LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF TIMOTHY MURPHY, BENEFACTOR OF SCHOHARIE, continued ...
THE MIDDLEBURGH GAZETTE
Paul B. Mattice, Editor,
August 1, 1912.
LIFE OF MURPHY, continued ...
The Great Indian Killer at Last Falls in Love.
Soon after our hero came to Schoharie with a detachment of Morgan's riflemen, he obtained permission to go on a scout through the delightful vale of Fulton.
It was in the spring, and all nature was waking from the icy lethargy of winter.
The Onistagrawa was shaded with various hues as the sun was dancing on its brow.
The snow had melted on the plain below, yet small banks might be seen along the hedges and in the forest around.
A few rude houses and barns were to be seen at intervals, which he eyed with apparent suspicion.
Now he gazed on the adjacent mountain, now on the vale around, as he passed leisurely along.
He advanced until he arrived where his sons Jacob and Peter now reside, when his attention was arrested by
"A rose complexioned lass,
Nimbly tripping through the grass.''
with a milk pail on her arm.
He stood perfectly still and saw her pass towards a barn where cattle were feeding.
She stepped off with all the poetry of motion imaginable.
How unlike the mincing step of coquettry!
Like Milton's Eve,
"Grace was in her step and in her action
Loveliness."
Her dress was exceedingly plain, in accordance with the fashion which then prevailed, and which was admirably calculated for the exhibition of exquisitely chiselled form to the best advantage.
A handkerchief white as her lily hand was tied loosely over her head.
Her hair did not hang in ringlets — by no means — but was carefully and neatly done up.
Neither was her waist girted small as a city belle's, but was of a proper size, or to be more specific, an armful!
Her eyes were not diamonds, nor were her teeth pearl; yet we defy all Christendom to produce a brighter pair of eyes or a finer set of teeth than were possessed by Miss Peggy Feeck.
In short, she was not such a girl as would make fifty lovers commit suicide, and after all die an old maid.
But was one whom you would love for her artless innocence and real beauty.
As Walcott justly observes:
"The dullest eye can beauty see,
'Tis lightning on the sight;
Indeed it is a general bait,
And man, the fish will bite."
As Murphy approached he thought almost audibly, "J------s, what a swate crature!" and slowly advancing, he bade her "Gude marning," and they were soon in familiar talk.
Reader, what do you think they talked about?
Not about the weather — nor about such a one's courting such another — nor about each other's appearance — nor about love — or any such trash.
But they conversed like persons of common sense on subjects of some importance.
Her conversation pleased him extremely and time passed with unusual velocity, until she arose to return, when she very politely invited him to walk along and take breakfast, which request he as politely accepted.
A hearty breakfast was prepared in the true Dutch style, and after indulging some chat with the "old folks" (which was somewhat difficult, as they had but a partial knowledge of English, and he less of Dutch) he departed, not, however, without a request to "call again."
TO BE CONTINUED ...
THE LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF TIMOTHY MURPHY
Re: THE LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF TIMOTHY MURPHY
LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF TIMOTHY MURPHY, BENEFACTOR OF SCHOHARIE, continued ...
THE MIDDLEBURGH GAZETTE
Paul B. Mattice, Editor,
August 1, 1912.
LIFE OF MURPHY, continued ...
"True Love Never Did Run Smooth."
Here an old lady remarked, with a knowing twist of the head, that Murphy frequently passed in that direction as he went on a scout.
Whether he went to see the romantic scenery in that region, or in pursuit of Indians or to see
"That lovely being gently formed and moulded,
A rose with all its sweetness just unfolded;"
we leave for the prolific imagination of the reader to determine.
At length her parents considering his visits rather too frequent, directed her to inform him peremptorily that they were not acceptable.
But little were they aware that their affections had already been pledged, and less were they aware of the moral courage and determination of a girl in the vigor of youth who has fixed her love.
Byron tells the truth when he says:
"The tree
Rent from its forest root of years, the river
Dammed from its fountain; the child from the knee
And breast maternal, weaned at once forever,
Would wither less than these two torn apart —
Alas, there is no instinct like the heart."
What could she do?
Should he be sacrificed to the avarice and cupidity of parents?
No!
"Sooner let earth, sea, air to chaos fall;
Men, monkeys, lapdogs, parrots, perish all."
She informed him, with alternate sobs and tears, of her parents' resolution.
Murphy was thunderstruck — not a word was spoken for some moments, when after making a single request that they should meet again at a time and place specified, he hastily departed.
As he was returning towards the forts he reflected, why this unkind prohibition?
At length the thought struck him — it was because he was poor.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
THE MIDDLEBURGH GAZETTE
Paul B. Mattice, Editor,
August 1, 1912.
LIFE OF MURPHY, continued ...
"True Love Never Did Run Smooth."
