USA > Pennsylvania > Bradford County > Athens > A history of old Tioga Point and early Athens, Pennsylvania > Part 20
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The following letters of still greater interest, because of their per- sonal character, are in the Mss. collection of the Historical Society of
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Pennsylvania, access to same having been given by the courtesy of Dr. John W. Jordan, June, 1907.
September 2, 1778, Col. Hartley writes to Anthony Wayne, say- ing: "We would have gone on expedition sooner, but I was not well enough." The expedition is mentioned as planned to go from Muncy to Wyalusing. He congratulates Wayne on his promotion, saying he had hoped to be his companion in arms, and adds :
"Fate ordained that I was to go to make war on the savages of America instead of on Britain."
On the same day he wrote to Thos. Mckean :
-"From an examination of the maps these Frontiers are much exposed to the Depredations of the Savages-I intended last week to have made a push against Wyalusing, but found my strength inadequate. Inhabitants can grant no assistance. I have not given up the Notion of Wyalusing yet, and am preparing to send a party against it. We shall gain neither honor or laurels on these fron- tiers, but we have the satisfaction to think we save our country. It is expected that his Excellency will send a force of sufficient strength-to go and destroy the Towns in the Neighborhood of Tioga this fall yet-this should be done soon-bad weather is approaching-I have heard old stories of British Human- ity-but it seems to be banished from the nation at present-with the Lads I have to deal with we expect none-Is there not some chosen curse-some hidden thunder in the stores of Hell-red with uncommon wrath to destroy the mon- sters who make use of such instruments to establish their Tyranny?"
"Oct. 30.
"Dear Genl. (A. Wayne)-You will hear of a splendid expedition we have had up the waters of the Susquehanna-In the actions we had with the savages I never saw better choices of ground than they made to attack on-but the last time we outmanouvered them. It is hellish work to be fighting those devils."
These letters to Wayne (hitherto unpublished) show the character of Hartley-brave, ambitious ; yet submissive to the call of duty. They are also of interest as showing the contempt of a brave man for British methods of warfare.
This account of the expedition was also found in the Hartley Col- lection of Historical Society of Pennsylvania. Believing it to have been hitherto unpublished, it is here inserted; as, while there is some repetition, there are some concluding observations of importance :
"Fort Augusta 7th October 1778 "Sir
"The 5th Inst. Coll. Thomas Hartley Returned from an expedition he carryed on against some of the small Indian Towns on the North Branch of Susquehanna, where he was informed there was a party of Indians and Tories Assembled, but they being appraised of Coll. Hartleys march by a party of War- iors he met comeing to the West Branch; Whome our People fired uppon and shot their Captain dead uppon which the Indians fled Imediatly and alarmed the Towns Coll. Hartley was Bound for, so that they had time to put their fam- ilys and chief part of their Effects out of the way before he arived there, and when he came to Tiaoga where he took some Tories Prisoners, they informed him that there was a Town calld Shamung about ten or twelve miles from there where there was a Body of Indians Tories & Regulars in Garrison as good as Six or seven Hundred, Coll. Hartley after Consulting his Officers thought it most Expedient to Return Back without Attempting Shamung, and so after destroy- ing Tiaoga & Shesiken and bringing off fifty or Sixty Head of Horned Cattle and some Horses they got there beside several other articles our People Brought with them in Cannoes,-
"In the meantime the Indians was Collecting a party to intercept Coll. Hartley on his march to Wyoming, which they accomplished and fired on our
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THE MASSACRE OF CHERRY VALLEY
People in front in this side of Wyaloosing, where the Indians had waylay'd our People among a parsel of Rocks as they were marching through a piece of Nar- rows along the River side, but Coll. Hartleys People Returning the fire briskly made the Enimy Give Way, and marched but a little ways furder when they were fired on again in the Rear and after a brisk fireing on Boath Sides for Some time the Enimy Retreated-
"It must be acknowledged our People beheaved with Courage and Conduct, in bringing off their Wounded all their Cattle and pack Horses, suppose the En- emy followed all the Way to Wyoming and scalped four of Coll. James Murrays men after they arived there, as for a more minute account of this Expedition I Refer you to Coll. Hartleys own Letters to the Board of Warr & Executive Council-
