1759. the conduct of Lieut. Biddle of the Pennsylvanians. The attempt to settle the matter. Page 326 July 18, The last page, with the signature and address, is wanting. Nothing is Lake George. known here of what is to happen next hour, everything being kept in the dark. The light infantry, although on constant look out, have never fallen in with the enemy, who have, however, continued to scalp within sight of the camp. A party of infantry surprised close to the woods, but the enemy escaped, as did a party of the enemy seen on an island. Lord Amherst has established three posts between Fort Edward and this, where another is placed, but not on the ground where Fort William Henry stood. Everything ready and must embark in a few days. The army healthy. Haldimand writes that Prideaux bad left Oswego with 70 Indians and promises from others that they would join; the great hopes of his success. Attack on Oswego by LaCorne on the 5th of July, which lasted from morning till night when the enemy retired. Haldimand's tactics. The attack renewed on the 6th and repulsed. The Indians scalped their own dead to give no opportunity for them to be taken Asks that Major Grant's baggage he sent down from Ligonier &c. Abraham Le Roy to Bouquet (in French). Respecting the affairs of the late Mr. Hesse. July 21, July 21, July 22, July 25, July 25, July 26, 328 347 Tulleken to the same. The enemy's intention to attack Pittsburgh abandoned, Prideaux's army having drawn them to Niagara. Arrival of Byrd with 500 men. They shall be kept and divided into two escorts. Indians still on the communication. It is not safe to come with fewer than 30 men. Ourry has sent a return of provisions sent to Pittsburg and what are at Ligonier. Now is the time to push; if the enemy fail to save Niagara they will return this way. Mather and Gordon arrived at Ligonier after leaving the waggons in the woods; they have been sent for. 349 Same to the same. Colonel Byrd has left for Ligonier with 350 of his regiment; 10 Pensylvanians, between 0 and 40 artificers, and a convoy of waggons and horses. The additional waggons required to carry up tools, &c. Respecting bags, &c., for transport. The bad roads to Ligonier; does not believe Byrd will get there in less than eight days. Virginians and artificers left here. Necessity of sending an escort to Fort Cumberland for waggons and cattle. Arrival of waggons and horses at Fort Lyttleton, which cannot be forwarded for want of an escort. A communication between Cumberland and Pittsburg would be of infinite service. Byrd has done nothing about it, for reasons given. At a stand here for want of waggons, &c. 351 Stephen to the same. The agreeable appearance of things. A couple of twelve pounde: s sent to Pittsburg. Shall send pack horses and cattle to Pittsburg to-morrow. Shall keep ten day's provisions here and the stock at Pittsburg will make him easy. 333 Same to the same. Sends returns. Three hundred men, exclusive of Indians and artificers march for Pittsburg to-morrow. The number of horses he has; shall send down the weak. Provisions are exhausted for Captain Mather's convoy; shall send forward what he can spare. 356 Tulleken to Stanwix. Arrival of the chief of the Delawares, with two lads supposed to be his sons. He is anxious to see him (Stanwix) and will wait two days, but not longer; he must be at Venango as the Indians will shortly leave Pittsburgh, having nothing to eat. The roads not so bad between this and Ligonier, as imagined. Proposal by Finnie a Virginian, to make a road to Pittsburgh from Cumberland. Urges him to be here in two days or to send Bouquet. 334 1759. July 26, Lancaster. Shippen to Bouquet. Sends articles (named) by Captain Hambright. Hopes to send him information next week about the waggons; the harvest will be finishd in two or three days, except the oats; which will be finished in ten days. Cash transactions with Hambright. Death of the King of Spain at last. Page 336 July 27, John Dunnett to the same. Reports the lines and forts of TiconTiconderoga. deroga taken possession of this morning. The enemy had set fire to the fort and retreated in bateaux during the night. July 28, July 29. July 29, 338 Tuileken to same. Boyle sent express to Colonel Byrd, has returned from Stony Creck, and reports an attack on that post yesterday. The same party was within two miles of the fort this morning, when it was observed by Hubbard, who got under arms. Believes the enemy to be between him and Juniata. In case he (Bouquet) or any other be on the road with a small escort, sends this word. The Indian mentioned (p. 334) is not the head of the Delawares, although a man in whom Croghan has cor fidence. Is trying to get waggons to go to Ligonier; if not he shall be at a loss what to do, as he has no horses and few waggons, Is excessively uneasy about the small pox being at Stony Creek; if it is carried to Ligorier, it will be ruin. Lieut. Phillips sent off with 30 men for Ligonier; he is to wait for him (Bouquet) or the General. Ourry has succeeded in getting waggons. 