HISTORY: Annals of Harrisburg, 1858, pages 25-50, Dauphin County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Judith Bookwalter Copyright 2008. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/dauphin/ _________________________________________ ANNALS OF HARRISBURG Annals, Comprising Memoirs, Incidents and Statistics of Harrisburg, From the Period of Its First Settlement, For the Past, the Present, and the Future. Compiled by George H. Morgan. Harrisburg: Published by Geo. A. Brooks, 1858. Entered according to act of Congress, in the year 1858, By George A. Brooks, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. REV. GEORGE WHITEFIELD AT HARRIS' FERRY. A granddaughter of John Harris, Sr., related that when the celebrated preacher, George Whitefield, was passing through Pennsylvania, about the year 1740, he remained some time in and about Harris' Ferry, and preached repeatedly to the people, who flocked from all quarters to hear him. So great was the fascination of his eloquence, that many of the people neglected the cultivation of their farms, and their fields were left unsown. Mr. Harris remonstrated with them, but ineffectually; and the consequences of their improvidence were likely to prove serious, since not a few, at the end of the season, found themselves in want. Seeing their destitute condition, Mr. Harris sent a considerable quantity of grain to the nearest mill, and gave directions that meal should be furnished to any of his poor neighbors who might apply for it. Thus were the families of those who had not listened to the prudent counsels of Harris saved from distress by his liberal kindness. 26 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. INDIAN VISITORS. In Gordon's History of Pennsylvania, mention is made of a party of Indians, consisting of twenty-one Onondagoes and seven Oneidas, under the command of a Captain of the former nation, who arrived at Harris' Ferry in 1742, on an excursion against the Tallapoosas, resident in Virginia. They left their canoes here, and, procuring a pass or letter of protection from a magistrate of Lancaster county, traveled through the Province, obtaining provisions from the inhabitants. Harris' Ferry, or Paxton, was often visited by the Indians, Agents, &c., for consultation with the Provincial authorities. Conrad Weiser, a distinguished Indian Agent, upon one occasion wrote to the Secretary of the Provincial Council, as follows: "To Richard Peters, Esq.: SIR: Last night I arrived here with the Indians, all in good health but Canachquasey, the speaker, who took sick by the way to my house, and one of the women, but I hope not dangerously. This day I delivered the goods to them, and they are well pleased for my adding two half-barrels of powder to the four which they were to have. George Croghan was present, and he undertook to find men and horses to carry the powder and lead, with two casks of liquor with them, to the Ohio. I was obliged to allow them the liquor, because they all followed by advice, and did not get drunk neither in town (Philadelphia) nor by the way. Scaiohady, after they had received the goods, spoke to me in the following manner: 'BROTHER: I am very glad that our brethren in Philadelphia took into their serious consideration what we have said to them. The French party is very strong among us, and if we 27 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. had failed in our journey to Philadelphia, or our expectations would not have been granted by our brethren in Philadelphia, the Indians would have gone over to the French to a man, and would have received presents or supplies from the French, who have offered it; but now I hope we have got the better of them. Let me desire you to set out early in the spring with the supplies our brethren have been pleased to promise us, and send somebody before you to give us timely notice, that we may meet you, for we are scattered up and down the country, and we will send three or four men to meet you by the way, and to convey you to the place appointed. Pray don't miss, and let us, that are for our brethren the English, not be ashamed; the French party, who speak now under ground, will speak above the ground if you should miss; but if you arrive early in the spring, all the Indians will unite heartily, and the French party will be brought over to us.' Then he spoke to George Croghan and me, who must be my guide. I made answer, 'that nothing should be wanting that I could do, and if I was alive and well I hoped to see them in their country next spring before the grass comes out, or at farthest, when they begin to plant their corn." Scaiohady pressed upon me to put the Government in mind of what he had said against the traders in rum, that it might be suppressed; 'For the Indians,' said he, 'will drink away all they have, and not be able to do anything against the enemy for want of ammunition;' and if rightly considered, death, without Judge or Jury, to any man that carries rum to sell to any Indian town, is the only remedy to prevent that trade; and a just reward to the traders, for nothing else will do. It is an abomination before God and man, to say nothing of the particular consequences. It is altogether hurtful to the public, for what little supplies we can give them to carry on the war is not half sufficient; they must buy the greatest part with their hunting, and if they meet with rum they will buy that before any- 28 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. thing, and not only drink away their skins, but their clothing, and even everything they may get of us; in short, the inconveniences occasioned by that trade are numerous at this very time. The English and