History of the Mohawk Valley: Gateway to the West 1614-1925
Chapter 66: Nov. 10, 1778 — Cherry Valley Massacre., continued ...
The site of Fort Alden lies on the west side of the Cherry Valley Cemetery and on and across the highway on its front.
The fort's location is marked by cannon.
In the cemetery is a handsome monument erected to the memory of the victims of the Cherry Valley massacre and the Revolutionary heroes of the town, on the centennial of the massacre in 1878.
The many references to Brant's "humanity" sound ridiculous to the historian who follows his bloody career through the Mohawk Valley during the Revolution.
Joseph Brant led raiding expeditions through the Mohawk Valley which had for their objects the killing of the patriot men, women and children and the burning of their homes, barns and crops and the destruction or capture of their livestock.
The object was to eliminate human life and property in the valley, as far as the Whigs were concerned.
Brant led bands of Indian savages on these expeditions.
These barbarians went to war, not for the sake of King George and his cause, but for the pleasure of murdering, burning and plundering, which was the Indian warrior's highest ideal of pleasure aside from his delighted gambols around his burning and tortured victims.
Our own Nordic ancestors had much the same ideas of war and amusement some five thousand years ago.
However, it is ridiculous to conceive of Brant leading great bands of bloodthirsty devils against the Mohawk Valley and at the same time try to consider him as posing as a humanitarian among the bloody, screaming orgies which he planned and executed.
Where Brant saved one twenty were killed.
Brant had a keen sense of the theatrical.
However, with all his savagry and drunkenness, Joseph was not as much of a savage as his sister Molly, who begged Colonel Butler for the head of Colonel Stacey, second in command at Cherry Valley, that she and the other Indians at Niagara might kick it about the yard — Molly having a grudge against the patriot colonel.
Because our own remote ancestors were equally savage does not excuse a silly and sentimental attitude toward the beastly white Tories and the naturally savage and bloodthirsty Indians who ravaged our valley from end to end and left trail after trail of bloody corpses and of blackened ruins to mark their career of horror during the Revolution.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
HISTORY OF THE MOHAWK VALLEY
Re: HISTORY OF THE MOHAWK VALLEY
History of the Mohawk Valley: Gateway to the West 1614-1925
Chapter 66: Nov. 10, 1778 — Cherry Valley Massacre., continued ...
Col. Klock at the head of the Mohawk Valley militia and the commander of the Continental troops who came up from Fort Plain to the relief of Fort Alden and Cherry Valley, are accused by Captain Warren of slowness and timidity in not marching boldly to attack Brant's raiders.
Warren's diary follows, in which he accuses the relief force of lying in the woods until they were sure the enemy had gone.
The facts of the case are difficult to ascertain at this late day.
The Tryon County militia and its leaders showed no timidity on other occasions and it is hard to believe that they were guilty of anything of the sort.
It is undeniable that they were slow in coming to the relief of Fort Alden, but we are unfamiliar with all the circumstances.
The following is a diary of Captain Benjamin Warren of the 6th Massachusetts Regiment, commanded by Col. Icabod Alden, which was stationed at Cherry Valley at the time of the terrible massacre of November 11th, 1778.
The portion of the journal from the time of the regiment's arrival in August, 1778, until a short time after the massacre is here printed in full because it gives new light on the massacre, as well as some interesting description of scouting parties from Cherry Valley and details of the raid of 1778 at German Flats.
Captain Warren also makes the assertion that the Mohawk Valley militia, under Colonel Klock, marched up from Fort Plain and its surrounding posts and remained in camp within four miles of Cherry Valley until assured that the enemy had fled.
Warren's journal has had no prior publication in any Mohawk Valley history so far as the writer knows.
It certainly is one of our most valuable Revolutionary documents.
David E. Alexander in his notes on this diary (Journal of American History, Vol. 3, pp. 377-384) says:
"This is the remarkable narrative of a soldier's experience at the massacre of Cherry Valley in the American Revolution in 1778."
"It was recently revealed while searching through the manuscripts of the priceless Jared Sparks collection in the library at Harvard University."
* * *
"This is undoubtedly one of the most valuable contributions to American history, bringing as it does new evidence to bear upon one of the most terrible massacres in American warfare."
"Moreover the witness is one of the great Americans of the Revolution — Capt. Benjamin Warren, who it is said refused a generalship to fight in the ranks."
"His experiences on the battlefield of Saratoga, one of the fifteen decisive battles of the world, were recorded from his own manuscripts in the preceding issue of the Journal of American History (Vol. 3, pp. 202-216), with a brief biography of Capt. Warren."
"His experiences at the massacre of Cherry Valley add a new chapter to his career."
The following regarding Captain Warren is taken from the aforementioned source:
"Benjamin Warren was born in Plymouth, Massachusetts, on March 13, 1739, and was the son of Captain Benjamin Warren, the first of that family in America, who left Plymouth, England, and sailed on the Mayflower."
"He (Captain Warren) was a sergeant in Captain Abraham Hammatt's company."
"Warren was subsequently advanced to ensign and later lieutenant in the 25th Continental Infantry."
"In January, 1777, he became captain of the 7th Massachusetts Infantry, which, with other Massachusetts troops, served in the Saratoga campaign, during which Captain Warren wrote his famous diary of the decisive American victories of that period."
"He was later transferred to Colonel Ichabod Alden's Sixth Massachusetts Regiment, which was stationed at Cherry Valley at the time of the massacre, November 10th, 1778."
"Warren became a brigade major in 1781 and retired from the Service January 1, 1783."
"He died June 10, 1825, aged 85 years."
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Chapter 66: Nov. 10, 1778 — Cherry Valley Massacre., continued ...
Col. Klock at the head of the Mohawk Valley militia and the commander of the Continental troops who came up from Fort Plain to the relief of Fort Alden and Cherry Valley, are accused by Captain Warren of slowness and timidity in not marching boldly to attack Brant's raiders.
Warren's diary follows, in which he accuses the relief force of lying in the woods until they were sure the enemy had gone.
The facts of the case are difficult to ascertain at this late day.
The Tryon County militia and its leaders showed no timidity on other occasions and it is hard to believe that they were guilty of anything of the sort.
It is undeniable that they were slow in coming to the relief of Fort Alden, but we are unfamiliar with all the circumstances.
The following is a diary of Captain Benjamin Warren of the 6th Massachusetts Regiment, commanded by Col. Icabod Alden, which was stationed at Cherry Valley at the time of the terrible massacre of November 11th, 1778.
The portion of the journal from the time of the regiment's arrival in August, 1778, until a short time after the massacre is here printed in full because it gives new light on the massacre, as well as some interesting description of scouting parties from Cherry Valley and details of the raid of 1778 at German Flats.
Captain Warren also makes the assertion that the Mohawk Valley militia, under Colonel Klock, marched up from Fort Plain and its surrounding posts and remained in camp within four miles of Cherry Valley until assured that the enemy had fled.
Warren's journal has had no prior publication in any Mohawk Valley history so far as the writer knows.
It certainly is one of our most valuable Revolutionary documents.
