LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF TIMOTHY MURPHY, BENEFACTOR OF SCHOHARIE INCLUDING HIS History from the Commencement of the Revolution — His Rencontres with the Indians — The Siege of the three Forts, and the preservation, by his unparalleled courage, of all their inmates — His Courtship and Marriage, and Anecdotes of his Adventures with the Indians, &c.
Light care had he for life and less for fame.
— Byron.
THE MIDDLEBURGH GAZETTE
Paul B. Mattice, Editor,
August 1, 1912.
PUBLISHER'S ANNOUNCEMENT.
After repeated solicitations we have been prevailed upon to reprint the history of him who shared so largely in the toils and dangers that wrought our countrie's liberty, and to whom the inhabitants of Schoharie county, in the times "that tried men's souls," are so greatly indebted.
The first edition of the "Life and Adventures of Timothy Murphy" was written by a Mr. Sigsby, a law clerk in the office of Hamilton & Goodyear, at Schoharie, N. Y., and was printed in 1839 by William H. Gallup, then editor and proprietor of the Schoharie Republican.
In 1863 a second edition was printed by Editor A. B. F. Pond of the same paper.
The many inquiries for those pamphlet editions, and the frequent expressed wish that some one would reprint it, especially since the unveiling of the Murphy monument in the Middleburgh cemetery October 17, 1910, has induced the publisher of The Middleburgh Gazette to once more give the public an opportunity to possess a memorial of one of the bravest men of the American Revolution.
THE PUBLISHER
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.
After a country has emerged from a state of degradation and vassalage to the highest degree of prosperity and happiness, its citizens too often forget the individuals by whose patriotism those blessings were acquired and preserved.
Rome forgot her Brutus — Greece her Epaminondas — Syracuse her Archimedes — and England her Alfred; and if such great and good men are not properly remembered and cherished, how much sooner will those who acted in an humbler sphere be forgotten!
The old adage that "Republics are ungrateful," has gone to the world.
It is too true that we are' prone to forget those who purchased Liberty with suffering, privation and even life.
Every man who lent his aid in that cause which emphatically tried "men's souls," was a link in the great chain which led to our civil and political liberty.
In that momentous and eventful struggle to which we allude, although some names sounded louder in the annals of fame, yet all were moved by the same general principles — all had the same objects in view, viz., the acquisition of civil, political and religious Liberty.
The lives of all were equally dear — yet if an officer perished, his kindred, his friends, aye, the nation would lament his fate, and the bright halo of glory would illumine his memory; but if the common soldier who faced the glittering bayonets of his country's foes, perished in the conflict he was frequently unhonored and unmourned.
Our motives in publishing this biography is to pluck those relics from the past history of our country, which are rapidly hastening to oblivion, and present them for the perusal of our patriotic and high-minded countrymen — to arouse anew that spirit of devotion to our country that burned in the veins of our ancestors, and which we trust in God has been transmitted to their posterity; and requires only the breath of reason to fan again into a conflagration, — to make us equally tenacious of our rights, and jealous of the 'sacred privileges that were secured with as pure blood as ever thrilled a mortal frame, to collect some of the multitudinous exploits of him who was "the bravest of the brave," and who combined within himself the valor of a De Kalb with the dexterity of a Marion.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
THE MIDDLEBURGH GAZETTE
Paul B. Mattice, Editor,
August 1, 1912.
LIFE OF MURPHY.
After a country has emerged from a state of degradation and vassalage to the highest degree of prosperity and happiness, its citizens too often forget the individuals by whose patriotism those blessings were acquired and preserved.
Rome forgot her Brutus — Greece her Epaminondas — Syracuse her Archimedes — and England her Alfred; and if such great and good men are not properly remembered and cherished, how much sooner will those who acted in an humbler sphere be forgotten!
The old adage that "Republics are ungrateful," has gone to the world.
It is too true that we are' prone to forget those who purchased Liberty with suffering, privation and even life.
Every man who lent his aid in that cause which emphatically tried "men's souls," was a link in the great chain which led to our civil and political liberty.
In that momentous and eventful struggle to which we allude, although some names sounded louder in the annals of fame, yet all were moved by the same general principles — all had the same objects in view, viz., the acquisition of civil, political and religious Liberty.
