Battles and Raids in the Province and State of New York, 1609-1814, continued ...
John C. Devendorf
32. Montcalm, in Aug. 1757, invested the fort with 6000 men and 2000 Indians.
The works were held by 2300 men under Col. Monroe.
Finally on Aug. 9, Monroe surrendered to Montcalm, who promised a safe retreat to Fort Edward.
They were scarcely outside the wall before the Indians set upon them and massacred a large number of defenseless men, women and children, and carried others into captivity.
The fort was never rebuilt.
33. This village (Palatine Village, "Herkimer") was destroyed by the Canadian French on the 12th of Nov. 1757.
Gen. M. deBelletre, with a detachment of 300 Marines, Canadians and Indians, arrived after great fatigue in the vicinity of the Oneida Castle, to which place he sent four warriors, doubtless to make interest with that people, by promising not to war on them and possibly to obtain food. for which they were much straitened.
From thence he journeyed to the river Corlear-Mohawk, at the carrying place where it is said he had "the satisfaction of examining five abandoned English forts".
He means sites of forts, and doubtless referred to those of Forts Bull and William, and one as intimated elsewhere, as having been commenced between those two forts; but what other two he meant, is not easy to determine, unless it were those destroyed at Oswego. "G"
The settlers had erected five blockhouses to guard the settlement of sixty houses on the north side of the river. (German Flats westward)
A party of 300 French marines, Canadians and Indians commanded by M. de Belletre, marched down the Black river trail to destroy the German Flats frontier settlement.
They encamped about opposite Utica on Nov. 11, 1757, and the next day the raiders moved on the first blockhouse, which surrendered after brisk firing on both sides.
The other four blockhouses surrendered.
Many of the people fled to the ford and to Fort Herkimer across which 100 escaped.
Forty men, women and children were killed or murdered and 150 were carried captive to Canada.
The greater part of the German Flats farm buildings were burned in this raid and the farm stock killed or driven off. "Y"
TO BE CONTINUED ...
THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
Battles and Raids in the Province and State of New York, 1609-1814, continued ...
John C. Devendorf
34. April 30, 1758, the south side settlement of Palatine (Herkimer) was invaded. "G"
35. July 20, 1758, occurred one of the many skirmishes for which the "Half-way Brook" is noted.
36. The English attack Fort Ticonderoga July 6, 1758, capture the fort on July 26, 1758.
37. East side of Lake George.
On July 27, 1757 an English scouting party of 300 lost almost half their number in killed and wounded when attacked by the Indians.
38. Aug. 27, 1758, the English capture Oswego.
39. About a mile north of Fort Ann is the site of a severe battle between the English and French and Indians in August 1758. "Q"
40. September 9, 1753 "another attack," (Half-way Brook).
41. On the south bank of the Mohawk nearly opposite the mouth of West Canada Creek and a half mile from the village of Herkimer, was Fort Kouari, variously known as Hareniger or Herkimer.
Fort Herkimer was attacked and captured by French and Indians under Belletre in 1757. (Nov. 12?)
41. The next year M. deBelletre came by the same route, examined several abandoned forts, crossed the river, came near the Palatine village - now Herkimer - and, Nov. 12, took this and five small forts in succession, his most effective weapon being the Indian warwhoop.
All feared that Fort Kouari (Bear) or Herkimer, though near, was not taken.
The Oneidas had warned the Palatines and some took refuge there.
Unfortunately all did not.
Severe as the blow was, even the French said the leaders report was exaggerated beyond all reason.
This was the last important raid on the valley in the old French war.
The forts were soon rebuilt, others added and the French flag no longer waved over Canada. "F"
TO BE CONTINUED ...
John C. Devendorf
34. April 30, 1758, the south side settlement of Palatine (Herkimer) was invaded. "G"
35. July 20, 1758, occurred one of the many skirmishes for which the "Half-way Brook" is noted.
36. The English attack Fort Ticonderoga July 6, 1758, capture the fort on July 26, 1758.
37. East side of Lake George.
On July 27, 1757 an English scouting party of 300 lost almost half their number in killed and wounded when attacked by the Indians.
38. Aug. 27, 1758, the English capture Oswego.
39. About a mile north of Fort Ann is the site of a severe battle between the English and French and Indians in August 1758. "Q"
40. September 9, 1753 "another attack," (Half-way Brook).
41. On the south bank of the Mohawk nearly opposite the mouth of West Canada Creek and a half mile from the village of Herkimer, was Fort Kouari, variously known as Hareniger or Herkimer.
Fort Herkimer was attacked and captured by French and Indians under Belletre in 1757. (Nov. 12?)
41. The next year M. deBelletre came by the same route, examined several abandoned forts, crossed the river, came near the Palatine village - now Herkimer - and, Nov. 12, took this and five small forts in succession, his most effective weapon being the Indian warwhoop.
All feared that Fort Kouari (Bear) or Herkimer, though near, was not taken.
The Oneidas had warned the Palatines and some took refuge there.
Unfortunately all did not.
Severe as the blow was, even the French said the leaders report was exaggerated beyond all reason.
This was the last important raid on the valley in the old French war.
The forts were soon rebuilt, others added and the French flag no longer waved over Canada. "F"
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
Battles and Raids in the Province and State of New York, 1609-1814, continued ...
John C. Devendorf
42. The English capture Fort Niagara, July 23, 1759. "A"
43. Ogdensburg is near the site of the old French fort generally known as Fort Oswegatchie, but on their (French) maps, as early as 1740 it is called Fort la Presentation, and sometimes La Gallette.