David E. Alexander in his notes on this diary (Journal of American History, Vol. 3, pp. 377-384) says:
"This is the remarkable narrative of a soldier's experience at the massacre of Cherry Valley in the American Revolution in 1778."
"It was recently revealed while searching through the manuscripts of the priceless Jared Sparks collection in the library at Harvard University."
* * *
"This is undoubtedly one of the most valuable contributions to American history, bringing as it does new evidence to bear upon one of the most terrible massacres in American warfare."
"Moreover the witness is one of the great Americans of the Revolution — Capt. Benjamin Warren, who it is said refused a generalship to fight in the ranks."
"His experiences on the battlefield of Saratoga, one of the fifteen decisive battles of the world, were recorded from his own manuscripts in the preceding issue of the Journal of American History (Vol. 3, pp. 202-216), with a brief biography of Capt. Warren."
"His experiences at the massacre of Cherry Valley add a new chapter to his career."
The following regarding Captain Warren is taken from the aforementioned source:
"Benjamin Warren was born in Plymouth, Massachusetts, on March 13, 1739, and was the son of Captain Benjamin Warren, the first of that family in America, who left Plymouth, England, and sailed on the Mayflower."
"He (Captain Warren) was a sergeant in Captain Abraham Hammatt's company."
"Warren was subsequently advanced to ensign and later lieutenant in the 25th Continental Infantry."
"In January, 1777, he became captain of the 7th Massachusetts Infantry, which, with other Massachusetts troops, served in the Saratoga campaign, during which Captain Warren wrote his famous diary of the decisive American victories of that period."
"He was later transferred to Colonel Ichabod Alden's Sixth Massachusetts Regiment, which was stationed at Cherry Valley at the time of the massacre, November 10th, 1778."
"Warren became a brigade major in 1781 and retired from the Service January 1, 1783."
"He died June 10, 1825, aged 85 years."
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF THE MOHAWK VALLEY
History of the Mohawk Valley: Gateway to the West 1614-1925
Chapter 66: Nov. 10, 1778 — Cherry Valley Massacre., continued ...
Captain Warren, under date of September 3rd, 1777, mentions "that at Fort Stanwix the enemy had raised the siege and fled," but he makes no reference to the battle of Oriskany.
Extracts from Captain Warren's diary follow, relative to his arrival and stay at Fort Alden, Cherry Valley, and the massacre there on November 11th, 1778.
"July — Friday, 24th, 1778. This morning drew provisions, cooked and took wagons on the south side [Mohawk] river; loaded our baggage and marched for Cherry Valley, soon after we began our march, came on heavy rain; about four o'clock arrived at the garrison, which was a meeting house picketed in, with a large number of distressed inhabitants crowded in; men, women and children; drew some rum for the men and placed them in their several quarters; the inhabitants received us with the greatest tokens of joy and respect and it was like a general gaol delivery; they began to take the fresh air and moved into the nearest houses, from their six weeks confinement in that place."
"Saturday, 25th. This morning shifted my linen and went out, having a very good night's rest after our fatigue, having marched now one hundred and eighty miles with stopping but two days during the whole march; paraded our men; called the roll; took breakfast and went down to the garrison [fort], consulted with the officers the best method of fortifying and covering our men."
"They being distributed in barns."
"Sunday, 26th. This morning, after roll call, went down to the garrison and from thence to the Col. quarters; about eleven o'clock returned to the garrison, where we had a sermon preached by the Rev. Mr. Johnson from these words: 'Be of good courage and play the man for our people and to these cities of our God, and the Lord will do what seemeth Him good.'"
"Monday, 27th. I was officer of the day to inspect the guards and relieve Capt. Colburn."
"Tuesday, 28th. This morning it rained; did not go on the parade; about 12 o'clock Ensign Charles went with a party to guard the waggons down the [Mohawk] river after provisions."
Nothing material or worthy of notice until August 10th; in the interim Col. Alden arrived.
"August 10th. On this day received intelligence of Brant and his party's design of attacking this garrison, by an express from Gen. Stark, in consequence of which Capt. Ballard with a party of 60 men was sent out to make discovery, who went to the butternuts [Butternut Creek]."
"Took 14 tories of Brants party, collecting cattle, and about 100 head of cattle and horses, 40 sheep; all the troops on the ground were employed fortifying."
"August 16th. A small scout of six men went out near Tunalaefs [John Tunaeliffe, later Tunicliffe, at present Richfield Springs] fell in with a small party of Indians; killed one, but the rest escaped."
"[August] 19th. On receiving intelligence, by one of our scouts, that Brant and his party was to be at Tunaeliss, a party of 150 men commanded by Col. Stacy, marched by the way of Lake Osago [Otsego] came to houses about 17 miles and lodged there."
"[August] 21st. This morning about daybreak, paraded; marched through low and swampy ground; about ten o'clock crossed two creeks and twelve o'clock arrived on a mountain, looked down on Tunaeliss house; made no discovery of the enemy; sent a party each way to the right and left to surround the house; we then rushed down, found none of them, though a sumptious dinner prepared for the enemy, who, on our arrival at the house, fired a gun in the woods near us and some was seen to run off; the woman would give us no information but a lad, being threatened, informed that some Indians had been there that morning; we made good use of the victuals and proceeded to the foot of Schuyler's Lake; forded the creek and marched down to Schuyler's house, about nine miles; made no discovery of the enemy; lodged there."
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Chapter 66: Nov. 10, 1778 — Cherry Valley Massacre., continued ...
Captain Warren, under date of September 3rd, 1777, mentions "that at Fort Stanwix the enemy had raised the siege and fled," but he makes no reference to the battle of Oriskany.
Extracts from Captain Warren's diary follow, relative to his arrival and stay at Fort Alden, Cherry Valley, and the massacre there on November 11th, 1778.
"July — Friday, 24th, 1778. This morning drew provisions, cooked and took wagons on the south side [Mohawk] river; loaded our baggage and marched for Cherry Valley, soon after we began our march, came on heavy rain; about four o'clock arrived at the garrison, which was a meeting house picketed in, with a large number of distressed inhabitants crowded in; men, women and children; drew some rum for the men and placed them in their several quarters; the inhabitants received us with the greatest tokens of joy and respect and it was like a general gaol delivery; they began to take the fresh air and moved into the nearest houses, from their six weeks confinement in that place."
"Saturday, 25th. This morning shifted my linen and went out, having a very good night's rest after our fatigue, having marched now one hundred and eighty miles with stopping but two days during the whole march; paraded our men; called the roll; took breakfast and went down to the garrison [fort], consulted with the officers the best method of fortifying and covering our men."
"They being distributed in barns."
"Sunday, 26th. This morning, after roll call, went down to the garrison and from thence to the Col. quarters; about eleven o'clock returned to the garrison, where we had a sermon preached by the Rev. Mr. Johnson from these words: 'Be of good courage and play the man for our people and to these cities of our God, and the Lord will do what seemeth Him good.'"
"Monday, 27th. I was officer of the day to inspect the guards and relieve Capt. Colburn."