French party will fall out in their drunkenness, and murder one and another, and the English will be charged with the mischief thereof. I must leave off before I wear out your patience. Sir, your very dutiful, CONRAD WEISER. P. S. Scaiohady told Shikamy, at my house, very privately, that Peter Chartier and his company had accepted of the French hatchet, but kept it in their bosom till they could see what interest they could make in favor of the French." DEATH OF JOHN HARRIS, SR. John Harris, Sr., died in 1748, about the month of December, and was buried where he had directed, under the shade of his own memorable tree. The John Harris hereafter mentioned, as stated previously, was born in 1727. He was twice married. His first wife's name was Elizabeth McClure, and his second, Mary Reed, by both of whom he had children. His second wife, Mary, died November 6, 1787. GRANT OF THE FERRY RIGHT. The following is a copy of the original grant to John Harris, Jr., of the right to have a ferry over the Susquehanna: "Thomas Penn and Richard Penn, Esquires, true and absolute proprietaries and governors in chief of the Province of Pennsylvania and counties of New Castle, Kent and Sussex upon Delaware. To all unto whom these presents shall come, greeting: WHEREAS it hath been represented to us that the frequent passing and repassing of people over our river Susquehanna hath made it necessary that ferries should be erected and 29 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. established at proper places for the ready carrying over our said River, all travelers and other persons whose business and affairs may call them into these parts of our said province; And it being made known to us that the plantation and tract of land belonging to John Harris of the county of Lancaster, Yeomen lying on the East side of the said River Susquehanna in the township of Pextang and county aforesaid by means of the convenient situation thereof is a proper place for erecting and keeping a ferry over the said river at the place aforesaid, and that we would be pleased to grant him the same for a certain term of years therein expressed. NOW KNOW YE, that in consideration of the charge and expense that must arise on providing of necessary flats and boats and constant attendance requisite thereunto, We have given granted and confirmed and by these presents for us and our heirs, do give grant and confirm unto the said John Harris, his executors administrators and assigns the sole privilege of keeping and occupying the said ferry over the said river at the place aforesaid where a ferry has always been kept for the carrying over of all persons, wagons, carts, horses and cattle traveling or passing that way, hereby strictly forbidding and prohibiting all other persons on either side of the said River from carrying over the same within the distance of one mile and a quarter above and below the ferry hereby settled and established for hire pay or reward in any flat, boat or canoe, any persons or travelers, wagons, carts, horses or cattle as aforesaid: And we do further give and grant unto the said John Harris his executors, administrators and assigns during the term of this grant to take and receive from all persons passing over the said river for themselves, wagons, carts, horses and cattle all such reasonable toll fees or reward as hath heretofore been accustomed or shall be hereafter settled for the same (Us, our heirs and successors and our Lieutenant Governor attendants 30 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. and servants only excepted), To have and hold the said Ferry privileges and profits hereby granted unto the said John Harris his Executors administrators and assigns from the first day of March next unto the full end and term of seven years from thence next ensuing and fully to be complete and ended yielding and paying for the same yearly unto us our heirs and successors at the town of Lancaster in the said County at or upon the first day of March in every year during the said term ten English silver shillings or the value thereof in coin current according as the exchange shall then be between our said province and the city of London to such person or persons as shall from time to time be appointed to receive the same: Provided always and these presents are upon this condition and limitation that the said John Harris his executors, administrators or assigns shall from time to time and at all times hereafter, during the said term continue to keep or cause to be kept a Boat or Boats, Scow or Scows in good sufficient repair with good and sufficient persons or hands to give attendance for the transporting, ferrying or carrying over of all passengers, wagons, carts, horses and cattle aforesaid according to the true intent and meaning hereof otherwise this present grant and every other matter and thing contained therein, shall cease determine and be void to all intents and purposes whatsoever. Witness James Hamilton Esquire Lieutenant Governor of the said province who by virtue of Certain Powers and authorities to him for this purpose inter alia granted by the said proprietaries, hath hereunto set his hand and caused the great seal of the said province to be hereunto affixed at Philadelphia this fifth day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and fifth three, the twenty sixth year of the reign of King George ye second over Great Britain &c. and ye thirty fifth year of ye sd. Proprietaries government." JAMES HAMILTON. [L. S.] Recorded ye 19th Feb 1753. 