This fort was garrisoned by the French during a part of the Seven Years' War, but was taken by the English in 1760, while they were descending the St. Lawrence to attack Montreal. "A"
43. Surrender of Fort Lewis (Ogdensburg) Aug. 25, 1760 (Oswegatchie)
For more than two hundred years the great deep-worn war paths or traveling trails of the Indian Nations ran to and from its banks.
And whether the fleet, moccasined warriors went westward over the Sacandaga trail to the big bend of the Hudson and so on to the Iroquois strongholds, or whether they came to the "Great Carrying Place", at what is now Fort Edward, through Lake Champlain and Wood Creek, or chose the trip through Lake St. Sacrament at the site of the future Glens Falls, down to Albany, or the west, all must cross this stream, (Hudson) which thus became as familiar to the Adirondack and Iroquois Confederacies, as the alphabet is to us of today.
This knowledge so gained was made ample use of in later times in many a bloody ambush, surprise or savage foray.
After the defeat of Dieskau in 1755, and the building of Fort William Henry at Lake George and Fort Edward at the "Great Carrying Place" and "Half-way Brook" became a point of strategic importance, and as a halting place and rendezvous for the passing troops and the convoys of supplies between the two forts, it was noted throughout the northern colonies, as long as the French and Indian War lasted.
There was a blockhouse situated on the north side of the brook, and to the west of the plank road leading to the head of Lake George.
It was but natural then that in any war they would seek for revenge against the settlers.
If there had been no Revolution, and if there had been no Johnson or Butler, it is probable that the settlers of Tryon County would have been involved in an Indian War, which would, however, have lacked the added horrors of the fratricidal strife, which were such cruel and disgraceful features of the Revolutionary struggle.
Other enemies that threatened Tryon County came from beyond the lakes.
Indians and the French of Canada, and last British troops and Tory Rangers.
The Mohawk Valley was the easy road into the heart of New York.
This had been so clearly recognized by the Government of the Colony that when Queen Anne's Palatines came to be located, they were pushed up to the most western point in the valley, with the avowed purpose of making them a barrier, a buffer, a protection for Albany and New York.
That they were such a protection, and that they took the full force of the frontier strife, was abundantly proved in the French Wars and in the Revolution.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
John C. Devendorf
42. The English capture Fort Niagara, July 23, 1759. "A"
43. Ogdensburg is near the site of the old French fort generally known as Fort Oswegatchie, but on their (French) maps, as early as 1740 it is called Fort la Presentation, and sometimes La Gallette.
This fort was garrisoned by the French during a part of the Seven Years' War, but was taken by the English in 1760, while they were descending the St. Lawrence to attack Montreal. "A"
43. Surrender of Fort Lewis (Ogdensburg) Aug. 25, 1760 (Oswegatchie)
For more than two hundred years the great deep-worn war paths or traveling trails of the Indian Nations ran to and from its banks.
And whether the fleet, moccasined warriors went westward over the Sacandaga trail to the big bend of the Hudson and so on to the Iroquois strongholds, or whether they came to the "Great Carrying Place", at what is now Fort Edward, through Lake Champlain and Wood Creek, or chose the trip through Lake St. Sacrament at the site of the future Glens Falls, down to Albany, or the west, all must cross this stream, (Hudson) which thus became as familiar to the Adirondack and Iroquois Confederacies, as the alphabet is to us of today.
This knowledge so gained was made ample use of in later times in many a bloody ambush, surprise or savage foray.
After the defeat of Dieskau in 1755, and the building of Fort William Henry at Lake George and Fort Edward at the "Great Carrying Place" and "Half-way Brook" became a point of strategic importance, and as a halting place and rendezvous for the passing troops and the convoys of supplies between the two forts, it was noted throughout the northern colonies, as long as the French and Indian War lasted.
There was a blockhouse situated on the north side of the brook, and to the west of the plank road leading to the head of Lake George.
It was but natural then that in any war they would seek for revenge against the settlers.
If there had been no Revolution, and if there had been no Johnson or Butler, it is probable that the settlers of Tryon County would have been involved in an Indian War, which would, however, have lacked the added horrors of the fratricidal strife, which were such cruel and disgraceful features of the Revolutionary struggle.
Other enemies that threatened Tryon County came from beyond the lakes.
Indians and the French of Canada, and last British troops and Tory Rangers.
The Mohawk Valley was the easy road into the heart of New York.
This had been so clearly recognized by the Government of the Colony that when Queen Anne's Palatines came to be located, they were pushed up to the most western point in the valley, with the avowed purpose of making them a barrier, a buffer, a protection for Albany and New York.
That they were such a protection, and that they took the full force of the frontier strife, was abundantly proved in the French Wars and in the Revolution.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
Battles and Raids in the Province and State of New York, 1609-1814, continued ...
John C. Devendorf
If hostile they formed an important military base westward and on the Susquehanna and Delaware Rivers.
Canada was now a British province, furnishing another base.
Fort Niagara and Fort Oswego were specially troublesome to the Mohawk Valley, and Fort Carleton, a new and strong work, built in '78 was well placed for sudden raids.
Its ruins are conspicuous on Burk Island, just below Cape Vincent.
The wilderness had now been well explored, and many trails led thence to all parts of the valley, even Saratoga was accessible from this fort.
Another danger as serious as any, came from the foes in their own household; those whom they called Tories, known to themselves and their admirers as "United Empire Loyalists."
About these men much has been said.
