JOURNAL OF
MAJOR JEREMIAH FOGG.
Major
Jeremiah Fogg, the oldest son of Rev. Jeremiah Fogg of Kensington, was born in
1749, graduated at Harvard College in 1768; spent several years as a teacher in
Newburyport, where he commenced the study of law with Theophilus Parsons, the
most eminent jurist of the time. At the commencement of hostilities, in 1775,
he entered Col. Poor's regiment as one of the staff officers and continued in
the service through the whole war. At the close of the revolution, he returned
to Kensington, took a prominent part in the political
movements of the country, was for several years a member of the New Hampshire
Senate, and died in 1808 at the age of 59. He married Lydia Hill of Cambridge.
The
following is from a printed copy of his journal, 150 copies of which were
published, Exeter, N. H., from the News Letter Press, 1879. He held the
position on the roster as captain in the second New Hampshire regiment.
JOURNAL OF
Major
Jeremiah Hogg, of Col. Poor's Regiment N. H. during the expedition of Gen. Sullivan
in 1779, against the western Indians.
August
13. 1779.—Col. Cilley's regiment with several others were afterwards sent to destroy
a field of corn near that place and were fired upon from the same hill. One man
was killed and several wounded, but it is uncertain whether by the enemy or our
own men, as the fire was very irregular. At two o'clock we set off for Tioga,
after burning the town and destroying all the corn on our way. Several colts
were taken here. Arrived at Tioga at 8 o'clock, much fatigued, having marched
nearly 40 miles and had no sleep for 36 hours.
14th.
Very warm. This being the place assigned for Gen. Clinton to join the army, and
Gen. Sullivan being apprehensive of his being in danger, detached Gen. Poor,
with 900 men and 8 days' provisions, with orders to proceed up the river, as a
reinforcement in case of an attack. Gen Clinton had, previous to this, received
orders not to move from the head of the river until Sullivan had marched 9 days
from Wyoming, a reasonable time to reach Tioga.
15th.
This day a party of Indians appeared near Gen. Hand's encampment, scalped one
of our drivers and wounded one more. Parties were sent off in pursuit of them,
but ineffectually.
16th.
After making a proper disposition of the troops, the General marched at 10
o'clock and encamped at Mawkuatowouguh (alias Red Brook) 12 miles from Tioga
situated on that river, where there is some good interval.
17th.
Marched at 6 o'clock, passed through exceedingly good land, and at 2 o'clock arrived
at Owegy, lately inhabited by the savages, but on the destruction of Onondaga
it was abandoned, as were all the settlements on the river above Tioga. This is
a pretty piece of land through which runs a creek about three rods wide. A small
party were sent up to explore, and about a mile up the creek found 12 horses,
but no Indians.
18th.
Marched at half past 6, passed through good land, but badly watered, arrived in
season at Choconut Flats, formerly a pretty settlement of fifty houses, seven
of which only were standing. Three miles short of this, is Choconut Creek about
three rods wide. Several parties having been sent with information of our march
to Gen. Clinton, we began to fear he had not decamped from the head of the
river, as we had arrived nearly at the place where we should probably meet him
without any account from him, but to our great joy at sunset we heard his
evening gun, about 8 miles distant, which we answered with a Cohorn. From this
place is a path across the mountains to Wialusing distant 2 day march, 14
miles.
19th.
Marched at eight o'clock, but soon met a sergeant from Gen. Clinton, with a letter
informing us that his army would be at Choconut brook by five o'clock.
Consequently we countermarched, and before night arrived at Owegy, and burnt 19
houses. Gen. Clinton had about 1800 men, 208 boats and one month's salt provision,
with two Oneida Indians.
20th.
Rained violently, which rendered it exceedingly bad for men without tents. Remained
on the ground all day.
21st.
Encamped at MAWKUHTOWONGUH.
22nd.
Very pleasant, arrived at Tioga about one o'clock to the great joy of our
soldiery, as by bad economy they had consumed eight days' bread in five. On the
arrival of the boats 13 cannon were fired. The prospects of affairs at this
period, seems to promise a speedy movement. Hitherto nothing has appeared, but
a suspicion of embarrassments and, even now, no great things are expected. Gen.