31 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. DEATH OF HALF-KING AT HARRIS' FERRY. Half-King, also called Tanachrisson, of whom frequent mention is made in the Colonial Records, arrived, sick, at the residence of John Harris, Jr., the 1st of October, 1754, and died on the night of the 4th following, and was buried with due obsequies by Mr. Harris. During the Half King's illness, his Indian followers procured a conjurer to ascertain the nature of his illness and death, believing that the French had bewitched him. Immediately after the death of this warrior, Mr. Harris wrote the following letter to Governor Hamilton: "PAXTON Oct. 2, 1754. "May it please your honor: At the earnest request of Monacatootha, one of the chiefs of the Six Nations, I take this opportunity to inform your Honor of the death of Half-King, who departed this life last night. There are about twenty Indians here who wait to see him buried, and then intend for Aughwick immediately; he likewise desired that the melancholy news might be forwarded with all possible dispatch to his Honor the Governor of Virginia. These Indians that are here blame the French for his death, by bewitching him, as they had a conjurer to inquire into the cause a few days before he died; and it is his opinion, together with his relations, that the French had been the cause of this great man's death, by reason of his striking them lately, for which them seem to threaten immediate revenge, and desire me to let it be known. All the Indians that are here are in great trouble, especially his relations. I have sent an account to Conrad Weiser, at Shamokin, this day, who I expect will be down upon notice. I humbly presume that his is a very great loss, especially at this critical time. I am, &c., JOHN HARRIS." 32 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. The Half-King, it appears, was a man of much consequence among the Indians. Rupp says that "he had his residence at Logg's Town, on the Ohio, fourteen miles below Pittsburg, on the opposite side. George Washington visited him in 1753, and desired him to relate some of the particulars of a journey he had shortly before made to the French commandant at Fort Duquesne." Monacatootha was also visited by Washington at Logg's Town. The followers of the Half-King allowed Mr. Harris to bury him as he thought proper, which was done much to their satisfaction. Shortly after this event, Mr. Harris visited Philadelphia, where he wrote the following letter to Mr. Peters, Secretary of the Provincial council: "PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 29, 1754. "SIR: On the first of this instant, Monacatootha and several others, the chiefs of the Six Nations, came to my house, and brought the Half King and his family along with them, who were in general in a very low condition, particularly himself, who died in a few days; after which I asked Monacatootha, and others, where they chused to bury him, and in what manner, or if they wanted anything necessary for his funeral? Their answer was, that they looked upon him to be like one of ourselves, and as he died amongst us, we might bury him as we thought proper; that if he was buried well, it would be very good; which I did much to their satisfaction. Immediately after, Monacatootha and the chiefs set off for Aughwick, leaving the Half-King's family and their relations under my care, saying that in a short time there should some horses and Indians come down for them, which they had not yet done, and I have been at expenses for their provisions, and his funeral. My account I shall send down, which I hope you will be pleased to lay before the Assembly. I shall continue to give 33 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. his family provisions till they remove, and should be satisfied how soon that might be. "I conclude, sir, your most obedient and humble servant, JOHN HARRIS." "Dec. 17, Post Meridian, 1754. - The Committee of Accounts reported a balance of ten pounds, fifteen shillings and four pence due to the said John Harris for his expenses, and five pounds for his trouble, &c., in burying the Half-King, and maintaining the sundry Indians that were with him." - Votes of Assembly, 1754. It is not known how long Half-King's family remained with Mr. Harris. They were still there in December following Half-King's death. THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR - ALARM OF THE SETTLERS. The hostilities that were openly declared between the French and English in 1744, marked the close of the peaceful era in Pennsylvania, and the dark cloud of savage warfare began to gather on the western frontier. An alarming crisis was at hand. The French, hovering around the lakes, sedulously applied themselves to seduce the Indians from their allegiance to the English. The Shawanees had already joined them; the Delawares only awaited an opportunity to do so; and of the Six Nations, the Onandagoes, Cayugas and Senecas were wavering. The French were fortifying the strong points of the Ohio. To keep the Indians in favor of the colony required shrewd diplomacy and expensive presents. The Indians who joined the French, instigated by their new allies, committed many fearful depredations among the peaceful settlers, killing and scalping, or carrying off as prisoners, all who were so unfortunate as to fall into their hands. The inhabitants of Paxton, from their defenceless position, were early alarmed 34 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. at these sanguinary forays, and heartily joined with the neighboring districts in the following petition to the Governor and Council, praying for succor: "JULY 22, 1754. "The humble petition of the inhabitants of the townships of Paxton, Derry and Hanover, Lancaster county, humbly showeth: that your petitioners, being settled on and near the river