"Tuesday, 28th. This morning it rained; did not go on the parade; about 12 o'clock Ensign Charles went with a party to guard the waggons down the [Mohawk] river after provisions."
Nothing material or worthy of notice until August 10th; in the interim Col. Alden arrived.
"August 10th. On this day received intelligence of Brant and his party's design of attacking this garrison, by an express from Gen. Stark, in consequence of which Capt. Ballard with a party of 60 men was sent out to make discovery, who went to the butternuts [Butternut Creek]."
"Took 14 tories of Brants party, collecting cattle, and about 100 head of cattle and horses, 40 sheep; all the troops on the ground were employed fortifying."
"August 16th. A small scout of six men went out near Tunalaefs [John Tunaeliffe, later Tunicliffe, at present Richfield Springs] fell in with a small party of Indians; killed one, but the rest escaped."
"[August] 19th. On receiving intelligence, by one of our scouts, that Brant and his party was to be at Tunaeliss, a party of 150 men commanded by Col. Stacy, marched by the way of Lake Osago [Otsego] came to houses about 17 miles and lodged there."
"[August] 21st. This morning about daybreak, paraded; marched through low and swampy ground; about ten o'clock crossed two creeks and twelve o'clock arrived on a mountain, looked down on Tunaeliss house; made no discovery of the enemy; sent a party each way to the right and left to surround the house; we then rushed down, found none of them, though a sumptious dinner prepared for the enemy, who, on our arrival at the house, fired a gun in the woods near us and some was seen to run off; the woman would give us no information but a lad, being threatened, informed that some Indians had been there that morning; we made good use of the victuals and proceeded to the foot of Schuyler's Lake; forded the creek and marched down to Schuyler's house, about nine miles; made no discovery of the enemy; lodged there."
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF THE MOHAWK VALLEY
History of the Mohawk Valley: Gateway to the West 1614-1925
Chapter 66: Nov. 10, 1778 — Cherry Valley Massacre., continued ...
"August 22nd. About six o'clock this morning, paraded and marched down by Young's Lake, through Springfield that was burnt [in May, 1778] to Cherry Valley about 66 miles lower; received intelligence that the French fleet was gone to Rhode Island to cover the landing of their troops and to lay siege to that place."
"On the British General receiving intelligence thereof the English fleet pursued them; on which an engagement ensued, in which the English fleet came off with loss and returned to York."
"[August] 28th. This day was informed by a letter from Albany that the French fleet had returned to Rhode Island and had brought in 25 sail of vessels prizes, viz; one sixty-four, two frigates, a number of tenders and transports to make up that number."
"By an English paper in the House of Lords in June it appeared that, in 1777, the King of Britain had in the sea and land service in America 60 odd thousand and that, by the returns, it appeared that his army, by being killed, wounded and taken, had diminished in America 28 thousand."
"September, 1778. We sent a scout down to Tunadilla [Unadilla] who took three prisoners out of their beds and came off discovered; who gave information, on examination, Brant was to muster and arm his men the next day, and march for this place or the flats [German Flats]; that his party was about four or five hundred strong."
"The Col. on getting this intelligence, sent dispatches to the General at Albany, to German Flats and to Scoharry, which intelligence proved true; for about a week after the enemy came and attacked the flats in the night of the 17th, burnt most of the houses and barns with grain, and drove off most of their cattle; killed or wounded but few of the inhabitants, they fled to the fort, and notwithstanding the timely notice, through the negligence of Capt. Clark, they had few men in the fort [Fort Herkimer] and his still greater negligence in not giving us timely notice, when they did come the enemy escaped with most of their plunder."
"Immediately on our receiving intelligence, which was 24 hours after it was done, though but 12 [22] miles distant, Major Whiting went out with 180 men; who pursued them as far as the butternuts, but could not overtake them; he took three of their party, tories, and brought them in, with some stock they left in their hurry; meanwhile the enemy were at German flats, a party of our Oneida Indians went down from fort Stanwix; fell on Tunadilla, burnt and took the spoil and brought off a number of prisoners; some continentals they retook that were prisoners there."
"Brants party, fearing the country would be upon their backs, made what haste they could; a division of them arrived first at Tunadilla and found the place had been beset with our people and put off immediately; the other coming in, found part of their party gone off; left all and followed them to Niagara."
"Col. Butler of Scoharry sent down a scout and found they had fled; he marched with his regiment and riflemen and Indians to the number of 500 men immediately for Susquehanna."
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Chapter 66: Nov. 10, 1778 — Cherry Valley Massacre., continued ...
"August 22nd. About six o'clock this morning, paraded and marched down by Young's Lake, through Springfield that was burnt [in May, 1778] to Cherry Valley about 66 miles lower; received intelligence that the French fleet was gone to Rhode Island to cover the landing of their troops and to lay siege to that place."
"On the British General receiving intelligence thereof the English fleet pursued them; on which an engagement ensued, in which the English fleet came off with loss and returned to York."
"[August] 28th. This day was informed by a letter from Albany that the French fleet had returned to Rhode Island and had brought in 25 sail of vessels prizes, viz; one sixty-four, two frigates, a number of tenders and transports to make up that number."
"By an English paper in the House of Lords in June it appeared that, in 1777, the King of Britain had in the sea and land service in America 60 odd thousand and that, by the returns, it appeared that his army, by being killed, wounded and taken, had diminished in America 28 thousand."
"September, 1778. We sent a scout down to Tunadilla [Unadilla] who took three prisoners out of their beds and came off discovered; who gave information, on examination, Brant was to muster and arm his men the next day, and march for this place or the flats [German Flats]; that his party was about four or five hundred strong."
"The Col. on getting this intelligence, sent dispatches to the General at Albany, to German Flats and to Scoharry, which intelligence proved true; for about a week after the enemy came and attacked the flats in the night of the 17th, burnt most of the houses and barns with grain, and drove off most of their cattle; killed or wounded but few of the inhabitants, they fled to the fort, and notwithstanding the timely notice, through the negligence of Capt. Clark, they had few men in the fort [Fort Herkimer] and his still greater negligence in not giving us timely notice, when they did come the enemy escaped with most of their plunder."
"Immediately on our receiving intelligence, which was 24 hours after it was done, though but 12 [22] miles distant, Major Whiting went out with 180 men; who pursued them as far as the butternuts, but could not overtake them; he took three of their party, tories, and brought them in, with some stock they left in their hurry; meanwhile the enemy were at German flats, a party of our Oneida Indians went down from fort Stanwix; fell on Tunadilla, burnt and took the spoil and brought off a number of prisoners; some continentals they retook that were prisoners there."
"Brants party, fearing the country would be upon their backs, made what haste they could; a division of them arrived first at Tunadilla and found the place had been beset with our people and put off immediately; the other coming in, found part of their party gone off; left all and followed them to Niagara."
"Col. Butler of Scoharry sent down a scout and found they had fled; he marched with his regiment and riflemen and Indians to the number of 500 men immediately for Susquehanna."
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF THE MOHAWK VALLEY
History of the Mohawk Valley: Gateway to the West 1614-1925
Chapter 66: Nov. 10, 1778 — Cherry Valley Massacre., continued ...