Clinton proceeded from Albany, with 1800 men and three months provisions,
reckoning from the middle of June, transported the whole, together with 208
boats by land to Schenectady, from thence by water to Cannajoharie on the
Mohawk river, then by land to lake Otsego 18 or 20 miles of very bad road,
where he continued six weeks, waiting for Gen. Sullivan's orders. On the ninth
of August he marched about half his troops, the rest embarked on board the
boats, and proceeded down the river, those by land keeping pace with them as a
guard. The water in the river by this time had become so low as to render the
navigation totally impracticable without having to resort to artifice.
Therefore, previous to his quitting the lake, he built a dam at its mouth till the
water was raised three feet higher than was natural. The night before
embarkation he hoisted his gates, which afforded a sufficiency of water for his
purpose. Four of Col Cilley's regiment sent express on the 15th to Gen.
Clinton, with five days provision, are not yet heard of, and are supposed to
have taken a wrong branch. A fine jaunt. Every department is busy in preparing
for the march. In our absence up the river a party of savages fired on four
men, near Gen. Hand's encampment scalped one and wounded another.
23d.
Unfortunate day—a hapless youth, as he was carelessly handling a musket charged
with a ball and five buckshot, discharge it and the whole passed through a tent
in which were several officers. Three of the shot struck Capt. Kimball, Paymaster
of the First Regiment; one passing through the centre of his body immediately
put an end to his life. He was possessed of every qualification to render him
dear, useful and agreeable to his friends, and his integrity, capacity, good
temper and strict attention to duty were such, that all must mourn his loss.
Man knoweth not his time. Capt. Kimball had served in five campaigns, and
though his duty seldom called him into danger, yet at a time, when there
appeared the least danger, his life was required, while others exposed to ten
thousand angry balls are spared.
24th.
Capt. Kimball was buried with the honors of war. A soldier in the York Brigade
was badly wounded by the accidental discharge of a musket. Misfortunes,
according to the ancient whim, seldom come single. Our army paraded and the
baggage was out, but we found a great want of bags and horses, and spent the
chief of the night in cutting up tents and making bags.
25th.
Three Oneidas came from their castle—men of integrity and sobriety. One, who
was before with us being a worthless fellow, introduced himself to them, but
was received with a most peculiar air of coldness and silent contempt. Want of
horses prevents our marching this day, and parties are sent out to collect
those astray. Received intelligence that Count D'Estaing had been engaged with
Byron, to the advantage of the Count; and that Lt. Vincents, Grenada and Tobago
were taken by our allies. Two runners came in from Col. Broadhead informing us
that he had marched five hundred men towards the Genessee.
26th.
After much difficulty, by the middle of the day, the army got in motion towards
Kanasadaga, with nine pieces of artillery and their appendages; the
transportation of which to Genesee, appears to the army in general as impracticable
and absurd as an attempt to level the Alleghany mountains. Our army is supplied
(at least nominally) with thirty days' provisions and encamped three miles from
Tioga, where appeared to have been a body of fifty Indians in ambush, with a
view to fall on men that might be sent to mow grass. After the encampment, we
were alarmed by unusual cry of the army, caused by the appearance of a doe,
running through the lines; she happening to run near our quarters, we attempted
to seize and confine her, but found her too full of springs! The first
salutation I met with was her head against my forehead, which knocked me down, stunned
me and prevented my further pursuit. She ran over me treading on me in several places.
This days' march must have been attended with very little difficulty, as the
ground was level and dry, admitting the army to march, exactly on the order on
paper.
28th.
This morning we had a dainty repast on the fruits of the savages. Our friends at
home cannot be happier amid their variety of superfluities, than we were while
sitting at a dish of tea, toast, corn, squash, smoked tongue, &c. After destroying
sixty or eighty acres of corn, the army marched. Three brigades went over the
mountain on the east side of the river, while Maxwell crossed, with the
artillery, and baggage, and re-crossed near Chemung. Two Indians were
discovered and fired on by soldiers on our flanks, but they missed them.
Crossing the river was attended with some difficulty, horses, drivers, and bags
of flour were carried off in the current, but the water was not deep enough to drown
them. Our Indian scouts returned, informing us that a number of fires were
discovered within ten miles of Chemung. Capt. Wait was sent to the top of a
high mountain to lay during the night and to make discoveries of the fires, but
could discern nothing but smoke which appeared to be half as great as the smoke
of our encampment. Arrived at Chemung about six o'clock.
