COLONEL WILLIAM JOHNSON
(About 1750)
THE PAPERS OF
SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON
Prepared for publication by
The Division of Archives and History
JAMES SULLIVAN Ph.D.
Director and State Historian
VOLUME II
ALBANY
THE UNIVERSITY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
1922
e
CONTENTS
VOLUME II
PAGE
Portraits of Johnson ix
Autographs from Volume II xiii
Preliminary campaigns, 1 755-1 756 1
Seven Years' War . 473
Appendix 897
[Hi]
ILLUSTRATIONS
Colonel William Johnson Frontispiece
From an oil painting in the Albany Institute and Historical and Art Society.
PAGE
Site of Johnson's fortified camp at Lake George 6
From a photograph.
Colonel Moses Tilcomb 14
From a portrait in the Public Library, Newburyport. The original was in
the possession of Robert Frothingham formerly of Brooklyn. A reproduction
of it is to be found in Currier's " Quid Newbury."
Hendrick 16
From a contemporary copper engraving in the Emmet Collection, New York
Public Library.
Rev. Stephen Williams 18
From a copper plate engraving in the New York State Library, Albany.
William Williams 18
From a print in the New York State Library, Albany.
Bloody Pond 24
From a photograph.
House of Lydius 30
Enlarged from a " Map of Lake Champlain from Fort Chambly to Fort
St Frederick or Crown Point. Surveyed by Mr Anger King's Surveyor in 1732.
Made at Quebec the loth of October 1748. Signed de Lery."
Colonel Ephraim Williams' grave 48
From a photograph.
Colonel Williams' monument 60
Erected in 1854. From a photograph.
Sir William Johnson? 96
From an oil painting labelled as by T. Adams in the possession of Robert W.
Chambers, Broadalbin, N. Y.
The Johnson (?) portrait 1 28
From an engraving by T. Cole in the museum at Letchworth Park, New York,
made from a drawing of the oil portrait in the possession of W. L. Bryant
of Buffalo, N. Y.
Sir William Johnson 160
From a photograph of a mezzotint engraving by Spooner of a drawing by
T. Adams, published in 1756. In the New York State Library, Albany.
Sir William Johnson 192
From a contemporary print in the New York State Library, Albany.
Sir William Johnson 224
From a contemporary print (1756) in the New York State Library, Albany.
[v]
vi Illustrations
PAGE
Sir William Johnson 256
Prom a contemporary print by A. Walker in the New York State Library,
Albany.
? Johnson >...,.,,* 256
From an engraving by F. Bartolozzi. See the preface on " Portraits of
Johnson."
Hendrick and Sir William Johnson 288
From a photograph of the monument on the battlefield of Lake George.
Erected by the Society of Colonial Wars.
Lord Loudoun . 514
From a mezzotint engraving by Spooner in Smith, J. C. British Mezzotint
Portraits, of an original painting in oil by Allan Ramsay.
Site of Fort William Henry ........... 730
From a photograph.
Lord Howe 800
From a photograph in the possession of S. H. P. Pell of Ticonderoga. It is
from a painting in possession of one of the descendants of the Howe family
in England.
MAPS AND PLANS
State Reservation at Lake George 2
From the Fifth Annual Re fort of the Society for the Preservation of Scenic
ad Historic Places and Objects, Albany, 1900.
The Lake George campaign 4
From a reconstructed drawing of Timothy Clement's map published in 1756.
In Winsor's Narrative and Critical History of America, V:s86a, b.
Fort Edward 52
From a copy in the New York State Library made from a copy said to be
of an original in the American Antiquarian Society, Worcester. It is not very
similar to the plan of Fort Edward on the Clement map (see p. 4 of this
volume) or to that on the Blodget map published in his work called The Battle
near Lake George.
Fort William Henry 312
From A set of plans and forts in America, reduced from actual surveys,
1763* published in London by LaRoque? or Mary Ann Rocque?
French map of country from Fort Edward to Crown Point 420
From letter to Sir Thomas Robinson in the Public Record Office, C. O. 5.46,
London, England.
Johnson's map of Lake George and vicinity 422
From letter to Sir Thomas Robinson as above.
Montcalm's attack on Fort William Henry 728
From A set of plans, etc. See above under the plan of Fort William Henry.
Montcalm's map of the country from Crown Point (Fort St
Frederic) to Albany 740
From a copy of the original which is in the possession of Arthur G. Doughty
of Ottawa. This was presented about the year 1800 to the Hon. Mr Neilson
by a Recollect Father, who stated that it had been designed for Montcalm.
It is _ to be found in Knox Historical Journal of the Campaigns in North
America, edited by A. G. Doughty, 111:28.
Lake George and vicinity 870
From Mante, History of the Late War, London, 1772.
Abercromby's attack on Ticonderoga 872
From Almon, Remembrancer, London, 1778. The plan is reproduced in
Winsor, Narrative and Critical History of America, V:S24.
vii]
PORTRAITS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON
There are two well authenticated contemporary oil portraits
of Sir William Johnson. The first of these is now in the pos-
t session of the Albany Institute and Historical and Art Society.
It was obtained in 1921, by John M. Clarke, president of that
society, from John Leonard of Culmullen House, Drumree,
County Meath, Ireland. Mr Leonard got the portrait from his
uncle who lived in Warrenstown in the same county. Anne
Warren, Johnson*s mother, came from that place.
Accompanying the portrait is an autograph letter (also in the
possession of the Albany Historical Society) from Johnson to
his father, dated October 31, 1754. As it has been printed
at the end of volume one, only the last paragraph is given here :
HON RD . S*
As I cannot wait of you myself yet a while, I send you my
Picture, w h . I had drawn four years ago, the Drapery I would
have altered, but here is no Painter now can do it, the greatest
fault in it is, the narrow hanging Shoulders w h . I beg you may
get altered as Mine are verry broad and square.
W M JOHNSON
Our interest in this centers in the last paragraph. From this
it is evident that the portrait was made about 1750. There
may be some question as to the use of the word " drawn " in
connection with an oil portrait. From this word it might be
maintained that this letter refers to a drawing and not to an oil
painting. The idea would be that Johnson had a drawing made
from which some painter was to make a portrait in oil. The
word " draw," however, was used then as now with reference
to portraits in oil. Samuel Pepys in his Diary written in the
century preceding uses the word thus.
Had the picture which Johnson sent his father been only a
drawing from which this oil painting, which we now have, was
[ix]
x Portraits of Sir William Johnson
to be made, the artist in oils would most probably have made the
changes which Johnson particularly wished to have made in the
" narrow hanging Shoulders." Were it merely a drawing John-
son would have been more than likely to say something about
having the shoulders changed when it was done over in oil. He
evidently felt that the portrait was such in its defects in the
shoulders that no one but a painter in oils could make the altera-
tions. His father evidently never had the alterations made as
the " narrow hanging Shoulders " still show in this portrait.
Where Johnson had it done or by whom cannot be deter-
mined. A careful search fails to reveal the name of an artist.
It may have been painted by some itinerant portrait painter who
visited him at Mount Johnson or he may have had it painted on
some one of his visits to New York or Albany, and then had it
sent to him after it was finished. The latter would seem probable
in view of the fact that the narrow shoulders were painted with-
out his having a chance to have the artist alter them.
There is a coincidence in the fact that a drawing from which
Spooner made his mezzotint of Johnson, (of which more later)
was done by T. Adams, and that Robert Adams (Adems) was
Johnson's secretary at this time. It was Mrs Adams, his wife,
who took this portrait to Johnson's father in Ireland. It is, how-
ever, a coincidence which tells us nothing. A statement by some
that the painting was by Hudson is not supported by a com-
parison of it with any of Hudson's works. This painting shows
none of the high quality found in the portraits done by so eminent
an artist.
By 1 750 Johnson had become an important personage in the
Mohawk valley. He was colonel of the warriors of the Six
Nations and of fourteen companies of militia. Governor Clinton
had placed in his hands all the papers of the department of
Indian affairs. He had built an imposing stone house at Mount
Johnson and had entertained there the eminent Swedish naturalist
Peter Kalm. It was but natural that he should have his portrait
painted at this time and that the artist should have portrayed him
in his military uniform.
Portraits of Sir William Johnson xi
The portrait shows a man of about thirty-five years, which
was Johnson's age at the time. The high, broad forehead, the
prominent nose and cleft chin characterize this likeness as they
do the later portrait and engravings which were made of him.
A second contemporary oil portrait of Johnson is at present in
the possession of the heir presumptive to the baronetcy, Frederick
Colpoys Ormsby Johnson, whose address is: Lamorna, Wyke
Road, Weymouth, England. This is the portrait which Stone
had copied in oil When it was in the possession of the above
gentleman's father, John Ormsby Johnson, who was Sir Wil-
liam's great grandson. About 1 876, Edward F. DeLancey pur-
chased this copy from Stone and donated it to the New York
Historical Society in 1 896, in whose building in New York City
it still is. It was from this copy that Stone had the engraver
J, C. Buttre make the steel engraving which appears as the
frontispiece of Stone's Life of Sir William Johnson.
Correspondence with F. C. Ormsby Johnson says that no
name of an artist can be found on the original in his possession*
" It was," he says, " varnished and touched up (not very
cleverly) some years ago. The signature, if it ever existed,
would have been discovered, I think, by the artist, who touched
it up.
This portrait shows Sir William at a much more advanced
age than that painted in 1750. As far as it can be judged it
shows a man about fifty to fifty-five years of age. If such judg-
ment is correct, it must have been done somewhere between 1 765
and 1770.
A comparison of the two portraits shows such striking simi-
larities as to leave no doubt that they are of the same man.
There is a third portrait in oil, said to be of Sir William, in
the possession of the novelist Robert W. Chambers at his house
in Broadalbin. About its authenticity there is some doubt.
There is, however, enough of a similarity to the two preceding,
particularly in the chin, to warrant a feeling that perhaps it may
be a portrait of Sir William. There is no name on the painting
itself, but on the frame there is placed the name of T. Adams,
xii Portraits of Sir William Johnson
of whom mention has been made above in connection with the
drawing from which Spooner made his mezzotint. This portrait
Mr Chambers says he got from his father who obtained it by
purchase. Further than this he knows nothing. A comparison
of it, however, with the engraving from one of the London maga-
zines in 1 756 shows sufficient similarity to warrant the belief that
possibly either the portrait was based upon the engraving or vice
versa.
A fourth painting, said to be of Sir William, is in the posses-
sion of William L. Bryant, 1231 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo,
N. Y. It is so unlike Johnson in every detail that nothing but
doubt may be said to surround the claims for its authenticity.
Numerous letters which passed between Sir William George
Johnson and William L. Bryant's father diow that at first the
former showed no confidence in the belief that it was to be taken
for a portrait of Sir William. Then by one of those common
episodes in self persuasion he became convinced from a series
of doubtful tales that it was truly an authentic portrait.
A wood engraving was made of it and is signed T. Cole. A
copy of the engraving hangs in the museum at Letchworth Park,
New York.
There are four contemporary engravings of Sir William. One
of these published in 1 756 is a mezzotint by Spooner from a
drawing by T. Adams. Of the latter artist this is the only
known mention in the history of artists, but Spooner is a well
known engraver. The other three engravings are from London
magazines. There is a fifth engraving by Bartolozzi, but it is
sometimes entitled Sir William Johnson, and sometimes Sir John
Johnson. There is a possibility that it represents neither and
is in reality a portrait of Colonel Guy Johnson. Fiske in his
American Revolution (1896 edition, 1 :304) says that General
De Peyster, who originally thought of this portrait as one of
Sir John Johnson, told him that he had a " suspicion " that it
was a portrait of Guy Johnson.
JAMES SULLIVAN
State Historian
AUTOGRAPHS FROM VOLUME II
[xiii]
xiv Authographs from Volume II
Audiographs from Volume II xv
SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON PAPERS
FROM TIMOTHY RUGGLES
A. D. S.
Scpr. X 7755
An appointment of a Regimental Court Martial for y e Imme-
diate Tryall of Such Crimes as have been Committed by any
person in My Regiment & Cognizable before a Regimental Court
Martial
Cap*. Jo*. Whitcombe President
Lieu 4 Jn. Stebbins
Members
Lieu 1 . Thompson
Ensign Jn. Tisdale
Ensign Daniels
and of your Doings herein you are to make Return Given
under my hand at Lake S'. George
<,; TIM. RUGGLES
COURT MARTIAL
Headquarters September p e 3 7755
The Proceedings of Court Martial held here this day in order
for to try any prisoner In Col Rugles Regiment that shall be
found guilty and there being none apprehended In s d Regiment
[ ] found guilty of any Crime So the 1
INDORSED: Report of Reg*. Court Martial appointed by Col.
Ruggles.
TO THE LORDS OF TRADE SEPTEMBER 3
A paper which followed this in the Johnson Calendar, and was
destroyed in the fire, comprised undated information given by Daniel Claus
regarding efforts of Shirley's agents to prevent Indians from joining John-
1 Remainder of manuscript illegible.
2 Sir William Johnson Paper*
son and action of Hendrick and others to defeat their influence. This
was followed by Johnson's letter of September 3d to the lords of trade
on the Caghnawagas, Shirley's agents among the Indians, the writer's
desire to be independent of Colonial governors and progress of the expe-
dition (printed in Doc. Hist. N. Y., 2:684-89; Q. 2:399-401, and
Doc. Rel. to Col. Hist. N. Y., 6:993-97). Not destroyed.
DISPUTES BETWEEN SHIRLEY AND JOHNSON 1
September 3-October 5, 7755
There is no Letter from General Johnson to the Secretary of
State, but the Board of Trade have transmitted one to them,
dated the 3 d . of Sep r . full of Complaints against Governor Shir-
ley who has, as General Johnson says endeavoured to do him
all the Prejudice He can with the Indians, that He has repre-
sented him as an Upstart, entirely dependant upon him, & that
He furnishes him with all the Money & Presents for the Indians,
& that He can pull him down, when He pleases. That M r
Shirley employs one Lydius to the Indians who is a Person odious
to them; that M r Shirley in order to detach the Indians from
M r Johnson, has made them such large Offers, that M r Johnson
has been obliged to yield to very unreasonable Demands from
them. In support of this, M r Johnson incloses the Speech of the
Great Mohock Indian, relating what M r Shirley had said to
Them. General Johnson thinks these Proceedings contrary to
the Commission given him by General Braddock by which he
was appointed sole Superintendant of the Indian Affairs. That
He cannot fullfill the King's Expectations, if his Proceedings are
to be controulled by a Governor, and unless a certain Fund is
appointed, & confided to his Disposal, for that Service, & unless
He is put on that Footing, He desires to decline the Charge
The only Reason he can guess for M r Shirley's Conduct is, his
not having provided 1 00 Indians to escort him to Oswego, which
the Indians said was unnecessary, as the Road lay thro' their
Country. There is no Letter from M r Shirley, on this Subject,
Mn British Museum, AdditL Mss. 33.029. fo. 215 (Newcastle
Papers)
SURVEY FOR THE STATE RESERVATION AT LAKE GEORGE
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756
but, in one of the 5 th . Oct r : on the Action at Lake George, He
refers to Copies of two Letters to General Johnson, for his Senti-
ments of his Conduct, and says, He dont yet certainly fynoiv, what
the Issue of that Expedition will be this Year, but has reason to
think it Jvill be dissatisfactory to all the New England Colonies
as well as Himself. 1
In M r Shirley's Letter to General Johnson, He does not make
any particular Accusation, but seems to hint, that He has taken
a wrong Road to Crown Point, That the Fort he is building at
Lake George is useless, presses him to go on, and by all means
endeavour to make Himself Master of Tironderoge Thinks
He must have sufficient Force for that purpose That his
Account of the Strength of the French is aggravated and
differs from him in his opinion of the Conduct of the French in
the late Action.