They were loathed and feared and abhorred by their patriot neighbors, and they have been defended and praised and admired by writers in Canada and even in New York.
It suffices for us to know that in cruelty and in deeds of ruthless destruction, they exceeded the Mohawks.
Such then was the situation in the Mohawk Valley when the first rumblings of war were heard.
Tryon County extended north of the river a few miles; to the south, it included Cherry Valley, Harpersfield, Newton, Martin and other small outlying settlements east of the old Treaty Line of 1768; but the most thickly settled parts of its five districts of Mohawk Palatine, Canajoharie, Kingsland and German Flats lay immediately on the river along the highways that ran upon its banks.
This section of Tryon County was quite thickly settled by a sturdy liberty loving people -Germans, Hollanders, Swiss, English, Scotch.
They were mostly farmers, with a few mechanics, doctors, trader's and clergymen.
They differed, as we have seen, about the question of the hour, and this brought disruption into many families but the majority were outspoken in their support of the Patriot cause, and it is well to remember, and to repeat with emphasis, that as early as August, 1774, there was formed in the Palatine District a Committee of Safety, which passed a set of resolutions not exceeded in any of the Thirteen Colonies for force, bravery and devotion to liberty.
They were determined they said, "to be free or die."
That it was no empty boast was abundantly proved by the results of the war, for at its close there were two thousand widows and orphan children; twelve hundred desolated farms and the smoldering ruins of hundreds of houses, barns, mills and churches.
Truly Tryon County had been the buffer that saved Albany, New York and New England.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
John C. Devendorf
If hostile they formed an important military base westward and on the Susquehanna and Delaware Rivers.
Canada was now a British province, furnishing another base.
Fort Niagara and Fort Oswego were specially troublesome to the Mohawk Valley, and Fort Carleton, a new and strong work, built in '78 was well placed for sudden raids.
Its ruins are conspicuous on Burk Island, just below Cape Vincent.
The wilderness had now been well explored, and many trails led thence to all parts of the valley, even Saratoga was accessible from this fort.
Another danger as serious as any, came from the foes in their own household; those whom they called Tories, known to themselves and their admirers as "United Empire Loyalists."
About these men much has been said.
They were loathed and feared and abhorred by their patriot neighbors, and they have been defended and praised and admired by writers in Canada and even in New York.
It suffices for us to know that in cruelty and in deeds of ruthless destruction, they exceeded the Mohawks.
Such then was the situation in the Mohawk Valley when the first rumblings of war were heard.
Tryon County extended north of the river a few miles; to the south, it included Cherry Valley, Harpersfield, Newton, Martin and other small outlying settlements east of the old Treaty Line of 1768; but the most thickly settled parts of its five districts of Mohawk Palatine, Canajoharie, Kingsland and German Flats lay immediately on the river along the highways that ran upon its banks.
This section of Tryon County was quite thickly settled by a sturdy liberty loving people -Germans, Hollanders, Swiss, English, Scotch.
They were mostly farmers, with a few mechanics, doctors, trader's and clergymen.
They differed, as we have seen, about the question of the hour, and this brought disruption into many families but the majority were outspoken in their support of the Patriot cause, and it is well to remember, and to repeat with emphasis, that as early as August, 1774, there was formed in the Palatine District a Committee of Safety, which passed a set of resolutions not exceeded in any of the Thirteen Colonies for force, bravery and devotion to liberty.
They were determined they said, "to be free or die."
That it was no empty boast was abundantly proved by the results of the war, for at its close there were two thousand widows and orphan children; twelve hundred desolated farms and the smoldering ruins of hundreds of houses, barns, mills and churches.
Truly Tryon County had been the buffer that saved Albany, New York and New England.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
Battles and Raids in the Province and State of New York, 1609-1814, continued ...
John C. Devendorf
This first meeting of the Tryon County Committee of Safety antedated by a whole year Lexington, Concord and Bunker Hill.
There were few committees formed at an earlier date and few which passed such stirring resolutions and none formed anywhere whose members so actually took their lives in their hands as did these brave patriots of Tryon County.
The loss and suffering they endured is but little known to the general historian; the justice and the credit they deserve has been long withheld, and the graves of most of them are unknown and unmarked. "L"
The Revolutionary war brought another series of raids, very different and yet with a similar mingling of white and red men.
The Iroquois had extended southward and westward, and generally favored the royal cause.
The presents came from that side and they always had an eye to the main chance.
Why should they not?
So the most that could be hoped for was their neutrality.
A few rods west of the church was the large stone mansion of the Herkimer family, which was stockaded and called Fort Herkimer.
Herkimer village occupies the site of old Fort Herkimer, erected in the early part of the Seven Years War, and known as Fort Dayton during the revolution. "A"
44. Crown Point remained in the quiet possession of the British from 1759 until 1775, when it was surprised and taken by a small body of provincials called "Green Mountain Boys", under Col. Seth Warner.
He attempted its capture on the same day that Delaplace surrendered Fort Ticonderoga to Ethan Allen, but was thwarted and driven back by a storm.
That was on the 10th of May.
The attempt was renewed on the 12th, with success, and the garrison, consisting of only a sergeant and eleven men, were made prisoners without firing a shot. "A"
45. At Sabbath Day Point a party of American militia of Saratoga county had a severe battle with Tories and Indians in 1776.
Both were scouting parties, and came upon each other unexpectedly.
