PA Archives: Military.....SULLIVAN EXPEDITION, 1779: Journal of Grant and Machin, Sullivan's Report *********************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/pafiles.htm ************************************************ Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Donna Bluemink. Additional infomation on Sullivan's Expedition may be found at . +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ JOURNALS OF THE MILITARY EXPEDITION OF MAJOR GENERAL JOHN SULLIVAN AGAINST THE SIX NATIONS OF INDIANS IN 1779 WITH RECORDS OF CENTENNIAL CELEBRATIONS Prepared Pursuant to Chapter 361, Laws of the State of New York, of 1885. by Frederick Cook, Secretary of State Auburn, N. Y. Knapp, Peck & Thompson Printers 1887. * * * * * * Miscellaneous Pages: Journal of Thomas Grant, pp 137-144 Journal of Captain Thomas Machin, pp 192-197 Major Gen. Sullivan's Official Report, pp 298-305 List of Journals and Narratives not Published, pp 310-312 * * * * * * [137] JOURNAL OF THOMAS GRANT. Thomas Grant, appears from the Journal, to have been one of the surveying party under Lieut. Benjamin Lodge, who accompanied the army from Easton, Pa., and with chain and compass, surveyed the entire route to the Genesee river. Published in the Historical Magazine for AUGUST and SEPTEMBER, 1862, Vol. VI., p. 233 and p. 273. JOURNAL. GEN. SULLIVAN'S EXPEDITION TO THE GENESEE COUNTRY, 1779 - A JOURNAL OF JANARAL SULLIVAN'S ARMY, AFTER THEY LEFT WYOMING. By Thomas Grant. JULY 31ST, 1779. The whole Army under the command of Major Janaral Sullivan marched from Wyoming about one o'clock P. M. The fleet under the command of Col. Thos. Proctor saluted the fort, which was Returned to the mutual satisfaction of all present. We marched this afternoon to Lackawana, neer 10 mils from Wyoming, where the army Encamped in Regular order. Gen. Hand's Light Troops in front, Gen. Maxwell's Brigade on the Right, Gen Poor's on the left, Col. Ogden's Regt the Rear guard. A chain of Centinels a Round the camp; the Boats som mils in our Rear, owing to their Loading being Eregular. AUGUST 1ST. Rainy weather this morning & Great part of last night. This day we marched from I.ackawana at 3 o'clock P. M. and arrived at Qualutimunk 7 miles from Lackawana about dark. Encamped as before in a fertile plain, the road we came this day exceeding rough, and Great quantity of Baggage lost from the pack horses, which occasioned the army to lay by. AUGUST 2d. Nothing Material this day, but prepairing for marching to-morrow. AUGUST 3d. This morning the Gen'. Beat at 5. The infintry marched at 6, the main Body at 7. Marched this day 12 miles to tunkhannunk, and Encamped as before mentioned in a very fine Bottom a Bounding with Fine English Grass, Wild Frute, &c in our march crossed Several Pleasant Streams of water, viz Butter milk Crick noted for a Great Fall where it emtys itself in the Susquehanna Called the Buttermilk Falls and the Tunkhaununk, a large Crick about Eight Pole wide. The Gen, Cource this day N. N. W. Saw no enemy But plenty of Beef, Deer, Turkis but it was against orders to fire. AUGUST 4th. The Gen' Beat this morning at day lite. The infintry Marched at 5, the Main boady at six. Marched this day 13 miles to a line bottom, by the name of Vanderlip's Plantation, abounding with Excellent English Grass. On our march we Crossed [138] several fine streams of water, viz. Meshapon Crick & Eight Miles from our last Encampment oather small streams, Not knowing by any pirticular Name; Likewise crossed som very high hils the first three Mils from our Encampment, at the foot which Run a pleasant stream of water. The asent of this hill amazing Steep and danjerous for Pack horses. Crossed som Bade Swamps and Defils. The Genl Course this day N. W. The fleet 3 mils in the rere this eavening. Saw no Enemy this day. AUGUST 5th. This Morning the Genl Beat at 5. We did not March till Eight o'clock owing to the boats being in the rere. Marched this day 9-1/2 miles to Wialusing, a Noated Indian Town formaly sitled by Moravian Indians who professed Christianity. This town consisted of between 80 or 90 Neat Log Houses Regularly built, likewise a Large Church. This Town and the land ajacent formerly Belonged to an Indian Chief by the name of Joab Chillanay, which in this present Contest & before has Behaved frendly. This place is at present Laid waste partly by our own people and the Indiens; not the aperence of a horse To be seen, but the Soyl exceeding fine, abounding with the finest Grass I Ever saw in a Wild Contry, Chiefly blue Grass & Clover, on our March We Crossed two pleasant Streams of water. The first two Miles From our last Encampment by the Name of Tuscarogue, the oather not noing by any Pirticuler name; Likewise passd. the place where Col. Hartly defeted the Indiens in 78. We then asended a hill knowing by the Name of Wealusing Hill, the asent Very Gradual, the desent Very steep; this Hill from the acent to the Bottom near two mils. From the Top of Sd Hill we had a very fine Prospect of the River, which apered Very Beautiful winding round the Point of a hill. On ye South West side, in the form of a horse shew, fresh Tracks of Indiens ware Discovered, but saw none, tho very Contrary to our Expectasion. The Infintry Troops I continue with, under the Command of Ganl Hand. Encamped at Wealusing Creek 1-1/4 miles from the place Where Wealusing old Town stood. We lost three men this day, two by fatigue & one drounded, the Last a Fifer Belonging to Coin Prockter 's Train of Artilary. The Genl Corse this Day W be N. AUGUST 6th. Lay By this Day for the men to refresh them Selves and draw provisions, and expects to March to Morrow Morning. AUGUST 7th Rainy Weather Great Part of Last Night & this Morning, which prevented our marching this Day. AUGUST 8. This morning the Genl Beat at day brake, the Infintry marched at 5, the main boady March'd at 6. March'd this day to Wissahin creek, oatherwise Rush Meadow Creek, distant 13-1/2 Miles from our last Encampment. Encamped this Eavening in a bottom abounding with High Grass and Grate Quantitis of heasil Bustles very Full of Nuts, Though two Green for use. The main Boady Encamped three Miles in our Rear, at a place calld. the standing stone flatts. On our March this day we crossed Repeated hills and some small Runs. Not any pirticuler name. The Genl Course this day N. W. Saw no Enemy. AUGUST 9th. Lay by this day till 10 o'clock A. M. waiting for the Main body to Com up. Marchd half past 10. Encamped this Eavening at 5 o'clock P. M. in the upper Shekenunk Flatts, a Delightful even Bottom Containing about one Hundred Acres of very fine meadow land, abounding with fine Grass. The Road we passed this day much the same as Yesterday, except crossing one very High Mountain known by the name of Breakneck Hill. The desent very Steep & Dangerous. Crossing this hill we had three Bullocks Killd. at the foot of which we crossd. a small run. Shortly after passed a large Indien Camp. The Distence the Infintry This day 11 Miles, the Genl Course this day N. N. W. Saw no Enemy, but Fresh Tracks. AUGUST 10th, 1779. Reany Weather ys morning and Great part of last night. The Army Lay by this day in order to draw provisions. A fire was seen last Night on a Mountain on the opposid side of the River by our weators supposed to be maid by Indiens. This day a party of 500 Men, with a sufficiency of Offasirs Reconitered the country as far as oppasite the Mouth of Tioga. Major Hoops with fore Men swam over the River and found a Milks Cow on the flats, supposed to be lost by Indiens who had fled at our aproach. [139] AUGUST 11th. This Morning the Genl Beat at 6 o'clock. The hole army marched Near Sevin. Marched this day to Tioga, an Indien Town, or Rather the place where an Indien Town formerly stood, In the forks of the River Susquehanah and Cayuga, where the main army Encamped in a Deliteful Extensive Bottom, abounding with Excellent Grass. The Infintry Encamped 1-1/4 Miles in frunt in a narrow Neck of Land in winth (width) about 20 pole, a place where the Savages used to Carry their Canews From one River to the oather, known by the name of the Carrying place about two miles blow The forks. The whole Army forded the River Susquahanna', the manner in which it was performed was by forming Plotoons, and Each Man Grasping his fellow supported Each Oather. Genl Hand who commanded the Infintry quit his horse and waded with cheerfullness. The Watter was Rappid and Took them to the middle, not with standing The whole army Crossed in the space of half an hour without the Loss of Either Man or horse, or any Baggage. The Sight was Beautiful and pleasing, but must have been very Tarifying to the Enemy who, its very probible saw us from the Neighburing hills which overlook the water. We likewise crosssed Tioga or Cayuga much in the same manner as before, but much Shallower and not more than half as wide. On the south side Cayuga River, near the mouth, in the place where Queen Esther's Castle stood. Rany Weather Great part of this afternoon. Saw no Enemy; the Genl Course this day due North; the Distint from Wyoming to Tioga old Town 80 mils, actual measure. AUGUST 12th. Fair weather but very warm. Last Eavening a small scout was sent to Chimung to reconiter The Enimy. They Returned this afternoon with Infirmation that the Enemy wase in Possession of that place. In Consequence of which Genl Sullivan ordered the trupes surved with a gill of Liquor pr man, at about eight o'clock this Evening The Trupers Mooved of in a very Silent manner. Genl Hand's Light Infintry In front as usual, all except the Gard That was left for the safety of the Camp. We Marched all this Night past through very Difficult Narrow Defiles. AUGUST 13th. This Morning about 6 o'clock A. M. we Entered Chemung Town, which the Enemy has Just left with Precipitation leaving behind them a Quantity