USA > Pennsylvania > Bradford County > Athens > A history of old Tioga Point and early Athens, Pennsylvania > Part 22
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Attiens, Pennsylvania
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156
OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS
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157
SOLDIERS BURIED AT TIOGA POINT
has always been said that Sullivan built some corduroy road on Main Street, but Hubley's dotted lines indicate that they hugged the Che- mung bank.10 August 30th, after the engagement at Newtown,11 "the General sent to Tioga in the boats the wounded soldiers and the most cumbrous cannon ;12 and by land all the wagons." There is no abso- lutely definite record as to the number of soldiers who died or were killed, that are buried at Tioga Point. The burial places were con- cealed, that they might not be ravaged by the Indians. The following list has been compiled from reports and journals, but does not assume to be complete or accurate. The Baldwins said that 13 were killed at Newtown, but Sullivan reported only 3. Baldwin said they were buried near Wellsburg, and it is said skeletons were unearthed at location in- dicated when digging the canal. The Indians left only 12 of their dead on the field, carrying the other bodies to Painted Post for burial.
Soldiers Buried at Tioga Point.
"Aug. 14-Buried 1 Sergt., 1 drummer, 4 privates from Col. Hubley's regt., 1 from Col. Cilley's, killed in skirmish at Chemung.
"Aug. 15-Jabez Elliott, son of Henry Elliott of Wyoming. A mere lad; a pack horse driver, shot while looking after horses across the Chemung.
"Aug. 17-Philip Helter, biscuit baker in German regt.
"Aug. 24-Capt. Benjamin Kimball, paymaster in Col. Cilley's regt., 2 New Hampshire Brigade.
"Aug. 29-Abner Dearborn, wounded at Newtown, died at Tioga Sept. 2. Sergt. Dement, Joshua Mitchell, and Sylvester Wilkins, died previous to Sept. 19, probably here. Joseph Davis, Ezekiel Davis, 3d company, Col. Cilley's regt."
"Col. Hubley recounts that after the skirmish at Chemung 'less the savages should discover our loss-I had the dead bodies carried along fixed on horses, and brought to this place (Tioga) for interment.' It will be seen that at least thirteen, probably sixteen or more of these brave men rest at Tioga Point."
FORT SULLIVAN! Try to picture it. The four block houses with the cannon mounted on top of each, two brass six-pounders, and prob- ably two smaller ones. Dr. Griffis says all of Proctor's guns were used at Newtown ; but at least three were sent back to Fort Sullivan, and no doubt the men wished all were left, as it often required two or three hundred men to draw the cannon through the swamps and up and down the hills. Dr. Griffis says there were at least nine pieces of ar- tillery at the fort. How formidable they must have appeared to any savage spy. Probably the ball found near the bridge, now in Museum, and the one in the boulder were not discharged, both being found within the enclosure. Many lead bullets have been gathered along the Susquehanna bank near Carrying Place, where the fleet doubtless landed; also about the camp site on the Point farm. But to the fort! The four lines of palisades and the abattis gave a feeling of security to the inmates, and eventually they seem to have been careless in wan- dering outside. The horses and cattle were all turned out on upper
10 In early days there was a run of water skirting the foot of the rise of ground at the Presbyterian Church, making no doubt a slough in Sullivan's time. It was here the remains of the corduroy road were found, attributed by the soldier pioneers to Sullivan.
11 The site of this engagement is easily located by No. 19 of Hubley's sketches.
12 Among the many lost cannon stories is that of Thomas Baldwin saying that en route to Newtown a cannon was lost in the Chemung River just above Waverly Narrows. It has been said the cannon were so heavy some were thrown in the river, doubtless a wish rather than a deed.
158
OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS
"Queen Esther's Flats," or, as we would say to-day, the Murray and Thurston flats. The amusing incident given in accompanying note12 doubtless occurred on these flats, the order following the death and scalping of Jabez Elliott. The following is a list, also compiled from journals, probably correct :
Companies Left at Fort Sullivan.
Capt. Isaiah Wool's, of the Artillery.
Capt. George Tudor's, 4 Penna.
Capt. John Myers', 2 New Jersey.
Capt. Benjamin Weatherby's, Spencer's N. J.
Capt. Moody Dustin's, 1 New Hampshire.
