town by daylight next morning ? Ans. I do. Quest. After the troops were served with provisions, did I, to your knowledge, make any unnecessary delay in marching thus? A71S. You did not. Quest. "What distance is it, between N"estigiona and Sir "William Johnson's old place ? Ans. The distance between its nearest settlement called Eosendal and Sir W™'^ old place is about nine- teen miles. Quest. Had the troops any time to cook their provisions, from the time they drew it till their march ? Ans. They had not. Court : Quest. Had you any intelligence from Gen. Rensselaer on the day of his march, after he left Schenectady. Ans. Yes. The same evening an express came from the Gen' with a letter to the governor dated at Chucktinunda,^ six miles east of Fort Hunter informing the Gov' that he had halted to refresh his men, till moon rise, when he intended to march. Afterwards an express from the officer commanding at Fort 1 The Chuctanunda creek unites with tlie Mohawk opposite the present village of Amsterdam. The road south of the river, in former times, instead of following the bend of the river, here passed up over the hill, and thence in a direct line to Fort Hunter. This road was about five miles long, and passed nearly two miles from the river. 180 NOKTIIEliN INVASION". Hnuter came to ine, Avitli an acco* that Sir John Jolmson had that afternoon passed Fort Hunter and had destroyed Cadorothy on his route. Qiiest. Are you acquainted with the roads and passes of Checktinunda Hill ? Ans. I am. The road is bad, and up a long clay hill with a pretty close wood on hoth sides. Colo. Lewis Dubois, being duly sworn, says, that on the 19"" October last, at about two o'clock p. m., he met General Rensselaer about three-fourths of a mile below Fort Rensselaer, and informed him that Colo. Brown was defeated, and that the enemy were advancing up the river. That the general then advised with him where would be the most convenient spot to meet them : that he told the general there was a fording place just by the ground where the troops then were, and that in case they crossed there, it would expedite the pursuit after the enemy more than if they crossed in the two small boats above, which would delay them a long time. That the general then gave orders to Lt. Driskill to send the artillery to Fort Rensselaer, and that the troox3S should cross immediately. That the deponent then asked the general whether he had dined. The general replied that he had not. That as soon as the general had put the troops in motion, he rode to the deponent's quarters in Fort Rensselaer to take dinner, after leaving orders with the otlicers to cross the river with all possil)le dispatch. NORTHERN INVASION. 181 That Lt. Driskill was tlien ordered to leave his men in Fort Rensselaer, to work the artillery in case the enemy should attack it, and some of the militia who were in the fort, were ordered to cross the river, and Mr. Lansing was sent down by the general to expedite the crossing of the militia. That the Gen' and the deponent then went down to Wolrod's ferry, and found that the militia had not yet come up. That he sent several expresses to hurry them on. That upon their coming to the ferry, they found several of the militia who had not yet crossed, hut immediately passed the ferry, and then the Gen' and the deponent crossed as quick as possible. That about the time of their crossing, they discovered from the firing, that the enemy were coming down out of the woods towards the river, at or near Fox's Mills. That shortly thereafter Gen' Rensselaer's militia joined, and the general advised with him on the most eligible mode of attacking the enemy. That the plan of attack was directed to be in three columns. The right composed of levies commanded by the deponent, to be on the high ground ; the left composed of militia, and commanded by Col" Cuyler, to be on the low ground, and the centre to be commanded by Colo. Whiting. That it was found inconvenient to march in columns and they were ordered to subdivide into sections and so marched on till they came in sight of the enemy. That the deponent rode down to the Gen^ (then in the 182 NORTHERN INVASION. centre column) and informed him that the enemy were formed as follows : That their rangers were on their right, on the bank of the river, the regular troops in the centre on the flatts in column, and the Indians and riflemen on the left, about 150 yards advanced of the other troops, in an orchard near Klock's house. That upon reconnoitering the ground, it was found impracticable to form the centre and left columns as was first intended. That they were therefore sub- divided into smaller detachments. That thereupon a skirmishing commenced between some scattering Indians and white men, advanced of the right of the centre column of the enemy. That the deponent then retired to his command. That Major McKinstry in pursuance of the General's orders, filed off" to the right from the centre and marched very near the right column. That the remainder of the centre column under the command of Colo "Whiting, advanced to the orchard at Klock's house and engaged them. That the firing on the part of the enemy was so warm, as to prevent troops under Colo Wliiting from advancing. That thereupon the deponent ordered two companies of his column to raise the summit of the hill and fire on the enemy in flank, which broke them and they ran ofi". That the deponent then marched on till he gained the flank of the enemy's main body, pursuant to the General's order. That it began to grow dusk and he discovered that his front had got into the NORTHERN INVASION. 183 enemy's rear. That thereupon, he faced his men ahoiit, and marched in a hne down to the enemy undiscovered : That he gave orders for firing platoons from right to left, when the enemy broke and ran : That he advanced and continued firing upon the enemy till he discovered a firing on the rear of his left. That finding it came from some part of our own militia, he halted his men and rode up to the militia, and met with General Kensselaer on the left of the centre column, where he found the militia had given way. That it was so dark that he could not discover Gen^ Rensselaer at the distance of five paces, nor know him but from his voice, and that when he came up to the Gen^ he found his efibrts in vain. That he informed the Gen' that the right of the centre line were firing on the levies, who were advanced against the enemy. That it was then proposed by either the Gen' or the deponent, that the firing should be ordered to cease, least our men should kill each other. That the Gen' requested him to ride to the rear of the troops and stop their retreating, and inform them that the enemy had retired over the river. That he went some distance, and on his return informed the Gen' that he could not overtake the fronts. That the Gen' inquired from him, whether he knew of a good piece of ground to encamp on that night. That he thereupon recommended a hill near Klock's house, and an order was sent to Major Benschoten of the levies to return to the ground near Klock's house. 184 NORTHERN INVASION. That on riding with the Gen' he mentioned his apprehensions, that his men would want provisions for the march the next day. That the deponent then recommended to the Gen' a spot of ground near Fox's where the troops would be secure from surprise and provisions might be brought to them from the baggage waggons which were at Fort Rensselaer. That part of the levies were left at Klock's house, to take charge of the wounded, and of the stores taken from the enemy, and the remainder of the troops retired to Fox's. That the Gen' immediately ordered parties to Fort Rensselaer for provisions for the militia, and ordered the deponent to hold himself and the levies in readiness to march before daylight the next morning in pursuit of the enemy. That in consequence thereof, he marched with the troops about 3 o'clock in the morning. Question hji the court. Did the Gen', in your opinion, do every thing in his power, to annoy and repel the enemy, and save the country from desolation ? ' Ans'^. Yes sir, while I was with him, I saw nothing wanting in him. Quest, hy court. Did the Gen' at an^^ time discover the least want of personal bravery and firmness in the course of the action, and transactions of the 19tli October last? Ans'^. He did not, but the contrary. Quest, hy court. Did you know that the place where NORTHERN INVASION. 185 the enemy crossed the river was a common fording place ? Ajis"". I did not, nor was it. The bank at the place where they crossed was breast high from the water, and the water was deep. Quest. Was it very dark on the evening of the action ? Ajis"". I do not think it was fifteen minutes after the firing commenced, before it was so dark as to render it impossible to distinguish one person from another at a distance of ten paces. The court adjourned till to-morrow at 7 o'clock. The court met pursuant to adjournment. Mr. Sampson Dyckman being sworn, says. That he joined General Rensselaer about five miles above Schenectady, at three or four o'clock on the afternoon of the day the Gen' marched from Schenectady. That when he came up with the Gen' the troops were marching "with expedition, and continued so till evening, being then about fourteen or sixteen miles from Schenectady, where they halted till moon rise. That just as the moon rose, the Gen' came to the encampment and ordered the troops to prepare and march immediately, and that in five minutes they moved. That the Gen' informed him the enemy were some distance ahead and that he expected his troops would soon fall in with them. That the road over Chucktinunda Hill was very bad, miry and deep, which impeded the march. That they arrived at Fort Hunter 24 186 NORTHERN INVASION. at about 12 o'clock and crossed instantly in a scow, on waggons and on horseback, and proceeded in their march without delay. That when the roads were good, the troops marched very fast, but where the roads were bad, they were delayed by the artillery and waggons. Question by General Rensselaer. Did not you come to me with a request that the troops might not bo ordered to march so fast ? Ans'^. I did wait on you, at the instance of Major Schuyler and others, who said the men would not be fit for action, in case they were marched so fast. You then told me, that the enemy were ahead destroying the country, and the men must be marched fast at all events, to come up with them. Many of the men Avere much fatigued by ten o'clock next morning so as to render it necessary for them to go on horseback and in the waggons. The court adjourned till 5 o'clock p. m. The court met pursuant to adjournment. Major Lewis R. Morris, being sworn, says. That he overtook Gen' Rensselaer at Mr H. Glen's at Schenectady, on the 18th October last, at about 12 o'clock and joined him as a volunteer aid-de-camp. That he was there ordered by the Gen' to assist Mr Le Roy, his Major of Brigade in getting the troops out of town. That the troops marched out of town about one and a half miles on the low lands where they were formed NORTHERN INVASION. 187 and ordered to march into sectious to the Woestyne at Mr Van Eps, about nme miles from Schenectady, where they halted to refresh themselves for a very short time, and then marched to Sir WiUiams old place.^ That it was then dark, and the troops halted till moon-rise about ten or eleven o'clock. The deponent was then informed that the Gen' and field officers on consultation, tho't it imprudent and dangerous to march over the Chicktinunda Hill in the night till moon rise, and the troops were accordingly halted on the side of the road. That the deponent thereafter attended the advanced corp under Lt. Col. Pratt^ and Major McKinster. That about moon rise, the Gen' ordered the troops in motion, and marched to Fort Hunter, and that the troops immediately crossed the river, or Schoharie creek in scows, and while the Gen' was examining two deserters from the enemy. That the troops were halted on the west side of Schoharie creek till the artillery came np, which had gone a different route and joined them in a short time. That the troops then marched on without delay to Van Eps, where they arrived about four o'clock and halted not more than an hour. That during that halt, letters were written by order of the Gen' to Co? Dubois and Col° Brown, informing them of his approach with 1 Three miles west of the present village of Amsterdam. 2 David Pratt, appointed lieutenant colonel, Nov. 4tli, 1778. 188 NORTHERN INVASION. a body of troops, and tliat these letters were given in charge to a Mr. Wallace. That soon after the letters were dispatched, the troops were put in motion ; that tlie day then began to dawn. That the roads were very bad and tlie troops complained of being very much fatigued. That the whole body marched about four or five miles and halted at the ruins of a house, for a few minutes for the purpose of examining a prisoner taken that night. That the deponent then again joined the advance corps and proceeded on to a bridge, where he and Lt. Col. Pratt discovered a party of the enemy on the opposite side of the river. That the advance corps halted till the deponent rode down about a quarter of a mile to the Gen', (who was advancing with the troops), to inform him of the discovery of the enemy. That as that party of the enemy was out of the reach of musket shot, the Gen' ordered up a piece of artillery, whereupon the enemy dispersed. That the whole of the troops moved on to the south side of the river opposite Major Fry's ^ where (as the deponent had understood) the Gen' intended to cross the troops, but that on his arrival there, he found it impossible. That it was then between eight and ten o'clock. That a firing was then heard, which, from its direction, was supposed to be at Oswegatchie,^ and ' Now opposite Cauajolmrie village. ■^A settlement a short distance northeast trom Stone Arabia, in Palatine. NORTHERN INVASION. 189 whicli afterwards proved to have been Colo Brown's rencounter with the enemy. That the advanced corps not being incumbered with any waggons or artillery moved on expeditiously. That with the main body were one ammunition waggon and two pieces of artillery, and that to the best of his knowledge, the baggage waggons were in the rear of the whole. That the main body moved on to a house about a mile below Fort Eensselaer. That it was then between 10 and 1 o'clock. That the troops halted there, and the Gen^ then rec'^ information of Col" Brown's defeat. That Col" Dubois and Col° Harper there waited on the Gen^ That the troops were ordered to refresh themselves, and the Gen^ gave orders for their crossing the ford as soon as they had refreshed themselves. That after delivering the orders for that purpose, the Gen' went with Colo Dubois to Fort Rensselaer. That the Deponent rec'^ orders from the Gen' to go and assist Mr. Le Boy in getting the troops over the ford. That he accordingly exerted himself in assisting Mr Le Boy to get the troops over the river. That the troops refused to ford the river, and waggons were drove into it, to facilitate their passage. That it was about an hour after the troops came to the ford before they began to cross, and that it was between two and three hours from their first arrival before they were all over. 190 NORTHERN INVASION. That they crossed this ford in dift'erent ways. In some instances the waggons were drove into the river, behind each other, and the troops passed from one to the other by wading on the tongues. That Capt" Driskill came down to the ford, with orders from the Gen^ to hasten the crossing of the troops, and that Mr. Lansing also came and exerted himself in getting them over the river. That after they had all crossed, they were marched with dispatch to the Ferry where they joined the levies and Indians. That the General did there take the command of the whole. That after he had joined, the whole were divided into three columns ; the right composed of levies, and the left and centre of militia. That the Oneida Indians marched between the left and centre but sometimes changed th*>ir situation. That the troops marched in this order in pursuit of the enemy for some miles. That the centre and left columns were then subdivided, and continued their march. That Colo Harper came to the Gen' and advised him that an Oneida Indian had discovered the enemy near at hand on the low grounds. That soon there- after, the deponent discovered them drawn up in order. That the Gen' then ordered Mr. Lansing to the right, and the deponent to the left. That the firing on the enemy from the advance party of the centre then commenced about (200) two NORTHERN INVASION. 191 hundred yards distance. That about the same time, Colo Cuyler's Regiment of the left column began to fire on the enemy at about four hundred yards distance. That the Gen' desired the Deponent to go to the left and order them to cease firing, and advance towards the enemy. That he thereupon went to the left and communicated the Gen'' orders, but that it was a considerable time before he could effect it. That that regiment advanced a little, and inclined towards the river when the deponent left it. That Colo Rensselaer's Reg' was advanced towards the enemy in an orchard in front of Klock's house. That after delivering the orders to Colo Cuyler's Reg*, he returned to the General, whom he found in the centre, with Col° Rensselaer's & Whiting's reg'^ which were then in the greatest disorder and confusion, and that the Gen' did exert himself to get them in order again. Question by the Court. At what time did the firing commence ? Ans''. At about sunset, and continued for about thirty minutes. Quest, by the Court. Did the general discover any "want of personal bravery and firmness, in the action of that day ? Ans"". He did not. Quest, by the Court. Was Colo Cuyler's Reg't also in disorder and confusion ? Ans^. They were. 192 NORTHERN INVASION. Quest, by the Court. AVliat was the extreme distance between the front and rear of that regiment ? Ans^. About two hundred and fifty or three hundred yards. Quest, by Gen^ Rensselaer. Did not the rear of the left fire at the same time when the front did ? Alls'". They did. Quest, by Gen^ Rensselaer. Did you hear the reason assigned for ordering a retreat ? Ans". I did. I think the reason was, that the troops were in such confusion that it would be easy for a small party of the enemy to cut them to pieces. Quest, by the Court. Did the Gen' thro' the whole of his march from Schenectady upwards, discover a solicitude to come up with the enemy ? Ans". He even appeared anxious to come up with them. Quest, by the Court. Wliat was Gen' Rensselaer's conduct the day after the action ? Ans''. Colo Dubois with the levies marched in pursuit of the enemy the next morning, and the Gen' then ordered some light troops from the regiments of militia who were best able to march, to go as volunteers to overtake Col" Dubois. That the dep' went accordingly with about thirty volunteers. That on his way, the General "svith a party of horse, passed him at the Castle^ and that the deponent with his party ' In the present town of Danube, opposite the mouth of East Canada creek. NORTHERN INVASION. 193 marclied on and scarse came up with the Geii^ and Col° Dubois at Fort Herkimer. Tliat as soon as the main body of militia came up, the whole force marched in pursuit of the enemy about three or four miles above Fort Herkimer at Shoemakers', where they halted for some time. That a difference of opinion then arose on the route the enemy had taken, and on a consultation of the field officers, the whole of the troops returned to Fort Herkimer, where the Gov'" took the command. Quest, by Gen^ Bensselaer. Do you not recollect that I sent out three or four Indians to discover the enemy's track ? Ans". I do. Edward S. Willet, being sworn, says : That on the day of the action of the 19th October last, he was attached to the artillery. That he was at Fort Rensselaer and afterwards with Gen^ Rensselaer and Colo Dubois, on the bank of the river at the ferry. That he there received orders from the Gen' to go down to the jDlace where the militia were crossing, and desire the officers to hurry on the troops as quick as possible, which he did. Quest, by Gen^ Rensselaer. Do you not remember that the artillery and ammunition waggons frequently halted on account of the badness of the roads ? Ans^. I do, and particularly at and above Anthony's N"ose, where the ammunition waggon was delayed the horses being very much fatigued. 25 194 NORTHERN INVASION. Lieut. Garret W. Van Scliaick/ being sworn says : That lie was in the field of action on the 19th Oct. last: That "when Col" Cuyler's Regiment, and the other troops were advancing towards the enemy then yet out of the reach of musket sliot, Col° Cuyler's reg* began to fire upon the enemy, and rushed on a few paces, which broke the line or order they were in. That soon after, they were in great disorder and confusion and the deponent saw Gen' Rensselaer with them, endeavoring to form them. That the Gen' exerted himself greatly on this occasion, but his efforts were fruitless. That the troops were worn down with fatigue occasioned by the long and rapid march and the want of rest the preceding night. The court adjourned till Tuesday morning. 7 o'clock, March W\ 1780. The court met pursuant to adjournment and adjourned till the 16"^ at 6 o'clock p. m. March 16*'' the court met. Col" Samuel Clyde,^ being sworn says. That on the day of the action of the 19th October last, he commanded a party of Tryon county militia. That he was at Wolrod's ferry near Fort Rensselaer at the time when Gen' Rensselaer with the militia arrived at Adam Countryman's, about a mile below it. That he ^ First lieutenant of Captain Roseboom's company, Mar ch 3,1780. 2 Commander of the Canajoharie district regiment; appointed Jan. 25, 1778. NORTHERN INVASION. 195 crossed the ferry to the north side with the levies and militia, ahout one o'clock p. m. by Col° Dubois' orders. That he had orders to halt there till Geu' Rensselaer should join him. That about three or four hours thereafter, the Gen' with his militia joined the levies and militia at the ferry, when without the least dela}'^, the whole force marched with the greatest expedition till they came up with the enemy. That the militia commanded by the deponent were attached to the levies under Colo. Dubois on the right. That the deponent was not informed of the disposition of the other troops, and had no opportunity to observe it, as he marched immediately into the woods on the hill. That the troops marched about four miles, till they had got above Col°. Klock's. That he then heard a firing near Klock's house ; but that the right continued their march with design to out flank the enemy. That upon finding that the right had got above the enemy, two or three platoons of levies and militia were detached (by Maj. Benschoten) from the rear, to attack a body of the enemy who were posted about one hundred rods above Klock's. That that detach- ment fired six or seven platoons when the enemy fled, and the troops returned to their post. That the right was then ordered to halt, until Col°. Dubois waited on the Gen' for orders. That it was then so dark as to render it difficult to enter into action with safety ; as it was hardly possible 196 NORTHERN INVASION. to distiiignisli our troops and the enemy from one anotlier. That he then observed a cross fire upon the right, from the low lands, which he supposed to have come from the enemy, but that he was the same evening informed by Col°. Dubois, that it proceeded from our own troops. That the right remained in that situation for about half an hour. That the enemy could just be discerned and part of them were then heard crossing the river. That the daylight was then in, and the troops received orders to march, and they proceeded towards Klock's house, where they halted a short space of time. That on hearing the groanings of a man that lay wounded in the field of action, he detached six men to bring him in. That these men with some others, brought in the artillery waggons and artillery which had been deserted by the enemy. That a report of this matter was sent to Gen'. Rensselaer, two or three hours after dark. That it was agreed between this deponent and Maj. Benschoten to halt the troops and remain on the ground where they were, and that soon after, Col°. Dubois came to them with orders that they should remain on the ground near Klock's. That he did not hear of any council of war being held, and a retreat resolved on. That Col° Dubois informed the deponent and ISIaj. Benschoten, that the Gen' would be with them in the morning, and that they were to march in pursuit of the enemy. NORTHERN INVASION. 197 That tlie levies under Col°. Dubois, and the militia commanded by the deponent, marched accordingly about an hour after sunrise, and before the Gen' came up with them. That he heard the Gen' lodged at Fox's about three or four miles below Klock's. That Col". Dubois and the deponent, and their troops marched to Fort Herkimer and arrived there about two o'clock, being about eighteen or twenty miles. That about an hour after, they were joined by the general with a party of horse, and that some time thereafter. Major Morris, with a party of militia came up; and that about two hours after the General's arrival they were joined by a body of militia. That then (about four o'clock), all the troops marched from Fort Herkimer (about six miles), to Shoemaker's. GenP Question. Do you know the reason of our marching to Shoemaker's ? Alls''. The enemy had marched into the woods, and it was supposed they only meant to avoid the little forts which were along the public road, and would come into the road again at Shoemaker's. Gen^^ Quest. Did you not hear that we were at a loss to know which way the enemy had gone, and do you not recollect that three Indians were sent out by me to discover their track ? A. I did hear that it was doubtful which route the enemy had taken and that the Indians were sent out. Quest. Did we remain there that night, or did we 198 NORTHERN INVASION. return, — and when — and do you know tlic reason of our return ? Ans. "We remained there till near dark, and then returned to Fort Herkimer. I do not know the reason why. I heard the scouts had been out and returned, and that they could not discover that the enemy had gone that way. Quest. Did not the governor join us at Fort Her- kimer ? Ans. He did, some time in that night. Quest. Had you on the 19th Oct" from your situa- tion, any opportunity of seeing the confusion that prevailed on our left and centre ? Ans. I had not. Quest. Do you think it would have been prudent in me, to have engaged the enemy wdth the party of levies and militia wdio were on the north side of the river, at Wolrod's ferry, before the militia who were below came up ? Ans. 1 do not think it would. Quest by tlic Court. Did you on the 19th or 20th October, or at any time before, discover any want of personal bravery and firmness in Gen' Rensselaer ? Ans. I never did, before, nor did I at any time on those daj^s. John Lansing Jun'', Esqr. being sworn, says as follows : On the 17th of October last, in the after- noon, I accompanied Gen' Rensselaer in quality of Aid-major from Albany to Schenectady. The city of NORTHERN INVASION. 199 Albany militia, and some other regiments liaving previously proceeded on tlieir marcli to tliat place. "We overtook and passed a number of the militia before we arrived at that place, and Col°. Van Alstyne's reg' which had been directed to march by the way of Nestagiuna, not having arrived at Schenectady in the evening, the general sent an express to him, with orders to hasten his march, so as to be at Schenectady at daybreak next morning. In the mean time, the general having been informed that the enemy were still burning in the lower parts of Schoharie, convened some of the principal inhabit- ants of Schenectady, and advised with them on the practicability of procuring a number of horses and waggons by the next morning, to convey such militia as could be collected, towards the enemy, with the greatest expedition. The attempt was made in the course of the night, but a number very inadequate to the service could only be procured. The issuing commissary was the same evening sent for to inform the general of the state of provisions at Schenectady. It appeared from his information, as I was advised by Gen' Rensselaer an hour or two after he was sent for, that there was not a sufficiency of provisions of the meat Idnd to victual the troops for a day, and a very small quantity of bread. Some cattle arriving destined for the garrison of Fort Schuyler, the general ordered some of them to be killed for the use of the militia. Tliose 200 NOETIIERN INVASION. were to have been ready at daybreak, but the bread which was ordered to be baked, and the cattle directed to be killed, did not get ready till about nine o'clock in the morning, before which orders were issued to march as soon as the j)ro\d8ions should be received. "While we were at Schenectady on the morning of the I8th, General Rensselaer wrote a letter, or directed me to write to Colonel Staats or Veeder (I cannot charge my memory to which), directing him, as nearly as I can recollect, to call upon Major Woolsey, and to take all the force he could collect from the different posts at Schohary, without exposing the forts too much, pursue the enemy, and hang on their rear, avoiding however an engagement, and advising the General from time to time, of the route, numbers, and such other particulars respecting the enemy as he could collect. I believe it was between nine and ten o'clock before the militia got in march. They marched on the 18th, as far as Sir William Johnson's old place on the Mohawk River, which I think I was informed was sixteen miles above Schenectady. We arrived there after it was dark, and took post on a hill. A council was called by the General as soon as the troops could be properly disposed of, consisting of a number of field ofiicers and the General suo-o-ested to them the necessity of taking measures to procure intelligence of the enemy's route. It was agreed to send out a party to make discoveries, and which was NORTHERN INVASION. 201 accordingly done. The Tnghtenunda ^ Hill being- covered witli woods, and it being very dark, the council agreed in sentiment, that it would be most advisable to remain on the ground on which we then were, till the moon should begin to appear. We accordingly remained I think till some time before the moon rose, when the march was resumed. We arrived at Fort Hunter (I think) about twelve. The militia were directed to cross the Schoharie creek, which was soon effected in a scow and the waggons. I went into the fort with the General, who examined a prisoner that had been taken and brought in, and upon coming out we crossed the creek and found most of the militia on the west side. We then marched on, and I do not recollect that we made any halt after leaving the creek, till we got to Van Ep's where we halted, I think about an hour. Here the General directed me to write to Colonels Dubois and Brown, advising them of his situation and his intentions to pursue the enemy closely, and to attack them by break of day. In consequence of these orders, I wrote a letter to Col° Dubois, of which I believe the paper Col° Harper produced to the court is a copy. Another was dispatched to Colonel Brown. The General received the account at Van Eps, by one Wallace, that the enemy were encamped at Anthony's Nose, on both sides of the river, we continued our march to a field 1 Chuctanimda. 26 202 NORTHERN INVASION. at some distance from the east side of tlic Xose. It was then some time advanced in the day. Here we halted. The ammunition was inspected, and an additional quantity distributed among the troops. Colonel Louis was sent out to reconnoitre 'Anthony's IS^ose, which is a very dangerous defile. Upon his return, and reporting that he had made no discoveries, and after the issues of ammunitions were completed, which might possibly have taken an hour, the militia were ordered on. After proceeding to the west side of the 'Nose, we discovered a party of about forty of the enemy on the north side of the Mohawk River who were bending their course towards the river. Our advance was then about one quarter of a mile in front of the main body. Capt" Driskill of the artillery was with a field piece with the advance guard. I was directed by the Gen' to go to the advance guard and order the officer commanding it, to make proper dispositions to intercept the enemy, should they cross a ford, which it was said was in our front, as the general supposed they mistook our troops for those of the enemy. I rode to the advance, and delivered my orders. They halted for some time, and Cap* Driskill upon my returning desired me to beg the general to give the enemy's party a shot or two. When I returned, I communicated Driskill's request. Gen' Rensselaer observed to me, our business was not so much to frighten the enemy as to fight them, and that a compliance with Driskill's request would only tend NORTHERN INVASION. 203 to discover to the enemy that we were in force. "We continued marching on, without making any general halt, that I recollect, till we arrived at the ford, about a mile to the eastward of Fort Rensselaer. The militia stopped here to refresh themselves not having had time to cook their provisions since their leaving Schenectady, the enemy being then burning from the direction of their fires at Stone Arabia. Soon after the halt, Gen' Rensselaer went to Fort Rensselaer, to which place I followed him and dined. Immediately after dinner. Gen' Rensselaer directed me to go down to the militia and order them across the river as soon as possible. Wlien I came down to the place where they had halted, I found that some had already crossed the river on waggons and others were following their example. But they went across very tardily, complaining of being too much harrassed by a forced march and many appeared much dispirited on account of Brown's defeat which was generally known among them. Imagining that the crossing would be expedited by forming a bridge across the river with our waggons, I suggested it to some of the field oflicers who agreed with me in sentiment, but the orders given for the execution of this service, were executed with such reluctance, that at least two hours elapsed before the militia had crossed, tlio' many of the oflicers exerted themselves to facilitate their conveyance across the river. 204 NOKTilEKN INVASION. While the iiiilitia were crossing, I received two messages from the General, to push them on with all expedition, which was communicated to the field ofHcers on the g'round. Ill the mean time, an attempt was made to induce them to ford the river, but proved unavailing. As soon as they were crossed, they were marched to the place w^here the levies had crossed the river, and were formed and counted off in sections. The enemy were then about two miles in advance, burning the buildings as they proceeded. After we had marched on some distance, the general directed me to ^\a"ite a letter to his Excellency the Governor, advising him that he was near the enemy, and intended to attack as soon as he could overtake them. While I was writing, the disposition of the troops Avas made for an attack. Upon my overtaking the General, who was at the head of what I was told was the centre column, I rode with him some minutes, when he observed to me, that the militia on the left, were marching on without observing any order, and directed me to go to them, and order them to march more compactly. I went down and gave the orders to Colonel Cuyler and some other officers. Upon my return to the General, I observed a number of men in advance of the centre, as I afterwards found, and upon my taldng the shortest route towards them, I found they were Indians. I enquired of one of them whether he had seen the NOIITIIKKN INVASION. 205 General. He liappeiicd not to nnderstand nic, and while I was endeavoring to make him nnderstand me the Indians hegan to fire, and received a warm one in return. The first fire, my horse fell with me. By this time, the troops in the low ground had commenced a firing at long shot from the enemy, broke, and some ran. I again made an attempt to mount my horse, but finding that he would not stand fire, I ran down towards the left, one of the militia attending me and leading my horse, till I came to Van Alstyne's regiment which was broke. I assisted in rallying it, which was partly eftected. I then went to Colonel Cuyler's and endeavored to assist the ofiicers in rallying that regiment, which was also partly rallied : but part of another regiment (Van Alstyne's I think) firing at Cuyler's they again broke, and could not be rallied. A similar confusion seemed to prevail in every part of the troops on the left. I did not see General Rensselaer after the firing commenced, till it had somewhat subsided, and from the direction of the fire, it appeared that the enemy's had entirel}^ ceased, when he exerted to rally Cuyler's and other regiments on the left. He observed to me, that the confusion and darkness was such, that it would be imprudent to engage the enemy in the night, and directed me to assist in marching ofl^ the troops. When the firing commenced on our part, the rear of two regiments in the low grounds, were strung 206 NORTHERN INVASION. along a Imiiclrcd and Hfty or two lumdred yards beliind tlie frout, and kept up a warm fire, as well as the front, but tlie direction of the fire seemed to.be up in the air. At the time the engagement began it was dark, and in a few minutes it was quite dark, which I believe was occasioned by the smoke of the buildings which were burnt by the enemy. Immediately after the firing on the part of the enemy ceased, I heard several exclamations at diiferent times, by the militia on the low grounds, that they were in danger to be cut to pieces and surrounded by the enemy and many of them expressed a great disposition to run oft". In the evening of the action, I suggested to the general, that the troops were without provisions and I recollect he informed me, that he had ordered the provisions to be over early in the morning, but it did not arrive till after sunrise. In the same evening, the General informed me, that he had given orders to Col". Dubois, for the marching of the levies in pursuit of the enemy the next morning, by break of day, or before day, (I do not recollect which), and those troops marched accordingly. As soon as the militia had got their provisions and cooked and eat it, they marched also, I think about an hour after sunrise (but this I cannot ascertain with precision). NORTHERN INVASION. 207 On tlie march, the general desired that a small detachment of men of the different regiments who were best able to go on, shonld turn ont as volunteers, to overtake, and who went on to join Co?. Dubois. If I recollect right, this detachment was made in consequence of intelligence received, that Col". Dubois was very near the enemy. The General went on, escorted by a small number of horsemen, to join Col°. Dubois. I followed him, and we arrived at Fort Herkimer about two o'clock. About two hours after, the militia joined us and halted a small space of time. . Here the General received intelligence, that the enemy had struck off from the public road to avoid the fort, and had taken the route to Shoemaker's. The General then marched the troops on to near Shoemaker's. It was there become doubtfal what route the enemy had taken, and parties of Indians and white men were sent out to discover their track who returned and finally reported that from the observations they could make, the enemy had not gone that way. ^Hien the general found that he had mistaken the enemy's route, he ordered the troops to return to fort Herkimer, with intentions (as was said), to fall in with their track, to the southward of Fort Herkimer. It was just dark, when the troops marched from Shoemaker's towards Fort Herkimer. The next morning the governor took the command. Question by the Court. From the whole tenor of 208 NORTHERN INVASION. Gcii' Rensselaer's eonduct in liis niarcli up the Moliawk River, liad yon reason to suppose that he "was anxious to come up with the enemy? Avs"". IFe ajipeared to be very much so, in every part of his •conduct. Quest, hj Court. Did yon, in or before the action of the 19"" October, discover any want of firmness, or personal bravery in the general ? Ans^. From wliat I observed of his conduct, before the action, he appeared to possess himself fully, and in the course of that action, or after it he did not betray the least want of resolution or tiruiuess, as far as fell under my observation. The court then adjourned till Saturday morning, March 17"", at 7 o'clock. The court met pursuant to adjournment. Upon duly considering the proofs and allegations respecting B. Gen^ Rensselaer's conduct on the incursions of the enemy into Tryon county, in October last : The Court do unanimously rej)ort their opinion : That the whole of General Rensselaer's conduct both before and after, as well as in, the action of the 19th of October last, was not only unexceptionable, but such as became a good, active, faithful, prudent and spirited officer, and that the public chuuors raised to his prejudice on that account, are without the least foundation. Jacobus Swartwout, Presd' His Excellency, Governor Clinton. NORTIIKIIN INVASION. iJOl) Memorial of the Supervisors of Tn/on Coun/i/. At a meeting' of tlie supervisors of Tryoii county on the 20tli day of December, 1780 : The supervisors being convened according to the directions of the several acts for raising men during the war; for raising by tax a sum equal to 150,000 doHars in specie, and for drawing forth the supphes allotted to this state passed in the last setting of tlie legislature: — and having taken the same into con- sideration, are obliged to observe, that in the former situation of the county, the quotas allotted to us might have been raised, but that in the present situation, we are persuaded, that as to the two former acts, it is out of the power of the county to comply with them, without distressing us in the highest degree. The latter cannot be complied with, without starving great numbers of people who have been burned out and abandoned their plantations. The poverty and inability of our people are such, that we think that in the present impoverished state of the country, it is unjust and unreasonable to be called upon for such large proportions of men, money and supplies, willing and ready as we always have been in our exertions for the public good, we cannot be understood to censure the legislature for passing the laws, for at the time thereof, we think we might have raised our quotas, but we mean to show that at present we have not that ability. 27 iJiO NORTHERN INVASION. In order to set the state of the country in a proper point of view, we have with great trouble and labor, got attested returns made of the number of buildings burned, of families moved from their plantations, of persons ran away to the enemy, of the number killed and taken prisoners, and as near as could be, the farms which lie uncultivated by reason of our defenceless situation: — By which it appears, that 700 buildings have been burnt, 354 families have abandoned their plantations and moved from the county, 613 persons have deserted to the enemy, 197 persons have been killed, 121 persons are prisoners with the enemy. The number of uncultivated farms in consequence of incursions by and desertions to the enemy amounts to at least 1,200. The whole of the county is not included in the above. Eeturns from Cherry Valley, Newtown-Martiu, Springfield, Harpersfield and Old England district, by reason of a total desertion of these settlements could not be got. The inhabitants have some deserted to the enemy, the greater number moved in. When the above was made up, returns from three companies in Colonel Fisher's regiment had not come in, one of which is nearly burned out. To make our misery and distress appear clear, it is observable, that in Col° Bellinger's regiment, which comprehends the German Flatts and Kingsland districts, there are not more than forty-four farms cultivated, on which live 139 families, besides the NORTHERN INVASION. 211 owners, tlio produce whereof in time of peace would not maintain more tlian 183 families, so that making allowance for the dangers we are daily exposed to, tliej have not sufficient by a great deal for their sub- sistence. Eighty-eight families have moved lower down . That in Col" Klock's regiment, comprehending Palatine district, the greater part of the buildings are destroyed with the grain, one full third of the farms lie uncultivated j and not above 50 farmers left, who have any grain to spare : added to the large number of refugees from the upper Canajohary districts makes it evident beyond a doubt that this district has not bread till the ensuing harvest. The greater half of Canajohary is destroyed; some parts so long ago as 1778, which since have not been tilled: some part last summer. The devas- tation and property of the inhabitants and refugees in this district are such, that the grain in it will be barely sufficient for the subsistence of those who remain in it. Caughnawaga district in Col" Fisher's regiment, is equally distressed with the two last having a large number of disaffected people on its back parts, who are a continual terror to the well affected, who in order to aid the country, raise no more than a sufficiency for themselves, with the double destruction of the ablest part of the district has undergone the part remaining being poor in general, added to a total destruction of a great part of the district shew a melancholy truth 212 NORTHERN INVASION. that all the i;raiii reiiiaiuing therein, will not keep tlie inliabitants and refugees resident, till they can have the benefit of a new crop. The ^lohawk District in Col" Fislier's Reginient, has suffered the least by the enemy and is not so much burthened with refugees as the others, — has some grain to spare, but when the other parts of the country are supphed, what they fall short out of the super- fluities of the Mohocks, we apprehend that the quantity remaining will not be great. The causes of our distress arise chiefly from the following. The situation of the country make it an entire frontier, exposed to the inroads of the enemy from the north, west and south. The frequent irruptions and many murders committed by the enemy, the constant dread of a repetition thereof, have induced the people to build numbers of small picketed forts, in which they are cooped up from spring to fall, the militia being at half of their time on duty. The difficulty if not impossibility in these cases to work our lands. The work that is done, is performed by halfs only, and under continual fear of the tomahawk and scalping knife. The farms cultivated, are only those which lie near the picquets. The great and heavy losses sustained by us in lives, prisoners, desertions to the enemy, and [in] property, have occasioned the removal from the countrj^ of a very large number of families most of them our wealthiest people, and to NORTHERN INVASION. 213 disliearteii tliose who remain, numbers more are now preparing to follow tliose already gone. Tlie people think, that what remains of this once flom-ishing county will he destroyed the ensuing summer. The nature of the war in these parts is such, that a small force may do it. Having literally sacrificed our lives and fortunes, in defence of the Liberties of America, the supervisors are sorry to hold up the language of despondence, but the justice we owe to ourselves our constituents and our country, the apprehensions we entertain that the peculiar circumstances of this county, and the great distresses of the people have never been fully made known by those whose duty it was, -render it indispensible. The necessity of the case obliges us to do it, in the plain language of truth and without exaggeration. We cannot help representing as grievances, that upwards of one hundred tory women with destitute families are remaining in Caughnawaga district. The collection of the rents from the tenants of Sir John Johnson and Col" Butler in the same district, due since the Declaration of Independence, at this time fall exceeding hard on that district, as thereby that grain is taken away, which is necessary for their consumption. As the taking away cattle, at the point of the bayonet might have been necessary for the subsistence of troops, we do not complain of it, but the refusal '214 NORTHEUN INVASION. of proper vouchers by those wlio executed that l)ushiess, is a grievance we cannot overlook. The hirge numbers of stock drove off by the enemy, at different times, makes the hardship of having our cattle seized the greater. The consequences of the depreciation of the paper currency is, that we can obtain neither the necessaries nor conveniences of life but by barter for grain. Money we have none, as the supplies furnished the public for upwards of a year past, are not yet paid. The depreciation it is confessed, has arisen from several causes. Whatever cause it is ascribed to, we feel ourselves entirely free of it, as we can make it appear, that until the last spring, the prices were always lower with us than below, and we seldom if ever received the current price below for our grain here. The reasons that we have not raised every tax demanded of us by law, are, as to one tax, a disagree- ment between the supervisors and assessors in assessing the estate real and personal, and as to the others, the want of money, the destitution of the country, and the consequent misery and distress of its inhabitants, arising from the causes, and in the manner above related. It is ordered that a fair copy of the above be made and transmitted to his Excellency the Governor, and that the clerk of this board sign the same. Signed by order of the Supervisors. Isaac Paris, Clerk. NORTHERN INVASION. 215 Report of Losses in the Territory of the Tryon County Brigade^ since the heginning of the War. Made Decem- ber 1, 1780. a id o a ■ =3 05 i a Regiments, &c. s o t OS a m a o 3 a a a _2 a o ai a S a J2 1 =4: '^ K w pq 5 50 PL, 46 52 6 Col. Bellinger's Reg't 139 25 131 112 " Klock's 854 35 154 48 27 97 1 " Fisher's 600 470 105 5 23 13 83 2 Capt. Cloyt's 393 73 69 58 1 71 38 86 1 " Ruber's Comp 10 64 170 11 5 197 10 134 36 354 2 2 Total. 1,386 613 523 4 Persons who have gone to the enemy : Adam Helmer & son, Peter Doring, William Cox, Jacob Didricli, Robert Smicht and Rudolpli Schoe- marker. Capt. Herter reported 36 bouses, 29 barns and 2 mills as burned, 6 males and 2 females killed, 3 males taken prisoners, and 24 males and 28 females wbo bad moved out of tbe district since tlie commencement of tbe war. Capt. Staring reported 38 bouses 34 barns and 3 mills burnt, 26 males and 5 females killed; 16 males and 3 females taken; and 3 males and 33 females moved out since beginning of tbe war. Capt Fred Frank in tbe like period reported 64 houses 55 barns and 3 mills burned, 36 males and 10 females killed, 37 males and 11 females taken, and 11 males and 44 females moved out of tbe district. INDEX. Alarms, 31, 33, 40. Albany, Address of Common Council, of, 137; County, 34 Gov. Clinton o-oes to, 96 Militia, 36, 198 ; Quota, 90 troops for, 101. Allen, Captain, 77. Allen, Ebenezcr, 57. Allen, Ethan, jealousy of, 39, 83, 145. Allen, Major, 29. Ambuscade near Oneida Lake, 130 ; of Col. Brown, 15. Amsterdam, 179, 187. Andrustown, 22, 119. Anthony's Nose, 28, 54, 173, 193, 201, 202. Arnold, Col. Brown's quarrel with, 157. Arnold's treason, nllusion to, 63, 64, 98, 157, 158. Articles of Confederation, 41 ; of capitulation of Fort George, 92. Assessment of supplies, 83. Atoiatonharonkwen, 173. Backus, John, 787. Ballston, 18, 124, 131, 132, 134, 141, 144; enemy at, 45, 90, 105. Barrett, Ensign, 44, 92. Balchellor, Zephaniah, 84. Bateaux guarded, 33. Beautifuf Elm in Panton, 128. Becker, Joim, 48. Beldinu-, Capt., 97. Beldin'tr, Col., 98. Bell, Georo-e Henry, 118, 119. Bellinger, Col. Peter, letter of, 65 ; letter to, from Gov. Clinton, 126; Col., Regiment of, 210, 215. Benschoten, Major, 170, 183, 195, 196. Benson, Col., 144. Benson, Robert, 114. Bethlehem, N. Y., 113. Biographical notices: Bellinger, °Peter, 65 ; Brown, Col. John, 57, Cantine, John, 164 ; Carle- ton, Chris., 108; Chipman, Capt. John, 100 ; Cook, Col. Louis, 173; Drake, Joshua, 130 ; Dubois, Lewis, 119, 165 ; Duncan, Richard; Gordon, James, 45 ; Gros, Rev. Johau Daniel, 87 ; Harper, John, 165; Harper, William, 171; Hushes, Peter, 146; Jansen, Johannis, 70 ; Lansing, John, Jr., 165 ; Lush, Stephen, 91 ; McCracken, Joseph, 129 ; McKinstry, John, 174 ; Mur- phy, Tiniothy, 52; Patter- son, Eleazer, 78; Schuyler, Stephen, 9, 115; Sherwood, Adriel, 43 ; Snyder, Johannis, 113; Staats, Barent J., 113; Swartwout, Jacobus, 164; Ten Broeck, xibraham, 113; Thomas, Thomas, 164; Van Buntschoten, Elias, 170 ; Van Rensselaer, Robert, 104 ; Van Schaick, Col., 9, 67; Van Veghten, Hendrick, 176 ; Van Woert, Lewis, 143; Veeder, Volkert, 49; Vroo- man, Walter, 130 ; Webster, Allen, 111 ; Weisseufels, Frederick H., 147 ; Wempel, Abraham, 131 ; Woolsey, Mclancton L., 48, 51 ; Yates, Christopher P., 20. Bleecker, John, 80, 81. Bloody Pond, 122, 123. Board of War, 23. 28 218 INDEX. Bogart, Ciipt., 48. Boston, Convention at, 75. Bradnor, Lieut., 84. Brant, Joseph, 17, 19, 20, 80, 33, 84, 42, 47, 55, 68, 70, 80, 89, 98, 90, 106, 154, 174. Brattlel)()rou_iih, 78. British Aiicnts, inliueuce of, 31. iiroAvn, Ileurv, 58. Brown, Col. John, 50, 57, 77, 110, 139, 155, 166, 107, 173, 180, 187, 189, 201, 203. Bryon, Matthew, 00. Biick Ishxnd, 02. Bufialo, 173. Bulwagga Bay, 28, 45, 128, 134. Bursioyne's Invasion, 22, 57, 148. Butler, Col. Jolm, 17, 42, 47, 76, 89, 98, 96, 100, 154 ; events due to, 213. Butler's Regiment, 27. Butterfield, Beuj., 78. Cadaughrity, 171. Cadorotty, 171. Cambridge, N.Y., 142. Canada, expedition from, ex- pected, 40. Canajoharie, 20, 20, 34, 58, 85, 88, 115, 125, 138, 139, 188, 194; destroyed, 34, 211, 213 ; casualties at, 37. Canaghsioraga, 137. Canashraga, 130. Caneseraga, 130. Cannon, enemy supplied with, 42. Cantine, Col. John, 164. Capitulation of Fort George, 32. Carleton, Major Christopher, 48, 44, 89, 98, 99, 108, 122, 124, 183, 184, 135. Carleton Island, 120. Carleton, vessel, 99. Castle, 192. Castleton, 148. Casualties in Tryon county, table of, 215. Cattle, press w^arrant for, 120. Cauffhnawaga, 55, 123, 173. Cayuga, N. Y., 146. Cedars, 173. Clianil)ly, Col. Brown at, 57. Charleston, 82. Charlotte county, 21, 24, 29, 132 ; quotas, 90. Cherry Valley, 17, 20. Chin, ]Mr., 144. Chipman, Capt. John, 44, 92. 98, 100,115. Chittenden, Gov., letter of, to Gov. Clinton, 111. Chucktinunda creek, 179. Chucktinunda hill, 180, 185, 187. Church burned at Stone Arabia, 116. Church, Timothy, 78. Cinge, Adam, 87. Clapp, Daniel, 154. Clark, Major, 69. Claverack, 94, 105. Clinton, Gov. DeWitt, 88. Clinton, Gov. George, 29, 38, 53, 54,61, 204; letters to, from Col. Van Schaick, 67, 74; Lt. Col. Johannis Janscn, 69, 71 ; Col. J. Newkirk, 73 ; Gen. R. Van Rensselaer, 70, 94, 103, 115, 117; Col. E. Patterson, 77 ; citizens of Tryon county, 83 ; Ste- phen Lush, 89; Gen. W. Heath, 101 ; Col. B. I. Staats, 100; Gov. T. Chittenden, 111 ; Isaac 8toutenburgh, 112 ; Gen. Ten Broeck, 113, 114, 142, 150; Col. Lewis Du Bois, 119 ; Gen. Schujier, 123, 140; Col. A. Webster; Gen. Washington, 159 ; let- ters of, to Col. Jansen, 69 ; Col. Newkirk, 70 ; Col. Paw- ling, 72 ; Gen. Washington, 74,^97, 151, 157 ; citizens of Cumberland county, 78 ; Col. G. Van Schaick, 81; Gen. P. Schuyler, 82, 105, 125; Col. Klock, 87, 120; Gen. Van Rensselaer, 95 ; Gen. Greene, 96; Col. Bel- linger, 120 ; Ebenezer Rus- sell, 182 ; James Duane, 143 ; Gen. Heath, 147 ; address of mayor and council of Al- bany ; 137 ; reply of, 189. Clinton, Sir Henry, 82. Clinton, General James, to command at Albany, 42, 83, 101. Clinton Co., 48. INDEX. 219 Clothing, want of, 156 ; supplied, 80, 81. Clothing agent, 80. Clojn, Capt., 215. Clyde, Col. Samuel, testimony of, 194. Columbia College, 88. Conawaga destroyed, 85. Connecticut, delegates from, 75. Connecticut VaUey, expedition to, 46, 189. Connestigone, 178. Convention of States at Boston, 75. Cook, Col. Louis, 173, 202. Coppernoll, Nicholas, 87. Cornplanter, anecdote of, 35. Cornwallis, 168. Countryman, Adam, 87, 174, 194. Court of Inquiry, proceedings of, 164 ; decision of, 208. Cox, William, 215. Crown Point, 27, 45, 116, 155. Cruelty of Indians, alleged, 44. Cumberland County, 21, 24,38,78. Cushing, Thomas, 75. Cuyler, Mr., 116. Cuvler, Col., 60, 142, 176, 181, '191, 204, 205. Danae, Ship, 133. Decision of Court of Inquiry, 208. Depreciation of currency, 38, 214. Deserter, 118. DeWitt. Major, 72, 73. Deygert, Peter, S., 84, 87. Didrich, Jacob, 215. Dillenbeck, John, 59. Disaffected families, 84. Doriug, Peter, 215. Drake, Joshua, 130. Drake, Col. Samuel, letter to, from Capt. Lawrence, 129. Driskill, Joseph, 121, 180, 181, 190, 202. Duane, James, letter to, from Gov. Clinton, 143. Duane, Mrs., 146. Dubois, Col. Lewis, 60, 116, 119, 152, 166, 167, 166, 168, 169, 170, 187, 189, 192, 193, 195, 196, 197, 201, 207; Lewis, letter of, to Gen. Van Ren- sselaer, 118; Gov. Clinton, 119. Drew, Mr., 157. Duncan, Capt. Richard, 55. Dutchess County, 24; quotas, 90. Dyckman, Sampson, letter of, to Gov. Clinton, 117 ; testimony of, 185. East Canada Creek, 142. Elliott's, 172. Epitaph of Timothy Murphy, 52. Escort of provisions, 156. Faling, John A., 59. Fall iiill, 118, 119. Federal government, early move- ment toward, 75. Feeck, John, 47. Ferguson, Col., 163. Ferry, 190. Fisher, Col., regiment of, 210, 211, 212, 215. Fishkill, 154, 164. Florida, N. Y., 172. Flour, press warrant for, 120. Floyd, Mr., 146. Folliot, Geo., 148. Fonda, Adam, 100. Fonda, Jellis, 32, 87. Fonda village, 55. Foord, Capt., 48. Ford where the enemy crossed, 185. Fording of river, 189, 190, 203, 204. Fort Ann, 24, 43, 57, 89, 93, 96, 98, 99, 106, 122, 133, 136, 155. Fort Carleton, 62. Fort Dayton, 28, 85, 127. Fort Edward, 23, 24, 44, 93, 96, 99, 110, 124, 128, 141. Fort George, 89, 92, 95, 96, 100, 106, 122, 133, 186, 155. Fort Herkimer, 23, 61, 62, 76, 119, 127, 147, 148, 156, 193, 197, 198, 207. Fort Hunter, 24, 54, 104, 107, 116, 144, 171, 172, 177, 179, 180, 185, 187, 201. Fortifications, location of, 22. Fort at Johnstown, 28. Fort Kej'ser, 57, 59. 220 INDEX. Fort Xia^am, 17, I'J. Fort Paris, 2(5, 82, 56, 57, 59. Fort Plain, 28, 7G, IIG, 166, 168, 178. Fort Plank, 28, 85, 70. Fort Kcnssclacr, 60, 76, 181, 144, 167, 16S, 178, 180, 181, 184, 189, 1!)4, 208. Fort Schuvlor, 28, 80, 88, 36, 88, 42, 58," 62, 68, 72, 74, 75, 77, 80,94,98, 118, 129, 144, 146, 148, 156, 160, 161, 199. Fort Stauwix, rumor of capture, 81. Fort Phili]), 152. Fox's mills, 154, 181, 184. Frank, Fred., 215. Fry, Major, 188. Fultouville, N. Y., 166, 172. Gage's hill, 122. Galway, 181. Gausevoort, Col. Peter, 44, 101, 109, 125, 132, 140, 147, 155, 159. Gardinier's Flatts, 172. Garlock, John Christian, 116. Garoga creek, 82, 152. Garrisons of frontier post, 127. Garrison duty, irksomeness of, 80. Gates, General, 57. Gebhard, John, Jr., 58. Germain, Lord, 68, 133. German Flatts, 21, 86, 65, 67, 118, 119, 140, 210. GermautOAyn, 66. Gillet, Mr., 101. Glen. Henry, 102, 108, 107, 120, 177, 186. Glen, H., letter to, from Col. Veeder, 102. Glen, town of, 173. Goodman, Dommas, 87. Granville, 142. Green, Gen., 97, 101; letter to, from Goy. Clinton, 96. Grog Bay, 128. Gros, Johan Daniel, 87. Gordon, James, 45, 46. Guilderland, 180. Haldimand, (-foyernor, 68, 64, 133. Half .Moon Point, 28. Hall's Poughkeepsie Journal, 95. Hanoyer, K. H., 82. Hanson, Peter, 100. Harper, Capt. Alexander, 19. Harper, Col. John, 29, 166, 175, 189, 190, 201 ; testimony of, 165. Harper, William, 171. Harpersfield, 19, 22, 165, 210. Harris, William, 78. Harrison, N. Y., 164. Harvesting protected, 36, 85. Haughton, Major, 46, 134. Hay, Col. Udny, 118, 117, 141. Heath, General, 88, 150; letter to Gov. Clinton, 101 ; letter to, from Gov. Clinton, 147. Hebron, N. Y., 111. Hellebergh, 181. Helmcr, Adam, 215. Henderson, Capt., 154. Hendrick, Leonard, 78. Herter, Capt., 215. Herkimer, 28. Herkimer, Gen. Nicholas, 118. Hessians, 47. Hinsdale, Vt., 78. How, Artemas, 78. Huber, Capt., 215. Hughes, Major, 28, 42, 62, 89, 146, 156. Jansen, Lt. Col. Johannis, 40, 70, 78, 74. Jansen, Lt. Col. Johannis, letters of, 69, 71 ; letters to, 69, 71. Johnson, Sir John, 26, 27, 42, 47, 48, 50, 51, 55, 57, 58, 62, 63, 76, 89, 90, 98, 106, 118, 121, 184, 185, 147, 154, 166, 172, 180 ; rents due to, 213. Johnson, Sir William, 55, 179. Johnson, Sir William, place of, 200. Johnston, W^illiam, 93. Johnstown, 18, 21, 23, 26, 28, 35, 122, 154 ; memorial from, 88 ; Carleton said to be at, 108. Kaselman, John, 87. Katskill, 107. Keator's Pift, 55. INDEX. 221 Kelmau, George, 87. Keyser, Capt. John, 18. Killed antl wounded, 135, 136. Kinnsbury burnt, 43. Kiugsland district, (55, 210. Kingston, 97. Kirliman, James, 93. Klock, Col. Jacob I., 26, 87, 91. Kloclv, Col., letter to, from Sov. Clinton, 87, 126. Klock, Col., regiment of, 211, 215. Klock's, Held battle of, 60. Klock's place, 60, 182. Klock's house, 191, 195, 196, 197, Knowlton, Mr., 79, 143. LaFayette, Maripus, 108. L'Hommedieu, Ezra, 146. Lairs, Hen rick, 87. Lairs, William, 87. Lake Champlain, 22, 27, 29, 96, 109, 134, 42, 43, 76. Lalve George, 24,29, 30,45, 57, 62, 93,l09. Lansing, Capt., 48. Lansing, John, Jr., 151, 165, 166, 190 ; letter of, to Gov. Clin- ton, 107 ; testimony of, 198. Laurence, Capt. J. , Jr., letter of, to Col. S. Drake, 129. Legislature convened, 40. LeKoy, Mr., 186, 189. Levies for defense of frontiers, 25. Leyp, Adam, 87. Lincoln, Gen., 57. Little Falls, 18. Livingston, Col., 44, 91, 97, 110, 115, 123, 189, Livingston, Col. Henry, Jr., 117; letter to, from, Capt. Sher- ■\vood, 99. Livingston, Peter, R., 117. Livingston, Robert, 146. Livingston, Gov. Wm., 81. Livingston, N. Y., 74. Losses of Tryon Co , table of, 215. Loudon's Packet, article from, 121. Louis, Col., 202. Lowville, N. Y., 58. Lush, Stephen, 91, 97; letter from, to Gov. Clinton, 89. McAlpin'sRegt., 136. McCrackeu, Major Joseph, 129. McCrea, Colonel, 27. McCrea, Dr. Stephen, 114. McDonald, Donald, incursion of, 37, 05. McDonald, a refugee, 45. McDougall,Gcn. Alexander, 146. McFarlan, Mr., 141. Macliin, Thomas, 157. McKinstrv, 3Iajor John, 173 ,174, 182, i87. Malcom, Col. William, 36,72, 73, 74, 89, 80, 91, 94, 97, 98, 129, 157 ; letter of, to Gen. Van Rensselaer, 93. Massachusetts, Delegates from, 75. Mayfield, 29. Memacatinge, 71. Memorial of citizens of Shenec- tady, 131 ; of supervisors of Tryon County, 209. Miami,*battle of, 130. Middleburgh, 21, 47, 48. Militia, oi'ganization of, 24 ; for guarding forts, 25, 30 ; rallied in pursuit, 29 ; sent u]) Mohawk Valley, 36 ; might be called out, 41 ; called out, 43. Milford, N. Y., 171. ]\[ills, Abraham, 141. Miuisink, 19, 73. ]Mohawk District, 212. ]\Iohawk Indians, 134. Monmouth, 148. Montreal, 26. Monument to Col. Brown, 58. Morris, Lewis R., 186, 197. Mortars, 42, 89, 157. i\Iount Deliance, 57. jNIount Independence, 57, 128. Muller, Capt., 48. Munro, Major John, 45, 46. Murphy, Timothy, 51, 52. Nash, Aaron, 79. Navigation of Mohawk, 38. Nepoueck, 73. Nestigiuna, 199. Nestigona, 178, 179. New Xlty, 23. New Hampshire, delegates from, 75. 222 INDEX. New JI:uni)sliire (Jnuits, 29,539, 79, !»S, 110, 144, 145. Ncwkirk, Col., loiter to Gov. Clin- ton, 7o. Newkirk, Jacob, 70, 74. Newkirk, letter to, from Gov. Clinton, 73 ; letter of Gov. Clin' on, to, 70. Newport, Freneh at, 75. Newtown, Battle of, 148. Newtown-Martin, 22, 210. Niagara, 31, 42, 8G, 89, 134, 135. Niskavuna 178. Niven's Kill, 70. Norman's Kill, settlements attacked, 35. Nose (See Anthony's Nose). O'Bail, 35. Ocquago, scout to, 77. Old-England District abandoned, 210. Old Farms, 172. Oneida, 153, 154 ; enemy at, 33, 89, 93; expedition by way of, 42. Oneida Castle, 23. Oneida Indians, 152, 190, 194, 204 ; jealousy of, 18 ; faith- ful, 31 ; removed to Shenec- tady, 32, 141. Oneida Lake, expedition by way of, 47. Oneida settlements, rumored destruction of, 32. Orange County, 24 ; quotas, 90. Ordnance captured from enemy, 121. Oriskanv, battle of, 118. Oswegafcliie, 188. Oswego, 02, 135. Palatine, 20, 28, 32, 116, 188. Palatine Bridge, 56. Panton, 128. Paris, Isaac, 33, 214. Patterson, Col. Eleazer, 71, 78; Letter of, to Gov. Clinton, 77. Pawling, Col. Levi, 164. Pawling, Col. All)ert, 25, 70, 71, 72; letter to, from Gov. Clin- ton, 72. Peasley, 131. Pellinger, Col., 67. Petition of citizens of Tryon Co., 85. Pliillips, Major, 73. Pittstiekl, Mass., 57. Plattsburgh, 48. Poole, Capt., 48. Poughkeepsie, 40, 90, 90, 97, 105. Prackness, 159. Pratt, Lt. Col. David, 187, 188. Prisoners, 17, 19, 154. Provisions, scarce, 90, 92, 94, 98, 102, 117, 206; forwarded, 112. Putnam's Point, 128, 145. Quebec, 133. Queensbury burnt, 44. Quotas, 99, 162; provided for, 158. Ray, Mr , 143. Rayments Mills, 128. Recruiting for army, 41. Reinlistment of troops, 25. Reimensnyder's Bushi, 18. Rensselaer, Gen. See Van Rens- selaer. Rents due to Johnson and Butler, 213. Rescue from torture, 174. Reward offered for a spy, 109. Ries, Rev. John Frederick, 116. Rivington's Gazette, quotation from, 91. Roof, Rev. Gerrit L., 58. Root, N. Y., 28. Roseboom, Capt., 194. Rosendal, 179. Rosie, John, 178. Russell, Ebenezer, letter to, from Gov. Clinton, 132. Sacondaga, 151 ; Block House, 18. St. John, 30, 49, 122. St. Johnsville, GO, 133. St. Regis, 173. Saffbrd, Col., 122. Salem, N. Y., 127, 132. Saratoga, 23, 70, 109, 114, 115, 123. INDEX. 223 Scarcity, complaints of, 211, 212, 2(51. Schenectady, 23, 27, 100, 107, 110, 140, 144, 148, 151, 155, 171, 172, 177, 185, 180, 187, 192, 199, 200; troops rallied at, 29; Indians at, 32; expedi- tion intended for, 45; troops arrive at, 53 ; meeting of citizens of, 54 ; memorial of, 131. Schoharie, 23, 109, 127, 144, 151, 157, 177, 200 ; forts described, 24, 47; troops at, 27; at- tacked, 19, 47, 49, 102, 105 ; fires seen at Schenectady, 53. Schoharie Conrt Honse, 49. Schoharie Kill, 151. Schoonhoven, Colonel, 27. Schuyler, Gen. Philip, 82, 105, 109, 114, 123, 145, 105; or- dered in a certain case to arrest Allen, 39; notifies appearance of enemy, 42 ; • letter to, from Gov. Clinton, 82, 105, 125 ; letter of, to Gov. Clinton, 123, 140. Schuyler, Col. Philip P., 107, 113. Schuyler, Col. Stephen I., 106, 115. Schuyler, Major, 186. Schuyler's Regt., 105, 106. Sconondo, 31. Scotch tories, 21. Scott, George G., 45. Scott, Gen. John Morin, 146. Seger, Henry, 78. Settlements, extent of, in 1780, 21 ; broken up, 27. Shawangunk, 40, 09, 71. Shell, John Christian, 37, 05. Sherwood, Capt. Adiel, 43, 89, 93, 99, 101, 122, 123; letter of, to Col. H. Livingston, 99. Sherwood, Mrs., 101. Shoemaker, Rudolph, 215. Shoemaker's, 197, 207. Shoemaker's Land, 120. Sidney's Mills, 103, 100, 107. Simms, J. R., 53, 70 Skeenesborough, 18, 21, 23,24, 26, 57, 128, 143, 150. Sloansville, 103. Smicht, Robert, 215. Smith, John, 23. Smith, Joshua H., 157. Smith, Seth, 78. Smith, JMr., 79. Smyth, Dr. George, 100. Snell, John, 87. Snyder, Jacob, 141. Snyder, Col. Johannis, 113. South Bay, 43. Southern Campaign, 163. Sprakers, 55. Springfield, 22, 210. Spy at Johnstown, 101. Staats, Col. B. I., 113, 200; letter of, to Gov. Clinton, 106. Staring, Capt., 215. Stone Arabia, 27, 32, 33, 42, 56, 57, 58, 59, 89, 94, 115, 135, 136, 144, 173, 188, 203. Stone Aral)ia Patent, 116. Stone Ridge, 173. Stone, William L., 26. Stouteuburgh, Isaac, letter of, to Gov. Clinton, 112. Sullivan, General, 17, 148. Supervisors of Try on Co., me- morial of, 209. Supplies for army, 160, 161. Susquehannah 2i, 47, 05, 154. Swartwout, Gen. Jacobus, 164, 208. Taxes in kind, 38, 41, 83, 90. Ten Broeck, Gen. Abraham, 18, 27, 42, 82, 90, 92, 93, 105, 100, 113, 131, 147, 155, 159 ; letter of, to Gov. Clinton, 113, 114, 142, 150. Ten Broeck, Dirck, 113. Ten Eyck, Lt. Abraham, 80. Thomfis, Col., 104. Ticonderoga, 57, 116, 124. Tioga routes, party by way of, 47. Tories, 21, 20, 29, 125, 141. Trail of enemy lost, 193, 197, 207. Treachery of Vermont people suspected, 39. Treasure of Sir John Johnson, 29. Treat, Dr. Malachi, 114. Trenton, N. Y., 48. Tribe's Hill, 28. Tryon County, 24; troops sent to, 27 ; petition from, 42, 85 ; letter of citizens of, to Gov. CHnton, 83; 224 INDEX. Tryon County ; quota, 00 ; hri- giide, 91 ; nienioriiil of super- visors, 209 ; table of losses in, 21.'). Tujihtenundu Tlill, 201. Tuscarora Indians, 31. Ulster County, 24; quotas, 90. Unadilla, scout to, 77. Van Alstyne, Col., 178. Van Alstyne, Cornelius, 174. Van Alstyne's Regt., 205. Van Bergen, Col. Anthony, 113. Van Bunsclioten, Major Elias, 130, 170. Van Dresen, James, 44, 124. Van Eps, 1C5, 173, 187, 201. Van Ess, Col., 174. Vanetta, Samuel, 87. Van Rensselaer, Henry K., 25. Van Horne, Rev. Abraham, 58. Van Rensselaer, Jacob Rutsen, 105. Van Rensselaer, Gen. Robert, 32, 33, 30, 42, 51, 53 to 56, 59 to 61, 82, 92, 94, 95, 104, 107, 109, 130, 138, 152, 159, 107 to 186, 191, 194 to 205, 208; letter to, from Col. Malcom, 93; Gov. Clinton, 76, 95 ; Col. Louis Dubois, 118; letter of, to Gov. Clin- ton, 94,103, 115,117; Gen. Court of Inquirjr on, 164; notice of, 104. Van Rensselaer, Stephen, 113. Van Schaick, Col. G., 23, 27, 29, 30, 81, 97, 102 ; letter of, to Gov. Clinton, 67, 79, 81. Van Schaick, Lt. G. W., testi- mony of, 194. Van Veghten, Adjutant, 176. Van Woert, Col., 27, 142, 143, 150; letter of, to Gen. Ten Broeck, 142. Veeder, Lt. Col. Volkert, 49, 53, 104, 177; letter of, to II. Glen, 102. Vermont affairs, 38, 39, 77, 78, 145. Virginia, 163. Vrooman, C:ipt. Walter, 65, 130, Vrooman, Colonel, 29, 127, 142, 153. Vrooman's Land, 47. Wallace, William, 188, 201. Walrath, John, 110, 168. Warrant for im])risonment, 120. Warriner, Samuel, 78. Warner, Colonel, 29, 122. Warner's Regiment, 122. Warren, Sir Peter, 172. Warren, N. Y. 119. Warrensbush, 172. Washington, Gen., 30, 36, 39, 79, 96,98,102,105,106,108,145; letter to, from Gov. Clinton, 74, 97; letter of, to Gov. Clinton, 151, 157, 159. Watson, Capt. James, 67. Webster, Col. Alexander, 111, 141, 142 ; letter of, to Gov. Chnton, 128. Weissenfels, Col., 140, 147, 148, 149, 155, 100. Wemple,Col. Abraham, 120,131, 142. West Canada Creek, 23. Westchester County, 24 ; quotas, 90. West Point, 63, 64, 96, 160. Wheelock, Rev. Mr., 82. Whitinc:, Col., 82. Whhe Creek, 110, 128, 140, 143 ; enemy near, 105, 124. Whitehall, 21. White Plains, 148. Whitin":, Colonel, 60, 169, 182, lOL Williams, Col. John, 111. Williger, 171. Willow Basin, 54. Windsor, X. Y., 77. Woestvne, 187. Wolrod's ferry, 175, 194, 198. Wood, Sergeant Wm., 172. Woodbridge, Col., 157. Woodward, Solomon, 19. Woolsev, jMajor Melancton L., 48, "51, 104,109,200. Wyoming, 17. Yale, Major, 174. Yates, Col. Christopher P., 20,27. Zielley, Capt. John, 59, 87