29th.
After collecting our horses and cattle, which had gone astray, we marched towards
the enemy, whom we expected to fight before night, and in two miles discovered a
fortification. The riflemen advanced and began a fire on them, while the
artillery was carried to an advantageous piece of ground. At the same time,
Gen. Poor's and Clinton's brigades attempted to gain their left and rear, by a
circuitous march in which we passed through a new town [Newtown, N. Y.] of
about forty houses, and with difficulty crossed a brook and ascended a tedious
mountain; but previous to this our artillery had begun a heavy cannonade on
their works. Just as we were beginning to ascend the mountain, the enemy began
a scattering fire from the top. The troops immediately formed a line and pushed
forward, reserving their fire till they arrived at the summit of the mountain,
when the enemy gave way in the centre and at the same time attempted to gain
our left. Col. Reids regiment, by misfortune, had separated nearly a gun shot
from the main body and received the chief of the fire but returned it with
equal fury, charging them at the same time. Col. Dearborn, being informed of
Reid's detached situation, wheeled his regiment to his assistance and at the
critical moment gave a full volley on the enemy's flank, which completed their
rout.
Killed Wounded
Col.
Cilley's Reg. 1 Lieut. Lieut. McCally and 1 private
" Reid's "
1 Corp. 6
private
" Scammell's " 2 Corp.
6 private
" Alden "
1 private 7 "
Covering
party 1 " several
In the
action, six Indians were left on the ground dead. One Tory was taken prisoner
who told us that their whole force was 6oo Indians commanded by Brant and 200
whites commanded by Butler; among which were a British sergeant, corporal and
12 privates. A negro was afterwards taken, who gave nearly the same account,
except the the number of Indians, which he thought to be only 400. Indeed the
affair of the day was conducted with much propriety and forebode a full
execution of our plan. The New Hampshire Brigade may at least add a new feather
to their caps. Although the enemy galled us, killing three and wounding forty;
yet we convinced them that they may in vain attempt to withstand an army like
ours. In the circuitous march to gain their rear, my horse stumbled under me
and broke his neck.
30th.
Reconnoitered the ground and lines of the enemy. They had chosen an
advantageous piece of ground and with logs and some digging extended their
works from a small eminence on their right, looking the river and intervals to
another on their left, near a swamp. The whole work was blinded by a body of
green bushes, placed artfully in front. This morning died Lt. McCally of Col.
Cilley's regiment, in consequence of an amputation performed yesterday. He was
a brave, ambitious and worthy officer. In the evening our wounded, together
with all the wagons and four pieces of the heaviest artillery, were sent back
to Tioga by water, to the great satisfaction of the army. Went over the field
of battle to view the slain. No army can have higher spirits
than ours resulting from victory and a consciousness of superiority, while our
enemy are fleeing from their country. Scarcity of provisions and the extensive
plan before us, induced the General to address the army, requesting them to
comply with half allowance, while corn and vegetables could be obtained. So
great and noble was their spirit, that scarce a dissenting voice was heard in
camp; while manifesting their consent by an universal hurrah! A wag observed,
that he had seen men shout for joy in a time of plenty but not for half
allowance. Present prospects forebode success, although hitherto, nothing but a
succession of clogs and embarrassments have attended us. Eight days' flour was
this day dealt, which relieved a number of horses for Gen. Clinton's brigade.
31st.
Very cool and clear. Having now disencumbered ourselves of the wounded, wagons and heavy artillery (equally agreeable) we
proceeded with four light three pounders and a small howitzer; burning Newton
on our way, which consisted of fifteen or twenty houses. Our wing passed over
hideous mountains and ravines; some of the banks of the latter were thirty
feet, almost perpendicular. After we had passed the mountain, we came on to a
platt of fine land, at the crotch of the river five miles from Chemung. Some of
our light corps discovered a party of the enemy in boats, going up the main branch,
but could not overtake them. A number of arms, hats and trinkets were found scattered
on the way, which indicated the confusion and hurry in which they decamped. This
day's march of ten miles was performed with little difficulty; four of the last
being in an open pitch pine plain covered with good grass, in which we
encamped.
Sept.
1st. This morning frost was found in our camp. The army marched about 8 o'clock.
