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, 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 91 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. George Stevenson to the same. Sonds 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. 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 94 92 March 1. 101 Lieut. Hugh Crawford to Bouquet. Reports the sickly state of the Stony Creek. garrison and that there is no doctor. March 1, March 1, Mercer to the same. Sends returns of the garrison. King Beaver Pittsburgh. 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, March 5, March 6, March 9, The policy of the Beaver to keep right with whoever is strongest. No more Indian meal to be sent. Page 105 Lieut. Archibald Biane 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 provin cials 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 scnt; asks him to get the Indian 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 occur rences (p. 94). He has kept minutes since his first arrival. 119 Hutchins to the same. Confesses his mistake in the quantity of flour returned and asks forgiveness. 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 Shawanese 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. March 10, March 10, 127 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 1769. March 11, March (12?) March 12, March 15, March 17, March 17, March 18, landers, 120; Pennsylvanians, 30. Officers deficient. 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 ore, but had no orders. It will be impossible 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 same. 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 accounts, &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 Edward 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 Tulleken 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 resignations; 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, 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 LeBoeuf, with armament, etc, Reports of French troops at Venango, etc, 139 Captain Poaris to Bouquet. The satisfaction of the men in the garrison 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 men would still be here, Sonds returns. 146 Mercer to the same. Sends 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 Indians 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; measles spreading, but not proving mortal. Hutchins ill 1759. with it. March 20, March 21, Vinegar and hard cider would be useful. fishing lines wanted. Want of pitch for the bateaux. on the Monongahela. 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. men's bad state of health. The 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, April 2, 153 Returns of the second division of the first battalion of the Royal American Regiment. 1554 Tulleken to Bouquet. Has sent on a deserter for trial. Bad conduct of Ensign McIntosh. He (Tulleken) is kept here till Colonel Young arrives. 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 Pennsylva nians 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 labourers, 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 Application to Benedict Dorsey at Fort Loudoun for carriage for Philadelphia. goods to Pittsburgh, according to offer of Colonel Bouquet. April 4, April 8. York Town. 164 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 1759. April 15, New York. April 21, April 24, he knows about the money received by Captain Lander. Respecting returns, with remarks. Concerning camp equipage &c. Is certain that he (Bouquet) will be surprised at Captain Lander's resignation, but he would have been more so had he seen the letter for the discharge of one of his sergeants, one of his corporals and three of the best men of his company, with an offer to pay £20 currency for each of them, in order to carry them to Charles Town. The loss to the Province by the death of the Princess Gouvernante (of Holland). Personal messages. Page 168Tulleken to Bouquet. The loss of his (Tulleken's) poor boy was a blow, but he will get over it and serve the campaign. His application to quit the service was precipitate and has done him no good, he is afraid, with the Brigadier. Will set about the accounts. Recommendation to Strodman (Stedman ?) who is sent to the fourth battalion. Sends a pocket book for his acceptance. 171 Lloyd to the same. Thanks for the promise of a surgeon. Must wait for the money with patience. Bullocks have passed and are now at Pittsburgh; had been obliged to take some to prevent his garrison from starving. Respecting vinegar for scurvy and whiskey; the garden in hands. The floods have swept the dam away. Notes regarding work, materials, &o. The relief of the frontier garrisons anxiously looked for. The first battalion of Royal Americans being ordered on the expedition gives hopes of his (Bouquet's) return. Asks for a millwright. The bravery and prudence of Lieut. Campbell in preserving his convoy from an attack by Indians. A party of sick on their way to Bedford surprised by Indians; the escort saved themselves leaving the sick of whom 11 were killed or missing. Other attacks by Indians. Lieut. Miles has been particularly active in pursuit. Note of men of the first and second battalions who have died since the 1st of April. 173 Report of Abel and Jacob Pearson, horse drivers, taken prisoners on the 6th April and carried to Venango, but made their escape and were brought in by some Mingoes. The threats of the Delawares; description of the fort at Venango &c. Indian scouts in the French interest out toward Pittsburg and Ligonier, &c. 292 An extract from Mercer's Journal, which follows, gives a description of the fort at Detroit, as given by two prisoners, who had been taken by the Indians about twelve months ago. About 50 French families live along the river below the fort and 70 above it ; 400 soldiers have been stationed there, but at present there are only 200, the usual strength; the garrison poorly supplied. How they escaped, &c. 295 April 24, Mercer to Bouquet. Is pleased at the renewal of the correspondence. Pittsburgh. It being probable that no great force being at Venango, a spy sent off may have to go to Presqu'Isle, or he may be delayed by an unexpected outbreak of his countrymen, the Delawares. Has sent the General an account of Detroit, as given by two men lately escaped from there. The advantage of Charles Hill for a post. Excellent coal and limestone have lately been discovered on the Monongahela, nearly opposite to Pittsburg. Will attempt to make tar here. Chains wanted should Charles Hill be fixed on for a post. If the point on the River Duquesne is to be fortified, a foundation of stone must be raised several feet above its present level, as the Ohio was lately all over the plains and covered the floor of the fort. Refers to Lloyd for account of Indian scalping. The Delawares are still apparently in the French interest. Remarks on Indians. Late standalous behaviour of the troops in face of the enemy. Remonstrates against removing the troops from the garrison, the officers do not wish to retire before the campaign ends, and the effect on the men would be disastrous. 178 |