of striped Linning deer Skins, Bear Skins, Kettles, plates, Knives, Ladles, and a number of articles of Varyous kinds, which the Soldiours soon maid themselves masters of, and Fire sit to the town, which Consisted of neer 100 Houses, Great and small. Genl Hand was ordered with the light Infintry to pursue the Enemy and ware one miles above the town, his Advanced Guard was fired on by the indians Who in Ambush, and at the first fire Killd 3 privets and wonded two offasers, viz Captn Carbury & Adjutant Huston, one Guide and 3 privets; the Fire was Returned by our people which obliged them to Quit the Ground. The Kild and wounded ware braught of the field, we pursued the Indians neer a mile, then orders came to Genl Hand to return to the Town, which by that time was consumed; then orders was Given to Genl Maxwell and Genl Poor to send Partis from their Reispective Brigades to cut down the Corn on the opposite side of the river, which they did to the amount of 15 or 20 acres, amongst which was Cucombers, Water Millions, pumpkins, Squashes and Beans, during the time they ware destroying the corn, they ware fird on by two Indians, who kild one & wounded two. Our people Returned the fire & soon Repulsed the Enemy, though uncertin whather they kild any or no. About two o'clock P. M. the trups Marched for Tioga where they arived at 6 o'clock in the Evening without any molestation on our Return. AUGUST 14th. Noathing Material this day. Fair weather and warm. AUGUST 15th. Fair weather and warm. This day about 4 o'clock P. M. a fue men who ware looking Horses on the opposid side of the Cayuga River, was fired on by the Indiens who kild one, a pack horse driver From Wyoming, and wounded one oather who maid his askape; the slain they sculped and Gave the war whoop; they likewise shott a Bullock which our people applyd to there own use, as the Beef was Good. AUGUST 16th. This day a Detachment of 900 men with a sufficiency of offasirs under the command of Genl Poor and Hand were sent up the River Susquehanna in order to form a Junction with Genl Clinton who is on his march Towards this place - fair weather this day. [140] AUGUST 17th. Fair weather this day and Great preparations for Securing our stores and Gitting in Readiness for marching as soon as Possable. Genl Clintons Army arrives. This afternoon about five o'clock a fue men who ware Hunting their offasirs Horses about one mile in frunt of the advanced picquet, was fird on by Indians who shott one man through the Boady with three Balls, afterwards speered, tommyhowkd and sculpd him, Likewise shot an oather through the Arm, the Man Returned the fire and maid his escape. AUGUST 18th. Noathing meterial this Day. But the usual preporations for marching, fair weather and warm. N. B. The mornings is Genl foggy till between seven and eight o'clock in the morning. AUGUST 19. Very foggy this Morning. The Remaining part of this day cloudy and cool. AUGUST 20th. Rainy weather this day and Great part of Last Night, This morning an Express boat arived informing the Junction of Genl Clinton and the troops Sent from this post; they are Expected here to morrow if the weather pirmits. AUGUST 21st. Fine Agreeable Weather this Day. AUGUST 26th. This Day at twelve o'clock P. M. the Army marched from Tioga, Encamped three miles up the Cayuga Branch. AUGUST 27. March'd this day 7 miles, on our march passed one very bade defile which much damaged our Ammunition wagons. April (AUGUST) 28th. March'd this day two miles to Chemung, a noted Indian Town which we Destroyed the 13th Instant. In this days march we passed one very bade Defile which occasioned the Army to forde the Cayuga branch two different Times. AUGUST 29th 1779. Marched this day 4-1/2 miles to lower Newton. On our march passed the Hill where Genl Hand was fired on by the Indians the 13th Instant. Three miles from Chemung, our Advanced party discovered the Enemy, who had Erected a Brest work on a steep Bank on the West side of a Large Run or Defile which we ware obliged to pass. The Genl offisers ware Emediately informed of the Disposition. Genl Sullivin Gave Genl Poor orders to march Round a very High hill in order to gain the Enemys Rear, at which time Major Pave to keep up a slow fire on there front, in order to amuse them with his Core of Rifil men, who did Considarable Execution. Genl Hand was ordered to be in Readiness with his Brigade of Light Troopers to force there Lines as soon as Janaral poor should begin The fire, seconded by Genl Maxwill & Clinton; the way Genl Poor had to pass in order to Gain there Road being very Difficult, occasioned the time to elaps Before he coud Compleat his Entention; Genl Sullivin at the Experation Time Limited for Gen Poor to Gain there Rear, ordered the cannon to be braught up and open upon The Enemys Works which occasioned them to leave Those Works and Retire towards the hill where Genl Poor began the attact which for som minuts was very hot, But soon maid the Enemy Retire, leaving A nomber of there Dead on the field, twelve of which was sculped. Genl Hand at the Junction the fire began on the Right. Advanced in front, but could not overtake There Rear. Encamp'd this Eavening on these ground, two prisners were taken this day, one a white man, the other a Neagro, who Informed that Butler there commander in Chief, Brant, McDonald & Butler's Son, with thire hole force, to the amount of Eight Hundred, ware this day Engagd. our Loss this Day was very Inconsiderable; We had but two men killed, 3 offasirs and about 15 men slitely wounded, som of which are since Dead. AUGUST 30th. Lay by this Day in order to unload our boats and send the wounded to our Garason at Tioga. AUGUST 31st. Marched this Day 10 miles; Encamped this Evaning on the side of a large Crick not known by any pirticular Name; passd. this day Newtovvn, after Passing it we Steered Due North. SEPTEMBER 1st 1779. Marched this day 12-1/2 miles to French Catheronies Towns, 3 miles from our Last Encampment, We came on the Head waters of the Sinica Creek which Emties itself into the River St Laurance 3-1/3 miles, entered a Great Swamp, The Timber chiefly white Pine and Hemlock, which was 4 miles in Length; We then Entred a fine Bottom, the Timber chiefly Sugar Tree & Walnu ; We entred this town about Eight o'clock at Night, which from apperence was Lately Evacuated. [141] In this Town we found considerable plunder, amongst oather commodates one old Indian Squaw Supposed to be above one Hundred years of age. SEPTEMBER 2, 1779. Lay by this day in order to colect the Baggag Lost Last Night from The pack horses, and git in Readyness For marching To Morrow Morning early. SEPT. 3d 1779, Marched this day 11-1/2 miles and Encamped about 4 o'clock, P. M. about 1/2 mile from the side of a large Lake known By the Name of The Senica Lake; The Land we passd This day Exceeding fine, The Timber Chiefly White oke, hickory, and walnut. SEPTEMBER 4th. 1779. Marched This day 13 miles Through a Contry which Exceeds any Land I ever saw, abonding with Locust, Walnut, hickry, and oather Timber. The Good Land appears to be Extincive. Encamped this Eavining about sun set near the Sinika Lake as aforementioned. SEPTEMBER 5, 1779. Marched this day 3 Miles to Conday alice Appletown, a large Indian Town abounding with a quantity of Frute Trees where we Ray took a prisoner which the Indians had Captured at Wyoming in August '78, who informed that The indians war making all Speed for niagara. SEPTEMBER 6, 1779. Marched this day and Encamped on the Banks of the Senica Lake; the Good Land Continues. SEPT 7th. Marched this day 11-1/2 Miles To A Very Large Indian Town by the Name of Cannadisago, or the Sinica Castle, which appeared to be Evacuated but a fue Hours; in said Town was found a Child of about 3 years of age partly Indian and partly white, likewise a Great Quantity of plunder which was Collected by the Soldiers from the different Houses, such as Deer Skins, Bear Skins &c. Crossed in this days march the outlet of Sinica Lake, the lenth of the Lake 36 miles Actual Measure. The Course in Genl. from Newtown to the outlet nearly North, but now Westwardly. SEPTEMBER 8. 1779. This Day the Army Lay by at Connadesago, partes ware Detached to burn the Neighbouring Townes and Destroy the Corn, and Expect to march tomorrow Morning for the Genesees River, orders ware Issued this Evening by The Commander in Chief, for a Captain, Subaltern, & 50 to Return to Tioga in order to convoy the sick, likewise to take with them the Diseabled horses. SEPTEMBER 9th. Rainy Weather Last night and this Morning, which prevented our marching so Early this morning as we intended. Marched this day 7-1/2 miles chiefly thro Swampy Ground, but Very little watter. SEPTEMBER 10th. This morning the Genl bate 1/2 Past Six. The Army marched at seven. Marched This Day 9-1/2 miles thro a very fine level Contry; at seven miles came to a fine Lake about 3-1/2 Miles in Lenth and one mile Broad. The outlet of said Lake Eaqual as large as the Sinica Lake; the direction of this Lake much the same As the Sinica Lake, but cannot larn the name: Eight miles and 53 chane came to Anandague, a large Indian Town, the Buildings superior to any We have yet seen. This town was soon laid In ashes. We Encamped this Eavening 1-1/2 Miles North of Sd Town, neer several Large cleer Cornfields which sarved for forrage for our Horses And Cattle; the corn was likewise of Grate Sarvis To the Soldiers who are on half allowance. SEPTMBER 11th. This morning the Genl bate at Day lite. The Army Marched at Sun Rise. Marched this Day 13-1/2 Miles to Haunyauya an Indian Town situated in a fine Bottom Near a lake of the same name which to apperence had been left But a fue Hours. The Town Consisted of Eight Houses, The Land we passed this days march Inferior to any we have seen since we came to the Sinaca Lake; But the Bottoms