"But in the whole it was well Conducted considering the number of men that went with Col. Hartley, not above two Hundred and fifty which shows that Officers and men beheaved with spirit in bringing with them five Indian scalps besides several more of the Enimy Killed. Col. Hartley's loss was seven killed and Eight wounded includeing those that was killed at Wyoming .-
"As for the Inhabitants of this Country they seem very much afraid at present, hearing of such a large Body of the Enimy being so nigh as Shamung, and all the Militia that was here from Lancaster County & Berks gon, as their times was Expired, and none here but part of Col. Hartleys Regiment, sixty men of Col. James Murrays Company of Six Months men, and about one Hun- dred of our own Millitia which is doing Duty in several parts of this County. which is no way adiquit to the security of the same, as I am certain the one half of this County is left Vacant and not more than one third of the Inhabitants that lived formerly here is puting in any fall Crop this year, so that Distress & mis- ery must Ensue-if no Continental Troops is Ordered up here this fall nor no Militia from other Countys Bordering of us, I am afraid a number of those that has brought their familys Back will leave the County again." --
Tioga Point continued to be a rendezvous even after Hartley's destructive visit. It was from here that the party descended on Wyo- ming early in November, 1778, that imprisoned Frances Slocum, whose story is world-famous. Many other depredations were committed along the New York frontier. In the diary of Capt. Warren17 it is written "an express arrived from Fort Schuyler informing that one of the Oneidas was at a council of war of the enemy's, in which it was de- termined to visit Cherry Valley." It is said this message was from Colonel Gansevoort, and stated that said council had been held at Tioga Point, a great meeting-the Oneida said.
The massacre of Cherry Valley is supposed to have been the out- come of a revengeful scheme of Captain Walter Butler. While the great Chief Brant opposed it, he was compelled to yield, especially as many Indians were eager to participate. The expedition, like that of Wyoming, started from Tioga Point, marching up the Susquehanna, and receiving recruits along the route. The force was 800 strong, said to consist of 600 Indians, 150 Tories, 50 British soldiers and 4 officers. The settlement was attacked November 11, 1778, and the Indians practiced the most inhuman barbarities, to which they were incited by the Tories. As for the leader, Walter Butler, Brant said of him he was "more savage than the savages themselves," and that "the Senecas would kill their friends for the sake of plunder." Many settlers were made prisoners and were taken on rafts and canoes down the river, "the usual route," to Tioga Point, whence the whole party proceeded to Kanadesaga, en route to Niagara. It was the very same week of 17 This diary is in the Spark collection of Harvard University.
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OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS
this massacre that Hartley reported to Executive Council that the enemy were in force between Fort Jenkins and Wyoming, intent on plunder, evidently expecting the frontiers to give way, also that he was "hastening to relieve Wyoming, although he was weak."
The year 1779 was no better. At its opening the Oneidas, who were generally friendly to the Americans, sent word that Brant was planning further expeditions. Throughout the entire spring hostilities were incessant. From Oquaga, where Brant had his headquarters, various attacks were made on New York frontiers ; Stone Arabia, Fort Plain and Schoharie with, however, little damage. Other bands of Indians made successive raids into Pennsylvania from Tioga Point; for while Hartley destroyed the old town at the confluence of the rivers, he did not frighten the Indians away from their old rendez- vous at the neck of the peninsula. July 20, Brant attacked Minisink with 60 Indians and 27 Tories disguised as Indians. The settlement was destroyed, there was great loss of life, and Brant, after a brief raid on the Mohawks, retired to Tioga with many prisoners and con- siderable booty. But this time his stay was of short duration. For all these border raids and depredations in New York and Pennsylvania had at last awakened Congress and General Washington to the danger threatened, and with the opening of the year 1779 the warnings and suggestions of Armstrong and Hartley were heeded, and consideration was being given to the invasion of the enemies' country, now known as "the Sullivan Expedition," the object of which, according to Colonial records, was
"To carry war into the Indian country so as to strike a terror into the Sav- ages, and endeavor to encourage the inhabitants to hold their ground if possible."
The Sullivan Expedition.
