USA > Pennsylvania > Warfare in the Mohawk Valley ; Transcribed from the Pennsylvania Gazette 1780, 1781, 1782 and 1783 > Part 1
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ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
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WARFARE IN THE
MOHAWK VALLEY
# Transcriptions from the "Pennsylvania Gazette".
1780
1781
1782
1783
Hall and Sellers, Publishers.
* Courtesy of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Penn.
Transcribed by WILLIAM B. EFNER City Historian Schenectady, N.Y. 1948
Allen Courty Public Library
Transcribed from the "Pennsylvania Gazette" of June 21, 1780.
Intelligence from Schenectady re Sir John Johnson's Raid on the Valley this "Lord's Evening, the 21st ult" or May 21, 1780.
Despatch from Fishkill dated June 8 - The latest in- telligence from Schenectady is that Sir John Johnson, on "Lord'sday evening, May 21, "made his first appearance at Johnson - hall, undiscovered by any but his friends, who no doubt were in the secret: - on Monday, about daybreak, they began to burn all the houses except those of the tories; beginning at Aaron Putnam's, below Tripe's Hill, ' and continued burning to Anthony's Nose, or Acker's House, except a few, which, by the vigilance of the people, were put out after the enemy had set them on fire. There are burnt about 33 houses and out-houses, and a mill; many cattle were killed in the field, and 60 or 70 sheep burnt in a barn. Eleven persons were killed. Colonel Fisher and his two brothers fought with great bravery; when the two brothers were killed and scalped, the Colonel went upstairs and there defended himself, but being overpowered, was knocked down and scalped; on which they plundered the house, set it on fire and then went off. The Colonel re- vived a little, though he was left by the enemy for dead, he pulled one of his dead brothers out of the house, then in flames; the other was consumed in the house. It is said the doctors had hopes that Colonel Fisher would recover. His mother had a narrow escape for her life, being knocked in the head by an Indian; but she is like to do well. Capt. Hansen was killed by an Indian, who had formerly been used by him with kindness, and professed much gratitude. 01d Mr. Fonda was cut in several parts of his head with a toma- hawk. Had it not been for the alertness of Mr. Van Vrank, probably more would have been butchered by their savage hands; he alarmed the people along the way to Caughnowaga, who by crossing the river saved their lives. Having done all the mischief to the distressed inhabitants they possibly could, they returned to Johnson Hall in the afternoon; when Johnson dug up his plate, and about sundown marched for the Scotch Bush, about four miles, that evening. He has got
15 or 20 of his Negros, who had been sold; several of his tenants and others are gone with him; he has permitted some of his prisoners to return on parole; his whole force; when he landed at Crown Point, is said to be about 500 men, 200 of them British, part of his own regiment, and Indians. Captain Putnam and four men followed them in their re- treat four days, on their way to Lake Champlain he saw him 24 miles from Johnson Hall, some think they will take their route to Oswegatchie; but this seems improbable, as they have not provisions sufficient with them.
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"His Excellency, the Governor, on receiving the in- telligence, on Thursday, the 25th ult, immediately set out from Kingston, and proceeded to Albany; whence, with a considerable body of militia, hastily assembled, he set out for Lake George, the Militia continuing to join him by the way. From Lake George, with his troops, he crossed the lake on Tuesday, and was proceeding to Ticon- deroga, where he was to be joined by a body of militia from the Grants, and as it is reported and believed, he has taken most of the batteaus (sic) of the enemy, and got beyond them, it is hoped he may cut off their re- treat, and be able to give a good account of them".
Transcribed from the "Pennsylvania Gazette" of Sept. 20, 1780.
Despatch from Fishkill, dated. September 14, Extract of a letter from Albany dated September 6 ..