Susquehanna, apprehend themselves in great danger from the French and French Indians, as it is in their power several times in the year to transport themselves, with ammunition, artillery, and every necessary, down the said river; and their conduct of late to the neighboring Provinces increases our dread of a speedy visit from them, as we are as near and convenient as the Provinces already attacked, and are less capable of defending ourselves, as we are unprovided with arms and ammunition, and unable to purchase them. A great number are warm and active in these parts for the defence of themselves and country, were they enabled so to do, (although not such a number as would be able to withstand the enemy,) we, your petitioners, therefore humbly pray that your Honor would take our distressed condition into consideration, and make such provision for us as may prevent ourselves and families from being destroyed and ruined by such a cruel enemy; and your petitioners as in duty will ever pray. Thos. Florster, Jas. Armstrong, John Harris, Thos. Simpson, Samuel Simpson, John Carson, David Shields, Wm. M'Mullin, John Cuoit, Wm. Armstrong, Wm. Bell, Jno. Daugherty, Jas. Atkin, And. Cochrin, James Reed, Thos. Rutherford, T. M'Carter, Wm. Steel, Samuel Hunter, Thos. Mayes, James Coler, Henry Remmicks, Richard M'Clure, Thos. Dugan, John Johnson, Peter Flemming, Thos. Sturgeon, Mathew Taylor, Jeremiah Sturgeon, Thos. King, Robert Smith, Adam Reed, Jno. Crawford, Thos. Craw- 35 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. ford, Jno. M'Clure, Thos. Hume, Thos. Steene, Jno. Hume, Jno. Creage, Thos. M'Cleur, Wm. M'Cleur, Jno. Rodgers, James Peterson, Jno. Young, Ez. Sankey, Jno. Florster, Mitchel Graham, Jas. Toalen, Jas. Galbraith, Jas. Campel, Robert Boyd, Jas. Chambers, Robert Armstrong, Jno. Campel, Hugh Black, Thos. Black. This petition read in Council 6th August, 1754." Some of the present citizens of Harrisburg will not fail to notice the names of their ancestors in the foregoing list. LETTERS FROM JOHN HARRIS, JR., AND OTHERS, ON THE STATE OF THE COUNTRY. We extract, in chronological order, from the Colonial Records and Archives, the following letters from John Harris and others, written in the years 1754 - '55 - '56, which gives a lively picture of the condition of this vicinity during these exciting periods: "PAXTON Dec. 28 1754 "SIR - This week Capt. Andrew Montour has made his interest so good with my brother Wm. Harris, as to persuade him to go with him to our camp, and he engages that he shall receive a Lieutenant's command under him, upon the strength of which, and the willingness to serve his king and country, he resolves to go. Their company of white men I expect to have completed by Monday next, or the day following; they expect to march for Wills' creek by the way of Aughwick, in order to take a number of Indians with them. Some Indians that are here leave their families, and set off with them with all cheerfulness; and I'll ensure upon my brother's inclining to go, the young men about here inlisted immediately with the small encouragement I gave them, which was but my duty, and I hope that this company will act their part so well as to be a credit to our River Men, of which almost the whole consists. It is rumored here 36 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. that there are now taken prisoners lately at our camp, fifteen French Indians. Upon what I hear our Indians at Aughwick are to go and determine their fate, either death or Liberty. I only mention this, but am not yet certain of the fact. [Excuse blunders.] Your very humble servant, JOHN HARRIS. EDWARD SHIPPEN, Lancaster." "PAXTON Dec. 30, 1754 "SIR - I design to-morrow to march with my men raised here for Wills' creek by the way of Aughwick. I leave under the care of John Harris two Indian families, one of which has been at his house since the death of Half King, and has been so kindly treated that they don't care to move to Aughwick at this cold season, and they may be as cheap maintained here. I ordered John Harris to provide for them after the frugalist manner. All the men of the aforesaid Indian families go to the camp with me cheerfully, and are of the Mingoes, and were at the skirmish when Laforce was taken and his men. I expect to take a number of Indians along with me from Aughwick to the camp, where I design to be with them. I'll assure you John Harris's kind usage to the Indians this fall has been of much service, and ought to be properly recorded. I hope Monacatootha has before this time left your city on his way for the Six Nations. The good accounts from England lately will spirit up our Indians much, and I trust have its desired effect. I am, sir, your most obed't, humble serv't, ANDREW MONTOUR. RICHARD PETERS, Esq." Conrad Weiser, at the request of Governor Morris, came to this place in August, 1755, where he found "Little" or "Old Belt," and "Seneca George," both noted Indian warriors. 