INDORSED: Disputes between
Governor Shirley
& General Johnson
Sep',3 2
BENNING WENTWORTH TO SIR THOMAS ROBINSON *
Portsmouth September 3 d . 1755
SIR
That His Majesty may be advised Of the progress of the
Provincial forces Employed for removeing the Encroachments
made by the French at Crown point, I Think it my duty to
Transmit! a Copy of Major General Johnson's letter to me of the
1 Italicized matter was underlined in the original.
2 The transcriber in London states that the date is in the hand of New-
castle, but correspondence of a later date is embraced by this review.
In Public Record Office. C. O. 5. 16, London, England.
4 Sir William Johnson Papers
24 th of August, from the Camp, on Hudson's River, also a Copy
of the result of a Council of war held at the same place, on the
further proceeding of the Army, by which it Will appear that a
reinforcement is generally advised to, which I have urged on the
Assembly of this Province to provide For, But the Council and
Assembly are Averse at present to any Augmentation Alledging
that the regiment In the service of this Province Consisting of
500 men is Equal to 5000 men in The Service of the Massa-
chusetts Government, and at present that Government Has but
1 500 men in this Expedition.
General Johnson's demand For an Additional force at this
late hour, makes me doubtfull of our Success, The Defeat of the
late General Braddock on the Ohio, I am apprehensive makes
General Johnson the more Cautious, which at this Critical Con-
juncture Is absolutely necessary, for should Governor Shirley
meet with a defeat at Niagara and General Johnson at Crown
point, it will so dishearten our Indians, and so greatly Animate
those In the French interest, that there would Be the greatest
danger of the Indians of the Six Nations and those in friendship
With them going over to the French For this reason only the
greatest Caution Is necessary to be used at this time, and Unless
we are sure of haveing a Superiour force, it will be safer to retreat
than To risque a defeat I am With all possible respect
Sir,
Your most faithfull Servant
B. WENTWORTH
The Right Hon ble SlR THOMAS ROBINSON
INDORSED: New Hampshire Sep r . 3 d . 1755.^
Gov r . Wentworth.
R Oct'. 6*.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 5
FROM GOLDSBROW BANYAR
A L S
4 Sep. 1755
[5m]
As the Express sent [ ] some urgent Business of
own has [ ] Hans to forward some dispatches
General [ ] some to yourself and General Lyman,
thought it might be proper to acquaint you with it, least this
;lay might otherwise be prejudicial to that Gentleman. I am S r .
Your most obed*. humble Servant
G w BANYAR
His Excy S r . Charles Hardy arrived here the 2 d . Instant about
P l Mer. and landed at 1 2 the next day under the discharge of
ic Cannon & received by the L l . Gov. the Council Corp r . &
>rincipal Gentlemen the Militia being under arms. I believe
lim to be that amiable Person he is represented to be. There's
LO News after a Passage of ten Weeks. The doctor writes.
'he Rope is sent
)DRESSED : To Major General Johnson
at the Camp at Lake S*. Sacrament
fDORSED: Albany 7 Septem r 1 755
Rec d & forwarded by Sir
Your most humble Serv*
JA STEVENSON
6 Sir William Johnson Papers*
TO JAMES DE LANCEY
Camp at Lake George 4 Sep r . 1755
SIR
I arrived here with about 1 500 Men the 28<th> past in the
Evening, all was thick Wood, not a Foot of Land cleared, Our
time since has been chiefly spent in opening the Ground about us
& forming some regular kind of Encampment building temporary
Store houses for Provisions & c . these Matters are now nearly
accomplished. We have fixt on a Spot for a Fort 2 it is clearing
& near 400 Men employed, who I hope in a few days will have
the Fort in great forwardness & that it will be put into a respect-
able Condition before the Army leaves this place.
I find since I left the Great Carrying Place the Works there
have advanced but slowly the Men murmur at being employed
in these Matters & many of the chief officers do not seem very
sanguine about them, indeed that due Subordination w ch is neces-
sary in Military Life seems very much wanting among us. I
daily remonstrate on this Point & do all in my power to support
it, but the Causes I fear lay too deep & are too general to be
remedied.
There are now at the Great Carrying place 5 Companys of
Col. Cockrofts Reg 1 . & the New Hampshire Reg f . By a Letter
last night from them, I find they have Quarrelled with each other
that blows have past & some are wounded.
The New York Companies are in a Mutinous Condition for
want of Pay & threaten to go off, nay I think a large Body did
attempt it. When we left Albany Col. Cockcroft applied to me
1 By Wraxall.
1 See Samuel Blodget, The Battle Near Lake George, p. 5.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 7
told me that he proposed his Reg*, should be paid up to the
ic they were to march & then Issue no more pay till their return
-As I did not conceive they should have any use for money in
ic uninhabited Woods I thought the thing right & reasonable &
gave my Consent. But I find not only the Companys there but
the 3 Connecticut Companies here insist upon having their Pay
agreable to the Act of Assembly, that is Monthly; the Com-
panies here threatened to go off if they were not paid I took
measures to quiet them, but was obliged to give one of the Cap-
tains leave to go to Albany in order to get his Pay & I have
wrote Col. Cockcroft that as the Act was positive & left nothing
to Circumstances, I thought he must direct the pay Mas rs . either
to come <or send> some Person for 'em to Issue the pa<y. In
short> there is not through * the Troops <in gener>al due
Subordination kept up. <^The of ^> fleers are most of them low
weak People, <^who have nei^>ther the ability nor Inclination
to maintain a necessary Superiority, some of them I believe are
sorry Fellows & rather join with than restrain their Men. I have
this morning ordered one Cap 1 Hall of the 3 Connecticut Com-
panies into Confinement upon suspicion of being concerned with
one of his People in selling the Store Rum to the Indians. The
Indians are perpetually Drunk, their Insolence is scarce to be
born at these times they give me not a Moments rest or leisure.
However I send Scouting Parties daily out every way. By the
last Scouts from Tionderogue, the French had thrown no Works
up there, they discovered a Party of the Enemy of about 20
thereabouts. I have ordered the Battoes up from the Carrying
Place or at least 200 as soon as possible when they arrive & put
in order, if I get no Intelligence to prevent it, I propose to set off
with a part of the Troops & take post there. We are greatly
distressed for want of Waggons many have deserted the Service,
Numbers of Horses tired so that without a fresh Recruit we
Throughout
8 Sir William Johnson Papers
shall I fear be fatally delayed. I have wrote & given Orders
on that head.
I have with me or at least there has joined me ab*. 250 Indians
they seem hearty & well disposed Severall more daily expected
they are very uneasy about the Cagnawagas & have sent another
w ch is to be the last Embassy to them, & I hope to have the result
in a day or two.
<What with the> trouble I have with the Indians & that
disorderly management there is among the Troops, I am almost
distracted. I have neither rest night nor day, nor a comfortable
thinking hour to myself. Our Sick increase our Men impatient
to have the affair ended & most of the officers little better, yet
they will not carry things on with that order & Application neces-
sary to forward our Proceedings. I would exert Authority but
I cannot be sufficiently seconded.
If your honour finds this Letter a confused one, my Circum-
stances must be my Apology. I write by bitts & Scraps, Inter-
uptions w ch . I cannot prevent come upon me, & Matters w * 1 .
must not be delayed interfere.
A Scouting Party of Indians yesterday discovered a tract
about as they thought 7 or 8 days old of 1 50 or 200 French &
Indians w ch . led directly to Scenectady, I immediately sent an
Express there & to Albany to put them on their Guard. I have
this day Sent a party of our Forces with some Indians to intercept
them if possible. We have no Interuption from the Enemy. Gen-
eral Lyman had one Man Scalped & 1 taken Prisoner ab*. 3
Miles from Great Carrying Place; they were looking for Cattle
belonging to the Connecticut Troops.
With the Indian Scouts & if the Sentrys & Guards will do
their Duty I am not affraid of any Insult from the Enemy but
God help us our Sentrys I fear a a diligent 1 have
1 Writing illegible.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1 7 55-1756 9
>rdered Patrolls every half hour round our whole Encam<^p'ts^>
during the Night & if my Orders are observed, I do not dread a
Surprise.
This Lake called Lake S l . Sacrament by the French, I have
called Lake George not only in honour to his Majesty but to
assertain his Dominion here.
To the Hon ble JAMES D<ELANCEY> Esq r
INDORSED BY WRAXALL: Generals Letter to Gov*.
DeLancey
4Sep'. 1755
TO THOMAS POWNALL
<Camp at Lake George 4 Sep tf /755>
DEAR SIR
I have lately received a long < Letter from General > Shirley
tis in Answer to one I wrote him, & if I <had time> to send
you the Copy of it, you would only be con < fused un>less I
would also send you a former I reed from him <& my> answer
w * 1 are at Albany. This Letter is wrote with all <the> Inso-
lence of a Man drunk with power, envenomed by Malice & burn-
ing with Revenge his Arguments are Weak & confused they
bear the evident Marks of Passion overruling Reason he
asser<ts> Facts notoriously false, & attempts tho very clumsily,
artfully to pervert all my Actions & Arguments in short the
Attorney General appears quite rash. I have wrote him, but
told him I believed his, & I am sure my time would not allow me
to give a proper answer to his Letter w ch is all the notice I have
taken of it. however I perceive plainly from the Stile, Temper &
Character of the Man that I may expect every thing that can be
By Wraxall.
I
10 Sir William Johnson Papers
executed by a bad Man abandoned to passion & enslaved by
resentment. I have therefore in defence of my Character, w ch
is all I am truly anxious about thought it a prudent step to write
the Letter I herewith send you to the Lords of Trade 1 after
perusal you will please to Seal & forward it, and if truth &
Prudence permit, I wish it might carry with it your Sentiments in
a general way.
I am under a good deal of Anxiety lest my future Sch< ernes >
with regard to the Expedition, should be too much retarded &
<even> defeated, by the want of Waggons & Provisions fall-
ing short. I have done all in my power to prevent both. There
is no due Subordination among the Troops, & the officers with
very few Exceptions a set of low lifed Ignorant People, the Men
lazy, easily discouraged by Difficulties, & from the popularity
of their Gov 18 neither accustomed or disposed to obedience.
However I am pushing all I can to embark with a part of the
Troops in order to take post at Tionderogue provided the Scouts I
have out dont discover a Strength there too much for us.
Great numbers of our Waggoners have deserted, some of them
coming up threw the Shot they were loaded with into the Woods,
they have plundered the Provisions they brought in their Wag-
gons, in short they are a set of great Rascals.
The Specious Patriotism of the Albanians in helping forward
the first Division, so splendidly set << forth in the News papers,
was truly > thus. Intimations <were given by a Friend of theirs
about > Gov r . Shirley that there < would be a general press>
for Steersmen & c . to help him f or < ward to Oswe>go to shun
this as the greater Evil, a consultation <^was^> held & the patriot
Scheme aforementioned agreed on by w ch means the dreaded
Press was defeated. In no respect, whatsoever without pay did
1 See reference above to letter of September 3 to lords of trade.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756
11
any of the Inhabitants help forward the other Divisions, but on
the Contrary when Waggons were wanted hid them & drove
away their Horses to the Delay & distress of the Service All
their Generosity & public spirit remains as much a secret as ever
it did.
The Paragraph in the News Papers about the Cartridges at
Saraghtoga, I have inquired into & is in every part a gross &
impudent Falsehood.
Both writers in & Printers of New Papers take Liberties at
this Juncture, w ch are not only founded in Impudence & Ignorance
of the true state of things, but are or may be very injurious to the
public Good, party views may justify it to themselves yet in sober
Truth they ought to have their Ears Cropt for it. This is not
enjoying the Liberty, but proving the Licentiousness of the Press.
I wish you would convey without any authors name the Sub-
stance of these 4 last paragraphs into Franklin's Paper 1 You
will oblige a Number of officers here & make an offering to truth
& justice.
I inclose you a Speech made by the Indians of the Upper
Mohock Castle 2 to me in the presence of a number of the Chief
officers of these Troops, it came from their own free will without
my even expecting it, I have such another at Albany from the
lower Castle & Authenf ick Papers to prove many other Scan-
dalous Proceedings of Gov r . Shirley & his Agents.
INDORSED BY WRAXALL:
General's Letter to M r
Pownall 4 Sep' 1 755
x The Pennsylvania Gazette.
2 Hendrick's speech at a meeting of officers and Indians at Lake George
on September 4th, repeating words of Shirley to the Mohawks, is printed
in Doc. Rd. to Col. Hist. N. Y. t 6:998-99.
12 <Sir William Johnson Papers
LIST OF FRENCH POSTS 1
Quebec 350
Trois riviere
Montreal 400
Niagara
Lapointe 300
Cataraquois
Lagalette 50
S. Jean 40
La belle riviere 300
1910
MINUTES OF COUNCIL OF WAR
A. D. S.
^Headquarters: Camp at Lake George Fryday,
5 Sep'. 1755. A. M.>
At a Council of War <held by General Johnson>
Pres'.
The General
Maj r . General Lyman Lieu 1 Col. Whiting
Col. Ruggles Lieu* Col. Cole
Col. Titcomb Maj r Fitch
Col. Williams
Capt. Wraxall Sec'?
Arcle. The General desired the Opinion of the Coun-
cil about officers & Men to Garrison the Fort
at the aforesaid Camp.
1 The numbers in this list apparently show the strength of certain forces.
It is entered in the Johnson Calendar as belonging to the early part of
September.
Preliminary Campaigns, / 755-77 56 13
The General Acquainted the Council that tho
he had issued strict orders against selling Rum
to the Indians, yet he found they were not
obeyed, for that Rum was constantly & plenti-
fully sold to the Indians who were in great
numbers daily made Drunk thereby & that he
apprehended some very fatal consequences
would arise from this Disobedience to orders &
that he judged the Matter very worthy of being
considered by the Council, that if they could,
they might give him their Opinion what further
Measures could be taken to prevent this per-
nicious Practice & to keep the Soldiers from
concerning themselves with the Indians.
The Opinion of this Council is that a Cap*.