" Some day last week a party of indians and tories about 60 in number, made an attempt to destroy a house, and kill the inhabitants, about 16 miles above Stone Arabia, Tyron county; they were beat off four times by the man of the house, his wife and two children; they then went to the barn and set it on fire, when the man took the opportunity of pulling one wounded and one dead man in the house, from whom he got a fresh supply of ammunition, his own being nearly expended. The wretches made another assault upon the house, but in vain; they were obliged to retreat with the loss of 16 killed and one wounded, now a prisoner, an infamous tory, his name, McDonald. The attack first began at six o'clock in the evening, and they left the house about midnight.
"My informant said that the woman broke six or seven guns with an axe, as they attempted to fire through a hole. He also said that during the whole engagement, the people were praying, so that, said he, it was clear that God helped them. And his saying evidently was true, for his divine interposition must be acknowledged in every deliverance; and this was a most extraordinary one and deserves to be published to the world. xxxx
"There have been several other remarkable deliverances since the destroying of Canajoharie, which are not so well authenticated."
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Transcribed from the "Pennsylvania Gazette" of Sept. 27, 1780.
"Fishkill, Sept. 21 - From Albany we are informed that new levies, under the command of Colonel Malcom, are at Schenec- tady, and part gone up the Mohawk River. Also, that between Fort Edward and Lake George, the officers were killed and Colonel Warner, of the Grants, wounded, by a party of about 30 Indians."
Transcribed from the "Pennsylvania Gazette" of Oct. 11, 1780.
"Poughkeepsie, Oct. 2 - an account 'from the Northward' says 'Colonel Malcom on the 25th ult was at Fort Rensselaer, on his way to Fort Schuyler, with a relief for the present garrison'".
Transcribed from the "Pennsylvania Gazette" of Oct. 25, 1780.
Despatch from Fishkill, Oct. 19, by post from Albany; Oct. 18 - a report "that Sir John Johnson had, with a party, said to be about 500 men, come down the Mohawk River, and advanced within six miles of Johnstown; when, hearing that a party of our three months men lay there, he contented himself with burn- ing a few houses, killing and carrying off some inhabitants".
Transcribed from the "Pennsylvania Gazette" of Nov. 1, 1780.
Fishkill, Oct. 26 - "Extract of a letter from an officer of distinction, dated Caughnawaga, October 20":
"Gen. Van Rensselaer with the militia, and the levies under Col. Du Bois, engaged the enemy under Sir John Johnson yester- day evening, at Fox's Mills, Tryon county; and after a very severe action of three quarters of an hour, forced them to give way and cross the river, leaving their plunder, baggage and prisoners behind them; an hour's light would have given us the whole party. The action was general and vigorous. Colonel Brown was killed in skirmisking in the fore part of the day. The country is desolated from Fort Hunter up to Stone Arabia, and part of it - the grain and forage all des- troyed. His Excellency, the Governor; was at the time of the action at this place, forcing a march, with a considerable force, to join General Van Rensselaer in pursuing the enemy, who must, in all probability, fall into our hands.
"The above party also destroyed Schoharie on the 7th inst. The inhabitants got in the forts, who (sic), with the garri- sons, are safe".
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Transcribed from the "Pennsylvania Gazette" of Nov. 1, 1780.
A despatch from Albany, dated Oct. 21, re: fighting at Fort Ann and Fort George.
"On Monday night last the enemy came to Ball's Town, where they have burned eight or ten houses, and carried off about 30 prisoners, among whom is Col. Gordon,
"On Thursday Sir John Johnson, Butler and Brant, made a de- scent on Schoharie, which they entirely destroyed with the grain, forage, & c. a prisoner who was taken, says they are 485 strong, that they had with them only two or three of the Seneca Indians, and that Cahugas had returned without leave, - that they had a brass grass-hopper, a tree pounder, and a four pound cohorn.
"From Schoharie they proceeded up the Mohawk River, destroy- ing as far as Stone Arabia. A letter from Cagnawaga gives the agreeable account of our people coming up, attacking, and com- pelling them to cross the river, leaving their prisoners, plunder and baggage behind."
Transcribed from the "Pennsylvania Gazette" of Nov. 8, 1780.
