1759. April 25 to April 26, April 26, April 26, Ligonier. May 2, May 3, May 4, May 4, May 4, May 6, Ligonier. Intelligence sent by Colonel Mercer brought by Indians sent out during April and May. Page 183 Colonel Armstrong to Bouquet. The steps he took respecting the claim for the two horses lost. Hamilton will resign rather than stand a court martial. Has sent ammunition. Engagement of a gunsmith and two small apprentices at twenty-five shillings currency a day. Rob, the blackmith and his men, will take twelve shillings a day, though he thinks they are equal to carpenters who are cffered a dollar a day, Rob must have a pint, or at least half a pint of rum a day for himself and his man. The miserable state of the people at Ligonier. The men here are little better than when they left the campaign, there are 60 of them, 15 not fit for duty. A trapper scalped; the danger to the inhabitants, so that patrols should be sent out; how these could be furnished. 190 Jacob Morgan to Lloyd. Respecting millwright who might be employed at Ligonier. 194 Lloyd to Bouquet. Respecting repairs to waggons, &c, and the difficulty of proceeding without assistance on the work from the regulars, Byrd reports from Winchester that 300 men are ordered to reinforce Ligcnie; the Highlanders to be relieved on the arrival of these Virginian troops. Two millwrights recommended by Morgan. The corporal in charge of the escort for the sick (p. 176) found guilty of great misbeha viour. The unhappy men of the garrison at Stony Creek have been obliged to lie in a foot of water, covered only by a waggon cloth; 32 of the best men have either perished or been disabled. The officer is constantly asking for reinforcements; those sert have been sacrificed, but to preserve the post more must be sent on the srrival of the Virgi nians. 195 Colonel Adam Stephen to Bouquet. Has just arrived with 300 men from Winchester, after a fatiguing march from heavy rains, deep roads and high rivers. Hopes that they will not need to return from Ligonier from want of provisions. 198 Same to the same. Will do what he is ordered, but it is impossible to do the heavy repairs to the roads if 50 men are left here, many of the detachment being exhausted with the bad roads, &c., and he is carrying with him all who are able to go. What respect is to be paid to Sir John St. Clair's orders? 199 George Stevenson to Hoops. Cannot get horses to forward the flour. Warrants have been issued, but does not know how many horses can be got by this means. All the wheat here held at four shillings. 200 Adam Hoops to Bouquet. Sends Stevenson's letter; the prospect of getting waggons, &c. 201 Armstrong to Stanwix. The complaints from Ligonier about provi sions are now removed; details of how the supply has been set. His brother, with Major Jamieson, set cff to recruit in Maryland in consequence of the Governor's orders, a careful lieutenant is left at Bedford; all the other officers of higher rank are out recruiting. Colonel Stevens, [Stephen] with 300 men is on the march between Bedford and Ligonier; there are too few men for the convoys on this side of Ligonier. Hopes that the necessity for fresh provisions has not been overlooked. 202 Lloyd to Bouquet. Is sorry to have incurred his displeasure and explains. His returns regularly contained the state of provisions ; enters into details at considerable length to justify his correspondence. 201 May 12, Mercer to the same. None of the enemy have been seen, and few Pittsburgh. friendly Indians till two days ago. Sends separately the report of the spy from Venango, and other intel e. Has postponed send 1759. May 12, May 15, May 17, May 17, May 21, May 21, York. May 22, Lancaster. May 22, ing returns till he heard from the settlements. Not an ounce of fresh beef in the fort for eight days and the state of the flour will oblige them to go on horse flesh, if it can be procured. The garrison becoming more healthy; only the Highlanders, who love the cold weather well, fall sick as the summer advances, but none dead as yet. Has not found pine fit to make tar, but has discovered a fine mill site on the south side of the Monongahela opposite the lower point of the island. The Indians speak fair, but at home are full of cabals; the French emissaries have done a world of mischief. Corporal Ellis, a prisoner, came in last night; he narrowly escaped being scalped when he called for the boat. Page 207 Captain Alexander McKenzie to Bouquet. Has heard that his regiment has left Philadelphia; his uncertainty as to when and where he can join. Hopes that Colonel Montgomery has not forgotten his detachment here; reflections thereon. Cannot understand why the detachment here is left to suffer without being relieved. Personally he will do all for the good of the service, but is surprised to hear nothing from the corps to which he belongs, and does not know how he is to supply the want of clothing, settle the men's accounts, &c. His confidence in Bouquet's management, &c. 210 George Stevenson to the same. The brigade of horses sent from here are chiefly bought by Adam Hoops. Hopes that oats may he got, and how cash can be procured. Cannot be at Lancaster, for reasons given; shall try to get waggons on the General's terms. Trusts that on representation his services shall be fairly paid for. Next week will be time enough to issue advertisements, &c., &c. 213 Stephen to the same. Has been obliged to stay to forward supplies for the garrisons, which have been in great want but are now supplied for the present. He has forwarded 42,000 pounds of provisions since he came to this place, has had a detachment on the roads, and there are now ten waggons with pork on their way over the mountains. No tools here to build the Quemong bridge, and the escorts for convoys requ're all his men. Does not see how he can leave this without danger of starving bofore an active officer and some men come to relieve him. 215 Same to Stanwix. Has only this instant heard of the want of provi sions at Pittsburg. They have, however, received provisions before this, of which details are given. Reports his work as in letter to Bouquet. The necessity for pack horses and cattle at the garrison beyond the mountains can only be supplied from day to day. 216 Daniel Clark to Bouquet. Has sent off waggons with oats for Bedford, there to load flour for Ligonier and Pittsburgh. Is distressed for want of forage stores. The measures he has adopted for obtaining forage (oats, &). He requires money, the country people having little faith in military payments. 