The plain continued several miles and then we passed through a defile having an
extensive morass and creek on our right and a high mountain on our left which
is said to be a part of the Alleghany range. We then entered a swamp, which
continued six or eight miles, full of morasses, ravines, windfalls and almost
every obstacle to impede artillery, while there was a chain of mountains on
either side, on which the flanks marched. The right column likewise marched on the
mountain with great fatigue; passing a number of prodigious gullies. The land
in general this day was as uneven as the sea in a tempest. After night came on,
the army had several miles of woods and bogs to pass, which employed many of us
five hours. Gen. Clinton's brigade, with the cattle, did not arrive until the
next day. The whole night was a disagreeable scene of confusion; and darkness
was almost perfect. Fires were built in many of the most difficult places, to build
bridges and facilitate the passage. Many horses and bags of flour were lost in
the bogs. When the infantry arrived at Katharine's town fires were burning in
the wigwarms and kettles of broth were on the fire. This town consists of
twenty houses, took its name from a French woman of great interest named
Katharine, who settled here and carried on merchandise. She owned a number of
horses and cattle.
2d. Early
this morning we found in a bark hut an awful object and upon examination it
appeared to be Madam Sacho, one of the Tuscawora tribe, whose silver locks,
wrinkled face, dim eyes and curvitude of body denoted her to be a full blooded
antideluvian hag! Her language was very little understood by our interpreters.
However, one of our Oneidas could understand her and communicated to them in
his own language. She gave the following account viz: That she was left by
necessity, and expected to have been killed and seemed thankful, that the good
spirit had influenced our great chief to save her; that Butler and his whites
had gone off two days before; that a reinforcement of Indians met him at this
place, prepared for war; but those who had been defeated told them that we were
too numerous, the woods were full of men, &c , that the squaws and the
little ones were anxious for peace, but that Butler had told them that all
would be put to death. The fatigue of yesterday prevented our marching this
day, which was spent in eating and destroying corn and squashes. The grandeur
of this town is by no means equal to its fame. Through it runs a pretty rivulet
which enters Seneca lake, three miles from the town. This day we passed through
a good tract of land on the east side of Seneca lake. The right wing marched on
the top and edge of a mountain from whence is a fine prospect of the lake for
several miles. This lake is about thirty-seven miles long from two to six wide,
running north nearly straight; and in it are no islands. It is a most beautiful
body of water. This day's march was very pleasant, but at night we encamped
without forage. Col. Smith was sent forward with a party, who discovered a man
on horseback and four Indians; but they escaped him.
4th. Rain
in the morning, which prevented our marching till eleven o'clock. Within four
miles of this place, we passed a small settlement and a few acres of corn.
Night coming on, we were obliged again to encamp without forage; excepting wild
beans, of which our horses were very fond, and kind nature has been very
bountiful in dispensing them throughout this country. Many horses have fallen
this day under burdens. One of the Oneidas was sent off this morning to rouse
his brethren to take up the hatchet and join us at Kanadasaga. We marched
eleven miles this day and found exceedingly good land and marching.
5th. With
much difficulty we collected our horses and cattle and marched at 10 o'clock. We
passed one difficult ravine, but found the rest of the way good. Came once in
sight of the lake near a house and small field of corn and arrived at Kindaia
or Appletown at 2 o'clock. The village has twenty houses and eighty large apple
trees, but only six families have lived here since the destruction of Onondaga.
From a captive whom we retook at this place, we learned that the enemy were in
great confusion after the action at Newtown. Two of them had run from thence,
in less than twenty four hours, proclaiming their defeat in the death hallo;
being almost spent with fatigue, while their voices were scarcely audible by
their continual vociferation. Some were for revenge, but the more timid and prudent
were for escaping with their little ones, as they believed us to be 10,000
going to Niagara. Kindaia is pleasantly situated near the lake which is here
about five miles across.
6th. Our
army by a general order the preceding day, discharged their pieces which
terrified and dispersed our cattle and horses, and eighteen of the latter were
never found. This accident detained us until 2 o'clock, so that this day's march
has been only two miles. Encamped amidst a great plenty of pea-vines. A party
that had been sent in search of three servants who by mistake had gone to
Cayuga lake, found there a small town, which they destroyed and brought off a
horse.