Poughkeepsie, Oct. 20 - A lengthy despatch. It reports the Governor having returned from Tryon county, then adds:
"We are informed, that after the repulse of the enemy by the militia and levies, under Brigadier General Van Rensselaer, at Fox's Mills, Sir John Johnson, Brandt and Butler, with the Indians, separating from the main body of the troops, fled to the woods, crossing the country to the Oneida. Our troops pur- sued the main body of the enemy up the Mohaek River, so closely as to prevent any further devastation. At Fort Herkimer, they left the river and struck across country toward Oneida. The pursuit was continued by the militia and levies, headed by his excellency the Governor, till within about 15 miles of that place, when their provisions being entirely exhausted, many of them having been near two days without any, and no prospect of the supplies, which were to follow them, on so rapid a march, arriving in time, they were obliged to return; or, in all probability, the whole party would have fallen into our hands.
"The force immediately under the command of Sir John amounted to about 750 picked men, from the 10th and 24th British regi-' ments, Hessian Yougers, Sir John's regiment, Butler's rangers, and Brandt's corps of Indians and Tories.
"The enemy had with them two brass mortars for 4 and 3 quarter inch shells, and one brass 3 pounder. The former they concealed on their rout, the latter, with all their ammunition, fell into our hands at the action at Fox's Mills. Nearly all
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the prisoners and all the negros, cattle and other plunder, which they had collected, were also recovered. In the pur- suit we have taken about 40 of the enemy prisoners, with Sir John's servant and baggage. Our principal loss is Colonel Brown and 37 of his party. He was stationed at Fort Plank, and on the enemy's approach was induced, by false intelligence, of their strength and position, to attack them, and was led into the midst and received the fire of their main body, be- fore he discovered them. The party of the enemy which appear- ed at Balls-Town, consisted of between 150 and 200 men, led by John Munroe, esquire.
"On his excellency's return to Albany xxx he ordered a general court martial for the trial of Jacob Shell, John McMullen and James Van Drieson, who were found guilty, and sentenced to be hanged on Friday last. The two former were executed accordingly, and the latter was respited for a few days.
"The villians, it appears, had joined the enemy, were now in their service, and found lurking about the country, as is supposed for the purpose of recruiting, and obtaining in- telligence for the enemy. As it is probable there may be many more of the gentry in other parts of the state, it be- hooves us to be very vigilant in causing them to be appre- hended and brought to justice."
Transcribed from the "Pennsylvania Gazette" of Aug. 8, 1781.
"Fishkill, August 2 - On the 10th ultimo, on the discovery of a great smoke, by Colonel Willet, who commands the levies at Fort Rensselaer, towards the settlement of Corey's town, Captain Gross (who had been sent with a detachment of 35 men to Turlough, about eleven miles from Corey's Town) was order- ed immediately to repair to Corey's Town to make discoveries, at which place he arrived in time to extinguish several houses which the enemy had set on fire. - In the meantime, Colonel Willet ordered in such militia of the neighborhood as he could collect, and having received particular information of the place where the enemy had lain the night before, and where they had left part of their baggage, marched with the militia and levies under his immediate command, in the even- ing, in hopes of reaching them before daylight; which he would have affected, had it not been for the darkness of the night, and his guide missing the way - this prevented his reaching their encampment before six in the morning. They having discovered him on his approach took a more advantagious position, and commenced an attack, which was returned with great spirit, and soon became general; and upon our troops
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advancing to close quarters, the enemy was compelled to give way; but shortly they renewed their action on the right of our troop, where Captain Mckean, who commanded the reserves, met and opposed them with such spirit, that a total route (sic) ensued; and the enemy dispersing in small parties, seeking safety in flight. The action last- ed an hour and a half - the best account of the enemy's force is, that they consisted of upwards of 200; - ours was far inferior to that number. Our loss in killed, was five, missing and wounded, nine, among the latter was the brave Captain Mckean, who is since dead of his wounds, deservedly much regretted; the enemy's loss cannot be ascertained, but it is not less than 40, as great part of that number were found dead on and near the place of action. Colonel Willet, and the officers and troops under his command, merit the highest applause, for their gallant and spirited behavious on this occasion; and great advantages may be expected from this event, as it will tend to damp (sic) the spirit of enterprise in our savage enemy. "
Transcribed from the "Pennsylvania Gazette" of Aug. 8, 1781.
