In the morning the savages surrounded our Camp at the Distance of about 500 yards, and by shouting and yelping quite round that extensive circumference thought to have Terrified us with their numbers. They attacked us early and under favour of an incessant Fire made several bold efforts to penetrate our camp, and tho' they failed in the attempt our situation was not the less perplexing having experienced that brisk attacks had Little Effect upon an Enemy who always gave way when pressed and appeared again Immediately: our Troops were besides Extremely fatigued by the long march and as long Action of Preceeding Day, and Distressed to the last Degree by a Total want of water much more Intolerable than the Enemy's Fire.

Tied to our Convoy we could not lose sight of it without Exposing it and our wounded to fall a prey to the Savages, who pressed upon us on every side, and to move it was Impracticable having lost many horses, and most of the Drivers stupified by Fear, hid themselves in the Bushes or were incapable of hearing or obeying any orders.

The Savages growing every moment more Audacious, it was thought proper still to increase their confidence; by that means if possible to Intice them to come close upon us or to stand their Ground when Attacked. With this view two Companies of Light Infantry were ordered within the Circle, and the Troops on their right and left opened their files and filled up the space: that it might seem they were intended to cover the retreat. The third Light Infantry Company, and the Grenadiers of the 42d were ordered to the support of the two first Companies, This manœuvre succeeded to our wish for the few Troops who took Possession of the Ground lately occupied by the two Light Infantry Companies, being brought in nearer to the centre of the Circle, the Barbarians mistaking these motions for a retreat hurried headlong on, and advancing upon us with the most Daring Intrepidity galled us exceedingly with their heavy Fire; but at the very moment that certain of success they thought themselves masters of the Camp, Major Campbell at the head of the two first Companies sallied out from a part of the Hill they could not observe and fell upon their right Flank, they resolutely return'd the fire, but could not stand the Irresistable Shock of our men, who rushing in among them killed many of them, and put the rest to Flight, the orders sent to the other two Companies were delivered so timely by Captain Bassett and executed, with such celerity and spirit that the routed savages, who hapned to run that moment before their Front received their full Fire when uncovered by the Trees. The four Companies did not give them time to load a second time, nor even to look behind them, but pursued them till they were totally dispersed. The left of the Savages which had not been attacked were kept in awe by the remains of our Troops posted on the Brow of the Hill for that purpose, nor durst they attempt to support or assist their Right, but being witness to their Defeat followed their Example and Fled.

Our brave men disdained so much as to touch the dead body of a vanquished Enemy that scarce a scalp was taken except by the Rangers and Pack Horse Drivers.

The woods being now cleared, and the pursuit over, the four Companies took Possession of a Hill in our Front and as soon as Litters could be made for the wounded, the Flour and every thing Destroyed which for want of Horses could not be carried, we marched without molestation to this Camp. After the severe correction we had given the Savages a few hours before, it was natural we should enjoy some rest but we had hardly fixed our Camp when they Fired upon us again. This was very provoking! however the light Infantry dispersed them before they could receive orders for that Purpose. I hope we shall be no more disturbed for if we have another Action, we shall hardly be able to carry our wounded.

The behaviour of the Troops on this Occasion speaks for itself so strongly that for me to attempt their eulogium would but Detract from their merit.

I have the Honor to be most respectfully, Sir,

Your most obedient & most Humble Servant.

H. B.

P.S.-I have the honor to inclose the Return of killed, wounded and missing, in the two Engagements. His Excellency GENL. AMHERST.

RETURN of killed and wounded in the two actions at Edge Hill, near Bushy Run the 5th and 6th August, 1763.

(Archives, series A. & W. I., vol. 98-2 p. 382).

SIR,-I have the Pleasure to Inform you that on our march to the relief of this Fort we have been attacked by a considerable Body of Indians; composed of the Delawares, Shawanes, Wyandots and Mingoes, and that after two obstinate Engagements on the 5th and 6th Instant, we have obtained a compleat Victory over the Barbarians, by the uncommon resolution of our brave Highlanders, before the Enemy came to meet us they had closely beset and attacked this Fort, and for five days kept an incessant fire upon it.

Captain Basset who has distinguished himself extremely and has been of great service to me carries my Dispatches to the General. I beg leave to refer you to him for the particulars of that Bloody Affair in which the most Warlike of the Savage Tribes have lost their Boasted Claim of being Invincible in the woods. If the Provinces would now enable us to follow this Looky Blow we might drive the Indians over the Lakes or compell them to sue for peace but it cannot be attempted with Prudence with the Troops I have left. And if we give them time to recover of their Pannick we may have the whole to do over again.

It is so evidently true that the only method of protecting our settlements is by carrying the war into the Enemys Country, that I shall dwell no longer upon it. I have the honor to be, with great respect, Sir,

Governor HAMILTON.

Your most obedt. & most Humble servt.,

་

No. 10.-BOUQUET TO COLONEL AMHERST.

(Archives, series A 4, p. 363.)

FORT PITT,

11th August, 1763.

DEAR SIR,—It is with great Pleasure I can Acquaint you that we have been so happy as to Execute the Generals orders in throwing a Supply of Provisions into this Fort, and in Humbling the Savages by the most Complet defeat they ever received in the Woods: Captain Bassett will inform you of the particulars of our two Engagements. Captain Clark finding himself in a bad state of health, and unable to go through more of this hard service, I have at his request Consented he should go to the Nearest Town, for his recovery.

I Lay under so many obligations to Major Campbell for his indefatigable Assistance in the Various Difficulties we have had to Encounter that I wish Extreamely to do him some Service, and I can not do it more Effectualy than by recommending his Case to you; he is now upon half pay employed in a Very Expencive and Disagreeable Service, while the real Major of the 42d Regiment remains at home; Could not a change be brought about and Lieut. Col. Reed be persuaded to take Major Campbell's half pay and his Liberty or be Ordered to relieve him which I suppose Would determine him as with his fortune, Rank is the only Consideration that can weigh with him.

If this Could Succeed, you Would Confer a Great Favour on a very Worthy man, and oblige me sensibly.

I have another Request to recommend to your Benevolence: Lieut. Dow of the 1st Battn. R. A. R., who Acted with us as A. D. Q. M. G. being on the day of the first attack with the advanced Guard, found himself in the Midst of the Savages, he Killed two and Wounded a third When he was Unfortunately shot himself through the Body. It is yet doubtful whether he will recover but his greatest Anxiety is for one of his sons a Lieut. in the 1st Battn. who will fall upon half pay.

If you would be so kind at a Proper opportunity to recommend that young man to the Generel to be replaced, I should think myself very happy to give that satisfaction to the Father, Who leaves a Numerous Family without friends or Fortune. You see how much I press upon your Generosity the Motive can alone Excuse I shall never have it in my power to Acquit myself with you, but you will be repaid by the Satisfaction of having assisted men of Merit in Distress'd Circumstances. I am with the most sincere Esteem and regard, Dear Sir, Your most obedient Humble Servant.

me,

To Colonel AMHERST.

No. 11.-BOUQUET TO GENERAL AMHERST,

(Archives, series A 4, p. 369.)

FORT PITT,

26th August, 1763.

SIR,-The 22nd Instant Major Campbell and the Detachment under his Command returned here with the Part of the Convoy, we had lefft at Ligonier, without seeing any Savages.

By the fatigue of long Marches and the necessity the Troops have been under to lay without Tents, and upon their Arms, so many men are fallen Sick, that the number fit for duty in the 42nd and 77th is reduced to 245, which to my great Mortification puts it out of my Power without a Reinforcement, to send them to Presqu'Isle, Agreable to your Excellency's orders.

To Save Provisions and disincumber the Fort of useless hands I send to Bedford with the Waggons and Pack Horses, all the sick and Wounded able to go. After furnishing that Escort, The Remains of the two Regiments would not have been in a Condition to force their way to Presqu'Isle, had they met with Opposition.

Another Circumstance equally distressing for me is a Spirit of discontent and desertion which discovers itself among the Royal Americans at this Post. I had the honor to inform you at different times that a number of them claimed their discharges; having served the time they had inlisted for, The Necessity of the Service has not permitted hitherto to grant them their request, and Occasions those bad dispositions.

The Militia think it equally hard to be detained and they take every opportunity to desert: Not to be obliged to rely Alltogether upon men in that temper, I keep 50 of the Highlanders in the Fort, and send as many Americans with the Major, Chosen among those who are less suspected.

I have disposed for the present the Troops as follows

At Fort Pitt.........

At Ligonier for Escort.

With the Waggons to Loudoun....

At Bedford with the Major.....

200

100

100

.....

Major Campbell will send back from Bedford 200 Horses with Flour and if he Can, some Cattle to Ligonier, which is in immediate want of Provisions.

The 100 men who Escort the Waggons from Bedford may escort back the Provisions you will please to order for the use of this Garrison and Communication. I have heard nothing from Major Gladwin or Captain Dalyell. It is impracti cable to send any but Indians to Presqu'Isle, and the only one I had employed from Bedford is supposed to be killed having not appeared since he left this Fort on his way back to me. I have the honor to be, &c.

No. 12.-BOUQUET TO GENERAL AMHERST.
(Archives, series A 4, p. 393.)

FORT PITT,

7th September, 1763.

SIR, I had the honor to inform your Excellency in my Letter of the 27th of August, that I had sent to Presqu'Isle, the Indian Express, who had brought Major Gladwin's Packett.

He returned after proceeding about half Way wth the Intelligence inclosed.

I detain him here till I receive a Letter from you, and send him daily out to be informed of the motions of the Savages. Yesterday he told me that several Parties were about the Fort, watching an opportunity to strike & cut off our grass guard, but as he speaks very little of their Language, he could not know their numbers.

He has met this morning over the River two Wiandots (sent from Sandusky to inquire what has become of him) who have told him that 800 Western Indians in 80 Canoes were gone towards Niagara to take post at the Carrying Place and cut off all communication with ye Detroit where one of our vessels had arrived about 12 days ago, and that the Ottawas & Chipwas who were at Presqu'Isle were not yet come back.

If this war continues, it will not be possible to keep Cattle at the Posts, without exposing too much to guard them.

The Mingoes, Delawares, & Shawanese are now collecting their men at Muskingham, & the Heads of the Scioto, As it is probable that they will attempt to cut off all Communication to this Post; our Parties must be strong to avoid a Check.

His Excellency Sir JEFFREY AMHERST,

I have the honor to be, &c.

No. 13.-BOUQUET TO GOVERNOR HAMILTON.

(Archives, series, A 19-2 p. 408.)

FORT PITT,

12th September, 1763.

SIR,-Permit me to acknowledge most gratefully the honor you have done me, by your obliging approbation of my conduct.

The Temporary Consequence of that success to the Inhabitants of the Frontier gives me great satisfaction, having been a witness to their distresses and desolation, and it is particularly on their accouut that I lament my inability to render their security more permanent, by crushing the Barbarians and disabling them from ever distressing us.

They appear yet stunned by the blow they have recd. but if suffered to recover their Spirits, they will soon, like their Brethren Devils in Milton rear their Heads again and vent their rage upon defenceless Families.

Could sound reason prevail against principled Prejudices, I could not renounce all hopes of assistance from your province, as your unanswerable arguments for an offensive war must convince any men not absolutely determined to act contrary to evidence and their own Interests.

None of the Provinces has so much at stake in an Indian War as Pennsylvania, being exposed naked to sudden attacks, for want of a Militia,

The Enemies must know already, or will now be made sensible that their parties opposed in Maryland and Virginia by a numerous Militia can commit their Depredations almost with impunity on your Government, and since you have not the same means of defence certainly the example of these Provinces in not raising Troops can be no Rule for yours. They remove the Danger from their Borders and direct

the torrent upon you.

You are happily able to Protect yourselves, but even without any extraordinary effort, you can give the finishing stroke to this Savage War.

Five Hundred Picked men now added to the King's Troops in this Department would effect it, and obtain great honour to your Government, safety to your People, and force the Savages to respect you ever after. And that at a less Expence than you are actually at to little purpose, as your Troops joining the King's Forces would then be Victualed at the Crown's Expence.

Upwards of 600 Persons already lost in so short a time, evinces the necessity to put speedily a stop to these Barbarities, by taking vigorous measures instead of wasting our strength and mouldering away in an insignificant and endless defencive.

The Repulses the General has met with in his repeated applications to your Province makes me think that he will not make new attempts for which I hope your Assembly will not wait, but exert for their own Preservation the abundant means in their Power.

The Troops actually in this District being not sufficient to act offensively, if not reinforced, must be forwarded to the Detroit, and leave the defence of your extended Frontier to your Assembly.

I shall very readily procure to Mr. Davenport, your Agent for Indian Trade at this Post, all the facilities in my power to send down the skins and Goods remaining here and recommend them particularly to the care of the officer commanding the Escort. I have the Honor to be with great respect, Sir, Your most obedient and most Humble Servant,

HENRY BOUQUET.

P.S.-If your Province (contrary to my expectation) raises some Troops, Permit me to Recommend you for a Majority, Captain Ecuyer, who has acted with so much spirit in the Defence of this Post He will now be reduced, and would be glad to be employed, I could not ask that favour for a better man.

Governor HAMILTON,

II.B.