A History of the Town of Queensbury, continued ...
A. W. Holden, M.D.
PART II
HISTORY OF QUEENSBURY.
CHAPTER XL, continued ...
In the mean time, guided by some sympathizing spectators, Robards and his companion ran along through the suburbs, gaining the city wall, which they scaled at a favoring point, and made their escape to the woods.
The deserter soon gave out, grew sick and tired of the adventure, and concluded to return and surrender himself, leaving Robards to make his way alone.
He traveled by night, guiding his course by the stars, and lay secreted by day.
At length he came to a place by the shore of the lake where a rock jutted out above the water having a cave or recess beneath.
Here he took refuge and rested a day or two.
During this interval, he was suddenly aroused from a deep sleep by an Indian yell, and, apprehending pursuit, he sprang out from his place of concealment, and looking up, saw an Indian standing on the verge of the cliff above him, making signals to a companion standing on a point of land in the distance, on the other side of the lake.
Fortunately the savages did not discover him.
At length, after many nights' wandering, he was fortunate enough to come across a canoe and pair of paddles, which he unhesitatingly appropriated, and from that time forth his progress was more rapid and satisfactory.
One day, his brother Ezekiel Robards then living in Queensbury, proposed to one of his neighbors to go up to Lake George for the purpose of fishing, and also to take a sharp look, to see if any tories or Indians were about.
While fishing near the mouth of Van Wormer's bay 8 they saw a small object in the distance on the lake, which approaching them, gradually became more thoroughly defined, and, as it drew near, Ezekiel exclaimed, "Its William I know by his motions."
And so it proved.
They returned together without any long delay, and, as they neared their home, Ezekiel told William to stay back in the edge of the woods, while he went forward and broke the news to his wife.
The latter was carrying a plate of butter from the spring house, or out door cellar, and as Ezekiel approached, he accosted her, saying, "Phebe, I've got good news for you, I've heard from William."
She staggered back with the shock of emotion, as if she had been struck, exclaiming, "if you have heard from him, you have seen him," and sank to the ground in a dead faint. 9
8 Jacob Van Wormer, after whom this bay was named, was one of the earliest settlers in the town of Fort Ann. After the revolutionary war, he experienced religion, and in one of his public confessions at prayer or conference meeting, acknowledged to having killed three men more than the circumstances would justify. It is proper to premise that he was a man of stalwart, and symmetrical as well as gigantic proportions. Before going into the battle of Bunker's Hill, he made himself a long handled tomahawk, and to quote his own confession; "I sdruck to der right, und I sdruck to der left, und I killed my dwendies, und dat vas all right; put von poor fellow drew down his arms, und gried vor gwarter; but I vos so mat mit der viten dat I kills him, und dat vos murder. Und after dat I kills a man down der Hutson river, und dat vos murder; und ven Burgoyne mit his army crossed der river at Fort Miller, I shoots a Britisher dat vos in shwimmin in der river; und dat vos murder; und dat vos all I murdered; der rest vos killed in fair fight."
9 Relation of Miss Keziah Baker to the author in the summer of 1867.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Holden's History of Queensbury
Re: Holden's History of Queensbury
A History of the Town of Queensbury, continued ...
A. W. Holden, M.D.
PART II
HISTORY OF QUEENSBURY.
CHAPTER XL, continued ...
We next come to the consideration of the Parks narrative.
It is a family tradition, strongly corroborated by concurrent events, and also by corresponding traditions in neighboring families, and it is given here simply for what it is worth, leaving it to the candid and impartial reader, who has no selfish ends to serve, to weigh and estimate fairly the merits of the story.
The connection of the Parks family with the Glen patent on the south side of the river from Glen's Falls village, has already been narrated, the indubitable proof of which, lends almost conclusive testimony to the truth of this narrative.
"There was, in the British army, 10 a captain by the name of Daniel Parks, who took an active part in quelling and keeping in subjection, the savage, original inhabitants of the American continent long before the Revolution, who lived and died in some one of the southern states, probably in Virginia, and who had a son by the name of Daniel Parks."
"The latter removed and settled in Salisbury, Conn., where he resided till within a few years of the Revolution, when he emigrated to Glen's Falls, N.Y., where he purchased a tract of eight hundred acres of land, situated along the south bank of the Hudson's river, and settled and built the first mills at that place."
"About the year 1777, while the revolutionary war was in progress, and the country was swarming with marauding bands of savages and tories, his house was attacked at night by a band of tories, who demanded the keys to his desk, which contained his papers, etc., which the old man refused to deliver up."
"Thereupon one of the band clinched him, at which a scuffle ensued, which resulted in getting the old man down, when one of the party drew up and shot him."
"He was supposed at that time to be about seventy-five years of age, and died in defending himself against British aggression."
Among the band was a man by the name of Richardson, 11 who lived in that vicinity, and who had purchased of the old man a piece of land containing about one hundred acres, for which Parks held his obligation, and it is confidently believed that the murdering wretches were incited to the commission of this act of barbarism by a desire to get possession of Richardson's obligation, and thus leave his land free from incumbrance.
Elisha and Isaac Parks, sons of the old man above mentioned, resided with their father, but the attack of the tories was so sudden that they, not being near at hand, were unable to render the old man any assistance, and when they arrived on the scene of action, they found their father dead, and his murderers apparently gone. 12
Elisha, a young married man, went to the door to make a reconnoisance, and while doing so, held a light in his hand, it being then dark.
This attracted the attention of some of the tories who were lying in ambush , and made a good mark for their rifles, which they took advantage of, and shot him through the bowels, his wife then standing beside him.
Placing his hand over the wound, he at once fled down the river, to the house of his brother Daniel Parks, who lived a mile below and notified him of the presence of the tories, and what had happened.
10 This account of the Parks affair was obtained by the author from Daniel E. Parks, Esq., attorney and counselor at-law, lately of Sandy Hill, N.Y. The story was written down by him, as related by his father Barzillai, a son of Solomon Parks, many years ago, and I will add, that the lawyer, familiar from childhood with the family legend, considers this the correct version.
11 "All I know of Richardson, I learned from the Parks family. He was ring-leader of the tories, who murdered the father of that family. He had some claim or title to the South Glen's Falls water power, and to obtain the Parks title papers, is supposed to have been the principal purpose of the expedition. Old Mr. Parks saw through a window Richardson and Ferguson (a tory tavern keeper at the Bend) looking at the Parks papers, went into the house, and was immediately killed by a gun breech blow on the head." — Letter to the author from the late Judge Hay. In another account of this affair, it is stated that the tory party found rest and refreshment at the house of one Ferguson a tory at the Bend. He had pretended to be a whig, had attended their meetings and signed their articles of association, and up to this time was considered a zealous patriot. Sending out scouts in the direction of Lake George, and keeping a watchful outlook on the movements of the Parks family, the party lurked around in the vicinity for a week or more, until Ferguson, in the expressive language of my informant, "was eaten out of house and home."