some miles Round The town Eaqual to any in the Senaca Contry. This lake Runs neer a due North Corce; the three Lakes, viz the Sinaca, Kanandague and Haunyauye Run Parallel to Each Oathre, in Lenth about Six miles and in Wenth 1 mile, abonding with Great plenty of fish of Different Kinds. SEPTEMBER 12th. Reany Weathey last nite and this morning. Marched this day 11 Miles and Encamped About Sun Set 1/2 miles From Ajulsa Town: the Land we passed This Day Eaqual to any we have yet seen: the Timber Walnut, Hickry, Locust, White-oak, &c. Six miles from Haunyauya Town we Passed a long lake which Runs paralell [142] To the Oather by the name of Aionyedice, otherwise Longnarrow Lake: the genl Corse this Day S. W. SEPTEMBER 13, 1779. This Morning the Genl Beat at day lite; the army marched 1-1/2 miles to Agusta Town, where the army lay by To kill provisions, viz Cattle, and Issue to the Troops. Last Eavening a party of men Commanded by Lieut Boyd, in number 25, were sent To Reconniter the Jenessee Town, who did not Return till the next day; on there Return were met by 150 or two Hundred Indians; After a Considerable Action the offasir and 2/3 of his Party ware Either Killed or maid prisoners; the men who Escaped informs that the party ware sarounded, but fought and Retreted & Killed several, they think as many as ware Lost on our side. About half an hour afterwards Myself and fore Chane Caryers who ware about one and a half Miles Advanced of the troops ware fired on by Several Indians who Lay in Ambush: a Corporal of the name of Calhoun, who came Vollenteerly with me, was mortally wounded and Died the next day; the Indians pirsued us 1/4 of a Mile, but without success; we being Unarmed was obleeged to Run; marched this Day 8 Miles To an Indian Town by the Name Gessauraloughin, half a mile from the chief Indian Tow; an Indian was scalped by a Rifleman; the Genl Corse this day West. SEPTEMBER 14. This day the troops Did not March till 12 o'clock, on account of there Being imployed in destroying Corn; Marched this day 5-1/2 Miles to the Chief Chenasee Town Calld. the Chenassee Castle 2-1/4 Miles; Crossed the chenassee River Likewise, the most Delitefull Bottom I ever saw, supposed to contain 10.000 acres, chiefly cleared fit for excellent Meadow., these flats and the land Adjacent is allowed to exceed any thing in America. The Chenassee Castle, or the town of that name, contained about 125 Note Indians Housis which ware burnd. the next Day; Likewise about 150 or 200 acres of fine Corn was pulled of the stalks and Burnt; at this Town we found the dead Boadis of two of our men who ware takin the day Before and Inhumanly Murdred by the Savages; one supposed to be the Boady of Lt. Boyd, and the oather a sajt. there heads were Cut off and skinned, there Toe Nails pulled off, in short it was the most shocking site my Eys Ever saw. SEPTEMBER 15th 1779. This day, after destroying the Town and Corn, we Returned a Bout 5 miles and Encamped in the Chenessee flatts. SEPT 16th. This Morning the troops ware imployed till 10 oclock Destroying Corn we then Marched 7 Miles to Ajutsa where the Army Encamped for the Night. Parties ware sent in sarch of the Dead Boadis who ware with Lt. Boyd: 16 of them were found, being all that ware missing except two; from Circumstance it appeared they had Defended Themselves very Bravely till they ware all Kild. and it is thought Kild a nomber of the Enemy, as many fresh Indians Graves were found at Chenassee, which I omitted Entring in my Remarks of the 14; some ware opanid by the soldiers Contrary to orders, and the Boadies of Indians found that ware shot; we Destroyed the Remainder of the Corn at this town this eavenning. SEPT 17th. This morning the Army marched at sunrise; marched this day 12-1/2 miles to Haunyauya were we had left a Garason which I omitted mentioning in my Remarks of the 12th, where we found all safe. SEPTEMBER 18th. 1779. Marched this day from Haunyauya to Kanandague, Being 13-1/2 Miles, the Ground not being Convenient for Incamping, the Army marched across the outlet of Kenindugui Lake, about one mile further, and Incamped for the Night. SEPT 20. This day a Detachment of six Hundred men, with a sufficiancy of offasirs Under the Command of Col Wm. Butler, ware sent into the Cayuga Country, with which Detachment I was ordred; they marchd from Connadesago 3 o'clock, P. M. Marched this day Eight Miles to an Indian Town by the name of Sauyou, * where about Eight Acres of Corn was Destroyed. The following notes by General John S. Clark are taken from No. 1 of the Publications of the Cayuga County Historical Society, Auburn, N. Y., 1879: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ * SCAWYACE or Long Falls, an important Indian town of eighteen houses, located on the north bank of Seneca river at present site of Waterloo, in Seneca County. It was partially destroyed on September 8, during the advance of the army by a party of volanteers under Col. Harper. George Grant mentions the fact of "several fish ponds abounding opposite the town." These were circular enclosures of stone from thirty to forty feet in diameter, built up on the rocky bed of the stream, where the water was neither very deep or rapid, so constructed as to permit the water to pass through, but to retain the fish. (Continued on p. 143) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [143] SEPTEMBER 20th 1779. The Detachment marchd this Morning at 7 o'clock A. M. 16-1/2 mliles to a smawl Indian Settlement * 1-1/2 Miles short of Cayuga Castle, where we Incamped for the Night, at 8-1/2 miles Crossed the outlet of the Cayuga Lake, which in Brenth was a Bout 70 Perches, and more than middle Deep to the Men. Neer the outlet we Destroyed two Indian Housis. The Name of The Place Choharo - , and Destroyed on the Lak in Different plasis Houses and Acros of Corn, but saw no Enemy. The Genl Corse since we crossed the out let neerly South, the Road not more than 1/2 A mile from the Lake at furthest: The Land midling. SEPTEMBER 22d, 1779. Marched this Day at 6 o'Clock, A. M. 2 Miles to the Cayuga Castle, - an Indian Town of that name Containing in Number About 15 very Large Square Logg Housis. I think the Building Superior to any yet hive seen. Cattle were Killed and three Days Beef Issued to the troops; then Fetague partes were sent to destroy the Corn, to the amount of about 110 Acres, tho not all Distroyed this Day; two oather Towns were Discovered, one 23-1/2 miles from the Senica Lake, which we called upper Cayuga, containing 14 Large Hpusis; the oather About two Miles East of the Castle, which we called Cayuga Containing 13 Houses; the trupes wer all imployed this day in Destroying Corn till after darke. We found at this Town apples, peaches, Potatos. Turnops, Onions, Pumpkins, Squashes, and Vegatabils of Various kinds in Great Plenty. SEPTEMBER 23d 1779. This Day the trups ware imployed till 3 o'clock P. M. in Finishing the Destruction of the Corn, and Burning the aforementiond. Towns within. Marched 5 Miles to an Indian town By the name of Chandot or Peach Town, Remarkable for a Large Peach - orchard Containing Hundred fine Thriving Peach Trees, likewise Acres of Corn. This town contained about 12 or 14 Houses, chiefly old Buildings; part of the Corn was Destroyed This Eavening. SEPTEMBER 24th 1779. This morning the trups ware imployed in finishing the Distruction of the Corn and peach Trees; at 10 o'clock A. M. fire was set to the Town, And the Detachment went of the Ground. Marchd this Day 16-1/2 Miles and Incamped on a Pleasant Hill ** neer a fine Creek, About one hour after Dark: the Land we passed This Day well Timbered, and the Soyl very good, But very scarce of water; 9 miles from Chorndete we Crossed a streem of water which Fell over Rocks 80 feet Parpendiculor; 3 miles From we crossed a second streem - - which fell About 50 feet parpendicular, which ------------------------------------------------------------------------ * GEWAUGA, a small hamlet on the present site of Union Springs in the town of Springport, on the east Bide of Cayuga lake. - CHOHARO. - This was the Tichero or St. Stephen of the Jesuit Relations, said to signify the place of rushes located at the foot of Cayuga lake on the east side at the exact point where the bridge of the Middle Turnpike left the east shore. The trail across the marsh followed the north bank of an ancient channel of the Seneca river, which at an early day took that course. The turnpike afterwards followed substantially the line of the trai[l] and crossed the present line of the Cayuga and Seneca canal three Times between Mud Lock and the old Dumont tavern on the opposite side of the marsh. The salt springs mentioned by Father Raffeix in 1672, were on the west side of the marsh about half a mile north of the N Y. C. Rail Road bridge, and on the bank of the ancient river channel. - CAYUGA CASTLE, an Indian town containing fifteen very large houses of squared logs, located on the south line of the town of Springport in Cayuga County, on the north bank of Great Gully brook, and from one to two miles from the lake. UPPER CAYUGA, an Indian town of fourteen very large houses located near the north line of the town of Ledyard in Cayuga County, on the south bank of Great Gully brook, and as appears on the map, between one and two miles from the lake. EAST CAYUGA, or Old Town, contained thirteen houses located in the south-east corner of the town of Springport, as indicated on the map, from three to four miles from the lake. A site in the south-west corner of Fleming was a site of this town at about this date. CHONODOTE, so named on Capt. Lodge's map, an Indian town of fourteen houses, on the site of present Aurora in Cayuga County; according to George Grant's journal it contained fifteen hundred peach trees. ** On the hill north of Ludlowville. - - The first of theee falls was probably on Mill Creek, two and a half miles south-west of Northville ; the second near Lake Ridge in the town of Lansing. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [144] partly after Emptyed Them Selves into the Cayuga Lake. Saw no Enemy this day; the Genl Course S. 30. E. SEPTEMBER 25th 1779. Marched this morning at 6 o'clock, and Incamped at an Indian Town 3-1/2 miles above the Cyuga Lake; the Town appeared to be Just Consumed, supposed to be Burnt by a Detachment from Genl Sullavin's Army.* The Town was situated on a Rising Ground, in a large beutifull Vally; The Soyl Eaqual to or Rather Superior To any in the Contary. Through which Runs Sevaral fine Streams of water: the first a Creek about 4 poles wide, which falls from the Mountain the East side of the Valley about 120 feet parpendicular, into which Crick three oather fine streams Empis. The second Crick is the prinsable Supply of the Cayuga Lake, navigable for Large Canews or Boats To the Town. (The journal here ends abruptly) *Coreorgonel was burned by the detachment under Colonel Dearborn. See his account September 24. * * * * * * [192] JOURNAL OF CAPTAIN THOMAS MACHIN. Thomas Machin, Captain in Colonel John Lamb's Second Regiment (N. Y.) Artillery. From April 19 to 23, 1770, in Colonel Van Schaick's expedition against the Onondagas. Published in the Magazine of American History, November, 1879, and republished here by permission, through the courtesy of Mrs. Martha J. Lamb, Editor of that Magazine. JOURNAL OF MARCH FROM FORT SCHUYLER - EXPEDITION AGAINST THE ONONDAGAS, 1779. By Thomas Machin, Captain in Col. Lamb's Second Regiment, N. Y. Artillery, Communicated by F. H. Roof. JOURNAL. Early on Monday morning, 19th of April, 1779 - Marched from fort Schuyler with a Dctachment of Troops, Consisting of 558 men, Including officers, and after moveing Eaight Days provision Into Battows, wich had been conveyed over a carying place in the night, and Leaving sufficient Number of Soldiers to assist the Battowe men to get the Boats down Wood Crick, with five officers to hurry them on - The Remainder of Troops marched to the old Scow place, Twenty two miles by land, but much more by water; the Troops ar'ved by 3 o'clock p. m., but the Boats did not all arrive until 10 o'clock, having been much obstructed by trees which had fallen across the Crick: as soon as the Boats arived the whole of the Troops Embarked, and on Entring the onidahogo was much Impeded by a cold head wind. Made one halt in the night for the rearmost Boats to come up, and then proceeded to Possers bay, whare we Arrived at 8 o'clock in the morning of the 20th, to wait again for the Coming up of all the Boats, when we continued with as much Expedition as possible to the Onondago Landing, opposite to old fort, and arived there at 3 o'clock p. m; from whence, after leaving the Boats with Proper Guard, we marched Eaight or nine miles on our way to the Onondago Settlement, and lay on our Arms all Night without fire, not being able to continue our marching. Dark. The Night cold. Very early on the 21st proceaded to the old Salt Lake, and at 9 o'clock a. m. Forded an arm of that Lake, two hundred yards over, and four feet Deep a considerable part of the way. Pushed on to the Onondaga Breech, whare Capt Graham, with his Company of Light Infantry, took an Onondago Warrior [193] prisoner, wich was the first Indian discovered - ordered Capt Graham to Endeavor to surround the first onondago Settlements, wich ware about Two miles of, and hastning on the troops By Companys as fast at he crost the Creek upon a Log, the Creek not being fordable, I soon arrived with the whole Detachment at the principle Castle, but was before apprised of their haveing discovered our advanced Parties while they ware takeing some prisoners, upon which I ordered Different Routs to be taken by several Different Detachments, in order to surround as [many] of their Settlements as possible at the same time, which Extended Eaight Miles in Length, with some scattered habitations laying back of the Costs, and on the opposite side of the Creek; but notwithstanding Entred their first settlement in the most secret manner, and quite undiscovered by them, thay soon recd the alarm throughout the whole, and fled to the woods, but without being able to carry off any thing with them. We took thirty three Indians & one white Prisoner, & killed twelve Indians; the whole of their Settlement, consisting of about fifty Houses, with a quantity of corn, and every other kind of Stock we found whare Killed; about one Hundred guns, some of which ware Rifles, was among the Plunder, the whole of which, after the men had Loaded with as much as they could carry, was Destroyed, with a Considerable quantity of amunition. One Swivel taken at the Counsel House had the Trunions Broke off and otherways Damaged; in fine, the Destruction of all their Settlements ware compleat; after which we began our march back, Recrossing the Creek, and forded the arm of the Lake, along side of which we Encamped on very good ground. Haveing been once Interrupted in our Return by a Small party of Indians, who fired at us from the opposite side of the Creek, but were soon beat off by Lieut Evens Rifle, with the Loss of one Killed on the part of the enemy, and none on our own. Fair Weather all this Day. 22d, marched Down to the Landing. Found Bateaus in good order; Reimbarked, and Rowed to the Seven Miles Island, whare we Encamp. Fair weather - 23d Crossed the Lake and Landed two miles up Wood Creek at two o'clock; left two companies to guard and assist the Bataus Men in gitting up the Boats, marched Eaight Miles, and Encampt along side Feals Creek. Fair Weather, Saturday, 24th. Small showers of Rain on our march to the fort, whare we arrived at 12 o'clock, haveing been out five Days and half, the whole distance of going out and Returning Being One Hundred Eighty miles, not having [lost] a Single Man - The following in relation to Colonel Van Schaick's Expedition against the Onondagas is from "The Order Book of Capt. Leonard Bleecker, Major of Brigade in the early part of the expedition under Gen. James Clinton, against the Indian Settlements of Western New York, in the Campaign of 1779. " New York city, Joseph Sabin, 1865. Head Quarters, Albany June 8, 1779 Resolved, That the Thanks of Congress be presented to Col. Van Skaick, and the Officers and Soldiers under his Command, for their Activity and good Conduct in the late Expedition against the Onnondagas. Extract from the minutes, [A Copy] Charles Thomson, Secretary. Head Quarters, Middle Brook, Saturday, May 8, 1779. The Commander-in-Chief has the Pleasure to inform the Army that a Detachment of Troops under the Command of Col. Van Schaick, marched from Fort Schuyler the 19th of last Month towards Onnondaga, a considerable Indian Settlement on the Waters of Lake Ontario, which was entirely destroyed, with a large Quantity of Grain, Cattle, Horses, and Ammunition, except such Part as could be conveniently brought off. Twelve of the Savages, mostly Warriors, were killed, and four and thirty made Prisoners, the rest saved themselves by a precipitate Flight into the Woods. This Expedition was performed in about five Days and a half, the Distance going and returning, one hundred and eighty Miles, without the loss of a Man. The good Conduct, Secrecy, Spirit and Dispatch, with which this Enterprize was executed, does the highest Honour to Col Van Schaick, and the Officers and Men under his Command, and merits the Thanks of the Commander-in-chief. Extract from Genl Orders, [A Copy] Alex. Scammel, Adjt Genl. The following is a copy of a table of distances in the hand writing of Captain Machin, found among his papers after his decease. Distance of places from Eastown to Chenesee Castle, taken in 1779, by actual survey: From Eastown to Weoming, Miles 65, Total 65 From Eastown to Lackawaneck Creek, Miles 10, Total 75 From Eastown to Quailuternunk, Miles 7, Total 82 From Eastown to Tunkhannunk Creek, Miles 11, Total 93 From Eastown to Meshohing Creek, Miles 9, Total 102 From Eastown to Vanderlip's Plantation, Miles 5, Total 107 From Eastown to Wealuskingtown, Miles 8, Total 115 From Eastown to Wessawken or Pine Creek, Miles14-1/2, , Total 129-1/2 From Eastown to Tioga, Miles 15-1/2, , Total 145 From Eastown to Chemung, Miles 12, Total 157 From Eastown to Newtown, Miles 8-1/2, Total 165-1/2 From Eastown to French Catharinestown, Miles 18, Total 183-1/2 From Eastown to Candaia or Appletown, Miles 27-1/2, Total 211 From Eastown to the outlet of the Seneca lake, Miles 11-1/2, Total 222-1/2 From Eastown to Kanedesago or the Seneca Castle, Miles 3-1/2, Total 226 From Eastown to Kanandaque, Miles 15-1/2, Total 241-1/2 From Eastown to Haunyauy, Miles13-1/2, Total 255 From Eastown to Adjusta, Miles 12-1/2, Total 267-1/2 From Eastown to Cossau Wauloughby, Miles 7, Total 274-1/2 From Eastown to Chennesse Castle, Miles 5-1/2, Total 280 Distance from Kanadesago round the Cayuga Lake to Newtown - Fort Reed. From Kanadesago to Scawyace, Miles 8-1/2, Total 8-1/2 From Kanadesag to across the outlet of the Cayuga, Miles 8-1/2, Total 17 From Kanadesag to the Oayuga Castle, Miles 10, Total 27 From Kanadesag to Chonodote, a town remarkable for a number of Peach trees, Miles 3-1/2, Total 30-1/2 From Kanadesag to the upper end of Cayuga Lake, Miles 23, Total 53-1/2 From Kanadesag to a town not named, Miles 5, Total 58-1/2 From Kanadesag and from there to Newtown, otherwise Fort Reed, Miles 27-1/2, Total 86 Thomas Machin was born in England, March 20, 1744, settled in America, in 1772, and took an early and active interest in the Revolution. He was made Second Lieutenant of N. Y. Artillery, January 18, 1776, and Captain Lieutenant in the second battalion of Artillery on the 1st of January, which rank he held in the Expedition to Onondaga, under