The Americans repulsed the enemy, and killed and wounded about forty. "A"
46. Aug. 27, 1776, battle of Long Island and escape the next day the American army across the East River to New York. "A"
47. Sept. 16, 1776, battle of Harlem Plains. "A"
TO BE CONTINUED ...
John C. Devendorf
This first meeting of the Tryon County Committee of Safety antedated by a whole year Lexington, Concord and Bunker Hill.
There were few committees formed at an earlier date and few which passed such stirring resolutions and none formed anywhere whose members so actually took their lives in their hands as did these brave patriots of Tryon County.
The loss and suffering they endured is but little known to the general historian; the justice and the credit they deserve has been long withheld, and the graves of most of them are unknown and unmarked. "L"
The Revolutionary war brought another series of raids, very different and yet with a similar mingling of white and red men.
The Iroquois had extended southward and westward, and generally favored the royal cause.
The presents came from that side and they always had an eye to the main chance.
Why should they not?
So the most that could be hoped for was their neutrality.
A few rods west of the church was the large stone mansion of the Herkimer family, which was stockaded and called Fort Herkimer.
Herkimer village occupies the site of old Fort Herkimer, erected in the early part of the Seven Years War, and known as Fort Dayton during the revolution. "A"
44. Crown Point remained in the quiet possession of the British from 1759 until 1775, when it was surprised and taken by a small body of provincials called "Green Mountain Boys", under Col. Seth Warner.
He attempted its capture on the same day that Delaplace surrendered Fort Ticonderoga to Ethan Allen, but was thwarted and driven back by a storm.
That was on the 10th of May.
The attempt was renewed on the 12th, with success, and the garrison, consisting of only a sergeant and eleven men, were made prisoners without firing a shot. "A"
45. At Sabbath Day Point a party of American militia of Saratoga county had a severe battle with Tories and Indians in 1776.
Both were scouting parties, and came upon each other unexpectedly.
The Americans repulsed the enemy, and killed and wounded about forty. "A"
46. Aug. 27, 1776, battle of Long Island and escape the next day the American army across the East River to New York. "A"
47. Sept. 16, 1776, battle of Harlem Plains. "A"
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
Battles and Raids in the Province and State of New York, 1609-1814, continued ...
John C. Devendorf
48. Oct. 11, 1776, battle of Valcour Island, (naval engagement on Lake Champlain.) "A"
49. Oct. 28, 1776, Battle of White Plains.
50. The next day the whole fleet anchored in Peekskill Bay, and at one o'clock, five hundred men in eight flat-boats, under the command of Col. Bird, landed at Lent's Cove, on the south side of the bay.
They had four pieces of light artillery, drawn by the sailors.
Gen. M'Dougall retreated to Gallows Hill and vicinity, giving directions for destroying such stores as could not be removed.
At the same time, he sent a dispatch to Lt. Col. Willett, at Fort Constitution, to leave a subaltern's command there, and hasten to his assistance.
The British held possession of the town until the next day, when a detachment advanced toward the Highlands.
These were attacked by Col. Willett, and a smart skirmish ensued.
The detachment retreated back to the main body of the enemy, and in the evening, favored by the light of the moon, they all embarked and sailed down the river.
Their object, the destruction of the stores was partially accomplished, but not by their own hands.
They had nine of their number killed in the skirmish with Willett, and four at the verge of the creek, while attempting to burn some boats.
The Americans had one man killed by a cannon shot.
Two or three houses were burned, and about forty sheep, furnished by the Tories were carried off. "A"
51. The first important inroad was connected with Burgoyne's campaign.
Though well planned this was too poorly equipped for success, though the battle of Oriskany was a terrible blow to all Tryon County.
Bravely fought, it brought sorrow to many homes.
Next to this lack of means, his Indian allies were a source of weakness rather than of strength to St. Leger.
He intended coming direct from Salmon river to Fort Stanwix, which would have saved time, and he would have found the fort much weaker.
But his 250 Mississages were uncontrollable, and he had to go to Oswego to maintain order.
There many Mohawks and Senecas joined him.
When this vanguard reached the fort the Indians outnumbered the rest, and he had no trust in their tender mercies.
In his last summons to the fort he said he would be powerless to restrain them then or in the valley beyond, if once enraged.
They were dangerous allies as others had found.
They outnumbered the royal troops and in the ambush at Oriskany they suffered severely.
They caused his swift retreat and pillaged his stores.
It is quite possible, had he followed the route proposed or passed the fort and swept down the valley, the expedition might have been successful, but he dared not leave such a work in his rear, though not planning to return.
The onward march would have pleased Sir John Johnson well. "T"
The Battle of Oriskany, Aug. 6, 1777, has already been so fully treated that a passing notice is sufficient now.
The alert or raid was to have swept the valley from end to end, but was checked at the outset.
Its success would have been disastrous. "Y"
TO BE CONTINUED ...
John C. Devendorf
48. Oct. 11, 1776, battle of Valcour Island, (naval engagement on Lake Champlain.) "A"
49. Oct. 28, 1776, Battle of White Plains.
50. The next day the whole fleet anchored in Peekskill Bay, and at one o'clock, five hundred men in eight flat-boats, under the command of Col. Bird, landed at Lent's Cove, on the south side of the bay.
They had four pieces of light artillery, drawn by the sailors.
Gen. M'Dougall retreated to Gallows Hill and vicinity, giving directions for destroying such stores as could not be removed.
At the same time, he sent a dispatch to Lt. Col. Willett, at Fort Constitution, to leave a subaltern's command there, and hasten to his assistance.
The British held possession of the town until the next day, when a detachment advanced toward the Highlands.
