1764. April 29, to be maintained. Indian affairs transferred from the military to the Indian Department. Page 510 Bouquet to Stanwix. Nothing can be done about the claims of Lieutenant Potts, for reasons given, but wishes that something could be done for him. 512 CORRESPONDENCE WITH SIR J. ST. CLAIR AND CAPTAIN JAMES SINCLAIR. A, 9. 1758-1763. B. M., 21,639. 1758. May 27, Sir John St. Clair to Bouquet. General Forbes states in a letter that Winchester. he had sent 271 tents to Carlisle, had bespoken 200 more and that he (St. Clair) could get some from Bouquet for Washington's people. He is to send, therefore, 114 tents, to be at the mouth of the Conegogie to be met by a detachment to receive them; they are for five companies of 100 men each of Colonel Washington's regiment and a company of artificers (100) of the second Virginian regiment who march from this to strengthen Fort Cumberland, so necessary on this urgent occasion. They will be ordered to march to Shippenburg to be there by the 5th of June; hopes the tents may be there, otherwise they cannot march further. Will try to send a body of Indians with the troops, but cannot depend on them as they are conscious of their bad behaviour in Pennsylvania, so will probably join the army from Fort Cumberland. Expects Byrd with Indians. Governor Sharpe has returned to Maryland; has not been able to determine with him what is to be done with the garrison at Fort Cumberland. The small pox has broken out at Fort Frederic; asks him (Bouquet) to have as little communication with that garrison as possible. Officers absent from it have been ordered not to return there; they are raising companies in Maryland. Over 2,000 Virginian troops he may call complete, the number wanting not being worth mentioning. They are a fine body of men. Inconvenience caused by C. Blair not coming; Washington had to be sent for him. Stevens will march to Shippenburg; provisions to be ready for his division. His (St. Clair's) field equipage shall be sent from Lancaster, to be left at Carlisle till he comes to Shippenburg. Page 1 May 28, Same to the same. Is pleased to hear of his safe arrival at Carlisle ; has sent proposed plan of operations. Washington with his five companies and carpenters will arrive at Shippenburg on the 4th or 5th. The other five companies cannot be sent so soon to Fort Cumberland, as Washington does not return from Williamsburg till the 7th and the five companies have not joined; when four do, and he has tents he shall send them to Fort Cumberland, but they must not stay there from the scarcity of provisions. Is labouring to get Byrd's regiment in order; Basset is ordered to Shippenburg with entrenching tools, which were sent from Fort Frederick when the small pox broke out. The road from Ray's Town to Fort Cumberland may be cut in four days, or, if begun at both ends, in two days; that from Fort Loudoun to Ray's Town will be troublesome. Has men and horses for the troops, aims expected on Saturday; saddies and bridles must come from Philadelphia; hopes to have all in motion by the 9th of June. With Byrd's 57 there are now 280 Indians with him, but he does not expect to take them all out to war. Byrd's regiment is 900 strong; Washington's, 950. The Vir-. ginian troops for Pennsylvania are to take directions at Bollan's for the road to Fort Loudoun. 1758. May 31, Winchester. May 31, June 3, Sir John St. Clair to Bouquet. This letter sent by Lt. Colonel Stephen, who is to march with five companies of the first Virginian regiment, of 80 men. The first company of the second regiment of artificers, who are either sick, or not able to march, are left in Fort Loudoun with a careful officer. The scarcity of captains in the first division for reasons given. Tools &c. supplied to the artificers; Washington's five companies will want hatchets; if tents are ready they are fit for service. Powder horns have been stowed away somewhere; scarcity of bayonets. Basset ordered to join him (Bouquet) with entrenching tools. Shall labour hard to equip four more companies of the 2nd Virginians, and send them by companies under Peachy. Byid cannot be sent as all the Cherokees have resolved never to go to Pennsylvania, as soldiers had taken up arms against them at Captain French's instigation. Shall try to get the Catawbas, to march with or follow Stephen. With nine days preparation it will be sixteen days before the force can reach Fort Cumberland. If the arrangements do not suit, he can send Bouquet more troops. He dare not send them to Fort Cumberland, as they cannot