339 Gordon to Byrd. His admiration of the goodness of the roads and of the infinite backwardness to take advantage of it. The bad state of the waggons. Criticises the work ordered on the roads when other work is to be done. There are 0 French and as many Indians at Venango. Does not see how he could return with the artificers after coming so far. If Stephen would send 100 pack horses that would secure everything. How much depends on making good use of the time. 342 Lieut. Graut to Bouquet. Has sent to Pittsburg 70 bullocks and 19,000 pounds of flour, with Gordon and his artificers under care of Mather. A couple of 12 pounders with ammunition also sent. The post is in tolerable repair and may be defended by 200 men. Byrd sends a return of prisor ers with the Indians. Two flags of truce sent in by the French, one notify ing exchange of prisoners. The probable loss of the major of the battalion by his imprisonment. The object of the other not yet known. No word of Wolfe. Otter of the Royal Americans killed at Oswego, the engineer wounded and it was reported that LaCorne was shot in the thigh. 344 GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE-VOL. II, PART 2. A. 14-2. 1739. P.M. 21,644. 1759. July 29, July 31, Adam Stephen to Bouquet. The last convoy brought up little but forage. Mercer's convey should last the garrison 25 days. Has asked 300 men to take charge of it all way. Tar and rosin sent up for the bateaux. Recommends 200 men for Fort Cumberland to be used for small escorts. Page 357 Thomas Rutherford to the same. Cannot hire pack horses; any number urder 500 can be bought in three weeks; halters, &c., and ready money wanted, as there is at least 15 per cert between cash and credit. Flour, oats and Indian corn can be sent with the horses. How supplics can be got and at what prices; 250 bceres ordered for Carlisle; can procure 100 more and perhaps 200 sheep for Pittslurg. 358 1759. July 31, Winchester. Page 359 Captain James Gunn to Tulleken. Has resolved to wait for the arrival of the waggons promised to be here by the 3rd of August; shall see that no time is lost. Sends returns. Death of Capt. Gist from small pox. July 31, Henry Hughes to Bouquet. Has sent two waggons off yesterday with Philadelphia Indian goods. Has given directions about supply ing provender, which the waggoners had to leave. The difficulty of getting pack horses, &c. Has sent salt. No date. August 1, August 1, 361 Stephen to Stanwix. The agreeable prospect; the troops in fine spirits. Has sent two 12 pounders to Pittsburg. Is ready to steal through the woods and join the artillery when ordered, and the Indians are anxious to seize the occasion. The post is in a respectable state. 362 Major Stewart to Bouquet. Marched yesterday for Ligonier to repair the roads with Hubbard's artificers. Will rest the men to-morrow, they having had no meat for two days; will then lose no time. A little way from the "Shades of Death" Indians fired on two batmen, wounding one, then ran off. Met a large conwoy which he reinforced. 363 Captain Harry Gordon to the same. The delay in the delivery of Pittsburgh. his (Bouquet's) letter, the early arrival of which might have prevented his leaving Ligonier; the reasons given at length for marching to Pittsburg. Work done at Fort Bedford. The road to Ligonier was not bad; the only bad places being between Shawanese cabins and the foot of the hill, and a few steps elsewhere; some bridges wanted. How the road should be completed. The bad condition of Fort Ligonier which wants a good deal of repair; details given. What must be done to the road between Ligonier and this post, and what troops should be employed for this purpose, on the Monongahela, Fort Cumberland &c. Should the result at Niagara be ever so favourable, there is still mischief to be expected from the Delawares at Venango and the Chippewas at LeBoeuf. 