218 Stevenson to the same. Shall send off to collect the waggons and fix the day and place for appraisement. Arrangements for packing and forwarding oats, &c. 219 Adam Hoops to the same. Has been at township meetings; the people say they will send their waggons; bags wanted. Lancaster. 221 222 Edward Shippen to the same. Is doing all in his power to get waggons; stuff for bagging wanted. Return of skins, furs, &c., in store at Pittburgh. 223 224 James Leighton to Lieut. Barnsley, pay master to the first Royal 1759. May 23, May 23, May 23, May 25, Ligonier. May 25, Ligonier. May 26, May 25, waggons burned, guns cut to pieces, &c. The violent tornado and 229 230 Mercer to the same. Skirmish between a corporal and ten men of the garrison and a superior force of the enemy. One man looking for game scalped; the Indians then attacked the others who got off except two old men, who were taken prisoners. A pursuit made but the enemy escaped. The most active Indians in the pursuit well rewarded. From the state of provisions cannot maintain many Indians at the fort, but the prospects for supplies are better. Is busy Scouring the woods for spies, but without success. Two Dela wares from Venango report that there are only 30 soldiers there at present, the rest having gone to Le Boeuf for provisions. A spy has been sent up the Ohio. Returns sent. Arrangements that it would be desirable to make for the sale of necessaries by the traders to the soldiers. Is glad that permission has been given to leave his people at the fort. Return of provisions at Ligonier follows (p. 235). 231 General return of the garrison at Fort Ligonier, commanded by Lieut. Colonel Lloyd. 267 Shippen to Bouquet. The failure of the meeting (p. 222) arose from a mistake; he goes this morning and has no doubt he will find the people hearty in the cause. Has distributed advertisements, but wants more. Ourry has paid £2118.0 6. Bags being made &c. Return of pork saved from the enemy. 236 237 Lloyd to Stanwix. Details from the 20th instant of the proceedings of the hostile Indians; the attack on the convoy, the various attempts at pursuit, &c. Return of Captain Morgan from delivering provisions at Pittsburg; when the supply arrived, they had not an ounce of any kind in the store. At Turtle Creek, Captain Morgan on his march with the supplies, was attacked and repulsed the enemy; lost five men killed and one wounded, but entirely preserved the convoy and brought in the wounded. On the 3rd, Lieut. Hughes of the second Pennsylvanians with 15 men from Bedford, was attacked within hearing of the fort, his sergeant and three men were killed, the rest retired in good order and were relieved from the fort. Captain Mackenzie has insisted on marching on the arrival of Ballet. The want of his detachment before the arrival of all the Virginians will weaken the garrison and greatly increase the fatigue of escort duty. The distress of Pittsburg for want of provisions; for want of horses and more provisions it will be impossible to supply it. Will to-morrow send all he can. Returns (2) of provisions at Ligonier. 238 244-245 Stephen to Stanwix. Details of the attack on Billet's party (p. 226). The enemy knows the state of the garrison and will no doubt exert their utmost endeavours to cut off the communication. No convoy with a 1759. May 25, May 25, May 26, May 27, May 28, May 28, smaller escort than the French have at Venango can be safely depended on. On the arrival of Woodward he shall set out with a considerable supply to Ligonier. Ballet's party remains at Ligonier; McKenzie on his march here; this post and Juniata must be left in his care that he (Stephen) may be able to strengthen the escorts. The Indians have killed two Virginian soldiers at Pittsburg, and a Pennsylvanian, besides one very lately at Stony Creek. The impunity increases their insolence. To check this, secure the communication and prevent their insults, it is necessary to march a body of troops to this place. No convoys can be expected till that is done, and if he be drubbed, the advanced garrison will be in extremely bad circumstances. Page 246 George Croghan to Capt. Horatio Gates. Has been here ten days. waiting for an escort; cannot venture without a good one as almost every party lately has been attacked and beaten. The attack on Ballet's party. The garrisons of Ligonier and Pittsburg have not above a fortnight's provisions. If the next escort meets with a misfortune these two posts must be abandoned. A hundred French and Indians would make an easy conquest here. Has sent off Captain Montour with three Indians to Pittsburg to collect all the Indians he can to meet him (Croghan) and send messages to the Indian settlements to call them to a meeting at Pittsburg. 219 Daniel Clark (extract) to Stanwix. The attack on Ballet, but no additional details. Bedford improves, for every thing that comes stays here for want of escort. The cattle that left Carlisle on the 15th are here yet and likely to be for some time. Everything looks gloomy here; since the 25th of April the road has not been clear of them (the Indians). Enclosed by Adam Hoops, whose signature is placed at the foot of the extract. 