1759. February 5, New York. Hugh Wallace' to Bouquet. Had received his letter and would have answered it from the ruins of fort DuQuesne, had he not hoped to see him in New York. Has written Duplessis to join him (Bouquet) at once. Major Prevost leaves for Boston to day. Colonel Young expected to settle with Stanwix and Prevost, who are going home. Halket sails for England. No news from there for three months. Haldimand and Munster well. Respecting arrangements for paying his men, &c. Page 54 Report of court martial on a soldier attempting to desert. 56 February 5, Cumberland. Pearis to Bouquet. Sends report of court martial; mutinous beFebruary 5, Cumberland. haviour in the garrison. Has sent the prisoner (Ragan) to Fort Bedford, knowing him to be a sower of mutiny. Has sent return of flour &c. received. Reports investigation into the alleged stealing of horses. February 7, February 15, February 17. February 17, February 18] 58 Mercer to the same. Hopes his letters have been received since he last heard. Two Shawanese gone to find if any of the enemy are at the mouth of the Muskingum or Yellow Creek. A Mohican reports from the Scioto, two officers and 20 or 30 men to be there, and at the Salt Spring above Kaskaskias a large number of troops. Reports of Lake Indians coming to war here. Indian here have gone off to their towns afraid of the others coming, but due also to the scarcity of flour; will take every precaution to prevent any of the garrison from being scalped. Clayton has gone off to reconnoitre. Indian asks whiskey for delivering up a girl, who had been made prisoner; explains to him and other Indians, that all captives must be delivered up as the price of peace; if not delivered, they would be demanded in the middle of their towns. Sends returns. The late severe weathere had closed the Monongahela, so that not one log has arrived for the new barracks, The men generally healthy. List of what is wanted for the posts, &c. Sinclair to Adam Hoops. Fresh provisions wanted at the posts; to purchase 20 head of cattle: List of the posts to which they are to be distributed. 65 60 Major John Tulleken to Bouquet. Sends this letter by Lapsley, appointed ensign in the battalion, The packet has arrived, but nothing is known of its news. Stanwix sends friendly messages; is waiting here for orders, The King of Prussia is in a fine way; war is the word and peace is no more thought of. 66 Hugh Mercer to the same. Since last writing nothing has happened. The Delaware chief has not gone to Presqu'Isle for reasons given, and bis friends of Kaskaskias are angry with him for letting his son go to Venango; the talk of these Indians shows their secret disposition. The old chief went himself to the Salt Spring and found only one officer and 15 men there, who were trading with the Indians. The officer told the chief that a thousand soldiers and a number of longhaired Indians were coming across the Lake from Niagara; the provisions and military stores had already come to Le Eœuf, where a descent on Pittsburgh was in preparation, as soon as the Ohio was free of ice. News confirmed by another Indian. It is difficult to reconcile the different reports, but shall be prepared for the worst. Robertson is of great service; bateau building goes on slowly, from want of pitch, &c. The Ohio broken up and full of ice. The cold has been intense. Has heard that a strong reinforcement is comin . The French at Salt Springs seem left to keep up an interest in the Indians. 68 Sinclair to General Forbes. Why he did not write sooner. Thanks for the manner in which his rash letter is mentioned, but states he did not mean to be disrespectful to Bouquet, and expresses sorrow for having written it. Provisions sent off. Clark has dispatched a person to bring a return of the provisions at the different posts. The means he has 1759. February 19, February 19, taken to supply Ligonier. Maryland has sent 30,000 (pounds) of flour to Pittsburgh; cash wanted to pay the people who have returned. Returns have been obtained of arms sent to the provincial commissioners. Page 72 Mary Billings to Bouquet. There being no longer any hope of her husband being alive, prays him to use his influence to obtain her a pension as an officer's widow. 76 Same to Captain Joscelyn. Respecting her pension and a claim made against her late husband. 77 Same to Mrs. Deborah Franklin, Philadelphia. Asks her to take charge of and to forward papers from Bouquet respecting her pension. 