1768. May 31, Sir John St. Clair to Bouquet. This letter sent by Lt. Colonel Stephen, Winchester. who is to march with five companies of the first Virginian regiment, of 80men. 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 has no time at present. Surely when the arms were sent they were not intended to adorn the Governor's house Asks for 300 stand 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 May 31, June 3, 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 &3. 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 arme. 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, 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 mast 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 &c. 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 without blankets. Arrival of Washington from Williamsburgh, President Blair has been graciously pleased to grant every thing asked for. The officers have been paid batt, forage, and baggage money ani 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. Virginians are dissatisfied that the whole army goes through Pennsylvania. Ia 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 June 11, 1758. June 17, June 19. June 22, June 27, June 30, Carlisle. (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, tut 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 send 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 left, in order to join him (Bouquet); shall send more Highlanders to Lyttleton, the number left being insufficient. Royal Americans for Fort Loudou, 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 baving 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. June 30, 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 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 then, 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 arri val 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 out 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. Provi sions 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 1758. August 17, August 20, round in parties of six and ten; cannot say how long they will remain but he shall be careful. Details follow of what is doing at the posts, &c. Page 51 St. Clair to Bouquet. Letter received. Rhor sent off as ordered; to report direct to Bouquet. Loyal Hannan suited for a fort. Had there been accounts of another gap in Laurel Ridge he would have reconnoitred it. Is detained here by Stephen having sent off troops. Asks for an explanation of certain orders. 54 Same to the same. The smoke seen was from Field's camp to Fort Dewart. Stephen's spring; it is impossible to get a direct road to it, as rocks and deep swamps intervene. Has cut the road round the ascent he rode up yesterday. He may send on the A-y (Artillery). Parties have returned from the French fort but he has not seen their reports. 56 August 23, Bouquet to St. Clair. Colonel Byrd and Major Grant march to-day for Rea's Town. L. H. (Loyal Hannan). The Troops to be sent, these given in detail, with arrangements for their distribution &c. Urges him to push on the road to Loyal Hannan as fast as possible, as several things are wanted which cannot be carried by horses. The nature of the road to be made for the advance of troops &c 57 August 23, August 23, August 23, August 27, August 27, St. Clair to Bouquet. Arrival of waggons by the road, which is not so good as he shall make it. The more he sees of Edmund's swamp, the less he likes it. Its distance is too small from Dewart, so thinks of placing the redoubts near here. Details of detachments and their duties. Is at a loss for a Commissary, the one sent is sick at Dewart, and seems to have broken his steel yards. The men crying out for salt. 60 62 Same to the same. Received his letter whilst clearing ground for a redoubt three miles beyond Edmund's swamp. His arrangements consequent on the sending of the artillery, and the manner in which the roads are being made. Armstrong is sick at Dewart; Hamilton is guarding the flying magazine at Edmund's swamp and Jameson at the redoubt now erecting. Further about the roads. Same to the same. in hopes to have it waggons may carry. of the roads, &c. Bouquet to St. Clair. Is disappointed that the road is not open by the foot of Laurel Hill; had sent the artillery and apprehends it will be stopped on the way to Loyal Hannan, which will be destruction to the little grass he (St. Clair) may have. He never intended all Amstrong's battalion for the redoubts; 25 in each are enough; the rest to push forward the road. The chief thing is the road for which explicit orders are given. The light horse to be placed at proper stages to carry the letters. To keep every one astir to make amends for the unaccountable slowness. The road is so far good, and but for the rain was opened to Kikoney Pawling. What weight the Positions of the different detachments. Progress 65 67 St. Clair to Bouquet. The road cut half way to the foot of the ridge; the troops are moving their camp, except 200 to guard this post. The Artillery was last night at Edmund's Swamp; is impatient, for the arrival of Major Grant and Colonel Byrd. Extraordinary conduct of Colonel Stephen; has confined him for mutiny, so that the Virginians are now under Lewis. Was afraid of a general mutiny. He has attempted to send him to Rea's Town, but he refused to go after being arrested and as he (St. Clair) had not sufficient strength to seize him among bis own men, was obliged to let him have his own way to save bloodshed. The proceedings have not much retarded the service. He has no pack horses. Is sending for horse shoes for the Virginians; when the artillery comes he shall do his best to get it over the ridge. 68 |