2 Subs & 100 Men will be sufft. to be left to
Garrison the Fort at the Camp at the Great
. Carrying Place
The Members of this Council acquainted
the General that they would do everything in
their Power to cause his Orders against selling
Rum & to prevent any dealings whatsoever
from being carried on between the Soldiers &
the Indians.
PETER WRAXALL
Sec*
14 'Sir William Johnson Papers
TO JOSEPH BLANCH ARD
Df.
Camp <at Lake Ceorge> 6 Septb' 1755*
SIR
I am glad to hear by y r . favour of yesterday y l <you> are
safe arrived at the Great Carrying Place. You & y r . Regm 1
cannot be more desirous of Joining me than I am you should
do so.
But by ye last ace 1 , of the New York Regm*. at y r . Camp, it
will by no means be prudent to leave them to themselves besides
our prov 8 . here grow short & untill we get a recruit You would
distress us & be distressed yourselves. I propose to leave a CapP.
& 1 00 Men fit for duty at y e . Fort where you are, the officer &
Men cannot yet be fixed on, however they shall none of them
come out of y r . Regm 1 . wch I propose to take w lh . me in y e . first
Division w ch Marches from hence as I make a great dependance
upon them. In two or three days at furthest I hope to send you
orders to join me here, in y e meantime I must desire & expect
that y r . Regm 1 . & the New Yorkers will apply to & finish the
Works. Collo. Bagly is to remain with You. a sufK number of
Men & a couple of days brisk working will do the Business. I
am glad you are forwardg the Battoes I very much want them
here in order to Caulk & get them ready for Embarking. Pray
make use of the Artillery Horses to forward the Service, the
Waggoners I believe to be in general a parcell of Rascalls & little
Credit to be given to them, few of their Complaints are just, you
will examine & do as you find needful, but keep them up to their
duty & have a strict Eye over them. I am afraid of fatal delays
for y e . want of Waggons.
Mn Doc. Rei to Col. Hist. N. Y., 6:999, is a letter of September
6th from Sir Charles Hardy to the lords of trade touching reinforcements
for Johnson.
COLONEL MOSES TITCOMB
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 15
Good Weather is wearing away fast, no time must be lost the
moment we can leave this place I will depart.
I am persuaded you will in all respects forward the Service &
depend you shant remain a minute longer where you are than
necessity & the good of the Service requires.
I am Sir Your very hum Serv 1 .
<Desire Col. Cock>croft to
< write me> what disposition
<^his peo^>ple are in. I long to
have all the Troops up here.
INDORSED BY WRAXALL: General's Letter to Colonel Blanchard 1
MINUTES OF COUNCIL OF WAR
A. D. S.
Camp at Lake George 7 Sep r . 1755. P. M.
At a Council of War held by General Johnson.
Pre st . General Johnson Lieu 1 . Col. Whiting
Maj r . General Lyman Lieu 1 . Col, Cole
Col Ruggles Maj r . Fitch
Col. Titcomb
Col. Williams
Cap 1 Wraxall SecT.
The General Acquainted this Council, that a few days ago
at <a]> Meeting of most of the Members here present, the Ques-
tion concerning a> Fort to be built here had been considered;
that it had been agreed on a Fort here was necessary & the
Ground recommended by Capt Eyre w ch had been viewed by
most of those Gentlemen, w ch they approved of and that Cap 1
1 A signed letter from Johnson to Blanchard, dated September 7, 1 755
was sold at Henkels's auction room in Philadelphia on November 7, 191 1.
16 'Sir William Johnson Papers
Eyre should plan & direct the Building One Capable of
commodiously Garrisoning 100 Men. The General further
acquainted the Council that a good defensible Fort w ch might be
maintained even against some Artillery was very necessary not
<only to secure a Retreat to the present Forces in case of Neces-
sity, but to maintain the possession of his Majesty s Title to this
'important pass for the time to come, and desired the> opinion of
this Council of War thereon.
It is the Opinion of the Majority of the Members of this
Coun<cil> that a Picketted Fort be built without Delay under
<the> Direction of Colonel Williams, sufP. to contain &
accommod<ate 100> Men
PETER WRAXALL
MINUTES OF COUNCIL OF WAR
A. D. S.
<Camp at, Lake George, 7 Sef> r /755>
ndian?> Intelligence
Pres 1 General Johnson Lieu* Col. Whiting
Maj r . Gen 1 . Lyman Lieu* Col, Cole
<Co>l. Ruggles Maj' r . Fitch
<Co>l. Titcomb Cap* Eyre,
Col. Williams
Several Indian officers Wm Printup, Interp r .
Cap* Peter Wraxall Seer? for In. <affairs.>
Most of the Indians at this Encampment
<Three Indians sent by the General on the Scout towards
Crown Point returned this afternoon & bring the following
Intelligence^
^ Hendrik the Mohock chief being told the Intelligence by the
s' d . three Scouts delivered it as follows
HENDRICK
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756
17
Bro". When we first set out from hence we went to South Bay
wh<ere> we spied the Tracts of 2 Men w ch we followed &
came to the Tracts of <3> more w ch we pursued & in Journey
towards Evening (3 Nights ago) we heard 6 Guns fired & we
proceeded on our Journey till Night & in the morning the day
before Yesterday we heard so many <Guns> fired that we
could not count them, upon w ch . we counselled tog<[ether]> &
thought this Army must be proceeding by way of Wood Creek,
but upon going that road we found we were mistaken for
<there> were no tracts that way, upon w^ we turned back
towards South Bay in our road found three large Roads made
by a great Body of Men Yesterday w ch we judge were
march<^ing^> towards the Carrying Place & we hereupon made
all possible Dispatch hither to acquaint you herewith, as we
expect there may be an Attack made at the Carr^ Place either
to day or this Night.
The Ind n . officers & Interp 8 . being withdrawn the General
asked the Above officers present their Opinion wh<af> measures
were most adviseable to pursue on the above Intelligence. And
the General called in some of the Sachems to give their Opinion.
Two Expresses were immediately dispatched to Col Blanchard/
Commanding officer at the Fort at the Carrying Place & Scouting
Parties sent out from all the Troops h< ere, > Guards Doubled!
& all the Men ordered to lay on their Ar<ms> all Night, all
w ch was done with the Advice of the aforesa<id> Commanding
officers here.
PETER WRAXALL
Sea? for Ind. <Affairs & c .>
|8 Sir William Johnson Papers
BARON DE DIESKAU'S FORCES 1
[tat de 1'Armee franchise]
[2 Battaillons] [774]
[Soldats] desMilices [H56]
[Cann]oniers [67]
[R]eserve 362
Sauvages 659
Canooteurs & 2 Domestiques 67
Officiers & Cadets des Sauvages 14
[In]terprete et Aumoniers 4
Nos Domestiques 8
[Chir]u[r]giens 6
18
3099
3117
Recapitulation
Battaillons 774
Milices 1393
Troupe de la Colonie 1 92
Cannonirs 67
Officirs & Cadets de Sauvages 14
Sauvages 659
[3099]
3099
Copied from a Paper of the French Generals
1 Not later than September 8, 1 755. Compare Rutherfurd to Shirley,
September 22, 1 755. This State and Recapitulation in the French is
in Public Record Office, C. O. 5.46, London, England; transmitted by
Johnson to Shirley on September 22.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756
19
Translation
State of the French Army
Battalions
Soldiers of militia
Artillerymen
Reserve
Indians
Boatmen and 2 servants
Officers and cadets of the Indians
Interpreter and chaplains
Our servants
Surgeons
Recapitulation
Battalions
Militia
Colonial troops
Artillerymen
Officers and cadets of Indians
Indians
774"
1156
67
362
659
67
14
4
8
6
18
3099
3117
774
1393
192
67
14
659
3099
3099
20
Sir William Johnson Papers
ORDRE DE BATAILLE SUR TROIS COLONNES *
M. le B. de Dieskau General
M. de Mercier M. de Montreuil Maj r . M. Pean Maj r . des
Marechal des Logis Gen 1 , des Troupes Troupes & Milices
Officiers attaches aux Mess", de Roquemaure Corps de Reserve
Sauvages Lieu*. Col. Com dt .
Mess rs . de S l . Pierre
de Longeuil
deS'.Luc
de Montesson
de Niverville
les Troupes de France,
formant la Colonne du
Centre
De Celoron Com dt . les
Troupes de la Colonie
M". de Re-,
pentigny
sous les
ordres
de
Cadets
Mess". Trebert
Hewimont
Rainbault
Courte-
manche
Cuissy
Aubert
Boisrouvre
La Cres-
sonniere
Bayeuville
Environ 700 Sau-
vages - Iroquois, Al-
gonquins, Nipissings,
o 3-
n> <-*
o" c/>
I
De Raymond
Com dt . la Colonne
de la Droite
De Vassan Com dl .
la Colonne de la
Gauche
1VK
de St.
Pierre
de Cannes Off r .
Major
de Varennes
de Langy
Cadets
M". La Fontaine
Fontenay
Joannes
De S. Pierre Com*, les
Sauvages
De Repentigny Com*.
un Corps de
Reserve de 300 hommes
sous les Ordres de M. de
S*. Pierre
300 Miliciens choisis,
et 27 ou 30 Off", del
Milice ou Bourgeois
volontaires.
ces 300 Miliciens
composes de 200
Voyageurs de Mon-
Mn Public Record Office, C. O. 5.46, London, England. Inclosed
in Johnson to Sir Thomas Robinson, January 1 7, 1 756.
Preliminary Campaigns, 17551756
21
irons, Abenakis
Colonne de la
Gauche
M. de Vassan
Com dt . la Colonne
Colonne du Centre
2 Brigades de 3
Comp es . chacune
remer
Brigad
Mess" de Vassan
ConA
f de Gannes
I de Meloise
'I de Contre-
[coeur
Second Brigade
Mess", de la Colom-
biere, Com dl .
M. de Roquemaure
Com dt . la Colonne com-
posee de 2 Cornp". de
Grenadiers de la Reine et
Languedoc, en tete
8 Pelotons de la Reine
8 Pelotons de Languedoc
La Comp ie . des Canoniers,
Bombardiers, et des Mili-
formant la Colonne
ces
Les Sauvages et le Corps
de Reserve formant
1'Avant-garde
Chaque Comp e . des deux
Colonnes composee d'un
Sergent, d'un Corporal,
de 15 ou 16 Soldats des
Troupes de la Colonies et
de 100 Miliciens plus ou
moins
Douville 2 Tambours par Brigade
de farro-
ert
de Mor-
ville
treal, 30 des trois
Rivieres, et 70 de
Quebec
Colonne de la Droite
M r . de Raymond
Com dt . la Colonne
2 Brigades de 3
Comp 68 . chacune
Premiere Brigade
M s . de Raymond
Com dt .
de Becan-
cour
.^ i i j
de la ronde
delaCroix
Second Brigade
M rs . de Beaujeu
ConA
Cadet d'Albergathy,
garcon Major des 2
Brigades
du muy
de Beran-
3 Comp 8 . - ger
de L'Es-
pervanche
Cadet de L'Esper-
vanche, garcon Major
des deux Brigades
de Vicherville garden
Major de Brigade
22
Sir William Johnson Papers
Dusable garden
Major
Le Chev. de la Mil-
tiere Cadet de Lan-
guedoc gar^on Major
de Brigade
Translation
ORDER OF BATTLE IN THREE COLUMNS
Baron Dieskau General
M. de Mercier
Quartermaster
M. de Montreuil Maj r . M. Pean Maj r . of
G 1 . of Regulars Regulars & Militia
Officers in the Indian Mess", de Roquemaure
service Lieu 1 : Col. Com*:
Mess" deS 1 : Pierre
de Longeuil
deS'iLuc
de Montesson
de Niverville
Cadets
Mess". Trebert
Heurimont
Raimbault
Courte-
manche
Cuissy
Aubert
the Regulars of France,
forming the Column of
the Center
De Celoron Corns, the
Troops of the Colony
De Raymond
Com. the Right
Column
De Vassan Corns,
the Left Column
Reserve corps
Mess":de
under the
orders of
Repen -JM.deS':
tlgn y [ Pierre
de Cannes
Off r . Major 1
de Varennes
de Langy
Cadets
Mess" : La Fontaine
Fontenay
Joannes
300 picked Militia,
1 Garrison major
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756
23
Boisrouvre
La Cres-
soniere
Bayeuville
>ut 700 Indians-
iroquois, Algon-
quins, Nipissings,
Hurons, Abenakis
De S<: Pierre Com*, the
Indians
De Repentigny Com*, a
Reserve Corps of 300
men under the orders of
M. de S<: Pierre
Column of the Center
and 27 or 30 ofK
of Militia or volun-
teer Citizens.
These 300 Militia
composed of 200
Rangers from Mon-
treal 30 from Trois
Rivieres, and 70
from Quebec
Left Column
M. de Vassan Com 8 ,
the Column
2 Brigades of 3
Comp 8 : each
First Brigade
Mess", de Vassan
Corns.
de Cannes
2 p 8 i de Meloise
" i de Contre-
M. de Roquemaure
Corns, the Column com-
posed of 2 Comp 8 : of
Grenadiers of la Reine
and Languedoc, at the
front
8 Platoons of la Reine
8 Platoons of Languedoc
The Compy: of the Artil-
lerymen, gunners, and
Militia forming the
Column
Right Column
M. de Raymond
Corns, the Column
2 Brigades of 3
Comp 8 . each
First Brigade
Mess" : de Raymond
Corns.
de Becan-
coeur
Second Brigade
Mess", de la Colom-
biere, Corns.
Douville
3 Comp 8 :^
The Indians and the
Reserve Corps forming
the van-guard
Each Compy. of the two
Columns composed of a
Sergeant, of a Corporal,
of 15 or 16 Soldiers of
de Farro- the Colony Troops and of
bert 100 Militia more or less
de Mor-
villc
3 CompV
cour
dela
Ronde
delaCroix
Second Brigade
Mess": de Beaujeu
Corns.
fDu Muy
Ide Beran-
3 Comp s J ger
deL'Es-
[ pervanche
24 Sir William Johnson Papers
2 Drums to a Brigade Cadet de L'Esper-
Cadet d'Albergathy, vanche assistant Ad-
assistant Adjutant of jutant of the two
the 2 Brigades Brigades
de Vicherville assist-
Dusable assistant ant Adjutant of Bri-
Adjutant gade
Chevalier de la Mil-
tiere Cadet of Lan-
guedoc assistant Ad-
jutant of Brigade
MINUTES OF COUNCIL OF WAR
D. S.'
<Gzmp at Lake George, 9 Sept. /755>
Minutes of a Council of War held by General Johnson:
^Pres 4 ^ General Johnson ^Lieu*^ Col. Cole
<Maj r > General Lyman Maj r Fitch
.> Ruggles Cap*. Eyre.
J > Col. Pomroy
<Lieu<> Col. Whiting
Cap 1 . Peter Wraxall Seer*.
The General Accquainted this Council that he had call<ed>
them together in order to consider, in the present State of th<is>
Army, & from the Intelligence gained from the French General
his Aid de Camp & several Prisoners taken & from the Papers
gained from the Enemy ; what Measures they would advise to be
taken at this critical Conjun<cture>.