Capt. Amos Morrell's, 1 New Hampshire.
Capt. Nathaniel Norton's, 4 New York.
Capt. McCluer's.
Capt. Day's.
In order book find additional names :
Capt. Thirstin.
Capt. Aorson.
The main force being gone, something like a systematic military life was now possible, where for two weeks all had been in the con- fusion necessarily incident to the preparations for advance. Colonel Israel Shreve was in command of the fort. Colonel Antis was at first in charge of the boatmen, Major Dow, D. Q. M. G., conducted the fleet to Wyoming, and on return had charge of the artificers.
On the 27th Thomas E. Gee began the "Orders at Fort Sullivan,"14 to be found in "Records of Fort Sullivan." The scarcity of provisions made it necessary for Col. Shreve, now commandant, to reduce his forces. All women, except those employed as nurses and those neces- sary to wash for troops, were ordered to return to Wyoming, where they would receive rations during absence of the army, and all who should presume to stay were to be refused rations. Two small and 53 large boats with an escort of 30 men were to take the women, and bring back supplies. August 31 the boatmen arrived from Chemung and were ordered to return to Wyoming, taking such sick and wounded as the surgeons of the hospital thought best to send. September 2 the fort was not yet completed. Only two of the camp women are
13 In 1841 Major Adam Hoops wrote a letter to Hon. John Greig, of Canandaigua, relative to Sullivan's Expedition, in which he says: "The army - lay some time at Tioga Point. While there small parties of Indians crept up in the long grass on the other side of the branch (Chemung River). On an occasion which I well recollect, one of our pack-horse- men was killed, and another scarcely escaped with an arm broken. The cracks of the Indians' guns were plainly heard. Gen. Sullivan devised a plan to intercept these small parties, the execution of which was committed to Lieut. Van Campen." Van Campen thus told the story: "Major Hoops, an aid-de-camp to Gen. Sullivan, presented to me my instructions, with a sheet of white paper folded up, a leaden weight within, and a twine cord about 20 ft. long fastened to it. I was to get as near the enemies' camp as was prudent-conceal my men in the bush, select a shady oak, and place my sentinel in the top of the oak, with the paper and twine cord-to give the signal if he discovered a party of Indians-to sink the paper down the tree as many feet as they were in numbers-if passing to my right or left to give the signal accordingly. It was one of the warm August days. I marched as directed, selected my tree-my sentinel ascended 20 or 25 ft., and concealed my men. We watched about one hour, every eye fixed on the sentinel. At length the paper dropped about 4 ft. I spoke, say- ing, 'My good fellows we shall soon have sport.' The paper continued to drop to 10 ft. I observed again, 'We shall have something more to do.' The paper continued to drop 15 ft. 'Now, my good fellows, we shall have enough to do,-15 of them to 20 of us. Let every shot make their number less.' Behold! the fellow had fallen asleep-let the twine cord slip- lost his balance-and came down like a shot, head foremost. He was much bruised by the fall. I made my report to the General."
14 The original of this order book (from which years ago Mr. Craft made his copy) is 110w in the library of Cornell University.
159
LIFE IN FORT SULLIVAN
named, Catherine Castner and Catherine Lamberson. Completion of the work was hastened and the men were enjoined in case of attack there should be no retreat and no surrender. The troops were for- bidden crossing the rivers without permission. Tattoos were no longer beat. The magazine is frequently alluded to. Apparently the boats returned from below September 8, with a supply of provisions, inade- quate, however. A cannon was ordered to be fired for reveille and retreat. On September 14 there seems to have been news from the main army, and 100 men, one three-pounder with artillerymen, 20 small boats manned with 100 boatmen, were ordered to march under command of Capt. Reid. The boats were ordered taken round in Tioga Branch. (This proves that the fleet, as a whole, was moored in the Susquehanna.) This force was evidently detailed to build Fort Reed, near Elmira, where supplies could be held ready for returning troops. On September 15 more sick and wounded were sent to Wyo- ming. As the women were again ordered to go, doubtless they had not obeyed previous orders. This was a busy day, fleets and forces going in each direction, Commissary Pratt loading provisions on boats going north, and the surgeon getting off all unfit for duty to Wyoming, who were to start at sunrise.