12 Ephraim Parks, a brother of Daniel, with his brother in law Lewis Brown, lived in a double log house, situated on the cliff just above the site of the paper mill. They were made prisoners, but Brown afterwards escaped as appears in the narrative.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
A. W. Holden, M.D.
PART II
HISTORY OF QUEENSBURY.
CHAPTER XL, continued ...
We next come to the consideration of the Parks narrative.
It is a family tradition, strongly corroborated by concurrent events, and also by corresponding traditions in neighboring families, and it is given here simply for what it is worth, leaving it to the candid and impartial reader, who has no selfish ends to serve, to weigh and estimate fairly the merits of the story.
The connection of the Parks family with the Glen patent on the south side of the river from Glen's Falls village, has already been narrated, the indubitable proof of which, lends almost conclusive testimony to the truth of this narrative.
"There was, in the British army, 10 a captain by the name of Daniel Parks, who took an active part in quelling and keeping in subjection, the savage, original inhabitants of the American continent long before the Revolution, who lived and died in some one of the southern states, probably in Virginia, and who had a son by the name of Daniel Parks."
"The latter removed and settled in Salisbury, Conn., where he resided till within a few years of the Revolution, when he emigrated to Glen's Falls, N.Y., where he purchased a tract of eight hundred acres of land, situated along the south bank of the Hudson's river, and settled and built the first mills at that place."
"About the year 1777, while the revolutionary war was in progress, and the country was swarming with marauding bands of savages and tories, his house was attacked at night by a band of tories, who demanded the keys to his desk, which contained his papers, etc., which the old man refused to deliver up."
"Thereupon one of the band clinched him, at which a scuffle ensued, which resulted in getting the old man down, when one of the party drew up and shot him."
"He was supposed at that time to be about seventy-five years of age, and died in defending himself against British aggression."
Among the band was a man by the name of Richardson, 11 who lived in that vicinity, and who had purchased of the old man a piece of land containing about one hundred acres, for which Parks held his obligation, and it is confidently believed that the murdering wretches were incited to the commission of this act of barbarism by a desire to get possession of Richardson's obligation, and thus leave his land free from incumbrance.
Elisha and Isaac Parks, sons of the old man above mentioned, resided with their father, but the attack of the tories was so sudden that they, not being near at hand, were unable to render the old man any assistance, and when they arrived on the scene of action, they found their father dead, and his murderers apparently gone. 12
Elisha, a young married man, went to the door to make a reconnoisance, and while doing so, held a light in his hand, it being then dark.
This attracted the attention of some of the tories who were lying in ambush , and made a good mark for their rifles, which they took advantage of, and shot him through the bowels, his wife then standing beside him.
Placing his hand over the wound, he at once fled down the river, to the house of his brother Daniel Parks, who lived a mile below and notified him of the presence of the tories, and what had happened.
10 This account of the Parks affair was obtained by the author from Daniel E. Parks, Esq., attorney and counselor at-law, lately of Sandy Hill, N.Y. The story was written down by him, as related by his father Barzillai, a son of Solomon Parks, many years ago, and I will add, that the lawyer, familiar from childhood with the family legend, considers this the correct version.
11 "All I know of Richardson, I learned from the Parks family. He was ring-leader of the tories, who murdered the father of that family. He had some claim or title to the South Glen's Falls water power, and to obtain the Parks title papers, is supposed to have been the principal purpose of the expedition. Old Mr. Parks saw through a window Richardson and Ferguson (a tory tavern keeper at the Bend) looking at the Parks papers, went into the house, and was immediately killed by a gun breech blow on the head." — Letter to the author from the late Judge Hay. In another account of this affair, it is stated that the tory party found rest and refreshment at the house of one Ferguson a tory at the Bend. He had pretended to be a whig, had attended their meetings and signed their articles of association, and up to this time was considered a zealous patriot. Sending out scouts in the direction of Lake George, and keeping a watchful outlook on the movements of the Parks family, the party lurked around in the vicinity for a week or more, until Ferguson, in the expressive language of my informant, "was eaten out of house and home."
12 Ephraim Parks, a brother of Daniel, with his brother in law Lewis Brown, lived in a double log house, situated on the cliff just above the site of the paper mill. They were made prisoners, but Brown afterwards escaped as appears in the narrative.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: Holden's History of Queensbury
A History of the Town of Queensbury, continued ...
A. W. Holden, M.D.
PART II
HISTORY OF QUEENSBURY.
CHAPTER XL, continued ...
Daniel at once took down his gun, and proposed to repair to the scene of action, but, upon the entreaties of Elisha, who represented that he could not contend against so many, and would only endanger his life in a fool-hardy manner, he was prevailed upon to stay and secure his family.
This was done by removing them across the river in canoes.
Elisha proposed to remain at his brother's house, but Daniel would not listen to the proposition.
Yielding to the entreaties of the latter, he was conveyed across the river, where they took refuge in the grist mills 13 at Sandy Hill, where he died the same night or early the following morning.
His remains, and those of his father, were buried at Sandy Hill, on the site now covered by the Presbyterian church.
Two rude slabs of stone, which originally marked the place of sepulture, it is said, were incorporated into the foundation of that edifice, whose fane shades the resting place of these martyrs.
Isaac, the other son, was taken prisoner, and carried to Quebec, from whence he escaped three times, and was as often retaken, and ultimately exchanged.
The third time he escaped in company with five others, who, after they had traveled through the wilderness a length of time sufficient to exhaust all of their provisions, and were in a famished condition, it was proposed to cast lots to see which should be sacrificed to serve as food for the remainder.
A vote being taken, three were for, and three against the proposition, Isaac Parks being among the latter.
The fugitives then separated, those voting with Parks going in one direction, and the remainder in another.
The Parks party was soon visited by a dog supposed to belong to some Indians scouting near.
This was killed and eaten, and they were afterwards driven to the extremity of roasting and eating their shoes.
They at length became so utterly exhausted, that they were unable to ascend a hill without help, from each other, and whenever an elevation interrupted their progress, they were able to surmount it only by crawling on their hands and knees.
13 Probably a mistake, for after diligent inquiry, the author has failed to receive any evidence that a grist mill was built at Sandy Hill before the year 1795. One of the first buildings erected in the town of Kingsbury was a saw-mill put up by James Bradshaw, one of the patentees and proprietors, at Baker's falls. The tract was then commonly known as Bradshaw's township. Albert Baker, the second settler at that place, and after whom the third fall on the Hudson was named, removed thither with his family in May, 1768. He was employed and sent up by the New York proprietors of the patent to look after their interests. His first house, a framed building, was built the same year. It stood not far from the main traveled road to Fort Edward, fronting on the street which led to the mills. The second dwelling house at Sandy Hill, was a two story framed building, which stood near Mr. Nelson Wait's residence. This was built for Baker's partner Michael Hoffhagle. The latter building was accidentally burned, before the commencement of the revolution. At the time of which we write, a tavern was kept by a widow named Harris on the site now occupied by the Second Advent church, at the southern part of the village. Albert Baker jr., a son of the one named above, was a private in the American service during the revolution. Another brother, then only nine years old, served as a teamster in Gates's army, and afterwards drew a pension. — Relation of Mrs. Rachel Clary, daughter of Albert Baker jr., as above, Jan., 1860.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
A. W. Holden, M.D.
PART II
HISTORY OF QUEENSBURY.