Here an old lady remarked, with a knowing twist of the head, that Murphy frequently passed in that direction as he went on a scout.
Whether he went to see the romantic scenery in that region, or in pursuit of Indians or to see
"That lovely being gently formed and moulded,
A rose with all its sweetness just unfolded;"
we leave for the prolific imagination of the reader to determine.
At length her parents considering his visits rather too frequent, directed her to inform him peremptorily that they were not acceptable.
But little were they aware that their affections had already been pledged, and less were they aware of the moral courage and determination of a girl in the vigor of youth who has fixed her love.
Byron tells the truth when he says:
"The tree
Rent from its forest root of years, the river
Dammed from its fountain; the child from the knee
And breast maternal, weaned at once forever,
Would wither less than these two torn apart —
Alas, there is no instinct like the heart."
What could she do?
Should he be sacrificed to the avarice and cupidity of parents?
No!
"Sooner let earth, sea, air to chaos fall;
Men, monkeys, lapdogs, parrots, perish all."
She informed him, with alternate sobs and tears, of her parents' resolution.
Murphy was thunderstruck — not a word was spoken for some moments, when after making a single request that they should meet again at a time and place specified, he hastily departed.
As he was returning towards the forts he reflected, why this unkind prohibition?
At length the thought struck him — it was because he was poor.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF TIMOTHY MURPHY
LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF TIMOTHY MURPHY, BENEFACTOR OF SCHOHARIE, continued ...
THE MIDDLEBURGH GAZETTE
Paul B. Mattice, Editor,
August 1, 1912.
LIFE OF MURPHY, continued ...
The Elopement.
Time passed with a heavy step.
Murphy endeavored to calm his feelings by continued action, and engaged in numerous skirmishes with invariable success, yet his downcast eyes in the midst of triumph indicated that something was wrong.
Alas, how true the exclamation of the poet:
"For mighty hearts are held in slender chains."
At last the night of their meeting arrived, and seating himself beneath a spacious oak he patiently waited to perceive the object of his pursuit.
A faint light was glimmering through a window — moments then seemed hours, as he sat reclining against the oak.
He waited half an hour longer, when the window was softly raised and his "lady love" peeped through, and on recognizing him, beckoned for him to approach.
After a serious consultation they came to the determination of being united by
"That silken tie that binds two willing hearts."
They agreed to meet at the same place a few weeks afterwards.
Murphy returned to the fort with a weight of lead from his heart.
He consulted confidentially with one of the officers, who applauded his gallantry and afterwards gave him permission to "any distance," in pursuit of a Dominie.
He accordingly went on the appointed evening in pursuit of his bride, and after a short time she escaped through the window in her best petticoat and short gown, and after she was seated behind him they departed as rapidly as convenient for the fort, where they arrived about daybreak.
They were received by the garrison with three cheers which made the welkin ring.
Murphy walked into the fort, escorting his prize, with as much pride as he would half a dozen Indians.
The girls all kissed sweet Peggy — the women admired her courage — and the men all declared she would make a good soldier!
But time was not to be lost; for already they might be pursued by the avaricious father.
They soon departed in company with a Wm. Bouck and a lady, in pursuit of a minister.
They arrived at Duanesburgh in the afternoon, where Dominie Johnson finished
"That consummation so devoutly to be wished."
They then returned to the fort, when they were again cheered by the soldiers.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
THE MIDDLEBURGH GAZETTE
Paul B. Mattice, Editor,
August 1, 1912.
LIFE OF MURPHY, continued ...
The Elopement.
Time passed with a heavy step.
Murphy endeavored to calm his feelings by continued action, and engaged in numerous skirmishes with invariable success, yet his downcast eyes in the midst of triumph indicated that something was wrong.
Alas, how true the exclamation of the poet:
"For mighty hearts are held in slender chains."
At last the night of their meeting arrived, and seating himself beneath a spacious oak he patiently waited to perceive the object of his pursuit.
A faint light was glimmering through a window — moments then seemed hours, as he sat reclining against the oak.
He waited half an hour longer, when the window was softly raised and his "lady love" peeped through, and on recognizing him, beckoned for him to approach.
After a serious consultation they came to the determination of being united by
"That silken tie that binds two willing hearts."
They agreed to meet at the same place a few weeks afterwards.
Murphy returned to the fort with a weight of lead from his heart.
He consulted confidentially with one of the officers, who applauded his gallantry and afterwards gave him permission to "any distance," in pursuit of a Dominie.
He accordingly went on the appointed evening in pursuit of his bride, and after a short time she escaped through the window in her best petticoat and short gown, and after she was seated behind him they departed as rapidly as convenient for the fort, where they arrived about daybreak.
They were received by the garrison with three cheers which made the welkin ring.
Murphy walked into the fort, escorting his prize, with as much pride as he would half a dozen Indians.