It should be -a matter of local pride that the Sullivan Expedition, though previously ignored or slightingly treated, has at last taken its proper place in history. For unquestionably the men who suggested and brought to perfection the Centennial Celebration of the battle of Newtown (held on the battlefield in 1879) were directly active in effecting a correct appreciation of that noble undertaking. The honor roll should specially include in this locality Judge Warner of Waverly and Rev. David Craft of Wyalusing ; the former interesting the public and inciting to action by his newspaper sketches; the latter being largely instrumental in bringing together, by painstaking research, many of the journals of soldiers of the expedition, now embodied in the well-known New York State publication.
Nor did Tioga Point fall behind in enthusiasm, as was evinced by the well-drilled company "Franklin Guards," named for the hero, Col. John Franklin, whose home and grave are in our borders. Clad in their old continental uniforms, and skillfully drilled by their captain, Charles T. Hull, they played no insignificant part in the drama of the day.
Since that Centennial Celebration the expedition has been so often presented in essay, lecture and printed page that our thought has been
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THE SULLIVAN EXPEDITION
to gather material overlooked or seldom used; especially that concern- ing Fort Sullivan, and the army's sojourn here. Not that we by any means wish to belittle the great enterprise, but rather to have our readers bear in mind the summary of the latest historian of the expe- dition, Dr. William Elliott Griffis :
"We do not hesitate to say that the expedition of 1779 was one of the great episodes of the Revolution, to be reckoned in its decisive influences with Trenton and Monmouth, and second only to Saratoga and Yorktown; and we place Sul- livan only after Washington and Greene."
AnoSulhwan maar
We assume that it is now generally known that from the time of the terrible attacks on Wyoming and Cherry Valley, Washington and several other commanders, notably Armstrong and Hartley, felt that a decisive blow must be struck to intimidate the savages and weaken the British, who, using the red men as allies, incited them to commit the terrible depredations already cited ; and always acted in conjunction
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OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS
with them. Washington was also well aware that the fertile valleys of New York, being nearest the British frontier, were the gardens of supply for the British army. There their Indian allies had great plan- tations of maize and other vegetables, and fruitful orchards. Having control of all the streams that united in the Susquehanna and Dela- ware, these allies were always able to descend quickly in their swift canoes to harass the frontier settlements, if not the army. Therefore, when Congress awakened to the necessity, an expedition was planned to invade New York State and destroy the homes, and the sources of supply at one blow.
It was none too soon. Already the British had built store houses (where Geneva now stands) in the midst of the orchards and cornfields.
General Gates had proven far from efficient in his defence of the frontiers ; and while courtesy demanded that the command of this ex- pedition should be first offered to him, undoubtedly Washington in his secret heart hoped that he would pass on the letter and the com- mand to the younger and more efficient Major-General Sullivan.1 For this expedition, as Craft has well said, was:
"To solve the question whether the American Indian with his deeply rooted prejudices, his unconquerable aversion to civilization, and his undisguised hatred for the religion and culture of the European was longer to stand in the way of human progress."
Congress having come to a decision, and given the order in Febru- ary, Washington at once planned to make the attack from three points simultaneously ; Easton, Schenectady and Pittsburg ; the troops from two latter points to join the main army under General Sullivan at Tioga Point, once more the strategic point in a great undertaking. Dr. Griffis says "it was Washington, who insisted that the artillery should be taken, despite jeers and criticism." While Washington's early training had been in encounters with the Indians in the forest, and he knew the demoralizing effects on "the lurking savage" of shot
1 John Sullivan was born of Irish parentage at Somersworth, N. H., February 17, 1740. Though poor and obliged to work as farmers, both he and his brother early showed an am- bition for education, which ambition carried them to Boston, where both were soon employed by a lawyer; John as clerk and his brother as general assistant. Both studied for the law and were admitted to practice, the brother, however, proving the better lawyer. While John rose to be Major General his brother became a Judge. An interesting sketch, published in the Athens Gleaner of April, 1871, tells about these brothers, and of their mother, who (in a gathering of women, where she was evidently a partial stranger) was questioned about her Irish origin in a slighting manner. The brave and proud little woman, whose sons had al- ready risen to distinction, answered: "Yes, I come to give you Judges and Generals."