These were attacked by Col. Willett, and a smart skirmish ensued.
The detachment retreated back to the main body of the enemy, and in the evening, favored by the light of the moon, they all embarked and sailed down the river.
Their object, the destruction of the stores was partially accomplished, but not by their own hands.
They had nine of their number killed in the skirmish with Willett, and four at the verge of the creek, while attempting to burn some boats.
The Americans had one man killed by a cannon shot.
Two or three houses were burned, and about forty sheep, furnished by the Tories were carried off. "A"
51. The first important inroad was connected with Burgoyne's campaign.
Though well planned this was too poorly equipped for success, though the battle of Oriskany was a terrible blow to all Tryon County.
Bravely fought, it brought sorrow to many homes.
Next to this lack of means, his Indian allies were a source of weakness rather than of strength to St. Leger.
He intended coming direct from Salmon river to Fort Stanwix, which would have saved time, and he would have found the fort much weaker.
But his 250 Mississages were uncontrollable, and he had to go to Oswego to maintain order.
There many Mohawks and Senecas joined him.
When this vanguard reached the fort the Indians outnumbered the rest, and he had no trust in their tender mercies.
In his last summons to the fort he said he would be powerless to restrain them then or in the valley beyond, if once enraged.
They were dangerous allies as others had found.
They outnumbered the royal troops and in the ambush at Oriskany they suffered severely.
They caused his swift retreat and pillaged his stores.
It is quite possible, had he followed the route proposed or passed the fort and swept down the valley, the expedition might have been successful, but he dared not leave such a work in his rear, though not planning to return.
The onward march would have pleased Sir John Johnson well. "T"
The Battle of Oriskany, Aug. 6, 1777, has already been so fully treated that a passing notice is sufficient now.
The alert or raid was to have swept the valley from end to end, but was checked at the outset.
Its success would have been disastrous. "Y"
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
Battles and Raids in the Province and State of New York, 1609-1814, continued ...
John C. Devendorf
52. Capt. McDonald was a noted Scotch Tory, who resided for some time on the Charlotte and had been very active and effective in the Royal cause.
Aug. 9, 1777 he appeared on the Schoharie River above Breakabeen with a force of men and "marched up and down the road."
Much evidence points to the year 1777 as the correct date, rather than 1778, the one given by both Campbell and Stone.
Each side overestimated the strength of the other.
Instead of two hundred men coming from Albany, there was but a very small company.
McDonald's force had been incorrectly reported as three hundred.
Adam Crysler has been in communication with McDonald for weeks and was a party to his invasion - a brief engagement followed in which some lives were lost, after which the invaders withdrew and went to Oswego.
55. Kingston (or Esopus), being the capital of the state when Sir Henry Clinton gained possession of the forts in the Hudson Highlands, was marked by the conqueror for special vengeance.
Having demolished the chevaux-de-frise at Fort Montgomery, the British fleet proceeded up the Hudson; the massive iron chain was not yet stretched across the river at West Point.
All impediments being removed, a flying squadron of light frigates, under Sir James Wallace, bearing three thousand six hundred men, under the command of Gen. Vaughan sailed up the river.
They were instructed to scatter desolation in their track, and well did they perform their mission.
Every vessel upon the river was burned or otherwise destroyed; the houses of known Whigs, such as Henry Livingston, at Poughkeepsie were fired upon from the ships; and small parties, landing from the vessels, desolated neighborhoods with fire and sword.
They penetrated as far northward as Kingston, where they landed on the 13th of Oct.
The frigates were anchored a little above the present landing on Kingston Point, and a portion of the invaders debarked in the cove north of the steamboat wharf.
Another division, in small boats, proceeded to the mouth of Esopus; (now Rondout) Creek, and landed at a place a little northeast of Rondout village, called Ponkhocken Point.
The people at the creek fled, affrightened, to Marbletown, seven miles southwest of Kingston, and their houses were destroyed.
The two divisions then marched toward the village, one by the upper road and the other by the Esopus Creek Road.
Almost every house was laid in ashes, and a large quantity of provisions and stores situated there and at the landing were destroyed.
The town then contained between three and four thousand inhabitants, many of whom were wealthy, and most of the houses were built of stone. "A"
TO BE CONTINUED ...
John C. Devendorf
52. Capt. McDonald was a noted Scotch Tory, who resided for some time on the Charlotte and had been very active and effective in the Royal cause.
Aug. 9, 1777 he appeared on the Schoharie River above Breakabeen with a force of men and "marched up and down the road."
Much evidence points to the year 1777 as the correct date, rather than 1778, the one given by both Campbell and Stone.
Each side overestimated the strength of the other.
Instead of two hundred men coming from Albany, there was but a very small company.
McDonald's force had been incorrectly reported as three hundred.
Adam Crysler has been in communication with McDonald for weeks and was a party to his invasion - a brief engagement followed in which some lives were lost, after which the invaders withdrew and went to Oswego.
55. Kingston (or Esopus), being the capital of the state when Sir Henry Clinton gained possession of the forts in the Hudson Highlands, was marked by the conqueror for special vengeance.
Having demolished the chevaux-de-frise at Fort Montgomery, the British fleet proceeded up the Hudson; the massive iron chain was not yet stretched across the river at West Point.
All impediments being removed, a flying squadron of light frigates, under Sir James Wallace, bearing three thousand six hundred men, under the command of Gen. Vaughan sailed up the river.
They were instructed to scatter desolation in their track, and well did they perform their mission.
