USA > New York > Fulton County > The border warfare of New York, during the revolution; or, The annals of Tryon county > Part 6
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"Brothers ! I therefore desire you to be spirited, and to encourage one another to march on in assistance of Fort Schuyler. Come up and show yourselves as men, to defend and save your country, before it is too late. Despatch yourselves to clear the brush about
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the fort, and send a party to cut trees in the Wood Creek to stop up the same.
"Brothers ! If you don't come soon without delay to assist this place, we cannot stay much longer on your side ; for if you leave this fort without succor, and the enemy [shall get possession thereof, we shall suffer like you in your settlements, and shall be destroyed with you. We are suspicious that your enemies have engaged the Indians, and endeavor daily yet to strike and fight against you; and Gen. Schuyler refuses always that we shall take up arms in the country's behalf.
"Brothers ! I can assure you that as soon as Butler's speech at Oswego shall be over, they intend to march down the country immediately, till to Albany. You may judge yourselves ; if you don't try to resist we will be obliged to join them or fly from our castles, as we cannot hinder them alone. We, the good friends of the country, are of opinion that if more force appears at Fort Schuyler the enemy will not move from Oswego to invade these frontiers ; you may depend on it we are willing to help you if you will do some efforts too."
In the spring of 1776, Colonels Van Schaick and Dayton were sent into Tryon County with detach- ments of continental soldiers, and were stationed at Johnstown and German Flats. Col. Dayton, sta- tioned at the latter place, was ordered by Gen. Schuy- ler, in June of this year, to take post and erect a for- tification at Fort Stanwix. The militia of the county were called out to assist him. This fort occupied a part of the site of the present .village of Rome, in
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Oneida County, situated at the head of navigation of the Mohawk, and at the carrying-place between that river and Wood Creek, from whence the boats passed to Oswego ; it was a post of great importance to the western part of New York. The French, with their usual sagacity, when endeavoring to monopolize the Indian trade, had erected a fortification at this place. At the commencement of the war it appears to have gone to decay ; a few families had settled there, form- ing the extreme western outpost of civilization, save the forts of Oswego and Niagara. The fort erected by Col. Dayton was called. Fort Schuyler, in honor of Gen. Schuyler. It is designated by that name in most of the letters and official communications of the officers, including Gen. Schuyler himself. It has been confounded by some with Fort Schuyler, which was built in the French wars, near where Utica now stands, and named in honor of Col. Schuyler, the uncle of Gen. Schuyler. At the time of the Revolu- tion there was no fort at the latter place. There was a clear field, which still retained the name of Fort Schuyler, as did the settlement west that of Fort Stan- wix.
The last of April, 1777, Col. Gansevoort, with the 3d regiment of the New York line of State troops, was ordered to Fort Schuyler. The fort was still unfin- ished, and the early part of the summer was spent in advancing the works. It was not even completed when afterward invested. The duties of the troops in consequence were extremely arduous.
The information as above given by the Oneida sa- chem occasioned some alarm. It developes part of
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the original plan of the campaign. The forces des- tined against this fort were under the command of Gen. Barry St. Leger. Should he succeed in taking Fort Schuyler, he was to pass down the Mohawk val- ley to Johnstown, and to fortify himself there. From this place he could easily make a diversion in favor of Burgoyne, or aid in cutting off the retreat of the American army, as circumstances should render neces- sary. The rich Mohawk country would at the same time furnish provisions for his own and the other in- vading armies.
Secret information of their movements had been industriously circulated among all the disaffected in- habitants of Tryon County. Insinuations of an alarming nature were thrown out, and not without effect. The Indians, it was said, would ravage the whole intervening country. Many who had not be- fore acted decidedly, now espoused the cause of the mother country, and in small parties stole away and went to the enemy.