Col. Van Schaick, and to the Genesee country, under Gen. Clinton, [195] in 1779. On the 21st of AUGUST, 1780, he was appointed Captain in the Second N. Y. Artillery, and one year after in the First. He was employed as Engineer in constructing and placing the chain across the Hudson in the Highlands, and after the war, was for a time, engaged in coining money for the States, before the adoption of the Federal Constitution, his works being at the outlet of a pond, five miles back from Newburgh. He enjoyed the confidence of Gov. Geo. Clinton, Gen. James Clinton, Gen's Washington and La Fayette, and many other distinguished men of his day. He obtained patents of large tracts of land in the northern part of Oneida county; was a member of the N. Y. State Society of Cincinnati, and was succeeded by his son Gen. Thomas Machin of Albany. He died at Charleston, Montgomery county, N. Y., April 3, 1816. (F. B. Hough, in Bleecker's Order Book) FIRST NEW YORK REGIMENT. ROSTER OF OFFICERS. Prepared from records at Albany, N. Y., and Washington, D. C., (some of the important military records of the State of New York, having been removed to Washington, to replace records burned by the British army in the destruction of the National Capitol in 1814). See also New York "Balloting Book" published in 1825, and "Calendar of New York Historical Manuscripts - Revolutionary Papers," published in 1868. The first N. Y. Regiment took part in the Onondaga Campaign in the spring of 1779, under direction of Gen. James Clinton, whose headquarters were then at Albany, N. Y. The expedition was commanded by Col. G. Van Schaick and consisted of the first New York Regiment, with a detachment from the 3d N. Y. Regt., in charge of Lieut. Col. Marinus Willett and Maj. Robert Cochran, together with several detached companies from other regiments. See also Lieut. Beatty's journal, at page 16, hereof. In December, 1780, the consolidation of the five regiments of the New York line into two regiments began. The first and third were consolidated as the first regiment, under Col. G. Van Schaick, and the second, fourth and fifth together with Col. Livingston's Regiment, &c., were reorganized as the second regiment, under Col. Philip Van Cortlandt. See autobiography of Col. P. Van Cortlandt in Magazine of American History, N. Y. City, AUGUST 1878. G. S. C. [196] FIRST REGIMENT, 1779. Colonel Goose Van Schaick. Lieut. Colonel Cornelius Van Dyck. Major John Graham. Captain John H. Wendell, Captain Andrew Finck, Captain Benjamin Hicks, Captain Nicholas Van Rensselaer, Captain Charles Parsons. Capt. Lieutenant Guy Young. Lieutenant Barent S. Salisbury, Lieutenant John C. Ten Broeck, Lieutenant Adiel Sherwood, Lieutenant Peter B. Tearse, Lieutenant Nathaniel Henry, Lieutenant Abraham Hardenbergh, Lieutenant Ephraim Snow. Ensign Bartholomew Van Valkenburgh, Ensign Christopher Mller, Ensign Henry Van Woert, Ensign Abraham Ten Eyck, Ensign Jacob Henry Wendell, Ensign Wilhelmus Ryckman, Ensign Benjamin Gilbert. Col. Goose Van Schaick, (son of Sybrant G. Van Schaick, a former Mayor of Albany), served as a major in the French war, under Col. Johnson, and was at the battle of Ticonderoga. Upon the breaking out of the Revolution, he was appointed a Colonel, and during most of the war, he commanded the First New York Continental Battalion. His services on the northern frontier, in the Mohawk valley, upon the Hudson, and in the New Jersey campaigns, fill an honorable page in our Revolutionary Annals. His expedition to lay waste the Onondaga settlements in April, 1779, was decisive, and resolutions were adopted by Congress, congratulating him and his command for its success. He remained to guard the valley, after the departure of Gen. Clinton's army, to join Gen. Sullivan. Col. Van Schaick served till the close of the war. On the 10th of October, 1783, he was appointed Brigadier General by brevet. His death occurred July 4th, 1789, at Albany, where he had resided through life. Marinus Willett, was born at Jamaica, Long Island, N. Y., July 31, 1740. His taste for military life was acquired during the colonial wars under General Abercombie. He was at the battle of Ticonderoga, and in the expedition against Fort Frontenac, by General Bradstreet. In the war of the Revolution, he served as Captain in the expedition [197] against Quebec, Canada; was commissioned as Lieut. Colonel in 1776, and commanded at Fort Constitution on the Hudson river, in 1777, and afterwards took part in the gallant defense of Fort Stanwix (Schuyler) against the Indians. He was a participant in the battle of Monmonth, New Jersey, in 1778, and served in the Onondaga expedition in the spring of 1779, and with General Clinton in his march from Otsego lake. In the years 1780, '81 and '82, he was actively connected with military operations in the Mohawk valley. After the close of the war, he was frequently honored with important positions in civil life; was twice appointed Sheriff of the county of New York; was Mayor of the City of New York, in 1807, and in 1824, President of the Electoral College of New York. He died AUGUST 23, 1830, aged 90 years. * * * * * * [296] MAJOR GEN. SULLIVAN'S OFFICIAL REPORT. [Re-published from a reprint of the Maryland Journal and Baltimore Advertiser of Tuesday, October 19, 1779.] See also The Military Services and Public Life of Major General John Sullivan, by Thomas C. Amory, Boston, Mass., page 130, &c. GEN SULLIVAN'S REPORT. THE CHRONICLE OF HIS EXPEDITION AGAINST THE IROQUOIS IN 1779. - THE DEVASTATION OF THE GENESEE COUNTY. Teaogo, Sept, 30, 1779. SIR: - In mine of the 30th ultimo* to His Excellency George Washington, and by him transmitted to Congress, I gave an account of the victory obtained by this army over the enemy at Newtown, on the 29th August. I now do myself the honor to inform Congress of the progress of this army, and the most material occurrences which have since taken place. The time taking up in destroying the corn, in the neighborhood of Newtown, employing the army near two days, and there appearing a probability that the destruction of all the crops might take a much, greater length of time than was first apprehended, and being likewise convinced, by an accurate calculation, that it could not be possible to effect the destruction of the Indian country, with the provision on hand which was all I had in store, and indeed all I had pack horses to transport from Teaogo; in this situation I could think of but one expedient to answer the purposes of the expedition, which was to prevail, if possible, on the soldiers to content themselves with half a pound of flour and the same quantity of fresh beef per day, rather than leave the important business unfinished. I therefore drew up an address to them, a copy of ------------------------------------------------------------------------ *See also his report of the battle of Newtown, dated Aug. 30, 1779, in Amory's Military Service and Public Life of General Sullivan, at page 121, thereof. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [297] which I have the honor to enclose you, which being read, was answered by three cheers from the whole army. Not one dissenting voice was heard from either officer or soldier. I had then on hand, from the best calculation I could make, twenty-two pounds of flour and sixteen pounds of beef per man; the former liable to many deductions by rains, crossing rivers and defiles; the latter much more so, from the almost unavoidable loss of cattle, when suffered to range the woods at night for their support. I was, however, encouraged in the belief, that I should be enabled to effect the destruction and total ruin of the Indian territories by this truly noble resolution of the army, for which, I know not whether the public stand more indebted to the pursuasive arguments which the officers began to use, or to the virtuous disposition of the soldiers, whose prudent and cheerful compliance with the requisition anticipated all their wishes, and rendered pursuasion unnecessary. I sent back all my heavy artillery on the night of the 30th, retaining only four brass three pounders, and a small howitzer; loaded the necessary ammunition on horseback, and marched early on the 31st for Catherine's Town. On our way we destroyed a small settlement of eight houses, and town called Konowhola, of about twenty houses, situated on a peninsula at the conflux of the Teaogo and Cayuga branches. - We also destroyed several fields of corn. From this point Colonel Dayton was detached with his regiment and the rifle corps up the Teaogo about six miles, who destroyed several large fields of corn. The army resumed their march, and encamped within thirteen miles and a half of Catherine's Town, where we arrived the next day, although we had a road to open for the artillery, through a swamp nine miles in extent, and almost impervious. We arrived near Catherine's Town in the night, and moved on, in hopes to surprise it, but found it forsaken. On the next morning an old woman belonging to the Cayuga nation was found in the woods. She informed me that on the night after the battle of Newtown, the enemy, having fled the whole night, arrived there in great confusion early the next day; that she heard the warriors tell their women they were conquered and must fly; that they had a great many killed and vast numbers wounded. - She likewise heard the lamentations of many at the loss of their connections. In addition to this, she assured us, that some other warriors had met Butler at this place and desired him to return and fight again. But to this request they could obtain no satisfactory answer, for, as they observed, "Butler's mouth was closed." The warriors who had been in the action were equally averse to the proposal, and would think of nothing but flight, and removal of their families; that they kept