251 Captain Callender to Bouquet. Expects to send off 400 horses on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Leaves the question of his resignation in the hands of the General. 252 Stephen to the same. Asks for men, the communication being lined with parties of the enemy, particularly Indians, from this to Pittsburg. Ballet's defeat leaves them necessitous; he (Stephen) has only 40 men with him. Lloyd was obliged to send Woodward with another convoy to Pittsburg. He (Stephen) can send nothing over the Laurel Hill till he is reinforced. The Highlanders are on their march down, which surprises him at this juncture. The loss of another convoy would ruin the advanced posts. Asks for some Virginians to be sent from Winchester to Fort Cumberland; a man was scalped and a boy taken there the night before last; 50 of the enemy could burn the place. 253 Adam Hoops to the same. He and Oarry arrived; constables sent out to gather in waggons. Forty horses are to set off to-morrow. What is to be done for escorts, as 80 beef cattle and a number of pack horses are at Bedford and cannot stir? The people are all asleep; same of the waggon men, must be used roughly as a warning to the rest. Four of Scott's waggons passed; 10 more were ready to start; Shippen will report his success at Lancaster. He has 244 fine sheep in pasture and has sent to purchase more. The bad news from above will make waggons more difficult to be got, unless smartly handled. Sends extract (p. 251) of letter from Ligonier. 254 Armstrong to Stanwix. Has been urging the magistrates to have the meadows appraised; the accounts for last year are not paid nor settled, which makes the people uneasy. Has appointed a man to watch the me: dows to prevent waste; superintend hay making, &c. The same is to be done at Shippensburgh and Loudoun. Mr. Lyon appointed to 1759. May 28, May 28, May 28, May 29, May 30, May 30, May 30, May 30, receive and check here the accounts of the contractors' agents. If he can find 60 men who have shoes and blankets, he will send them to Stephen, and has written Burd to hasten up the new levies from Lancaster; smiths are at work getting arms ready for the newly raised troops. Has made a demand on the magistrates for waggons. Page 256 Armstrong to Bouquet. Arrangements for raising and paying for waggons; has given charge to Mr. Byards at two and a half per cent; he has also charge of one of the King's stores. Recommends that the money to pay the waggons should be deposited here. The superintendence of the meadows; Lyon's appointment, &c. Asks for warrants confirming the appointments. Crawford sent to collect horses. The men sent to Stephen are in a shocking state for such a duty. Summonses issued to bring in waggons; if that does not suit, force must be used. Ballet's affair is a very unfortunate and, he is afraid, a very scandalous one. Croghan is still at Bedford; "things have a disagreeable aspect, and neither our manner of making war nor politics seem to have with those savages the proper effects. Is it possible to avoid attacking the Indian towns or renewing the war with the Delawares ?" The few Pennsyl vanians with Morgan did well. 259 Ourry to the same (in French). The hindrance to the transport of provisions by the bad news from Bedford. Has been trying to engage waggons to carry up working tools; is obliged to leave money to pay the men on their return. Will try to get stores for forage. Stevenson promises a brigade of waggons; the number uncertain. A saddler promised Mr. Byer (Byard and Dyer in other places) is the bearer of this; is afraid he will be detained the greater part of a week, from the difficulty of getting transport for the working tools. 263 Colonel James Burd to the same. Advertisements received and distri buted; bags are being made; Boyd is sending tents to Carlisle. The difficulty of getting waggons, last year's services not being paid for. Note of the waggons sent or to be sent to the different places. If the people were paid waggons could be more easily got. Has heard of the defeat of Ballet aud is trying to keep it quiet. 265 Ourry to the same. Refers to Boyle for account of the attack on Morgan. The carrying off of Ballet's convoy is unlucky; had the enemy destroyed the provisions, it would not have been so bad, but to carry them off to Venango on the pack horses is provoking. Remains here for reasons given; has set sawyers and carpenters to work to repair old stores for forage. Has written Hughes to send the horses he has ready. Wyur to supply oats and Colonel Weiser to raise waggons; sup poses they should concert together. The saddler will not go to work till he be paid, so that he can settle his debts. Has found another express on pay; a list of those so engaged should be made to avoid confusion. Has engaged a forage master. 268 Edward Shippen to the same. A long letter altogether concerning the collection of forage, waggons &c., and sending them forward. 271 Burd to the same. Has sent 18 waggons to Fort Bedford and 4 to Carlisle; if the people were paid, all would go smoothly. Delay in shoeing horses; suggests sending up horse shoes and nails. 277 Same to the same. Recommends the bearer, Abraham Barr, who will start with 30 waggons in a week, to be waggon master. Urges that last year's accounts, which he takes with him to Philadelphia, be settled as soon as possible. 278 Hoops to the same. Is sorry Pittsburgh is in such extremity, which could have been avoided had the officers at the posts been more active. The supplies for Ligonier and Pittsburgh are still at Ray's Town. Hopes |