stay owing to scarcity of provisions. What troops he can send. Has had a letter from President Blair stating that he will not dismantle the Governor's house of the King's arms. All that he can infer from the stupid letter is that he wants them in order to make war on the Cherokees. He has asked for a company of veterans (as he calls them) to garrison a Fort in the Cherokee country; shall write him that he may have the 100 men short of the complement of Washington's regiment ordered by the Assembly. Will leave Forbes to settle the affair of the arms; had he known the King had so unworthy a servant he would have taken other steps to secure the arms, but bas no time at present. Surely when the arms were sent they were not intended to adorn the Governor's house. Asks for 300stand of arms to be sent him. (The rest in French). Is impatient by receipt of that accursed (maudite) letter from Blair and at being informed that there are no vehicles so as to enable his people to march to-morrow. The greatest curse that our Lord can pronounce against the greatest sinner is to have to do with Indian allies (sauvages. amis) and with the commissioners of the Provinces. Page 7 Bouquet to St Clair. His letters received. Tents shall be sent as requested, but this leaves him without any for Stephen's detachment, which must remain till other tents arrive from Philadelphia. Needs no reinforcement at present, hopes to take post at Ray's Town with the troops he has; it is there he wants a junction made, to save the encum. brance of the march there with waggons &c. The supply for Washington's whole regiment at Fort Cumberland to be sent if possible; they could begin to cut the road and join him at Rea's Town. Arrangements for cover; part of the men in the fort, the rest in tents. Instead of sending them to Shippenburg, they are to be sent to Fort Loudoun in Cumberland county, the commanding officer of the 600 getting directions as to the road from Henry Pollan. There are provisions for them at Fort Stanwix, but none at Shippensburg. Captain Bosomworth goes to Winchester to persuade the Indians to go to Fort Loudoun to receive their presents. If that measure fail, it is a bad situation. The general is sending arms which shall be forwarded. Tools &. Wants powder and ball. Details of the difficulties of the situation. His satisfaction at the forwardness of his troops of horse. Intends to leave on Monday, but cannot proceed from Lyttleton till he gets arms. 11 Same to the same. Hopes Bosomworth will meet Stevens at Conegogee and direct his march towards Fort Loudoun. Has no tents for these troops; they must make shift for a few days with bark huts. Res 1758. June 3, June 5, June 6, June 9, June 11, pecting tools, powder horns &c. Wishes nothing but the bayonets was wanted, a useless arm in the woods. Bosomworth sent to Winchester to bring the Indians; if they will not come to Loudoun, he must try to get them to Rea's Town. Is uneasy about provisions for the people sent to Fort Cumberland. His intended movements on the road to Rea's Town; expects to be there before his (St. Clair's) troops will be at Fort Cumberland, where they are not to stay, but to begin at once to cut the new road to Rea's Town. Shall supply them with provisions. The rest of the troops he may send by Loudoun, Lyttleton, Juniata and Rea's Town, to be sent as they are ready, but not less than 100 at once. President Blair's letter is the most curions paper he ever heard; although not very pleasant he had laughed heartily at it. He (Bouquet) has a better President, who, with the commissioners had supplied every thing wanted to arm and equip the Pennsylvanian regiment, and is sending 80 light horses. The new levies are on the march to form a chain from Lancaster to Rea's Town, half of them walking with sticks. Only one ration a day allowed to their officers, the same as to the regular officers and the general himself. Muskets expected. No troops in Virginia to be allowed to be sent to the pretended fort among the Cherokees. "It is a mere babble near Fort Loudoun. Respecting communication to be provided by expresses. There should be facility of communication with Maryland and Virginia, but expects nothing from such people. Other arrangements. Page 15 St. Clair to Bouquet. Stephen had gone, but was sent after and will take the 114 tents. In order to carry on the service, there must be a meeting between them (Bouquet and St. Clair). Where he proposes they should meet &c. 20 Same to the same. Is glad he is beginning to march, as it will give an opportunity to have an interview with him and Governor Sharp, by which more can be accomplished than in six months writing. Major Lewis is stopped in his march to Augusta Court House by high water; Colonel Washington returns to Williamsburgh on Wednesday. Expects arms from Maryland and tents from Philadelphia. 