"Oct. 1st. Col. Alden received orders to arrange his regiment agreeable to the new establishment, which takes place from 1st inst. Oct. in the following order:"
"1st. Capt. Ballard, Lieut. Lunt, Ensign Parker."
"2nd. Infantry Coburn, Lieut. Bufington, Lieut. Givens."
"3rd. Capt Day, Adjutant and Lieut. White, Lieut. Day."
"4th. Capt. Warren, Lieut. Maynard, Ensign Bragnall."
"5th. Capt. Reed, Lieut. Holden, Ensign and Paymaster Tucker."
"6th. Capt. Lane, Lieut. Peabody, Ensn. and Q. Master Kindry."
"7th. Capt. Lieut. Parker, Lieut. Trowbridge."
"8th. L: C., Lieut. Curtis, Lieut. Carter."
"9th. M: Lieut. Thorpe, Ensign Garrett."
"Lieut. Billings requested a discharge and Ensign Charles was dropt."
"Mr. Hicker was chosen paymaster and had an appointment in the lines, but declined; on which Ensign Tucker was chosen."
"By intelligence from Albany we learn that the Brest fleet had arrived on our coast."
"By a young man belonging to the [Mohawk] river, who was retaken at Tunadilla, we learn that Lieut. Maynard was very ill treated by the Indians."
"Ensigne arrived from Albany who brings us information that our regiment was talked of to take Gansworts [Gansevoort's] place at Fort Stanwix, but we thought that Vansoit's [Van Schaick's] would and we should march down in about three weeks."
"Mr. Smith, the Commissary of Massachusetts stores arrived, which was a welcome visitor."
"At the sale of the tory effects, I bought a horse for 85 dollars."
"Gave Lieut. Billings an order on Tobez Elwell to take any mare and dispose of her for me, if said Elwell had not sold her; if he had, Billings was to receive the pay for me and keep it till called for, or pay it to my wife at Plymouth."
"October 10th. It began raining and lasted until the twelfth and snowed so that considerable was left on the ground."
"October 12th. Cleared up and froze hard."
"13th. It continued cold and blustering; yesterday Serjeant Bartlett joined the company from West Point; informed that the regiment was likely to be removed from here soon; Mr. Hickens left the regiment to go down after money for the regiment, by which means the Artillery company was put under my charge."
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Chapter 66: Nov. 10, 1778 — Cherry Valley Massacre., continued ...
"Oct. 1st. Col. Alden received orders to arrange his regiment agreeable to the new establishment, which takes place from 1st inst. Oct. in the following order:"
"1st. Capt. Ballard, Lieut. Lunt, Ensign Parker."
"2nd. Infantry Coburn, Lieut. Bufington, Lieut. Givens."
"3rd. Capt Day, Adjutant and Lieut. White, Lieut. Day."
"4th. Capt. Warren, Lieut. Maynard, Ensign Bragnall."
"5th. Capt. Reed, Lieut. Holden, Ensign and Paymaster Tucker."
"6th. Capt. Lane, Lieut. Peabody, Ensn. and Q. Master Kindry."
"7th. Capt. Lieut. Parker, Lieut. Trowbridge."
"8th. L: C., Lieut. Curtis, Lieut. Carter."
"9th. M: Lieut. Thorpe, Ensign Garrett."
"Lieut. Billings requested a discharge and Ensign Charles was dropt."
"Mr. Hicker was chosen paymaster and had an appointment in the lines, but declined; on which Ensign Tucker was chosen."
"By intelligence from Albany we learn that the Brest fleet had arrived on our coast."
"By a young man belonging to the [Mohawk] river, who was retaken at Tunadilla, we learn that Lieut. Maynard was very ill treated by the Indians."
"Ensigne arrived from Albany who brings us information that our regiment was talked of to take Gansworts [Gansevoort's] place at Fort Stanwix, but we thought that Vansoit's [Van Schaick's] would and we should march down in about three weeks."
"Mr. Smith, the Commissary of Massachusetts stores arrived, which was a welcome visitor."
"At the sale of the tory effects, I bought a horse for 85 dollars."
"Gave Lieut. Billings an order on Tobez Elwell to take any mare and dispose of her for me, if said Elwell had not sold her; if he had, Billings was to receive the pay for me and keep it till called for, or pay it to my wife at Plymouth."
"October 10th. It began raining and lasted until the twelfth and snowed so that considerable was left on the ground."
"October 12th. Cleared up and froze hard."
"13th. It continued cold and blustering; yesterday Serjeant Bartlett joined the company from West Point; informed that the regiment was likely to be removed from here soon; Mr. Hickens left the regiment to go down after money for the regiment, by which means the Artillery company was put under my charge."
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF THE MOHAWK VALLEY
History of the Mohawk Valley: Gateway to the West 1614-1925
Chapter 66: Nov. 10, 1778 — Cherry Valley Massacre., continued ...
"About the first of November Gen. Hand who was ordered to the command of the Northern Department came to direct us to determine on the expediency of quartering troops here this winter."
"He called for a return of what ordnance stores, ammunition, atc. I had in the garrison; meanwhile an express arrived from Fort Stanwix, informing that one of the Oneidas was at a council of war of the enemies, in which it was determined to visit Cherry Valley."
"The General had the regiment turned out and reviewed them; he payed us a high compliment in orders and in consquence of the express, he went down and ordered Col. Klock to send immediately 200 men to reinforce us, which the Gen. wrote was to have been here the 9th of November and ordered up a large quantity of provisions and ammunition stores, which however did not come to hand nor any reinforcement of men and on Wednesday, the 11th about 12 o'clock the enemy to the number of 650 rushed upon us, surrounded headquarters and the fort immediately and pushed vigorously for the fort, but our soldiers behaved with the greatest spirit and alertness; defended the fort and repulsed them after three hours and a half smart engagement."
"Col. Alden in endeavoring to reach the fort was killed; Col. Stacy made prisoner together with Lieut. Holden, Ensigne Garret, the surgeons mate, and a serjeant, about 12 or 14 of the regiment; twelve of the regiment, beside the Col. killed and two wounded."
"November 12th. No reinforcements until about 9 or 10 o'clock."
"The Indians came on again and gave a shout for rushing on, but our cannon played brisk; they soon gave way; they then went round the settlement burnt all the buildings mostly the first day and collected all the stock and drove the most of it off; killed and captivated all the inhabitants, a few that hid in the woods excepted, who have since got into the fort."
"November 13th. In the afternoon and morning of the 13th we sent out parties after the enemies withdrew; brought in the dead; such a shocking sight my eyes never beheld before of savage and brutal barbarity; to see the husband mourning over his dead wife with four dead children lying by her side, mangled, scalpt, and some with their heads, some their legs and arms cut off, some torn the flesh off their bones by their dogs — 12 of one family killed and four of them burnt in his house."
"Sunday 15th. This day some provision arrived being the first supply after the first attack when we had not a pound for man in garrison, for four or five days but a trifle of meat."