The girls all kissed sweet Peggy — the women admired her courage — and the men all declared she would make a good soldier!
But time was not to be lost; for already they might be pursued by the avaricious father.
They soon departed in company with a Wm. Bouck and a lady, in pursuit of a minister.
They arrived at Duanesburgh in the afternoon, where Dominie Johnson finished
"That consummation so devoutly to be wished."
They then returned to the fort, when they were again cheered by the soldiers.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF TIMOTHY MURPHY
LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF TIMOTHY MURPHY, BENEFACTOR OF SCHOHARIE, continued ...
THE MIDDLEBURGH GAZETTE
Paul B. Mattice, Editor,
August 1, 1912.
LIFE OF MURPHY, continued ...
The Father "a Day After the Fair."
The next day' her father came to the fort and with a long face enquired for his daughter, but finding he was "a day after the fair," he adopted, like a man of sense, the old motto that "discretion is the better part of valor," and surrendered this best prize ever captured by man!
Making true what Virgil sang two thousand years ago: Omnia vincit amor, et nos cedamus amori.
Or as Dryden freely translates it:
In hell, and earth, and sea, and heaven above,
Love conquers all, and all must, yield to love.
The Schoharie Forts Attacked by Sir John Johnson.
In the fall of 1780, the enemy, about 800 strong, under Sir John Johnson, made preparations for destroying the valleys of Schoharie and Mohawk.
The forces consisted of British regulars, loyalists, tories and Indians, assembled on the Tioga, and marched thence up along the eastern branch of the Susquehanna and crossed thence to Schoharie.
On the 16th of October they encamped about four miles above the upper fort.
It was their intention to pass the upper fort* at daybreak; as it was expected that the upper fort would be the first object of attack, they hoped to surprise the middle fort by this unexpected movement.
Sir John had ordered his troops to be put in motion at four in the morning, but from some mistake it was five before they began their march; consequently the rear guard was discovered by the sentinels of the upper fort and the alarm gun was fired, which was quickly answered from the other forts, and twenty riflemen under the supervision of Murphy were sent out from the middle fort to watch the motions of the enemy; they soon fell in with an advanced party, and retreated back.
The firing of the alarm gun disappointing the enemy, became the signal for them to commence the destruction of the settlement; houses, barns and stacks of hay were burned, and cattle, sheep and horses were killed or driven away.
* The remains of this Fort are still to be seen standing on the farm of William J. Pindar, in the town of Middleburgh. The Upper Fort was about five miles above and the Lower Fort about five miles below. The Lower Fort was built for a church, and is at present used as such. It stands about a mile north of the Court House. The Lower Fort is now (1863) the property of the State of New York, it having been transferred to the State by the Dutch Reformed Congregation who worshipped there until the year 1844.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
THE MIDDLEBURGH GAZETTE
Paul B. Mattice, Editor,
August 1, 1912.
LIFE OF MURPHY, continued ...
The Father "a Day After the Fair."
The next day' her father came to the fort and with a long face enquired for his daughter, but finding he was "a day after the fair," he adopted, like a man of sense, the old motto that "discretion is the better part of valor," and surrendered this best prize ever captured by man!
Making true what Virgil sang two thousand years ago: Omnia vincit amor, et nos cedamus amori.
Or as Dryden freely translates it:
In hell, and earth, and sea, and heaven above,
Love conquers all, and all must, yield to love.
The Schoharie Forts Attacked by Sir John Johnson.
In the fall of 1780, the enemy, about 800 strong, under Sir John Johnson, made preparations for destroying the valleys of Schoharie and Mohawk.
The forces consisted of British regulars, loyalists, tories and Indians, assembled on the Tioga, and marched thence up along the eastern branch of the Susquehanna and crossed thence to Schoharie.
On the 16th of October they encamped about four miles above the upper fort.
It was their intention to pass the upper fort* at daybreak; as it was expected that the upper fort would be the first object of attack, they hoped to surprise the middle fort by this unexpected movement.
Sir John had ordered his troops to be put in motion at four in the morning, but from some mistake it was five before they began their march; consequently the rear guard was discovered by the sentinels of the upper fort and the alarm gun was fired, which was quickly answered from the other forts, and twenty riflemen under the supervision of Murphy were sent out from the middle fort to watch the motions of the enemy; they soon fell in with an advanced party, and retreated back.
The firing of the alarm gun disappointing the enemy, became the signal for them to commence the destruction of the settlement; houses, barns and stacks of hay were burned, and cattle, sheep and horses were killed or driven away.
* The remains of this Fort are still to be seen standing on the farm of William J. Pindar, in the town of Middleburgh. The Upper Fort was about five miles above and the Lower Fort about five miles below. The Lower Fort was built for a church, and is at present used as such. It stands about a mile north of the Court House. The Lower Fort is now (1863) the property of the State of New York, it having been transferred to the State by the Dutch Reformed Congregation who worshipped there until the year 1844.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF TIMOTHY MURPHY
LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF TIMOTHY MURPHY, BENEFACTOR OF SCHOHARIE, continued ...