365 Alexander Finnie to Tulleken. Sends returns; will begin to work on the road with a working party, so as to get one day's start of the waggons. There are here 61 waggons 500 sheep and some cattle; does not know to whom they all belong. 370 Bouquet to Gordon. Instructions for building the fort near Pittsburg. 371 Deposition by John Sanderson that his waggon had teen improperly impressed, to his detriment. 445 James De Lancy to Governor Donny. Congratulations on the defeat of the French and the surrender of Niagara. The army (1,000 regulars and Canadians, and 500 Indians) being mostly drawn from Venango, Stanwix will not meet with much opposition: hopes he will not be delayed by want of provisions. The troops that defeated the French were only 500 and Indians. The French have abandoned and destroyed Crown Point and made off to St. John's. 372 Robert Leake to Charles Gist. Congratulations on success at Ticonderoga, Niagara and Crown Point. Venango, Presqu'Isle and LeBoeuf expected to fall. Asks him to incite the Indians to drive the enemy out of their lurking places; their cruelty to Captain Jacobs, an Indian, should be told. Landing of Wolfe under cover of the ship's guns. The brave and prudent Amherst will soon follow the enemy. 373 Shippen to Bouquet. Letters received, &c. Is sorry the townships are so deficient in supplying provisions in spite of the pains taken by the magistrates. The harvest being about over, hopes that they will send waggons; will use every means to get this done. Respecting the 1759. August 6, Ligonier. August 6, August August 6, August 7, August 8, Lancaster. August 9, Alleghany Mountains. August 9, August 10, purchase of forage. Money received. Report of the taking of Ticonderoga confirmed. Page 375 John Mason to Bouquet. Indians with the convoy have been drunk all the way and have threatened him. They have also killed his mare. Their suspicious conduct on the road, and at Laurel Hill. 377 G. Price to the same. Is glad he has arrived at Bedford. Death of Captain Joscelyn in a skirmish at Laurel Hill; his bravery. Asks to be remembered for the vacant company. 379 Captain James Robertson to Stanwix. Deplorable condition of the detachment of Highlanders for want of clothes and money. 380 Gordon to Bouquet. Can see no place near better suited for a fort than the present. Description of the ground at Chartres, and its suitability for a fort, &c. The small garrison here is not sufficient for much; men wanted for preparing material, lime-burning &c. People uneasy about their pay bills. The loss of the £200 is unfortunate. If the account from Niagara be true, it is very favourable. 331 Conrad Weiser to the same. Brigade of waggons is setting out with pork and rye. The difficulty of getting waggons, and how fines for non compliance with the orders of the magistrates can be evaded. 384 Shippen to the same. Statement of money transactions respecting transport service. 385 Major Stewart to the same. Will attend to instructions respecting the road, which Mr Mayer will carry out. The advantage of the light horse to be raised by the General's orders; does not know what became of the wornout horses sold after last campaign; Lieut. Crawford knows where the accoutrements are; but they were originally very bad. 386 Report of a meeting of magistrates respecting transport waggons. 358 George Mercer to Bouquet. Shall afford every assistance when ordered Winchester(?) to repair Braddock's road. Suggests opening the road from Gist's plantation to Red Stone Creek, whence stores &c. could be sent by water to Pittsburgh, saving at least 30 or 35 miles from Cumberland to the mouth of Red Stone. If this were ordered any quantity of provisions could be stored at Pittsburg by the end of November Prospects of obtaining waggons or pack horses, which latter might be purchased, as also a great number of hogs, bullocks and sheep &c., &c. 392 August 11, August 10, John Hughes to the same. That the waggon drivers are not allowed Philadelphia. to draw provisions without paying for them. Calls his attention to this unjust conduct. If persevered in, he must withdraw from the service. 