7th.
Between seven and eight, the army marched, had good level land all day, and about
two arrived at the outlet of the lake, where we expected violent opposition;
but were agreeably disappointed, notwithstanding which the greatest caution was
used, in crossing the river, which is about three or four rods wide. Nature
could not have formed a better place for an ambuscade, as the lake was on our
left and an impervious swamp on our right for half a mile. Having passed the
ford and defile, we marched to Kanadasaga, two and a half miles from the lake,
an Indian settlement of about thirty houses, called the Seneca Castle. Here the
English in the course of the last war, attempted to establish a post beginning
a picket fort, but were compelled to desist, as the savages declined having any
civilized people get a foothold in their territories lest in process of time,
they should deviate from the lines and customs of their predecessors, by
degenerating into a regular system of government, agriculture and mode of life,
whereby they would cease to be Indians. To avoid such evils, every precaution
has been taken to prevent a survey of the country, while maps of it hitherto
taken seem rather to blind than enlighten a traveller.
Notwithstanding
the occult and evasive qualities of the Savages with which our general must
before this time have been acquainted he made a disposition of his troops,
thinking to surround and surprise the town, after having been five hours within
three miles of it. Genl. Hand's infantry and Col. De Bois' flank men were to
begin the investigation on the west, while the main body encircled them from
each wing. But oh! sad mishap! When our commander advanced to complete his
part, to his great mortification, he found the detachments either misled by
their guides or else had mistaken a field of pompions [pumpkins] for the town.
But whatever might have been the cause, the whole party from the monkey to the rat,
had armed themselves with almost every species of the vegetable creation, each
man with three pompions on his bayonet and staggering under the weight of a
bosom filled with corn and beans, when in accents more sonorous than those of
an injured husband, he broke out "You d—d unmilitary set of rascals! what,
are you going to storm a town with pompions! Turn aside, open to the right and
left, that men unaccostomed to plundering, and such scandalous conduct may
execute the design! Ye officers, never more show your heads with military
characters." In an instant the whole band was disrobed of their vegetable
accoutrements and armour, and pompions, squashes, melons and mandrakes rolled
down the hill like hail-stones in a tempest.
No person
was found in the town, save a child about three years old, emaciated almost to
a skeleton, sitting on the green and playing with a young chicken. It is
generally supposed to be a prisoner left by the savages, as a mother cannot
forget her sucking child, besides it could speak and understand only Indian. A
milch cow was found near it, which was probably left for his support. The land
between the Seneca and Cayuga lakes appears good, level and well timbered; affording
a sufficiency for twenty elegant townships, which in process of time will doubt
less add to the importance of America. The communication of the Seneca with
Cayuga is passable with boats and is about twenty miles.
Whether
the God of nature ever designed that so noble a part of his creation should remain
uncultivated, in consequence of an unprincipled and brutal part of it, is one
of those arcana, yet hidden from human intelligence. However, had I any
influence in the councils of America, I should not think it an affront to the
Divine will to lay some effectual plan, either to civilize, or totally
extirpate the race. Counting their friendship is not only a disagreeable task,
but impracticable; and if obtained it is of no longer duration than while we
are in prosperity and the impending rod threatens their destruction. To starve
them is equally impracticable for they feed on air and drink the morning dew.
8th. The
army remained on the ground, feeding on the produce of the country. A detachment
under Col. Smith, was sent down the south side of the lake to destroy a small
settlement, where were found a great quantity of fruit and some swine and
fowls. A council was held, on the expediency of proceeding to Genesee—a march
necessary but to appearance, almost impracticable and by many thought to be
imprudent. Pimps and tale bearers were brought from every brigade to ascertain
the minds of the general officers, and some attempted to argue them into the
propriety of an immediate return. How incompetent are men of inferior stations
to judge in matters of such a nature, especially when they are not availed of
any of the principles on which to form their judgement. One instance of this
kind happened, in which the subject had well nigh been sent without the
sentries, with orders for them to fire in case of his return. "Felix quern faciunt aliena pericula
cantum." It was determined to go on the other sixty miles,
notwithstanding we had only provisions (full allowance) to carry us back.
9th.
After sending back Capt. Reid, with the invalid men and horses, the army
marched at 12 o'clock; passed through many cleared lands and swamps and
encamped seven miles from Kanadasaga. Col. Smith's party joined us.