CHAPTER XL, continued ...
Daniel at once took down his gun, and proposed to repair to the scene of action, but, upon the entreaties of Elisha, who represented that he could not contend against so many, and would only endanger his life in a fool-hardy manner, he was prevailed upon to stay and secure his family.
This was done by removing them across the river in canoes.
Elisha proposed to remain at his brother's house, but Daniel would not listen to the proposition.
Yielding to the entreaties of the latter, he was conveyed across the river, where they took refuge in the grist mills 13 at Sandy Hill, where he died the same night or early the following morning.
His remains, and those of his father, were buried at Sandy Hill, on the site now covered by the Presbyterian church.
Two rude slabs of stone, which originally marked the place of sepulture, it is said, were incorporated into the foundation of that edifice, whose fane shades the resting place of these martyrs.
Isaac, the other son, was taken prisoner, and carried to Quebec, from whence he escaped three times, and was as often retaken, and ultimately exchanged.
The third time he escaped in company with five others, who, after they had traveled through the wilderness a length of time sufficient to exhaust all of their provisions, and were in a famished condition, it was proposed to cast lots to see which should be sacrificed to serve as food for the remainder.
A vote being taken, three were for, and three against the proposition, Isaac Parks being among the latter.
The fugitives then separated, those voting with Parks going in one direction, and the remainder in another.
The Parks party was soon visited by a dog supposed to belong to some Indians scouting near.
This was killed and eaten, and they were afterwards driven to the extremity of roasting and eating their shoes.
They at length became so utterly exhausted, that they were unable to ascend a hill without help, from each other, and whenever an elevation interrupted their progress, they were able to surmount it only by crawling on their hands and knees.
13 Probably a mistake, for after diligent inquiry, the author has failed to receive any evidence that a grist mill was built at Sandy Hill before the year 1795. One of the first buildings erected in the town of Kingsbury was a saw-mill put up by James Bradshaw, one of the patentees and proprietors, at Baker's falls. The tract was then commonly known as Bradshaw's township. Albert Baker, the second settler at that place, and after whom the third fall on the Hudson was named, removed thither with his family in May, 1768. He was employed and sent up by the New York proprietors of the patent to look after their interests. His first house, a framed building, was built the same year. It stood not far from the main traveled road to Fort Edward, fronting on the street which led to the mills. The second dwelling house at Sandy Hill, was a two story framed building, which stood near Mr. Nelson Wait's residence. This was built for Baker's partner Michael Hoffhagle. The latter building was accidentally burned, before the commencement of the revolution. At the time of which we write, a tavern was kept by a widow named Harris on the site now occupied by the Second Advent church, at the southern part of the village. Albert Baker jr., a son of the one named above, was a private in the American service during the revolution. Another brother, then only nine years old, served as a teamster in Gates's army, and afterwards drew a pension. — Relation of Mrs. Rachel Clary, daughter of Albert Baker jr., as above, Jan., 1860.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: Holden's History of Queensbury
A History of the Town of Queensbury, continued ...
A. W. Holden, M.D.
PART II
HISTORY OF QUEENSBURY.
CHAPTER XL, continued ...
One day, while they were ascending a hill in this manner, they were discovered and retaken by a party of Indians, who displayed the usual terrific exultation on the seizure of a captive, and prepared to inflict the customary tortures and death.
In some way, Parks, and his fellow sufferers, succeeded in satisfying their captors that they were tories and friends escaping from imprisonment by the whigs.
Under the promise of a guinea each, the Indians were induced to escort them back to the Canada border.
Crossing the St. Lawrence river, they were recognized as escaped prisoners by some of the Indians there, and they would have been despatched, but for the timely interference of some British soldiers.
We supplement this narrative with the following relation made by a grand-daughter of Albert Baker, one of the first settlers at Sandy Hill.
At the time when the Parks were killed, the old lady, and the rest of the women, running out of the back door of their homes, 14 escaped down the river, and crossing over, went directly to Albert Baker's house (near where Mr. Kelson Wait now lives), in the dead of the night.
The family were aroused by the hysteric sobs, shrieks and moans of the old lady.
At this time Major Thomas Bradshaw, 15 a son of James Bradshaw, one of the original patentees and proprietors of the township of Kingsbury, had a small reserve of militia posted at Bradshaw's farm, on Wood creek, since known as the Bond place, between Smith's basin and Dunham's basin, on the northern canal.
Of the neighbors who came in as soon as the news of the massacre became known, none were found willing to go for help, until Albert Baker jr., the narrator's father, and Rinaldo Burden Phillips, two stout, well grown lads, hardly appreciating the dangers, volunteered for the service.
When they reached the Bradshaw place, they found no one, but a tory family living in the neighborhood, directed them to the barn, where they found the major alone, his militia having scattered to their homes in the vicinity, and before he could rally them together the marauders were so far away on their retreat, that pursuit was useless.
14 Another account says, the women of the household at the first alarm made for the woods and escaped. They had with them a lad of thirteen or fourteen years of age, whom they bundled up with clothing to screen him from observation. On their way they were met by two or three Indians, who asked them where they were going and what they were doing with the boy. With great readiness of mind in the terrible emergency, one of them replied, that the boy had the small pox and they were taking him away, so that the rest of the family should not catch the disease. The Indians immediately dropped all further inquiries, and hastened away from the supposed danger of infection, the entire party of fugitives, boy included, making their way to the woods and finally escaping to Fort Edward.
15 Thomas Bradshaw, a son of James Bradshaw, was a major in the American service but for some reason never succeeded in obtaining a pension. — Relation of Mrs. Rachel Clary. I find among the Wing papers the following memorandum, without date: "The expenses of the men of the guard, amount to the sum of two pounds, (£2, 00), for 6 eating and drinking." "To Capt. Richardson, Thomas Bradshaw, Sarg't." Mem. Asa Richardson was appointed captain of the company for the Kingsbury district (see ante), 23d Sept., 1775; as this account does not appear to have been paid, of course Mr. Wing was out of pocket that amount.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
A. W. Holden, M.D.
PART II
HISTORY OF QUEENSBURY.
CHAPTER XL, continued ...
One day, while they were ascending a hill in this manner, they were discovered and retaken by a party of Indians, who displayed the usual terrific exultation on the seizure of a captive, and prepared to inflict the customary tortures and death.
In some way, Parks, and his fellow sufferers, succeeded in satisfying their captors that they were tories and friends escaping from imprisonment by the whigs.
Under the promise of a guinea each, the Indians were induced to escort them back to the Canada border.
Crossing the St. Lawrence river, they were recognized as escaped prisoners by some of the Indians there, and they would have been despatched, but for the timely interference of some British soldiers.
We supplement this narrative with the following relation made by a grand-daughter of Albert Baker, one of the first settlers at Sandy Hill.