THE MIDDLEBURGH GAZETTE
Paul B. Mattice, Editor,
August 1, 1912.
LIFE OF MURPHY, continued ...
The Indians Approach.
The Indians, being in advance of the regular forces, were the first to approach the fort.
Murphy, whose eye was ever watching the enemy, had stationed himself in a ditch a few rods south of the fort that he might, unperceived, the better view the movements of the enemy.
The Indians approached to within about eighty yards of the fort when Murphy fired upon them, and as he arose the second time to fire, a bullet struck within a few inches of his face and glanced over his head, throwing the dirt in his eyes.
He then ran into the fort, not, however, without bringing to the ground another Indian.
The Attack. Inclination to Surrender.
About eight o'clock the enemy commenced a regular attack on the fort, which was returned with effect from the garrison.
The regular troops fired a few cannon shot and threw a number of shells, one of which burst in the air above the fort, doing no injury; another entered and burst in the upper loft of the fort, doing no other mischief than destroying a quantity of bedding and nearly frightening to death a little Frenchman who had fled to the chamber for protection, and came running down stairs, at the same time exclaiming, "de diable be among de fedders."
The interior of the fort was several times on fire, but was as often extinguished by the exertions of the women.
The Indians retreated behind a row of willow trees, and kept up a constant fire, but at too great a distance to do effect.
In the fort all was gloom and despondency; the garrison only amounted to 150 regular troops and about 100 militia.
The ammunition was nearly exhausted — to attempt to defend the fort appeared to be madness; to surrender was to deliver up themselves, their wives and children to immediate death, or at least to a long captivity.
Major Wolsey, who commanded the fort, was inclined to surrender on the first appearance of the enemy, but was prevented by the officers of the militia, who resolved to defend the fort or die in the contest.
Wolsey's presence of mind forsook him in the hour of danger; he concealed himself at first with the women and children in the house, and when driven out by the ridicule of his new associates he crawled around the entrenchments on his hands and knees, amid the jeers and bravos of the militia, who felt their courage revive as their laughter was excited by the cowardice of the major.
In times of extreme danger everything which has a tendency to destroy reflection by exciting risibility has a good effect.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
THE MIDDLEBURGH GAZETTE
Paul B. Mattice, Editor,
August 1, 1912.
LIFE OF MURPHY, continued ...
The Indians Approach.
The Indians, being in advance of the regular forces, were the first to approach the fort.
Murphy, whose eye was ever watching the enemy, had stationed himself in a ditch a few rods south of the fort that he might, unperceived, the better view the movements of the enemy.
The Indians approached to within about eighty yards of the fort when Murphy fired upon them, and as he arose the second time to fire, a bullet struck within a few inches of his face and glanced over his head, throwing the dirt in his eyes.
He then ran into the fort, not, however, without bringing to the ground another Indian.
The Attack. Inclination to Surrender.
About eight o'clock the enemy commenced a regular attack on the fort, which was returned with effect from the garrison.
The regular troops fired a few cannon shot and threw a number of shells, one of which burst in the air above the fort, doing no injury; another entered and burst in the upper loft of the fort, doing no other mischief than destroying a quantity of bedding and nearly frightening to death a little Frenchman who had fled to the chamber for protection, and came running down stairs, at the same time exclaiming, "de diable be among de fedders."
The interior of the fort was several times on fire, but was as often extinguished by the exertions of the women.
The Indians retreated behind a row of willow trees, and kept up a constant fire, but at too great a distance to do effect.
In the fort all was gloom and despondency; the garrison only amounted to 150 regular troops and about 100 militia.
The ammunition was nearly exhausted — to attempt to defend the fort appeared to be madness; to surrender was to deliver up themselves, their wives and children to immediate death, or at least to a long captivity.
Major Wolsey, who commanded the fort, was inclined to surrender on the first appearance of the enemy, but was prevented by the officers of the militia, who resolved to defend the fort or die in the contest.
Wolsey's presence of mind forsook him in the hour of danger; he concealed himself at first with the women and children in the house, and when driven out by the ridicule of his new associates he crawled around the entrenchments on his hands and knees, amid the jeers and bravos of the militia, who felt their courage revive as their laughter was excited by the cowardice of the major.
In times of extreme danger everything which has a tendency to destroy reflection by exciting risibility has a good effect.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF TIMOTHY MURPHY
LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF TIMOTHY MURPHY, BENEFACTOR OF SCHOHARIE, continued ...
THE MIDDLEBURGH GAZETTE
Paul B. Mattice, Editor,
August 1, 1912.