10th.
Marched at 8 o'clock, and in about seven miles, passed the outlet of a lake on our
left, which to appearance was two miles wide and five long, near which was a
town of thirty houses, called Kandaigua, which we immediately burned, intending
to proceed further; but finding a large quantity of corn, about half a mile
distant, we were obliged to decamp. From the structure of many of the buildings
it appeared that some tories had lived here. When our advanced parties arrived
three Indians were discovered in the town, and some fires were burning near by.
Marched nine miles to day.
11th. The
General beat at five, and the army marched at half past six. Passed through
many fields of grass very high; and over hills, ravines and morasses, and
encamped at Annaquayen thirteen and a half miles, consisting of eight houses,
near which is a lake, half a mile wide and five long. This town took its name
from a misfortune which befel an Indian here, viz:—the loss of a finger, which
the word signifies. Having now so nearly performed our march and many of our
horses being unfit for service the General detached a Captain and fifty men,
who took charge of the greatest part of our flour and ammunition stores in and
near an Indian house. The bags of flour served as a defense against the enemy,
by way of pallisade. The feeble horses and two pieces of artillery were
likewise left.
12th.
Rained in the morning which prevented our marching until 12 o'clock. The land through
which we passed this day was very hilly but not difficult. Encamped near Adyutro,
a town of twenty five houses, a great quantity of corn, &c. Here, once
lived the famous Seneca chief, called in English the Big tree, whose house was
entirely built of cedar. Marched eleven miles.
13th.
Very early this morning the army marched to the above town and halted for breakfast.
We were detained here some time in making bridges over a rivulet and swamp. The
preceding evening a party of four riflemen and Honniose, an Oneida Indian, were
ordered to reconnoitre the next castle and return by day-break. But by mistake
twenty nine went, four of whom discovering four Indians in the town, killed and
scalped one and wounded the second. The officer (Lt. Boyd) instead of
returning, as was expected, sent four of his men to inform the General,
detaining the remainder until the army should arrive; but, hearing some Indians
had been discovered near by, marched down and was drawn into an ambuscade
wherein Boyd, and about twenty men were cut off. Soon after a party fired on
Mr. Lodge, the surveyor and party, and mortally wounded one man; but by the
timely firing of a sentry all the party got in. The army then marched to the
castle, called Gohseolahulee (which signifies spear laid up), of about twenty
houses. From some appearances, we apprehended that the enemy would oppose us at
this town and proper caution was taken; but we were once more agreeably
disappointed. Here appeared the heathenish custom of offering sacrifices. Two dogs
were found suspended on a pole, which signified that evil spirit was to be
pacified by their skins, which would serve to make him a tobacco pouch and
waistcoat. Marched seven miles.
14th.
This morning the army crossed a creek about one rod wide, and soon entered upon
a large flat of intervale, containing about twenty thousand acres, with not a
stump nor a tree upon the whole, but grass from six to ten feet high. Here our
whole army was seen in the same accurate order as on paper.
The
Genesee river is about half a mile from our last encampment and is four or five
rods wide and very rapid. The army forded the river in platoons and locked arms
to guard against the rapidity of its current. A soldier who was on this
extensive plat twenty eight years ago (1751) said that it had then the same
appearance. After crossing the river we ascended an eminence, perhaps one
hundred feet higher than the river, on the top of which is a plain of
considerable extent and from which is a gradual descent each way. This
tableland overlooks the country and intervale around it for many miles, and is
I think, best calculated for a county seat, town or city, as to situation, of
any place in America. Before sunset we arrived at Genesee, the grand capital
and extent of our route, where were a hundred and twenty houses and as many
acres of corn. The remains of Lt. Boyd and one rifleman [Sgt. Parker], taken the preceding
day, were found with their heads cutoff, and eyes and tongues out and every
species of barbarity committed, that the united malice of all the infernal
devils could dictate. The savages had the day before burned a house in the
ashes of which were the bones of several men, which were doubtless savages
killed by the riflemen. Burning with them is frequently a substitute for
interment.
15th.
This morning a captive woman and child at her breast came in from the woods having
escaped from the savages. Can any greater transition happen to a human being
except a pardon at the gallows? She was taken at Wyoming last spring with five
children, where her husband was killed, and child was scalped before her eyes.