78 Lloyd to Bouquet. The number of Royal Americans at present effective here is 30; Highlanders, 110; Pennsylvanians, 102. Has detached six men to Stony Creek, the garrison being sickly; through Ourry's diligence Ligonier is stocked with provisions to the 20th March. Work done on the defences, condition of the armament, &c. 79 February 20, Lieut. James Grant to the same. General Forbes has ordered a medal Philadelphia. for the officers who have been in the last campaign. "The medal has on one side the representation of a road cut through an immence forest over rocks and mountains, the motto; 'Per tot discrimina.' On the other side are represented the confluence of the Ohio and Monongahela rivers, a fort in flames in the forks of the rivers at the approach of General Forbes, carried in a litter, followed with the army marching in columns with cannon. The motto: "Ohio Brittanica Consilio Manuque. This to be worn round the neck with a dark blue ribbon." February 22, February 23, February 23, February 25, February 27. March 1. 81 Tulleken to the same. Orders sent for camp equipage for the four companies. Amherst has ordered that each battalion of 1,000 men should give 100 for light infantry for the next campaign. The six companies to give 60 and the four companies 40. They are to be dressed accordingly. Respecting camp equipage, &c. 85 88 Lieut. Allaz to the same (in French). Death of Lieut. Hess and the arrangements for taking care of his effects. Captain Harding to the same. Wishes to sell out and asks his influence for leave to do so. 89 Dr. James Milne to the same. Asks for his influence to obtain a commission. 91 George Stevenson to the same. Sends a petition to be forwarded to General Forbes or suppressed as he thinks best. The people depend on him entirely for a settlement of their accounts. 92 Journal of the daily occurrences at Fort Lyttleton from the 25th January to date. Invoice of Indian goods sent from Fort Bedford to Fort Pittsburgh by order of Ourry. 93 March 1, Stony Creek. March 1, 94 Lieut. Hugh Crawford to Bouquet. Reports the sickly state of the garrison and that there is no doctor. 104 Mercer to the same. Sends returns of the garrison. King Beaver just returned reports that the messages met with a welcome reception, and proposals for peace would be gone into were the Indians assured they were sincere, as they can scarcely believe their numerous barbarities would meet with entire forgiveness. Report of the enemy's force at Le Bœuf confirmed. The Delawares removing to Kaskaskias to be out of the way. Weather favourable; all hands preparing to receive the enemy. The health of the garrison improving. Patterson's mad enterprise. Indians from Lake Erie asking if peace had been made with the Delawares, as the French were persuading them that the English intended to cut them off root and branch. They have gone back pleased. 1759. March 2, March 2. March 2, March 4. March 5, March 5, The policy of the Beaver to keep right with whoever is strongest. No Page 105 Lieut. Archibald Blane to Bouquet. The detachment of Royal Americars continues very healthy, and supposes the same is the case at Pittsburgh, although the sergeant never gives the least account. Respecting money. Thanks for the kindness about his commission and asks his support respecting his claim to rank. The number wanted to complete the garrison. The return of men firing at a target. Is sorry to hear of misbehaviour of the men in their quarters; they behave well here. A great deal of work has been done. Respecting tents, &c. 108 Mercer to the same. The intelligence of the enemy preparing to move in force down the Ohio is confirmed. The news is spread among the Indians by the French. Will send for the reinforcement, &c. 112 Lloyd to the same. Thanks for the relief promised. Sends returns of the work done for the month. The distressed condition of the provincials in the garrison described; it would be a charity to relieve them that they may have an opportunity to purchase cider and vegetables, the only means of reestablishing their health, and without which a great part of them can never make another campaign. Scouts sent out on the road to Venango and Presqu'Isle. The men believe the roads to be impracticable for cannon. One of his soldiers has made a plan of the road. Ensign Crawford is at Stony Creek with a sickly garrison. No want of provisions, thanks to Ourry. Jaundice epidemic in the garrison. 