Lieut. Osman had charge of the axmen detailed to complete the stockade, probably also to furnish firewood. Major Morrison became the commanding officer of the fleet, and his task was a trying one. Apparently the boatmen were difficult to manage, the boats were allow- ed to float where they would, and the men were careless about their weapons. Half rations only of flour were issued, also beef and rice, some liquor, and occasionally butter to officers. The name of the surgeon is not mentioned in the order book.15 Many horses were left at Tioga Point, and the soldiers made such free use of them, probably in excursions, that an order was issued restraining them. Apparently the troops did not enjoy baking for themselves, as September 17 ra- tions of bread were ordered instead of flour. Bakers were employed, who evidently proved dishonest. Flour was again ordered issued to the troops, and the bakers ordered to return 18 oz. of bread for each pound of flour received.
"They are further ordered not to presume to ask more than one dollar for every 4 lbs of bread they sell to the soldiery. Disobedience of this order will meet with severe punishment."
Some arrests, trials and punishments are noted; Joseph Putney, for sleeping on his post, was sentenced to receive 100 lashes on his bare back at roll-call, a humiliating experience. And so the time wore away. The little garrison occupied the fort one month, unmolested after the departure of Sullivan by even a sight of an Indian or Tory,
15 Dr. Jabez Campfield evidently went forward with the expedition. The head surgeon at Fort Sullivan hospital doubtless was Stephen McCure, as per the following order, recently found among the treasures of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania:
"Wioming, 10 Oct., 1779.
"This may certify that by an order from Majr. Genl. Sullivan to me directed, one hun- dred and forty-five raw hides were taken for the purpose of flooring the boats for the ac- commodation of the sick when sent from Tioga to this place.
"STEPHEN MCCURE, "Senr. Surgn."
"To the Commissary of Hides."
160
OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS
although the order book shows that they lived in a constant state of anxiety.
Meanwhile Sullivan and his army pursued their relentless march into the heart of the Iroquois country, virtually destroying the great Confederacy. Forty towns were burned, 200,000 bushels of corn, quantities of beans, squash, etc., in spite of the fact that the troops were obliged to subsist largely on succotash. Many orchards of fruit trees were destroyed, and, as Dr. Griffis says, the country made unin- habitable for years. At the same time the soldiers found that they were in a far more fertile region than ever known to them before, and many looked forward to the time when they might return as pioneers. The orderly book of Lieut. Jeremiah Fogg,16 adjutant under Col. Poor, gives some account of the return march :
"Hd Qu'rs Chenesee Sept 15, The Commander in Chief informs his brave and Resolute army that the objects of this expedition are accomplished, to wit, the total ruin of Indian Settlements, and destruction of their crops designed for the support of those inhuman barbarians while they were desolating the Amer- ican frontiers."
He then assured his soldiers he would not fail to inform. America at large how much they stand indebted to them. "The army will this day commence its march to Tioga," followed by order of march and careful instructions for protection. The sick and lame were to be put on horses, and all soldiers found straggling or lurking to be given 50 lashes on the spot. September 25, Maxwell's Brigade and some others reached Fort Reed, where 100 cattle and plenty of food and liquor awaited them. Here the main force awaited various detach- ments sent out to destroy any town overlooked or out of the general route. Many stories have been recorded of the rejoicings at this point. The following, told by Edwin Corwin to H. Payne, of Waverly, many years ago, has not often been in print:
"When we got to Newtown we had a time of rejoicing. They fired a little brass three-pounder that was called the Grass-Hopper, and the soldiers were per- mitted to use blind cartridges to fire the rejoinder. We were two deep in a long line. Gen. Sullivan rode along on a trot and each soldier fired just as he got against him. The Grass-Hopper was at the further end, and when Gen. Sullivan came out the little fellow roared like young thunder."
Lieut. Barton tells that the men were ordered to parade in line and fire a feu-de-joie, and the ordered running fire of muskets did not go to the General's liking, which was the reason for the above ride ; that Sullivan "rode his horse with whip and spur, men all firing, causing the General to say it went like a hallelujah!" Cheers for Congress, the United States, and the new ally, the King of Spain, ended the rejoicing or preceded the special feast of beef and grog. Some journals say they fired a salute of thirteen guns from the cannon, built thirteen fires, drank thirteen toasts and lighted the tables with thirteen candles. Indeed, it is difficult to realize the exultation of the troops, officers as well as men. Sullivan's pride in a deed well done must have been an untold source of joy.