runners on every mountain to observe the [298] movements of our army, who reported early in the day on which we arrived, that our advance was very rapid; upon which all those who had not been before sent off, fled with precipitation, leaving her without any possible means of escape. She said that Brant had taken most of the wounded up the Teaogo in canoes. I was, from many circumstances, fully convinced of the truth and sincerity of her declaration, and the more so, as we had, the day we left Newtown, discovered a great number of bloody packs, arms and accoutrements, thrown away in the road, and in the woods each side of it. Besides which, we discovered a number of recent graves, one of which has been since opened, containing the bodies, of two persons who had died by wounds. These circumstances, when added to that of so many warriors being left dead on the field, a circumstance not common with Indians, were sufficient to corroborate the woman's declaration, and to prove what I before conjectured, that the loss of the enemy was much greater than was at first apprehended. I have never been able to ascertain, with any degree of certainty, what force the enemy opposed to us at Newtown, but from the best accounts I have been able to collect, and from the opinion of General Poor, and others, who had the best opportunity of viewing their numbers, as well as from the extent of their lines, I suppose them to have been 1,500, though the two prisoners, whom I believe totally ignorant of the number at any post but their own, as well as of the enemy's disposition, estimate them only at eight hundred, while they allow that five companies of rangers, all the warriors of Seneca, and six other nations, were collected at this place. In order to determine their force with as much accuracy as in my power, I examined their breastworks, and found the extent more than half a mile. Several bastions ran out in its front to flank the lines in every part. A small block-house, formerly a dwelling, was also manned in the front. The breastwork appeared to have been fully manned, though I supposed with only one rank. - Some parts of their works being low, they were obliged to dig holes in the ground to cover themselves in part. This circumstance enabled me to judge the distance between their men in the works. A very thin scattering line, designed, as I suppose, for communicating signals, was continued from those works to that part of the mountain which General Poor ascended, where they had a very large body, which was designed, I imagined, to fall on our flank. The distance from the breastwork to this was at least one mile and a half. From thence to the hill in the rear of our right, was another scattering line of about one mile, and on the hill a breastwork with a strong party, destined, as it is supposed, to fall on our rear. But General Clinton being ordered so far to the right, occasioned his, flank to pass the mountain, which obliged them to abandon their post [299] From these circumstances, as well as from the opinions of others, I cannot conceive their numbers to be less than what I have before mentioned. The army spent one day at Catherine's destroying corn and fruit trees. We burnt the town, consisting of thirty houses. The next day we encamped near a small scattering settlement of about eight houses and two days after reached Kendaia, which we also found deserted. Here one of the inhabitants of Wioming, who had been last year captured by the enemy, escaped from them and joined us. He informed us that the enemy had left the town in the greatest confusion three days before our arrival. He said he had conversed with some of the tories on their return from the action at Newtown, who assured him they had great numbers killed and wounded, and there was no safety but in flight. He heard Butler tell them he must try to make a stand at Kanadasega; but they declared they would not throw away their lives in vain attempt to oppose such an army. He also heard many of the Indian women lamenting the loss of their connections and added that Brandt had taken most of the wounded up the Teaogo in water crafts which had been provided for that purpose in case of necessity. It was his opinion that the King of Kanadasega was killed as he saw him go down but not return and gave a description of his person and dress corresponding with those of one found on the field of action. - Kendaia consisted of about twenty houses which were reduced to ashes, the houses were neatly built and finished. The army spent nearly a day at this place, in destroying corn and fruit trees of which there was great abundance. Many of the trees appeared to be of great age. On the next day we crossed the outlet of the Seneca Lake and moved in three divisions through the woods to encircle Kanadesega, but found it likewise abandoned. A white child of about three years old, doubtless the offspring of some unhappy captive, was found here and carried with the army. A detachment of four hundred men was sent down on the west side of the lake to destroy Grothseunquean and the plantations in the same quarters; at the same time a number of volunteers under Colonel Harper, made a forced march towards Cayuga Lake and destroyed Schoyere while the residue of the army were employed in destroying the corn at Kanadesega of which there was a large quantity. This town consisted of fifty houses and was pleasantly situated. - In it we found a great number of fruit trees which were destroyed with the town. The army then moved on and in two days arrived at Kanandaque, having been joined on the march by the detachment sent along the Seneca Lake which had been almost two days employed in destroying the crops and settlements in that quarter. At Kanandaque we found twenty-three very [300] elegant houses mostly finished and in general large. - Here we also found very extensive fields of corn, which having been destroyed, we marched for Hannayaye, a small town of ten houses, which we also destroyed. At this place we established a post leaving a strong garrison, our heavy stores and one field piece and proceeded to Chinesee, which, the prisoners informed us was the grand capital of the Indian country, that Indians of all nations had been planting there this spring; that all the Rangers and some British had been employed in assisting them in order to raise sufficient supplies to support them while destroying our frontiers, and that they, themselves, had worked three weeks for the Indians when planting. This information determined me at all events to reach that settlement, though the state of my provisions, much reduced by unavoidable accidents, almost forbade the attempt. My flour had been much reduced by the failure of pack horses and in the passage of creeks and defiles; and twenty-seven of the cattle had been unavoidably lost. We however marched on for the Chinesee town and on the second day reached a town of twenty-five houses, called Koneghsaws. Here we found some large corn fields which part of the army destroyed while the other part were employed in building a bridge over an unfordable creek between this and Chinisee. I had the preceding evening ordered out an officer with three or four riflemen, one of our guides and an Oneida chief to reconnoitre the Chinesee town, that we might, if possible, surprise it. Lieutenant Boid was the officer entrusted with this service, who took with him twenty-three men, volunteers from the same corps, and a few from Colonel Butler's regiment, making in all twenty-six, a much larger number than I had thought of sending, and by no means so likely to answer the purpose as that which had been directed. The guides were by no means acquainted with the country, mistook the road in the night, and at daybreak fell in with a castle six miles higher up than Chinesee, inhabited by a tribe called Squatchegas. Here they saw a few Indians, killed and scalped two, the rest fled. Two runners were immediately dispatched to me with the account and informed that the party were on their return. When the bridge was almost completed some of them came in and told us that Lieutenant Boid and men of his party were almost surrounded by the enemy; that the enemy had been discovering themselves before him for some miles; that his men had killed two and were eagerly pursuing the rest; but soon found themselves almost surrounded by three or four hundred Indians and rangers. Those of Mr. Boid's men who were sent to secure his flanks fortunately made their escape; but he with fourteen of his party and the Oneida chief being in the centre, were completely encircled. The light troops of the army and the flank- [301] ing divisions were immediately detached to their relief; but arrived too late, the enemy having destroyed the party and escaped. It appears that our men had taken to a small grove, the ground around it being clear on every side for several rods, and there fought till Mr. Boid was shot through the body, and his men all killed except one, who, with his wounded commander was made prisoner. The firing was so close, before this brave party were destroyed, that the powder of the enemy's muskets was driven into their flesh. In this conflict the enemy must have suffered greatly, as they had no cover, and our men were possessed of a very advantageous one. This advantage of ground the obstinate bravery of the party, with some other circumstances, induced me to believe their loss must have been very considerable. They were so long employed in removing and secreting their dead, that the advance of General Hand's party obliged them to leave one alongside the riflemen, and at least a wagon load of packs, blankets, hats and provisions, which they had thrown off to enable them to act with more agility in the field. Most of these appeared to have appertained to the rangers. Another reason which