At the time when the Parks were killed, the old lady, and the rest of the women, running out of the back door of their homes, 14 escaped down the river, and crossing over, went directly to Albert Baker's house (near where Mr. Kelson Wait now lives), in the dead of the night.
The family were aroused by the hysteric sobs, shrieks and moans of the old lady.
At this time Major Thomas Bradshaw, 15 a son of James Bradshaw, one of the original patentees and proprietors of the township of Kingsbury, had a small reserve of militia posted at Bradshaw's farm, on Wood creek, since known as the Bond place, between Smith's basin and Dunham's basin, on the northern canal.
Of the neighbors who came in as soon as the news of the massacre became known, none were found willing to go for help, until Albert Baker jr., the narrator's father, and Rinaldo Burden Phillips, two stout, well grown lads, hardly appreciating the dangers, volunteered for the service.
When they reached the Bradshaw place, they found no one, but a tory family living in the neighborhood, directed them to the barn, where they found the major alone, his militia having scattered to their homes in the vicinity, and before he could rally them together the marauders were so far away on their retreat, that pursuit was useless.
14 Another account says, the women of the household at the first alarm made for the woods and escaped. They had with them a lad of thirteen or fourteen years of age, whom they bundled up with clothing to screen him from observation. On their way they were met by two or three Indians, who asked them where they were going and what they were doing with the boy. With great readiness of mind in the terrible emergency, one of them replied, that the boy had the small pox and they were taking him away, so that the rest of the family should not catch the disease. The Indians immediately dropped all further inquiries, and hastened away from the supposed danger of infection, the entire party of fugitives, boy included, making their way to the woods and finally escaping to Fort Edward.
15 Thomas Bradshaw, a son of James Bradshaw, was a major in the American service but for some reason never succeeded in obtaining a pension. — Relation of Mrs. Rachel Clary. I find among the Wing papers the following memorandum, without date: "The expenses of the men of the guard, amount to the sum of two pounds, (£2, 00), for 6 eating and drinking." "To Capt. Richardson, Thomas Bradshaw, Sarg't." Mem. Asa Richardson was appointed captain of the company for the Kingsbury district (see ante), 23d Sept., 1775; as this account does not appear to have been paid, of course Mr. Wing was out of pocket that amount.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: Holden's History of Queensbury
A History of the Town of Queensbury, continued ...
A. W. Holden, M.D.
PART II
HISTORY OF QUEENSBURY.
CHAPTER XL, continued ...
The alarm reaching Fort Edward, 16 on the following morning, a party was soon made up to start in pursuit of the assassins.
On the way they were joined by Daniel Parks, and his brother-in-law, Lewis Brown, who, in the confusion which followed his capture, had managed to make his escape.
On reaching the scene of the massacre, they only found the smoking embers of the mills and the old man's house.
The other dwelling on the cliff above the mill was not disturbed.
It is stated that the Indians and tories tried to reach the dwelling of Andrew Lewis, son-in-law of Abraham Wing, who then lived on the island, but were prevented by the absence of any boat.
The pursuers, taking the trail, followed the fugitives with considerable celerity, hoping to overtake them before reaching Lake Champlain where their escape would be facilitated by canoes concealed somewhere along its shores.
Hastening up the west side of the Hudson crossing the Sacandaga at its mouth, they proceeded as far as Stony creek, a small creek in the town of that name in the western part of Warren county.
Here the fleeing party, finding they were pursued took to the bed of the stream, and made their way for many miles.
The pursuers were in consequence thrown off the trail, and the chase was abandoned.
The fruitless result of this expedition was doubtless fortunate for the few captives carried off, who were threatened with immediate death, if they were overtaken by the pursuing party.
The effect of this raid was to break up for the time being, the settlement known as the Parks mills.
Daniel on the following morning procured a team, and removed his family, and such effects as could readily be transported within the protection of the military force at Fort Edward, and when that post was abandoned, he retreated with the American army to Bemus's heights, where he participated in that memorable action, which resulted in the surrender of one of the largest and best appointed British armies which had yet taken the field against the rebellious colonies.
After the termination of the war, he returned to rebuild the house, which he occupied with his family up to the time of his death.
In the lapse and changes of years a large proportion of the Glen patent passed into the hands of various descendants of Daniel Parks.
Solomon Parks, then but a mere stripling, was among the militia stationed at Fort Ann under the command of Colonel Long in 1777.
16 Near the top of the hill above Fort Edward, not far from the site now occupied by the Grove house, there was a tavern kept by one Bell, a tory. It was a place of considerable note, a favorite resort of loyalists, where many a scheme of rapine, violence and outrage was concerted and matured. — Communication of the late Judge Hay.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
A. W. Holden, M.D.
PART II
HISTORY OF QUEENSBURY.
CHAPTER XL, continued ...
The alarm reaching Fort Edward, 16 on the following morning, a party was soon made up to start in pursuit of the assassins.
On the way they were joined by Daniel Parks, and his brother-in-law, Lewis Brown, who, in the confusion which followed his capture, had managed to make his escape.
On reaching the scene of the massacre, they only found the smoking embers of the mills and the old man's house.
The other dwelling on the cliff above the mill was not disturbed.
It is stated that the Indians and tories tried to reach the dwelling of Andrew Lewis, son-in-law of Abraham Wing, who then lived on the island, but were prevented by the absence of any boat.
The pursuers, taking the trail, followed the fugitives with considerable celerity, hoping to overtake them before reaching Lake Champlain where their escape would be facilitated by canoes concealed somewhere along its shores.
Hastening up the west side of the Hudson crossing the Sacandaga at its mouth, they proceeded as far as Stony creek, a small creek in the town of that name in the western part of Warren county.
Here the fleeing party, finding they were pursued took to the bed of the stream, and made their way for many miles.
The pursuers were in consequence thrown off the trail, and the chase was abandoned.
The fruitless result of this expedition was doubtless fortunate for the few captives carried off, who were threatened with immediate death, if they were overtaken by the pursuing party.
The effect of this raid was to break up for the time being, the settlement known as the Parks mills.
Daniel on the following morning procured a team, and removed his family, and such effects as could readily be transported within the protection of the military force at Fort Edward, and when that post was abandoned, he retreated with the American army to Bemus's heights, where he participated in that memorable action, which resulted in the surrender of one of the largest and best appointed British armies which had yet taken the field against the rebellious colonies.
After the termination of the war, he returned to rebuild the house, which he occupied with his family up to the time of his death.
In the lapse and changes of years a large proportion of the Glen patent passed into the hands of various descendants of Daniel Parks.
Solomon Parks, then but a mere stripling, was among the militia stationed at Fort Ann under the command of Colonel Long in 1777.
16 Near the top of the hill above Fort Edward, not far from the site now occupied by the Grove house, there was a tavern kept by one Bell, a tory. It was a place of considerable note, a favorite resort of loyalists, where many a scheme of rapine, violence and outrage was concerted and matured. — Communication of the late Judge Hay.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: Holden's History of Queensbury
A History of the Town of Queensbury, continued ...
A. W. Holden, M.D.
PART II
HISTORY OF QUEENSBURY.