Fishkill, Aug. 2 - Extract of a letter from Albany, dated July 28:
"On the 26th instant Colonel Willet being returned to Albany, received an express from Schoharie, that the enemy was seen in the lower part of that settlement. He obtain- ed a detachment of Colonel Cortlandt's regiment, and waggons, and set off about ten o'clock in the evening; yesterday morning he was at Schoharie. I cannot learn that the enemy have burnt more than one house.
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"At a Common Council, held at the City Hall of the City of Albany, the 19th day of July, the Mayor, Alderman, and commonalty of the said city came to the following resolution: " 'Resolved, That the Thanks of this Board be given to Colonel Marinus Willet, and the officers and troops under his command, for their bravery and military conduct in the action of the 10th inst. near Turlough, in Tryon county; who, with an inferior force, defeated and put to flight the enemy under the command of Brandt and Frey;
"' 'Resolved, That the Freedom of this city, be presented to Colonel Willet, in testimony of the high sense this Board entertains of his patriotism and distinquished merit. '"
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Transcribed from the "Pennsylvania Gazette" of Aug. 29, 1781.
"Poughkeepsie, Aug. 20 - The following account from Scho- harie and accounts of the captivity and release of Mr. Bleecker and the robbery of General Schuyler's house, came too late for our paper of last week. "
"About the 25th ult between 20 and 30 Indians and Tories made their appearance at Schoharie, and went to a house where they found a woman with two sons, nearly grown up, and some other children. - One of the sons they barbarously murdered in the presence of the mother, though no resistance had been made; the other after setting fire to the house, which the woman, however, found means to extinguish, they carried off. They killed two other unarmed men, who fell in their way, burnt one house and two barns, and were proceeding to the house of Mr. Becker; but being discovered before they got quite to the house, the Major, with two other men, took to their arms, and in a short time beat them off, leaving one of the wounded in the field; and from the discovery of blood in several places, it is probable that was not all the loss. The gallant behaviour of Major Becker and the two men, not only does them great honour, but in all probability, prevent- ed greater mischief being done in the neighborhood.
"We have the pleasure of informing the public, that John Bleecker, Esq., who some days since was kidnapped at his place at Tomhoneck, a few miles above Albany, is retaken and safely returned to Albany, - He was taken by a party under the command of one Howard, who had his orders in writing, from Colonel St. Leger, commanding at St. John's. - Howard and his party were secured by some people on the Grants, who went in pursuit of them, and it is expected they will mect the fate, which a practice so contrary to the law of nations merit.
XXXX
"On the evening of the 7th inst. a certain Captain Meyer, formerly of Albany county, now of Roger's rangers, at the head of 18 or 20 men, came to the house of General Schuyler, at Albany, and upon being rofused admittance at the back gate, they forced it, entered the kitchen, and had proceeded to the back hall, before they were met by four white men and two blacks, who on discovering them had been for their arms "the brave opposition made by these men and blacks, afforded General Schuyler time to gain his room, where his arms were deposited - by this time the enemy had taken two of the men, wounded a third, and obligated
a fourth, with the Negros, to seek shelter in the cellar. - Some of the party then attempted to surround the house. Whilst
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others entered it: Those in the quarter exposed to Gen- eral Schuyler's fire, retired on the first discharge - though he requested the fire frequently, to alarm the town. In the meantime, Meyers, with some of the party, had got upstairs, in the passage leading to the bedroom, but, on hearing the General call to the citizens, to hasten up and surround the house, retired with precipitation. Though the citizens made all possible dispatch, and their approach was probably the means of the villians going off, yet they came too late - the party had carried off the two prisoners, and some of the General's plate. - " XXXX
Transcribed from the "Pennsylvania Gazette" of Sept. 19, 1781.