The Unamious Opinion of this Council is <that> the Gen-
eral be desired immediately to dispatch an Express to the several
Gov' 8 . who have raised Troops on this Expedition <by> One
general Letter to be sent to the Province of the Massachusetts
PQ o
<u
O
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 25
lay, giving as Summary an Account as time & Circumstances
permit of the Engage<ment> of Yesterday & of the Intel-
ligence derived from it & the present State of this Army, and
th<at> we employ all our time in securing ourselves here in
the best manner possible.
P. Lyman
Tim . Ruggles
Seth Pomeroy
Nathan Whiting
Edw d . Cole
Eleaz Fitch
Will: Eyre
REPORTS ON THE BATTLE OF LAKE GEORGE
The Library Collection contains the draft in poor condition of John-
son's report, written September 9th and 1 0th, to the colonial governors
on the Battle of Lake George. (See Johnson Calendar, p. 48.) It
was printed in the London Magazine, 24, 1 755 and reprinted in Doc.
Hist. N. 7., 2:691-95; Q, 2:402-5.
In Doc. Hist. N. y., 2:696, reprinted from the Gentleman s Maga-
zine, is a small map of the country round Lake George. In Doc. Rel.
to Col. Hist. N. y., v. 6, are printed four papers relating to the battle
of September 8th: a letter of September 10th from Peter Wraxall, at
Lake George, to James De Lancey, giving an account of the battle,
p. 10034; a letter of the 10th, containing a gunner's description, p.
1 005 ; returns, dated the 1 1 th, of killed, wounded and missing, p.
1006-7; and Johnson's conference on the llth and 12th with Indian
warriors, p. 101 1-13. In Doc. Hist. N. Y., 2:689-90, is an account
brought to New York from Albany of the battle and reinforcements in
motion. In Doc. Rel to Col Hist. N. Y., 10: between p. 316 and 399,
are a number of letters, reports and narratives, from the French, relating
to the battle of the 8th. They include letters from Baron Dieskau,
M. de Vaudreuil, Vaudreuil's instructions to Dieskau, a journal and
letters of M. de Montreuil, '* Dialogue between Marshal Saxe and Baron
de Dieskau in the Elysian Fields," reports by Commissary Doreil, and
other matter. A letter from Dieskau, dated New York, June 22, 1 756,
to Count d'Argenson, contains praise of Johnson's humanity in saving
Dieskau from the vengeance of the Indians, p. 422-23.
26 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
EXAMINATION OF FRENCH PRISONERS
<9 Sept /755 l >
<Questions ask>ed the French <Prisoners and their answers,
being Sworn upon the Holy> Cross
The Deposition of John <Ferry>
< Questions how many Regiments Came from France this
Summer
Answer 6 Battalions 500 men in Each.
Question how many men of these <[Battalions> Arrived at
Quebeck.
Answer 4 Battalions of 2 Came to Crown <Point and>
2 Went to Cateracowa one in July and one in August
Question how many Regulars Came from the Carrying Place. 8
Answer about <500,> of which 340 Came here and 120
Stayed with the Battoes.
The Deposition of James Minor.
Question When Did you Come From Mount Real <Mon-
treal>.
Answer the 25 of August.
Question how many Canadians and Indians Was the Came
out.
Answer, about 1000 Canadians and 800 Indians.
Question When Did you Get to Crown Point.
Answer the first of September.
Question how many Day Provisions Did you bring from
Crown Point.
Answer 1 5 Days Provisions in about 1 00 Battoes.
Question how many men Came from the fort to the Carrying
place.
Answer 3500.
Question how many men Did you leave at Crown Point
Answer 250.
1 The conjectural date is supplied.
2 At Ticonderoga.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 27
Question how Many men Came in the party that attacked us,
Answer 1800.
Question how long Did it take you to Come from the Carrying
lace to where you Left your Battoes to Come here.
Answer one Day and a half.
Question how long Did it take you to Come there to where you
met our party.
Ans r 3i Days the Distance about 36 miles.
Question Did not all the Militia That Could be Raised at
Mount Real Come out upon this party.
Ans r most all.
Question Where there was plenty of Provision at Crown point
Answer there Was.
The Deposition of Cap*. James Couraveau.
Question What number of Ships and Troops Came to Que-
beck this Summer.
Ans r He Could not tell But thought about 1 400.
Ques*. when Did <you> Come from Mount Real.
Ans r . in Aug 1 .
Question how many men Came with you to Crown point
Ans r about 3000.
Quest, are not the Greatest number of the Militia In Canady
Gone out to the Several Forts.
Ans r , they are the Greatest Number of them.
Ques 1 . are provisions plenty in Canady
Ans r . they are in Sufficiency.
Question how many men Came on this Detach <ment> that
attacked this Fort.
Ans r . about 1 700.
< Question in what places the French are throwing up Works
between here and Crown point. >
<Ans r at the> Narrows. 1
1 Not the Narrows of Lake George, but the passage in Lake Champlain
variously known as the Two Rocks, Pulpit Rock and the Narrows. See
Fitch's Map of Washington County, New York, in Trans, of N. Y. State
Agricultural Society, 9: opposite p. 932.
28 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
Question Whether he Knew where he was Designed <when
he Set> out.
Answer no but Supposed for the fort <at the> Carrying
Place.
INDORSED BY WRAXALL: Examination of Some French
Prisoners taken at Lake George
7 b ' 1755
FROM GEORGE CROGHAN *
A. L. S.
<Sep*. 70* /755.>
May itt Plese yuor Excelancy
as I had y e . honour of A Letter <from> you this Sumer on
Indian Affairs with a Me<sidge> to Scaroadey which I
Deliverd him before Brad<ck,> and Return d . you his answer
which I hoop you have Received I Make Bold att present to
Wright you to <^give^> you Some account of y e . Situation of
Indian Affairs in those parts. Since y e . unhapy Defeatt of ginreal
1 George Croghan was born in Ireland, and died at Passayunk, Pa.,
in 1 782. After coming to America, he lived on the west bank of the
Susquehanna river, early engaging in the Indian trade. His knowledge
of the aboriginal character and languages led to his employment as the
Pennsylvania agent in the Ohio country. With a commission as captain,
he accompanied Braddock in the expedition against Fort Duquesne. In
1 756 Croghan entered Johnson's Indian department and was made deputy
agent, having in charge the Pennsylvania and Ohio tribes, and for a num-
ber of years continued a management of Indian affairs that was marked
with skill and courage. He made a settlement near Fort Pitt; and in
1 768 secured from the Indians a tract of 1 00,000 acres between Otsego
lake and Unadilla river in New York. At the outbreak of the Revolution
he was a member of the Pittsburgh committee of correspondence. A
daughter of Croghan married a British officer, Lieutenant Augustine Pre-
vost, afterward, in the war of the Revolution, General Prevost. Part of
the tract on Otsego lake became the property in 1 783 of William Cooper,
father of James Fenimore Cooper, the novelist. See Doc. Rel. to Col.
Hist. N. 7., 7:982-83 (note).
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 29
Bradock the purticklors of which Action you have Seen in the
papers the Indians from y e . Ohio has this Sumer kilK and Tuck
prisoners Nott Less then 100 hundred of Men Women and
Children outt of y e . back Setelments of Verginia to ohio. there
has been some Indians att Philedelphia from o<hio> Since
our Defeete to Treat with this goverment Some of which I am
<^Shure^> was in y e action against us that Day genreal
Brad<ock> was Defeated what y e . Governor and them has
Don I Cant Tell butt itt is My opinion we have very few Indians
to Depend on Nor Do I See any pains Takeing by any of y e .
Goverments hear to Draw any of y e . Indians back or Even to
Secure those that are yett in our Intrest. I main y e . Suthered
Indians who I judge will Soon be Drown to y e . french Intrest as
Governer Glin purchest there Cuntry from them which has been
y e . Case with y e . Indians on Suskahanna Sence M r . Pen purshest
y c . Land Last att Albany Cheefe of which Indians are Since
flead to ohio and undoubtedly become Aleys to y e . french as
you are Scensable all Indians hate to Live on any Land that
they Cant Call thire own.
<A Great Many of ye uper Chorigees^> is unready Crost
y c . greatt < Mountain and gon> to Setle on y e . ohio y e . Six
Nations Seems <very Muc>h of y e . french side of y e . question
and Dose all <they C>an to oblidge all y e Tribes Setled on
ohio to Joyne y e , french this is only My own opinion of y e .
Six Nations You are a better Judge which way they are
Inclin d . then I can be Butt I Ashure y r . Excellancy without there
be Imediatt Industry us d . with y e . Southerd Indians and what
few are hear of y e . Six Nations Dalaway & Shannas yett
Remaining y e . whole will be in y e . french Intrest by Next May
for y e . french are Now Makeing what Indostrey they Can
AMongst y e . Southerd Indians and <un>less you give Posatiff
Instructions to y e , governers <hear> To Secure y c . Intrest of
those Indians I Despair <of> itt being Don and indeed Direc-
tions how they Should proceed for they hate to be att any
Expence or Truble Nor Do any of them understand Indian
30 . Sir William Johnson Papers
Affairs I hoope you will pardon Me for Taking upon Me to
give you So Long and Tadious an Acount butt as I am Scensable
y e . Weight of all Indian Affairs in those parts Lays on you and
that ginreal Bradock putt Me on kings pay for My Asistance
with y e . Indians here I think itt My Duty and persweeds My
Self y r . Excelancy will Excuse Me giveing you this Truble as
y c . unhapy Difrence between governor Morris and our ASembly
hear has prevented this goverment from Doing any thing for y e .
Defence of this Cuntry and as I Live 30 Miles back of all Inhab-
itance on y e fronteers I have been oblidg d . to <Rase a Volunteer
Company on My own> Expence and am building <a Small
Stockade fort to Secure> what Litle Estate I have Left which
<Men and My> Self will be Ready att any Time to Serve
<his Magesty> when CalK On I Expect you will See Capt.
orme y e <ginreel's> Eadecapt who Can Inform you on what
footing Gin<>eal> Bradock put Me or whether I Don My
Duty as far <as> was putt in My power if I can be of any
Service in y e . Expedition to you or in Indian Afairs in this Part
of y e . Country I Shall be very Proud to Serve his Magisty and
Expects y r Intrest if you Shall think Me Deserving on Inquiring
into My Conection and *you will Write Me an answer by y e .
first opertunity. I am y r . Excelancy's Most hum<ble> and
obeedent Servant
GEO: CROGHAN
Cumberland County
Pensylvaine
ADDRESSED: On His Majesties Service
T*
To
Major General William Johnson
at his head Quarters.
These
INDORSED: George Croghans Letter
dated Sep*. 11. 1755
1 Manuscript torn.
38
HOUSE OF LYDIUS ON THI SITE OF FORT EDWARD
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 31
WILLIAM EYRE TO WILLIAM SHIRLEY
Contemporary Copyi 1
Lake George 10 th : Sef> r : 1755.
SIR
As Major General Johnson is sending your Excellency an
Express to inform your Excellency of our Affairs in these parts,
I take the Opportunity to inform you, that by his Order I have
built a Fort at the Carrying place, which will contain 300 Men;
it's in the form of a Square with three Bastions, & takes in Col
Lydius's House; This Worke is pallisaded quite round, which
is its chief Security from a surprize or sudden Attack; as I was
oblig'd to leave that place, and most of the Troops to come here,
it was out of my power to make the Rampart and Parapet, of
a sufficient height and thickness, to stand Cannon, or the Ditch
wide and deep enough to make it's Passage very difficult; how-
ever I think 3 or 400 Men will be able to resist 1 500, provided
they do their Duty, if Cannon is not brought against it. I beg
leave to inform Your Excellency, that I am of Opinion, its very
necessary that a strong and regular Work is erected at this place,
to keep possession, so far of this Country, and the more so, if it
should be found not practicable to go any further this Campaigne.
The Enemy by all Accounts are very formidable, & I think
it not improbable, they will pay us another Visit soon: if they
can seize, and take our Work at the Carrying Place, I fear it
would be attended with bad Consequences, as it would cut off
our retreat and Communication with Albany, and totally stop
our Reinforcements and Provisions from Joining us; if another
Road could be not found ; which I believe is not easy to be met
with. I cannot help thinking, that what induced the French, or
may induce them hereafter to attack us here, is fearing we would
not attempt to go any further, so was resolved to cutt us off before
we retired ; for surely, if they are a match for us, and dare Storm
Mn Public Record Office, C. O. 5. 46. London, England. Inclosed
in Shirley to Sir Thomas Robinson, October 5, 1755.
32 Sir William Johnson Papers
our Camp so far from Crown Point ; and consequently from their
own Strength, how much more advantage would they have over
us, if they waited for our approaching them, and that with part
of our force; whilst they could make use of all theirs, besides
being posted advantageously; it's certain the Enemy behaved
gallantly, and did much more than I thought they dare attempt:
however they are repulsed, and their General taken, who I
beleive to be an excellent Officer, and who we are sure of is a
Man of resolution; these few thoughts I beg leave to throw
before your Excellency: General Johnson was wounded soon
after the Action began, in encouraging the Troops, and making
the necessary disposition to sustain the Attack, the Numbers of
our killed, Wounded and missing I presume he acquaints you of,
but the loss of the Enemy is very uncertain. I sincerely wish
your Excellency Success.
And am
Your Excellency's most Obedient
humble Servant
Will: Eyre.
His Excellency General Shirley,
a true Copy Ex a . by
W M . ALEXANDER Sec*.
INDORSED: Copy
Letter from Cap 1 . Eyre
to Major General Shirley
dated 10 th : Sep r : 1755.
N. 2. in Maf. Gen 1 . Shirley's Letter
of Oct r . 5*: 1755.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1 7 55-1 7 56
33
FROM HUBERT MARSHALL
A. L. S.
[Albany. Sep'. /2, 7755]
DEAR SIR
I shou'd before have Acknowledged [ ] 4 th
Ins 1 , the Moment I receiv'd it, I sent to the Mayor, [ ]
Vanderhyden, who took such Measures as they thought Proper
I did all in my Power to Secure his Majestys Garrison I also
gave Intelligence to Col Glen & the Commanding Officer of
ffort Cosby
I now with the greatest Pleasure Congratulate You on Your
happy Victory of which however I know no Particulars but
[ ] Report, for I am sorry to tell You that the
Mayor & Corporation have not once Communicated to me any
letter they receiv'd Nor let me know of an> Express they sent
away. You will be Perhaps likewise Informed that I have not
fired any Guns on the Joyfull Occasion, which I hope You will
be Assured did not proceed from any want of Respect to You,
but in the first Place from not receiving any Message or Informa-
tion from the Mayor (Except what Cap*. Correy told me in a
Private Maner) and next from being soe short of Powder to
fire a Round, and I thought a Single Gunn only would Alarm
the Country.