114 Pearis to the same. Monthly returns sent; asks him to get the ludian accounts settled. The men in the garrison are waiting till the 15th, when they will abandon the post without their pay; many have deserted since receiving an advance. 118 Ensigu C. Graydon to the same. Sends returns and journal of occurrences (p. 94). He has kept minutes since his first arrival. 119 Hutchins to the same. Confesses his mistake in the quantity of flour Pittsburgh. returned and asks forgiveness. March 5, March 6, March 9, 120 Tullcken to the same. The miserable state of the four companies represented to Amherst and how this has been done. News of officers, &c.; respecting the returns, &c. St. Clair is no friend to him (Bouquet), but he is little regarded, &c. 121 Mercer to the same. The blunder committed by Hutchins in respect to flour, &c. A Shawarese reports a few French to be on the Muskingum and Scioto; they have been trading and are packing to return to Canada by Detroit. Could hear of no other parties on the Ohio above the Falls. The Shawanese are surprised and pleased to have been treated by the English so kindly. 125 Edward Hubbard to the same. Money received and paid over. The Winchester. Assembly of Virginia has voted to recruit the regiment to a thousand and has, he hears, offered the command to Colonel W. Byrd. Colonel Washington has received thanks for his services and is resolved to have the conduct of Colonel Stephen examined by the Assembly, intending to lay before it all the crimes of which he is acccused. Hopes to serve next campaign. 127 March 10, March 10, Gavin Cochrane to the same. Is glad to hear he has come to Philadelphia, as there is now a chance of the battalion joining, The sufferings of the different parts of the battalion. Capt. Schuyler and his company have been at Fort Miller all winter. Sends returns. A light company has been formed. Thomas Lloyd to the same. The required detachment shall be sent when the strength of the post would be, Royal Americans, 30; High 128 1759 March 11, March (12?) March 12, March 15, March 17, landers, 120; Pennsylvanians, 30. Officers duficient. Arrival of two ensigns of the Pennsylvanians on the route to Pittsburgh "to relieve who should please to be relieved by them ", to use their own words, for they had no orders and appeared to be in need of employment. Would have been glad to have kept one, but had no orders. It will be impos sible for the garrison to furnish the escorts for the supply of provisions to be sent to Mercer. Page 129 Colonel Arthur Morris to Bouquet. That in the garrison of Philadelphia he cannot submit to any orders he (Bouquet) may take on him to give. 131 Same to the same. Had received his card. He, with Major Darby, would meet him at whatever hour and place he might fix upon. 132 Lieut Thomas Barnsley to the sime. Has heard from Tulleken that General Amherst had been appointed Colonel in chief to the regiment (Royal Americans). Sends a return of the changes among the officers. Respecting camp equipage and regimental accoun's, &c. A large scout sent out from Fort Edward reports the killing of five Frenchmen, other five taken prisoners, and that a scout of 50 Indians was about Fort Elward and Saratoga. Shall send any other news the scout may bring. Haldimand has reported to Gage that Rogers had shown a small party at Ticonderoga, which enticed them out of the post, when he killed 40 and took five prisoners with a loss of three killed and an Indian wounded of Rogers' force. 133 Talleken to the same. Condoles on the loss of Brigadier Forbes. Ourry is to go to New York as soon as possible, to settle his accounts. Captains Harding and Landers may send in their resignat ons; the price at which companies are to be sold has been fixed by General Amherst, who has ordered a return to be made of lieutenants and ensigns ready to purchase. Arrival of Brigadier Monckton at Halifax. It is reported that the great army is to go up the St. Lawrence; Almiral Sanders was to leave England the latter end of January. 136 Mercer sending intelligence brought by an Indian from Presqu'Ile, Pittsburgh. giving the number of men, etc., there; the promises of the Indians to side with the French not carried out, in consequence of belts sent by the English; 1500 Indians expected at Kaskaskias to consult as to their course. The Mingoes desire both nations to fight across the Great Water and not disturb them here, and that they had laid down the tomahawk. Description of the forts at Presqu'Ile and LB if, with armament, etc. Reports of French troops at Venango, etc. March 17, March 18, 139 Captain Pearis to Bouquet. The satisfaction of the men in the garri son at his letter; had been obliged to confine 13, but released on the promise to stay till his (Bouquet's) letter came. Had borrowed £10 to pay the men which will satisfy them till he can get more. They blame Colonel Dagworthy for not sending the money; if they had received it when granted by the Province, most of the mon would still be here. Sends returns. 