"Fish-Kill, Sept. 13, 1781 - Extract of a letter from a gentleman in Albany, dated September 8, 1781:
"We have received the disagreeable news, that out of 40 men, Colonel Willett (sic) sent out on a scout from Fort Plain (his present station) only 12 returned; the rest be- ing either killed or taken, by a superior force of the enemy".
"Extract of another letter from a gentleman in Albany, dated September 7, 1781:
"On Saturday last, a party of his Most Sacred Majesty's savage subjects, went to the house of one . .. .Fietz, at Beaverdam, near Schoharie, where they performed a most extraordinary piece of bravery, that should be told to the world: They murdered the old man and his wife, both of them at least 70 years of age; his son's wife and 5 child- ren ... his son, being a captain of militia, was kept alive to be an eye and ear witness to the horrid cruelities perpetrated on his dear relatives. . After burning the house, barn and c. they went off with their booty, the captain and eight scalps.
"Their conduct in this affair, confirms an account I have heard the released captives brought from Montreal, (sic) that Colonel Clause should damn his copper-coloured brothren, and say, he wished they would kill old men, women and child- ren, and not trouble him with them; ... How far this is true I know not, but the sequel seems to say it is so surely Heaven will be avenged on such a people as this!"
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Transcribed from the "Pennsylvania Gazette" of Sept. 26, 1781.
Despatch from Poughkeepsie, September 10 -
"We hear by several different hands from Albany, that 120 persons, men, women and children, who had been prisoners, taken from various parts of our frontiers by the enemy, were returned lately from Canada on their parole, to be exchanged. xxxx"
Transcribed from the "Pennsylvania Gazette" of Oct. 17, 1781.
"Fish-Kill, Oct. 4 - By recent accounts from the northward, we learn, a detachment of Sir John Johnson's Corps (about 250) arrived at St. John's from Montreal about the last of August xxxx.
"Reported here British scouts sent to Saratoga from St. John's to take a prisoner or two, for the purpose of obtain- ing intelligence xxxx".
Transcribed from the "Pennsylvania Gazette" of Nov. 14, 1781.
"Fish-Kill, Nov. 8 - Extract of a letter from a gentle- man in Albany, November 3:
"We have just now received an account, that Colonel Willett has had a second engagement with Major Ross, in Tryon county, about 14 miles above Fort Dayton; in which Captain Walter Butler, and eight others, were killed and scalped, and 20 taken prisoners. Our loss, only one, out of Captain Moody's company. The Oneida Indians behaved well in action, and de- serve much credit."
Transcribed from the "Pennsylvania Gazette" of Nov. 21, 1781.
Note: - A two column article, an account of the killing of Walter Butler, appeared on the first and second pages of the Pennsylvania Gazette on November 21, 1781. Colonel Marinus Willet reports to Congress. Photostats of this arti- cle may be ordered from the Historical Society of Pennsyl- vania, Philadelphia, Pa.
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Transcribed from the "Pennsylvania Gazette" of Dec. 12, 1781.
"An extract of a letter from an officer of rank in the American army :
"Fish-Kill, Nov. 26 - 'After a jaunt of some fatigue to the northward, I have taken up my quarters here with further orders. The enemy in that department advanced one body of about 2500 men through Lake Champlain to Lake George; - these were commanded by Colonel St. Leger, and another of 600, under the command of Major Ross, by Oswego and the Oneida Lake to the Oneida Creek; and these left their boats under a small guard, then proceeded by Cherry Valley towards Schoharie, but turning to the left, fell on Warren's Bush,' burnt about 20 houses, crossed the Mohawk near Fort Hunter, and proceeded to Johnstown, where they were soon attacked by Colonel Willet with about 500 men, who, after a variety of fortune, drove them from the ground, and the next morn- ing pursued them and continued it, with a number of favour- able incidents, for several days, until the want of pro- vision and other circumstances made it prudent for him to return, - This party of the enemy must have last at least 150 in prisoners, killed and deserters; xxx Willet left this party about 20 miles north of Lake Oneida, in a most miser- able condition; four days they had nothing but half a pound of horse flesh per man per day, and a march before them of at least ten days to get to any place where they could expect relief. XXXX
Transcribed from the "Pennsylvania Gazette" of Dec. 19, 1781.