"In the afternoon a scout we thought had been taken by them, a serjeant and eight men, arrived in safe."
"By some they took prisoners they let go again; informed they had a number wounded we saw a number of them fall, so that we have reason to think we killed more of them than they killed of our regiment, though they butchered about 40 women and children that has been found."
"It came on to storm before the engagement began; first with rain, but for this day past it has been a thick snow storm."
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Chapter 66: Nov. 10, 1778 — Cherry Valley Massacre., continued ...
"About the first of November Gen. Hand who was ordered to the command of the Northern Department came to direct us to determine on the expediency of quartering troops here this winter."
"He called for a return of what ordnance stores, ammunition, atc. I had in the garrison; meanwhile an express arrived from Fort Stanwix, informing that one of the Oneidas was at a council of war of the enemies, in which it was determined to visit Cherry Valley."
"The General had the regiment turned out and reviewed them; he payed us a high compliment in orders and in consquence of the express, he went down and ordered Col. Klock to send immediately 200 men to reinforce us, which the Gen. wrote was to have been here the 9th of November and ordered up a large quantity of provisions and ammunition stores, which however did not come to hand nor any reinforcement of men and on Wednesday, the 11th about 12 o'clock the enemy to the number of 650 rushed upon us, surrounded headquarters and the fort immediately and pushed vigorously for the fort, but our soldiers behaved with the greatest spirit and alertness; defended the fort and repulsed them after three hours and a half smart engagement."
"Col. Alden in endeavoring to reach the fort was killed; Col. Stacy made prisoner together with Lieut. Holden, Ensigne Garret, the surgeons mate, and a serjeant, about 12 or 14 of the regiment; twelve of the regiment, beside the Col. killed and two wounded."
"November 12th. No reinforcements until about 9 or 10 o'clock."
"The Indians came on again and gave a shout for rushing on, but our cannon played brisk; they soon gave way; they then went round the settlement burnt all the buildings mostly the first day and collected all the stock and drove the most of it off; killed and captivated all the inhabitants, a few that hid in the woods excepted, who have since got into the fort."
"November 13th. In the afternoon and morning of the 13th we sent out parties after the enemies withdrew; brought in the dead; such a shocking sight my eyes never beheld before of savage and brutal barbarity; to see the husband mourning over his dead wife with four dead children lying by her side, mangled, scalpt, and some with their heads, some their legs and arms cut off, some torn the flesh off their bones by their dogs — 12 of one family killed and four of them burnt in his house."
"Sunday 15th. This day some provision arrived being the first supply after the first attack when we had not a pound for man in garrison, for four or five days but a trifle of meat."
"In the afternoon a scout we thought had been taken by them, a serjeant and eight men, arrived in safe."
"By some they took prisoners they let go again; informed they had a number wounded we saw a number of them fall, so that we have reason to think we killed more of them than they killed of our regiment, though they butchered about 40 women and children that has been found."
"It came on to storm before the engagement began; first with rain, but for this day past it has been a thick snow storm."
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF THE MOHAWK VALLEY
History of the Mohawk Valley: Gateway to the West 1614-1925
Chapter 66: Nov. 10, 1778 — Cherry Valley Massacre., concluded ...
"Monday 16th. The snow continued falling and is almost knee deep on a level."
"The Col. was buried the 13th with — under arms with all the honors of war"
"Though there was 300 men between this and the (Mohawk) river, most of them together before we were attacked, yet they came within four miles and laid there until they were assured the enemy was gone off."
"Col. Butler, though near 40 miles off, marched and got near and would have been the first to our assistance, had we not sent him word they were gone off; we are here in a shocking situation, scarcely an officer that has anything left, but what they have on their backs."
"Tuesday 17th. The weather continued stormy; scouts were sent off, but no discovery made of the enemy near."
"Wednesday 18th. Nothing material; still stormy."
"Thursday 19th. A party of our men out discovered tracks on the mountains not far off."
"Saturday 21st. This day a scout from Col. Butler's came in from the river; informed that eight houses were burnt south west from fort Plank & 3 men made prisoners by the enemy; still stormy."
"Major Whiting got him a new house built and moved this day."
"Having cartridge paper come employed the Artillery men making cannon cartridges; received intelligence of Capt. Coburn's arrival at Albany with clothing for the regiment."
"I wrote to Major Desine to bring them forward immediately unless the Gen. should order us from this place, in consequence of our request for that favor."
"Sunday 22nd. This day by request of the Major, I took charge of a party to fix the guard house with chimney &c; wrote to the Gen. by request of the Major for a relief of the regiment and to have us join our brigade."
"Monday 23rd. From this to the end of the month, fatigue parties making —— —— —— round the fort."
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Chapter 66: Nov. 10, 1778 — Cherry Valley Massacre., concluded ...
"Monday 16th. The snow continued falling and is almost knee deep on a level."
"The Col. was buried the 13th with — under arms with all the honors of war"
"Though there was 300 men between this and the (Mohawk) river, most of them together before we were attacked, yet they came within four miles and laid there until they were assured the enemy was gone off."
"Col. Butler, though near 40 miles off, marched and got near and would have been the first to our assistance, had we not sent him word they were gone off; we are here in a shocking situation, scarcely an officer that has anything left, but what they have on their backs."
"Tuesday 17th. The weather continued stormy; scouts were sent off, but no discovery made of the enemy near."
"Wednesday 18th. Nothing material; still stormy."
"Thursday 19th. A party of our men out discovered tracks on the mountains not far off."
"Saturday 21st. This day a scout from Col. Butler's came in from the river; informed that eight houses were burnt south west from fort Plank & 3 men made prisoners by the enemy; still stormy."
"Major Whiting got him a new house built and moved this day."
"Having cartridge paper come employed the Artillery men making cannon cartridges; received intelligence of Capt. Coburn's arrival at Albany with clothing for the regiment."
"I wrote to Major Desine to bring them forward immediately unless the Gen. should order us from this place, in consequence of our request for that favor."
"Sunday 22nd. This day by request of the Major, I took charge of a party to fix the guard house with chimney &c; wrote to the Gen. by request of the Major for a relief of the regiment and to have us join our brigade."
"Monday 23rd. From this to the end of the month, fatigue parties making —— —— —— round the fort."
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF THE MOHAWK VALLEY
History of the Mohawk Valley: Gateway to the West 1614-1925
Chapter 67: 1779. Clinton's Overland Portage March from the Mohawk to Otsego Lake, by John Fea, Amsterdam.