The lives of all were equally dear — yet if an officer perished, his kindred, his friends, aye, the nation would lament his fate, and the bright halo of glory would illumine his memory; but if the common soldier who faced the glittering bayonets of his country's foes, perished in the conflict he was frequently unhonored and unmourned.
Our motives in publishing this biography is to pluck those relics from the past history of our country, which are rapidly hastening to oblivion, and present them for the perusal of our patriotic and high-minded countrymen — to arouse anew that spirit of devotion to our country that burned in the veins of our ancestors, and which we trust in God has been transmitted to their posterity; and requires only the breath of reason to fan again into a conflagration, — to make us equally tenacious of our rights, and jealous of the 'sacred privileges that were secured with as pure blood as ever thrilled a mortal frame, to collect some of the multitudinous exploits of him who was "the bravest of the brave," and who combined within himself the valor of a De Kalb with the dexterity of a Marion.
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 Birth of Murphy.
Timothy Murphy, the hero of this narrative, was born in the town of Minisink, in the county of Sussex and State of New Jersey, in the year 1751.
His parents emigrated to this country from Ireland and settled in New Jersey some years previous to the commencement of the French and Indian war, where they remained until 1757; they then removed to the State of Pennsylvania.
Of his history previous to the Revolution we know but little, and have not been able to collect anything that will in the least interest the reader.
He had very little or no education, except such as was obtained from the pure study of nature.
He Enlists in the U. S. Service in 1776.
In the year 1776, when at the age of twenty-four, he enlisted in the United States service under Col. Morgan, the well known "old wagoner," as the British used to term him.
In the year 1778 he was engaged in the battle of Monmouth in New Jersey, and escaped unhurt.
After the battle of Monmouth, two companies, detachments from Morgan's riflemen, were sent to the northward under the command of Captain Long, to which Murphy was attached.
After the battle of Saratoga and capture of Burgoyne they were ordered to old Schoharie, where the Indians and Tories were murdering and carrying off in concert captives to Canada.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
THE MIDDLEBURGH GAZETTE
Paul B. Mattice, Editor,
August 1, 1912.
LIFE OF MURPHY, continued ...
The Birth of Murphy.
Timothy Murphy, the hero of this narrative, was born in the town of Minisink, in the county of Sussex and State of New Jersey, in the year 1751.
His parents emigrated to this country from Ireland and settled in New Jersey some years previous to the commencement of the French and Indian war, where they remained until 1757; they then removed to the State of Pennsylvania.
Of his history previous to the Revolution we know but little, and have not been able to collect anything that will in the least interest the reader.
He had very little or no education, except such as was obtained from the pure study of nature.
He Enlists in the U. S. Service in 1776.
In the year 1776, when at the age of twenty-four, he enlisted in the United States service under Col. Morgan, the well known "old wagoner," as the British used to term him.
In the year 1778 he was engaged in the battle of Monmouth in New Jersey, and escaped unhurt.
After the battle of Monmouth, two companies, detachments from Morgan's riflemen, were sent to the northward under the command of Captain Long, to which Murphy was attached.
After the battle of Saratoga and capture of Burgoyne they were ordered to old Schoharie, where the Indians and Tories were murdering and carrying off in concert captives to Canada.
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 ...
He Kills a Tory on the Charlotte.
The first service on which Murphy was sent, was in connection with a small body of riflemen under command of Captain Long, to take dead or alive a person strongly suspected of toryism, living on the Charlotte river, by the name of Service, who was not only torified in principle, but was an active agent of the British in aiding, victualing and secreting the enemies of the revolution.
When they arrived at his dwelling, they silently surrounded it, gathering closer and closer, till at length two or three made bold to enter the room in which he was, before they were discovered.
Service instantly stepped out of the door with them, when he was informed that they had orders to take him to the forts of Schoharie.
He appeared at first somewhat alarmed, and strenuously objected to the proposal, pleading innocence, and rendering many other excuses, but in the meanwhile was evidently working his way along from the door to a heap of chips lying between Murphy and one Ellison, a companion of his.
The reason of his approaching the chips so cautiously now appeared obvious, for on coming to the spot, he seized instantly a broad-axe and made a most desperate stroke at Murphy, which, however, by his keen vigilance, was eluded, and the fruitless attempt rolled back in vengeance upon its author.