"Fish-Kill, Dec. 13 - Extract of a letter from an officer in Albany, dated Dec. 3:
"'A Corporal of mine who was taken prisoner last summer on the Mohawk River, and carried to Bush-Island, and. made his escape from there since, reports, that Major Ross had returned, and that he brought but 210 men with him. The Corporal is a man of veracity, and his intelligence may be relied on. '"
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Transcribed from the "Pennsylvania Gazette" of June 26, 1782.
"Albany, June 10 - We are informed from good authority, that several parties of Indians and tories have lately made their appearance at the head of the Mohawk River, and have killed some of the inhabitants, burnt several buildings, and carried off about a dozen personers, including men, women and children.
Transcribed from the "Pennsylvania Gazette" of July 17, 1782.
Article Not Copied.
Washington at Albany and Schenectady. Pennsylvania Gazette, July 21, 1782. Page three, one column.
Photostat of this may be ordered from the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa.
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Transcribed from the "Pennsylvania Gazette" of August 7, 1782.
"Fish-Kill, Aug. 1 - By a person who lately made his escape, from some of the Indians of the Six Nations, we are informed, that those tribes, under the influence of the British at Niagara, are meditating a very serious blow on the Mohawk country."
Transcribed from the "Pennsylvania Gazette" of August 7, 1782.
"Fish-Kill, Aug. 7, 1782. - Extract of a letter from Fort Rensselaer, July 15:
" 'A large body of the enemy made an incursion at the German Flatts. Mr. Augustinus Hess, Sen. and Mr. Valentine Stawring, two inhabitants of that place, were killed and scalped, 50 horses were taken and 15 killed, 13 horned cattle killed and 180 drove off, 12 dwelling-houses and 5 barns burnt. The party consisted of Indians, Torios and British Regulars, to the amount of 500.
"On the 17th about 500 Indians broke into old Fort Hendrick, wounded one man, took two prisoners, all inhabitants, and drove off some cattle. Major Finch, who was on his return from Fort Herkimer, got intelligence of this party, pursued them all day
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and great part of the night, but for want of provisions was obliged to give up the pursuit; on his return, in a different route, he fell in with a small party of Indians, and retook seven horses. On the 18th two men who were cutting hay, were taken miles below Fort Rensselaer. On the 19th two lads were killed and scalped at Fort Planck. About the same time an old woman was taken prisoner, and one lad was wounded, who made his escape to Fort Clyde. Within four days not less than 30 horned cattle, and near as many horses have been taken between Fort Clyde and Fort Windecker. In short, the whole force of the savage British, and their Indian allies from the westward, appear to be aimed at this devoted country.
"On the first appearance of the enemy at the Flatts, Ensign Mason, of the second New Hampshire regiment, with 20 men, went out to intercept a party of the enemy, who were in chase of a soldier, and was followed by Lieut. M'Goffy, with another party of the same number. Mason had got within reach of the party that had been pursuing the soldier, and M'Goffy 100 yards from' the fort, when 300 of the enemy ran between Mason and the fort, this obliged him to quit his first object and return to the
fort; which ho effected notwithstanding a smart fire from the
enemy, by preserving order among his men, suffering them only to fire two at once, in this way he retired to the fort with- out receiving any damage, although he passed within 40 yards
of the enemy. The soldier who was first pursued by the enemy was killed and scalpod. The enemy attempted by detaching a party across the river to drive off the cattle on that side; Ensign Mason with 30 men was ordered over to prevent them, and being joined by some inhabitants from Fort Dayton dispersed the enemy, by which means the cattle on that side were saved.