A few days before the communication of the sa- chem was made, the committee had ordered out 200 militia to aid in garrisoning Fort Schuyler. A part only obeyed ; on the 15th they ordered two com- panies of continental troops, stationed at different places in the county under their direction, to repair to the fort. They made various excuses, that they had been sent out as scouts, and were unfit for garri- son duty, and refused to comply with the orders ; they afterward complied. Under these circumstan- ces, on the 17th of July, Brig. Gen. Nicholas Herki- "mer published the following proclamation :
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" Whereas, it appears certain that the enemy, of about 2000 strong, Christians and savages, are arrived at Oswego with the intention to invade our frontiers, I think it proper and most necessary for the defense of our country, and it shall be ordered by me as soon as the enemy approaches, that every male person, being in health, from 16 to 60 years of age, in this our county, shall, as in duty bound, repair immedi- ately, with arms and accoutrements, to the place to be appointed in my orders, and will then march to oppose the enemy with vigor, as true patriots, for the just defense of their country. And those that are above 60 years, or really unwell and incapable to march, shall then assemble, also armed, at the respec- tive places where women and children will be gath- ered together, in order for defense against the enemy, if attacked, as much as lies in their power. But con- cerning the disaffected, and who will not directly obey such orders, they shall be taken along with their arms, secured under guard, to join the main body. And as such an invasion regards every friend to the country in general, but of this county in particular, to show his zeal and well-affected spirit in actual de- fense of the same, all the members of the committee, as well as all those who, by former commissions or otherwise, have been exempted from any other military duty, are requested to repair also, when called, to such place as shall be appointed, and join to repulse our foes. Not doubting that the Almighty Power, upon our humble prayers and sincere trust in him, will then graciously succor our arms in bat-
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tle, for our just cause, and victory cannot fail on our side."
On the 30th of July, the committee received the following letter from Thomas Spencer, dated Oneida, July 29th.
" At a meeting of the chiefs, they tell me that there is but four days remaining of the time set for the king's troops to come to Fort Schuyler, and they think it likely they will be here sooner. The chiefs desire the commanding officers at Fort Schuyler not to make a Ticonderoga of it; but they hope you will be courageous. They desire Gen. Schuyler may have this with speed, and send a good army here ; "there is nothing to do at New York; we think there is men to be spared ; we expect the road is stopped to the inhabitants by a party through the woods ; we shall be surrounded as soon as they come. This may be our last advice, as these soldiers are part of those that are to hold a treaty. Send this to the committee ; as soon as they receive it let the militia rise up and come to Fort Schuyler. To-morrow we are a-going
to the Three Rivers to the treaty. We expect to meet the warriors, and when we come there and declare we are for peace, we expect to be used with indiffer- ence and sent away. Let all the troops that come to Fort Schuyler take care on their march, as there is a party of Indians to stop the road below the Fort, about 80 or 100. We hear they are to bring their cannon up Fish Creek. We hear there is 1000 going to meet the enemy. We advise not-the army is too large for so few men to defend the fort-we send a belt of 8 rows to confirm the truth of what we say." Spen-
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ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY.
cer added-" It looks likely to me the troops are near ; hope all friends to liberty, and that love their families, will not be backward, but exert themselves, as one resolute blow would secure the friendship of the Six Nations, and almost free this part of the coun- try from the incursions of the enemy."
About the time of the receipt of this letter several batteaux, guarded by one or two companies of bat- teauxmen, arrived from Schenectady with stores des- tined for Fort Schuyler. When the letter was laid before the committee, a question arose whether the militia should be ordered out immediately, or whether they should wait the arrival of troops who would un- doubtedly be sent by Gen. Schuyler. The necessity of guarding more effectually the batteaux was urged. The former course was adopted, and means were taken for assembling as many of the militia as possi- ble. Their own firesides were to be invaded; the time for exertion had come-a time which they ought to have anticipated, and for which, from the ample notice they had received, they ought to have made the best possible preparations. They were determined, however, to atone for their neglect. The fears ex- cited by the previous losses had considerably subsided, and Gen. Herkimer soon found himself at the head of 800 men; most of the committee were among the number, as officers or volunteers. Little order was observed on their march, and those precautions so necessary to guard against surprise were too much neglected. This was the less excusable, as they had been apprised of the ambuscade of the Indians. Spencer, who had joined the troops, insisted on keep-
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ing out flanking parties. In this he was seconded by several of the officers. Gen. Herkimer himself was of this opinion ; but in consequence of some remarks made by some of the inferior officers, imputing cow- ardice to him, he directed them to advance with all possible dispatch. If any excuse can be offered, it must arise from the fact, that they had learned that the fort was invested, and were fearful it might be surren- dered before their arrival. The distance most of the troops marched, was between fifty and sixty miles, through woods and over miserable roads. Flanking parties, travelling through woods, and crossing streams and marshes, would necessarily retard the progress of the main body, should they only keep pace with them.