The Sullivan and Clinton expedition of 1779 against the Six Nations — General John Clinton's army marches up the Mohawk Valley from Schenectady to Canajoharie; supplies and ordnance coming up the Mohawk in batteaux — Portage march, carrying over 200 batteaux on wagons, twenty miles from Canajoharie to Otsego Lake — Third, Fourth and Fifth New York Line, Fourth Pennsylvania Line, Sixth Massachusetts Line regiments, with artillery, battalion of Morgan's Riflemen, Tryon County and Schenectady Militia, wagoners and batteaux men form Clinton's portage army — Fifth New York stationed at Fort Plain; fourth Pennsylvania at Middle Schoharie Fort; Sixth Massachusetts at Fort Alden, Cherry Valley — Clinton's advance party leaves Schenectady, for Canajoharie, June 11, 1779; where Clinton camps with Third New York and Fourth Pennsylvania — Two Tory spies captured and hung there — Portage march begins June 18, 1779 — Fifth New York, forming right wing, goes over Otsquago trail — Third New York and Fourth Pennsylvania, forming center, guard supply and batteaux wagons over portage road — Fourth New York, forming left wing, moves over Cherry Valley road — Camps on the march — General Clinton reaches Otsego, July 2 — Clinton's American army celebrates third Independence Day anniversary at present Cooperstown, on Otsego Lake, July 4, 1779 — Dam built at Otsego Lake outlet — August 9, 1779, Clinton's army, with 200 batteaux, moves down the Susquehanna — August 22, Clinton joins Sullivan — August 29, Battle of Elmira won by Americans over Indians and Tories — Iroquois country ravaged — Mohawks removed from their Canajoharie and Ticonderoga castles to Albany — Chronological summary of Clinton's march, one of the greatest feats of arms during the Revolutionary War.
The following chapter was written for the History of the Mohawk Valley — Gateway to the West, by Mr. John Fea, the historian, of Amsterdam.
Mr. Fea was born at Cherry Valley and has lived there, at Fort Plain, in the vicinity of Ames, and at other Valley points as well as in Amsterdam.
He early became interested in the history of the Mohawk Valley trails and roads and particularly in the Clinton routes taken by General Clinton's American Army in 1779, on its overland portage march from the Mohawk at and near Canajoharie to Otsego Lake.
Mr. Fea has made this subject a lifelong study and has walked over all three roads many times.
This chapter has been written from field notes Mr. Fea has compiled during fifty years of study of the subject.
Canajoharie was the chief point concerned in this movement, but the Happy Hollow Road and Fort Plain and the Otsquago Trail were also involved.
The exact batteau and supply wagon route taken by Clinton's men has been a matter of dispute.
The two roads concerned in this controversy are comparatively short and they meet at Seeber's Lane, less than a mile from the Mohawk.
The first road is that which leaves the Canajoharie village square and climbs Academy or West Hill, past the Hotel Wagner.
It rises along the high plateau which forms the lower slopes of the Round Top, the height which dominates the Canajoharie section, with a sea elevation of 800 feet and one of 514 feet above the Mohawk.
This road joins the old eastern Happy Hollow Road about a mile west of Canajoharie and about one-half mile south of the South Shore Highway.
Clinton's Road runs from this point in almost a straight line past Sprout Brook and through Salt Springville to the present Great Western Turnpike, which it meets at Springfield.
Mr. Fea says that Clinton's supply and batteaux wagons took the road which runs along the eastern branch of Happy Hollow Brook and which is now little more than a woodland path.
It affords the easiest grade to the summit of the central south shore plateau, which averages about 500 feet above the Mohawk.
By this route, this height was attained in less than two miles from the river.
These factors had great weight in determining the route to be followed by the six and eight horse teams which drew the wagons laden with supplies and batteaux up this height.
The three roads were selected by General Clinton for military reasons.
The Otsquago Trail force was the right wing, guarding the Happy Hollow center, while the regiment on the Canajoharie-Cherry Valley Road formed the left wing guard.
As the supply and batteaux wagons moved southwest from the Mohawk over the center road, the right and left wings deployed and guarded the movement from attack by the Indians.
Brant's savages seem to have erred in not attacking Clinton on his portage march or when he was moving down the Susquehanna from the site of present Cooperstown.
Clinton's portage march forms one of the greatest feats of arms of the American Revolutionary armies.
It has had scant historical mention and Mr. Fea's article is the first full presentation of the subject within the writer's knowledge.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Chapter 67: 1779. Clinton's Overland Portage March from the Mohawk to Otsego Lake, by John Fea, Amsterdam.
The Sullivan and Clinton expedition of 1779 against the Six Nations — General John Clinton's army marches up the Mohawk Valley from Schenectady to Canajoharie; supplies and ordnance coming up the Mohawk in batteaux — Portage march, carrying over 200 batteaux on wagons, twenty miles from Canajoharie to Otsego Lake — Third, Fourth and Fifth New York Line, Fourth Pennsylvania Line, Sixth Massachusetts Line regiments, with artillery, battalion of Morgan's Riflemen, Tryon County and Schenectady Militia, wagoners and batteaux men form Clinton's portage army — Fifth New York stationed at Fort Plain; fourth Pennsylvania at Middle Schoharie Fort; Sixth Massachusetts at Fort Alden, Cherry Valley — Clinton's advance party leaves Schenectady, for Canajoharie, June 11, 1779; where Clinton camps with Third New York and Fourth Pennsylvania — Two Tory spies captured and hung there — Portage march begins June 18, 1779 — Fifth New York, forming right wing, goes over Otsquago trail — Third New York and Fourth Pennsylvania, forming center, guard supply and batteaux wagons over portage road — Fourth New York, forming left wing, moves over Cherry Valley road — Camps on the march — General Clinton reaches Otsego, July 2 — Clinton's American army celebrates third Independence Day anniversary at present Cooperstown, on Otsego Lake, July 4, 1779 — Dam built at Otsego Lake outlet — August 9, 1779, Clinton's army, with 200 batteaux, moves down the Susquehanna — August 22, Clinton joins Sullivan — August 29, Battle of Elmira won by Americans over Indians and Tories — Iroquois country ravaged — Mohawks removed from their Canajoharie and Ticonderoga castles to Albany — Chronological summary of Clinton's march, one of the greatest feats of arms during the Revolutionary War.
The following chapter was written for the History of the Mohawk Valley — Gateway to the West, by Mr. John Fea, the historian, of Amsterdam.
Mr. Fea was born at Cherry Valley and has lived there, at Fort Plain, in the vicinity of Ames, and at other Valley points as well as in Amsterdam.
He early became interested in the history of the Mohawk Valley trails and roads and particularly in the Clinton routes taken by General Clinton's American Army in 1779, on its overland portage march from the Mohawk at and near Canajoharie to Otsego Lake.
Mr. Fea has made this subject a lifelong study and has walked over all three roads many times.
This chapter has been written from field notes Mr. Fea has compiled during fifty years of study of the subject.
Canajoharie was the chief point concerned in this movement, but the Happy Hollow Road and Fort Plain and the Otsquago Trail were also involved.
The exact batteau and supply wagon route taken by Clinton's men has been a matter of dispute.
The two roads concerned in this controversy are comparatively short and they meet at Seeber's Lane, less than a mile from the Mohawk.
The first road is that which leaves the Canajoharie village square and climbs Academy or West Hill, past the Hotel Wagner.
It rises along the high plateau which forms the lower slopes of the Round Top, the height which dominates the Canajoharie section, with a sea elevation of 800 feet and one of 514 feet above the Mohawk.
This road joins the old eastern Happy Hollow Road about a mile west of Canajoharie and about one-half mile south of the South Shore Highway.