You Sir May be (and I hope are) Convinced of My Sincere
regard for You and believe I do not only re Joyce in Your Success
as it Respects the Public We [1] fare but in a More particular
Manner. Am truly Glad of the Honour You have Obtained
which I hope will Increase In Your Compleat Triumph over
Our Enemys Pardon any More but hope this will find You in
Perfect Health & beg my Respects may be Acceptable & when
You will please to Honour me with any Commands they shall
be Punctualy Obey'd by him who is with the greatest Respect,
Sir
Your most Obed* humble Serv*.
HUBERT MARSHALL
Vol. II 2
34 Sir William Johnson Papers
P. S. My Complim ts to Gen 1 Lyman &c Cap 1 Eyres, Raxall
& all Your Officers I shall be Obliged to You for the Honour
of a line only to satisfy me You receiv'd this Letter.
To The Hon ble MAJOR GEN L JOHNSON Commander in
Chief of all his Majestys [forces] at Lake George &c
INDORSED BY WRAXALL: Hub 1 Marshal 12 Sep r .
Rec d . 20 d<>
1755 Ans d . 21 d<>
FROM WILLIAM SHIRLEY
L. S.
Camp at Oswego September 12 17 [55]
SIR
I am to acknowledge the Receipt of your Letter dated 1 st .
Instant from the Camp at Lake George inclosing a Copy of the
Minute of your Council of War held at the Great Carrying place
the 22 d . and 23 d . of August.
No Apology is wanting for your not sending me a particular
Answer to my Letter of the 4 th . past; instead of wishing to have
one, I could wish I had not receiv'd your Letter of the 27 th . July
in Answer to mine of the seventeenth.
I am sorry to hear that the Fatigue of the Duty, you are
engag'd in, hath made a bad Impression upon your Health; I am
sensible, it must be great, and heartily wish you Health to go
through it.
For my part, I have had one continu'd Scene of Disap-
pointrn 18 . from the Want of Waggons, and Desertion of Battoe-
men, &c from the time of my leaving Schenectady to this Hour,
which, with the great Increase of Business, that has fallen upon
me by the Death of Major General Braddock, hath given me a
very great Share of <the> Fatigue.
It gives me great Satisfaction to find by Letters from the Lieut 1 .
Gov r . of the Massachusetts Bay, and the Gov t . of Connecticut
in answer to mine pressing them to send you a Reinforcement,
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 35
mt you are by this time a thousand Men at least stronger, than
rhen I left you at Albany ; and by the Minute of the Council of
r ar, that you are probably before now join'd by the New Hamp-
lire Forces, which there was some Reason to despair of your
ever being.
The Chief Command of His Majesty's Forces in North
America being devolv'd upon me by the Death of Major General
Braddock, Colonel Dunbar the Commanding Officer of the
"orces to the Westward hath apply 'd to me for Orders ; I had
jfore directed him to march the Troops to Albany, there to
wait further Orders ; and expect they will begin to move very soon
thither, where they will be at hand to be employ'd in any part of
his Majesty's Service relative either to the Expedition under my
own Command, or that under your's, that may require 'em; and
for that Purpose, must desire you to let me know from you as
frequently as you can, the Situation of the latter, in as particular
manner as may be.
I am not a Judge of which is the most advantageous Route for
your Forces to march thro' to Crown point. But think in general
that the Opinion and Advice of your Council of War was right:
and I am of their Opinion with regard to the Strength and Oppo-
sition, you are threaten'd with, (w * 1 . yet I expect will be a Strong
one) that great Allowances are to be made for French Boasting:
I have letely rec d . here a Letter from Admiral Boscawen, inclos-
ing a Copy of one, he had wrote to the late General Braddock,
in w ch . he says the French Squadron had on Board Six Bat-
taillons of Foot, eight Companies of w ch : he took in the Lys, that
1 1 00 of the Troops were in Garrison at Louisbourg ; so that sup-
posing all the Rest were destin'd for, and had got safe into
Canada, & that none of the 3000 were lost upon their Passage,
there will remain by that Ace*, but 1 500.
The Intelligence, you receiv'd from Canada by your Indians,
of 300 Battoes being gone to Cadaraqui is I believe in part true;
it agrees in Substance with undoubted Intelligence, I have receiv'd
from some of the Indians with me, and confirm'd by a Party,
which I sent to an Island very near the Fort; But I believe the
36 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
Number of Battoes may be something magnify 'd: That there is
now a number of Regular Troops there, of 500 at least, I cer-
tainly know from the number of Officers Tents in an Incampment,
w ch . was seen by our People at three Quarters of a Mile Distance,
and the Dimensions of the Ground, it takes up; it is said by
another Indian that a Month ago he was to<ld> at the Fort by
the French that they expected a much larger <N>umber of
Forces than that very soon from Canada, & then they should
make a Visit to Oswego.
By an Ace*., I have had from Niagara, there seems reason to
think that the Indians, who were concerned in the Defeat of the
late General, are much disgusted at the Treatment, they have
<re>ceiv'd from the French both at the time, & since that
Action, which w*. the loss of Men, they received in it (said to be
30 at <le>ast) and the Opinion, they have conceiv'd from it of
the Bravery of the English notwithstanding the general Ignominy
thrown upon the unfortunate Army by their own Countrymen,
that the Action may possibly not operate so much to the prejudice
of the English, as we had reason to fear it might.
I am sorry to find from the Minute of your Council of War
that the Cagnawagas seem so obstinately bent to take up the
Hatchet on the Side of the French; it is possible, the loss of
forty or fifty of them may open their Eyes to perceive the Folly
of their taking part in the Quarrels between the Engl<ish> and
French.
I am unwilling to mention any thing here concerning Ind<ian>
Affairs; But am oblig'd from a Letter, I have within three
Day<s> received from Sir Thomas Robinson one of his
Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State, to repeat it to you to
send me a Copy of the Instructions, you receiv'd from the late
General Braddock, together a Copy of his Commission to you
for the management of Indian Affairs.
I wish you Success in His Majesty's Service now under your
Command, and am, Sir, Your most Humble Servant,
W. SHIRLEY.
MAJOR GENERAL JOHNSON.
Preliminary Campaigns, 7755-7756
FROM GOLDSBROW BANYAR
37
A. L. S.
Saturday 13 Sep. 7755. 3 oClock P M
[Y DEAR SIR
I have beg'd the favour of D r . Shuckburgh to write you a few
Lines : But as I have a moments time I shall just inform you that
last Night Gov r . Hardy received the Copy of a Letter from Col.
Blanchard dated the 9 th : Instant wrote before he had received a
full Account of the Event of the preceeding day. We are much
encouraged by a Letter from D r Middleton wrote at the same
time so hope you have at least kept your Post if not beet the
French. To Morrow, S r . Charles, 1 Lieu*. Gov r . de Lancey,
(M r . Pownall), Cap*. Rutherford & one other of the Council,
M r . Horsmanden I surmise, & my self are to set out for Albany,
I dont yet know, but suppose M r . Barrens the Gov rs . Secretary
will go. M r . O. de Lancey goes afterward I believe & talks of
raising a small Company as a Body Guard to his Excy, who has
most favourable Sentiments of you and is perfectly well
acquainted with your Character: We have taken 3 Snows, and
it is said 4 Ships laden with Prov s . for Louisburgh. Adieu my
dear S r . and believe me to be yours w th the most sincere affection
Gw BANYAR
P. S: If your Stores are expended, or there is want of 'em I
suppose you'l send an immediate account
1 Sir Charles Hardy was born in England in 1716(?) and died at
Portsmouth, England, May 18, 1780. Entering the navy in 1731, he
was elevated in 1741 to the command of the Rpe; and in 1744 went
out to Newfoundland in charge of a convoy. In 1 755 he was knighted
and made governor of New York, an office from which he retired in 1 75 7,
returning to England. The following year he assisted in the reduction
of Louisburg ; and the next year had a part in the naval victory of Quiberon
Bay. In 1 762 he was promoted to a vice admiral's rank, and in 1 770
to that of admiral of the blue. Four years later he was chosen to represent
Portsmouth in parliament. In 1779 Hardy commanded the channel
squadron, which successfully operated, though without an engagement,
against a combined French and Spanish fleet, formed to facilitate an
invasion of the British coast. See Dictionary of National Biography.
38 Sir William Johnson Papers
FROM WILLIAM COCKCROFT
A. L. S.
Camp at the Great Carrying place
Sept' 14*. 1755
SIR
M r . Lyman ComysJ. I have let him have a party consisting of
a Lieu*, one Serj*. one Corp 1 & thirty men to Guard the Waggons
till they meet a party from Your Camp to relieve them.
John Thomson of the Mohawk's Country left our Camp the
Day before your letter came to hand. Our people at present is
some thing better I hope you will Order me to joyn you very
soon. I expect we shall have a Mutiny as soon as Our Soldiers
here that the are allow'd half a pint of rum 3P Day by y e
Provin [ce] . I have Issued no more all along then a Gil.
Please to fill up Lieu*. Mich 1 Thodey Commission as Cap*,,
in the Room of C. Van Den Bourgh Deceasd. as to our Serg*.
Major I am afraid will not answer for a Lieutenant. If poor C.
M c .Ginnis Compy. is not fill'd up, I shall take it as a favour you
be pleased to let me have it as it's a Coustomary thing for Field
Officers to have Company's. I wish You joy of the good Success
you lately meet with. I wish I had a few good Carpenters, &
some Wall pieces, we have Six French Prisoners shall be glad
to Know what I am to doe with them. I am Sir
Y r Most Obd'. Serv'.
W M : COCKCROFT.
MAJ*. GEN L . JOHNSON
ADDRESSED: To Major Gen 1 . Johnson
at Fort George
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756
39
MINUTES OF COUNCIL OF WAR
A. D. S.
Head Quarters <Camp at Lake George Sunday 14 Sef> r
/755> 1
At a Council of War held by Maj r <Gen 1 Johnson>
Pres*. Major Gen 1 Johnson Lieu*. Col. Whiting
Maj r . Gen 1 Lyman
Col. Ruggles
Col. Blanchard
Lieu 1 Col. Bagly
Lieu* Col. Gilbert
Lieu*. Col. Cole
Major Fitch
Cap* Eyre Quarter M r Gen 1 & c .
M r Glazier Adjut* Gen 1 .
Peter Wraxall Secr^.
Art clc 1 The General Acquainted this Council of War, that
from the late Designs of the Enemy to attack the Fortifica-
tio<ns^> at the Great Carrying Place, he is apprehensive the
Enemy may yet make an attempt upon it and as it has no Cannon
to defend it & is a Post of the utmost Importance to us par-
ticularly at this Juncture, he proposes to reinforce it with the 3
Connecticut Companys now here belonging to the New York
Reg*, and that the whole of said Reg*, should be posted there till
further Orders, unless this Council of War should give him good
reasons to the contrary or advise any Measure more eligible.
2 The General acquainted this Council of War that his
Opinion had always inclined to have some stronger Fortifications
than a picketted Fort built here, but had yielded to the Opinion
of the Council of War & to their Informations that most of the
Troops had an Aversion to digging & that the Majority of the
1 In Doc. Rel. to Col Hist. N. Y., v. 6, is a letter of September 14th
from Sir Charles Hardy to the lords of trade, reporting Johnson's success
on September 8th, p. 1002-3. In Doc. Hist N. Y., 2:697-98, is a
minute of the provincial council of the 14th, containing intelligence of the
action of the 8th and measures for provisioning Johnson's army and observ-
ing a thanksgiving day.
40 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
officers & Troops were eagerly bent on having on<ly a> pick-
etted Fort.
<As to the First Article, this Council> of War are of
Opinion <tbat the s'd. Three Com>panys now under Maj r .
Fitch 3 , Command should <be sent> to reinforce the remainder
of the New York Reg*, at the Great Carrying Place.
PETER WRAXALL Secr r y.
(N. B.) The Second Article was read to the Council but the
General did not take any vote or Resolution thereon, finding the
Council averse to having any other Fort than a picketted one.
INDORSED BY WRAXALL: Minutes of Council of War
HSep'. 1755.
TO WILLIAM COCKCROFT
Df. S. 1
Camp at LaJ^e George /5 Sep r . 1755.
SIR
I have your Letter of this Day by Lieu 1 Thoody. 2 The filling
up the vacancies in your Reg 1 , must be deferred till the hurry of
Buisness is a little abated.
When the Men know they are allowed half a Pint of Rum a
day & will not be easy without it you must 'een let 'em have it.
With this Convoy you will receive 22 Prison <ers,> some of
them are badly wounded & I hope your Humanity will lead you
to have them dressed & taken proper care of, & keep a strict &
good Guard over those who are capable of making their escape,
and when a good Guard goes down to Albany let them be sent to
the Magistrates there in order to be forwarded to New York.
I send part of the three Companys of your Reg*, with these
Waggons & the remainder will set out to morrow with the French
1 By Wraxall.
2 Lieutenant Michael Thody, of Captain Isaac Corsa's Westchester
company.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1 7 55-1 7 56 41
General The Baron De Dieskau & his Aid de Camp. I desire
you will prepare the best Accommodations possible for the Gen-
eral & during his Stay to have him treated with the utmost respect
& good Usage & to forward him to Albany in the Litter & by a
Battoe as he shall Choose & D r . Middleton (who is to attend
him) advise. His Aid de Camp & the French Man out of the
Rhode Island Reg 1 , are to attend him. It will be proper in a
Civil way to keep a sharp Eye on the Aid de Camp And the
officer who goes down to Albany to keep a good look out.
Pray use your best Endeavours to keep up good Guards, Peace
& Order amongst the Troops under your Command, & keep in a
watchful Posture against the Enemy. I woud have you daily
send out small parties of 3, 4 or 5 to Scour the Woods for a mile
or two round you.
The Waggons are to return to Albany in order to bring up
more Provisions as fast as they can. pray do y r . Commissaries
p<jo>vide any Waggons or send any provisions up. I some
time ago sent a positive Order to all the Commissaries to dis-
p<^a^>tch the whole Provision & Stores with the utmost Expedi-
tion. I hope you have taken care to enforce my orders upon y r .
Commissaries, that no future Blame may lay at y r . Door.
The Remainder of the Waggons will set off tomorrow Morn-
ing with the Tents & c . of your Companys.
I am Sir Your hum Serv*.
W M . JOHNSON
You will send down the Prisoners you have to Albany along
with y e rest & transmit me in writing what Intelligence you can
get from them.
Ensign Stevens who Commands a Party of the Connecticut
Militia is to take charge of the Pris rs . to Albany, those who can
make an Escape you must secure properly.