This day was spent in destroying corn which had become so ripe that we were
obliged to burn it in the kilns. Some corn-stalks were seventeen feet long. The
whole army was employed, but at 3 o'clock we faced to the right about. A most joyful day! Marched back to the
east end of the great flat and encamped. Marched five miles.
16th.
Encamped at Adjutso, where we completed the destruction of a large quantity of
corn. About a mile distant we found the bodies of thirteen men and the Indian
killed on the 13th inst., so that of the twenty-nine that went out, eleven
returned; sixteen were killed, and two are now missing. Marched seven miles.
17th. At
day break our tents were struck and the army arrived at Annaquayen, at half past
twelve and found our stores and little garrison safe; for which we had much concern.
Marched twelve miles.
18th.
Marched to Kanadaigue, passed the outlet of the lake and encamped on its side. Bluback,
the Oneida Indian, who had been sent home for purposes before mentioned, returned
with a young sachem and a warrior, giving the following account: That he
delivered the message of Gen. Sullivan to his brethren at Oneida, the
requisition therein named was fully complied with, and the nation to a man
turned out to join our army and marched to Cayuga; but meeting an impertinent
Indian going from our enemy, informing them that our work was done and their
services not wanted, they turned back; that the nation congratulated our chief
on the success of his arms in this quarter, and begged that Cayuga settlement
might be spared for the sake of the few righteous among them; that the corn
would greatly alleviate the distresses of the friendly Onondagas, but the matrimonial
connections of these tribes rendering the requisition suspicious, it was not granted.
He likewise informed them that Marquis La Fayette had arrived; that New York
was burned; with a number of stories calculated to gain their point; but all
are supposed to be Indian tales. Marched ten miles.
19th.
Marched to Kanadasaga, sixteen miles, and arrived about sunset. On our march we
met an express with letters from Gen. Washington, together with newspapers informing
us of Spain's declaring war with England and many other pieces of agreeable intelligence.
20th. Two
detachments, one of six hundred men commanded by Col. Butler was sent on the
east side of the Cayuga to destroy the settlements, and the other under Col.
Gansvoort of one hundred men to the Mohawk country for the same purpose. Soon
after the army crossed the outlet of Seneca lake, and encamped four miles from
Kanadasaga. We now suppose ourselves at home and quite out of danger from the
savages. Col. Smith was again sent out with a party on the west side of the
lake, to accomplish the burning of the corn before cut down.
21st. Col.
Dearborn with two hundred men, was sent down on the west side of Cayuga lake to
conclude the destruction of the country. Our army marched thirteen miles and encamped.
22d. This
morning there was great appearance of a storm. Marched sixteen miles. A sore
mortality among old horses, twenty died this day besides about sixty were shot
by the rear guard.
23d. This
morning the most able horses were selected to carry the ammunition, which moved
with very little obstruction. Dined at Katherinestown, where we found the old
squaw just as we left her, twenty days before in her bark hut, with a quart of
corn by her. It appears that there had been a young squaw with her, whom we
found dead forty rods distant; supposed to have been shot by some of our
expresses, a few days before. The old one, from her appearance must have been
ninety years old. Such is the enmity of our soldiery against the savages, that
they would readily have murdered this helpless impotent wretch. But the common dictates
of humanity, a veneration for old age and a regard for the female world of any age
or denomination induced our General to spare her, giving her the choice of
going with the army, or remaining in her wigwam, with a month's provisions; and
she preferred the latter. The army proceeded three miles further and then encamped.
Marched twelve miles.
24. This
day we passed through the swamp with little difficulty, and arrived at Fort Reid
before night, where were one hundred head of cattle, a plenty of flour, spirits
&c. Captain Reid had been ordered to this place (before known by the name
of Konnawollahollah) with two hundred men and one piece of cannon, where he had
thrown up some lines, being the point of confluence of the Tioga and Cayuga
rivers. On our march this day, we received intelligence that Col. Clark had
taken Detroit with two hundred and fifty prisoners.
25th. A
Feu de Joie for Spain's declaring war with England.
26th. Col.
Dearborn and party returned, who left us on the 21st near outlet of Seneca lake.