Clinton's Road runs from this point in almost a straight line past Sprout Brook and through Salt Springville to the present Great Western Turnpike, which it meets at Springfield.
Mr. Fea says that Clinton's supply and batteaux wagons took the road which runs along the eastern branch of Happy Hollow Brook and which is now little more than a woodland path.
It affords the easiest grade to the summit of the central south shore plateau, which averages about 500 feet above the Mohawk.
By this route, this height was attained in less than two miles from the river.
These factors had great weight in determining the route to be followed by the six and eight horse teams which drew the wagons laden with supplies and batteaux up this height.
The three roads were selected by General Clinton for military reasons.
The Otsquago Trail force was the right wing, guarding the Happy Hollow center, while the regiment on the Canajoharie-Cherry Valley Road formed the left wing guard.
As the supply and batteaux wagons moved southwest from the Mohawk over the center road, the right and left wings deployed and guarded the movement from attack by the Indians.
Brant's savages seem to have erred in not attacking Clinton on his portage march or when he was moving down the Susquehanna from the site of present Cooperstown.
Clinton's portage march forms one of the greatest feats of arms of the American Revolutionary armies.
It has had scant historical mention and Mr. Fea's article is the first full presentation of the subject within the writer's knowledge.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF THE MOHAWK VALLEY
History of the Mohawk Valley: Gateway to the West 1614-1925
Chapter 67: 1779. Clinton's Overland Portage March from the Mohawk to Otsego Lake, by John Fea, Amsterdam., continued ...
The editor has appended a chronological summary of Clinton's portage march for ready reference in historical study.
Mr. Fea's important chapter follows.
* * *
The hideous massacres of Cherry Valley and Wyoming, in 1778, by the Six Nations of Indians of New York under Brant and the Tory Butler, led the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental armies to use energetic measures to subdue the atrocious depredations, by making an invasion of the Indian Country of the Six Nations to devastate and ruin their villages with a view of disabling them from further hostilities.
It was known that, in the fertile valleys of the Susquehanna and the Genesee and along the lakes of central New York, large crops of corn and vegetables were raised, not for the support of the Indians alone, but as supplies for the British Army.
The territory it was proposed to lay waste was that occupied by the Senecas and Cayugas, then the two most powerful nations of the Iroquois.
Congress, on February 27, 1779, passed a resolution authorizing General Washington to take the most effectual measures for protecting the inhabitants of the Northwestern frontier and to chastise the Indians.
A vigorous campaign was contemplated entailing the entire destruction of everything upon which the Indians depended for food and shelter.
On March 6th, 1779, Washington appointed Gen. John Sullivan to take command of the expedition.
The plan adopted was for the main army, under General Sullivan, to rendezvous at Wyoming, and from there ascend the Susquehanna River while Gen. James Clinton, starting from Albany, advancing with his brigade along the Mohawk as far as Canajoharie, was to transport his boats, troops and provisions overland to Otsego Lake and there await Sullivan's orders to form a junction with his troops at Tioga.
To accomplish this, Clinton was compelled to erect a dam at the outlet of Otsego Lake to get sufficient volume of water impounded to float his loaded boats down the shallow Susquehanna to Tioga.
General Clinton, at Albany, had received his orders from General Sullivan on the 2d of June; but, in anticipation of these, active preparations had been making some time previous in accumulating stores and equipment.
Before troops could be moved out on this expedition food had to be provided to support them.
It is known that General Clinton had a three months supply accumulated, principally through the energetic measures adopted by his sturdy brother, George, then Governor of New York State.
The purchasing power of Continental Bills of Credit was never at so low an ebb.
Our most common staple commodities have never been so high in price in the history of our Republic.
Flour was so shamefully manipulated by profiteers that the price soared to one dollar a pound.
On the 6th of April, Governor Clinton's instructions to Walter Livingston, one of his new Commissioners, was to seize wheat, flour and meal in the County of Albany, for the use of the Army, and deposit such supplies in some safe place in the Manor of Livingston, there to remain until he, the Governor, gave further orders respecting the same.
The New York Army, commanded by Brig. Gen. James Clinton, consisted of the Third New York Regiment under Col. Peter Gansevoort; the Fourth New York (Livingston's Regiment) under Lieut.-Col. Frederick Weissenfels; the Fifth New York Independent Regiment commanded by Col. Lewis Dubois.
The Sixth Massachusetts, or Alden's regiment as it was termed (from its late Col. Ichabod Alden who was killed in the massacre of 1778 at Cherry Valley), under command of Maj. Daniel Whiting, who had remained with the regiment at Cherry Valley to protect the place; the Fourth Pennsylvania Regiment, under Lieut.-Col. William Butler, who had been stationed with four companies of Morgan's Riflemen with Maj. James Parr, the senior officer in command, at Schoharie; a company of volunteers under Col. John Harper; Col. John Lamb's Regiment New York Artillery with the following officers — Isaiah Wool, Captain; Rev. John Gano, Brigade Chaplain; Thomas Machin, Captain; John Pratt, Assistant Commissary of Issues; Elisha Harvey, Lieutenant; William Popham, Aid-de-Camp; Dr. Stephen Macrea, Brigade Surgeon.
It will be seen, from the foregoing, that three of the five regiments composing Clinton's army were from posts in the Mohawk Valley military zone.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Chapter 67: 1779. Clinton's Overland Portage March from the Mohawk to Otsego Lake, by John Fea, Amsterdam., continued ...
The editor has appended a chronological summary of Clinton's portage march for ready reference in historical study.
Mr. Fea's important chapter follows.
* * *
The hideous massacres of Cherry Valley and Wyoming, in 1778, by the Six Nations of Indians of New York under Brant and the Tory Butler, led the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental armies to use energetic measures to subdue the atrocious depredations, by making an invasion of the Indian Country of the Six Nations to devastate and ruin their villages with a view of disabling them from further hostilities.
It was known that, in the fertile valleys of the Susquehanna and the Genesee and along the lakes of central New York, large crops of corn and vegetables were raised, not for the support of the Indians alone, but as supplies for the British Army.
The territory it was proposed to lay waste was that occupied by the Senecas and Cayugas, then the two most powerful nations of the Iroquois.
Congress, on February 27, 1779, passed a resolution authorizing General Washington to take the most effectual measures for protecting the inhabitants of the Northwestern frontier and to chastise the Indians.
A vigorous campaign was contemplated entailing the entire destruction of everything upon which the Indians depended for food and shelter.
On March 6th, 1779, Washington appointed Gen. John Sullivan to take command of the expedition.
The plan adopted was for the main army, under General Sullivan, to rendezvous at Wyoming, and from there ascend the Susquehanna River while Gen. James Clinton, starting from Albany, advancing with his brigade along the Mohawk as far as Canajoharie, was to transport his boats, troops and provisions overland to Otsego Lake and there await Sullivan's orders to form a junction with his troops at Tioga.
To accomplish this, Clinton was compelled to erect a dam at the outlet of Otsego Lake to get sufficient volume of water impounded to float his loaded boats down the shallow Susquehanna to Tioga.