INDORSED BY WRAXALL : Gen ls . Letter to Col
Cockcroft with
Prisoners & c .
and the CoK Letter
42 , Sir William Johnson Papers
TO THE MAYOR AND MAGISTRATES OF ALBANY
Df*
Camp at Lake George 15 Sep r . 1755
S
I herewith send you a Power to impress Waggons, Horses &
Drivers for the use of the present Expedition & I re[fer] you to
the Preamble of the same for the reasons for my so doing. We
have only 60 Waggons come in last night all we have had for
near 10 days & if they had [not] arrived we should have wanted
Bread. I gave sometime [ ] the most positive Orders in
my Power for sending with the ut[most] dispatch possible all
the Provisions & Stores belonging to the Army lying at Albany,
but I find by the Accounts I receive that people hide their Wag-
gons & Horses & that it is with the utmost Difficulty that any can
be got, as large reinforce [ments] are coming to us & the greater
part of our Stores behind, and the season for this Expedition
wearing away, there is a most absolute necessity in order to carry
the same into Execution, that all our Provisions & Stores should
be sent from Albany w[ith]out Delay. I therefore call on &
crave your utmost assist [ance] to obtain or impress all the Wag-
gons & Horses in your County in order to make but one or two
turns & to bring the remainder of the Battoes from the Carrying
Place hither for w ch purpose [ ] or 800 Waggons will be
necessary, & I shall upon Advice [ ] proper Guard
to escourt them. I have ordered all [ ] who com-
mand any of the Reinforcements coming to [ ] to
take under their Convoy such Waggons as may [be] ready. The
Commissaries are not able to procure Wag[gons] by their own
Authority. I therefore call yours in [ ] assistance.
I apprehend there are more Waggons to be had in the County of
Albany than we want, but your Warrant empowers you to
impress in the Neighbour [ing] Counties if found necessary. The
By Wraxall.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 43
want of Wag[gons] will I fear retard our proceedings w** may
stop the Expedition]
Those Waggoners who have deserted I expect you will put
into Jail without Exception as also all those who will not obey
the Legal calls upon them and that in all respects you will exert
yourselves to promote & forward His Majesty s Service as you
will answer the Contrary upon a Remonstrance that will be made
I am gent n . & c .
I send from hence to Col. Cockcroft 22 French Pris rs . there
are 5 or 6 more at the Carrying Place w ch Col Cockcroft will
send along with these. You will please to give the officer a
Receipt for them & provide Passage for 'em to New York except
one 1 who is to be deliv* 1 . to Cap*. Corry [for?] the Indians.
To the MAYOR & MAGISTRATES
of the City of Albany
INDORSED : Generals Letter to the May'.
& Magistrates of Albany
with Warrant for im-
pressing Waggons & c .
ON REVERSE SIDE OF LEAF 2
M. Le Baron De Diersau Marechal Des Camp[s] et armees
envoye en Canada pour Commander toutes Les troups.
De Barnier Aide De Camp, Lieu* reform [e] De royal
suedois ensuite place a la suite De ulay Dartois
Translation
The Baron Dieskau, Major General, sent as commander in
chief to Canada
De Barnier, Aid-de-camp, half-pay lieutenant of the Royal
Swedish, later ranked in succession to Ulay Dartois
^ee Doc. Rd. to Col. Hist. N. Y. t 7:55, for delivery of French
prisoners to Indians.
2 Memoranda jotted down, which have no reference to the document.
44 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
TO WILLIAM COCKCROFT
Df.
Camp at Lake George </6 Sepr. /755>
SIR
Major Fitch will deliver you this, he Marches with the
remainder of the 3 Companies of your Regiment, by the first
oppertunityl desire you will transmit me a general return of your
Regm*. The French General and <^his> Aid de Camp go
under Major Fitchs Convoy. I repeat my desire that you will
receive the General with all due respect and take care that he is
so treated by every Body, dont let any one Croud about him to
indulge their impertinent and ill mannered Curiosity. You will
have a good Eye upon the Aid de Camp. I would have Cap*.
Schuyler and 50 good picked Men go with the Baron, his Aid de
Camp and the Waggons verry early tomorrow Morning, for
Albany and if possible to go thro in a day. Doctor Middleton
is to accompany the Baron down to New York on their Arrival
at Albany, Cap 1 . Schyler is to conduct the Baron and his Aid
de Camp to my House and it is my positive Order to Cap*
Schyler to keep the Baron and his Aid de Camp clear of the Mob
and so to range his People and March them as to suffer no Person
to come within them. Let Cap 1 . Schyler deliver the Letter here-
with to Cap*. Marshall who I have desired to send a Serg*. and
6 Men as a constant Guard at my House till the General and his
Aid de Camp imbark for New York. I think it will be proper
to send a Cap*. & <50> Men to reinforce Cap 1 . Schylers Guard
for 4 or 5 Miles from your Fort, let Cap*. Schyler take particular
care that the Aid de Camp cannot play him any trick and let him
be well watched this night, he will sleep with the Baron and must
no ways be bound. The Soldier who talks French is to attend
and remain with the Baron.
I again recommend to You to keep your Troops in the best
and most cautious posture of Defence and to preserve peace and
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756
45
jood order amongst them. I expect soon to give You further
>rders and am Sir
Your Most Hum Serv*.
'ou will take care of the
Dispatch of all Waggons
going and coming,
To : COL. COCKCROFT
INDORSED: Gen ls . Letter to Col. Cockcroft
with French General
16Sep' 1755.
TO SIR CHARLES HARDY
A letter of September 16th from Johnson to Sir Charles Hardy on
the battle and conditions in the camp (Johnson Calendar, p. 49) is printed
in Doc. Rel. to Col. Hist. N. Y. t 6:1013-15.
TO HUBERT MARSHALL
Df.
Camp at Lake George 16 Sep r . 1755
SIR
Cap 1 . Schyler conducts the French General the Baron de
Dieskau and his Aid de Camp to Albany and is to lodge them
in my House, during their stay. I must desire You will order
a Serg* and 6 Men to be posted as Guards round my House not
only as a Security upon the Aid de Camp but to prevent all
manner of persons from coming to my house from that imperti-
nent Curiosity which is so abounding at Albany and so little
regulated by Decency and good Manners. You will please to
give positive orders herin to your Serg*. and Men As soon
as ever Doctor Middleton thinks the Baron may with safety take
his Passage for New York I would have him and his Aid de
Camp be sent forwards with a proper Guard on board the Sloop
The Baron is a Man of Quality, a Soldier & a Gentleman and I
46 , Sir William Johnson Papers
recommend him to any Civilities in your power to show him and
which may contribute to his ease and Satisfaction. I am Sir
Your Most Hum Serv 1
To CAP T . MARSHALL
INDORSED BY WRAXALL: Gen ls Letter to Cap 1
Marshall ab l . French
Gen 1 . 16Sep'. 1755
TO PETER MIDDLETON
Df.
<Camp at Lake George 16 Sep r . /755.>
As your present ill state of <health unfitts you for the dis-
charge of> your Duty in this Army, you have my < Liberty to
go down to^> New York in order to promote your Recovery,
as <soon as that takes> place you are to repair with all possible
Dispatch to your <post in>> the New York Regm 1 . under my
Command or to follow such fu<^ture^> Orders as you may
receive from me relative therto.
(2)
You are to Accompany the Baron De Dieskau the Fre<nch>
General and to use your utmost skill and Diligence to get
Wounds cured and to establish his Health
(3)
On your Arrivall at Albany you are to accompany the Baron
and his Aid de Camp to my House and there attend him and not
suffer the Curiosity or impertinence of any persons either to retard
his Cure or offend him and I would have verry <few> persons
admitted to talk either with him or his Aid de Camp <as> few
of the Dutch Albanians as possible and I give you this Discre-
tionary power in my house.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 47
(4)
As soon as you think it is safe for the Barons health I would
have you accompany him and his Aid de Camp to New York.
On your Arrivall there have the General and Aid de Ca<mp>
on Board with the Guard, wait on the Governour & acquaint
him of their Arrivall that he may give his orders thereupon.
INDORSED: Instructions to D r . Middelton
MINUTES OF COUNCIL OF WAR
A. D. S.
[Lake George 16 Sep. 1755]
] General Johnson
] General Lyman
] Ruggles
] Blanchard
] Gilbert
] Bagly
Lieu* Col. Pomeroy
Lieu* Col. Whiting
Lieu 1 . Col. Cole
Cap*. Eyre Chief Engineer & Q r M r Gen 1 .
[ ] Glazier Adjutant General
Cap* Peter Wraxall SecrT.
The General Accquainted this Council of War that the
Occasfion] of his calling them together was upon a Message
bro* to him by the Adjutant General from Maj r Gen 1 Lyman &
some other Field Officers relative to moving the pres[ent]
Encampm*. to where the picketted Fort is now Building
The Council desired the Opinion of the Quarter- M aster Gen-
eral upon the Advantages of the Two Situations & w* 1 *. he
judged most eligible all circumstances considered.
He gave it in favour of remaining on our present Ground
This opinion was agreed to by this Council of War.
PETER WRAXALL,
48 Sir William Johnson Papers
TO SPENCER PHIPS 1
L. S. 2
Camp at Lake George 17 Sep r . 1755
SIR
The 10 th . Ins. I dispatched to You by Express an Account of
Our Engagements with the Enemy on the 8 th . I have reviewed
that Letter, it was wrote at different times. Circumstances led
us to expect a fresh Attack, two Alarms Actually happened
during the time it was writing. An Army like Ours after such
Events is not easily restored to a Calm. We were all fatigued
both in Body and mind. In such a Scituation it was both difficult
to collect and pen a distinct and exact Relation. However upon
a Reexamination of the Copy of that Letter and a more mature
Enquiry into the facts it contained, I found no essential Error
I sent at that time to the Lieu*.. Governour of New York the
French Generals order of Battle found among his papers, which
I suppose either by private Letter or publick prints you have seen.
I Yesterday wrote a long Letter to the Governour of New York
lately arrived, in which I remarked upon some Variations in the
Accounts given in my aforesaid Letter to the several Govern-
ments transmitted to You, and gave him also some fresh Intel-
ligence all which I desired he would and I doubt not he will
Communicate to You and the other Governments.
One thing I omitted in that Letter. In my aforesaid General
Letter, I said, that from the French Generals papers it appeared
he brought with him into Canada from Europe 3171 3 Regular
1 Spencer Phips, whose name originally was Bennett, was the son of
Dr David Bennett of Rowley, Mass.; his mother's name was Spencer.
Spencer Bennett, on being adopted by his uncle, Sir William Phips, took
by statute the family name of the latter. He was elected a councilor in
1 722, and afterward reelected nine times. He was lieutenant governor
of Massachusetts from 1 732 to his death, which occurred on April 4,
1757. He administered the government from September 1749 to 1753,
and in 1756 and part of 1757. See Doc. Rel to Col Hist. N. Y.,
10:43 (note).
2 In Massachusetts Archives. Manuscript in State Library
by fire.
C/ Baron de Dieskau's Forces above.
Preliminary Campaigns, J 7 55-1 7 56 49
Voops upon a further & more Accurate Inspection. I find
lat Account was taken from a blotted memorandum of his
(which I sent to the Gov f . of New York) and is the Amount
of the Army under his Command, Regulars, Militia and Indians
which were either at Crown Point or Ticonderogo, and from
which he Detached the Body which we engaged, the Number
>f Regular Troops therin mentioned are above 700 I believe
ic brought many more to Canada, part of which are sent to
Cadarachqui and the other part kept to oppose us.
By the unfortunate Death of two Colonels and several Officers
the three Massachusetts Regiments there are sundry Vacancies
I was at a loss how to fill them up, whether by Seniority of
Commissions from the three Regiments or by Succession out of
each. I calld a Council of War who gave it in favour of the
former Method which I have accordingly pursued pro temper e.
If Your three Regiments are to be considered as three Batallions
forming one Regiment and one Corps, the Vacancy must remain
as adjusted for the present, to wit by Seniority of Commissions
upon the whole If they are distinct and Independant Regi-
ments then by seniority in the respective Regiments where the
Vacancies are. I have not yet given Commissions & shall not
till you satisfie me in these points, and this you will please to do
as soon as possible
Our wounded for the most part, I am afraid will not be calp-
able of Service this Season Our Sick daily increase and as
the Weather is of a Sudden become very wet and Cold I am
afraid their Numbers will grow and indeed I am sorry to per-
ceive and confess that our People in general, do not show that
Spirit and alacrity which might have been expected from the
Providential defeat of our Enemies and the prospect of the
Business before us smiles do not seem to dwell on their Counte-
nances from the one, nor Ardor inspired for the other.
However I am Building large flat Bottomed Boats for our
Artillery, have sent Spies to learn the posture of the Enemy
keeping Scouts to observe their Motions and putting everything
in all the forwardness in my power If the expected reinforce-
ments Arrive, & a sufficient Number of Waggons can be got
50 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
from Albany to bring up our provisions and Stores from thence
& the Carrying Place and Warm Cloathing sent. I hope the
Mens Spirits will revive and the necessary Ardor be universal
amongst us I believe at present we are not more then between
18 and 1900 Men fit for duty with the 150 Men arrived from
Your Government under Col. Whitcomb; none yet come from
Connecticut or elsewhere, from New York I expect none, the
Regiments are forced to borrow Bread from one another.
Unless these things are put on a right footing very speedily the
Season will be elapsed I am greatly distressed by the prospect
and would be glad it was taken into Consideration and the
Opinion of the Governments concerned sent me as soon as
possible.
I should be more particular, but I desired Gov r . Hardy to com-
minicate what I wrote him to the rest of the Governments and
my Scituation will not allow of Repetition
I am
Most Respectfully
W M . JOHNSON
This Letter goes by Major Hoare
who is a Gallant active officer
& deserves preferment as much as
anyone I know in our Army & I
hope it will be in my power to give
him one of the vacant Lieu* Colonel-
ships, I have put him in order
INDORSED: Lake George Septem r .
17. 1755 Letter from
Maj r . General Johnson
to Gov r . Phips
ADDRESSED: On His Majestys Service
To
The Honourable
Governor Phipps
at
Boston
Preliminary Campaigns, 1 7 55-1 7 56 51
TO ROBERT ORME
D/. 1
<Camp at Lake George 18 Sepr. 1755
>EAR SIR:
Two or three Days ago Your obliging favour of the 2d Inst
from Philadelphia came to my hands. ^>
I am so sittuated & <in such Circumstances that it is impos-
sible for me> to have suff 1 time or make use of the < requisite
Materials to return > you such an answer & send you such
Papers <as I would wish to do. The> Military Department
I am placed in, the <^late visit from the Enemy ^> the appre-
hension of receiving another from them, <before we are> rein-
forced, the Dread of our wanting Provisions by being Dis-
ap<pointed of > Waggons, these in general & many other
particular matters <^w ch require my^> serious & constant atten-
tion, not only unfits me almost for any other Buisness but wholly
engrosses my Time. In the next place the < Papers w ch > I
must have recourse to in order to comply with your Desires &
my own Inclinations, I left at Albany lest the Fortune of War
might throw them into the Enemy hands.
My proceedings in Indian Affairs by virtue of Gen 1 Braddocks
commission was sent down to New York & deposited in the hands
of M r . Banyar Deputy Secret of the Province, upon your
Application to him, he will furnish you with a Copy. All the
other Papers are at Albany.