His course was about east, twelve or fifteen miles when he struck Cayuga lake,
ten miles from its mouth. From thence he proceeded on the west side, to the
south end; in which route he burned five towns, containing fifty houses,
destroyed a quantity of corn, took four prisoners two of whom he brought off,
both females, the other two being superannuated and infirm were left. That lake
extends nearly as far south as the Seneca, and ten miles further north, while
the land is broken and the shore very irregular.
27th. A
large party under Col. Cortlandt was sent up the Tioga river to destroy corn.
28th.
Col. Butler and party arrived from his expedition around the Cayuga. After leaving
Kanadasaga, they marched twenty three miles nearly north east, keeping in sight
of the stream that runs from Seneca lake, which is generally shallow and rapid,
running into the Cayuga half a mile from its mouth. They forded the neck of the
lake where it was four hundred yards across and three feet deep with a muddy
bottom. From thence they proceeded on the eastern shore, destroyed one hundred
houses, five hundred fruit trees and an immense quantity of corn. The land was good
and much like that between the lakes. Large detachments this day were employed
in destroying corn.
29th. The
army marched eleven miles and encamped on the Flatt below Chemung.
30th.
Arrived at Tioga about 3 o'clock, where we were saluted by thirteen cannon from
the fort. From hence we have water carriage to Wyoming, a most fortunate affair
as our horses are worn down and our men are naked. Although we are, now, one
hundred and twenty miles from peaceful inhabitants, yet we consider ourselves
at home, and the expedition ended; having fulfilled the expectations of our
country, by beating the enemies and penetrating and destroying their whole country.
The undertaking was great and the task arduous. The multiplicity of disappointments,
occasioning a long delay at the beginning, foreboded a partial, if not a total
frustration of our design; but the unbounded ambition and perseverance of our
commander and army led him to the full execution contrary to our most sanguine expectations. The army marched from Tioga with twenty pounds of beef and twenty
seven pounds of flour per man, with which they marched twenty days out through
an enemy's country yet unexplored with five pieces of artillery; having a road
to clear, through swamps and over mountains a hundred and fifty miles; after
having marched three hundred from their winter quarters; a cruel, subtle and
desultory foe to contend with; void of hospital stores and conveniencies for
the sick and wounded; scarcely able to move for want of means of transportation,
one battle, at the extent of our route, must have been attended with consequences,
such as nothing but the event itself could ascertain; yet a march of three hundred
miles was performed, a battle was fought and a whole country desolated in
thirty days.
But let
us not arrogate too much, for "The battle is not to the strong," is a
proverb fully verified in this expedition; the special hand and smiles of
Providence being so apparently manifested, that he who views the scene, with
indifference, is worse than an infidel. The dimest eye must observe through the
whole a succession of most fortunate events. The very evils that at first
predicted a defeat, were a chain of causes in our favor. (I mean our delay). Had
we marched when we wished we could not have had a general engagement; for a
great scarcity amounting almost to a famine, the preceding year had prevented
their embodying, until the growth of the present crop and we must therefore
have been harassed daily by small parties much to our disadvantage. The
artillery, which at first, seemed a clog and totally useless, served a noble
purpose the action being general, their total rout together with the thunder of
our artillery impressed them, with such a terrific idea of our importance that
a universal panic struck both the sachem and the warrior; each finding full
employment in removing his little ones from threatening danger. The place of
action was likewise remarkable having water carriage for our wounded. Not a
single gun was fired for eighty miles on our march out or an Indian seen on our
return. Then when we expected the greatest harassment a hundred might have
saved half their country by retarding us until our provisions were spent; and a
like number hanging on our rear in the return, would have occasioned the loss
of much baggage and taught us an Indian dance. Their corn and vegetables were
half our support, which we should have been deprived of had our march been
earlier. And to say no more, the extraordinary continuance of fair weather has
infinitely facilitated our expectations; having never been detained a single
day; nor has there been an hour's rain since the the thirtieth day of August.
The
question will naturally arise, what have you to show for your exploits? Where
are your prisoners? To which I reply, that the rags and emaciated bodies of our
soldiers must speak for our fatigue, and when the Querist will point out a mode
to tame a partridge, or the expediency of hunting wild turkeys with light
horse, I will show them our prisoners. The nests are destroyed, but the birds
are still on the wing.
No comments:
Post a Comment