21 Same to the same. Since he (Bouquet) could not come St. Clair must return to Winchester to put the whole force in motion. If a division is to go by Cumberland it must be sent only on a written order, owing to the danger of delay. Shall send off his corps in divisions; only the want of blankets can stop the march. He shall go to Fort Loudoun and afterwards join him or go to Carlisle as he (Boaquet), may think best for the service &o. 23 Same to the same. Supposed details of his (Bouquet's) march; what men he has at Winchester. Arms received from Washington; these with others expected and already here will complete the second regiment. Can. not move withoutblankets. Arrival of Washington from Williamsburgh, President Blair has been graciously pleased to grant every thing asked for. The officers have been pai1 batt, forage, and baggage money and Blair has sent the arms from Government House to Fredericksburgh, together with blankets, for which he will send an express so that waggons may be provided for the march of Washington and Byrd's men. Virgi nians are dissatisfied that the whole army goes through Pennsylvania. In a day or two he shall have 40 men for the 40 light horses. The letter enters into details of the arrangments for and the movements of troops &c. 24 Same to the same. Report by John Walker, a guide, of the difficult nature of the country for a road from the Alleghany Ridge to the Great Crossing. The opinion of the Shawanese as to the same road. Hə 1758. June 17, June 19. June 22, June 27, June 30, (St. Clair) does not believe time can be spared to open that road and proposes to fall down on Fort Cumberland and go thence to the Great Crossing, after making a blockhouse at the Little Meadow, which will save time. Points out where roads can be made, and asks which he should open. Gives some details of how difficulties may be avoided, and answers supposed objections. Washington's three companies arrived from Augusta; is working hard to get them on their march; their arms are in a most miserable condition. They shall be followed by Byrd's when blankets are ready. Is anxious to meet Bouquet, &c. Walker, the guide, has engaged to bring a company of good woodsmen. Page 29 St. Clair to Bouquet. Letters received; shall try to supply all his wants. Has sent a company of Highlanders to garrison Fort Lyttleton. Cannot send provincials, for to detach them before they are formed would increase the disorder that reigns amongst them to so great a degree. McLean has sent up 100 men of the new levies to Fort Augusta, but no orders for the old garrison to return. Would have called down 100 of Byrd's, leaving 50 of the worst, but learns that there are not 50 fit for service. Shall send up men kept for the horse so that he (Bouquet) may Eend better men. Gives him joy of the arrival of artillery and stores. 33 Thomas Cressup to St. Clair. Has received into his store five loads for which he sends receipts, besides one cask and one dozen saddles not mentioned in the bill. A party of four Indians had attacked a party of 30 or 40 men, half a mile from Fort Cumberland, killed two and wounded two &c. 35 St Clair to Bouquet. Is glad to hear he is at Juaniata; hopes he found Sideling Hill practicable. Has sent 100 Highlanders to Fort Lyttleton, with orders to send on the 100 that were loft, in order to join him (Bouquet); shall send more Highlanders to Lyttleton, the number left being insufficient. Royal Americans for Fort Loudoun, where he should like to have a strong garrison, in case it should be called on to assist in opening the new road. Has not countermanded the Virginians on hearing that new road was found practicable and blazed. How he proposes to construct the road. Is sending a commissary to Alexandria to conduct 200 provincials of North Carolina to Fort Frederick. Is told that 100 more are come or coming to Winchester; shall send them off with convoy on the 8th of July. Major Lloyd is idling away his time; nor does he hear if Captain Sharp has done his work. Has sent him (Bouquet) ammunition; more shall be sent if needed, &c. Other details. 