In order to give you a full view of Indian Affairs as they
<stand> at present, we must look a great way back, I must
have a number of Papers w c !> I can not come at & sit down for
some Days to no other Employment, however this I would
gladly do to furnish you with the necessary Mater<ials> for
giving the Ministry an adequate Conception of them, tho they
have had these materials put into their hands, w** 1 . I believe have
1 By Wraxall.
52 f Sir William Johnson Papers
been <too> voluminous for their time & patience, & would
make their way much better by your Conversation. As to the
present Disposition of the Six Nations with regard to the British
Interest, they were I am fully persuaded, after the late Meeting
at my House, better disposed th<an> for these 40 years past.
The loss w ch . the Mohocks in particular have sustained by our
late Engagements with the Enemy here, has more effectua<lly>
wounded the French Interest among them & will by their Influ-
ence more weaken it among the other Confederate Nations, than
any other Event w ch could have been expected. The Cagna-
wagas whose attachment to the French & whose Influence over
our Indians was a great prejudice to us, have behaved treacher-
ously, & lost the<^m^> the Friendship & Confidence of the 6
Nations, who have very warmly accused them to me of a breach
of Faith & Friendship, & earnestly desired, the Cagnawagas may
never again be permitted to trade either at Albany or Oswego,
the Cagnawagas are supported & the French enabled by these
Trades to carry on their Indian Trade & Interest, so that if they
are hereafter totally excluded from trading <at> these Places
& especially at Albany, it will be a most powerful
to weaken the French Indian Influence & increase our
but> such is the Mercenary Spirit of the Albanian Indian
Traders <^that unless the^> Powers of Gov*. be very vigorously
& dilligently exert<ed, they will carry on this pernicious trade,
& sacrifice the public Good to private advantage.
Another thing upon w ch the securing & increasing our Indian
Interest very greatly depends, is the Issue of our present arma-
ments against> the French, if <\ve drop them or if we are not
in a> great Measure Successful, our < Indians will dread as
they> have long done the power of the French, & <think ours
too weak> to be depended on and will therefore lean tow<ards
the Fr>ench & tho not naturally inclined to it, pay Obedience
<to them>
The Indians who were with me, did after our <late Engag>e-
ments leave us & are gone home except 3 or 4 this they
K
ill
SJ
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756
53
assured > me was not from Fear or treachery, but in compli-
ice with <^their^> constant Custom after a Battle wherein they
lad met with <any> loss, w ch they did the 8 Inst, when a great
lany of their Chief <Sachems> & Warriors were killed by
ic Enemy, w ch . has so far from cooled <^them]> that they are
iraged to the highest Degree & detirmined to <pursue> the
Tench with implacable Revenge & will I doubt not, return when
re are ready to go forward. This is the fullest & best Account
am able to give you at present relative to < Indian > Affairs.
As to the Expedition we are engaged in the Difficulty of
jetting Waggons to bring our Provisions Stores & c . here in time
lateness of the Season, the want of sufficient reinforcements
te Number of the Enemys Troops, their Strong & advantageous
>lds between this & Crown Point, together with the present
iickness of our Army will I very much fear, stop our proceeding
further this year unless a Winter expedition should be thought
eligible.
Cap* Eyre planned & in a great Measure under his Direction
was finished, a respectable Fortification at the Great Carrying
Place ab*. 1 5 Miles from hence one of the great & most important
passes between Canada & this Province where we are now
encampt is another equally important, but the Obstinacy &
Ignorance of those officers by whose advice I am obliged to regu-
late my Proceedings, has prevented a Strong Fort being erected
here however, I have wrote to the Gov ls about it & I believe one
will yet be made here We shall then have a strong Curb upon
Canada this way, & in case of a War, if the necessary steps are
taken by <land> in these parts & a Fleet with some Troops
sent up the River <St> Lawrence towards or to Quebec &
our Opperations chime < together >, I cannot doubt but we
might next year be Masters of Can<ada> put an End to the
French Power this Way & be Masters of <the> invaluable
Fur Trade & c . In this Scheeme I <include> our Opperations
from Oswego & particularly securing <the Navigation > of
Lake Ontario.
54 Sir William Johnson Papers
I will not trouble you with <any Account of or any reflections
upon General Shirley's Conduct with regard to Indian Affairs or
his Behaviour to me. I think he has judged ill with regard to
the one, & acted very ungentleman like with regard to the other.
I began a small collection for you. They are at my House,
I> shall endeavour to < increase it & please God I return there
I will> send you the little Cargo by some <Vessell to
London. >
I look upon Evans' 8 Map of N America <to be the best>
extant.
M r . Wraxall who is my Aid <de Camp & Sec>retary &
also Judge Advocate, all without pay or Per<quisites t>akes
Consequence to himself from the manner in w ch you
pleased to mention him, & thinks the improbability of
seeing you in America a real loss to him, he desires you
accept of his Salutations & best Wishes, he is well known to
<M r > Fox & Lord Hallifax & if it falls in your way I wish
you < would > mention him in an advantageous Manner to those
Ge<^nt n ^> in my Name & as having great Merit with me.
I shall on my side & I hope you will on yours, support our
Correspondence. I shall always esteem you in every Light & in
every Sittuation. I wish you all imaginable Felicity & am un-
feignedly Dear Sir
Your Affect. & obliged hum. Serv*.
I have seen nothing of M r . Shaw
as yet, if he comes I shall upon
y r . recommendation give him what
Encouragm*. is in my power.
INDORSED: <General's Letter to Cap 1
Orme> 18 Sep r .
Preliminary Campaigns, 1 7 55-1 7 56
55
MINUTES OF COUNCIL OF WAR
A. D. S.
Camp at Lake George 18 Sep' 1755
a Council of War held by Maj r General Johnson
'rest
General Johnson Lieu* Col. Pomeroy
Maj r Gen 1 . Lyman Lieu*. Col. Whiting
Col. Ruggles Col Bagly
Col Blanchard Lieu 1 Col Cole
Col Gilbert, Adjutant General
The General proposed for the Opinion of this
>f War, whether considering our present Circumstances & our
>ittuation with regard to the Enemy whom by intelligen<^ce>-
icre is some reason to think are not far off & may make another
Attack, it is most adviseable to contract our present Encamp*, or
Decamp to the Ground where the picketted Fort is building.
It is the Opinion of this Council of War that the present
Encamp*, be kept with the follows Alterations That Col. Bagly s
& Col. Blanchards remove their Encamp* 8 & the Flank Breast
work to run along the Flank of Col. Ruggles' 8 & the Rocky
Eminance on the Left Flank if found adviseable to be left with-
out the Breast works, w ch alterations are to be immediately set
about.
PETER WRAXALL A. D. Camp.
General then desired this Council of War would
<propose> any other Expedients w * 1 might occur to them
< besides > what were < already > taken to forward the present
Expedition.
This Council of War are unanimously of Opinion that the
car<rying> into speedy Effect this Expedition depends upon a
< proper > Supply of Waggons & that all Measures w ch can
be thoug<ht> on have been already taken for obtaining them
PETER WRAXALL Sea?
56 Sir William Johnson Papers
FROM ELEAZER FITCH
A. L. S.
<Crea* Carry Place Sep r 19th: 1755>
SIR
I arrived Safe att the Fort < about 7 oClock in the evening>
after I left the Camp. The French Gen 1 went off <the next
morning> under as comfortable Circumstances as could be
expected, and <is doubtless> By this Time Safe in Albany,
I have been very ill since <my> Arrival, which hope will
Excuse my not writing you sooner. I find too much Truth in the
hints which have been given your honour, nothing done nor like
to be done. Cursing, Damning Swearing and drinking engrossing
the chief of the Time. The contrast is so very great Betwixt the
Two parties in the Reg 5 , that every thing Labours with Difficulty.
The Col. this morning has ordered all the invalids that are unfit
for Service to be Stripped of all the Cloathing given them by the
province, to be discharged and Sent off the Consequence of which
must be that some of them must go naked and perish ; Should be
glad of your hon s . advice whether their cloathing must be taken
from them yea or nay, for I must confess that I cannot see it to
be Just; tho' my Opinion has not been Ask'd; it is the universal
voice of our three N England Companys, that they are willing to
Stay here or go any where else so as they may but be disjoined;
your honour will order as shall be thought most prudent
Remain your most Obedient humble Servant
ELEAZ R . FITCH
P: S: desire my name may be so far Secreted that no personal
Difference may arise Between my Sup r . officer & me which I
would by <all> means avoid
<Wl>LLIAM JOHNSON Esqr
ADDRESSED: To Maj r . Gen 11 . W m . Johnson Esqr
att Lake George
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 57
FROM WILLIAM SHIRLEY
L. S. 1
Camp at Oswego Sef>t r . I9 lh . <7755>
;sm>
Three Days ago I receiv'd a Letter from M r . Stevenson of
>any inclosing a Copy of the General Letter, w ch . you have
it to L*. Gov r , Phipps & the Governors of the other Colonies,
w ch . have rais'd Forces for the Expedition against Crown point,
giving an Acco*. of two Actions, w ch . happened on the 8 th . Instant,
between the Army under your Command and the French; in the
first of w ch . a Detachment of 1 000 English commanded by Col.
Williams, & a Party of 200 Indians of the six Nations were
defeated with a considerable Loss on their Side; In the second,
the French & their Indians attacked the main Body of your Army
in their Camp at Lake George, & were repuls'd with a more con-
siderable one on their's.
M r : Stevenson informs, me that upon finding, I had no Letter
directed to me among the Packetts, which came from your Camp,
& discovering the Words upon the Seal Side of that directed to
Gov r . Phipps ; " please to dispatch a Copy of this Letter to Gen-
eral Shirley, my time & Circumstances won't permit <^my^>
writing to him immediately," he open'd it, & took a Copy of it,
to be sent forthwith to me; & as the Events contain'd in it so
nearly concern his Majesty's Service under my immediate Com-
mand, as well as his other Service upon this Continent under my
Direction, I can't avoid expressing my Surprize at your Omission
to acquaint me with them directly from yourself ; which, let your
Hurry & Circumstances be what they would, you might at least
have done, by ordering your Secretary or any Clerk to transcribe
a Copy of your Letter to the Gov rs : to be Sent me from Albany,
instead of desiring L*. Gov r . Phipps to Send me one from Boston.
What could be your Reason for postponing my being
in Massachusetts Archives, 54:1 36-41 inc., and extract in Public
Record Office, C. O. 5.46, London, England. Printed with certain
errors and omissions: R. I. Col. Rec. 5:455.
58 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
acquainted with these Matters, which I ought to have known as
soon as possible, to so distant a time as my hearing from M r .
Phipps must have been, seems difficult to say.
However that may be, my Duty to his Majesty requires me to
take the first Opportunity of transmitting you my Sentiments upon
the present State of the Service, w ch . I have put under your
immediate Direction.
Upon the State of your Letter to the several Governors,
<Sir> it appears to me that the late Defeat of the French
Forces and their Indians in the Engagement at your Camp hath
given you a favourable Opportunity of proceeding, as soon as the
expected Reinforcement from New England shall join you, to
Tenonderoge which Post, since you have taken the Route to
Crown point, that you have done, it is of the utmost Consequence
to the Success of the Expedition under your Command to make
yourself Master of as soon as possible.
By the Acco*. given in the Copy of the Minute of your Council
of War inclos'd to me in your Letter of the 1 8t . Instant, concern-
ing the Strength of your Army a few Days before the late
Actions, and in your Letter to the Governors, of the loss, you
sustain'd in both Engagements, the Number of your remaining
Troops must, upon the Arrival of your Reinforcement from New
England, exceed 4000, and that of your Indians be upwards of
two hundred.
From the Acco*. given you by the French General your pris-
oner, of the Strength of his Army in the beginning of the first
Action it consisted of 200 Grenadiers, 800 Canadeans, and
<700> Indians of different Nations, and from the Ace 1 , given
you by his Aid de Camp of the loss of the French & their Indians
in both Actions, and the pursuit w ch . ensu'd, they lost in the
whole 1000 Men, and the Major part of their Chief Officers,
together with Mons r : S l Pierre the Officer, who had the Chief
Command & greatest Influence over the Indians ; so that accord-
ing to their Acc ts :, w ch : seem most to be depended upon, the
French had not above 700 Men left of their whole Army, w ch :
attack'd your Camp.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1 7 55- 1 7 56 59
In these Actions, Sir, you have experienc'd the good Behav-
ir of your Officers and Troops, who must now be flush'd w th .
icir late Victory. The French on the other hand must be
reatly disconcerted by the late Defeat of their Army, & loss of
icir General & so many of their principal Officers; and the
Tench Indians in particular (w ch : consist of different Nations)
the loss of Mons r . S*. Pierre, who seems to have been a neces-
iry Officer for keeping them together.
You before acquainted me in your Letter of the 1 st . Instant
from your Camp at Lake George that " some Indians, you sent
out on the Scout, told you, they had discover'd a <^ Party
French and Indians at Tenonderoge, But that no works
then thrown up; and that you was impatient to get a Number of
Battoes up & put in order, when you propos'd to proceed with a
part of the Troops and endeavour to take post at Tenonderoge : "
I hope, Sir, if that is not yet done, that you still propose doing it
as soon as possible; The Necessity of driving the Enemy from
that Pass still continues; The longer time is given them to fortify
it, the more difficult it will be to dislodge them, and the more you
will lose the Advantage, w ch . their Defeat, and your own Victory
have given you to effect it.
You say in your Letters to the Governors, " your Men have
suffer'd so much Fatigue for three Days past, & are constantly
standing upon their Arms by Day, half the whole upon Guard
every Night, & the Rest lay down arm'd and accoutred, that
both Officers & Men are almost wore out ; That the Enemy may
rally, & you judge they have considerable Reinforcements near
at hand, so that you think it necessary to be upon your Guard,
and be watchfull to maintain the Advantage, you have gain'd."
To make the most of the Advantage, you have gain'd, <]it
se^>ems clear, Sir, that you should make use of the Opportunity
<^it^> hath given you of proceeding upon your Expedition, whilst
the Spirits of your own Army are elated with Success, & those
of the Enemy lower'd by the loss of the greatest part of theirs.
60 Sir William Johnson Papers
As to your Apprehensions, that the Enemy might rally, & that
they had considerable Reinforcements near at hand; it is men-
tion'd in your Letter that your Men and Indians pursu'd the
French soon after their Repulse, slaughtered great Numbers, and
took several prisoners, among whom was the French General
himself, so that their Army was intirely routed ; & your's Masters
of the Field : Rallying the second Day after so general a Route
as this, is, I believe, unknown in the Case even of great Armies ;
and that the small Remains of the French Army should return
the next Day to the Attack of your Camp, where they had so
lately felt the Effects of your Cannon against their Musquetry,
seems not much to be apprehended: It is more probable that the
Slaughter, they had suffered in the pursuit, with the loss of their
Chief Officers, will in the End occasion, if not a total Dissipation
of the Indians, yet at least <^a^> great Desertion among them,
and of the Canadeans too.