"Capt. M'Greegore, who commanded at the German Flatts, did everything in his power to preserve the offects of the dis- tressed inhabitants at that peace, but finding the number of the enemy to be superior to his, he thought it advisable not to sally.
"Majors Wait and Finch, with 220 men, were sent by Major Morrel, from this district, to the assistance of the garrison in that quarter; but the enemy was gone off before their arrival, and the whole of their force was inadequate to the purpose of pursuing them.
"On the 22nd nine inhabitants were carried off from the neighborhood, of Frey's Mills, chiefly boys. Several parties have been in pursuit of them, but without success. These parties have it not in their power to pursue, for want of salt provisions; they have, however, been the means of recovering several horses which were carried off from the inhabitants. . "
"We learn that an express lately arrived at Albany from Schoharie, who says that the enemy is there."
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Transcribed from the "Pennsylvania Gazette" of Aug. 14, 1782.
"Fish-Kill, Aug. 8 - Extract of a letter from an officer at Fort-Rensselaer, dated July 28, 1782 :
It is a rare day that affords us no alarm. Murder is become so common that it is hardly taken account of. Two days ago a very aged man and his wife were killed and scalp- ed back of Fort-Paris, as they were pulling flax. Yesterday Mrs. Skinner, who was taken prisoner at Ellis's (ELLICE ?- Efner) Mills when it was destroyed, related to me the treatment of old Mr. Peters, who was murdered at that place; after they had cut him in several parts of his head and body, he was ripped open, and his heart tore out and laid alongside of him; of this melancholy spectacle old Mrs. Peters, his wife, as well as Mrs. Skinner, was spectator. These are some of the tender mercies of the mild and amiable British, and are performed under the direction of the very humane and generous Carlton, xxxx !".
Transcribed from the "Pennsylvania Gazette" of Aug. 28, 1782.
"Fish-Kill, Aug. 22 - Extract of a letter from Albany, dated August 17:
" "The enemy to the westward have been silent for about a fortnight. An extraordinary affair however has happened; three persons have lately been taken, who had the following instructions :
"' 'By Major John Ross, Esq., commanding the garrison of Oswego.
" 'Instructions:
" "You are hereby ordered to proceed to the frontiers, in order to procure intelligence on the prospect of an accommo- dation between Great Britain and America, and should it fortunately so happen, you will take the earliest opportunity to make me acquainted with it; in order that I may use my endeavous (sic) to avert, as much as possible, any further hostilities against the frontiers. It is a tedious prospect that I have in this remote place of knowing the event of affairs from head-quarters, wherefore much diligence is re- commended to you on this occasion.
" ! John Ross, Major. '"
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Transcribed from the "Pennsylvania Gazette" of Nov. 20, 1782.
"Albany, Nov. 4 - Yesterday arrived in this city, part of Colonel Olney's Rhode-Island regiment of Continental troops, the remainder are expected this week. It is said they are to relieve Colonel Reed's regiment, which has done duty on the Frontiers for some time past.
"One hundred and seventy-two of our people, who have been prisoners with the enemy in Canada, are sent out on their paroles, many of whom are expected in town this day; By some who have already arrived we learn, that the remainder of the American prisoners in that quarter, are sent by water to New York, in order to be exchanged from that post."
Transcribed from the "Pennsylvania Gazette" of Apr. 23, 1783.
"Fish-Kill, Apr. 17 - By a gentleman who was present when the declaration of peace was read in New York, we are in- formed that the vile miscreants of Tories were so exasperated that they trampled their most gracious King's proclamation under their feet, with the utmost scorn and contempt ; - and, they handled those who attempted to buzza upon the occasion with great roughness xxxx".
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