LIFE OF MURPHY, continued ...
Our Hero Will Not Consent to a Surrender and Fires on a Flag of Truce.
The enemy perceiving that their shot and shells did little or no execution formed under shelter of a small building near the fort and prepared to carry the works by assault.
While the preparations were making, a flag was seen to approach the fort; all seemed inclined to admit it, when Murphy and Bartholomew Vroman, who suspected that it was only an artifice to learn the actual strength of the garrison, and aware that for them at least there was no safety in capitulation, fired upon the flag.
The flag retired and some soldiers were ordered to arrest Murphy; but so great was his popularity among the soldiers that no one dared to obey.
The flag approached a second time and was a second time driven back by Murphy and his adherents.
A white flag was ordered to be raised in the fort, but Murphy threatened with instant death any one who should obey.
The enemy sent a flag a third time, and on Murphy's turning to fire upon it Woolsey presented his pistol and threatened to shoot him if he did; but not in the least intimidated by the major's threat Murphy very deliberately raised his rifle, and pointing it towards him firmly replied, "I will die before they shall have me prisoner."
Major Wolsey then retired to his room where he remained until Colonel Vroman was despatched in search of him.
He was found covered up in bed, trembling like a leaf.
Colonel Vroman accosted him, "Was you sent here to sneak away so, when you are attacked by the Tories and Indians?"
"And do you mean to give up the fort to those bloody rascals?"
To which Major Wolsey made no reply, but consented to yield up the command to Colonel Vroman.
At this change of officers unanimous joy pervaded the whole fort.
And even the women smiled to behold the portly figure of Colonel Vroman stalking about the fort — directing and encouraging the soldiers in his melodious Low Dutch tones.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
THE MIDDLEBURGH GAZETTE
Paul B. Mattice, Editor,
August 1, 1912.
LIFE OF MURPHY, continued ...
Our Hero Will Not Consent to a Surrender and Fires on a Flag of Truce.
The enemy perceiving that their shot and shells did little or no execution formed under shelter of a small building near the fort and prepared to carry the works by assault.
While the preparations were making, a flag was seen to approach the fort; all seemed inclined to admit it, when Murphy and Bartholomew Vroman, who suspected that it was only an artifice to learn the actual strength of the garrison, and aware that for them at least there was no safety in capitulation, fired upon the flag.
The flag retired and some soldiers were ordered to arrest Murphy; but so great was his popularity among the soldiers that no one dared to obey.
The flag approached a second time and was a second time driven back by Murphy and his adherents.
A white flag was ordered to be raised in the fort, but Murphy threatened with instant death any one who should obey.
The enemy sent a flag a third time, and on Murphy's turning to fire upon it Woolsey presented his pistol and threatened to shoot him if he did; but not in the least intimidated by the major's threat Murphy very deliberately raised his rifle, and pointing it towards him firmly replied, "I will die before they shall have me prisoner."
Major Wolsey then retired to his room where he remained until Colonel Vroman was despatched in search of him.
He was found covered up in bed, trembling like a leaf.
Colonel Vroman accosted him, "Was you sent here to sneak away so, when you are attacked by the Tories and Indians?"
"And do you mean to give up the fort to those bloody rascals?"
To which Major Wolsey made no reply, but consented to yield up the command to Colonel Vroman.
At this change of officers unanimous joy pervaded the whole fort.
And even the women smiled to behold the portly figure of Colonel Vroman stalking about the fort — directing and encouraging the soldiers in his melodious Low Dutch tones.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF TIMOTHY MURPHY
LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF TIMOTHY MURPHY, BENEFACTOR OF SCHOHARIE, continued ...
THE MIDDLEBURGH GAZETTE
Paul B. Mattice, Editor,
August 1, 1912.
LIFE OF MURPHY, continued ...
The Enemy Withdraw.
The British officers now held a council of war, and after a short consultation withdrew, and then proceeded down the Schoharie creek, burning and destroying everything that lay in their way.
Soon after General Johnson departed towards the lower fort Murphy followed in his rear and secured prisoner a man by the name of Benjamin Buttons.
The loss of the garrison in this affair was only one killed and two wounded, one mortally.
It is not known what loss the enemy sustained, or why they retreated so hastily.
The true and most probable cause was the determined spirit of resistance manifested on firing upon the flag, lead them to suppose the defence would be obstinate.
The Tory leaders, satiated with blood, may have been unwilling to act over the tragedies of Wyoming and Cherry Valley.
The Indians and Tories Pass the Lower Fort.
A small body of men then left the middle fort under Colonel Vroman, and by a circuitous route reached the lower fort, just as the Tories and Indians were passing where the village of Schoharie now stands.
Several buildings which were there erected were burned to the ground.
When they arrived at the lower fort they showed little disposition to attack it, although its garrison did not amount to 100 men.