37 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. INDIAN MASSACRES AT MAHANOY CREEK. On the 15th of October, 1755, a party of hostile Indians fell upon the inhabitants at Mahanoy, or Penn's creek, Union county, and killed and carried off about twenty-five persons, besides burning their buildings and improvements. LETTERS FROM JOHN HARRIS IN REFERENCE TO THE MASSACRE. "PAXTON Oct. 20, 1755. "May it please your honor: I was informed last night by a person that came down our river that there was a dutch (German) woman who made her escape to George Gabriels, and informs us that last Friday evening, on her way home from this settlement, on Mahahony, or Penn's creek, where her family lived, she called at a neighbor's house, and saw two persons lying at the door of said house murdered and scalped; and there were some Dutch (German) families that lived near their places, immediately left not thinking it safe to stay any longer. It is the opinion of the people up the river that the families on Penn's creek being scattered, that but few in number are killed or carried off, except the above said women, the certainty of which will soon be known, as there are some men gone out to bury the dead. By report this evening I was likewise informed by the belt of wampum, and these Indians here, there were seen near Shamokin about six days ago, two French Indians of the Canawago tribe. I a little doubted the truth of the report at first; but the Indians have seemed so afraid that they dispatched messengers immediately to the mountains above my house to bring in some of their women that were gathering chestnuts for fear of their being killed. By a person just arrived down our river, brought information 38 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. of two men being murdered within five miles of George Grabriels, and it is imagined that all the inhabitants on Penn's creek and Little Mahanoy are killed or carried off, as most of them live much higher up, where the first murder was discovered. The Indian warriors here send you these two strings of white wampum and the women the black one, both requesting that you will lay by all your council pipes, immediately, and open all your eyes and ears, and view your slain people in this land, and to put a stop to it immediately, and come to this place to our assistance without any delay; and the belt of wampum particularly mentions that the proprietors and your honor would immediately act in defence of their country, as the old chain of friendship now is broken by several nations of Indians, and it seems to be such as they never expected to see or hear of. Any delay on our acting vigorously now at this time would be the loss of all Indian interest, and perhaps our ruin in these parts. I am your Honor's Most obed't ser't JOHN HARRIS. P.S. I shall endeavor to get a number of my neighbors to go out as far as the murder has been committed; and perhaps to Shamokin to know the minds of the Indians, and their opinions of these times; and to get what intelligence I can from them, and to encourage some of their young men to scout about, back of the frontiers, to give us notice of the enemy's approach, if possible, at any time hereafter. I heartily wish your honor and the Assembly would please to agree on some method at this time towards protecting this province, as this part of it seems actually in danger now; for should but a company of Indians come and murder but a few families hereabouts, which is daily expected, the situation we are in would oblige numbers to abandon their plantations, and our cattle and provisions, which we have a plenty of, must then fall a prey to the enemy. Our Indians here seem much discouraged at the large num- 39 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. bers of families passing here every day on account of the late murders on the Potomack, and will be much more so if it should happen to be our case. There were two Indian women set out from here two days ago for the Ohio, to bring some of their relations (as they say) down here; and should the French, or their Indians hear by them, as they will be enquiring for news, the effect that their late murders has had among our inhabitants, it will be a matter of encouragement to them. I conclude your honor's Most obed't and most humble ser't JOHN HARRIS." "PAXTON October 28, 1755. "To Richard Peters: SIR: I received your letter, and shall observe the contents. There is melancholy news, concerning which I have written to his Honor, the Governor. If there were encouragement for 1000 or 1500 men to meet the enemy and build a fort some place up the Susquehanna, I imagine a number of men will go at their own expense to assist. I am sir your humble serv't JOHN HARRIS. P. S. I shall endeavor to keep out a number of Mohawks, that are here, as spies. The "Belt" promised to send out some; but it was our river Indians, and some scouts from the French army, attacked us at Mr. Penn's creek. Yours, J. H. EXPEDITION OF THE PAXTONIANS TO MAHANOY CREEK. On the 23d of October following this massacre, upwards of forty of the inhabitants of Paxton went to Mahanoy, or Penn's creek, for the purpose of inquiry and burying the dead. The 40 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. following declaration, from one of the party, gives the result of the expedition: "I and Thomas Forster, Esq., Mr. Harris, and Mr. McKee, with upwards of forty men, went to Capt. McKee at New Providence, in order to bury the dead, lately murdered on Mahahony creek; but understanding the corpses were buried, we then determined to return immediately home. But being urged by John Sekalamy and the "Old Belt" to go up to see the Indians at Shamokin and know their minds, we went on the 24th and staid there all night - and in the night I heard some Delawares talking - about twelve in number - to this purpose: "What are the English came here for?" Says another, "To kill us, I suppose." "Can we not then send off some of our nimble young men to give our friends notice that can soon be here?" They soon after sang the war song, and four Indians went off, in two canoes, well armed - the one canoe went down the river, and the other across. On the morning of the 25th, we took our leave of the Indians, and set off homewards, and we advised to go down the East side of the river, but fearing that a snare might be laid on that side, we marched off peaceably on the west side, having