146 Mercer to the same. Senis Indian report (p. 13). Shall not relax his vigilance and industry for securing his post. Progress of the work; ammunition secured. Has been obliged to borrow money. Arrival of Indian goods from Bedford; a poor assortmeut. The Indians have furs for sale and would return disgusted were they not taken. Complaints of indiscriminate trading. Sends Shiuga's speech; his faithfulness; about 60 Ind ans here trading. Indians determined to bury the French hatchet. Has not been able to discover any guns yet; some have been grappled a little way down the Ohio, but in very deep water. Scurvy is appearing; mea les spreading, but not proving mortal. Hutchins ill 1759. March 20, March 21, with it. Vinegar and hard cider would be useful. Garden seeds and Page 148 Archibald Blane to Bouquet. Has drawn upon him for money to pay the men. Will draw more if he has an opportunity. The men's bad state of health. 152 Mercer to the same. No opportunity of annoying the enemy shall be Pittsburgh. lost. Bull (Indian) with a small scout, has gone off to Venango. Speir arrived with money; the few good days are reviving the sick. Shiugas and his gang have gone home satisfied. What is to be done with prisoners brought by Indians? Supply of beef brought from Ligonier when it was exhausted; is keeping Indians out hunting. Hears that one half of the officers of the Pennsylvanians are resigning to follow the army next spring as sutlers and peddlers; believes that the Quarter Master should prevent such vermin from coming up. "Peace be to the manes of General Forbes, his name, for ages to come, will be dear to Americans and appear with lustre among contemporary worthies in the British annals." March 24, York Town. March 28, New York, March 31, April 1, 153 Returns of the second division of the first battalion of the Royal American Regiment. 155a Tulleken to Bouquet. Has sent on a deserter for trial. Bad conduct of Ensign McIntosh. He (Talleken) is kept here till Colonel Young arrivee. The four companies are on the march; hopes he (Bouquet) may see them in a fortnight. Report that General Hopson is dead. 156 Return of the dimensions of a bridge over Wells' Creek, supposed to he sufficient to stand any flood. 158 T. Lloyd to Bouquet. Keturns sent. The condition of the Pennsylvanians is deplorable; the surgeon left here is himself sick. Asks that pay for the Pennsylvanians be sent; the officers had been obliged to engage their credit for necessaries, without which the men would have perished. The severity of the services required further exhausts them. Pork sent to Pittsburgh under escort; what is left is barely sufficient for two weeks. Indian corn received from Mercer; a large part of it damaged. Has sent 20 men of the 50 asked for by Mercer. There are only 35, and the other 15 are in the hospital. Colonel Mercer's demand for the whole; to exculpate himself, should any accident happen for want of them, asks for instructions. Respecting whisky ordered for the labourere, sick, &c, payment of which is refused by Ourry; reason for the order. Return received from Mr. Munro of the men ill with scurvy, who should be sent to Bedford. Seines sent to Pittsburg where there are plenty of fish. Respecting expenses. 159 April 2, April 4, April 8. York Town, Of same date a letter from the same person to Bouquet that they accepted his offer. 165 Mercer to Bouquet. Is concerned at the prospect of his (Bouquet's) removal from this frontier. Cannot easily relinquish the hope of serving under him in another campaign; his sense of Bouquet's candour and indulgence. Will prepare a statement for Stanwix of the garrison and stores. The detachment of Royal Americans marches to-morrow for Ligonier. The Indian Bull has gone up the river for the latest intelligence. The garrison well supplied. Captain Robertson has the measles, but is recovering; not one has died of that disorder. 166 Rudolph Benedict to the same. Cannot send an exact account of the blankets and stores received from Ligonier, for reasons given. States all |