Every vessel upon the river was burned or otherwise destroyed; the houses of known Whigs, such as Henry Livingston, at Poughkeepsie were fired upon from the ships; and small parties, landing from the vessels, desolated neighborhoods with fire and sword.
They penetrated as far northward as Kingston, where they landed on the 13th of Oct.
The frigates were anchored a little above the present landing on Kingston Point, and a portion of the invaders debarked in the cove north of the steamboat wharf.
Another division, in small boats, proceeded to the mouth of Esopus; (now Rondout) Creek, and landed at a place a little northeast of Rondout village, called Ponkhocken Point.
The people at the creek fled, affrightened, to Marbletown, seven miles southwest of Kingston, and their houses were destroyed.
The two divisions then marched toward the village, one by the upper road and the other by the Esopus Creek Road.
Almost every house was laid in ashes, and a large quantity of provisions and stores situated there and at the landing were destroyed.
The town then contained between three and four thousand inhabitants, many of whom were wealthy, and most of the houses were built of stone. "A"
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
Battles and Raids in the Province and State of New York, 1609-1814, continued ...
John C. Devendorf
57. Sir Henry Clinton, in the meanwhile, made his way toward Fort Clinton and Fort Montgomery, with much difficulty, for upon a narrow bank was a strong abatis.
This was overcome after much hard fighting, and at about four o'clock both forts were invested by the enemy.
Sir Henry Clinton sent a flag, with a summons for both garrisons to surrender prisoners of war within five minutes, or they would all be put to the sword.
Lt. Col. Livingston was sent by Gov. Clinton to receive the flag, and to inform the enemy that the Americans were determined to defend the forts to the last.
The action was immediately renewed with great vigor on both sides.
The British vessels under Commodore Hothain approached within cannon shot of the forts, and opened a desultory fire upon them, and on some American vessels lying above the chevaux-de-frise.
The battle continued until twilight, when the superior number of the assailants obliged the patriots at both forts to give way, and attempt a scattered retreat or escape.
It was a cloudy evening, and the darkness came on suddenly.
This favored the Americans in their flight, and a large proportion of those who escaped the slaughter of the battle made their way to the neighboring mountains in safety.
The brothers who commanded the forts escaped.
Gen. James Clinton was severely wounded in the thigh by a bayonet, but escaped to the mountains and reached his residence in Orange county, sixteen miles distant, the next day, where he was joined by his brother George, and about two hundred survivors of the battle. "A"
60. In 1778, British and Tories raided Manheim, a German settlement north of Little Falls, carrying off a dozen prisoners.
61. Brant's first hostile movement of consequences, after his return to Oghkwaga, was the destruction of a small settlement at Springfield, at the head of Otsego Lake, ten miles west of Cherry Valley.
It was in the month of May 1778.
Every house was burned but one, into which the women and children were collected and kept unharmed.
The absence of Tories in that expedition and the freedom to act as he pleased on the part of Brant, may account for this humanity.
Several men were made captive, and, with considerable property, were carried off to Oghkwaga. "A"
62. In June of this summer (1778), Brant came up with a party, and burned Springfield, carrying away several prisoners.
He collected the women and children together into one house, and there left them uninjured - an example which was not always followed by his allies. "B"
TO BE CONTINUED ...
John C. Devendorf
57. Sir Henry Clinton, in the meanwhile, made his way toward Fort Clinton and Fort Montgomery, with much difficulty, for upon a narrow bank was a strong abatis.
This was overcome after much hard fighting, and at about four o'clock both forts were invested by the enemy.
Sir Henry Clinton sent a flag, with a summons for both garrisons to surrender prisoners of war within five minutes, or they would all be put to the sword.
Lt. Col. Livingston was sent by Gov. Clinton to receive the flag, and to inform the enemy that the Americans were determined to defend the forts to the last.
The action was immediately renewed with great vigor on both sides.
The British vessels under Commodore Hothain approached within cannon shot of the forts, and opened a desultory fire upon them, and on some American vessels lying above the chevaux-de-frise.
The battle continued until twilight, when the superior number of the assailants obliged the patriots at both forts to give way, and attempt a scattered retreat or escape.
It was a cloudy evening, and the darkness came on suddenly.
This favored the Americans in their flight, and a large proportion of those who escaped the slaughter of the battle made their way to the neighboring mountains in safety.
The brothers who commanded the forts escaped.
Gen. James Clinton was severely wounded in the thigh by a bayonet, but escaped to the mountains and reached his residence in Orange county, sixteen miles distant, the next day, where he was joined by his brother George, and about two hundred survivors of the battle. "A"
60. In 1778, British and Tories raided Manheim, a German settlement north of Little Falls, carrying off a dozen prisoners.
61. Brant's first hostile movement of consequences, after his return to Oghkwaga, was the destruction of a small settlement at Springfield, at the head of Otsego Lake, ten miles west of Cherry Valley.
It was in the month of May 1778.
Every house was burned but one, into which the women and children were collected and kept unharmed.
The absence of Tories in that expedition and the freedom to act as he pleased on the part of Brant, may account for this humanity.
Several men were made captive, and, with considerable property, were carried off to Oghkwaga. "A"
62. In June of this summer (1778), Brant came up with a party, and burned Springfield, carrying away several prisoners.
He collected the women and children together into one house, and there left them uninjured - an example which was not always followed by his allies. "B"
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
Battles and Raids in the Province and State of New York, 1609-1814, continued ...
John C. Devendorf
63. There was at this time, a little settlement, consisting of only nineteen families, on the Cobleskill Creek, ten miles west of Schoharie.
Though they had erected no fortifications, they had prepared for defense, by organizing a company of militia, and procuring arms and ammunition.
About the middle of May 1778, it was reported at a meeting of the militia, that some straggling Indians had been seen in the neighborhood, and a scout of three men, one of whom was suspected of being secretly a royalist, was sent out into the forest.
On the return of the scout, they met two Indians near the settlement, who accosting them in friendly terms, and pretending to be hunting, were suffered to pass.
The Indians took a circuitous route, and in a short time met them again.
The suspected individual had now disappeared, having taken a different path from the settlement.
The Indians still pretending friendship one of them familiarly took the musket from one of the men, a knocking out the flint, handed it back.
The other attempted the same thing but his adversary perceiving his intention, shot him.
His companion fled and the men returned to the settlement.
This circumstance, together with a rumor that a large body of Indians were on the march for Schoharie, excited fears that this hill settlement would be the first object of their revenge.
They immediately dispatched a messenger to Schoharie with the intelligence, and directed him to ask for assistance.
A part of a company of continental soldiers, under command of Capt. Patrick, was sent the same day to Cobleskill.
The next morning a party of Indians were seen to cross the creek and return again to the woods.
A small detachment of men were sent in pursuit.
These men were soon driven back by a superior force.
Capt. Patrick then marched the whole of his little band, and 15 volunteers of the militia, to their support.
The Indians were driven back, but soon made a stand, and after firing again retreated.
They continued to retreat, disputing the ground at every at every step, evidently increasing in number, until the conflict became exceedingly fierce.
Capt. Patrick was at first wounded, and afterward killed, when his men sought safety in flight.
The Indians immediately pursued them, and at the same instant the main body, which had been concealed in the thickets, rushed forth, and with deafening yells poured a shower of rifle balls upon the fugitives; their number, as afterward ascertained, was about 300.
The death of Capt. Patrick alone saved his men from entire destruction; in a few moments more they would have been surrounded, and their retreat cut off.
The inhabitants of the settlement, as soon as they saw the fugitives emerging from the woods, pursued by the Indians, fled in the opposite direction, and all arrived safe at Schoharie; their escape was favored by the desperate resistance of seven of the soldiers, who, taking possession of a house, fired from the windows, and checked the pursuit of the enemy.
The Indians at length succeeded in setting the house on fire, and six of its brave defenders perished in the flames; the other was afterward found a few rods distant, much burned and horribly mutilated, a roll of continental money was put in his hand, as if in derision of the cause which he supported.
The enemy set fire to the buildings in the vicinity, and after burying the dead, and mangling the dead bodies of the soldiers, retired without pursuing the fugitives further.
Of the 45 who went out, 21 escaped, 22 were killed, and 2 taken prisoners.
The Indians suffered severely, according to the account of the prisoners who afterward returned.
They were accompanied by a few Tories, and commanded by a Tory, who took this method to obtain revenge for an unsuccessful attempt to arrest him the previous year; he afterward returned to his former home upon the Charlotte River, and was killed by the celebrated Murphy, who was one of a party sent to bring him into the fort. "B"
TO BE CONTINUED ...
John C. Devendorf
63. There was at this time, a little settlement, consisting of only nineteen families, on the Cobleskill Creek, ten miles west of Schoharie.
Though they had erected no fortifications, they had prepared for defense, by organizing a company of militia, and procuring arms and ammunition.
About the middle of May 1778, it was reported at a meeting of the militia, that some straggling Indians had been seen in the neighborhood, and a scout of three men, one of whom was suspected of being secretly a royalist, was sent out into the forest.
On the return of the scout, they met two Indians near the settlement, who accosting them in friendly terms, and pretending to be hunting, were suffered to pass.
The Indians took a circuitous route, and in a short time met them again.
The suspected individual had now disappeared, having taken a different path from the settlement.
The Indians still pretending friendship one of them familiarly took the musket from one of the men, a knocking out the flint, handed it back.
The other attempted the same thing but his adversary perceiving his intention, shot him.
His companion fled and the men returned to the settlement.
This circumstance, together with a rumor that a large body of Indians were on the march for Schoharie, excited fears that this hill settlement would be the first object of their revenge.
They immediately dispatched a messenger to Schoharie with the intelligence, and directed him to ask for assistance.
A part of a company of continental soldiers, under command of Capt. Patrick, was sent the same day to Cobleskill.
The next morning a party of Indians were seen to cross the creek and return again to the woods.
A small detachment of men were sent in pursuit.
These men were soon driven back by a superior force.
Capt. Patrick then marched the whole of his little band, and 15 volunteers of the militia, to their support.
The Indians were driven back, but soon made a stand, and after firing again retreated.
They continued to retreat, disputing the ground at every at every step, evidently increasing in number, until the conflict became exceedingly fierce.
Capt. Patrick was at first wounded, and afterward killed, when his men sought safety in flight.
The Indians immediately pursued them, and at the same instant the main body, which had been concealed in the thickets, rushed forth, and with deafening yells poured a shower of rifle balls upon the fugitives; their number, as afterward ascertained, was about 300.
The death of Capt. Patrick alone saved his men from entire destruction; in a few moments more they would have been surrounded, and their retreat cut off.
The inhabitants of the settlement, as soon as they saw the fugitives emerging from the woods, pursued by the Indians, fled in the opposite direction, and all arrived safe at Schoharie; their escape was favored by the desperate resistance of seven of the soldiers, who, taking possession of a house, fired from the windows, and checked the pursuit of the enemy.