behaved in the most civil and friendly manner towards them while with them; and when we came to the mouth of Mahanoy creek, we were fired on by a good number of Indians that lay among the bushes; on which we were obliged to retreat, with the loss of several men; the particular number I cannot exactly mention; but I am positive that I saw four fall, and one man struck with a tomyhawk on the head in his flight across the river. As I understand the Delaware tongue, I heard several of the Indians that were engaged against us speak a good many words in that tongue during the action. ADAM TERRANCE." "The above declaration was attested by the author's voluntary 41 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. qualification, no magistrate being present, at Paxton, this 26th day of October, 1755, before us. Jno. Elder, Thos. McArthur, Michael Graham, Alex. McClure, Michael Teass, Wm. Harris, Thos. Black, Sam'l Lennis, Samuel Pearson, Wm. McClure. N. B. Of our people that were in the action, there are but nine that are yet returned." THE INDIANS ADVANCING. HEIDELBURG Oct. 26, at 11 o'clock night 1755. Mr. Jas. Reed - Loving Friend: About one hour ago I received the news of the enemy having crossed the Susquehanna, and killed a great many people from Thos. M'Kee's down to Hunter's Mills. Mr. ELDER, the minister at Paxton, wrote to another Presbyterian minister, in the neighborhood of Adam Reed, Esq. The people were then in a meeting, and immediately designed to get themselves in readiness to oppose the enemy, and lend assistance to their neighbors. * * * Yours, CONRAD WEISER." JOHN HARRIS TAKES THE FIELD. On the 28th of October, 1755, John Harris wrote the following letter to Governor Morris: "PAXTON Oct. 28, 1755. "May it please your Honor: This is to acquaint you that on the 24th of October, I arrived at Shamokin, in order to protect our frontiers (people?) up that way till they might make their escape from their cruel enemies; and learn the best intelligence I could. The Indians on the West branch of the Susquehannah cer- 42 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. tainly killed our inhabitants on Penn's creek; and there are a hatchet and two English scalps sent by them up the North Branch, to desire them to strike with them, if they are men. The Indians are all assembling themselves at Shamokin to counsel; a large body of them was there four days ago. I cannot learn their intentions; but it seems Andrew Moutour and Mona-ca-too-tha are to bring down the news from them. There is not a sufficient number of them to oppose the enemy; and perhaps they will join the enemy against us. There is no dependence on Indians; and we are in imminent danger. I got certain information from Andrew Montour and others, that there is a body of French with fifteen hundred Indians, coming upon us, Picks, Ottaways, Onandox, Delawares, Shawanese, and a number of the Six Nations; and are now not many days march from this Province and Virginia, which are appointed to be attacked; at the same time some of the Shamokin Indians seem friendly, and others appear like enemies. Montour knew many days ago of the enemy being on their march against us, before he informed; for which I said as much to him as I thought prudent, considering the place I was in. On the 25th inst., on my return with about forty men, we were attacked by twenty or thirty Indians - received their fire, and about fifteen of our men and myself took to the trees, attacked the villains and killed four upon the spot, and lost but three more - retreating about half a mile through the woods, and crossing the Susquehanna, one of whom was shot off an horse riding behind myself, through the river. My horse was wounded, and failing in the river, I was obliged to quit him, and swim part of the way. Four or five of our men were drowned crossing the river. I hope our journey, though with fatigue, and loss of our substance, and some of our lives, will be of service to our country, by discovering our enemy, who will be our ruin if not timely prevented. 43 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. I just now received information that there was a French officer, supposed Captain, with a party of Shawanese, Delawares, &c., within six miles of Shamokin, ten days ago; and no doubt intends taking possession of it, which will be a dreadful consequence to us, if suffered. Therefore I thought proper to dispatch this message to inform your honor. The Indians here, I hope your Honor, will be pleased to cause them to be removed to some place, as I do [not] like their company; and as the men of those here were not against us, yet did them no harm, or else I would have them all cut off. Belt (Indian so called) promised at Shamokin, to send out spies to view the enemy, and upon hearing of our skirmishes, Old Belt was in a rage, gathered up thirty Indians immediately and went in pursuit of the enemy, as I am this day informed. I expect Montour and Mona-ca-too-tha down here this week, with the determination of their Shamokin Council. The inhabitants are abandoning their plantations, and we are in a dreadful situation. I am, &c., JOHN HARRIS. P. S. The night ensuing our attack the Indians burnt all George Gabriel's houses - danced around them." JOHN HARRIS AND HIS FAMILY THREATENED WITH DEATH. "PAXTON, Oct. 29, 1755. "Edward Shippen, Esq.: SIR: We expect the enemy upon us every day, and the inhabitants are abandoning their plantations, being greatly discouraged at the approach of such a number of cruel savages, and no present sign of assistance. I had a certain account of fifteen hundred French and Indians being on their march against us and Virginia, and now close upon our