They separated into two divisions, the regular troops marching along the bank of the creek, and the Indians filing off a quarter of a mile to the east of the fort.
The regulars fired a few cannon shot without effect, one lodging in the corner of the church.
The Indians and Tories in preparing a small brass cannon received such a brisk and deadly fire from the fort, which so frightened them, that, they sunk their cannon in a morass and marched to where the road now runs, where they were joined by the regulars.
They then fired a few shots with small arms and the Indians approached near enough to throw their bullets into the tower of the church, where some marksmen had been stationed.
A discharge of grape drove them back, and passing over the Fox's creek they set fire to a house and grist mill, after which they proceeded to Fort Hunter.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
THE MIDDLEBURGH GAZETTE
Paul B. Mattice, Editor,
August 1, 1912.
LIFE OF MURPHY, continued ...
The Enemy Withdraw.
The British officers now held a council of war, and after a short consultation withdrew, and then proceeded down the Schoharie creek, burning and destroying everything that lay in their way.
Soon after General Johnson departed towards the lower fort Murphy followed in his rear and secured prisoner a man by the name of Benjamin Buttons.
The loss of the garrison in this affair was only one killed and two wounded, one mortally.
It is not known what loss the enemy sustained, or why they retreated so hastily.
The true and most probable cause was the determined spirit of resistance manifested on firing upon the flag, lead them to suppose the defence would be obstinate.
The Tory leaders, satiated with blood, may have been unwilling to act over the tragedies of Wyoming and Cherry Valley.
The Indians and Tories Pass the Lower Fort.
A small body of men then left the middle fort under Colonel Vroman, and by a circuitous route reached the lower fort, just as the Tories and Indians were passing where the village of Schoharie now stands.
Several buildings which were there erected were burned to the ground.
When they arrived at the lower fort they showed little disposition to attack it, although its garrison did not amount to 100 men.
They separated into two divisions, the regular troops marching along the bank of the creek, and the Indians filing off a quarter of a mile to the east of the fort.
The regulars fired a few cannon shot without effect, one lodging in the corner of the church.
The Indians and Tories in preparing a small brass cannon received such a brisk and deadly fire from the fort, which so frightened them, that, they sunk their cannon in a morass and marched to where the road now runs, where they were joined by the regulars.
They then fired a few shots with small arms and the Indians approached near enough to throw their bullets into the tower of the church, where some marksmen had been stationed.
A discharge of grape drove them back, and passing over the Fox's creek they set fire to a house and grist mill, after which they proceeded to Fort Hunter.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF TIMOTHY MURPHY
LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF TIMOTHY MURPHY, BENEFACTOR OF SCHOHARIE, continued ...
THE MIDDLEBURGH GAZETTE
Paul B. Mattice, Editor,
August 1, 1912.
LIFE OF MURPHY, continued ...
The Valley of Schoharie After that Day of Destruction.
The beautiful valley of the Schoharie creek presented a scene of devastation on the night of the 17th of October not easily described.
Houses, barns and numerous stacks of hay and grain were consumed; domestic animals lay dead everywhere over the fields; a few buildings belonging to the Tories had been spared, but Murphy, among others, sallying out, set fire to them in revenge.
After the burning of Schoharie this settlement ceased to be so much an object of Tory vengeance, and during the years 1781 and 1782, though there were frequent alarms, little damage was done by the enemy.
The savages appeared once in Cobleskill, burned a few buildings, killed one man and carried off five prisoners; but the body of the inhabitants had taken refuge in a fort which they had built on their return from Schoharie in 1771, and were safe.*
* We are indebted to the "Annals of Tryon County," for some parts of the foregoing description of the attack on the three Forts.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
THE MIDDLEBURGH GAZETTE
Paul B. Mattice, Editor,
August 1, 1912.
LIFE OF MURPHY, continued ...
The Valley of Schoharie After that Day of Destruction.
The beautiful valley of the Schoharie creek presented a scene of devastation on the night of the 17th of October not easily described.
Houses, barns and numerous stacks of hay and grain were consumed; domestic animals lay dead everywhere over the fields; a few buildings belonging to the Tories had been spared, but Murphy, among others, sallying out, set fire to them in revenge.
After the burning of Schoharie this settlement ceased to be so much an object of Tory vengeance, and during the years 1781 and 1782, though there were frequent alarms, little damage was done by the enemy.
The savages appeared once in Cobleskill, burned a few buildings, killed one man and carried off five prisoners; but the body of the inhabitants had taken refuge in a fort which they had built on their return from Schoharie in 1771, and were safe.*
* We are indebted to the "Annals of Tryon County," for some parts of the foregoing description of the attack on the three Forts.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF TIMOTHY MURPHY
LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF TIMOTHY MURPHY, BENEFACTOR OF SCHOHARIE, continued ...