Murphy stepped back, drew his faithful rifle to his face — a flash, a groan, and he lay weltering in his own blood with the axe in his hand, a victim of that retributive justice which watched over the fortunes of the revolution.
They returned not a little elated with the scalp of the notorious Service to the forts at Schoharie, where Murphy and his company remained during the winter, engaged at times in small parties of scouts, and at others stationed at the forts.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
THE MIDDLEBURGH GAZETTE
Paul B. Mattice, Editor,
August 1, 1912.
LIFE OF MURPHY, continued ...
He Kills a Tory on the Charlotte.
The first service on which Murphy was sent, was in connection with a small body of riflemen under command of Captain Long, to take dead or alive a person strongly suspected of toryism, living on the Charlotte river, by the name of Service, who was not only torified in principle, but was an active agent of the British in aiding, victualing and secreting the enemies of the revolution.
When they arrived at his dwelling, they silently surrounded it, gathering closer and closer, till at length two or three made bold to enter the room in which he was, before they were discovered.
Service instantly stepped out of the door with them, when he was informed that they had orders to take him to the forts of Schoharie.
He appeared at first somewhat alarmed, and strenuously objected to the proposal, pleading innocence, and rendering many other excuses, but in the meanwhile was evidently working his way along from the door to a heap of chips lying between Murphy and one Ellison, a companion of his.
The reason of his approaching the chips so cautiously now appeared obvious, for on coming to the spot, he seized instantly a broad-axe and made a most desperate stroke at Murphy, which, however, by his keen vigilance, was eluded, and the fruitless attempt rolled back in vengeance upon its author.
Murphy stepped back, drew his faithful rifle to his face — a flash, a groan, and he lay weltering in his own blood with the axe in his hand, a victim of that retributive justice which watched over the fortunes of the revolution.
They returned not a little elated with the scalp of the notorious Service to the forts at Schoharie, where Murphy and his company remained during the winter, engaged at times in small parties of scouts, and at others stationed at the 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 ...
The Indians Dread Him.
Murphy's skill in the desultory war which the Indians carried on gave him so high a reputation that, though not nominally the commander, he usually directed all the movements of the scouts that were sent out, and on many important occasions, as the reader in the course of this work will perceive, the commanding officers found it dangerous to neglect his advice.
His double-barrelled rifle, his skill as a marksman, and his fleetness either in retreat or pursuit, made him an object both of dread and of vengeance to the Indians.
He fought them in their own way and with their own weapons.
Sometimes habited in the dress of the Indian, with his face painted, he would pass among them, making important discoveries as to their strength and designs without detection.
He early learned to speak the Indian language, which, of course, was of great service to him.
He Goes to the Mohawk.
During the succeeding winter, the Indians were continually on the alert.
They generally formed themselves into small parties, and a particular portion of country was assigned to a certain party of Indians for their destruction.
At this time the German flats, or that portion of country lying on either side of the Mohawk between Utica and Schenectady, was their more immediate sphere of action.
Murphy, together with a small party of riflemen, were ordered to that part of the country to watch, and to prevent, if possible, the destruction of human life and devastation of property, then so rapidly being made by the inhuman savages.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
THE MIDDLEBURGH GAZETTE
Paul B. Mattice, Editor,
August 1, 1912.
LIFE OF MURPHY, continued ...
The Indians Dread Him.
Murphy's skill in the desultory war which the Indians carried on gave him so high a reputation that, though not nominally the commander, he usually directed all the movements of the scouts that were sent out, and on many important occasions, as the reader in the course of this work will perceive, the commanding officers found it dangerous to neglect his advice.
His double-barrelled rifle, his skill as a marksman, and his fleetness either in retreat or pursuit, made him an object both of dread and of vengeance to the Indians.
He fought them in their own way and with their own weapons.
Sometimes habited in the dress of the Indian, with his face painted, he would pass among them, making important discoveries as to their strength and designs without detection.
He early learned to speak the Indian language, which, of course, was of great service to him.
He Goes to the Mohawk.
During the succeeding winter, the Indians were continually on the alert.
They generally formed themselves into small parties, and a particular portion of country was assigned to a certain party of Indians for their destruction.
At this time the German flats, or that portion of country lying on either side of the Mohawk between Utica and Schenectady, was their more immediate sphere of action.
Murphy, together with a small party of riflemen, were ordered to that part of the country to watch, and to prevent, if possible, the destruction of human life and devastation of property, then so rapidly being made by the inhuman savages.
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 ...
A Narrow Escape.
It was on this occasion that Murphy and two other individuals had strayed from the main party to which they were attached, and were rambHng about among the woods and brush studying the plans and watching the movements of the Indians.
They had not been long separated from the main party when they discovered a number of Indians skulking about among the weeds and brush, apparently watching the movements of Murphy and his companions.
They had proceeded but a short distance further when they saw two Indians sitting upon the trunk of a masterly looking oak, with their backs towards them; they immediately fired, each brought his man, and then ran back to join the main party.
The report of the guns, and the death of their fellows, roused the revengeful blood of the savages, and they were almost instantly surrounded by a large body of them.
They fought like heroes, but were overpowered in numbers by the blood-thirsty demons, who, as it seemed, had at that moment risen from the very bowels of the earth.
At length Murphy saw his associates fall one after another till there were at this period till there were but a few left; Murphy made a rush to pass the Indians, and himself and six others succeeded.
Murphy ran with all possible speed, but the weeds and brush through which he had to pass prevented in a measure his progress; however, by jumping up and over the weeds, and being very expert in running, he easily outstripped all the Indians, except one, who he turned to shoot several times, but believing his gun unloaded he determined to reserve his fire for the last exigency.
Murphy succeeded in eluding the vigilance of the Indian, and secreted himself in a very dense collection of weeds, and there lay until the Indians came up and stood some distance from him.
The Indian that first pursued him now bent forward, and pointing in the direction in which he lay exclaimed to his companions, "kong gwa," which in English means "that way."
Murphy jumped up and ran as fast as his limbs would carry him; the Indians fired several times at him, but with no effect.
He finally succeeded in getting entirely out of their view, and being from fatigue unable to proceed further, he secreted himself behind a large log.
The Indians came up to very near him, but supposing him to have passed on, they turned and went back.
There was one circumstance that happened during the heat of the afifray at which, though surrounded by the dead and dying, and not much hope of a better fate, Murphy, as he himself states, could not refrain from laughing.
It appears that there was among the Indians a negro, and an Irishman on the other side.
The Paddy was chasing the poor negro with a long butcher knife, and every now and then making a desperate thrust at the most sensitive part of the poor fellow's seat of honor.
Murphy afterwards inquired of the Paddy why he wished to kill the unarmed black.
"Becase," he said, "the davlish naggar had no buasness to run afore me."'
TO BE CONTINUED ...
THE MIDDLEBURGH GAZETTE
Paul B. Mattice, Editor,
August 1, 1912.
LIFE OF MURPHY, continued ...
A Narrow Escape.
It was on this occasion that Murphy and two other individuals had strayed from the main party to which they were attached, and were rambHng about among the woods and brush studying the plans and watching the movements of the Indians.
They had not been long separated from the main party when they discovered a number of Indians skulking about among the weeds and brush, apparently watching the movements of Murphy and his companions.
They had proceeded but a short distance further when they saw two Indians sitting upon the trunk of a masterly looking oak, with their backs towards them; they immediately fired, each brought his man, and then ran back to join the main party.
The report of the guns, and the death of their fellows, roused the revengeful blood of the savages, and they were almost instantly surrounded by a large body of them.
They fought like heroes, but were overpowered in numbers by the blood-thirsty demons, who, as it seemed, had at that moment risen from the very bowels of the earth.
At length Murphy saw his associates fall one after another till there were at this period till there were but a few left; Murphy made a rush to pass the Indians, and himself and six others succeeded.
Murphy ran with all possible speed, but the weeds and brush through which he had to pass prevented in a measure his progress; however, by jumping up and over the weeds, and being very expert in running, he easily outstripped all the Indians, except one, who he turned to shoot several times, but believing his gun unloaded he determined to reserve his fire for the last exigency.
Murphy succeeded in eluding the vigilance of the Indian, and secreted himself in a very dense collection of weeds, and there lay until the Indians came up and stood some distance from him.
The Indian that first pursued him now bent forward, and pointing in the direction in which he lay exclaimed to his companions, "kong gwa," which in English means "that way."
Murphy jumped up and ran as fast as his limbs would carry him; the Indians fired several times at him, but with no effect.
He finally succeeded in getting entirely out of their view, and being from fatigue unable to proceed further, he secreted himself behind a large log.
The Indians came up to very near him, but supposing him to have passed on, they turned and went back.
There was one circumstance that happened during the heat of the afifray at which, though surrounded by the dead and dying, and not much hope of a better fate, Murphy, as he himself states, could not refrain from laughing.
It appears that there was among the Indians a negro, and an Irishman on the other side.
The Paddy was chasing the poor negro with a long butcher knife, and every now and then making a desperate thrust at the most sensitive part of the poor fellow's seat of honor.
Murphy afterwards inquired of the Paddy why he wished to kill the unarmed black.
"Becase," he said, "the davlish naggar had no buasness to run afore me."'
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 March to Otsego Lake and the Chemung River, Where He Shoots an Indian.
The next spring, Long's riflemen, to which Murphy was still attached, had orders to rnove under Colonel Butler, in connection with other troops, in all amounting to seven hundred, to Springfield, at the head of Otsego lake, where they were to await the arrival of Gen. George Clinton, and the troops expected with him, all of whom when there concentrated were to pass down the Susquehanna, and form a junction with General Sullivan at Tioga Point.
The object of this arrangement was the destruction of the Indian tribes on the Chemung and Genesee rivers, who had so often been employed in small parties by the policy of the British government, to distress in a predatory manner the inhabitants of the frontiers, the leader of whom was Brant, so renowned for his warlike achievements in this part of our country, and who was alike notorious for his humane treatment to many of his prisoners, as well as his barbarity, and savage discipline, in inflicting the most cruel tortures on them, in their expiring agonies.
While encamped at some place unknown near the Chemung river, and previous to their joining the main army. Murphy obtained leave for himself and three others, by name Follok, Tufts and Joe Evans, to go out on a scout, to the Chemung.
They started in the morning of a fine July day; they traveled until four in the afternoon, at which time they arrived upon the lofty banks that overlook the Chemung river.
Making no discoveries, and finding nothing to interest them during their travel, and being some what fatigued, they determined to encamp for the night, and accordingly preparations were made.
The scene was passing fair.
A little in advance and directly in front of them rolled the Chemung river in all the pride and loveliness of nature; a little to the left and still beyond the river, was a vacant field, on which were scattered a number of cattle feeding upon the wild luxuriance of nature, which at some day had been the object of cultivation by beings equally as rude as nature herself.
They had not been long upon this proud eminence ere they espied three Indians towing a canoe up the rapids, one standing in the canoe steering it, one on the shore tugging away at a rope, and the other using a pole to keep the boat off the shore.
No sooner were they observed than Murphy turned to his companions and said: "I'm a notion to try the one standing in the canoe," and suiting the action to the word he drew up and fired, the distance being somewhat great, he had no expectation of doing effect, but to their utter astonishment he reeled and fell backwards into the river.
The other two Indians let loose the rope, dropped the pole and fled to the woods, not even looking behind to see from whence proceeded the bullet that proved so fatal to their companion.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
THE MIDDLEBURGH GAZETTE
Paul B. Mattice, Editor,
August 1, 1912.
LIFE OF MURPHY, continued ...
The March to Otsego Lake and the Chemung River, Where He Shoots an Indian.
The next spring, Long's riflemen, to which Murphy was still attached, had orders to rnove under Colonel Butler, in connection with other troops, in all amounting to seven hundred, to Springfield, at the head of Otsego lake, where they were to await the arrival of Gen. George Clinton, and the troops expected with him, all of whom when there concentrated were to pass down the Susquehanna, and form a junction with General Sullivan at Tioga Point.
The object of this arrangement was the destruction of the Indian tribes on the Chemung and Genesee rivers, who had so often been employed in small parties by the policy of the British government, to distress in a predatory manner the inhabitants of the frontiers, the leader of whom was Brant, so renowned for his warlike achievements in this part of our country, and who was alike notorious for his humane treatment to many of his prisoners, as well as his barbarity, and savage discipline, in inflicting the most cruel tortures on them, in their expiring agonies.
While encamped at some place unknown near the Chemung river, and previous to their joining the main army. Murphy obtained leave for himself and three others, by name Follok, Tufts and Joe Evans, to go out on a scout, to the Chemung.
They started in the morning of a fine July day; they traveled until four in the afternoon, at which time they arrived upon the lofty banks that overlook the Chemung river.
Making no discoveries, and finding nothing to interest them during their travel, and being some what fatigued, they determined to encamp for the night, and accordingly preparations were made.
The scene was passing fair.
A little in advance and directly in front of them rolled the Chemung river in all the pride and loveliness of nature; a little to the left and still beyond the river, was a vacant field, on which were scattered a number of cattle feeding upon the wild luxuriance of nature, which at some day had been the object of cultivation by beings equally as rude as nature herself.
They had not been long upon this proud eminence ere they espied three Indians towing a canoe up the rapids, one standing in the canoe steering it, one on the shore tugging away at a rope, and the other using a pole to keep the boat off the shore.
No sooner were they observed than Murphy turned to his companions and said: "I'm a notion to try the one standing in the canoe," and suiting the action to the word he drew up and fired, the distance being somewhat great, he had no expectation of doing effect, but to their utter astonishment he reeled and fell backwards into the river.
The other two Indians let loose the rope, dropped the pole and fled to the woods, not even looking behind to see from whence proceeded the bullet that proved so fatal to their companion.
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 Is Chagrined at Being Duped By a Boy.
In the morning they proceeded up the river for some miles, but finding few traces of Indians and discovering none, they crossed over the river, wheeled about, and commenced their march for the encampment, then about thirty miles distant.
They had proceeded on their backward course until they arrived opposite the place where the scene just related was enacted the day before, where they discovered at a distance a boy, apparently fifteen or sixteen years of age, in pursuit of cattle.
They hailed him, but he fled.
Murphy at the same time pursuing; he very easily overtook, and secured him prisoner; they then proceeded several miles into the woods, lit a fire and prepared for the night's repose; the boy whose hands were tied behind, was placed between Murphy and Tufts.
Sometime in the night Murphy awoke, and on raising up he discovered the boy, his rifle and moccasins among the missing.
He instantly sprang upon his feet, and gave the Indian war whoop, which by the way he mimicked to perfection, to arouse his companions.
Murphy, not a little aggravated at the loss of his rifle, moccasins and prisoner, and feeling himself chagrined at being duped by a boy of but fifteen years of age, immediately proposed that they should proceed in search of him; but his companions knowing the result if he persisted in so rash an undertaking persuaded him to abandon it.
What was to be done!
Murphy was without shoes or moccasins wherewith to cover his already tender feet, made so by his continual travel.
But that benign Providence who never fails to provide for emergencies had upon this all important occasion more than blessed Follok with a pair of leather breeches which, as soon as discovered, were sacrificed to the unmerciful treatment of Murphy's jack-knife.
His moccasins completed, they commenced in the morning their homeward course.
When they arrived at the encampment Murphy was thus accosted by an officer: "Murphy, where the devil is your rifle?"
He made no reply — the rebuke was too much for his naturally proud spirit to withstand, and he again determined to solicit for himself and companions the privilege of going in search of the lost rifle, which being granted, they commenced their pursuit.
The next day, about the same hour, and upon nearly the same spot of ground, they saw the identical boy driving cattle as before.
They followed on in the rear until they observed him to enter an obscure hut in a remote part of the wilderness.
They immediately entered the hut, where were some old women, and more than all, the wished-for rifle.
They took the boy once more and proceeded on their way back; when about five miles on their return they met a man on horseback, whom, after some close quizzing, they likewise took prisoner.
While crossing the river he threw himself intentionally into it; but on Murphy's drawing his rifle to his face, and threatening to shoot him through, he was glad to make for the shore.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
THE MIDDLEBURGH GAZETTE
Paul B. Mattice, Editor,
August 1, 1912.
LIFE OF MURPHY, continued ...
Murphy Is Chagrined at Being Duped By a Boy.
In the morning they proceeded up the river for some miles, but finding few traces of Indians and discovering none, they crossed over the river, wheeled about, and commenced their march for the encampment, then about thirty miles distant.
They had proceeded on their backward course until they arrived opposite the place where the scene just related was enacted the day before, where they discovered at a distance a boy, apparently fifteen or sixteen years of age, in pursuit of cattle.
They hailed him, but he fled.
Murphy at the same time pursuing; he very easily overtook, and secured him prisoner; they then proceeded several miles into the woods, lit a fire and prepared for the night's repose; the boy whose hands were tied behind, was placed between Murphy and Tufts.
Sometime in the night Murphy awoke, and on raising up he discovered the boy, his rifle and moccasins among the missing.
He instantly sprang upon his feet, and gave the Indian war whoop, which by the way he mimicked to perfection, to arouse his companions.
Murphy, not a little aggravated at the loss of his rifle, moccasins and prisoner, and feeling himself chagrined at being duped by a boy of but fifteen years of age, immediately proposed that they should proceed in search of him; but his companions knowing the result if he persisted in so rash an undertaking persuaded him to abandon it.
What was to be done!
Murphy was without shoes or moccasins wherewith to cover his already tender feet, made so by his continual travel.
But that benign Providence who never fails to provide for emergencies had upon this all important occasion more than blessed Follok with a pair of leather breeches which, as soon as discovered, were sacrificed to the unmerciful treatment of Murphy's jack-knife.
His moccasins completed, they commenced in the morning their homeward course.
When they arrived at the encampment Murphy was thus accosted by an officer: "Murphy, where the devil is your rifle?"
He made no reply — the rebuke was too much for his naturally proud spirit to withstand, and he again determined to solicit for himself and companions the privilege of going in search of the lost rifle, which being granted, they commenced their pursuit.
The next day, about the same hour, and upon nearly the same spot of ground, they saw the identical boy driving cattle as before.
They followed on in the rear until they observed him to enter an obscure hut in a remote part of the wilderness.
They immediately entered the hut, where were some old women, and more than all, the wished-for rifle.
They took the boy once more and proceeded on their way back; when about five miles on their return they met a man on horseback, whom, after some close quizzing, they likewise took prisoner.
While crossing the river he threw himself intentionally into it; but on Murphy's drawing his rifle to his face, and threatening to shoot him through, he was glad to make for the shore.
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 ...
He Recovers His Rifle. Returns to Schoharie.
They finally arrive safe at the encampment with their prisoners and lost rifle, when in a few days they joined the main army of Sullivan, which numbered in all about five thousand, and then proceeded west, burning and laying waste all the Indian settlements that lay in their reach.
After an absence of six months, and enduring many hardships and privations, Murphy and his company returned to the forts at Schoharie.
A Peril Wherein Our Hero Must Fight or Die.
There is one circumstance that transpired during his campaign to the west which we cannot omit to mention.
When near what is now called Canandaigua lake, Murphy with a company of some twenty other robust fellows was despatched round the upper end of the lake to destroy a small Indian village which was rapidly increasing.
After destroying the village and on their return to the main army, they found themselves almost instantaneously surrounded by a body of Indians, more than double their number, and led by the celebrated Brant.
What was to be done?
Murphy knowing Brant and judging what must be their inevitable fate if they fell into his hands, said to his companions "we must fight or die."
The war whoop was given and the savages rushed forward making the woods ring with their yells, as if the very lightnings from heaven had burst their bounds, and were spreading their deathlike gleams upon our little band.
They returned every attack with spirit and coolness and with as much effect as their situation would admit.
Murphy saw his companions fall one after the other until there were but five left; the contest not diminishing in the least in fury.
At one moment all hopes of escape seemed shut out, at the next prospects would brighten for an instant.
Their courage never for a moment forsook them; they struggled with desperation; death and the diabolical infliction of savage torture stared them in the face and they determined to sell their lives as dearly as possible.
At this juncture four of the party made a rush to pass the Indians; the savages immediately ran before them to prevent their escape, which left a vacancy behind, in which direction Murphy ran with the fleetness of a deer; he gained rapidly on them until nearly exhausted, when coming to a brush fence that stood at the top of a bank which descended to a fosse he jumped over and secreted himself directly under the fence; the Indians came up and one of them stood upon the fence directly above him gazing around (Murphy watching his eyes through the brush of which the fence was composed), for some minutes, when the Indian went back.
As soon as sufficiently rested he proceeded on his course to the army, which he reached after encamping one night without fire or a particle of food.
His companions doubtless were all sacrificed to the bloody tomahawk, as Murphy never heard anything of them to the day of his death.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
THE MIDDLEBURGH GAZETTE
Paul B. Mattice, Editor,
August 1, 1912.
LIFE OF MURPHY, continued ...
He Recovers His Rifle. Returns to Schoharie.
They finally arrive safe at the encampment with their prisoners and lost rifle, when in a few days they joined the main army of Sullivan, which numbered in all about five thousand, and then proceeded west, burning and laying waste all the Indian settlements that lay in their reach.
After an absence of six months, and enduring many hardships and privations, Murphy and his company returned to the forts at Schoharie.
A Peril Wherein Our Hero Must Fight or Die.
There is one circumstance that transpired during his campaign to the west which we cannot omit to mention.
When near what is now called Canandaigua lake, Murphy with a company of some twenty other robust fellows was despatched round the upper end of the lake to destroy a small Indian village which was rapidly increasing.
After destroying the village and on their return to the main army, they found themselves almost instantaneously surrounded by a body of Indians, more than double their number, and led by the celebrated Brant.
What was to be done?
Murphy knowing Brant and judging what must be their inevitable fate if they fell into his hands, said to his companions "we must fight or die."
The war whoop was given and the savages rushed forward making the woods ring with their yells, as if the very lightnings from heaven had burst their bounds, and were spreading their deathlike gleams upon our little band.
They returned every attack with spirit and coolness and with as much effect as their situation would admit.
Murphy saw his companions fall one after the other until there were but five left; the contest not diminishing in the least in fury.
At one moment all hopes of escape seemed shut out, at the next prospects would brighten for an instant.
Their courage never for a moment forsook them; they struggled with desperation; death and the diabolical infliction of savage torture stared them in the face and they determined to sell their lives as dearly as possible.
At this juncture four of the party made a rush to pass the Indians; the savages immediately ran before them to prevent their escape, which left a vacancy behind, in which direction Murphy ran with the fleetness of a deer; he gained rapidly on them until nearly exhausted, when coming to a brush fence that stood at the top of a bank which descended to a fosse he jumped over and secreted himself directly under the fence; the Indians came up and one of them stood upon the fence directly above him gazing around (Murphy watching his eyes through the brush of which the fence was composed), for some minutes, when the Indian went back.
As soon as sufficiently rested he proceeded on his course to the army, which he reached after encamping one night without fire or a particle of food.
His companions doubtless were all sacrificed to the bloody tomahawk, as Murphy never heard anything of them to the day of his death.
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 ...
Everybody Has Confidence in His Skill.
Soon after, he returned to Schoharie, where he was greeted with joy and exultation by every patriot of his county.
The women felt themselves secure under his protection.
The men, knowing his superiority and skill in tracing and ferreting out the Indians on all occasions, submitted to his judgment and command; and finally when there seemed to be a general panic previous to his return, there was a sudden change as if by magic at beholding the noble and fearless countenance of Tim Murphy.
Nor were the Indians less surprised at finding their daring opposer often crossing their trails, and frustrating their plans.
They fled at his approach, trembled lest his bullet should find from a secret covert a hiding place in their breasts, and feared, perhaps, that his spirit would haunt them in an evil hour.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
THE MIDDLEBURGH GAZETTE
Paul B. Mattice, Editor,
August 1, 1912.
LIFE OF MURPHY, continued ...
Everybody Has Confidence in His Skill.
Soon after, he returned to Schoharie, where he was greeted with joy and exultation by every patriot of his county.
The women felt themselves secure under his protection.
The men, knowing his superiority and skill in tracing and ferreting out the Indians on all occasions, submitted to his judgment and command; and finally when there seemed to be a general panic previous to his return, there was a sudden change as if by magic at beholding the noble and fearless countenance of Tim Murphy.
Nor were the Indians less surprised at finding their daring opposer often crossing their trails, and frustrating their plans.
They fled at his approach, trembled lest his bullet should find from a secret covert a hiding place in their breasts, and feared, perhaps, that his spirit would haunt them in an evil hour.
TO BE CONTINUED ...