borders; their scouts scalping our families on our frontiers daily. Andrew Montour and others at Shamokin desired me to take care, that there was a party of forty Indians out many days, and intended to burn 44 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. my house and destroy myself and family. I have this day cut loop-holes in my house, and am determined to hold out to the last extremity if I can get some men to stand by me. But few can be had at present, as every one is in fear of his own family being cut off every hour. Great part of the Susquehanna Indians are no doubt actually in the French interest, and I am informed that a French officer is expected at Shamokin this week with a party of Delawares and Shawanese, no doubt to take possession of our river. We should raise men immediately to build a fort up the river to take possession, and to induce some Indians to join us. We ought also to insist on the Indians to declare for or against us, and as soon as we are prepared for them we should bid up their scalps, and keep our woods full of our people upon the scout, else they will ruin our province; for they are a dreadful enemy. I have sent out two Indian spies to Shamokin; they are Mohawks. Sir; Yours, &c., JOHN HARRIS." The defences which Mr. Harris constructed around his dwelling at this time, are thus noticed by Edward Shippen, in a letter to Governor Morris: "John Harris has built an excellent stockade around his house, which is the only place of security that way for the provisions of the army, he having much good celler room; and as he has but six or seven men to guard it, if the Government would order six more men there to strengthen it, it would in my opinion be of great use to the cause." The late Robert Harris saw the remains of this stockade when he was young. ADDRESS FROM THE SETTLERS. In October, 1755, the enemy was in the neighborhood of Shamokin in considerable force, and in the month following, 45 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. murdered a number of settlers, upon which the people of Paxton published the following address to the inhabitants of the Province: "JOHN HARRIS', 12 o'clock P. M., Oct. 31st, 1755. "To all his Majesty's subjects in the Province of Pennsylvania, or elsewhere: WHEREAS, Andrew Montour, Belt of Wampum, two Mohawks, and other Indians came down this day from Shamokin, who say the whole body of Indians, or the greatest part of them, in the French interest is actually encamped this side of George Gabriels [thirty miles above Harris' Ferry, on the west side of the river] near Susquehanah, and that we may expect an attack in three days at farthest; and a French fort to be begun at Shamokin in ten days hence. Tho' this be the Indian report, we, the subscribers, do give it as our advice to repair immediately to the frontiers with all our forces to intercept their passage into our country, and to be prepared in the best manner possible for the worst event. Witness our hands: James Galbraith, Jno. Allison, Barney Hughes, Robert Wallace, John Harris, Jas. Pollock, Jas. Anderson, William Work, Patrick Henry. P. S. They positively affirm that the above named Indians discovered a party of the enemy at Thos. McKee's upper place on the 30th of October last. Mona-ca-too-tha, the Belt, and other Indians here insist upon Mr. Weiser coming immediately to John Harris', and his men, and to council with the Indians. Before me, JAS. GALBRAITH." Mr. Hamilton informed the Provincial Council that "in November, 1755, he was at John Harris', and found the people 46 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. collected there in the utmost confusion, and in continual fear of being fallen upon by the French and Indians." Houses that had been occupied, barns filled with the fruits of a rich and plentiful harvest, newly sowed fields, and standing corn, were all abandoned by the hardy and industrious frontier settlers. "In December, 1755, John Harris, Jr., of Paxton township, in consequence of instructions from George Croghan, continued a guard of thirty-two men upon the frontiers of said township for the space of eighteen days." - Votes of Assembly. COUNCIL WITH THE INDIANS AT HARRIS' FERRY. On the 8th of January, 1756, a council with the Indians was held at the house of John Harris, Jr., in Paxton, composed of Hon. Robert Hunter Morris, Governor, James Hamilton, Richard Peters, Secretary, Joseph Fox, and Conrad Weiser, Interpreter; two Indians of the Six Nations, called "The Belt of Wampum," a Seneca, and the "Broken Thigh," a Mohawk. The Governor addressed the two Indians as follows: "BRETHREN: I am glad to see you and your families in good health. You have ever been esteemed our hearty friends, and you show you are really so by residing among us at a time when so much mischief is done on every side of the Province. I sent Mr. Weiser to acquaint you that I had kindled a council fire here, and had invited the Indians on Susquehannah to meet me the beginning of this moon, and that I expected you would stay here till I should come, and afford me your assistance in council. I thank you for staying here. You see that, agreeable to my message, I come at the time appointed; but I find no other Indians here than you two, and indeed I expect no more, as I believe my messengers were prevented going to Wyomink by 47 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. the ravages of the Indians, which began in their neighborhood at the time they were preparing to set out on their journey. The public business requires my presence at Carlisle, where I am not going, and I invite you to go along with me. If you incline to take any of your families with you, I shall readily agree to it, and provide a carriage for them and you." To this "The Belt" replied: "BRETHREN: I thank you for sending for us to council, and for your kind speech. What you have said is very agreeable. Brethren: The sky is dark all around us. The mischief done to you I consider as done to the Six Nations, and I am sorry for what has happened, and heartily condole with you upon it; but be not disheartened. As the public business is committed to you, nothing should be suffered to lie on your minds that might in any wise impair your judgment, which is now more necessary than ever. Let me therefore, by this string, intreat you to put away all grief from your heart, and to dry up your tears, that you may think and see clearly when you come to council. I accept your invitation, and shall follow you to Carlisle." Gave a string. At the time this council was held there appears to have been but a single house and few conveniences at Harris' Ferry, and "Mr. Weiser was asked if it might not be better to hold it at Carlisle, where all the business of that county could be done at the same time, and proper entertainment provided, as well for the Governor and his company as for the Indians, should they prove numerous." They then went to Carlisle. THREATENED MURDER OF THE FRIENDLY INDIANS AT HARRIS' FERRY. Conrad Weiser, in a letter to Governor Morris, dated January 29, 1756, says: "On the 31st of last month, one James Young 48 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. came over from Tobias Hendricks', and told me privately, in the presence of John Harris, that above fifteen men with arms came that day to Tobias Hendricks', in order to come to this side of the river to kill the Indians at John Harris', judging them of being guilty or privy to the murder committed in Shearman's valley a few days ago; and that he had much ado to stop them, and desired me to take all the care I possibly could. I took for granted what they said, and sent immediately an express to bring the Indians that remained in Carlisle, since the last treaty, away to Harris' Ferry." The treaty alluded to was held at Carlisle, in January, 1756, where it was left to the Indians' choice till a fort had been erected at Shamokin, to reside at one or other of the forts then building, or at Harris' Ferry or Conestoga Manor. They chose Harris' Ferry. THE GOVERNOR AGAIN AT HARRIS' FERRY. After the adjournment of the Assembly, in April, 1756, Governor Morris again visited Harris' Ferry, and in the early part of May issued a message summoning the members of Assembly to convene at Philadelphia. He also signed several bills here, and "affixed the great seal of the Province to the transcribed copies thereof." In concluding his message to the Assembly, dated Harris' Ferry, May 23, 1756, he says: "I propose to leave this place to-morrow, or on Tuesday at farthest, and hope to be with you by the time you can have any business prepared to lay before me." THE ENEMY INVADE PAXTON. The storm of Indian warfare which had been so long raging in the neighboring districts, at length spread into the settlements of Paxton and adjoining townships. 49 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. "The first assault," says Rupp, "was upon a wagon belonging to a German, in which he was endeavoring to move off; but being killed a small distance behind the wagon, those with the wagon fled to a fort not far distant. The men at the fort being alarmed at the report of the Indians' guns, came to see the occasion of it, and met a woman running towards them, crying; they proceeded to where the wagon stood, and at some distance behind laid the man, tomahawked and scalped, and the brains issuing from the wounds, although he was still breathing." Murders in Paxton and Derry townships appear to have been an every- day occurrence in August, 1756: "DERRY TP., 9th of Aug., 1756. SIR: There is nothing but bad news every day. Last week there were two soldiers killed and one wounded, about two miles from Manada fort; and two of the guards that escorted the batteaux were killed. * * We shall all be broken in upon in these parts. The people are going off daily, leaving almost their all behind them. * * * * JAMES GALBRAITH. Ed. Shippen, Esq." "DERRY TP., 10th Aug., 1756. HONORED SIR: There is nothing here almost every day but murder committed by the Indians in some part or other. About five miles above me, at Manada Gap, there were two of the Province soldiers killed, one wounded. * * Yours, JAMES GALBRAITH. P. S. I am in want of the pistols." The names of some of those murdered and abducted in Paxton, Derry and Hanover townships, are given in the Pennsylvania Gazette of 1755, and are as follows: Elizabeth Gallway, Henry Gibson, Robert Peer, Wm. Berry- 50 ANNALS OF HARRISBURG. hill, and David McClelland; Beatty, Flemming's son, and one Hicks, James Mackey, murdered. A son of James Mackey, a son of Joseph Barnet, Elizabeth Dickey and her child, the wife of Samuel Young and her child, John Martin's wife and five children, William Gallway's wife and two children, and a young woman; Chas. Stewart's wife and two children, David McClelland's wife and two children, and Wm. Flemming and wife were taken prisoners. "Aug. 19, 1757. - Fourteen people killed and taken from Mr. Cinky's congregation, and one man killed near Harris' Ferry." The Colonial Records and Archives contain numerous letters from Paxton, written at this period, giving accounts of Indian massacres in this neighborhood. Estherton, the present country sear of Judge Hiester, and Fort Hunter, the present residence of J. C. McAllister, Esq., both a short distance above Harrisburg, were important posts of rendezvous for the early settlers.