Gen. St. Leger left Oswego, about the time before mentioned, for Fort Schuyler, with about 1700 men. On the 28th of July he sent forward Lieut. Bird, with 60 or 70 men, to reconnoitre and to ascertain the situ- ation of the fort. Under date of July 31st, St. Leger wrote to him the following letter :
" I have received yours of the 30th. If they are strongly posted, risk nothing, as by both parties (yours and Hare's) joined, an investiture may be easily made till my arrival, which will be sometime to- morrow, with my artillery, the 34th and King's regi- ment, with the Hessian riflemen, and the whole corps of Indians. The rest of the army is led by Sir John, and will be up the day afterward.
Yours, very faithfully, BARRY ST. LEGER, Brig. General.
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ANNALS OF TRYON COUNTY.
On the 2d of August, Lieut. Bird wrote to Gen. St. Leger, and the following is the conclusion : "Twelve Massesaugers came up two or three hours after my departure. These, with the scout of fifteen, I had the honor to mention to you in my last, are sufficient to invest Fort Stanwix, if you honor me so far as not to order to the contrary."
Under the same date St. Leger returned the fol- lowing answer :
" I this instant received your letter containing the account of your operations since you were detached, which I with great pleasure tell you have been sensible and spirited ; your resolution of investing Fort Stan- wix is perfectly right; and to enable you to do it with greater effect, I have detached Joseph (Brant) and his corps of Indians to reinforce you. You will observe that I will have nothing but an investiture made, and in case the enemy, observing the discretion and judg- ment with which it is made, should offer to capitulate, you are to tell them that you are sure I am well dis- posed to listen to them ; this is not to take any honor out of a young soldier's hands, but by the presence of the troops to prevent the barbarity and carnage which will ever obtain where Indians make so superior a part of a detachment; I shall move from hence at eleven o'clock, and be early in the afternoon at the entrance of the creek.
I am, sir, your most obt. and humble ser't,
BARRY ST. LEGER.
Nine Mile Point, Aug. 2, 1777.
On the 3d of August, Gen. St. Leger arrived before
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the fort ; he soon found that the garrison had no dis- position to surrender. Col. Gansevoort had anticipa- ted his approach, and with his brave soldiers were determined to defend their post to the last. Soon after St. Leger published the following proclamation :
"By Barry St. Leger, commander in chief of a chosen body of troops from the grand army, as well as an extensive corps of Indian allies from all the Nations, &c. &c.
" The forces intrusted to my command are designed to act in concert, and upon a common principle with the numerous armies and fleets which already display, in every quarter of America, the power, the justice, and when properly sought, the mercy of the king. The cause in which the British armies are thus ex- erted, applies to the most affecting interests of the human heart ; and the military servants of the crown, at first called forth for the sole purpose of restoring the rights of the constitution, now combine with love of their country and duty to their sovereign, the other extensive incitements which spring from a due sense of the general privileges of mankind. To the eyes and ears of the temperate part of the public, and to the hearts of suffering thousands in the provinces, be the melancholy appeal, whether the present unnatu- ral rebellion has not been made a foundation for the completest system of tyranny, that ever God in his displeasure suffered for a time to be exercised over a froward and stubborn generation.
" Arbitrary imprisonment, confiscation of property, persecution and torture unprecedented in the inquisi- tions of the Romish Church, are among the palpable
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enormities that verify the affirmation. These are in- flicted by assemblies and committees, who dare to profess themselves friends to liberty, upon the most quiet subjects, without distinction of age or sex, for the sole crime, often for the sole suspicion, of hav- ing adhered in principle to the government under which they were born, and to which, by every tie divine and human, they owe allegiance. To con- summate these shocking proceedings, the profanation of religion is added to the most profligate prostitution of common reason ; the consciences of men are set at naught, and multitudes are compelled not only to bear arms, but also to swear subjection to an usurpa- tion they abhor.