Before entering the army John practiced law at Durham, N. H., where he lived and died. He was an active patriot, representing New Hampshire in the first Continental Con- gress. In December, 1774, four months before Lexington, he led a party in a successful attack on a fort at Piscatequa, the first open act of hostility against royal authority. He resigned his seat in Congress to enter the army, and was at once assigned to the command of a brigade. He was very active in service, and won the approval of Congress even in de- feat, also various promotions. The command of the expedition of 1779 was first offered to General Gates, who having refused, it was tendered to Major General Sullivan, whose skill and faithfulness in executing Washington's commands was as much blamed as praised. Hart- ley conceived every detail of his smaller expedition and executed them in freedom. But with the larger one, as it had been long under consideration, every detail except emergencies bad been arranged by Washington himself, as proven by his own letters of instruction.
- Sullivan, however, rose to the most unexpected and harassing emergencies from the inception to the end of the expedition. It was similar in its attempt, success and effect to Sherman's famous "March to the Sea." Small wonder that the hardships and exposure added to arduous service for five years previous, shattered the health of the able com- mander. He tendered his resignation in November of the same year, Congress expressing regret at the loss of so gallant a soldier. However, he was not allowed to remain in retire- ment, but as long as he lived was continually called to fill public offices of trust and dis- tinction. His death occurred at Durham in 1795, when he was but fifty-four years old. Not
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WASHINGTON'S LETTER TO SULLIVAN
and shell, letters in existence indicate that it was General Hartley's advice and recommendation that led to including the artillery.
Washington's first letter to General Sullivan is here inserted as giving a correct insight into the inception of the expedition, which, in Washington's words, was designed for "the total destruction and de- vastation of these settlements":
"Head-Quarters, Middle Brook, March 6th, 1779. "Dear Sir :-
"Congress having determined upon an expedition of an extensive nature against the hostile tribes of the Indians of the Six Nations, the command is of- fered to Major General Gates as senior officer, but should he decline, it is my wish that it should devolve upon you. That no time may be lost by Gen. Gates' non-acceptance, I have put this letter under cover to him, and have desired him to forward it to you, should that be his determination. Should it therefore be sent to you, I must request you to set out as speedily as possible after the receipt of it, to Head Quarters, as the season is already far advanced. Upon your ar- rival the whole plan of the expedition shall be communicated to you and meas- ures concerted for, carrying it into execution.
"Nothing will contribute more to our success in the quarter where we really intend to strike, than alarming the enemy in a contrary one, and drawing their attention that way. To do this you may drop hints of an expedition to Canada by way of Coos. This will be the more readily believed as a thing of that kind was really once in agitation, and some magazines formed in consequence, which the enemy are acquainted with. You may also speak of the probability of a French Fleet making its appearance in the Spring, in the River St. Lawrence, to co-operate with us. It will be a great point gained, if we can by false claims, keep the force ready in Canada from affording any timely assistance to the Sav- ages, Refugees, and those people against whom the blow is levelled.
"I would wish you to keep the motive of your journey to Head Quarters a secret, because if it is known that an officer of your rank is to take a command to the westward, it will be immediately concluded that the object must be con- siderable.
"I am with great Regard, "Dear Sir, "Your Most Obedient Servant, "GEORGE WASHINGTON." "Major General Sullivan."