CHAPTER XL, continued ...
About two weeks prior to Burgoyne's advance, and the capture of that post, Solomon with others was detailed to escort the inhabitants at the region to a place of safety.
All the horses and oxen of the neighborhood were seized upon for that purpose, and most of the women and children of the threatened frontier were removed to join their friends in Dutchess county and the adjacent county in Connecticut.
At a later period, these flittings and returns became so frequent, that in the language of one octogenarian, whose memory reverted back to those early days, "they had little to carry or lose; "and the love of home, and adventure must have been strong, indeed, which brought them back, after such repeated losses and alarms." 17
At the outbreak of the revolution, there was probably nowhere in this vicinity a stronger tory nest than that existing across the west mountain, some ten miles distant from Queensbury settlement, under the favor and encouragement of the brothers, Ebenezer and Edward Jessup, sharp, enterprising and apparently unscrupulous business men, who had, from time to time, secured the grant of various patents of land not only within the limits of the present town of Luzerne, but also the extensive tracts known as the Hyde township 18 and Totten and Crossfield's purchase, 19 which embraced the greater portion of the northern part of Warren, as well as part of Essex and Hamilton counties.
It has already been shown that they held title to lands in the town of Queensbury, and that lumber had been sawed for them at an early date at the Queensbury mills.
The private accounts of Abraham Wing also exhibit charges against them for entertainment of a very liberal and generous character, at Wing's tavern.
Somewhere about the year 1770, Ebenezer removed to this then wilderness region, and built him a spacious log dwelling on the farm now occupied by Thurlow Leavins, and on the brook near by, erected a saw and grist mill.
From him, the cataract a few miles below 20 on the Hudson derived the commonly received name of Jessup's falls.
There, until after the commencement of the revolutionary war he maintained a state and style of living which bespoke opulence, taste, culture, and familiarity with the elegancies and customs of the best provincial society.
If tradition is to be credited, his commodious and comfortable dwelling, however rude may have been its exterior, was the frequent theatre of hospitable entertainments, its rooms garnished with elegant furniture, its walls embellished with costly paintings and choice engravings, its capacious tables arrayed in spotless linen and imported covers, and loaded with massive silver plate.
All of this, with the many costly fittings and adjuncts of such a house was at a later date plundered and carried away.
17 The late Mrs. Alfred Ferris, the daughter of Benjamin, and granddaughter of Abraham Wing.
18 "July, 1772, is the date of the Indian deed to Ebenezer and Edward Jessup, for 40,000 acces, being the Hyde township. This was probably the 39th to the 31st of July; for in the proceedings relating to the Totten and Crossfield purchase, further on, is a notice of an Indian council, at which (the last held by the Mohawks), the effort was made to extinguish their title to all of their remaining lands. At this date was signed, among other deeds, the Palmer purchase of 133,000 acres ; and the Totten and Crossfield's purchase of 800,000 acres. The date of the grant of the Hyde township is September 17th, 1774. That of the Dartmouth, October 4th of the same year. This last is to Jeremiah Van Rensselaer and others, and lies in the towns of Hadley, Stony Creek and Thurman." — Butler's Handbook of the Adirondack Railway, p. 35.
19 "This immense and well known tract was evidently intended to extinguish the Mohawk title to all such lands as they might possess north of the west branch of the Hudson river. * * * * The person who got up and carried through this unusual land grant was Ebenezer Jessup; Messrs. Totten and Crossfield being merely put forward as a cover." — Idem. p. 36.
20 The Jessup brothers owned a ferry across the Hudson above the High falls, and the name of Jessup's landing on the Corinth side of the river is perpetuated to this day.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
A. W. Holden, M.D.
PART II
HISTORY OF QUEENSBURY.
CHAPTER XL, continued ...
About two weeks prior to Burgoyne's advance, and the capture of that post, Solomon with others was detailed to escort the inhabitants at the region to a place of safety.
All the horses and oxen of the neighborhood were seized upon for that purpose, and most of the women and children of the threatened frontier were removed to join their friends in Dutchess county and the adjacent county in Connecticut.
At a later period, these flittings and returns became so frequent, that in the language of one octogenarian, whose memory reverted back to those early days, "they had little to carry or lose; "and the love of home, and adventure must have been strong, indeed, which brought them back, after such repeated losses and alarms." 17
At the outbreak of the revolution, there was probably nowhere in this vicinity a stronger tory nest than that existing across the west mountain, some ten miles distant from Queensbury settlement, under the favor and encouragement of the brothers, Ebenezer and Edward Jessup, sharp, enterprising and apparently unscrupulous business men, who had, from time to time, secured the grant of various patents of land not only within the limits of the present town of Luzerne, but also the extensive tracts known as the Hyde township 18 and Totten and Crossfield's purchase, 19 which embraced the greater portion of the northern part of Warren, as well as part of Essex and Hamilton counties.
It has already been shown that they held title to lands in the town of Queensbury, and that lumber had been sawed for them at an early date at the Queensbury mills.
The private accounts of Abraham Wing also exhibit charges against them for entertainment of a very liberal and generous character, at Wing's tavern.
Somewhere about the year 1770, Ebenezer removed to this then wilderness region, and built him a spacious log dwelling on the farm now occupied by Thurlow Leavins, and on the brook near by, erected a saw and grist mill.
From him, the cataract a few miles below 20 on the Hudson derived the commonly received name of Jessup's falls.
There, until after the commencement of the revolutionary war he maintained a state and style of living which bespoke opulence, taste, culture, and familiarity with the elegancies and customs of the best provincial society.
If tradition is to be credited, his commodious and comfortable dwelling, however rude may have been its exterior, was the frequent theatre of hospitable entertainments, its rooms garnished with elegant furniture, its walls embellished with costly paintings and choice engravings, its capacious tables arrayed in spotless linen and imported covers, and loaded with massive silver plate.
All of this, with the many costly fittings and adjuncts of such a house was at a later date plundered and carried away.
17 The late Mrs. Alfred Ferris, the daughter of Benjamin, and granddaughter of Abraham Wing.
18 "July, 1772, is the date of the Indian deed to Ebenezer and Edward Jessup, for 40,000 acces, being the Hyde township. This was probably the 39th to the 31st of July; for in the proceedings relating to the Totten and Crossfield purchase, further on, is a notice of an Indian council, at which (the last held by the Mohawks), the effort was made to extinguish their title to all of their remaining lands. At this date was signed, among other deeds, the Palmer purchase of 133,000 acres ; and the Totten and Crossfield's purchase of 800,000 acres. The date of the grant of the Hyde township is September 17th, 1774. That of the Dartmouth, October 4th of the same year. This last is to Jeremiah Van Rensselaer and others, and lies in the towns of Hadley, Stony Creek and Thurman." — Butler's Handbook of the Adirondack Railway, p. 35.
19 "This immense and well known tract was evidently intended to extinguish the Mohawk title to all such lands as they might possess north of the west branch of the Hudson river. * * * * The person who got up and carried through this unusual land grant was Ebenezer Jessup; Messrs. Totten and Crossfield being merely put forward as a cover." — Idem. p. 36.
20 The Jessup brothers owned a ferry across the Hudson above the High falls, and the name of Jessup's landing on the Corinth side of the river is perpetuated to this day.
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A History of the Town of Queensbury, continued ...
A. W. Holden, M.D.
PART II
HISTORY OF QUEENSBURY.
CHAPTER XL, continued ...
Edward Jessup, 21 whose patent included and covered the site of the present village of Luzerne also erected at this point a dwelling and mills, the first in the vicinity.
The picturesque rapids and fall, which has altogether a descent of eighteen or twenty feet, hence derived the name of Jessup's little falls. 22
Scattered through this region lived a number of tories, among whom may be enumerated the following.
John Howell who dwelt up the Sacandaga river, in the direction of Johnstown.
Six brothers of the name of Lovelace, descendants of Gov. Lovelace, who resided at different points on the opposite side of the river, and one of whom, who lived near the Stiles place in the town of Wilton was in one of the last years of the war, executed at Schuylerville, as a spy, by order of General Stark, 23 after due trial by drum head court martial.
Another was Jacob Salisbury, who was shortly afterward captured in a cave known to this day as the tory house, situated among the Helderbergs.
21 "August 14th, 1767, was filed a petition of Edward Jessup and fourteen others for a grant of 4,100 acres of land on the east side of Hudson's river. * * * The date of the grant was May 21st, 1768. ****** Edward Jessup of Saratoga (Schuylerville), lived on the place where John McEwen now resides, near Rockwell's hotel. He built a grist mill on Wells creek. The old cellar on the hill, near the burying ground, is the one which was attached to the said mill." — Butler's Hand Book of the Adirondack Railway, pp. 23, 27.
22 "Jessup's little falls are situate here on the Hudson, whose waters rush through a narrow gorge between high and rocky cliffs, down about twenty feet. The bridge spans the whole, which is fifty or sixty feet in height. The view is here bold, impressive and romantic. Many years ago these waters were measured, and found to be of a depth of sixty-two feet. A few years since, an appropriation was made by the state legislature for clearing out the channels of the river for log navigation. Under this act, the salient points of the rocks were broken off. Indeed at one spot the passage was but twelve feet wide." — Idem., p. 21.
23 He was captured by a militia man named Hezekiah Dunham.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
A. W. Holden, M.D.
PART II
HISTORY OF QUEENSBURY.
CHAPTER XL, continued ...
Edward Jessup, 21 whose patent included and covered the site of the present village of Luzerne also erected at this point a dwelling and mills, the first in the vicinity.
The picturesque rapids and fall, which has altogether a descent of eighteen or twenty feet, hence derived the name of Jessup's little falls. 22
Scattered through this region lived a number of tories, among whom may be enumerated the following.
John Howell who dwelt up the Sacandaga river, in the direction of Johnstown.
Six brothers of the name of Lovelace, descendants of Gov. Lovelace, who resided at different points on the opposite side of the river, and one of whom, who lived near the Stiles place in the town of Wilton was in one of the last years of the war, executed at Schuylerville, as a spy, by order of General Stark, 23 after due trial by drum head court martial.
Another was Jacob Salisbury, who was shortly afterward captured in a cave known to this day as the tory house, situated among the Helderbergs.
21 "August 14th, 1767, was filed a petition of Edward Jessup and fourteen others for a grant of 4,100 acres of land on the east side of Hudson's river. * * * The date of the grant was May 21st, 1768. ****** Edward Jessup of Saratoga (Schuylerville), lived on the place where John McEwen now resides, near Rockwell's hotel. He built a grist mill on Wells creek. The old cellar on the hill, near the burying ground, is the one which was attached to the said mill." — Butler's Hand Book of the Adirondack Railway, pp. 23, 27.
22 "Jessup's little falls are situate here on the Hudson, whose waters rush through a narrow gorge between high and rocky cliffs, down about twenty feet. The bridge spans the whole, which is fifty or sixty feet in height. The view is here bold, impressive and romantic. Many years ago these waters were measured, and found to be of a depth of sixty-two feet. A few years since, an appropriation was made by the state legislature for clearing out the channels of the river for log navigation. Under this act, the salient points of the rocks were broken off. Indeed at one spot the passage was but twelve feet wide." — Idem., p. 21.
23 He was captured by a militia man named Hezekiah Dunham.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: Holden's History of Queensbury
A History of the Town of Queensbury, continued ...
A. W. Holden, M.D.
PART II
HISTORY OF QUEENSBURY.
CHAPTER XL, concluded ...
There were also several members of the Fairchild family living a few miles further down the river, in the vicinity of the hill known as Hog's back.
According to the tradition, in the month of April or May, 1777, Indian runners were despatched to these families, notifying them of Burgoyne's intended approach, and probably with some suggestions in regard to their cooperation with certain bands of tories gathering in the lower part of the Saratoga district.
However this may be, notice of their intentions was received, and a party of whigs were despatched in pursuit, the latter coming from the direction of Ballston.
So hot was the chase, that it is said one of the Jessups only secured his escape by jumping across the river at the Little falls. 24
From thence he escaped across the town of Queensbury 25 to Skenesborough, at the head of Lake Champlain, and eventually found his way to Burgoyne's camp at Willsborough falls.
After Gates had assumed command of the army, he sent Lieut. Ellis with a party of men to arrest the Jessups and other tories in that vicinity, but finding them gone he, in pursuance of orders, destroyed the settlement, laid waste their grain fields and left nothing standing of their improvements but the mills.
It is believed that these were afterwards destroyed.
The houses had already been pillaged, and everything of value carried away.
Thus was crushed out one of the earliest settlements in Warren county.
24 If it was either of the Jessups, it must have been Edward, as by the petition of Ezekiel Roberts, occurring in this chapter, it appears that Ebenezer Jessup was at this time in Canada, and he was soon after entrusted with a command in Burgoyne's army. Another version of the affair makes it one of the Fairchilds who jumped the stream, a feat rendered quite possible by swinging down the cliff from the branches of some favoring tree. According to the same author so liberally quoted, there was near this place, by the western shore of Lake Luzerne and on the site of the residence of the late Hon. N.B. La Bau, an ancient camping ground and fire-place of the Iroquois. — See Butler's Hand Book of the Adirondack RaiIway, p. 20.
25 According to one of the manuscript maps in the State library, there was at this time a road extending direct from the upper picket post (Brown's Half-way house) to Fort Ann and Skenesborough.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
A. W. Holden, M.D.
PART II
HISTORY OF QUEENSBURY.
CHAPTER XL, concluded ...
There were also several members of the Fairchild family living a few miles further down the river, in the vicinity of the hill known as Hog's back.
According to the tradition, in the month of April or May, 1777, Indian runners were despatched to these families, notifying them of Burgoyne's intended approach, and probably with some suggestions in regard to their cooperation with certain bands of tories gathering in the lower part of the Saratoga district.
However this may be, notice of their intentions was received, and a party of whigs were despatched in pursuit, the latter coming from the direction of Ballston.
