A history of old Tioga Point and early Athens, Pennsylvania, Part 21

Author: Murray, Louise Welles, 1854-1931. 4n
Publication date: 1908
Publisher: Athens, Penna. [i.e., Pa.] : [s.n.]
Number of Pages: 726

USA > Pennsylvania > Bradford County > Athens > A history of old Tioga Point and early Athens, Pennsylvania > Part 21

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

149

SULLIVAN EXPEDITION, PREPARATION

Archives, Vol. VII, gives an idea of the difficulties he experienced. The supplies were to be started in wagons; none were in readiness. Sullivan and Hartley both requested authority to impress any wagons to be found, and ran up against foolish official red tape. "The State law prevented impressing them into service." Whereupon Sullivan humbly apologized. After much delay they were forthcoming, and then there proved great scarcity of forage for the horses. Yet, even with all this delay, it was feared the stores might reach the river be- fore the arrival of the troops detailed to guard them. According to some of Sullivan's soldiers who settled in this vicinity, the batteaux used for transportation were built at Marietta, and a channel had to be cut around Kanawagha Falls to bring them up the river. Nathan Beach gives further information about the boats :

"In June 1779 I entered the boat department. Boats were built at Middle- town, Dauphin Co., called continental boats, built to transport baggage, provis- ions, etc. for Sullivan's army. * * * I steered one of these boats to Tioga Point, discharged loading and returned to Fort Jenkins."

Complaint was made because the quartermaster offered extra pay with rations to secure boatmen, leaving the lower counties without suf- ficient protection, and even at the very moment of departure, judging from the annexed replies, Sullivan had some personal appeals to aban- don the expedition and hasten to the defence of the lower frontiers.2 But he had quite enough to do to make ready his expedition. It was no small undertaking to provide clothing, food and transportation for such a force of infantry, artillery, riflemen and several hundred non- combatants ; boatmen, axemen, carpenters, sutlers, and the necessary quota of women and children. Some of the friendly Oneidas were enlisted as guides ; for except for the knowledge gained from Hartley, the army was about to enter an unknown wilderness. About 1800 horses were required for cavalry and packhorses ; and probably about

"Head Quarters, July 30th, 1779.

2 "Sir: Nothing Could affoard me more pleasure than to Relieve the Distress'd, or to have it in my Power to add to the Safety of your Settlement, but should I comply with the Requisition made by you it would Effectually answer the Intention of the Enemy, and De- stroy the Grand Object of this Expedition. To morrow the Army moves from this Place and by Carrying the war Immediately into the Indian Country, it will most Certainly Draw them out of yours. For your present Safety I must refer you to the Council of your State for assistance, Certainly it will be granted without much inconveniance as the State has neglected to furnish the Troops promis'd for this Expedition.

"I am Sir, your mo. ob't, h'ble Serv't, JNO. SULLIVAN." "A True Copy By Matt'w Smith."

"Directed." "On Public Service."

"To Colo. Jno. Cook, D. Q. M. G., Northumberland."

"Head Quarters, Wyoming, "July ye 30th, 1779.

"Sir: Your Letter dated the 28th Inst. I rec'd this Day, with the Disagreeable inteli- gence of the loss of Fort Freeland, your situation in Consequence must be unhappy, I feel for you, and could wish to assist you, but the good of the service will not admit it, The Object of this Expedition is of such a nature, and its Consequences so Extensive, that to turn the course of this Army would be unwise, unsafe & impolitic.

"Nothing can so Effectually draw the indians out of your Country, as Carrying the War into Theirs, Tomorrow morning I shall march, with the Whole Army for Tioga, and must leave you to call upon the Council of your State for such assistance as may serve to Relieve you from your present perilous situation. As Pennsylvania has neglected to furnish me with the Troops promised for this Expedition, she Certainly will be enabled to Defend her Frontiers without much inconvenience.

"I am Sir, your mos. ob't, Humb'e Serv't, JOHN SULLIVAN."

. "P. S. The above is a true Copy of major General Sullivan's letter to me.

"SAM'L HUNTER."

150

OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS

500 boats, large and small, (though this number may include the 212 boats of Clinton). When ready to move, the flotilla of batteaux, spreading out over a mile, were loaded with the artillery, ammunition, heavy baggage and the reserve supply of provisions, 1000 men and, undoubtedly, the women and children; while by land were to go 3000 or more men, the packhorses, and several hundred cattle to furnish fresh meat. The start was made July 31, 1779. About the same time Col. Brodhead with his small force, the left wing, started from Pitts- burg, his task being to penetrate northwestern Pennsylvania and south- western New York, destroying all Indian habitations on the way. His work was most effective in engaging many Indians in defence of their homes, who would otherwise have been with Brant, Johnson and Butler. Brodhead never joined Sullivan, doubtless because his couriers were nearly all killed by the watchful savages. At the same time General Clinton marshaled his forces, built his boats; and transported them and the supplies by wagon over a rough road to the head of Otsego Lake (the source of the North Branch of the Susquehanna) ; and coming down the lake in boats, encamped at Cooperstown to await orders from Sullivan. Also to construct a dam to flood the river ; for the practiced eye of Clinton soon saw that the stream was too shallow for his boats, and so, resorting to mechanical strategy, he built a dam, and when ready to depart cut through it, releasing waters and making a flood on which his fleet floated safely down towards Tioga Point.

On July 31,3 as aforesaid, the main force was fully en route from Wyoming, again to carve their way through almost inaccessible forests and over steep mountains, although they had an Indian trail to guide them; for Sullivan's route was now over the "Great Warrior Path." The story of their progress has often been told; and their approach to and arrival at Tioga Point has been gleaned from the various journals, and embodied in the pamphlet entitled "Records of Fort Sullivan."

Although it is nearly seventy years since Miner published the jour- nal of Colonel Hubley, neither he nor any succeeding writer has ever indicated that the original Mss. was teeming with most interesting pen and ink sketches. Observing the legends throughout all copies of the journal, we were on the lookout for the original, when its whereabouts was made known to us by Mr. Harvey as in the collection of the His- torical Society of Pennsylvania, by whose courtesy we have made sev- eral examinations, and had some copies made of various sketches, tracing one used ourselves.

The Hubley sketch No. 1, of. Fort Sullivan and the Point, shows the arrangements of camps around the Point on the ground cleared and cultivated by the Indians. It also shows the Light Corps across the Neck, about where the boulder stands, and indicates the palisades of Fort Sullivan, as the sketch No. 2 does not. The No. 1 was photo- graphed for Mr. Harvey's History, and both traced for this history ; the tracing does not show the age as the photograph does. Vain effort

3 Brant's last attack on Minisink with sixty Indians and twenty-seven Tories disguised as Indians, was made in July, 1779, a well known occurrence. The prisoners, as usual, were driven to Tioga Point, but, hearing that Sullivan might be at "Shemong," Brant sent his party speedily across country to Niagara, evidently not even investigating "Shemong."

151

COLONEL HUBLEY'S SKETCHES

Luke Corpo

3.+

tillver

ofaty

Liga- branch

Flat

JPG

BClinton

nn ERuk

Mati

" FORT SULLIVAN AND TIOGA POINT" II

lies Kanedohauraufhgwe

Light Corps

9 Hand.

Pack

012

Bug

pones

scrubby oaks.

flatter

Jeal Clintons Bug

" road to Owegy

moty pine

sten mountain.

Fort Sullivan

Peninsula

o pine

Flatts

a flatt.

"SCETCH OF ENCAMPMENT-UPPER END OF TIOGA AND ADJACENT COUNTRY" Copied from Col. Hubley's Journal, by courtesy of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania.

mostly parce

Font Maxwells

Jusquehanaly

152

OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS

has been made to learn the meaning of Kanedohauraughwe, a word we have never seen elsewhere. The number of these sketches is great, and answer some perplexing questions. Those of Buttermilk Falls and of the Standing Stone are very interesting. The order of march is several times fully portrayed, and there are many drawings of camp sites. At Wyalusing, between the mouth of Wyalusing Creek and Sugar Creek ; at Wesauking, between the swamp and the creek ; at She- shequin, right along the river, ravine showing at back. There is a map showing whole line of march from Wyoming to mouth of Tioga. The end of the journey, supposed to be location of the fort, is exactly in narrowest part of neck of peninsula, opposite broadest place in island. But there are other local sketches of great value. There is a careful one of "Order of March up Tioga Flats" after fording river from Sheshequin. These are really Queen Esther's Flats.

As Dr. Griffis says, "Sullivan did not prepare to be Braddocked," therefore a careful order of march was observed whenever the country permitted. According to Hubley's sketch, the packhorses and cattle were placed in the center, with a rear guard accompanied by a regi- ment, giving the Indians no chance to stampede the horses. In front came the vanguard of 24 men ; the light horse under Gen. Hand on the river side in sight of the boats, two bodies of "Flankers" on the other ; Col. Hubley's regiment and German regiment next, side by side; then Gen. Maxwell's brigade, followed by Gen. Poor's brigade in advance of the horse and cattle. Two three-pounders, taken from the boats, protected the light troops. Imagine this great army marching up the Flats through the long grass. "Drums were beating, fifes were playing, Fort Vallina colors flying." A splendid sight, View of Tioga w E terrifying to savage onlookers. Now S once more fording the river, they C reach the site of old Te-a-o-ga, and E the busy bustle of camp-making be- m youne ung ER EL gins. Small matter that they have twice waded the river and are drench- ing wet; the August sun is hot, and they are soon dry. The soldiers Campo quetuana 000 Susque swarm over the plain on the Point, for here most of the land has long FEE 0 been cleared. (Here is given a sketch of the camps made by Nukerck, one Esters Plains 2 400 of the soldiers. In the shape of the Point it is more exact than Hubley's, D but somewhat hazy as to block houses Flatts of Fort Sullivan.) But it is deemed wise to take the boats and some troops up the river further, to the narrow NUKERCK'S SKETCH OF THE CAMP neck of land known by the name of the "Carrying Place." Here the

153

FORT SULLIVAN

fort was to be built to protect the fleet during the absence of army, to guard the ammunition, and to provide a hospital for the sick and wounded. Once again Tioga Point becomes important, with a great army of 5000 men encamped on it, awaiting the arrival of Clinton. A few extracts from Franklin's diary here, never published: "August 11th. The army reached Tioga. In the evening I went with Jenkins and others to reconnoitre Chemung. 13th. Action at Hog-back Hill. I was wounded. 22d. Sunday General Clinton arrived, 1800 strong. 26th. Army marched. 28th. Battle at Newtown. Oct. 7th. Army returns."

Rev. Wm. Rogers says :

"The light troops proceeded further on, one column on bank of Susque- hanna, another on Tioga banks. Having advanced a mile and better, our tents were pitched from river to river judged to be 200 yards. Just below our en- campment we took a view of the Indians' carrying place 13 yards across, so called from their carrying or dragging their canoes from river to river."

The artillery4 was placed from river to river, about where boulder now stands, and later along the east bank of Chemung from Museum- Library northward. There are many facts as to location to be gleaned from careful inspection of Hubley's sketches.

And now to the building of Fort Sullivan, which was slightingly treated in the publication "Forts of Pennsylvania." If it was not per- manent, it was of the greatest use while it existed. Its construction began August 12, the day after army's arrival; it consisted of four block houses and a palisade connecting them. Two of these block houses were on the rivers and two half way between, as may be seen in Hubley's sketch, also that it was not an exact diamond in shape. It was so built as to cover the old Indian portage for canoes, which path came up the bank of the Susquehanna at the back of present property of Misses Snell, and passed northwest to Chemung. The river block houses were at the bank of the old G. A. Perkins property at east, and just south of Chemung bridge at west. The exact location of the north and south points cannot be definitely determined, unless from sketch, although they must have been about in center of Main Street. All this work was done with green timber, possibly cut on the Point. A block house was a double-storied structure, perhaps 20 feet square below, and the upper story generally projecting over the lower about two feet, so that the inmates could shoot from above upon an enemy attempting to fire or climb its walls; sometimes there was a sentry-box on top. No description of these at Fort Sullivan is known to exist. In 1853, when 91 years old, John Shreve, son of Col. Shreve, who had charge of building the stockade, thus describes the work5 :

"The Fort was called Fort Sullivan nearly four square, about 90 yards one way, and a little under the other way, stockade made by digging a tunnel 2} ft deep, and placing upright-logs in the trench about 12 ft high, leaving 2 or 3 gateways."

4 The artillery consisted of two howitzers, two six-pounders, six three-pounders and the cohorn.

5 From a letter in the Herrick Collection, copied from Shreve.

154

OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS

Lieut. Beatty calls it a "very strong picket fort," which would indicate that the logs were sharpened at end. Beatty also mentions "very good Abattus and the 4 Block houses for the 4 Bestions which com- manded the river." Abattis were generally piles of trees, with sharp ened points laid outward ; a great addition to fortification.6 Surgeon Campfield says the fort was garrisoned by the invalids and the boat- men, and that there was left all unnecessary baggage, the women and children, and two six-pounders. Besides the large cannon, the army had a cohorn or unmounted gun, which, when in use, was mounted on a rough saw-horse, giving it the amusing name of "Grasshopper." 7 The flying hospital was removed to the garrison when the army moved. August 16 the fort was named Fort Sullivan, "out of respect to the illustrious character who with his army first took possession of this post on behalf of the United States." And thus the white man's claim to Tioga Point was forever established ! Lieut. Shute and Capt. Handy began the work, Capt. Hollandshead and Gifford completed it. Prob- ably a rough hospital was erected within, also cabins for the women and children. Near the center of the fort was doubtless a sunken magazine for ammunition, for when in recent years water-pipes were being laid to the tannery, at the intersection of Main and Tioga Streets, was found, some feet under ground, remains of a timbered pit, care- fully examined by M. P. Murray.8

Life went busily, and generally gaily, on in the camp, pending the arrival of Clinton. Probably every one was fatigued after the day and night spent in making flour bags from the tents, for the flour had been brought thus far in barrels on the boats, and must now be put on the pack horses.

Sullivan became very uneasy at the non-arrival of either right or left wing, and on August 16 he sent Generals Hand and Poor with 900 picked men to meet Clinton. Brant had threatened to meet and destroy Clinton's force, but that was not to be. August 19 the two forces met at the town west of Binghamton since called Union. No doubt it was a joyful meeting. All now turned toward Tioga Point, burning Owegy, a good-sized Indian town, on the way. They arrived at "Tioga" about noon on Sunday, August 22, and had a royal wel- come, a salute from 13 pieces of cannon, returned by Clinton's two little pieces. "Gen. Hand's Brigade under arms, with a band of music," were probably lined up along the bank of the Susquehanna. Fancy pictures them as standing all along the bank, about where the old Academy is, and down past the partially completed stockade. The

6 Solomon Talady, one of Sullivan's soldiers, gave to E. H. Perkins some account of . Fort Sullivan not recorded. He said a gun was mounted on each block house commanding the approach of the enemy. He also said several soldiers were buried within the fort in front of the lot now owned by the Misses Snell (1907). This was corroborated in Taladay's lifetime by finding three skeletons there when working the street. The late E. H. Perkins said the ground was very much more depressed than now within the fort limits, the pali- sades being on rises of ground now observable. Also that previous to the building of Che- mung dam the earthworks were very distinct about 100 feet below the present Chemung bridge.

7 The ball embedded in the boulder was from cohorn.

8 The order book says: "The commanding officer of the artillery is required to be par- ticularly attentive that no fires are made that will in the least degree endanger the magazine of ammunition."

155

BATTLES OF CHEMUNG AND NEWTOWN

fleet of 200 or more boats may have had to go down east of the island, but the land forces marched gaily along to the right of the camp on the Point, and occupied the site of the old Indian town on the Point, described by Bartram as near the Chemung. One-third of the whole army of the Revolution was now encamped on Tioga Point. Monday was spent in visiting, disbanding infantry to rejoin their respective regiments, and preparing for the attack on the enemy or the advance. Previous to this an attack had been made on Chemung, August 12, by Hand and Poor; the town, a large one, said to be "12 miles up the Tioga Branch," was deserted by the Indians just before their arrival. The troops burned the 30 houses, had a skirmish with the enemy, and had 6 men killed and wounded. Here the first corn "fit to roast" was destroyed, 40 acres. This was probably Old Chemung, the record being :

"There were two Indian towns destroyed by Sullivan; one on Chemung Flats near Buckville called old Chemung, or Old Town, and one on Baldwin and Lowman Flats called New Chemung or New Town." However, Dr. Beauchamp says : "Old Chemung had been long abandoned, and New Chemung was burned Aug. 13, while Sullivan waited for Clinton." Dr. B. also gives an interesting let- ter9 written by Brant from Chemung, Aug. 19: "I am deeply afflicted John Tay- ojaronsere my trusty chief is dead. He died eight days after he was wounded. Five met the same fate. I am very much troubled by the event because he was of so much assistance to me. I destroyed Onawatoge a few days afterward. We were overtaken and I was wounded in the foot with buck shot, but it is of small consequence. We are in daily expectation of a battle which we think will be a severe one. We expect to number about 700 men. *

* Then we shall begin to know what is to become of the People of the Long House. Our minds have not changed. We are determined to fight the Bostonians."

Dr. Beauchamp does not locate Onawatoge, but gives the name of the town near Elmira as Kannawaloholla.

It is an acknowledged fact that after a day or two of rest and reorganization the combined forces took up their march, and on August 29, 1779, had an engagement between New Chemung and Elmira, in which "the Bostonians" were decidedly victorious. The story of the "Battle of Newtown" has been so often told that, instead of following the expedition, we will remain at Fort Sullivan, first giving two letters from Col. Adam Hubley, written on the eve of departure. The first of these letters, not often published, is from Pennsylvania Archives, Vol. X, p. 719. The other we think hitherto unpublished, as the orig- inal is to-day in Athens and should be placed in the Sullivan col- lection :

"Col. Hubley to Pres. Reed, 1779, Fort Sullivan, On Tioga Branch, August 24th, 1779.

"Sir, The present opportunity offering, I could not ommit writing to your Excellency in behalf of my officers respecting their Commissions.

"The arrangement was transmitted to your Excellency by Gen'l Sullivan some time since. At is was mutually agreed to by the Gentlemen of the Regi- ment, I make no doubt it has met with your Excellency's & the Hon. Body's over which you preside, approbation. Doctor Rogers, the bearer hereof, will return to us immediately again; I beg you will please to forward the Commissions by him, which will be most particularly acknowledged by the Gentlemen.

9 See "History of the N. Y. Iroquois," p. 364.

156

OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS

"Since my last (from this place) nothing material happened, excepting the arrival of Gen'l Clinton from OTSAGO, situate on the Head waters of the Susque- hannah, w'h about 1400 effective men. Since the forming the junction, the Army received orders to hold themselves in readiness for a march on to-morrow morn- ing-to be provided with 3 days' provisions. The want of this Article, together w'h the want of cloathing, &c., I presume is the cause of our making so short an Excursion (30 days) thro' the Indian Country. It's judged, as very few of the Savages are seen near this place, they are gathering in some part of their Coun- try, and may probably give us some opposition.

"Since our arrival here we have erected a Fort, (Fort Sullivan). A gar- rison of 250 men will be left during our excursion thro' the Seneca Country.

"For further news, I beg to refer your Excellency to the Doctor, who will be able to give you a very particular account of the situation of affairs in this quarter.

"My officers and men, who were wounded in the action of the 13th, at Che- mung, are all likely to do well.

"I am, with the greatest respect, Your Excellency's most obdt serv't, 'AD'M HUBLEY, Lt. Col. Com't. 11 P. Reg't."

"Directed,

"His Excellency Joseph Reed, Esqr., Presid't of the State of Penna., Phil- adelphia.

"Favor Dr. Rogers."

The original of the following letter, written the same day, was found among the papers of the late Edward Herrick, Jr., and is now in possession of his heirs:

"Fort Sullivan on Tioga Aug 24, '79 “Sir,

"Since the closing of my letter of this morning, I was apply'd to by the of- ficers of the Regiment to take steps to have the Regimental vacancies fill'd up .- Capt. Forrester of my Regiment, having obtain'd leave to go on furlow for two months-commencing the first of February last-since which we have had no ac- count of him excepting verbal, informing us he had resigned, and did not con- sider himself an officer any longer. His not coming to join the Regiment, or even writing to any of the officers, sufficiently proves the report, and consequently justifies the filling up of his vacancy .- I must therefore beg your Excellency will order the following promotions to take place, which will be agreeable to the ar- rangement transmitted you some time since, viz. Capt. Lieut. Septimus Davis to the rank of Captain-Lieut Edward Burke to the rank of Captain Lieutenant, and Lieut. Jacob Weitzell will fill up the vacancy of first Lieutenant. The great care which your Excellency has ever taken to promote the happiness & well-fare of the line induces me more particularly to rest assured everything in your power will be done to have my request comply'd with

"I am your Excellency's most obt hl Servt

"ADM HUBLEY Lt Colo. Comt 11th Pa Rgt."

"Any particular occurrences which may turn up, during the expedition I shall take the liberty to inform your Excellency of .- " "by Docr Rogers."

It was a distressing fact that the army entered upon the expedi- tion with short rations, yet the brave men never murmured. The salt meat was not too plenty. Dr. Griffis says that on the 24th, two days before departure, a fresh flotilla arrived from Wyoming with cattle and stores. All told, there must have been as many as 500 flat-bot- tomed boats moored in the two rivers, a much more extensive fleet than that started for Wyoming the year before. On the 25th runners ar- rived from Fort Pitt, saying that Col. Brodhead was on his way with 800 men. On that day the army struck camp, loaded, and then un- loaded and camped about the fort, according to Hubley's sketch. It

157

SOLDIERS BURIED AT TIOGA POINT

has always been said that Sullivan huilt some corduroy road on Main

the Che- n,11 "the

LIGHTERS

. DAUG

AMERICA RICAN REVOLUT

OF THE . NOIJN"

The Joga Chapter

Daughters of The American Pearluten

Alexeven at the unveiling a tablet marking the ere lad; a

Site of Fort Sullivan

t., 2 New

theday afternoon October Third at Two oclock.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

A history of old Tioga Point and early Athens, Pennsylvania, Part 21

Author: Murray, Louise Welles, 1854-1931. 4n Publication date: 1908 Publisher: Athens, Penna. [i.e., Pa.] : [s.n.] Number of Pages: 726

Author: Murray, Louise Welles, 1854-1931. 4n
Publication date: 1908
Publisher: Athens, Penna. [i.e., Pa.] : [s.n.]
Number of Pages: 726