16 In possession of his granddaughter, Mrs. Hilliard, of Lynn, Mass.
161
RETURN OF THE EXPEDITION
The following report to Executive of Pennsylvania shows that the officers were still apprehensive of Indian revenge:
"Camp at Kanawaluhaly, on Tioga, 21 Miles from the mouth of that River, 25th Sept'r, 1779.
"To President Reed.
"Sir, I have the satisfaction to inform your Excellency that the Boddy of the Army under Major General Sullivans Command has arrived at this place on its return from the Indian Country, having compleated the Desolation of all the principal Settlements within its reach.
"The loss of their Crops and Houses must render the subsistance of the Savages very difficult in this part of the World, so much so, that I think they cant bring any considerable Parties into ours-yet as we have not been fortunate enough to Capture any of them, and as no terms have been sought by them, I am apprehensive that the spirit of revenge so natural to Savages, which their good allies the English will not fail to foment, a desire to persuade other nations that they are not Conquered, or even hungar may bring straggling parties on our Frontiers this Fall.
"I take the liberty of mentioning these my suggestions to your Excellency that you may make timely provisions for the security of the Frontiers, should you think them in danger.
"I have the Hounor to be Sir, with much respect, your Excell'ys most obed't & most humble Servant,
"EDW. HAND."
September 30, the reunited forces halted within one mile of Fort Sullivan, all formed in regular line of march, with colors flying and bands playing. Of course, this was just above Mile Hill, as Hubley says, it was on "Tioga Plains." Another, and far more jubilant, welcome awaited them as they neared the fort; they were received with military honors, the garrison standing at "present arms," the cannon noisily firing a salute, and the artillery of the expedition re- turning it. The entire body of men marched through Fort Sullivan or "passed the fort." Perhaps this means they paraded in a loop. encamping north of it along the banks. The completed stockade was greatly admired. Col. Hubley says :
"Col. Shreeve had an elegant dinner provided for the general and field of- ficers. We regaled ourselves, and great joy and good humor was visible. Col. Proctor's band and drums and fife played in concert the whole time."
Two days later, Saturday, October 2, General Sullivan made an "elegant entertainment" for all the officers. This was the last day of life in Fort Sullivan. The mirth was great, concluding with an Indian dance, which Col. Hubley describes :
"The officers who joined in it put on vizors alias Monsters. The dance was conducted by a young Sachem of the Oneida tribe-followed by several other In- dians, then the whole led off, and after the Indian custom, danced to the music of a rattle, a knife and a pipe, which the Sachem continued clashing together and singing Indian the whole time. At the end of each, the Indian whoop was set off with the whole."
Fancy this savage riot! Fire-water, no doubt, had flowed freely ; hardships and short rations were all forgotten, and life at Fort Sullivan closed with flying colors. For on the morrow "the garrison joined their respective corps," the hospital and other stores and the sick17 were loaded on the boats and started for Wyoming ; and when they were
17 According to the order already given there were many sick, judging from the 145 hides used to fit up the boats for their comfort.
162
OLD TIOGA POINT AND EARLY ATHENS
well away a large fatigue party was turned out to destroy the fort; the pickets were pulled up and cast into the river, the abattis burned, the block houses demolished, and Fort Sullivan was only a memory. The order book tells of the arrival and departure of the army and, in- deed, continues until the arrival of the army at Easton. Aside from the cannon balls and bullets, the only relic of occupants of the fort was the metal head of a banner staff, dug up several years ago in the garden of G. A. Perkins; unfortunately it was captured and carried away by an overzealous "Red Man."
The following letter is a good resumé of the expedition ; the letter of August 30 here alluded to has not been found.
"Fort Sullivan, at Tioga, October 1st, 1779.
"Sir,
"I have the honour to inform your Excellency that the Army under the Command of Genl. Sullivan arrived here last evening, after accomplishing the immediate objects of the expedition.
"The following is a small sketch of our proceedings since my last of the 30th August, (the day after Newtown action.)
"On the 31st The Commander in Chief, considering his small supplies of Provision for the Army, and the extensive business before him, was reduc'd to the absolute necessity of exposing his wants to the Army, and making to them proposals by which means he might possibly be enabled to execute the designs of the expedition.
"He informed the Army that he used every effort to procure ample sup- plies for them but thro' the inattention of those employed to furnish the neces- saries, he feared that without the greatest prudence he would not be able to com- pleat the great business expected from us.
"He proposed that Army should content themselves with half allowance of Provisions, Viz., Flour and Beef of each half a pound ; this proposal he requested should be laid before the Troops, and they to give their opinions with freedom thereupon. No time was lost in having this matter settled, and the sentiments of the troops were called for, who, to their everlasting honour be it spoken, with - out one dissenting voice, chearfully agreed to the request.
"This important point being happily settled, the army took up their line of March, and proceeded on their route to Katherine's town; after encountering a number of difficulties, occasioned by the badness of the road & want of a suf- ficient number of Pack horses, we arrived late on the night of the first Ulto., the savages having, no doubt, previous notice of our approach, had retreated, leaving a number of their effects and an old Squaw. After destroying the Town and Corn, and putting everything in readiness for a March, we proceeded on our route to, and arrived safe at Candai,-this place, after sharing, the fate of Kath- erine Town, we left to proceed for Kanadaiga, previous to our march, a white man, who had been made a prisioner last summer, made his escape and came to us, he informed us that the savages with the Tories, under Brand & Butler, with a reinforcement (joined since the action of the 29th, the whole about 1200,) had just left this place, and were determined to give us battle at Kanadaiga; from every Circumstance, both as to intelligence and the favourable situation of the place, we had every reason to believe they would make a favorable stand. On the 7th we arrived near the place, the greatest precaution was taken in advancing, on our way to Town we had the out-let of Seneca Lake to cross, and imme- diately after to enter an extensive & Difficult defile, which extended within one mile of Town, here we expected to meet with som obstinate opposition, but we were suffered to pass through unmolested. A disposition for attacking the Town was then made, the situation of it being such as to leave little room to doubt an opposition, we accordingly advanced, but contrary to our expectations, it was evacuated, seemingly a very short time before our arrival, as their fires were left burning and a number of effects, with a small male white Child were found.
163
HUBLEY'S REPORT TO PRESIDENT REID
It was near dusk when we entered the Town, where we Encamped, without any Molestation, for this night. Here we Continued untill the 9th ; various opinions prevailed among the officers respecting our proceeding any further, on Account of the small Quantity of Provisions which we had then on hand, but the General with a considerable majority, resolved to encounter every difficulty to execute the important expedition and determined to proceed on with the scanty pittance, and accomplish the arduous task.
"We then proceeded on our route, passing thro' several villages, and on the 13th arrived at Kanaghias, from this place, Lieut. Boyd with a party of 26 men, chiefly from the rifle corps, was ordered, under cover of the night, to reconnoitre Gaghsuguilahery, a village about 5 miles this side of Jenise, a place at which we expected to meet with some opposition, on his arrival he found it evacuated, ex- cepting by a few straglers, one of whom they killed and scalp'd; the Army not coming as soon as Lieut. Boyd expected, he despatched several messengers, the first of whom brought us intelligence of the situation of that place but the last. Discovering several Indians as he was coming along, return'd to Lieut. Boyd and gave him information of it, who instantly pursued them, the savages pushing to- wards their main body, (of which Lieut. Boyd was totally ignorant) he found himself totally surrounded he had no other alternative but either to fight or to surrender, the former he chose, and after a skirmish of two hours, having 14 men kill'd, he & one private was taken, the remainder got off.
"It appeared from the situation of the savages, being the whole of Butler's & Brant's force, they intended to lay in ambush for our Army, the Country on which they had pitched being exceedingly well calculated for that purpose, but the arrival of Lieut. Boyd diverted them from their main object, by which means our main body escap'd a Capital stroke, (which would have been absolutely un- avoidable) which fell upon poor Boyd and his party.
"The main Army, for want of intelligence, was ignorant of what was pass- ing in front, untill about 12 o'clock, when the General received the first informa- tion, upon which the Light & rifle Corps immediately pushed forward, on our route we had a most difficult morass to pass over, which we got with the greatest difficulty, passing over one by one. We ascended the Mountain on which the Enemy lay but they left it with the greatest precipitation, leaving behind them a vast quantity of baggage, amoungst which was upwards of a hundred blankets.
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