Upon what Foundation you judge, that the French Army had
considerable Reinforcements near at hand, is not mentioned in
your Letter, it seems more likely, that they sent all the Forces,
they could spare from Tenonderoge & Crown point (where you
say so many of the Regular Troops are posted) to attack your
Camp ; especially as they were to do it only with Musquetry.
You say further in your Letter to the Governors, " that from
the Papers of Mons r . Dieskau, the French General, you find, he
brought under his Command to Canada in the Men of War lately
arriv'd at Quebec 3171 Regular Troops, who are partly in Gar-
rison at Crown point, & encamp'd at Tenonderoge, & other
advantageous Passes between your Camp and Crown point."
* That you expect very Shortly another & more formidable
Attack, & that the Enemy will then come with Artillery; That
the late Col. Williams had the Ground clear'd for building a
Stockaded Fort, and that your Men are so harrass'd and oblig'd
to be so constantly upon watchfull Duty, that you <think> it
would be both unreasonable, &, you fear, in vain to set <the>m
at Work upon the Design'd Fort.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 61
I* That you design to order the New Hampshire Regiment up
your Camp to reinforce you, & that you hop'd some of the
designed Reinforcement would be with you in a few Days, & that
when those fresh Troops arriv'd, you should immediately set
about building a Fort."
I hope you will before now have receiv'd my Letter of the 1 2 th .
Inst 1 . in which I sent you an Acco*. from Admiral Boscawen's
Letter to the late General Braddock, of the Number of Troops,
w ch . were sent from France this Summer to North America, &
what part of them arriv'd in Canada; w ch . will shew you that
there must be some Mistake in the above Account extracted by
you from M r . Dieskau's Papers, of the Number of those, w ch .
arriv'd with him at Quebec: It is clear from this Acco*. that the
whole Number sent from France was, as M r : Dieskau's Papers
make 'em to be, about 3000; & by other undoubted Acc ts ., as
well as the Admiral's, that of these he took eight Companies in
the Alcide & Lys Men of War, & that 1 1 00 are in Garrison at
Louisbourg: now supposing <that> the Remainder arriv'd at
Quebec without any loss in their Passage (w ch . is not very likely)
the most, that got to Quebec must be 1 675 ; five hundred at least
of which I have Intelligence from Indians, who came here from
Cadaraqui at different times within these five Weeks, & a Party
of Indians & Albany men, whom I Sent there since that time, are
now encamp'd close to that Fort, & a Number of them were kill'd
(according to your own Ace'.) in the late Attack upon your
Camp & the pursuit, w ch . ensu'd; so that the Remainder, sup-
posing them to be now, as you say, partly in Garrison at Crown
point, & encamp'd at Tenonderoge; and other advantageous
passes between your Camp & Crown point, can't amount to near
the Number, w^ 1 . you seem to think are there.
I can't therefore but think, you may spare from the Fort at the }
Carrying place, & from your Camp at Lake George, a Body of
Troops more than sufficient to drive the French from Tenon-
deroge, & possess yourself of that pass; & hope you will lose no
time for doing it.
62 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
If Crown point is inaccessible to the Army now with you thro'
the Route, you have taken to it, it will proba<bly> be more
so to double the Number of Troops the next year, and must be
come at thro' another Route; in w ch . Case the Fort, you design
to build at the End of the Lake will be of little or no Utility for
carrying on another Expedition, & but of very little, even for the
Defence of the Country between Lake George, late Lake S l
Sacrement, & Hudson's River, whilst two Roads lye open for the
French to make Incursions into it; viz*, thro' Wood Creek and the
South Bay, the latter of w ch . they have lately made use of to come
at both your Camps.
As to your Expectation of a more formidable Attack very
Shortly from the Enemy ; and that they will then come with Artil-
lery ; I suppose that Artillery must be brought from Crown point
or Tenonderoge: and if the French should imagine, that you
design to attempt nothing further this Campaigne than building
the Stockaded Fort, you propose, I think it probable enough,
that they may make you a Visit at your Camp with Cannon; in
which Case I doubt your Fort, when built, would not Stand long.
But I believe the thoughts of the French are <Cat> present
taken up in securing themselves against a Visit <from> you at
Crown point; which I hope may be still made them this Year
with Success ; & that to enable you the better to do it, the Colonies
may Send you a second Reinforcement in time.
I am sorry to hear that you received a Wound in the late
Engagement, and hope that the Ball is by this time extracted
from your Thigh, & your Wound in a fair Way of healing: I
congratulate you upon your Success hitherto, & wish it may be
increased in the remaining Operations of the Campaigne, and
am, Sir,
Your most Humble Servant.
W SHIRLEY.
MAJOR GENERAL JOHNSON.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 63
FROM STEPHEN WEBSTER
L. 5.
Lake S'. George Sep. y 19, 1755
HON D . S*.
agreeable to and in obedience to your Command I began to
Build Scows or flatt Bottom [ ] to transport the
Canon & war like Stores &c to [Crown] Point and Drew a List
of thirty Six Carpenters out [of] Coll: Bagleys Reg*, which
work'd several Days and [ex]pected to be Excused from millitary
Duty so Long as [they] worked with me, but since their officers
have Put them on other Duty they Refuse to work as Carpenters.
[ ] I have not a man att work as a Carpenter and
therefore Cannot go on with y e above s d . Busness Therefore I
Beg your Hon r . would suply me with a Sufficient num[ber] of
Carpenters or I Cannot Proceed.
STEPHEN WEBSTER
Cap 1 of y e Carpend[ers]
To the Hon bl . WlLL M . JOHNSON Esq r .
and General of y e Army
FROM WILLIAM COCKCROFT
A. L. S.
Fort Lyman 20 th . Sept r . 1755 *
S*.
Inclosed I have sent you a Return of the [ ] my
command, should have sent you one before, could I [ ]
from y e different Companys before. The Gen 1 , his Ade Camp &
the other french Prisoners (Except three who are dangerously
] are Sent to Albany, the others I will send as
soon a possible. I could get no Intelligence from any prisoners.
1 In Doc. Rd. to Col Hist. N. Y., 6:1008-9, is a letter of September
20th from Thomas Pownall, in New York, to the lords of trade, con-
taining an account of Captain McGinnis's victory on September 8th.
64 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
If you'l be pleased to give orders y*. the waggoners who return
from the Lake to load their Waggons with Stones for they will
be of great use here if there be any Chimneys or Barracks to be
[bui]lt, we have several men I intend to discharge for the are
at an Expence to the Province & of no service to the Regiment
I am S r .
Y r . most Obd'. Serv 1 .
WM. COCKCROFT.
ADDRESSED: To Maj r . General Johnson
at Lake George
INDORSED BY WRAXALL: Col. Cockcroft 20 Sep r .
rec d d
Ans d . 21 d
FROM GOLDSBROW BANYAR
A. L. S.
<Albany, 21 st. Sepr. /755>
<DEAR SIR>
I most cordially congratulate you on your Success > it will
I hope be a prelude to a more general < Victory > that may put
you in Possession of what you <^aim at. Your^> Wound I hope
will not be troublesome to you or pre<vent your> going on; nor
will you be detained I believe any long<^er time]> for Waggons,
which the Governors presence and vigorous <^orders^> will soon
bring in. I wrote you before that the L*. Gov. M r . Rutherford
and M r . Horsmanden attend S r . Charles, whose Secretary, M r .
O DeLancey, & myself make up the whole Train. Before I left
New York, I fell into Conversation w th M r . Pownall, who I find
is very desirous if he goes home to carry your dispatches, and
that you should refer their Lordships to him for any Explanations
you may think necessary, or in any other way you think best. It
will be of some use to him, and you will receive every Act of
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 65
Friendship in his Power, by the strongest Representation of your
Services to the principal Men he may have an opportunity of con-
versing with. I find your character and Consequence are both
well known at home, and S r Charles makes no doubt of the
Ministrys getting you an appointment equal to your great Merit.
He seemed much pleas'd that you had undertaken Indian affairs
on so disinterested a Footing, & that it would in the End redound
greatly to your advantage. The New England Men are con-
stantly coming in. I am surprised to hear those from Conn*,
bring nor expect any Tents, depending on Bark Houses which I
am told the New Hampshire People are very expert at, & when
they decamp roll up the Bark & carry with them. The Season
is late & as you observe the utmost dispatch requisite. Dunbar
is moving this way but it is doubtful if he may arrive in time to
sustain you. His regulars & Engineers &c would be extremely
serviceable, But how will you manage it as to the Command.
He is of a disposition <I hear not to give up a Point; and I doubt
if the Irregulars will be imp>atient to attack <Troops intrench'd
up to> their Eyes which I expect they <will be at> Crown
Point. At Tionderogue I expect their wh<ole Army> saving
a few to garrison the Fort. I hope the Can<non are> to be
mounted in the Scows you are building, as y<ou may> rely on
being opposed at your landing any where.
I beg my respects to Cap*. Wraxall & Cap*. Eyre. The Gov.
has bro*. up a parcel of Musket Bullets, if your Grape Shott are
expended these may do. Youl write for wh<af> you want. 1
am dear S r . with the greatest Sincerity yours &c
Gw BANYAR
Pray did the Rope arrive safe
<GENERAL> JOHNSON
INDORSED: 7K 2K 1755 Banyars letter
Vol. II 3
66 , Sir William Johnson Papers
TO WILLIAM COCKCROFT
D/. 1
Camp at Lake George 21. Sep r . </755>
'<SlR>
Last night I reed y rs of yesterday. There are so many sto<res
to be> bro*. up & so much Work for the few Waggons w ch are
sent from Alb<any &> their present Employment so very neces-
sary to the Service, that we must not yet take them off for any
other Work. I am very desirous of <having> the Fort (to w ch .
I give the name of Fort Edward in hon r . to the Second
Pri<nce> of the Blood of that name) finished & I desire you
will contribute to <it> all that is in the Power of the Troops
under your Command.
I approve of your discharging such Men as are only an
Exp<ense> to the Province & no Service to the Reg*, their
Arms you will keep; give them their Cloathing, w ch cannot I
think with Jus<^tice^> or propriety be taken from them, & if any
pay be due to them give them a Certificate for it.
I propose very speedily to remove part of your Reg*, hither &
replace them by Detachm ts . or Troops from hence.
I once more desire you will employ all the Men who <are>
not upon necessary Duty in compleating the Fort all in their
Power & give its Name out in Orders, keep advanced Sentrys
Alert & small Scouting parties for two or three miles round you.
I am Sir Your Hum Serv 1 .
To COL. COCKROFT
1 By WraxalL
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 67
TO THE COMMANDING OFFICER OF REINFORCEMENTS
D/. 1
Camp at Lake George 21 Sep r . 1755.
SIR
By the Advice of the Council of War here, I am desired to
direct & I do it accordingly, that no more of the Reinforcements
sent from your Government may leave Albany till further Orders,
than such a part of them as are necessary to Guard the Stores &
Provisions w ch . may be dispatched from Albany hither. You
will please to take Notice hereof & govern yourself accordingly.
I am Sir Your very hum Serv*.
W M JOHNSON
To the Commanding officer of the Reinforcements for the
Crown Point Expedition belonging to the Gov*. of the Massa-
chusetts Bay.
A Letter of the same Tenor & date was wrote to the Com-
manding Officer of the Connecticut Reinforcements
GENERAL JOHNSON TO COMMISSARIES 2
[Lake George, Sept 21, 1755]
I 3 ]
[ ] [directions, you [ ]
[ Jfore those w ch are or may [be able to send] [such?]
Stores & Provisions as can be loaded [on horses]
You will please to take due notice here [ ]
[ ] ur selves accordingly.
[To?] I am
[CJommissaries of the Several Gentlemen
[Governments concerned in Your very hum s[ ]
the present Expedition against W M JOHN [SON]
Crown Point.
1 By Wraxall.
2 Draft in handwriting of Wraxall.
8 Several lines burned off.
68 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
FROM JAMES DE LANCEY *
A. L. S*
Albany 21 Sepr 7755
SIR
I am come up to this place to attend Sir Charles Hardy &
take this opportunity to congratulate you on the victory you have
obtained over the French, I hope this will prove the prelude to
greater success. The Governor sends you a copy of one of the
French Generals letters, wherein he does justice to the Civilities
he has recieved from you. You will see by it that the Caghna-
wagas are not altogether in the power of the French & you will
consider what methods may be the most proper to draw them
over to us & persuade them to return to their Brethren in this
Province. The Govenor is sensible of your merit & influence
with the Indians & will do you justice at home on this article.
I shall always be ready to do you any service being Sir
Your most humble servant
JAMES DE LANCEY
My compliments to Cap ts Eyre & Wraxall & congratulate them
on this Event. I shall write to Wraxall. I suppose tomorrow
JDL
GEN LL JOHNSON
FROM OLIVER DE LANCEY
A. L. S.
Albany y* 21 [September 1755.]
DEAR S*
I have only time to Congratulate you on the Glor[ious] Success
your Army has enjoy 'd under your Direction [ ] to
your own Great Glory
1 In New York Public Library, Emmet Collection.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 69
It gave me very sensible satisfaction to Hear from our friend
Doctor Middleton that the Wound you received was not Danger-
ous and that you are in a Condition to Conduct The Forces I hope
to future success and Dont Doubt it from so happy a beginning I
should be glad to Receive any Intelligence your time will permit
you to Communicate I am here with S r Charles Hardy who is
Come Merely to forward the Service you are Engaged in and
seems quite bent to Do every thing in His Power to secure you
future success & Honor Make My Compliments to Ay res
Wraxall & Other friends I am in haste and Only time to say
How Much success I wish you being with sincerity S r
Your Humble Ser*
OLIVER DE LANCEY
INDORSED BY JOHNSON : 7 br . 2 1 8t . 1 755
Oliver De Lanceys letter.
TO HUBERT MARSHALL
D/. 1
Camp at Lake George
21 Sep 1755
SIR
Last night I was favoured with yours of the 1 2 Inst.
I am very much obliged to you for your Congratulations on
our repulsing the Enemy. Providence was very favourable to
us & to Heaven I think is due the principal share of Glory.
Time would not permit me to give any one in Albany a par-
ticular Relation of that Days Actions if it had I should have
done it to you in the First place as his Majestys Commanding
officer there. I did not doubt, w ch I find was the Case, but the
Relation woud come as soon from some others who were on the
Spot.
Ayer Collection, Newberry Library, Chicago, 111.
70 Sir William Johnson Papers
I have my hands so very full of Business that it will not permit
me to enlarge. My best wishes attend you & your Family.
I am Sir
Your most hum sevt
Capt Eyre & Wraxall
beg their Compliments
may be accepted by you
& yours.
To CAPT MARSHALL
MINUTES OF COUNCIL OF WAR
A. D. S.
Quarters:
Camp at Lake George 21 Sef> r . 1755
Sunday P. M.
At a Council of War held by General Johnson
Pres 1 General Johnson <Lieu l Col.> