PA Archives: Military.....SULLIVAN EXPEDITION, 1779: Journal of REV. WILLIAM ROGERS, D. D.
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Additional infomation on Sullivan's Expedition may be found at
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Prepared Pursuant to Chapter 361, Laws of the State of New York, of 1885.
by Frederick Cook, Secretary of State
Auburn, N.Y. Knapp, Peck & Thompson Printers
1887.
[Transcription is verbatim.]
[246] JOURNAL OF REV. WILLIAM ROGERS, D. D.
Illustration taken from
Pennsylvania Archives, Second Series, Vol. 15,
where the journal of Rev. Rogers also appears,
Pages 254-288
REV. WILLIAM ROGERS, D. D., Chaplain in Hand's Brigade. He
was born at Newport, R. I., 22d of July, 1751. In 1771, he
was licensed to preach the gospel in the Baptist church at
Newport, but soon removed to Philadelphia, where he was
settled as Pastor of the Baptist church. In 1776, he was
appointed Chaplain to the Battalions raised in Pennsylvania,
and in 1778, was made Brigade Chaplain in the Pennsylvania
line, which position he held until 1781, when he retired
from military service. In 1789, he was appointed a Professor
in the College and Academy at Philadelphia, and in 1792, was
elected Professor of English and Belles Lettres in the
University of Pennsylvania, which position he held until
1812. In 1816 and 17, he was a member of the Legislature. He
died at Philadelphia, 7th of April, 1824 His journal, from
June 15, to August 29, 1779, was published, with notes and
biography, as No. 7 of the Rhode Island Historical Tracts,
by Sidney S. Rider, Providence, R. I., 1879, and who has
kindly permitted the publication of the journal in this
volume. Extracts from the journal were published in Vols., 1
and 2 of the Universal Magazine, 1797.
JOURNAL.
JUNE 15th. Left Philadelphia.*
JUNE 17th. About 8 o'clock, crossed Easton ferry. Easton is
a pretty village, the capital of Northampton county,
Pennsylvania. Here I met with a large circle of my military
acquaintances of General Poor's and Maxwell's brigades. At
Colonel Barber's marquee I was introduced to Mr. Kirkland, a
worthy clergyman who for a number of years past has been
stationed as a missionary among the Indians. The place of
his residence is Stockbridge, Massachusetts. I am glad to
hear Mr. Kirkland is to go with us on the secret expedition.
Four Stockbridge Indians are at Easton, who are to act as
guides; we expect on our march the Oneidas and friendly
Tuscaroras to offer us their assistance.
______
* This abrupt beginning is accounted for by the fact that
all the chaplain's journals previous to this date were
burned to prevent their falling into the enemy's hands. This
statement is made by the editor of the Philadelphia Gazette.
[247] JUNE 18th. All the troops in town prepared for
marching. Between 5 and 6 o'clock, left the village with all
the pack horses, stores, etc. Halted for breakfast. The army
reaching the foot of the Blue Mountains, twelve miles from
Easton, encamped for the day. Dr. Kirkland, Dr. Evans and
myself passed the mountain at a place called Wind Gap. We
rode on seven miles from the camp to Banker's mills, now
known as Sullivan's stores, upon account of a large house
built here and a great quantity of provisions being stored
therein for the use of the forces under Major General
Sullivan's command. At the store we met with Captain Luke
Broadhead, who with Captain Patterson attends at this post.
On the road from Easton to Sullivan's stores nothing is to
be seen, but hills, stones, trees and brush, excepting here
and there a scattered house and a lake near the mountain,
half a mile in length and one-fourth of a mile in breadth,
wherein abound a variety of fish.
JUNE 19th. At 7 A. M., the troops reached Sullivan's stores.
Halted and drew four days' provisions. Doctors Kirkland,
Evans, Hunter and myself rode forward about nine miles to a
place called Pokono, lower Smithfield township, and put up
for the night at the house of a Mr. Savage, which, exclusive
of one, is the last house from Easton to Wyoming, the
remainder of the way (thirty odd miles) being uninhabited,
except by wild beasts and roving animals. On a mountain
between Sullivan's stores and Pokono, we had a fine prospect
of nature's works. We discovered the water gap of the Blue
Mountains, and hill upon hill surrounding us. The troops
encamped at Learn's tavern, Pokono point. Pokono lies from
Easton north, about two points west.
SUNDAY, JUNE 20th, Marched this morning in the following
order: General Maxwell's brigade in front. Next Colonel
Proctor's regiment; then Poor's brigade, afterwards the
baggage. Halted at Rum Bridge for the night, six miles from
the last inhabited house towards Wyoming. The camp is called
Chowder camp, from the commander-in-chief dining this day on
chowder made of trout. The artillery soldiers killed two or
three rattlesnakes and made, as I understand, a good meal of
them. Owing to Pokono mountain and other eminences, found
this day's march very fatiguing to the horses belonging to
the artillery. Passed a large quantity of pine, poplar, and
oak timber, also a quantity of the largest laurel; the
ground universally covered with brush by the name of ground
oak. No preaching to-day on account of the fatigue of the
troops.
MONDAY, JUNE 21, 1779. This day we marched through the Great
Swamp and Bear Swamp. The Great Swamp, which is eleven or
twelve miles through, contains what is called in our maps
the "shades of death," by reason of its darkness; both
swamps contain trees of amazing height, viz., hemlock,
birch, pine, sugar maple, ash, locust, etc. The roads in
some places are tolerable, but in other places exceedingly
bad, by reason of which, and a long though necessary march,
three of our wagons and the carriages of two field pieces
were broken down. This day we proceeded twenty miles and
encamped late in the evening at a spot which the commander
named Camp Fatigue. The troops were tired and hungry. The
road through the Swamps is entirely new, being fitted for
the passage of our wagons by Colonels Courtlandt and Spencer
at the instance of the commander-in-chief; the way leading
to Wyoming, being before only a blind narrow path. The new
road does its projectors great credit and must in a future
day be of essential service to the inhabitants of Wyoming
and Easton. In the Great Swamp is Locust Hill, where we
discovered evident marks of a destroyed Indian village.
Tobyhanna and Middle creeks empty into the Tunkhanunk; the
Tunkhanunk empties into the head branch of the Lehigh,
which, at Easton, empties into the Delaware. The Moosick
mountain, through a gap of which we passed in the Great
Swamp, is the dividing ridge which separates the Delaware
from the Susquehanna.
TUESDAY, JUNE 22. The Army continued at Camp Fatigue until
two o'clock, P. M., on account of their great march the
preceding day, many of the wagons of the rear guard not
getting in until midnight. A bear and a wolf were seen by a
New Hampshire sentinel, and several deer by a scouting
party, but none were shot. In the forenoon a person arrived
who in the month of April last had been taken prisoner near
the Minisink by two Tories, two Tuscaroras and seven
Delawares; this poor fellow, after being car- [248] ried
through a long tract of country, and experiencing the
severest usage in being cruelly tied or bound or otherwise
ill treated, had the good fortune when getting within one
day's march of Chemung, to make his escape at night when the
Indians were asleep; he was obliged, however, to leave his
only son and two other boys behind. In relating this
circumstance he was greatly affected. For forty days he was
almost destitute of provisions, and eighteen or twenty days
without seeing a fire. Rattlesnakes and a few small fish
were his support till he reached Wyoming. He seemed very
sensible of his providential deliverance, and in relating
the matter gave God the praise.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23. The troops prepared themselves for
Wyoming, from which we were now distant only seven miles.
This day we marched with regularity, and at a distance of
three miles came to the place where Captain Davis and
Lieutenant Jones, with a corporal and four privates were
scalped, tomahawked, and speared by the savages, fifteen or
twenty in number; two boards are fixed at the spot where
Davis and Jones fell, with their names on each, Jones's
being besmeared with his own blood. In passing this
melancholy vale, an universal gloom appeared on the
countenances of both officers and men without distinction,
and from the eyes of many, as by a sudden impulse, dropt the
sympathizing tear. Colonel Proctor, out of respect to the
deceased, ordered the music to play the tune of Roslin
Castle, the soft and moving notes of which, together with
what so forcibly struck the eye, tended greatly to fill our
breasts with pity, and to renew our grief for our worthy
departed friends and brethren. The words of the celebrated
Young, occurred on this occasion to my mind:
"Life's little stage is a small eminence,
Inch high above the grave, that home of man
Where dwells the multitude."
Getting within two miles of Wyoming, we had from a fine
eminence an excellent view of the settlement. It is founded
on each side of the eastern branch of the Susquehannah,
which with the western branch unite at Northumberland, from
which place Wilkesbarre, the county town, is distant
sixty-five miles. It lies in a beautiful valley, surrounded
by very high ground, the people inhabit up and down the
banks of the river and very little back. There were in the
settlement last summer a court house, a jail, and many
dwelling houses, all of which excepting a few scattered ones
were burnt by the savages after the battle of July 3, 1778,
which took place near Forty Fort. At present there are a few
log houses newly built, a fort, one or two stockaded
redoubts and a row of barracks; the settlement consists of
six or more small townships. At the battle before spoken of
about two hundred and twenty were massacred within the space
of an hour and a half, more than one hundred of whom were
married men; their widows afterwards had all their property
taken from them and several of them with their children were
made prisoners. It is said Queen Esther, of the Six Nations,
who was with the enemy, scalped and tomahawked with her own
hands in cool blood eight or ten persons. The Indian women
in general were guilty of the greatest barbarities. Since
this dreadful stroke they have visited the settlement
several times, each time killing, or rather torturing to
death, more or less. Many of their bones continue yet
unburied where the main action happened. Wyoming is by
Connecticut, styled Westmoreland county, and has for a long
time been under the jurisdiction of that state. How the
matter will be settled by them and the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania, must be determined by those who are better
acquainted with the dispute than I am.
THURSDAY, JUNE 24. Was introduced to Colonel Zebulon Butler,
the gentlemen of whom much has been said on account of his
persevering conduct in opposing the savages. Had an
interview with Mr. Ludwigg, baker-in-chief for the army, who
was sent on from Easton to this post, to prepare bread for
the troops; owing to his activity, a bake-house was built in
eleven days, and a large quantity of bread was in readiness
for delivery on our arrival. An inhabitant showed me an
Indian weapon called a death mall. The handle was unwieldly,
the ball about the bigness of a three pounder, curiously cut
out of a maple knot. The use of this instrument is to knock
people on the scull with, when overtaken in a chase. Being
Saint John's day, a number of Freemasons met at Colonel
Proctor's [249] marquee; at his request (though not one of
the fraternity myself) read for them the Rev. Dr. Smith's
excellent sermon on Masonry.
SATURDAY, JUNE 26. Between ten and eleven o'clock last night
there was a small alarm; two Indians were discovered
advancing towards some of our sentries. The sentinels fired
on them, but the savages escaped. Captain Jehoiakim with two
other Stockbridge Indians and five soldiers of Colonel
Cilley's regiment were sent out on a scout. Dined with the
officers of artillery.
A rock (sic) which was caught the preceding evening, on the
table, which measured two feet nine inches and weighed
twenty-seven pounds.
SUNDAY, JUNE 27, Agreeably to yesterday's orders, preached
at ten o'clock, A. M., near the fort to General Hand's
brigade and Colonel Proctor's regiment; General Sullivan
with his suite were present. Captain Jehoiakim returned; he
met with no success. This day, with the three preceding,
exceedingly sultry.
MONDAY, JUNE 28, P. M. News arrived of a family near Cam's
Tavern, between this and Easton, being part of them killed
and part of them taken prisoners by the savages.
TUESDAY, JUNE 29. Early this morning the account we had
yesterday was confirmed by the arrival of Mr. Steel, D. C,
G. of issues, who says that of the family, three women were
carried off, and that a son of Dr. Ledlies was scalped and
tomahawked. The few scattered inhabitants were in great
distress moving for safety to Sullivan's Stores leaving the
principal part of their property behind them. Upwards of
thirty boats loaded with provisions arrived this day from
Sunbury. Orders came out for the execution of Lawrence
Miller and Michael Rosebury, in the following words: "The
sentence of death passed upon Lawrence Miller and Michael
Rosebury by the court martial, whereof Brigadier General
Maxwell was president, and approved of by the
Commander-in-chief at Easton in the orders of the sixth
instant, is directed to be executed upon the said Lawrence
Miller and Michael Rosebury, the day after to morrow in the
afternoon, between the hours of two and four o'clock." The
orders of the sixth instant referred to, are: "Lawrence
Miller and Michael Rosebury, inhabitants of Sussex county,
State of New Jersey, being tried by a general court martial,
held at Easton, on the third instant, of which Brigadier
General Maxwell was president, for enticing soldiers of the
American army to desert to the enemy, and engaging their
assistance for that purpose, the court are of opinion, they
are guilty of the charges exhibited, and do unanimously
sentence them to suffer death. The Commander-in-chief
approves the sentence of the court, but postpones the
execution of it for a few days. He at the same time returns
his thanks to Lieutenant McConnell, and the other evidences,
for their zeal and address in detecting the offenders.
P. M.- Mr. Kirkland accompanied me in paying these two
unfortunate men a visit; found them ignorant and stupid. Our
endeavors were upon this occasion to open unto them the
nature of man's fall, and the dreadful situation of those
who died in a state of impenitency and unbelief.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 30. We went to see the prisoners; Miller
appeared much softened, distressed, and anxious about his
future state; Rosebury said but little; I enlarged
particularly at this time on their awful condition by nature
and practice, their amazing guilt in the sight of an holy
God; the spirituality of the divine law; the necessity of an
interest in Jesus Christ; their own inability to obtain
salvation, and the great importance of a due preparation for
another world.
THURSDAY, JULY 1. Before breakfast visited the convicts;
spoke to them on the realities of heaven and hell, and the
justice and mercy of God; Miller appeared still more
penitent, and freely confessed the sentence of death passed
against him to be just. The other excused himself and
insisted much on the innocency of his life. Mr. Kirkland and
myself waited on the Commander-in-chief, in order to
recommend Miller to mercy. His Excellency was so obliging as
to inform us that it was his purpose, upon account of
Miller's wife and numerous family, his decent behavior on
trial, the recommendation of the court and former good
character, to pardon him under the gallows, fifteen minutes
after [250] the execution of Rosebury; and requested that it
might remain a secret with us until it was publicly known.
P. M. - At the hour appointed the prisoners were taken under
guard to the place of execution, attended by Messrs.
Kirkland, Hunter and myself. In walking to the gallows we of
course conversed with them on the most serious subjects.
Upon arriving there, the military being under arms, and a
number of the inhabitants present, it fell to my lot to
address the spectators, after which Mr. Kirkland prayed.
Rosebury was then turned off; he died to all appearance the
same stupid man he was at the first of our visiting him.
Poor Miller was much agitated at the sight, expecting every
moment the same punishment. He was employed in commending
himself to God - upon hearing his pardon from the
commander-in-chief read, he was greatly affected. On
recovering himself he expressed the utmost thankfulness for
his great deliverance. The scene throughout was very affecting.
FRIDAY, JULY 2, P. M. An experiment by the General's
permission, was made by Colonel Proctor, with a grasshopper
on board one of the batteaux, with a view of trying the
nature of shot on the water should it be necessary when
going up the river. Four rounds of canister and eight of
round, were discharged, which fully proved the utility of
the plan; it plainly appearing that the enemy's force,
consisting of the greatest number of boats, would be hereby
totally frustrated in their design of impeding our progress.
The sight was extremely gratifying. Notwith-standing the
axletree of the cannon on which the grasshopper was mounted
was as wide as the batteau, yet the batteau was not in the
least injured by the experiment.
SUNDAY, JULY 4. Ten o'clock. Preached to the brigade and
regiment of artillery; being the anniversary of the
declaration of American Independence, took notice of the
Same in my sermon. Text, Psalm 32:10, "But he that trusteth
in the Lord, mercy shall encompass him about." The discourse
was concluded nearly as follows: Politically as a nation are
we exhorted to trust in the Lord. God hath hitherto blessed
our arms and smiled on our infant rising states. Recollect,
my brethren, the commencement of our bloody contest; pursue
in your minds the difficulties we already have had to
encounter. Be not ye afraid of the insolent foe. "Remember
Jehovah, who is great and terrible, and fight for your
brethren, sons and your daughters, your wives and your
houses." Provided we fear God and are publicly as well as
individually honest; what have we now to alarm us? American
exertions have hitherto been crowned with success; let us
still under the banners of liberty, and with a Washington
for our head, go on from conquering to conquer. Hark! what
voice is that which I hear ? It is the voice of
encouragement; permit me for your animation to repeat it
distinctly: "Our fathers trusted and the Lord did deliver
them; they cried unto Him and were delivered; they trusted
in Him and were not confounded." Even so may it be with us,
for the sake of Christ Jesus, who came to give Freedom to
the world.
MONDSAY, JULY 5th. An Express arrived from Sunbury,
announcing the destruction of nine persons out of twelve, by
the savages at Munsey, as they were working in a field. Took
a view of the remains of Forty Fort. At General Poor's,
where a large party dined to-day, two skulls were shown us
which were picked up near the field of battle, and with a
variety of other human bones had lain unburied for twelve
months past. From the appearance of the skulls which were
most shockingly gashed and bruised, it is evident that the
poor creatures must have suffered amazingly. Towards evening
two soldiers reported that they saw four Indians about
three-quarters of a mile from General Poor's encampment. Two
small parties were sent out to make discoveries.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 7th. A soldier of Colonel Shreeve's regiment
going out a hunting, after getting about three miles espied
an Indian. The Indian being on the opposite side of a deep
run fired on him and shot the sleeve of his coat. The
soldier having run a small distance, looking behind, and saw
two other savages who had joined the first; he then
retreated in haste to the camp and reported the occurrence
to the General. In consequence of which three parties were
ordered to be in readiness on the ensuing morning to scout
different ways.
THURSDAY, JULY 8th, A. M. Generals Hand and Maxwell,
Colonels Proctor, Butler [251] and Shreeve, with the number
of other gentlemen, agreeably to proposal, rode up to
Colonel Courtlandts, where, being joined by him, General
Poor, Major Fisk [Maj. Fish, probably] and others, and
having the benefit of a proper escort of light infantry, we
proceeded up the river four miles further to take a view of
the noted place where the battle was fought July 3, 1778,
between Colonel Butler, with his Tories and savages on one
side, five hundred in number, and our Colonel Butler, on the
other with three hundred of the inhabitants, who had formed
themselves into militia companies, having nothing but bad
muskets without bayonets. Our people, sallying out of Forty
Fort, proceeded to Wintermute's Fort, where the enemy,
forming their left and extending their right quite to a
swamp, were prepared to receive the defenders of their
country. Our Colonel Butler, having judiciously drawn up his
men in line of battle to oppose the barbarians, a severe
firing ensued; six or seven rounds were in a few moments
discharged on both sides, when the enemy's centre, fallen a
few paces back and a part of their right filing off, our
people supposing that they had intention of surrounding
them, instantly got confused and notwithstanding the
spirited exertions of their Colonel, a retreat took place
and ended in a general rout, which gave rise to a most
horrid scene of butchery. Out of our party only one hundred
escaped; among these was Colonel Butler. From many
circumstances it appeared Wintermute's Fort proved
treacherous, old Mr. Wintermute with all his sons and about
twenty-five others who composed the garrison, having on the
enemy's approach delivered up the fort, without the least
opposition, the major part of whom immediately joined the
enemy and took up arms against their friends. Moreover it
was alleged that they corresponded with the enemy many
months before. The place where the battle was fought may
with propriety be called "a place of skulls," as the bodies
of the slain were not buried, their bones were scattered in
every direction all around; a great number of which for a
few days past having been picked up, were decently interred
by our people. We passed a grave where seventy-five
skeletons were buried; also a spot where fourteen wretched
creatures, who having surrendered upon being promised mercy,
were nevertheless made immediately to sit down in a ring,
and after the savages had worked themselves up to the
extreme of fury in their usual manner, by dancing, singing,
halloaing, etc., they proceeded deliberately to tomahawk the
poor fellows one after another. Fifteen surrendered and
composed the ring. Upon the Indians beginning their work of
cruelty, one of them providentially escaped, who reported
the matter to Colonel Butler, who upon his return to
Wyoming, went to the spot and found the bones of the
fourteen lying as human bodies in an exact circle. It is
remarkable, that on this spot grows a kind of grass
different from all other grass around it. The bones of seven
or eight other persons were found nearly consumed, they
having been burned to death. Colonel Butler related the
following occurrence. On a small island in the Susquehannah
below the field of action, Giles Slocum, having reached thus
far in safety, concealed himself in the bushes, where he was
witness to the meeting of John and Henry Pensell, brothers.
John was a Tory and Henry was a whig. Henry, having lost his
gun, upon seeing his brother John, fell upon his knees and
begged him to spare his life; upon which John called him a
damned rebel. John then went deliberately to a log, got on
the same, and began to load his piece, while Henry was upon
his knees imploring him as a brother not to kill him. "I
will," said he, "go with you and serve you as long as I
live, if you will spare my life." John loaded his gun. Henry
continued, "You won't kill your brother, will you?" "Yes,"
replied the monster, "I will as soon as look at you, you are
a damned rebel." He then shot him and afterwards went up and
struck him four or five times with a tomahawk and scalped
him. Immediately after one of the enemy coming to him said,
"What have you been doing, have you killed your brother?"
"Yes," said he, "for he was a damned rebel." The other
replied, "I have a great mind to serve you in the same
manner." They went off together. In the evening, Slocum made
his escape. Slocum is a man of reputation, and his word was
never disputed in the neighborhood where he is known. The
family of the Pensells came from lower Smithfield on the
Delaware, twenty miles above Easton. Henry's widow and seven
children are still at Wyoming, in very low circumstances.
From the best intelligence collected between seventy and
eighty of the butchering foe were killed. Colonel Denison,
[252] retreated to Forty Fort that night, next day
capitulated. The savages, notwithstanding the capitulation,
plundered the inhabitants of everything that came in their
way; sparing neither woman nor child. Good God! who, after
such repeated instances of cruelty, can ever be totally
reconciled to that government which divesting itself of the
feelings of humanity, has influenced the savage tribes to
kill and wretchedly to torture to death, persons of each sex
and of every age - the prattling infant, the blooming maid and
persons of venerable years, have alike fallen victims to its
vindictive rage. On the road to Wintermute's fort, we took
notice of very high Timothy grass. The earth in general is
very rich, the whole settlement from its appearance is
capable of producing the finest wheat, and every other kind
of grain.
FRIDAY, JULY 9th. Upwards of fifty boats arrived from
Sunbury, loaded with stores and guarded by the Eleventh
Pennsylvania regiment, commanded by Colonel Hubley. The
small boats, being unloaded, set off again under the
directions of Captain Cummings, to proceed down the
Susquehannah for further necessaries.
SATURDAY, JULY 10th. Early this morning General Hand with
his aid-de-camp, escorted by a company of light horse, set
out for Harris's ferry, one hundred and thirty miles
distant, in order to hurry on provisions, the detention of
which, owing to the unaccountable neglect of those who have
the superintendence of the same, has occasioned the army to
continue at this post for such a length of time, and bids
fair, without the spirited exertions of some superior
officer, to prevent in a great measure our accomplishing the
desirable end in view. Colonel Dayton, returning from New
Jersey, brought with him several newspapers, the perusal of
which was a great refreshment after such a long political
drouth. Colonel Read's regiment of General Poor's Brigade
marched to Sullivan's Stores, with a view of mending the
roads and escorting the wagons which are to come on from
thence and Easton. An experiment was made towards evening on
board of a batteau, by discharging several shells from a
five and one half inch howitzer. It appeared that great
benefit may be derived therefrom, without the least injury
befalling the batteau. One of the shells was thrown nine
hundred yards, and upon its bursting exhibited to the
spectators a pleasing sight.
SUNDAY, JULY 11th. Raining all day, which prevented the
chaplains from officiating. A letter was received by express
from General Clinton, dated head of Lake Otsego, announcing
that twenty-five Oneida warriors had joined him, and that
the hostile Indians were collecting together in their own
country where they meant to oppose us; also that a
detachment of three hundred had been sent out to distress
and harass our army as much as possible on the march.
MONDAY, JULY 12th. In consequence of the above intelligence,
one hundred and fifty-men with a field piece were ordered to
reinforce Colonel Read.
TUESDAY, JULY 13th. A letter was received at headquarters
the preceding evening from General Hand, requesting that the
large batteaux might be sent down the river, as the boats
there were not sufficient. They were accordingly sent away
this morning under the direction of Major Conway, with a
detachment of infantry and Captain Rice, of the artillery,
with two field pieces and an howitzer.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 14th. Last night thirty-three of the German
regiment deserted under the plea of their time being out.
They went off properly armed with drum and fife. Their route
being discovered by a friendly Indian, who was dispatched
for the purpose, a detachment of fifty soldiers on horseback
were ordered to pursue them.
FRIDAY, JULY 16th. News arrived of the detachment having
taken all the deserters except four or five.
SATURDAY, JULY 17th. We learnt that the Indians had been
committing some outrages on the western branches of the
Susquehannah.
SUNDAY, JULY 18th. A scouting party, consisting of a few
soldiers and the four Stockbridge Indians, returned. They
proceeded as far as Wyoming, discovered many tracks, but saw
none of the enemy.
MONDAY, JULY 19th. Colonel Cowperthwaite arrived from
Philadelphia. On his way he inspected the provisions at
Sullivan's Stores. If those on the way from Sunbury should
[253] not turn out better, of which he was fearful, our
expedition must be attended with many inconveniences. Mr.
Bond also got in with a number of horses for the army.
Likewise a party with twenty-nine of the German deserters,
four being yet missing.
TUESDAY, JULY 20th. Accounts are received of the enemy's
plundering New Haven, burning Fairfield and committing many
other outrages in Connecticut.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 21st. This morning an express arrived with
the following glorious, intelligence from the main army.
That on Thursday night last, General Wayne with part of his
light infantry, surprised and took the whole of the garrison
of Stony Point, with all their stores, mortars, howitzers,
tents, baggage, etc., without the loss of more than four or
five privates. The garrison consisting of English, Scotch,
and new levies, with two or three companies of grenadiers,
besides artillery, in the whole about six hundred men. In
the evening a number of wagons from Easton arrived loaded
with stores, also an express who had a letter from Colonel
Stroud to some militia captain dated this morning, two
o'clock, informing that a number of Indians were at Minisink
plundering and murdering the inhabitants; the colonel writes
to the captain for assistance, as he expected they would in
the course of the day be at or near his house, as they were
bending their course that way.
SATURDAY, JULY 24th. General Hand arrived with one hundred
and twelve loaded boats. On the river they appeared
beautiful as they approached the village in proper
divisions. Those with field pieces on board discharged
several rounds for joy, which in the surrounding woods
produced a pleasing echo. The Commander-in-Chief in public
orders returned his cordial thanks to General Hand, Major
Conway, Captains Rice and Porter, and others for their great
exertions in thus bringing forward the stores of the army
with such expedition. Also expressed his grateful
acknowledgments to Commissary General Steele for his
attention and activity in the business. The troops were
directed to be in readiness to march on Wednesday morning
next. The deserters from the German regiment, having been
tried by a general court martial whereof General Poor was
President, having been found guilty, were sentenced as
follows, viz.: five to be shot, two corporals to be reduced
to the ranks, and the remaining twenty-two to run the
gauntlet through General Maxwell's and General Hand's
brigades and the regiment of artillery; the respective
punishments to take place on Monday next at four P. M.
SUNDAY, JULY 25th. No preaching, it being a very rainy day.
P.M. - Visited the criminals. The whole appeared attentive to
what was said, but very ignorant of those things which
appertain to religion. In the orders issued this day is laid
down the line of march for the army from this place to
Tioga, General Hand's brigade, which is to be considered as
the light corps, is to move in three columns and keep
something less than a mile in advance of the main body.
General Maxwell will advance by his left, then General Poor
by his right, the flank guard on the right to consist of a
field officer and two hundred men in two divisions, the
flank guard on the left to consist of a captain and sixty
men in two divisions. The pack horses and cattle to follow
in the rear of General Poor's brigade. The rear guard will
consist of a regiment complete, taken alternately from
Maxwell's and Poor's brigades. Those of Colonel Proctor's
regiment who are not required with the artillery in the
boats are to march in the rear of Maxwell's brigade and form
on his right. The main army will keep as nearly abreast of
the boats as possible; the horns in the boats must be
frequently sounded to give notice of their situation. A
captain and sixty men will advance a mile in front of the
boats on the west side of the river to scour the country and
give notice of ambuscades. In case of their being attacked
by a superior force they are to retreat across the river,
for which purpose four light boats will keep ahead of the
fleet, nearly abreast of the party, to transport them across
the river in case of necessity; in these boats there will be
a trusty officer and twelve armed soldiers, who are to be
answerable for their conduct. Colonel Proctor will take part
with his pieces of artillery, which will be fixed in the
boats and have the direction of the whole fleet, he will
take such officers and men with him as he shall find
necessary. When a warm firing commences against the light
party on the west side of the river the armed boats will
immediately proceed to the place to cover the party by their
fire.
[254] Should a firing begin with the main army, Colonel
Proctor will wait for orders; he is also directed to
establish signals to notify the fleet how to conduct in case
of attack or other emergencies. The brigadiers must see that
a covered wagon be filled with ammunition and put into
proper boats for their respective brigades.
MONDAY, JULY 26th. Visited the criminals, found them greatly
dejected on account of their approaching dissolution; orders
were issued that by reason of the unsettled state of the
weather their execution be postponed until to morrow. P. M.,
5 o'clock. Read a Philadelphia paper giving a particular
account of the enemy's burning Norwalk, the Saw Pitts, etc.
TUESDAY, JULY 27th. Visited the convicts twice; in
discussing with them upon a future state they appeared much
affected and very penitent - represented their situation to
General Sullivan, who told me that in consequence of a
petition received from them he had ordered a board of
general officers to sit. On the issuing of this day's orders
the following sentence was read with pleasure by myself and
the other chaplains: "The Commander-in-Chief having received
a petition from the prisoners of the German battalion now
under sentence, manifesting their consciousness of the
crimes for which they have been condemned, and promising in
case of pardon to distinguish themselves in future as brave
and obedient soldiers, which petition being laid before a
board of general officers in hopes that an act of lenity may
have a proper effect on their future conduct as well as that
of others, they have unanimously advised a pardon of all the
offenders without discrimination. The General, wishing to
extend mercy where it can be done without injury to the
public service, has accordingly consented to pardon each and
every one of the offenders tried and sentenced by a general
court martial, whereof Brigadier General Poor was president,
and directs that they be immediately released and restored
to their duty. Lest this unparalelled act of lenity should
be abused, and any soldier take the same unjustifiable
measures hereafter, the Commander-in-Chief absolutely
declares he will not in future pardon a deserter, or one
who, though his time be expired, shall quit his corps
without a proper discharge from his commanding officer.
"Instantly after the above was made known to the criminals,
I called in to see them, and found them calm, composed and
thankful; agreeably to the above order the whole twenty-nine
were dismissed the main guard and joined their regiment.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 28th. News arrived of a large body of
Indians having drawn about one hundred and forty of our
militia stationed on the Delaware, at a place called
Lackawack, above the Minisink, into an ambuscade, only
eighteen or twenty of the party escaping, all the rest fell
a prey to savage barbarity. This unfortunate affair happened
on the 22d instant. Two or three field officers, with
several captains, lieutenants and ensigns were among the
missing. Colonel Read arrived from Sullivan's Stores with
his detachment and ninety loaded wagons. P. M. - Walked to the
park of artillery, on my way down saw a note from Shawnee
directed to Dr. Ellmore, requesting his attendance on a man
who, a few miles distant from this place, was shot both in
his side and thigh by some Indians or painted Tories, but
had the good fortune to get safe to his family; one he knew
to be a white man, an acquaintance of his, who many months
ago had joined the enemy.
"Ah, why will kings forget that they are men,
And men that they are brethren - why delight
In human sacrifice - Why burst the ties
Of nature that should knit their souls together
In one soft bond of unity and love."
THURSDAY, JULY 29th. Agreeably to previous determination,
the bodies of Captain Davis and Lieutenant Jones were
removed from the place of their interment to the proper
burying ground. The brotherhood met at five o'clock, and
marching by the General's marque, had the pleasure of his
company. Colonels Proctor's and Hubley's regiments, with
drums, fifes and the band of music, accompanied them.
Reaching the graves, an exceedingly heavy shower of rain
prevented the delivery of a discourse designed for the
occasion, however a short prayer was made, the bodies were
interred in Masonic form, and three volleys of small arms
fired. This evening General Sullivan received a letter [255]
giving a more favorable account of the Lackawack battle,
making the killed and missing between forty and fifty.
Orders were this day given for everything to be gotten in
readiness for the marching of the army on Saturday morning.
FRIDAY, JULY 30th. A letter was received by the General,
dated yesterday at Northumberland, seven o'clock A. M., from
Colonel Cook, informing him that the day before the enemy
made themselves masters of Freeland's Fort upon terms of
capitulation, viz.: "The men to remain prisoners of war, and
they with the fort to be plundered by the Indians, the women
to go free." The number of the enemy before the fort were
two hundred and fifty, one-third of them were British
troops, under the command of Captain McDonald, with a corps
de reserve of one hundred men. At Northumberland, which is
only twenty miles distant from the fort, there were only one
hundred and fifty men to make a stand for the protection of
the women and children, it being impossible to get them off;
when the express came away they expected to be attacked
every hour; the enemy had collected all the cattle and
abundance of plunder of every kind. In an action after the
capitulation, Captain Hawkins Boon and fourteen volunteers
were killed and scalped and a few wounded.
SATURDAY, JULY 31st. This morning every department of the
army was very busy in preparing for a movement. About one
o'clock P. M. the whole marched from Wyoming agreeably to
the orders of the 25th. The fleet, under the command of
Colonel Proctor, consisting of one hundred and twenty boats,
appeared most beautifully on the river; in passing the fort
there was a mutual salute which gave universal satisfaction.
The country we came through to-day, though generally a
wilderness, affords a pleasing prospect of great improvement
in a future day; we passed several plantations, no houses of
any kind standing, being all burnt by the enemy; from the
road we occasionally saw the river, which excited agreeable
sensations. Crossing Lackawanick creek, which is in breadth
about sixty yards and fordable all times of the year; it
empties into the Susquehannah; encamped for the night near
the same on a beautiful plain at Lackawanick, having marched
from Wilkesbarre ten miles, and reaching the plain between
the hours of five and six. Our course this day N. N. E. The
light corps, which agreeably to general orders were to march
in three columns, were by General Hand arranged as follows: -
Eleventh Pennsylvania regiment and Captain Spalding's
independent company advanced by platoons from the centre of
a line formed by them, and constituted a column to proceed
on the main road. The German regiment and Captain Schott's
independent corps from the right of the said regiment,
formed a column and marched on the right of the Eleventh,
having their right flank covered by one-third of the light
infantry of the Eleventh and Schott's riflemen in Indian
file. Two-thirds of the light infantry of the Eleventh and
Captain Spalding's riflemen marched in Indian file on the
left flank, and answer the purpose of a third column; each
column and flanking party had proportioned to their strength
respectively a small party advanced in front, the same to be
observed if possible until our arrival at Tioga.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 1st. The preceding night very rainy and at
times uncommonly heavy, felt very cold and uncomfortable,
which may be attributed in a great measure to sleeping on
the ground and getting a great deal wet. General Hand this
morning issued directions to be strictly observed by the
light corps under his command in case of being attacked on
the march, concluding with the following expressive
language: "The Brigadier begs leave to assure the light
troops that experience has taught him that maintaining a
good countenance and a little perseverance, which from their
known valor, he has every reason to expect will ensure
success against the kind of enemy they have to oppose, and
that turning their backs, let them be pressed ever so
closely, will end in their utter ruin.'' Between the hours
of two and three 11. P. M, the fleet arrived, which, owing
to many unforeseen difficulties, could not reach the
Lackawanick sooner; two boats, one loaded with ammunition,
the other with provisions, were sunk; the ammunition and
provisions were saved. At three o'clock P. M. our line of
march recommenced, which, as we had all our horses and
cattle collected, must have exhibited a grand spectacle had
there been any disposed to take a view of the whole. The
army being obliged to proceed in Indian file, [256] and the
pack horses only, judged to be about two thousand in number,
must have formed,, according to the opinion of many of the
officers, a line of at least six miles. This day we marched
seven miles, and arriving about dusk at Quialutimunck, we
pitched our tents, for the night, contiguous to several fine
springs on a considerably level spot surrounded by mountains
and close by the river. Our course this day principally N.
The road we marched over was exceedingly bad; we passed two
places called the Narrows, previous, to our reaching the
first (which are one mile in length); a very great curiosity
presented itself to view, viz., a cascade or falling spring.
The water descended in great abundance and amazingly rapid
down a rock, interspersed with chasms, about eighty feet
high; the ear was agreeably stricken by the constant sound
created by the descending water; the distance between the
first and second Narrows is three miles, which are one and a
half miles long. The riding was much better than at the
first Narrows, which was very stony and in several places so
sloping as to have rendered it unsafe to keep on horseback.
The soil of this country in general is loose and rich,
abounding in trees of almost every kind, which, together
with the high and thick brush, rendered our journeying
rather tedious. In casting my eyes upon hills and mountains,
some of which were imagined to be two, three and four
hundred feet in heighth, my thoughts were agreeably led from
nature's works to contemplate on nature s God. May it be my
constant wish and aim to devote myself to the service of Him
whose wisdom, power and goodness shine so conspicuous amidst
all created objects. The fleet generally kept abreast of us,
and our course being mostly on the water's edge, we had
frequently the opportunity of exchanging words. They all
arrived timely without any detriment at Quialutimunck. At
Quialutimunck there was a few years ago an Indian town. The
pasture ground at this encampment is very excellent,
consisting of the highest Timothy grass I ever saw.
MONDAY, AUGUST 2d. Orders were this day issued for a
continuance on the present ground, by reason of many of the
pack horses not arriving till this morning. Colonel Cilley's
regiment being in the rear to protect and bring on
everything, did not arrive till two hours after sunrise; he
gave an account of his having had a very tedious night;
several horses gave out, the packs kept continually giving
way and a considerable number of flour kegs burst, and the
flour was lost. These with other reasons induced the General
to prevent a movement until to-morrow morning. This being
the anniversary of my nativity, grant, O God, that as my
moments fly apace, I may by the assistance of thy Holy
Spirit double my diligence to make my calling and election sure.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 3rd. The light troops began their march at
six o'clock in the morning, the main body at seven. The
major part of the way we met with trifling difficulties; we
had to encounter a few bad places, such as swamps, steep
hills and thickets; however in comparison with Sunday's
march, it deserves the appellation of excellent. On an
exceedingly high spot we had the pleasure of viewing many
adjacent mountains; in two or three places for a
considerable way the woods were open, the earth in general
fine, trees stately and of various sorts; among the rest are
interspersed the sugar maple and birch. We crossed several
beautiful purling streams or creeks, viz.: Buttermilk Run,
Tunkhun-nunk, and a few smaller ones. Buttermilk Run, about
forty yards below where we crossed it, falls off a rock or
rocks fifty feet in height, which goes by the name of
Buttermilk Falls; so called on account of the water in its
rapid descent appearing as white as the whitest buttermilk.
Tunkhunnunk is a beautiful creek eight poles in breadth. The
place where we crossed it, about three-quarters of a mile
from the Susquehannah, into which it empties, was very
rapid. The path along which we came and on each side of it
as far as we could see, wild grass had grown in abundance.
Some places, owing to the herbage, emitted a most fragrant
smell, and we frequently had the pleasure of viewing flowers
of various hues. Hazlenuts were ripening for a long tract of
country in amazing quantities, and beyond a doubt nature has
been equally kind in causing these wilds to abound with
other things delicious to the taste. Several deer were seen,
both by the officers and men; one came running close by us;
none dared to fire, it being contrary to orders. Two
privates in the right column, having each shot a fawn were
put under guard as it occasioned a small alarm, and might if
not prevented be attended with bad [257] consequences, The
country all along abounds with snakes, particularly the
rattlesnake and blacksnake. At two o'clock P. M., we arrived
at Tunkhunnunk, and encamped on the banks of the
Susquehannah, about a mile from where we crossed the creek
of the same name. The fleet got up between the hours of
three and four. This day we marched twelve miles, course N.
N. W.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 4th, The light troops marched at five
o'clock in the morning, and the main body at six. Soon after
we set out we entered upon the third place since we left
Wyoming called the Narrows, a mile and a half in length, a
very bad, stony passage. These Narrows or defiles are on the
west bounded by the river, which upon that account when the
water is very high cannot well be travelled over. On the
east they are bounded by exceedingly lofty and seemingly
impassable mountains, (letting clear of this defile we had
to rise a monstrous hill, very steep, with a narrow pathway,
for in case a horse should miss his step he must fall at
least one hundred and fifty feet; the spectacle was horrid.
Having surmounted this difficulty we had the pleasure of
marching through a good deal of open wood, though one or two
disagreeable swamps opposed us in our passage; in fine, many
of yesterday's observations are applicable to this. Eight
miles from Tunkhunnunk is a delightful creek called
Masshappen or Massappe, in breadth seven rods; we crossed it
near its mouth. The wilderness thereabouts goes by its name.
For two miles after we passed this creek we marched over a
fine level tract, and then entered upon another defile not
near so tedious as the former. Arriving at a place called
Black Walnut Bottom, our tents were pitched for the night on
the river bank. The main body encamped on a tract formerly
improved by one Vanderlip; the light troops farther on,
where one Williamson held a plantation. A creek, viz.,
Machapendaarre, ran between the two encamp-ments. Our march
this day was thirteen miles. Our course in general,
northwest. At the bottom of the steep hill was an excellent
stream of water. On this, as well as on the preceding days,
we had several flying reports concerning the enemy though no
real discoveries were made. Towards evening our fisherman
Hansell returned from his flanking manoeuvre and introduced
himself with a good string of fish, on which having
refreshed ourselves we retired soldierlike to our hard beds
and devoted the night to invigorating sleep. "A contented
mind and a good conscience will make a man happy in all
conditions."
"Hail universal Lord ! he bounteous still
To give us only good; and if the night
Have gathered ought of evil or concealed
Disperse it, as now light dispels the dark."
THURSDAY, AUGUST 5th. By reason of the boats not arriving
till late this morning the light troops did not march till
half past eight o'clock, the main body their usual time
after. We soon entered another defile or narrows
three-quarters of a mile in length, bounded as the other
defiles, though the mountains on the east appeared rather
more perpendicular and lofty. Leaving the narrows we
ascended a steep but short hill and travelled over a
considerable open part of the country, the land in some
places very indifferent, in others rich and fit for meadow.
About two miles from Black Walnut Bottom, we crossed a small
run or creek named Tuscaroge, took a particular view of the
two places. where the enemy last fall attacked Colonel
Hartley's regiment on its return from Tioga. Both of them
were as favorable for action as the regiment could have
wished. We passed by a skull of one of our men who was then
killed, hanging on a small tree. After we left this height,
having marched over a low and swampy piece of ground we came
to Wyalusing mountain. The ascent was gradual, at the top we
had a pleasing view of the Susquehannah; its form is rather
more than semi-circular, flowing around a large tract or
wilderness called the Horse Shoe, which every one who sees
it will confess to be rightly named.
From the top of the mountain the plains of Wyalusing
settlement are also visible, the descent of the mountain is
not nearly so gradual as the ascent. The mountain is two
miles over; on reaching the foot we entered a thicket
containing the largest trees my eyes, [258] ever beheld of
the sycamore or button wood kind, being in circumference,
take one with another, between twenty and thirty feet, and
in diameter between nine and twelve feet. Notwithstanding
these trees, the bottom is called Sugar Bottom, on account
of the Sugar Maple. Along this bottom there grows plenty of
a root called sweet Sicily, of a similar taste with
anise-seed and very useful. On the mountain and in the
bottom we saw several spots where the Indians had encamped;
fresh Indian tracks were discovered and one of their canoes
was taken up by Mr. Lodge, also, by some of our soldiers, a
raft with a pair of moccasons. An engagement was expected
throughout the day, but granting that the enemy had a fair
view of us, of which we had not the least doubt, they
suffered us to pass unmolested, notwithstanding the many
advantageous posts they might have occupied in annoying us.
From the foot of the mountain to Wyalusing, the distance is
one and a half miles. Wyalusing, which we reached in good
season, consists of about one thousand acres of clear land,
amazingly fertile and containing beds of extraordinary fine
English grass. Since the present contest the town, which was
inhabited by Moravian Indians, has been partly destroyed by
our people and partly by the Indians. It contains upwards of
eighty good square log houses, and a fine ornamented
Moravian church in the centre with a bell. The minister
resided in the town, there was also a tavern and other
public buildings; all of which without exception were
demolished or rafted down the Susquehannah. No sign of even
the smallest hut was left standing. These Indians moved off
with their families towards the Ohio. On this fine open
plain, like a bed of down, the main army encamped. The light
troops marched a mile further on, contiguous to an excellent
spring, the place abounding with good pasture and distant
from the river about half a mile where we made our fires and
took up our abode for the night. This day's march was nine
miles, course north, 80ƒ west, or northwest by west.
Wyalusing plains are exactly fifty miles from Wyoming,
agreeably to the actual survey of Mr. Lodge. The country
hereabouts is excellent for hunting.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 6th. This day the army halted, a party of
thirty men from the light corps with a commissioned officer
were sent out on a scout and returned without making any
discoveries. Towards evening I rode to headquarters, where
information had been received of four hundred and fifty
British troops from Canada having joined the Indians, also a
great body of savages from that quarter having been implored
so to do by Colonel Brant, a devoted servant of the man who
bears the title of the "Defender of the Faith." May the Lord
give him that faith which worketh by love. Visited Colonel
Proctor on board the "Adventure," and felt happy in finding
all the fleet safely arrived and moored along the shore of
Wyalusing plains. The evening rainy, which continued almost
the whole night. Through the country the nights and mornings
are generally foggy; when we were in Wyoming, and since we
left it I scarcely remember seeing any clear sunshine until
considerably late in the day.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 7th. By reason of the rain the army
continued at Wyalusing. We hear that Indians had been doing
mischief on the west branch of the Susquehannah near
Northumberland. Nothing new occurred among us except that
one or two scouting parties were sent out who returned
without making any discoveries. Wyalusing belonged to one
Job Childeway an Indian, a friend of our cause. Indian Job
died last winter. Many handsome things are spoken of him,
which make his manners to be
"By strangers honored, and by strangers mourned."
SUNDAY, August 8th. The light troops marched at five o'clock
in the morning and the main body at six. We crossed
Wyalusing creek, a fine stream, where it is eighty feet wide
in batteaux. Having soon afterwards ascended a long and high
mountain, which consisted of a good deal of miserable but
some rich land, we found our march tolerably agreeably as
the woods were not as thick as common. The descent of the
mountain was very rough and steep. We then passed along a
short defile, leaving which our course was for a
considerable distance along the banks of the river through a
gloomy thicket. Having waded through the creek and descended
another steep place, we entered upon another defile rather
longer and more tedious than the former one. After this we
soon arrived at [259] Standing Stone Flats, distant from
Wyalusing ten miles. Here is plenty of good land, fit for
meadow and for raising wheat and other grain. It was
formerly settled by a few families, some of whom have since
been so villainous as to join the savages. Just upon
entering these flats, I saw the stone from which they take
their name. It is upon the opposite shore, on the cap of the
water with which it is usually surrounded. Its height is
twenty feet. Its breadth fourteen feet. Its thickness two
and a half feet. At the back of it is a large rock forming
more than a semicircle upon which it is supposed a
considerable tenement might be erected. Passing then through
another thicket, we came to a third defile, the worst narrow
Passage, on account of stone and roughness, which we have
met with since we left Wyoming. Surmounting this difficulty
and passing over a tract of exceedingly fine bottom, we
arrived at Weesauking or Rush Meadow Creek, a stream both
narrow and shallow. Not far from this, on the banks of the
Susquehannah, we encamped for the night. The ground was
level and very good, but we could find no spring water.
Distance to-day thirteen and a half miles, our course
northwest. Captain Bush having gathered a few wild
gooseberries, gave me one to taste; they are exactly similar
to the tame kind. I plucked some wild pinks, and saw a wild
tulip, and also plenty of crab apples. Across the river, and
upon an island, we had the pleasure of viewing a large flock
of wild ducks; contrary to orders to fire, or we might have
had an excellent supper. This country abounds also in
turkeys, which, in their flight near us make us often wish
for a repeal of the general orders. General Sullivan being
ill, took passage on board the fleet, which arrived at
Standing Stone Flat, where the main body of the army tarried
during the night. On this day's march we saw one or two
places where the savages had lately encamped, also an Indian
paddle floating down the river, and a canoe lying on the
beach. A scouting party which had gone forward many miles,
returning informed us that they had seen three tracks of
Indians, and a spot where they had lately set down. They
were undoubtedly spying our progress though as yet we have
met with no impediment from them.
MONDAY, AUGUST 9th. The main army not reaching Weesauking
till ten o'clock, A. M., the light troops did not leave it
until one-quarter of an hour afterwards. Considering our
advanced position, we were under some expectation of a visit
from our tawney neighbors. However, we passed the night
without being disturbed. Soon after we set out, we were a
little obstructed by a swamp. Afterwards, as usual, our time
was employed in rising and descending mountains; sometimes
marching by the river, but mostly at a considerable distance
from it. The land was without exception rich; but none of
the timber, though of various kinds, by any means nigh as
large as that which may be seen between Wyoming and Easton.
Between four and five miles from Weesauking we came to a
hill called Breakneck Hill. It is an exceeding narrow and
sidelong path along a very high mountain, about a quarter of
a mile long, with scarcely room for man and horse to walk
in, and in case of a misstep nothing seemingly could
preserve from instant death, as the fall must be at least
one hundred and eighty feet perpendicular down rocks into
the river. We got safe over this shocking passage. The army
marched with orders to stop one mile ahead of the first
plains of Shesecunnunk, opposite to which on the other shore
had been an Indian settlement, consisting of a few houses.
They were destroyed last fall by Colonel Hartley's
detachment. Owing to the mistake of the guides or some other
cause the first plains were passed. It was then judged
proper to proceed through the woods to the upper plains of
Shesecunnunk, which we reached at five o'clock, P. M. Near
these plains and on them, we plainly discovered many fresh
tracks of the enemy; and we doubt not of their having been
here but a short time before our arrival. March of the light
troops to-day from Weesauking Upper Plains eleven miles. Our
general course north by northwest. On this as well as on
some of the preceding days, we saw several of the bows on
which the Indians dry the scalps they take. Two or three
canoes were taken up opposite our encamping ground. This
day's march was very fatiguing and several of the men gave
out. A good deal of the ground we passed over was covered
with pea vines. May apples were also plenty.
TUESDAY AUGUST 10th. Captain Gifford who commanded the
detachment of the army [260] on the west side of the river,
gave us a little history of his march and observations,
differing not much from that of the army on the east side.
The fleet arrived between eight and nine o'clock this
morning after a tedious passage from Weesauking. Yesterday
about four o'clock, P. M., they burned an Indian town on the
west bank of the river, and containing about twenty-eight
wigwams. One of the boats was sunk on the passage; but a
party being sent down for the purpose, saved all the flour
but two barrels. By this day's general orders the quantum of
rations was diminished; several reasons made manifest the
propriety of this measure. General Sullivan, with the
brigadiers, and a regiment from each brigade who went out to
reconnoitre, returned without making discovery of any savages.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 11th. The light troops marched from Upper
Shescecunk at half past seven, the main body at eight
o'clock, A. M. Proceeding about one mile and a half we
arrived at a fording place on the Susquehannah, unknown to
any of our guides, but found out on the preceding day by the
general officers. The troops pursuant to orders, taking off
their overalls and tying them about their necks, crossed in
platoons under cover of the fleet, each soldier grasping the
hand of his comrade next to him for support. The current
being strong and the water for a considerable distance
coming up to the middle of the men, some considerable
difficulties were encountered, but notwithstanding every
impediment the whole body got over without suffering any
peculiar disadvantage. General Hand in order to animate his
brigade, dismounted and marched through on foot at the head
of his soldiers. Such an army crossing a river with so much
regularity at a place so rapid and in width three hundred
and thirty yards, affords the spectator a pleasing sight,
and must have struck our enemies with awe. I must doubt
whether the army of Alexander the Great encountered as many
difficulties with as much good humor as ours has evinced.
The river being forded we entered upon what is properly
called the Indian country, or that part of the wilderness
claimed by the six nations, the boundary on the west side is
the Tawandee Creek, emptying into the Susquehannah, about
three miles above Weesauking. The army being formed as usual
we proceeded sometimes in single files, and then in double,
through a thicket till we entered those beautiful plains
where the Tioga branch unites itself with the main river. On
this level spot stood Queen Esther's palace, burned by
Colonel Hartley last fall. Over those plains the army
marched towards the mouth of the Tioga, in order of battle,
the light troops being joined by two three-pounders from the
regiment of artillery. The view of this was grand beyond
description, as the ground for a great circuit was level and
the grass high and green. Drums were beating, fifes playing,
colors flying. Getting to the mouth of the Tioga, we found
it in width one hundred and forty-two yards, and the water
much deeper than had been imagined. Verdant plains in our
rear, the flowing Susquehannah on our right. Ourselves in
the Tioga or Cayuga stream, with a fine neck of land in our
front and mountains surrounding the whole, afforded pleasant
reflections though separated from friends and in an enemy's
country. Surely a soil like this is worth contending for.