396 George Croghan to Stanwix. Had reported from Niagara that the Western Indians had laid down the hatchet; there is no reason to suspect their sincerity. If the news from Niagara be correct, the French will retreat from Venango before they can be reached. Thinks 100 to 150 Indians will be enough for the purpose; and will join Mercer with as many as are necessary. Neither goods (except a few laced coats, &c.) nor traders here to barter with the Indians for furs, at which the Indians are surprised. The attempts of the provincial commissioners to monopolise the trade by underselling and the reason given, being the advantage of purchasing Government bills for goods supplied, violate the law by which these Indian commissioners were appointed. Asks that goods be sent up as quickly as possible, &c. August 11, Lancaster. 398 Shippen to Bouquet. Sends report of the meeting of magistrates (p. 388). Cannot make a bargain with the farmers for their oats, but hopes to do so when they begin to thresh. Has informed the Governor of their attempt to extort exorbitant prices. Hambright has brought 10 waggons and horses and is going for more. Drivers already engaged. Respecting the money arrangements. 401 1759. August 12, August 12, August 13, August 13, Ligonier. August 13, August 13, Bedford. August 15, Carlisle. August 15, August 16, August 17, August 17, August 18, August 19, August 20, Mercer to Stanwix. Would have marched with the Virginian troops but was detained for a meeting with the Catawbas. Their evasions, but agree to go to him (Stanwix) after being supplied with necessaries. Explains his unauthorised interference, which was for the good of the service. Shall see they lose no time, but asks that some one should meet them at Cumberland with directions. The Indians are naked except what they got here. Page 403 Gordon to Bouquet. The situation of his force and the difficulties of work on the fort, saw mills, &c., given in detail. The men have not grumbled, although many fall down in faxes every day. Affairs are very backward. Two large flat boats building. Brickmakers and carpenters kept at work. 406 Bouquet to Lieut. Col. Wall. To set out to join on receipt, and to bring an exact return of the troops at each post, &c., including two companies to be left at Fort Loudoun; one of these is to be employed on the road from Loudoun to Lyttleton. Other arrangements about roads. The entire ruin of the French and their Indians will save the trouble of escorts except small ones for a few days. 408 Captain Schlosser to Bouquet (in French). Asks for his recommenda. tion in favour of his son to the vacancy caused by the death of Captain Joscelyn. 410 Croghan to Stanwix. Sends report of the capture of Niagara, the burning by the French of their forts at Venango, Le Boeuf and Presqu'Isle. The Indians of all nations quiet, except the Delawares, who make a practice of stealing horses. There is little control of their young men, but they have promised to return the stolen horses. 411 Circular from Stanwix to the managers of each county, urging them to furnish supplies, waggons, &c., for the service. 412 John Byers to Bouquet. Has received and paid out the money received for waggons, of which he gives a statement. The people in great spirits and raising more waggons every day, &c., &c. 415 Gordon to the same. Urges the bad policy of paying for work in liquor. Progress in preparing material. Stores wanted and tents for the garrison. A flat wanted. Remarks on the campaign. Hopes young Schlosser will get the vacant ensigncy. 416 John Hughes to the same. Will send tar, but he should look out some one who understands the making of it to save carriage. All the waggons he has sent are to be kept so long as they are able to work. The loss of the waggons coming home is due to the waggoners not to the owners. 419 John Byers to the same. Explains how the error had arisen about waggons not being received from the neighbourhood of Carlisle, and points out that he has sent out more than he promised. Will however at the request of General Stanwix have all the waggons in the county summoned for the campaign. 420 Shippen to the same. His exertions to get waggons and forage; respecting accounts, money matters, &c. 422 Roger Hunt to the same. Gives details respecting the supply of waggons and pack horses and of disputes as to the carrying out of 424 contracts. Same to the same. Further respecting the supply of waggons. Asks him to remedy certain complaints. 429 Gordon to the same. Reports that work is proceeding on the roads. The post at Red Stone Creck will save immense land carriage. Hopes the stores will soon arrive as work cannot go on without them. The |