induces me to suppose they suffered much was the unparalleled tortures they inflicted upon the brave and unfortunate Boid, whose body, with that of the equally unfortunate companion, we found at Chinesee. It appeared that they had whipped them in the most cruel manner, pulled out Mr. Boid's nails, cut off his nose, plucked out one of his eyes, cut out his tongue, stabbed him with spears in sundry places, and inflicted other tortures which decency will not permit me to mention; lastly, cut off his head, and left his body on the ground with that of his unfortunate companion, who appeared to have experienced nearly the same savage barbarity. The party Mr. Boid fell in with, was commanded by Butler, posted on an advantageous piece of ground, in order to fire upon our army when advancing; but they found their design frustrated by the appearance of this party in their rear. The army moved on that day to the castle last mentioned, which consisted of twenty-five houses, and had very extensive fields of corn, which being destroyed, we moved on the next day to Chinesee, crossing in our route a deep creek and the Little Seneca river; and after marching six miles we reached the Castle, which consisted of 128 houses, mostly large and elegant. The town was beautifully situated, almost encircled with a cleared flat, which extended for a number of miles, covered by the most extensive fields of corn, and every kind of vegetables that can be conceived. The whole army was immediately engaged in destroying the crops. The corn was collected and burned in houses and kilns, so the enemy might not reap the least advantage from it, which method we have pursued in every other place. Here a woman came to us who had [302] been captured at Wioming. She told us the enemy evacuated the town two days before; that Butler at the same time went off with three or four hundred Indians and rangers, as he said, to get a shot at our army. This was undoubtedly the party which cut off Lieutenant Boid. She mentioned they kept runners constantly out, and that when our army was in motion, the intelligence was communicated by a yell, immediately on which the greatest terror and confusion aparently took place among them. The women were constantly begging the warriors to sue for peace, and that one of the Indians had attempted to shoot Colonel Johnson for the falsehoods by which he had deceived and ruined them; that she overheard Butler telling Johnson that it was impossible to keep the Indians together after the Battle of New Town; that he thought they must soon be in a miserable situation, as all their crops would be destroyed, and that Canada could not supply them with provisions at Niagara; that he would endeavor to collect the warriors to assist in the defense of that fort, which he was of opinion this army would lay siege to, and the women and children he would send into Canada. After having destroyed this town, beyond which I was informed there was no settlement, and destroyed all their houses and crops in that quarter, the army having been advancing seventeen days with the supply of provisions before mentioned, and that much reduced on the march by accidents, and the Cayuga country being as yet unpenetrated, I thought it necessary to return as soon as possible in order to effect the destruction of the settlements in that quarter. The army therefore began its march to Kanadasaga. I was met on the way by a sachem from Oneida and three warriors, one of whom I had sent from Katherine's with a letter, a copy of which I have the honor to enclose to Congress. They delivered me a message from the warriors of that nation respecting the Cayugas; copies of that and my answer I also enclose from this place. I detached Colonel Smith with a party down the west side of the Lake to destroy the corn which had not been cut down, and to destroy anything further which might be discovered there. I then detached Colonel Gansevoort with one hundred men to Albany to forward the baggage of the York regiments to the main army, and to take with him such soldiers as were at that place. I directed him to destroy the lower Mohawk castle in his route, and capture the inhabitants, consisting only of six or seven families who were constantly employed in giving intelligence to the enemy, and in supporting their scouting parties when making incursions on our frontiers. When the Mohawks joined the enemy, those few families were undoubtedly left to answer such a purpose and to keep possession of their lands. The upper castle now inhabited by Orkeskes, our friends he was directed not to disturb. With him I sent Mr. Deane, who bore my answer to the Oneidas. [303] I then detached Colonel Butler with six hundred men to destroy the Cayuga country, and with him sent all the Indian warriors who said if they could find the Cayugas they would endeavor to persuade them to deliver themselves up as prisoners; the chief of them called Teguttelawana being a near relation to the Sachem. I then crossed the Seneca river and detached Colonel Dearborn to the west side of the Cayuga Lake to destroy all the settlements which might be found there and to intercept the Cayugas if they attempted to escape Colonel Butler. The residue of the army passing on between the lakes, toward Katherines. Colonel Dearborn burnt in his route six towns, including one which had been before partly destroyed by a small party; destroying at the same time quantities of corn. He took an Indian lad and three women prisoners, - one of the women being very old and the lad a cripple; he left them, and brought on the other two and joined the army on the evening of the 26th. Colonel Courtland was then detached with 300 men up the Teaoga branch to search for settlements in that quarter; and in the space of two days destroyed several fields of corn and burnt several houses. Colonel Butler joined the army on the 28th whereby a complete junction was formed at Conowalohala on the 29th day after our leaving Newtown. Here we were met by a plenty of provisions, from Teaoga, which I had previously directed to be sent on. Colonel Butler destroyed in the Cayuga county five principal towns and a number of scattering houses, the whole making about one hundred in number exceedingly large and well built. He also destroyed two hundred acres of excellent corn with a number of orchards, one of which had in it 1,500 fruit trees. Another Indian settlement was discovered near Newtown by a party, consisting of 39 houses, which were also destroyed. The number of towns destroyed by this army amounted to 40 besides scattering houses. The quantity of corn destroyed, at a moderate computation, must amount to 160,000 bushels, with a vast quantity of vegetables of every kind. Every creek and river has been traced, and the whole country explored in search of Indian settlements, and I am well persuaded that, except one town situated near the Allegana, about 50 miles from Chinesee there is not a single town left in the country of the Five nations. It is with pleasure I inform Congress that this army has not suffered the loss of forty men in action or otherwise since my taking the command; though perhaps few troops have experienced a more fatiguing campaign. Besides, the difficulties which naturally attend marching through an enemy's country, abounding in woods, creeks, rivers, mountains, morasses and defiles, we found no small inconvenience from the want of proper guides, and the maps of the country are so exceedingly erro- [304] neous that they serve not to enlighten but to perplex. We had not a person who was sufficiently acquainted with the country to conduct a party out of the Indian path by day, or scarcely in it by night; though they were the best I could possibly procure. Their ignorance, doubtless arose from the Indians having ever taken the best measures in their power to prevent their country's being explored. We had much labor in clearing out the roads for the artillery, notwithstanding which, the army moved from twelve to sixteen miles every day when not detained by rains, or employed in destroying settlements. I feel myself much indebted to the officers of every rank for their unparalleled exertions, and to the soldiers for the unshaken firmness with which they endured the toils and difficulties attending the expedition. Though I had it not in command I should have ventured to have paid Niagara a visit, had I been supplied with fifteen days provisions in addition to what I had, which I am persuaded from the bravery and ardor of our troops would have fallen into our hands. I forgot to mention that the Oneida Sachem requested me to grant his people liberty to hunt in the country of the Five Nations, as they would never think of settling again in a country once subdued, and where their settlements must ever be in our power. I, in answer, informed him that I had no authority to grant such a license; that I could not at present see reason to object to it, but advised them to make application to Congress, who, I believed, would, in consideration of their friendly conduct grant them every advantage of this kind that would not interfere with our settlement of the country, which I believed would soon take place. The Oneidas say that as no Indians were discovered by Colonel Butler at Cayuga, they are of opinion they are gone to their castle, and that their Chiefs will persuade them to come in and surrender themselves on the terms I have proposed. The army began its march from Conowalohala yesterday, and arrived here this evening. After leaving the necessary force for securing the frontiers in this quarter, I shall move on to join the main army. It would have been very pleasing to this army to have drawn the enemy to a second engagement, but such a panic seized them after the first action that it was impossible, as they never ventured themselves in reach of