Possessing ourselves of the north side of the Tioga, and
passing through a swampy piece of ground we entered upon
other plains, pleasing to the eye, though not so grand as
those on the south. Here the main body encamped; the light
troops proceeded farther on, one column on the banks of the
Susquehannah, and another on those of the Tioga banks. The
land in general very fine. Having advanced a mile and
better, our tents were pitched from river to river, judged
to be two hundred yards. Just below our encampment we took a
view of the Indians' carrying place, thirteen yards across,
so called from their carrying or dragging their canoes from
river to river to save themselves the trouble of paddling
round the neck.
On the west side of the Tioga is a most beautiful tract of
level and fine country, terminated by a mountain. On this
tract an Indian town formerly stood; it was destroyed by
themselves. This day we marched five miles, course due
north. Saw Captain Jehoiakim, who with four men had come
thus far forward the day before. He picked up one or two
horses that had been left behind by the savages. Captain
Jehoiakim's three Stockbridge Indians left us at Wyoming.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 12th. Rode to the other encampment. The
scouting party which [261] went out the evening before with
Captain Cummins, returned about three o'clock, P. M. The
accounts brought by them of Chemung and the seeming security
of the Indians there as well as of some white persons,
together with their fields of corn, etc., induced the
General after holding a council to determine to surprise the
village if possible. Accordingly between nine and ten
o'clock at night, the major part of the army marched with
the utmost silence for the place with the
Commander-in-Chief, his family consisting of Generals Poor,
Hand and others. General Maxwell being unwell, tarried
behind. To have been of the party myself was my fervent
desire, but I could not petition for it to be granted, after
being requested by General Hand to stay and take charge of
our family baggage and stores, which, among such domestics
as we are blessed with, was the necessary duty of some one.
Captain Cummins's party brought in with them two fresh
scalps lately taken by the Indians, the crowns of each only
cut out. One, from the thinness of the skin, must have been
an infant's. In this day's general orders appeared in
substance the following: As the army will soon be called
upon to march against an enemy whose savage barbarity to our
fellow citizens, has rendered them proper subjects of our
resentment, the General assures them that though their
number should even be equal, which he is sensible cannot be
the case, yet it is his firm opinion they cannot withstand
the bravery and discipline of the troops he has the honor to
command. Nevertheless it ought to be remembered that they
are a secret, desultory and rapid foe, seizing every
advantage and availing themselves of every defeat on our
part. Should we be so inattentive to our own safety as to
give way before them, they become the most dangerous and
most destructive enemy that can possibly be conceived. They
follow the unhappy fugitives with all the cruel and
unrelenting hate of prevailing cowards, and are not
satisfied with slaughter until they have totally destroyed
their opponents. It therefore becomes every officer and
soldier to resolve never to fly before such an enemy, but
determine either to conquer or perish, which will ever
insure success. Should they thus determine and thus act,
nothing but an uncommon frown of Providence can prevent us
from obtaining that which will insure peace and security to
our frontiers, and afford lasting honor to all concerned.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 13th. That part of our army which marched for
Chemung the evening before returned at dusk. The particulars
relative to this enterprise as collected from several
friends, particularly Major Edwards, are as following: Owing
to many inconveniences attending a march by night in a
wilderness, they did not arrive at Chemung till after
daylight; nevertheless the morning being very foggy, favored
their undertaking. Having surrounded the town, to their
great sorrow they found it abandoned. Its situation was
beautiful, being on the banks of the Tioga branch. The
houses in general were good, some built of logs, others of
hewed slabs, in numbers, upwards of thirty with a council
house. The whole was immediately set fire to, and the place
totally destroyed. The infantry then moved on towards
another Indian village called Newtown, distant from Chemung
seven or eight miles, in pursuit of the savages, who with
their cattle were supposed to have taken that route.
Proceeding about one mile, they came to the place where the
savages had passed the night, but being apprized of our
approach they made their escape, leaving behind their
blankets, fires burning and dogs asleep by them. General
Hand having by Major Edwards, requested General Sullivan to
allow him to go on to Newtown, General Sullivan consented,
provided General Hand would engage to return next morning to
Tioga. General Hand then determined instantly to push
forward. Captain Bush's infantry being on the right flank,
and the advance party but a little in front, the light corps
thus moving forward soon came to a very high hill or rather
ridge, which ran along on their right. The Indians, who had
fixed themselves there for the purpose, immediately
discharged a very sharp volley upon our advanced party,
which wounded Captain Franklin, their guide, Adjutant
Hinton, and a few others, killed a sergeant and some
privates. The 11th Pennsylvania regiment hereupon, in a
moment, pushed up the hill with an astonishing rapidity. The
savages as they were advancing gave them another well
directed fire, but seeing the determined spirit of our
troops, suddenly fled. The light corps pursued them some
distance and were pushing for Newtown, but General Sullivan
arriving, thought it best for them to return in order to
destroy their [262] fields of corn which were very fine
indeed and supposed to be in the whole nearly a hundred
acres. From the quantity of corn and potatoes stored there
Chemung was judged to be designated for a magazine to supply
their future wants. As General Poor's brigade were
destroying an upper field they were fired upon by the
Indians. He had one man killed and two or three more
wounded. The whole business of laying waste their ground and
burning their villages was completed before one o'clock, P.
M., the detachment having marched, going and returning,
above thirty miles. The 11th Pennsylvania regiment had six
killed, viz., one sergeant, one drummer and four privates.
Two officers badly wounded, viz., Captain Carberry and
Adjutant Huston. Slightly wounded six privates. The main
army had one man killed and a few wounded. The dead bodies
were brought to camp on horses, and all the wounded got in
safe. Several Indian curiosities were picked up by the
soldiery and some of the officers, such as painted scalps,
etc. Tarried for my own part in my quarters all day and felt
very lonesome.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 14th. Attended to the grave the bodies of
the six killed of Hubley's regiment. They were all as
decently as possible interred together. Pronounced a funeral
oration and went to prayer; the regiment very solemn and
attentive. The scene was exceedingly affecting. Informed Mr.
Kilpatrick of the enemy's leaving Northumberland county,
after ruining all the settlements on the West Branch.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 15th. The forenoon being very cloudy, this,
together with parading the troops, and cooking, prevented
preaching to the respective brigades. Early in the afternoon
as a number of gentlemen were sitting with General Hand, we
heard the discharge of several guns across the Tioga, and
immediately afterwards the Indian scalp warhoop. Upon our
repairing to the banks several savages were by different
persons discovered retreating along the mountains, taking
with them four or five horses. A detachment from the light
troops in the upper and two Jersey regiments from the lower
encampments went in pursuit of them. But agreeably to the
old adage it was similar to looking for needles in a hay
stack. Their footsteps were plainly seen but their persons
were invisible. They killed and scalped one of our men, a
lad employed as a driver; his body was brought over soon
afterwards. One of our soldiers was wounded and a bullock
was shot. The Indians are enemies fruitful in stratagem,
secret in their designs, and capable of taking every
advantage which the situation of the ground or our own
inattention may give them. I forgot to mention the supposed
loss of the enemy in the battle on Friday. A jacket of one
of them was picked up bloody and shot through. Also a hat.
One or two were seen to fall and afterwards to be carried
off by the others. From these circumstances it is imagined
that they had seven or eight killed and wounded.
MONDAY, AUGUST 16th. This morning agreeably to orders of the
14th, nine hundred picked men, with a suitable number of
commissioned and non-commissioned officers under the command
of Generals Poor and Hand marched off the ground in order to
proceed upon the main branch, to meet the troops and boats,
which, under the command of General Clinton, were to leave
Lake Otsego, on the 9th instant. The detachment took with it
eight day's provisions. The light troops being much reduced
by draughts from them upon account of this expedition, were
by reason of our advanced and dangerous situation joined by
two pieces of artillery from the park under the command of
Captains Craig and Ernes. Visited the sick and wounded in
the general hospital. By this day's orders the soldiery were
positively forbidden to go out of the lines of the
encampment under any pretext whatever. A captain and fifty
men were posted on the west side of the Cayuga, to guard the
horses and cattle and secure the camp. The troops were
forbidden to imitate the Indian whoop, as also to discharge
their guns wantonly. A single gun is to be considered as an
alarm. P. M. - An express arrived, also a person from
Philadelphia. The person from Philadelphia, mentioned that
Count d'Estaing had obtained a victory over the British
fleet off the Island of St. Vincents. By a letter from
General Clinton to General Sullivan, the latter was informed
that the 16th of August (this day), he should leave
Onohocassage, about sixty miles up the river from Tioga. The
block houses, (which were directed to be built a little in
the rear of the infantry encampment, for the security of the
peninsula, and where a garrison with the flying hospital on
the army's marching [263] from this are to be left, are
going on with a good deal of rapidity), were this evening
called by the name of Fort Sullivan, out of respect to the
illustrious character who with his army first took
possession of this post on behalf of the United States.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 17th. Last night the light corps were
several times alarmed by the sentries. Twice I got up. Small
parties were sent out by Colonel Hubley to reconnoitre the
environs of the camp, and returned each time with an account
of the sentries mistaking either horses or some other moving
objects for Indians. Two guns were discharged by the party
on the west side of the Cayuga, and one by the advanced
front guard of infantry. In the country of so lurking an
enemy, we cannot but expect frequent mistakes of this kind.