THE MIDDLEBURGH GAZETTE
Paul B. Mattice, Editor,
August 1, 1912.
LIFE OF MURPHY, continued ...
Murphy Shoots an Indian and Covers Him With a Fresh Deer Skin. The Consequence. He Outwits Another Indian and Kills Him and Skins His Legs to Make a Pair of Breeches. The Indians Believe Him Leagued With the Wicked Spirit.
Soon after Sir John Johnson passed through Schoharie, Murphy and his three friends, Follok, Tufts and Evans, went over the hills of Summit.
Murphy by some mishap strayed from the rest and wandered in the woods; he at length saw an Indian skinning a deer which he had recently killed.
Murphy, being unperceived, took aim and shot the Indian through the head, who, reeling, fell beside the deer.
He then ran up, took off the Indian's scalp, and laying him over a log placed the deer's skin over him in such a manner as to make it appear at a short distance like a large deer.
This was scarcely done before he heard a rustling in the leaves a few rods off; as quick as thought he crawled among the bushes and thick weeds near, where he could see distinctly three Indians moving their heads about as if doubtful of what had the appearance of a deer.
Finally, one of them fired at the supposed deer, and rushing up what was their chagrin at discovering that they had shot one of their fellows!
They gave several doleful yells to call others and stood, grinding on their teeth and gesticulating wildly.
Murphy, fearing that they might discover him soon or that others might arrive, concluded it best to shoot one and hazard a running fight with the other two.
He accordingly fired, brought down his man — and rushed behind a very large tree.
Before they had recovered from their panic he discharged his other rifle barrel and mortally wounded a second.
The only remaining Indian fired; the ball passed through the bark of one side of the tree within a few inches of Murphy's face.
The Indian then seized a rifle from one who was rolling and howling over the ground.
By this time Murphy had reloaded his rifle and both of them sprang behind trees some fifty yards apart.
The moment one looked out the rifle of the other was raised and the head immediately drawn back.
At last Murphy put his hat on the end of his ramrod and pushed it slowly to the side of the tree.
The Indian immediately fired — his ball passed through the center of his hat.
The hat was then dropped, when the Indian rushed up with a hatchet and scalping knife.
Murphy fired — he staggered a few paces forward and fell down dead.
The Indian was very large and powerful, and Murphy being exceedingly angry, skinned his legs and drew it over his long stockings.
He then went in pursuit of his companions.
He was unable to find them, and about ten o'clock at night he stopped and kindled a fire on the side of a little rivulet, where he roasted a small piece of the deer which he had carried in his pocket.
He had also a small biscuit, which he ate with his meat.
After his repast he procured water from the brook, with which he extinguished the fire.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
THE MIDDLEBURGH GAZETTE
Paul B. Mattice, Editor,
August 1, 1912.
LIFE OF MURPHY, continued ...
Murphy Shoots an Indian and Covers Him With a Fresh Deer Skin. The Consequence. He Outwits Another Indian and Kills Him and Skins His Legs to Make a Pair of Breeches. The Indians Believe Him Leagued With the Wicked Spirit.
Soon after Sir John Johnson passed through Schoharie, Murphy and his three friends, Follok, Tufts and Evans, went over the hills of Summit.
Murphy by some mishap strayed from the rest and wandered in the woods; he at length saw an Indian skinning a deer which he had recently killed.
Murphy, being unperceived, took aim and shot the Indian through the head, who, reeling, fell beside the deer.
He then ran up, took off the Indian's scalp, and laying him over a log placed the deer's skin over him in such a manner as to make it appear at a short distance like a large deer.
This was scarcely done before he heard a rustling in the leaves a few rods off; as quick as thought he crawled among the bushes and thick weeds near, where he could see distinctly three Indians moving their heads about as if doubtful of what had the appearance of a deer.
Finally, one of them fired at the supposed deer, and rushing up what was their chagrin at discovering that they had shot one of their fellows!
They gave several doleful yells to call others and stood, grinding on their teeth and gesticulating wildly.
Murphy, fearing that they might discover him soon or that others might arrive, concluded it best to shoot one and hazard a running fight with the other two.
He accordingly fired, brought down his man — and rushed behind a very large tree.
Before they had recovered from their panic he discharged his other rifle barrel and mortally wounded a second.
The only remaining Indian fired; the ball passed through the bark of one side of the tree within a few inches of Murphy's face.
The Indian then seized a rifle from one who was rolling and howling over the ground.
By this time Murphy had reloaded his rifle and both of them sprang behind trees some fifty yards apart.
The moment one looked out the rifle of the other was raised and the head immediately drawn back.
At last Murphy put his hat on the end of his ramrod and pushed it slowly to the side of the tree.
The Indian immediately fired — his ball passed through the center of his hat.
The hat was then dropped, when the Indian rushed up with a hatchet and scalping knife.