The Indians at length succeeded in setting the house on fire, and six of its brave defenders perished in the flames; the other was afterward found a few rods distant, much burned and horribly mutilated, a roll of continental money was put in his hand, as if in derision of the cause which he supported.
The enemy set fire to the buildings in the vicinity, and after burying the dead, and mangling the dead bodies of the soldiers, retired without pursuing the fugitives further.
Of the 45 who went out, 21 escaped, 22 were killed, and 2 taken prisoners.
The Indians suffered severely, according to the account of the prisoners who afterward returned.
They were accompanied by a few Tories, and commanded by a Tory, who took this method to obtain revenge for an unsuccessful attempt to arrest him the previous year; he afterward returned to his former home upon the Charlotte River, and was killed by the celebrated Murphy, who was one of a party sent to bring him into the fort. "B"
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
Battles and Raids in the Province and State of New York, 1609-1814, continued ...
John C. Devendorf
64. There was an engagement on the 2nd of July 1778, on the upper branch of the Cobleskill, between a party of regular troops and Schoharie militia, 52 in number, and an 1ndian force of 450 strong.
The Americans, commanded by Capt. Christian Brown, were overpowered.
Fourteen were killed, 8 wounded, 2 were missing and the remainder escaped.
The dwellings were burned, and the horses and cattle, which the victors could not take with them were slaughtered in the fields. "A"
The year before this the Indians had suffered severely at Oriskany.
Stung by the defeat of their purpose in the upper Mohawk and urged on by the British and by Tory leaders, they became very active in 1778.
Cobleskill was the first settlement to suffer.
During the next five months Springfield, Wyoming, German Flats and Cherry Valley were laid in ruins.
65. In July 1778, a secluded hamlet called Andrustown, situated about six miles southeast of the German Flats and composed of seven families was destroyed by a party of savages under Brant.
They owned a thousand acres among the hills and pleasant valleys toward the Otsego Lake. "A"
66. Brant, with 300 Tories and 150 Indians, reached the border settlement (German Flats) early in the evening.
It was a dark and rainy night, he lay concealed in a ravine near Shoemaker's (where Walter Butler was captured the year before) until daylight, when his warriors were called to duty, and soon swept, like a fierce wind, over the plain. Aug. or Sept. 1778. "A"
The raid on German Flats in Aug. 1778, is commonly ascribed to Brant, who was nearby and probably took some part in it.
Maj. Cochran called his force 300 loyalists and 152 Indians.
The former often wore the Indian garb to inspire fear, and were even more cruel than those they represented.
The Canadian Archives, however, say that Garnett , with 40 men, destroyed the place.
There was no fighting but the land was left desolate.
Sometime in the summer of 1778 (Sept.), the enemy made an incursion into the western part of the county and destroyed the settlement of German Flats.
This fine, fertile section of the country was laid waste.
About one hundred houses were burned, a few persons were killed or taken but most of the inhabitants escaped. "B"
The Indians and Tories found employment in the destruction of Wyoming and Cherry Valley; the valley of the Mohawk, with the exception of an incursion into the German Flats, was unmolested during the summer of 1778. "B"
TO BE CONTINUED ...
John C. Devendorf
64. There was an engagement on the 2nd of July 1778, on the upper branch of the Cobleskill, between a party of regular troops and Schoharie militia, 52 in number, and an 1ndian force of 450 strong.
The Americans, commanded by Capt. Christian Brown, were overpowered.
Fourteen were killed, 8 wounded, 2 were missing and the remainder escaped.
The dwellings were burned, and the horses and cattle, which the victors could not take with them were slaughtered in the fields. "A"
The year before this the Indians had suffered severely at Oriskany.
Stung by the defeat of their purpose in the upper Mohawk and urged on by the British and by Tory leaders, they became very active in 1778.
Cobleskill was the first settlement to suffer.
During the next five months Springfield, Wyoming, German Flats and Cherry Valley were laid in ruins.
65. In July 1778, a secluded hamlet called Andrustown, situated about six miles southeast of the German Flats and composed of seven families was destroyed by a party of savages under Brant.
They owned a thousand acres among the hills and pleasant valleys toward the Otsego Lake. "A"
66. Brant, with 300 Tories and 150 Indians, reached the border settlement (German Flats) early in the evening.
It was a dark and rainy night, he lay concealed in a ravine near Shoemaker's (where Walter Butler was captured the year before) until daylight, when his warriors were called to duty, and soon swept, like a fierce wind, over the plain. Aug. or Sept. 1778. "A"
The raid on German Flats in Aug. 1778, is commonly ascribed to Brant, who was nearby and probably took some part in it.
Maj. Cochran called his force 300 loyalists and 152 Indians.
The former often wore the Indian garb to inspire fear, and were even more cruel than those they represented.
The Canadian Archives, however, say that Garnett , with 40 men, destroyed the place.
There was no fighting but the land was left desolate.
Sometime in the summer of 1778 (Sept.), the enemy made an incursion into the western part of the county and destroyed the settlement of German Flats.
This fine, fertile section of the country was laid waste.
About one hundred houses were burned, a few persons were killed or taken but most of the inhabitants escaped. "B"
The Indians and Tories found employment in the destruction of Wyoming and Cherry Valley; the valley of the Mohawk, with the exception of an incursion into the German Flats, was unmolested during the summer of 1778. "B"
TO BE CONTINUED ...