So hot was the chase, that it is said one of the Jessups only secured his escape by jumping across the river at the Little falls. 24
From thence he escaped across the town of Queensbury 25 to Skenesborough, at the head of Lake Champlain, and eventually found his way to Burgoyne's camp at Willsborough falls.
After Gates had assumed command of the army, he sent Lieut. Ellis with a party of men to arrest the Jessups and other tories in that vicinity, but finding them gone he, in pursuance of orders, destroyed the settlement, laid waste their grain fields and left nothing standing of their improvements but the mills.
It is believed that these were afterwards destroyed.
The houses had already been pillaged, and everything of value carried away.
Thus was crushed out one of the earliest settlements in Warren county.
24 If it was either of the Jessups, it must have been Edward, as by the petition of Ezekiel Roberts, occurring in this chapter, it appears that Ebenezer Jessup was at this time in Canada, and he was soon after entrusted with a command in Burgoyne's army. Another version of the affair makes it one of the Fairchilds who jumped the stream, a feat rendered quite possible by swinging down the cliff from the branches of some favoring tree. According to the same author so liberally quoted, there was near this place, by the western shore of Lake Luzerne and on the site of the residence of the late Hon. N.B. La Bau, an ancient camping ground and fire-place of the Iroquois. — See Butler's Hand Book of the Adirondack RaiIway, p. 20.
25 According to one of the manuscript maps in the State library, there was at this time a road extending direct from the upper picket post (Brown's Half-way house) to Fort Ann and Skenesborough.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: Holden's History of Queensbury
A History of the Town of Queensbury, continued ...
A. W. Holden, M.D.
PART II
HISTORY OF QUEENSBURY.
CHAPTER XII.
Plan of Campaign of 1777, Determined by the British Ministry — Organization of the British Army and advance Southward —Joined by Savages at the River Boquet — Indian Council and Feast at that Point — Burgoyne assumes Command, and issues Proclamation to the People of the Colonies — Americans Evacuate Fort Ticonderoga — Retreat up the Lake — Engagement at Hubbardton — The British occupy Skenesborough — Action at Fort Ann — Retreat of its Garrison to Fort Ann — Americans posted at Five Mile Run — Garrison at South Glen's Falls — The Story of Moses Harris, General Schuyler's Celebrated Spy — Events following Burgoyne's Advance.
IT was resolved by the British ministry to prosecute the campaign of 1777 with increased vigor and energy.
To this end, an expedition was planned whose purpose was to penetrate the province of New York from the north, and which, by the boldness and celerity of its movements, cooperating with another expeditionary force from the south, should bisect the rebellious territory, which thus divided and crippled would be placed helpless and suppliant at the conqueror's feet.
With this object in view, General Burgoyne, who had visited England the preceding winter, and who had assisted in planning the details of the movement, was entrusted with the supreme command.
He was supported by a corps of carefully selected, able and experienced officers, furnished with an ample supply of war material, and a well appointed army of which the regular troops alone amounted to seven thousand one hundred and seventy-three men, 1 exclusive of the artillery corps, and a body of Canadian militia, which swelled the number to upwards of ten thousand.
The regulars were veteran and thoroughly disciplined troops fresh from the battle fields of Europe, and fondly believed invincible.
To perfect and coordinate the operations of the campaign, "the inhabitants of Canada were commanded to furnish men sufficient to occupy the woods on the frontiers, to prevent desertion, to procure intelligence, and to intercept all communication between the enemy, and the malcontents in the province." 2
Detachments of Indians were sent forward to the river Boquet on the one side of Lake Champlain, and to Otter creek on the other, to clear the way from scouting parties of the enemy, while Commodore Lutwych advanced with a powerful naval force up the lake, prepared to sweep away any obstructions that might present to retard or obstruct the rapid advance of this large and well appointed army.
Burgoyne arrived at Quebec in the month of May.
On the 31st, orders were issued to the several commandants of the departments, embodying instructions for the order of march.
On the second of June the movement southward began, such of the troops as were not provided with transportation by water, moving along parallel with the water of the river and lake as far as Cumberland head, where other shipping had been provided.
At Bouquet river 3 he was joined by a party of four hundred Indians of the fierce and merciless tribes of the Canadian wilderness, under some of the same chiefs and leaders who rendered themselves infamous by their barbarities and cruelties at the Fort William Henry massacre in 1757.
Here Burgoyne gave a war feast on the 2lst of June, on which occasion he made a conciliatory speech, and "humanely endeavored to soften their ferocity, and restrain their thirst for blood." 4
On the 26th the army reached Crown Point, where Burgoyne in person assumed the entire command, which had hitherto remained divided among the respective generals of the department. 5
1 Stedman's American War, vol. I, p. 320.
2 Stedman's American War, pp. 330-1.
3 "This river derives its name from a Colonel Bouquet who commanded an expedition against the Indians whilst Canada was under the French government." — Anbury's travels, vol. I, p. 280.
4 Palmer's History of Lake Champlain, p. 135.
5 Memoirs of General Riedesel (Stone's translation), vol. I, pp. 99-109.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
A. W. Holden, M.D.
PART II
HISTORY OF QUEENSBURY.
CHAPTER XII.
Plan of Campaign of 1777, Determined by the British Ministry — Organization of the British Army and advance Southward —Joined by Savages at the River Boquet — Indian Council and Feast at that Point — Burgoyne assumes Command, and issues Proclamation to the People of the Colonies — Americans Evacuate Fort Ticonderoga — Retreat up the Lake — Engagement at Hubbardton — The British occupy Skenesborough — Action at Fort Ann — Retreat of its Garrison to Fort Ann — Americans posted at Five Mile Run — Garrison at South Glen's Falls — The Story of Moses Harris, General Schuyler's Celebrated Spy — Events following Burgoyne's Advance.
IT was resolved by the British ministry to prosecute the campaign of 1777 with increased vigor and energy.
To this end, an expedition was planned whose purpose was to penetrate the province of New York from the north, and which, by the boldness and celerity of its movements, cooperating with another expeditionary force from the south, should bisect the rebellious territory, which thus divided and crippled would be placed helpless and suppliant at the conqueror's feet.
With this object in view, General Burgoyne, who had visited England the preceding winter, and who had assisted in planning the details of the movement, was entrusted with the supreme command.
He was supported by a corps of carefully selected, able and experienced officers, furnished with an ample supply of war material, and a well appointed army of which the regular troops alone amounted to seven thousand one hundred and seventy-three men, 1 exclusive of the artillery corps, and a body of Canadian militia, which swelled the number to upwards of ten thousand.
The regulars were veteran and thoroughly disciplined troops fresh from the battle fields of Europe, and fondly believed invincible.
To perfect and coordinate the operations of the campaign, "the inhabitants of Canada were commanded to furnish men sufficient to occupy the woods on the frontiers, to prevent desertion, to procure intelligence, and to intercept all communication between the enemy, and the malcontents in the province." 2
Detachments of Indians were sent forward to the river Boquet on the one side of Lake Champlain, and to Otter creek on the other, to clear the way from scouting parties of the enemy, while Commodore Lutwych advanced with a powerful naval force up the lake, prepared to sweep away any obstructions that might present to retard or obstruct the rapid advance of this large and well appointed army.