Murphy fired — he staggered a few paces forward and fell down dead.
The Indian was very large and powerful, and Murphy being exceedingly angry, skinned his legs and drew it over his long stockings.
He then went in pursuit of his companions.
He was unable to find them, and about ten o'clock at night he stopped and kindled a fire on the side of a little rivulet, where he roasted a small piece of the deer which he had carried in his pocket.
He had also a small biscuit, which he ate with his meat.
After his repast he procured water from the brook, with which he extinguished the fire.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF TIMOTHY MURPHY
LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF TIMOTHY MURPHY, BENEFACTOR OF SCHOHARIE, continued ...
THE MIDDLEBURGH GAZETTE
Paul B. Mattice, Editor,
August 1, 1912.
LIFE OF MURPHY, continued ...
Murphy Shoots an Indian and Covers Him With a Fresh Deer Skin. The Consequence. He Outwits Another Indian and Kills Him and Skins His Legs to Make a Pair of Breeches. The Indians Believe Him Leagued With the Wicked Spirit, concluded ...
He proceeded on a quarter of a mile farther where he crept in among the limbs of a tree that apparently had fallen a few days before.
In the morning, he advanced several miles when he was unexpectedly surrounded by a large body of Indians who had followed in his trail.
He shot down two who were on the side in which he wished to fly.
Several of the Indians fired and, as he afterwards often remarked, the balls whistled by him.
He ran with the utmost velocity, and after leaving them far behind he managed to reload his rifle as he ran.
But the skin of the Indian having shrunk, began to gall his legs, whereupon he took his hunting knife and ripped them off.
Yet his legs were so galled that his speed was greatly retarded, and he had not advanced more than two miles more before a dozen Indians were in view.
'Twas then that his courage began to forsake him; faint and tired he was ready to sink upon the ground.
The Indians kept getting closer and closer; when one of them (a Mohawk) called to him in broken English, "We've got you at last!" and coming up struck him a blow over the shoulders with the end of his musket.
It was that Murphy,
"Stood a foe with all the zeal
That young and fiery converts feel,
Within whose burning bosom throngs
The memory of a thousand wrongs."
and turning indignantly around, he dashed his brains out at a blow.
The others came up yelling like wolves sure of' their prey.
Murphy again plunged with his gun and the Indian's into the woods; but finding himself unable to run he stopped abruptly behind a tree and discharged his own and the Indian's gun.
On his firing a second time their superstitious fears began to rise, but when he fired a third time they were confirmed in their suspicions of his being leagued with the Wicked Spirit to destroy them, and believing that he could shoot all day they immediately decamped with all speed.
He did not stop for a scalp, but slowly wended his way towards the fort, where he arrived in safety.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
THE MIDDLEBURGH GAZETTE
Paul B. Mattice, Editor,
August 1, 1912.
LIFE OF MURPHY, continued ...
Murphy Shoots an Indian and Covers Him With a Fresh Deer Skin. The Consequence. He Outwits Another Indian and Kills Him and Skins His Legs to Make a Pair of Breeches. The Indians Believe Him Leagued With the Wicked Spirit, concluded ...
He proceeded on a quarter of a mile farther where he crept in among the limbs of a tree that apparently had fallen a few days before.
In the morning, he advanced several miles when he was unexpectedly surrounded by a large body of Indians who had followed in his trail.
He shot down two who were on the side in which he wished to fly.
Several of the Indians fired and, as he afterwards often remarked, the balls whistled by him.
He ran with the utmost velocity, and after leaving them far behind he managed to reload his rifle as he ran.
But the skin of the Indian having shrunk, began to gall his legs, whereupon he took his hunting knife and ripped them off.
Yet his legs were so galled that his speed was greatly retarded, and he had not advanced more than two miles more before a dozen Indians were in view.
'Twas then that his courage began to forsake him; faint and tired he was ready to sink upon the ground.
The Indians kept getting closer and closer; when one of them (a Mohawk) called to him in broken English, "We've got you at last!" and coming up struck him a blow over the shoulders with the end of his musket.
It was that Murphy,
"Stood a foe with all the zeal
That young and fiery converts feel,
Within whose burning bosom throngs
The memory of a thousand wrongs."
and turning indignantly around, he dashed his brains out at a blow.
The others came up yelling like wolves sure of' their prey.
Murphy again plunged with his gun and the Indian's into the woods; but finding himself unable to run he stopped abruptly behind a tree and discharged his own and the Indian's gun.
On his firing a second time their superstitious fears began to rise, but when he fired a third time they were confirmed in their suspicions of his being leagued with the Wicked Spirit to destroy them, and believing that he could shoot all day they immediately decamped with all speed.
He did not stop for a scalp, but slowly wended his way towards the fort, where he arrived in safety.
TO BE CONTINUED ...