forty years old when he was so successful a commander. The portrait of him here repro- duced is now in the possession of the Wyoming Historical Society, although, by the courtesy of Charles F. Murray, this copy was presented to the Tioga Point Museum at an earlier date. It plainly shows the fearlessness of the sprightly young Irish-American, whose name is graven on the roads, streams, streets, etc., along the route carved out by his army. Fort Sullivan is also a name of which Tioga Point will ever be proud, and which, by the enduring mon- ument erected by the Tioga Chapter, D. A. R., in 1902, will be immortalized. There is in the Tioga Point Museum a picture of Sullivan's home and of his monument at Durham, N. H., reproduced in the "Records of Fort Sullivan"; also a tile from his fireplace, various relics of the sojourn here, and of the battle at Newtown. November 12, 1907, a most interesting cel- ebration was held at his grave, under the auspices of the Sullivan Committee of the Women's Club of Durham. "His burial was performed under stress of indignities heaped upon his remains by his creditors." Therefore, since he is now better appreciated, appropriate com- memorative services were held, and the honors of a military burial were bestowed by repre- sentatives of the United States Army and the New Hampshire National Guard. Civic honors were also bestowed by the establishment of a fund to rehabilitate the grave and the inclosure. After the ceremonies at the grave, in which all Durham, even the children, participated, ap- propriate exercises were held in the Congregational Church, whose pastor had been active in rousing interest. The chief address of the day was delivered by Dr. William E. Griffis, who may well be called the latest historian of the Sullivan Expedition, as Rev. David Craft was called the first. These exercises show a proper appreciation at last of the man who added much historical fame to Tioga Point .- It is the ambition of the Tioga Chapter, D. A. R., to have a complete collection of papers and curios pertaining to Sullivan, the expedition and the fort, and it should be their privilege to mark the spot where the soldiers were buried .- The autograph of General Sullivan is taken from a letter or order of October, 1778, recently presented to the author .- At the time of the publication of this book a daughter of one of Sullivan's soldiers is still living in Athens, Arletta Taladay (Northup), daughter of Solomon Taladay, who was almost the last survivor of the Revolution at Tioga Point.
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Washington and Congress decided that one-third of the army, 5,000 men, should be detached for this endeavor. Naturally many of the plans had soon to be made public and preparations went busily forward.
When it became generally known that so large a force were to engage in this expedition, there was general alarm along the frontiers, and many letters of protest and complaint were addressed to those in power, in state and army. The following, found in Pennsylvania Ar- chives, is most amusing in suggestion :
"WM. McCLAY TO COUNCIL, 1779." "Sunbury, April 27th, 1779. "Sir, "As a Multitude of Letters will pour upon you by this Express, I shall not enter into particulars, respecting the miserable situation of this Country; let it suffice to say that almost every Hour for Three days past, we have had fresh alarms of the Enemy. Massacres and Depredations have been committed at Wioming, Fort Jenkins, Fishing Creek, Freeland's Mills, Fort Muncy, and Loyal Sock, almost at one and the same Time. We expect every moment to hear of their nearer approach. The Whole Force of the Six Nations seems to be poured down upon Us. How long we will be able to bear up under such complicated and Severe Attacks, God only knows. I much fear that the spring Crops will be lost, so That, in all probability, want of bread will be added to our other Calam- ities. The General Cry up here is for Men to protect the Inhabitants; I, how- ever, believe the most effcetual way of taking off the Indians will be to carry an Expedition immediately into their Country. General Washington's whole Army would not effectually secure our extended and thinly settled Frontier.
"I have sustained some Ridicule for a Scheme I have long recommended, Viz., that of hunting the scalping parties of Indians with Horsemen & Dogs. The iminent Services which Dogs have rendered to our People in some late instances, seem to open People's Eyes to a Method of this kind. We know that Dogs will follow them, that they will discover them and even seize them, when hunted on by their Masters.
"History informs us That it was in this Manner That the Indians were ex- tirpated out of whole Countrys in South America. It may be objected That we have not proper Dogs. It is true that every new thing must be learned; But we have, even now, Dogs that will follow them, and the arrantest Cur will both fol- low and fight in Company. I cannot help being of opinion that a Single Troop of Light Horse, attended by Dogs, (and who might occassionally carry a foot- man behind them, that the pursuit might be interupted by Morasses or Moun- tains,) under honest and active officers, would destroy more Indians than five thousand Men stationed in forts along the Frontiers; I am not altogether singu- lar in this opinion, could not such a thing be tryed ?
"If you have Leisure I would be glad to receive a Line from you. It will find me at this place, unless Times grow very bad indeed.
"I am, Sir, with great Regard, "Y'r very H'ble Serv't, "WM. McCLAY."
The main body of the army was congregated at Easton during the late spring and the troops literally carved their way through the wilderness as far as Wyoming. Col. Franklin's diary (we think hitherto unpublished) says:
"June 23 General Sullivan arrived with 1500 troops, We hear of a boy being Killed and 3 young women taken near Col. Stroud's."
At Wyoming many weeks were spent, and there were most vexa- tious delays, trying the patience of all concerned ; but General Sullivan proved superior to all annoyances and equal to all emergencies. Penna.
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