P. M. - Six soldiers of the German regiment having obtained
leave to go a small distance to search for some of their
missing horses, were, between two and three hundred yards
from our advanced sentries, fired upon by about twelve
secreted savages. They returned the fire; four got into camp
safe. A party being sent out by Colonel Hubley, met one
returning to the regiment shot through the arm and all the
bones above his elbow shattered. I went immediately to see
him, and found the poor fellow, though full of pain, very
patient; the sixth was killed by three or four balls through
the body and head, and scalped. His body was found and
brought in. He formerly lived in Fifth street, near Market
street, Philadelphia. His name was Philip Helter, by trade a
biscuit baker.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18th. Very early this morning by reason of
yesterday's occurrence, several small parties with certain
directions were sent out different ways under enterprising
officers to bring in if possible or kill some of the
dastardly cruel lurking foe. Last night a sentry discharged
his musket at an imaginary Indian which caused the infantry
to appear under arms; got up myself, soon retired again to
my tent and slept very sound till sunrise. At eleven
o'clock, A. M., preached a sermon at our encampment in
commemoration of the death of Captain Davis and Lieutenant
Jones, vide observations, of Thursday, July 29th. Present,
General Sullivan and family; General Maxwell and family; the
11th Pennsylvania regiment, artillery; members of Lodge No.
19, with many other gentlemen of the army. A short time
after sermon attended to the grave the body of Philip
Helter, addressed the soldiery and went to prayer; the day
being very sultry, was, after so much preaching, a good deal
overcome. The parties sent out in the morning returned
without doing anything material. This night one gun was
fired which occasioned a small alarm.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 19th. Parties, as yesterday, sent out;
returned towards evening in eodem modo. This night a musket
discharged at some fancied enemy. Rainy all night.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 2oth. Early this morning, arrived Lieutenant
Boyd, of the rifle corps with a letter from General Clinton
to General Sullivan. Lieutenant Boyd informs us that their
army and our detachment met the day before at ten o'clock A.
M., eight miles this side of Chenango. The same evening
Owegy, an Indian village twenty miles from hence was by the
army laid in ashes. Lieutenant Boyd left them at Owegy,
eleven o'clock, P. M., they resolving to be here the next,
viz., this day. However, the day being throughout very
stormy, without doubt prevented their proceeding. Lieutenant
Boyd spent the day with Major Sproat, and purposes tarrying
with us till General Clinton gets in. General Clinton's
troops had met with no opposition on their march, when Mr.
Boyd came away. They burnt every house they came across,
without exception, and destroyed all the corn and grain.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 21st. No new occurrence.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 22nd. This morning arrived General Clinton
with his army and our detachment. The majority of General
Clinton with his army and our detachment. The majority of
General Clinton's troops came down in batteaux, in number,
two hundred and seven, and they of the small kind; upon
their passing by the light corps encampment they were
saluted by the discharge of thirteen rounds from two six
pounders. As our detachment with Colonel William Butler's
command marched through, they were received by the remaining
part of General Hand's brigade under arms and welcomed by
the band of music and drums and fifes, playing alternately.
At twelve o'clock rode to the lower [264] camp, and to my
great satisfaction saw Mr. Gano; found him hearty and well.
The provisions brought by General Clinton, did not as to
quantity turn out so much as we expected, owing to their
necessary consumption of the same at Lake Otsego, where they
were obliged to continue idle about a month as we were
unprepared to meet them sooner at Tioga. The consequences
which must result may be easily supposed. The first grand
design of the expedition must in a great measure prevail
(fail). No preaching to-day by reason of the troops arriving
and preparations making for speedy departure. With General
Clinton came only two of the Oneidas.
MONDAY, AUGUST 23rd. A. M. Visited the sick and wounded.
Dined at home. Colonel Butler and other gentlemen being with
us. P. M., spent with Dr. Gano at General Clinton's Marquee.
About five o'clock in General Poor's brigade, a soldier
flashing his gun, it went off, and at a considerable
distance shot an officer, as he was standing at a tent door;
he instantly expired; upon calling to look at the body, was
informed that he was a married man, his wife and five
children residing in New Hampshire; a sad misfortune. By
this day's orders the 4th Pennsylvania regiment and Rifle
Corps are annexed to General Hand's brigade. Two hundred and
fifty men properly officered, exclusive of boatmen to be
left as a garrison at this place, Colonel Shreve appointed
to command. Myself ordered to officiate as chaplain to the
garrison at Wyoming. This is in consequence of the dispersed
state of the 3rd Pennsylvania brigade and the majority of
those who are together, being attached to the light corps,
whose duty, after they leave Tioga, will be such as to
render my presence unnecessary, as no opportunity for
preaching can possibly occur. These considerations caused me
to comply without much hesitation.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 24th. This day nothing material occurred
except the universal hurry throughout the whole in preparing
for a march. Accordingly, P. M., tents were struck, horses
loaded, and every movement necessary for the new movement
took place. Owing to the numbers of the pack horses being
lost or otherwise missing, General Clinton's brigade was
poorly supplied.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25th. The troops which were this forenoon
to march agreeably to yesterday's directions, were by reason
of their not being properly equipped, ordered to hold
themselves in perfect readiness to proceed at all events. At
eleven o'clock arrived three Oneidas, one a Lieutenant
commissioned by Congress; upon their advancing to the
infantry encampment a sentry presented his firelock; the
Oneidas clubbed theirs and ventured in by making signs of
good faith. Upon their marching through the several brigades
many officers and soldiers, laboring under the same belief
with the sentry, particularly as they were escorted by a
guard, gathered around them; they informed us that one of
their young warriors was lately killed in Canada, by the
British, and that a number of their tribe had since gone to
revenge his death. P. M. - Heavy rain. In the evening an
express arrived; intelligence by him received that Colonel
Broadhead, from Fort Pitt, had marched with a number of
troops and friendly Indians with an intention of forming a
junction with General Sullivan, near Genesee. He also
brought several newspapers, which announced the victory
obtained by the French fleet over the British off Grenada,
and that Island, together with Tobago, was in possession of
our allies.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 26th, Early this morning rode to the lower
encampment; they appeared in great hurry and confusion; soon
returned to my quarters. Late in the forenoon the whole,
exclusive of the garrison, marched. Many articles went up
the Tioga in boats; as they set out under great and divers
inconveniences, their return must be so sudden as will in
all probability prevent effecting much. Twenty-seven days
provisions only. Artillery passing through an uncultivated
country, etc. However ardent my wishes are, yet my fears
more than counterbalance. The Rifle and Light Corps moving
off with the sound of the horn, appeared highly pleasing,
the main body following in their rear about one mile, added
a peculiar grace. Would to God they were better supplied.
Captain Bush, Dr. Kinnersley and myself erected our living
abode within the lines of Fort Sullivan, proposing to spend
our time as comfortably as possible together, until some of
the boats set off for Wyoming. The command of the garrison
being committed to so vigilant and worthy an officer as
Colonel Shreve, affords much confidence and good hu- [265]
mor in all those who are to continue with him, although
their sufferings may be great and duty must be hard. Captain
Wool has charge of the two garrison six pounders. Colonel
Dubois and Lieutenant Colonel Reignier com-manded the
flanking division on the right of the army. Colonel Ogden
and Lieutenant-Colonel Willett, that on the left.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 27th. The Army yesterday moved but three
miles; marched again this morning about seven o'clock. The
great parade and regularity which is observed, must
unavoidably in the end, letting alone all other obstacles,
greatly defeat the purpose of the expedition, considering
the coyness and subtilty of the Indians. The garrison at
Fort Sullivan is very short of provisions, the salted beef
much tainted. Divers cattle which since our arrival at this
post have strayed away, were this day discovered by a
scouting party sent out by the commandant. The party could
bring none in, as they were apparently as wild as deer. The
past night very cold, this morning, till late, exceedingly
foggy; and from about eleven o'clock, A. M., till four, P.
M., very sultry.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 28th. A party which was directed to search
after strayed horses and cattle, early this morning drove
into the fort twenty-four of the latter, A great blessing
indeed, as there are in the garrison about twelve hundred
souls, men, women and children included, and previous to the
twenty-four cattle being drove in, but five were left and
those but poor. About dusk, sixty boats, most of them having
many of the garrison on board, set off for Wyoming for
provisions and other necessaries; took passage myself with
Captain Bush, on board the "Adventure," where were fixed as
conveniently as circumstances would permit Captain Carberry
and Adjutant Huston, who owing to their wounds and much pain
were exceedingly uneasy; spent a very disagreeable night, as
I had to sit or stand in a cramped posture.
______
Note. Rev Dr. Rogers left the army to return to Philadelphia
during the night of August 28, 1779, an account of his
return journey being in his journal which ends Sept. 6, and
which is here omitted as not being pertinent to this
publication.
THE END.
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