the army, nor have they fired a single gun at it on its march or in its quarters, though in a country exceeding well calculated for ambuscades. This circumstance alone would sufficiently prove that they suffered severely in their first effort. Congress will please pardon the length of this narration, as I thought a particular and circumstantial detail of facts would not be disagreeable, especially as I have transmitted no accounts of the progress of this ar- [305] my since the action of the 29th of August. I flatter myself that the orders with which I was entrusted are fully executed, as we have not left a single settlement or field of corn in the country of the Five Nations, nor is there even the appearance of an Indian on this side of Niagara. Messengers and small parties have been constantly passing, and some imprudent soldiers who straggled from the army, mistook the route and went back almost to Chinesee without discovering even the track of an Indian. I trust the steps I have taken with respect to the Oneidas, Cayugas and Mohawks will prove satisfactory; and here I beg leave to mention that in searching the houses of those pretended neutral Cayugas, a number of scalps were found, which appeared to have been lately taken, which Colonel Butler showed to the Oneidas, who said that they were then convinced of the justice of the steps I had taken. The promise made to the soldiers in my address at Newtown I hope will be thought reasonable by Congress, and flatter myself that the performance of it will be ordered. Colonel Bruin will have the honor of delivering these dispatches to your Excellency. I beg leave to recommend him to the particular notice of Congress, as an officer who, on this as well as several other campaigns, has proved himself an active, brave, and truly deserving officer. I have the honor to be, with the most exalted elements of esteem and respect, your Excellency's most obedient and ever humble servant, JOHN SULLIVAN. His Excellency JOHN JAY, Esq. Published by order of Congress. Charles Thompson, Secretary. * * * * * * [310] List of Journals and Narratives not Published. Pages 310-312 The following journals were once in existence, but diligent inquiry has failed to bring them to light: Of DEAN, JUDGE JAMES, the well known interpreter and first Judge of Herkimer county, N. Y. PIERCE, WILLIAM, Captain in Colonel Harrison's Regiment of artillery, First A. D. C. to General Sullivan. HOOPS, ADAM, Major, Third A. D. C. to General Sullivan. Letter from Major Adam Hoops to the Hon. John Greig, Canandaigua, N. Y. Westchester, Pa., Sept. 18, 1841. MY DEAR SIR, - Hearing that Congress have adjourned, I address this letter to you at Canandaigua. The facts concerning Van Campen and Boyd, are taken from a part of a copy of my Journal, which had been copied from that of Maj. William Pierce, 1st aid-de-camp of Gen. Sullivan - (I was the 3d). The army marched from Wyoming about the close of AUGUST, 1779, and lay some time at Tioga Point. While there, small parties of Indians crept up in the long grass on the other side of the branch. On an occasion which I well recollect, one of our pack-horse men was killed, and another scarcely escaped with an arm broken. The cracks of the Indians' guns were as plainly heard as if they had been within two hundred yards or less. Gen. Sullivan devised a plan intended to intercept these small parties, the execution of which was committed to Van Campen, then a lieutenant. The following is taken from a copy of a narrative which, at my request, he sent me some years ago: - "Major Adam Hoops, an aid-de-camp to Gen. Sullivan, presented to me my instructions, with a sheet of white paper folded up, a leaden weight within, and a twine cord about twenty feet long fastened to it. I was to get as near the enemy's camp as was prudent - and to select one of the shady oaks, conceal my men in the bush, and place my sentinel in the top of the oak, with the paper and twine cord - to give the signal if he discovered a party of Indians - to sink the paper down the tree as many feet as they were in numbers - if passing to my right or left, to give the signal accordingly. "It was one of the warm days in the latter part of AUGUST. I marched as near to the enemy's camp as I was directed. I selected my tree - my sentinel ascended twenty or twenty five feet - and my men were concealed. We laid in watch about one hour. Every eye was fixed on the sentinel. At length the paper dropped down about four feet. I spoke to my men, saying, 'My good fellows, we shall soon have sport.' The paper continued to drop to ten feet. I observed again, 'We shall have something more to do.' The paper continued to drop to fifteen feet. 'Now, my good fellows, we shall have enough to do - fifteen of them to twenty of us. Let every shot make their number less.' Behold ! the fellow had fallen asleep - let the twine-cord slip through his fingers - lost his balance - and came down like a shot, head foremost. He was much bruised by the fall. I made my report to the general, &c., &c., &c." [311] The following corresponds with my Journal, copied from that of Major Pierce. I was in the general's tent when he gave his instructions to Lieut. Boyd, which were very particular - verbal, of course. The country before us was unknown. We had heard of an Indian Castle on the river Genesee, which, by our reckoning, might be a few miles ahead of us. The term Castle, was taken from Chateau - the French having long before magnified Indian villages into Chateaux, afterwards rendered literally into English. There were the Oneida Castle, perhaps at or near Utica - the Seneca Castle, near the present village of Geneva - as well as some others. The Castle Lieut. Boyd was detached to discover, consisted, probably, of a few Indian huts near Williamsburg, a few miles above the present village of Geneseo. "The evening before Lieut. Boyd was detached by General Sullivan from the inlet of the Kanaghsas lake, a log bridge was begun, and finished in the night or early in the next morning, over the inlet. Boyd not having returned by daylight, the general was very uneasy; particularly from finding that, to the six riflemen he meant Boyd's party should consist of, twenty two musket-men had been added. "Early in the morning, Mr. Lodge, the Surveyor, proceeded to chain from the west side of the inlet, where there was a picquet posted, and ascended a little way from the foot of the hill, outside the sentinels, in advance from the picquet, and was noting his work, when he was fired on by a single Indian who had crept up near him. Leaving his Jacob-staff standing, he made the best of his way toward a sentinel - the Indian almost at his heels, tomahawk in hand. It is probable the Indian had not seen the sentinel till he raised his piece and (when Mr. Lodge had passed him) fired, and brought down the Indian, perhaps not mortally wounded. The whole picquet immediately advanced, strongly supported; and, ascending the hill, found a line of packs. "In the night, Little Beard, with probably the main body of the Indians, and Butler's Rangers or a part of them, had taken post on the hill, but finding Boyd's trail, after day had appeared, they took it, leaving a party to meet our advance, and to take charge of the packs. They succeeded in intercepting Boyd's party, the greater part of whom, with an Oneida chief, Honyerry, were destroyed. Boyd's head and body, with one or two of his men's were found next day, near Little-Beard's Town - they having been put to torture. The men of Boyd's party who escaped, were Murphy, McDonald, and a Canadian. "The sentinel whose self-possession and intrepidity saved Mr. Lodge, was a lad, extremely diffident when examined by the general, who ordered a sum to be paid to him after the return of the army." He was, according to the impression on my mind, a recruit in the Jersey line. I received a hurt on my ancle from the edge of an ax tied on the outside of a pack-horse load, when making my way through the pack-horses drawn up to pass the bridge over the inlet, which did not entirely heal till our return from the expedition; and this may have prevented my informing myself of the name of the lad, which I wish had been preserved. It may have been entered in the Orderly Book of Col. Barber, the adjutant-general, and transferred into others. I well recollect other particulars given by Murphy immediately after he got in; but not of sufficient importance to the object of this letter, to state. I must close my letter, to be ready for to-day's mail; and remain, dear Sir, sincerely yours, A. HOOPS. See" Sullivan's Campaign," p. 180, Rochester, N. V. 1842. PRINCE, KIMBALL,, Sergeant Major in the Second New York Regiment, Col. Van Cortlandt. His diary was in possession of his son Frederick Prince as late as 1822, but was then stolen from a trunk during the ravages of the yellow fever in New York City. NEWMAN - Referred to in Miner's History of "Wyoming. Supposed to have been destroyed by fire in the office of the Record of the Times at Wilkesbarre, Pa., April 9, 1869. [312] [The following narratives have been written by parties actively engaged in the campaign. Some are valuable, others are not] DAVIS, NATHAN. Private in the First New Hampshire Regiment. Published in the Historical Magazine, April, 1868. p. 198. GANO, REV. JOHN. Chaplain in Clinton's Brigade. Published in the Historical Magazine, November, 1862, p. 330. SALMON, JOHN. Published in Seaver's Life of Mary Jemison. VAN CAMPEN, MOSES. Appears in a memorial to Congress for a pension. VAN CORTLANDT, PHILIP Colonel commanding Second New York Regiment. Autobiography written in 1825. Published in full in Magazine of American History, New York City, May, 1878. SHREVE, LIEUT. JOHN, of the New Jersey line. Published in the Magazine of American History, New York City, Vol. III, 564. * * * * * *