36 Same to the same. Waggons have been sent out to him (Bouquet) as fast as received, except 30 sent to Fort Frederick, loaded with shot and escorted to that place by Captain Joscelyn and 60 men, which he proposes to make up to 100. The rest of the three companies shall be sent to Fort Loudoun as they arrive. Has detained another company of the Highlanders for Fort Lyttleton. Has received report that the road from Fort Frederick to Fort Cumberland is practicable. Governor Sharpe is collecting wood to lay a bridge near Fort Frederick. Movements of engineer and troops; Lieut. Colonel Sharpe is to take the direction of the road. The number has been made up to 500 men. Importance of having the road finished. 38 Same to the same. Is sending off Hambright with a troop of horse, escorting 38 waggons; the troop is poorly equipped, but the Commissioners will do nothing. Respecting pack horses and saddles. The vile quality of the coals sent out from England. Has sent a commissary to 1758. look after the forces from Carolina; it is an army in the clouds. He rever expected them, " if we had them they are good for nothing." Page 40 June 30, Bouquet to St Clair (in French). Requests him to relieve all the Rea's Town. posts of communication from Loudoun and to join all the companies of the regiment of Pennsylvania. He has only 811 men fit to serve, and he has to build a fort and store houses for the whole army. The delays caused by having to provide a cover for stores, &c. Hoping for the General's arrival, will give no orders to the troops at Cumberland till theu, except to open the communication with Rea's Town. The troops from Virginia make a difficulty about working without being paid; has settled that they work like the others for a gill of rum a day. To pay the troops for their work would cost more than three armies could do in Europe. The communication by Fort Frederick or Fort Cumberland is shorter than by Rea's Town; not a moment shall be lost in opening the road approved by the general. Has sent order to Colonel Washington to employ 300 men on this work, including the troops from Maryland who are with him. Further about roads. July 11, July 16, July 19, July 20, August 12, August 16, 42 Sinclair to Bouquet. Has, by Sir John St. Clair's orders, sent iron, steel, etc. Money shall be sent by the next opportunity. 44 Same to the same. General Forbes has sent 100 pack horses loaded with flour to Rea's Town, under the escort of provincials, who are to furnish drivers to that place. The horses are to be distributed on arrival amongst the troops for carrying their baggage. 45 Same to the same. Has sent off to Rea's Town, 18 waggons, loaded with powder, rum, tents, etc. The latter to be sent to Fort Cumberland for Washington and Byrd's regiment, besides light arms for the Indians. The 100 pack horses have been detained at Shippenburg, for want of a party to take charge of them, the provincials having marched. 46 St. Clair to the same. The guides acquainted with the mountains to be sent down to meet the General (Forbes). 47 Same to the same. There is not so much of the road done as he expected, but the road is good so far as this, about 18 miles from his (Bouquet's) camp. Sends letter to show what Stephen is doing. He (St. Clair) has begun a redoubt at the Shanoe cabins, which he hopes is finished. Lieut. Allen will move this way; will mark ont a camp for him on the river, at the second rising of the mountain. He is to leave a sergeant and 16 men at his redoubt; many of his officers are sick, The work to be done on the roads is immense; unless he has 200 men more does not know when it will be finished. What tools are wanted. Shall move his camp two miles up the gap to morrow. Has to lay out redoubts. 48 Same to the same. Had met Colonel Stephen and Captain Field, who promised to meet him on Thursday on the top of the mountain, but he does not to expect to finish the digging up the gap by that time. Wants men and tools; it is a diabolical work and whiskey must be had. It will take 500 men five days to cut to the top of the mountain, besides the guards and covering parties. By meeting Stephen, he had prevented him sending a strong party to the Laurel Ridges. Asks, for God's sake, that Armstrong's post may be reinforced, or he may be cut off. Provisions to be sent in waggons as the horses cannot get up the hill. 50 Same to the same. Captain McKenzie arrived with 200 men, bringing flour; he has marched leavingthe waggons behind. Will send Armstrong tools and ammumition; shall construct a redoubt on the plain between the two ridges where Allen is posted. Describes the difficulties of the road, and the manner in which the work is laid out. The enemies are all |