" Animated by these considerations ; at the head of troops in the full powers of health, discipline, and valor ; determined to strike where necessary, and anxious to spare where possible, I, by these presents, invite and exhort all persons in all places where the progress of this army may point, and by the blessing of God I will extend it far, to maintain such a conduct as may justify me in protecting their lands, habita- tions, and families. The intention of this address is to hold forth security and not depredation to the country.
. " To those, whose spirit and principle may induce to partake the glorious task of redeeming their coun- trymen from dungeons, and re-establishing the bless- ings of legal government, I offer encouragement and employment, and upon the first intelligence of their associations, I will find means to assist their underta- kings. The domestic, the industrious, the infirm,
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and even the timid inhabitants, I am desirous to pro- tect, provided they remain quietly at their houses- that they do not suffer their bridges or roads to be broken up, nor by any other acts, directly or indi- rectly, endeavor to obstruct the operations of the king's troops, or supply or assist those of the enemy. Every species of provisions brought to my camp will be paid for at an eqiutable rate, and in solid coin.
" If, notwithstanding these endeavors, and sincere inclinations to effect them, the frenzy of hostility should remain, I trust I shall stand acquitted in the eyes of God and men, in denouncing and executing the vengeance of the state against the wilful outcasts. The messengers of justice and of wrath await them in the field, and devastation, famine, and every concom- itant horror, that a reluctant, but indispensable prose- cution of military duty must occasion, will bar the way to their return.
(Signed) BARRY ST. LEGER.
By order of the Commander in Chief,
WILL. OSB. HAMILTON, Secretary.
How well the threats and promises set forth in the foregoing letters and proclamation were fulfilled, will appear in the sequel.
Learning that Gen. Herkimer was approaching to the relief of the garrison, and not being disposed to receive him in his camp, St. Leger detached a body of Indians and Tories under Brant and Col. Butler to watch his approach, and to intercept, if possible, his march. The surrounding country afforded every facility for the practice of the Indian mode of war-
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fare. In the deep recesses of its forests they were secure from observation, and to them they could re- treat in case they were defeated. Finding that the militia approached in a very careless manner, Butler determined to attack them by surprise. He selected a place well fitted for such an attack. A few miles from the fort there was a deep ravine, sweeping to- ward the east in a semicircular form, and having a northern and southern direction. The bottom of this ravine was marshy, and the road along which the militia were marching crossed it by means of a log causeway. The ground thus partly enclosed by the ravine was elevated and level. Along the road, on each side on this height of land, Butler disposed his men.
About ten o'clock on the morning of the 6th of Au- gust, the Tryon County militia arrived at this place without any suspicions of danger. The dark foliage of the forest trees, with a thick growth of underbrush, entirely concealed the enemy from their view. The advanced guard, with about two-thirds of the whole force, had gained the elevated ground ; the baggage wagons had descended into the ravine-Col. Fisher's regiment was still on the east side-when the Indians arose, and with a dreadful yell poured a destructive fire upon them. The advanced guard was entirely cut off. Those who survived the first fire were imme- diately cut down with the tomahawk. The horror of the scene was increased by the personal appearance of the savages, who were almost naked, and painted in a most hideous manner. They ran down each side, keeping up a constant fire, and united at the cause-
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way; thus dividing the militia into two bodies. The rear regiment, after a feeble resistance, fled in con- fusion, and were pursued by the Indians. They suf- fered more severely than they would have done had they stood their ground, or advanced to the support of the main body in front.
The latter course would have been attended with great loss, but might probably have been effected. The forward division had no alternative but to fight. Facing out in every direction, they sought shelter be- hind the trees and returned the fire of the enemy with spirit. In the beginning of the battle the Indians, whenever they saw that a gun was fired from behind a tree, rushed up and tomahawked the person thus firing before he had time to reload his gun .* To counteract this, two men were ordered to station them- selves behind one tree, the one reserving his fire until the Indian ran up. In this way the Indians were made to suffer severely in return. The fighting had continued for some time, and the Indians had begun to give way, when Major Watts, a brother-in-law of Sir John John- son, brought up a reinforcement, consisting of a de- tachment of Johnson's Greens. The blood of the Ger- mans boiled with indignation at the sight of these men. Many of the Greens were personally known to them. They had fled their country, and were now
* "Again. Let me recall, gentlemen, to your recollection, that bloody field in which Herkimer fell. There was found the Indian and the white man born on the banks of the Mohawk, their left hand clenched in each other's hair, the right grasping in a gripe of death the knife plunged in each other's bosom ; thus they lay frowning."-Gouverneur Morris's Address before the New York Historical Society.