Burgoyne arrived at Quebec in the month of May.
On the 31st, orders were issued to the several commandants of the departments, embodying instructions for the order of march.
On the second of June the movement southward began, such of the troops as were not provided with transportation by water, moving along parallel with the water of the river and lake as far as Cumberland head, where other shipping had been provided.
At Bouquet river 3 he was joined by a party of four hundred Indians of the fierce and merciless tribes of the Canadian wilderness, under some of the same chiefs and leaders who rendered themselves infamous by their barbarities and cruelties at the Fort William Henry massacre in 1757.
Here Burgoyne gave a war feast on the 2lst of June, on which occasion he made a conciliatory speech, and "humanely endeavored to soften their ferocity, and restrain their thirst for blood." 4
On the 26th the army reached Crown Point, where Burgoyne in person assumed the entire command, which had hitherto remained divided among the respective generals of the department. 5
1 Stedman's American War, vol. I, p. 320.
2 Stedman's American War, pp. 330-1.
3 "This river derives its name from a Colonel Bouquet who commanded an expedition against the Indians whilst Canada was under the French government." — Anbury's travels, vol. I, p. 280.
4 Palmer's History of Lake Champlain, p. 135.
5 Memoirs of General Riedesel (Stone's translation), vol. I, pp. 99-109.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: Holden's History of Queensbury
A History of the Town of Queensbury, continued ...
A. W. Holden, M.D.
PART II
HISTORY OF QUEENSBURY.
CHAPTER XII., continued ...
Burgoyne's famous proclamation, which so justly aroused the indignation, contempt, and derision of the American people, was issued from the camp near Ticonderoga, and was dated July 2d, 1777. 6
On the same day General Phillips advanced, and took possession of an elevation some two miles northwest of the fortification at Ticonderoga, where he threw up breastworks, and entrenchments, which he named Mount Hope in the anticipation of an approaching victory.
This movement caused Gen. St. Clair to abandon and destroy the defenses in the direction of Lake George. 7
The engineer corps, assisted by a detail of men, proceeded to take possession of Sugar hill, a commanding eminence on the south side of the outlet of Lake George and immediately overlooking the fort.
The name of this elevation was at this time changed to Mount Defiance.
A road was made to its summit, and a battery erected there so that on the morning of the fifth, the fort became no longer tenable.
6 See Nile's American Revolution, pp. 263, 3, 4, for copy of the proclamation, and an amusing and satirical travesty, in which the bombast and pretension of the former are very happily set off. The latter was dated at Saratoga July 10, 1777.
7 The miserable condition of our own army, and its unfitness for encounter with the well armed, well clad, well provisioned, and highly disciplined troops of England can be judged by the following extract: "General Schuyler visited Ticonderoga and Mount Independence on the 20th of June, 1777. He found the troops there miserably clad, and armed, and nothing in store for them. Many were 'actually barefooted,' he said, 'and most of them ragged.' He besought congress to procure clothing, arms, and blankets. He held a council of officers, who observed, with much concern, the great lack of preparations for attack, caused by the utter inadequacy of the garrison for many months to do the work, and the want of effort on the part of Gates while in command; and when Schuyler spoke of the danger of the enemy taking a position on Mount Defiance, rising seven hundred feet above Ticonderoga, on the opposite side of the inlet to Lake George, it was the unanimous opinion of the officers that such occupation was almost impossible, owing to the rugged character of the approaches to it, and secondly, that all the troops in the department were insufficient to construct fortifications there, and to defend them and the other posts. So it was resolved to defend Ticonderoga and Mount Independence as long as possible. To this end Schuyler gave St. Clair definite instructions, at the same time leaving him to exercise large discretionary powers, to meet any emergency, while Schuyler was below making provision to meet the anticipated invasion of the Mohawk country. He appealed to Washington for reinforcements, informing him that if the Americans should be compelled to evacuate Ticonderoga, and Burgoyne should make his way to the south part of Lake Champlain, he had not a man to oppose him, the whole number at the different posts at and on this side of the lake, including the garrison of Fort George and Skenesborough, not exceeding seven hundred men." — Lossing's Schuyler, vol. II, p. 193.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
A. W. Holden, M.D.
PART II
HISTORY OF QUEENSBURY.
CHAPTER XII., continued ...
Burgoyne's famous proclamation, which so justly aroused the indignation, contempt, and derision of the American people, was issued from the camp near Ticonderoga, and was dated July 2d, 1777. 6
On the same day General Phillips advanced, and took possession of an elevation some two miles northwest of the fortification at Ticonderoga, where he threw up breastworks, and entrenchments, which he named Mount Hope in the anticipation of an approaching victory.
This movement caused Gen. St. Clair to abandon and destroy the defenses in the direction of Lake George. 7
The engineer corps, assisted by a detail of men, proceeded to take possession of Sugar hill, a commanding eminence on the south side of the outlet of Lake George and immediately overlooking the fort.
The name of this elevation was at this time changed to Mount Defiance.
A road was made to its summit, and a battery erected there so that on the morning of the fifth, the fort became no longer tenable.
6 See Nile's American Revolution, pp. 263, 3, 4, for copy of the proclamation, and an amusing and satirical travesty, in which the bombast and pretension of the former are very happily set off. The latter was dated at Saratoga July 10, 1777.
7 The miserable condition of our own army, and its unfitness for encounter with the well armed, well clad, well provisioned, and highly disciplined troops of England can be judged by the following extract: "General Schuyler visited Ticonderoga and Mount Independence on the 20th of June, 1777. He found the troops there miserably clad, and armed, and nothing in store for them. Many were 'actually barefooted,' he said, 'and most of them ragged.' He besought congress to procure clothing, arms, and blankets. He held a council of officers, who observed, with much concern, the great lack of preparations for attack, caused by the utter inadequacy of the garrison for many months to do the work, and the want of effort on the part of Gates while in command; and when Schuyler spoke of the danger of the enemy taking a position on Mount Defiance, rising seven hundred feet above Ticonderoga, on the opposite side of the inlet to Lake George, it was the unanimous opinion of the officers that such occupation was almost impossible, owing to the rugged character of the approaches to it, and secondly, that all the troops in the department were insufficient to construct fortifications there, and to defend them and the other posts. So it was resolved to defend Ticonderoga and Mount Independence as long as possible. To this end Schuyler gave St. Clair definite instructions, at the same time leaving him to exercise large discretionary powers, to meet any emergency, while Schuyler was below making provision to meet the anticipated invasion of the Mohawk country. He appealed to Washington for reinforcements, informing him that if the Americans should be compelled to evacuate Ticonderoga, and Burgoyne should make his way to the south part of Lake Champlain, he had not a man to oppose him, the whole number at the different posts at and on this side of the lake, including the garrison of Fort George and Skenesborough, not exceeding seven hundred men." — Lossing's Schuyler, vol. II, p. 193.
TO BE CONTINUED ...