General Clinton, at Albany, had received his orders from General Sullivan on the 2d of June; but, in anticipation of these, active preparations had been making some time previous in accumulating stores and equipment.
Before troops could be moved out on this expedition food had to be provided to support them.
It is known that General Clinton had a three months supply accumulated, principally through the energetic measures adopted by his sturdy brother, George, then Governor of New York State.
The purchasing power of Continental Bills of Credit was never at so low an ebb.
Our most common staple commodities have never been so high in price in the history of our Republic.
Flour was so shamefully manipulated by profiteers that the price soared to one dollar a pound.
On the 6th of April, Governor Clinton's instructions to Walter Livingston, one of his new Commissioners, was to seize wheat, flour and meal in the County of Albany, for the use of the Army, and deposit such supplies in some safe place in the Manor of Livingston, there to remain until he, the Governor, gave further orders respecting the same.
The New York Army, commanded by Brig. Gen. James Clinton, consisted of the Third New York Regiment under Col. Peter Gansevoort; the Fourth New York (Livingston's Regiment) under Lieut.-Col. Frederick Weissenfels; the Fifth New York Independent Regiment commanded by Col. Lewis Dubois.
The Sixth Massachusetts, or Alden's regiment as it was termed (from its late Col. Ichabod Alden who was killed in the massacre of 1778 at Cherry Valley), under command of Maj. Daniel Whiting, who had remained with the regiment at Cherry Valley to protect the place; the Fourth Pennsylvania Regiment, under Lieut.-Col. William Butler, who had been stationed with four companies of Morgan's Riflemen with Maj. James Parr, the senior officer in command, at Schoharie; a company of volunteers under Col. John Harper; Col. John Lamb's Regiment New York Artillery with the following officers — Isaiah Wool, Captain; Rev. John Gano, Brigade Chaplain; Thomas Machin, Captain; John Pratt, Assistant Commissary of Issues; Elisha Harvey, Lieutenant; William Popham, Aid-de-Camp; Dr. Stephen Macrea, Brigade Surgeon.
It will be seen, from the foregoing, that three of the five regiments composing Clinton's army were from posts in the Mohawk Valley military zone.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: HISTORY OF THE MOHAWK VALLEY
History of the Mohawk Valley: Gateway to the West 1614-1925
Chapter 67: 1779. Clinton's Overland Portage March from the Mohawk to Otsego Lake, by John Fea, Amsterdam., continued ...
The supposition generally prevailing among writers of history and contemporary records that General Clinton cut a road through the forest from the Mohawk River to Otsego Lake is ridiculous, as no such order is found in journals of his officers and roads following the former Indian trails were already in existence.
Previous to 1773, the roads coursing southward from the Mohawk Valley were scarcely more than the continuation of Indian paths made over into lines of clearing suitable to pass cattle through the wilderness to the inland settlers, but, in 1773, while under British control, and six years previous to the coming of Clinton and his army, the commissioners of roads for the Canajoharie District; Nicholas Herkimer, of the Fall Hill, Dutchdorf District; Hendrick Frey, of Frey's Bush, Canajoharie Section; Frederick Young, of the Canajoharie Creek, Sprout Brook, Turlock division; and Robert Wells, of the Cherry Valley, Springfield division; opened up and improved roads for the use of carts and wagons going to the interior settlements, thus making land available for habitation.
One of the roads thus improved was that running from present Canajoharie Village to Cherry Valley, known as the Cherry Valley Road.
The old homestead building of Young was still standing, in the year 1863, near the present village of Buel, the writer of this chapter residing therein during that year.
The road marked B on the map attached to this chapter was designated an "improved road."
The Cherry Valley Road was the one used in deploying the left wing (as far as Sprout Brook) of Clinton's army.
The road selected by Clinton for the portage of boats overland was the ancient "King's Highway," starting from Happy Hollow at the Mohawk River one-and-a-half miles west of the mouth of Canajoharie Creek.
This portage road followed the left or south branch of Happy Hollow Brook to a point, about a quarter-mile east of the present Seeber's Lane Road.
From this point it ran in a very direct, straight, westerly direction to Salt Springville and thence to Springfield.
The south branch Happy Hollow Road is now only a wood road.
The Seeber's Lane Road from Fort Plain to Canajoharie was not built until 1785.
The Commissioners had opened a new extension to wagon travel in 1773, from this road, at a point one-half mile west of the present village of Sprout Brook over through the valley of Salt Springville to Springfield.
This extension had, previous to its enlargement, been a primitive path adapted to horse-back travel only.
After being opened up by the Commissioners, it made the distance, to the residents of Springfield by wagon route from the Mohawk River, five miles shorter than by way of the Cherry Valley Road.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Chapter 67: 1779. Clinton's Overland Portage March from the Mohawk to Otsego Lake, by John Fea, Amsterdam., continued ...
The supposition generally prevailing among writers of history and contemporary records that General Clinton cut a road through the forest from the Mohawk River to Otsego Lake is ridiculous, as no such order is found in journals of his officers and roads following the former Indian trails were already in existence.
Previous to 1773, the roads coursing southward from the Mohawk Valley were scarcely more than the continuation of Indian paths made over into lines of clearing suitable to pass cattle through the wilderness to the inland settlers, but, in 1773, while under British control, and six years previous to the coming of Clinton and his army, the commissioners of roads for the Canajoharie District; Nicholas Herkimer, of the Fall Hill, Dutchdorf District; Hendrick Frey, of Frey's Bush, Canajoharie Section; Frederick Young, of the Canajoharie Creek, Sprout Brook, Turlock division; and Robert Wells, of the Cherry Valley, Springfield division; opened up and improved roads for the use of carts and wagons going to the interior settlements, thus making land available for habitation.
One of the roads thus improved was that running from present Canajoharie Village to Cherry Valley, known as the Cherry Valley Road.
The old homestead building of Young was still standing, in the year 1863, near the present village of Buel, the writer of this chapter residing therein during that year.
The road marked B on the map attached to this chapter was designated an "improved road."
The Cherry Valley Road was the one used in deploying the left wing (as far as Sprout Brook) of Clinton's army.
The road selected by Clinton for the portage of boats overland was the ancient "King's Highway," starting from Happy Hollow at the Mohawk River one-and-a-half miles west of the mouth of Canajoharie Creek.
This portage road followed the left or south branch of Happy Hollow Brook to a point, about a quarter-mile east of the present Seeber's Lane Road.
From this point it ran in a very direct, straight, westerly direction to Salt Springville and thence to Springfield.
The south branch Happy Hollow Road is now only a wood road.
The Seeber's Lane Road from Fort Plain to Canajoharie was not built until 1785.
The Commissioners had opened a new extension to wagon travel in 1773, from this road, at a point one-half mile west of the present village of Sprout Brook over through the valley of Salt Springville to Springfield.
This extension had, previous to its enlargement, been a primitive path adapted to horse-back travel only.
After being opened up by the Commissioners, it made the distance, to the residents of Springfield by wagon route from the Mohawk River, five miles shorter than by way of the Cherry Valley Road.
TO BE CONTINUED ...