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returned in arms to subdue it. Their presence under any circumstances would have kindled up the resent- ment of these militia ; but coming up as they now did, in aid of a retreating foe, called into exercise the most bitter feelings of hostility. They fired upon them as they advanced, and then, rushing from behind their covers, attacked them with their bayonets, and those who had none, with the butt end of their muskets- " rage supplies arms." This contest was maintained, hand to hand, for nearly half an hour. The Greens made a manful resistance, but were finally obliged to give way before the dreadful fury of their assailants, with the loss of thirty killed upon the spot where they first entered. Major Watts was wounded and taken prisoner, though afterward left upon the field.
In this assault Col. Cox is said to have been killed ; possessing an athletic frame, with a daring spirit, he mingled in the thickest of the fight. His voice could be distinctly heard, as he cheeered on his men, or isssued his orders, amid the clashing of arms and the yells of the contending savages.
About one o'clock Adam Helmer, who had been sent by Gen. Herkimer with a letter to Col. Ganse- voort, announcing his approach, arrived at the fort. At 2 o'clock, Lieut. Col. Willet, with two hundred and and seven men, sallied from the fort for the purpose of making a diversion in favor of Gen. Herkimer, and attacked the camp of the enemy. This engagement lasted about an hour, when the enemy were driven off with considerable loss. Col. Willet having thrown out flanking parties, and ascertained that the retreat was not feigned, ordered his men to take as much of
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the spoil as they could remove, and to destroy the re- mainder. On their return to the fort, above the land- ing, and near where the old French fort stood, a party of 200 regular troops appeared, and prepared to give battle. A smart fire of musketry, aided by the cannon from the fort, soon obliged them to retreat, when Willet returned into the fort with his spoil, and without the loss of a single man. A part of that spoil was placed upon the walls of the fortress, where it waved in triumph in sight of the vanquished enemy.
This timely and well-conducted sally was attended with complete success. A shower of rain had already caused the enemy to slacken their fire, when finding by their reports that their camp was attacked and taken, they withdrew and left the militia in possession of the field.
Few battles have been fought at a greater disadvan- tage than was that of Oriskany, on the part of the Americans. After recovering from the confusion of the first attack, they found themselves without ammu- nition, save that in their cartouch-boxes. Their bag- gage wagons were in possession of the enemy. The weather was warm, and, surrounded by the enemy, they could get no water. In this state they defended themselves against a far superior force for five or six hours. The severe remarks which have been made upon the militia engaged in this battle, are certainly not warranted. They had been imprudent, but they were brave, and, in this kind of fight, skillful.
The Americans lost in killed nearly 200, and about as many wounded and prisoners ; they carried off be- ween 40 and 50 of their wounded. They encamped
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the first night upon the ground where old Fort Schuy- ler was built.
Among the wounded was Gen. Herkimer. Early in the action his leg was fractured by a musket ball. The leg was amputated a few days after, but in con- sequence of the unfavorable state of the weather, and want of skill in the surgeons, mortification ensued, and occasioned his death. On receiving his wound, his horse having been killed, he directed his saddle to be placed upon a little hillock of earth and rested him- self upon it. Being advised to choose a place where he would be less exposed, he replied : " I will face the enemy." Surrounded by a few men, he contin- ued to issue his orders with firmness. In this situation, and in the heat of the battle, he very deliberately took from his pocket his tinder-box and lit his pipe, which he smoked with great composure. He was certainly to blame for not using greater caution on his march, but the coolness and intrepidity which he exhibited when he found himself ambuscaded, aided materially in restoring order and in inspiring his men with courage. His loss was deeply lamented by his friends and by the inhabitants of Tryon County. The Continental Congress, in October following, directed that a monu- ment should be erected to his memory, of the value of five hundred dollars.
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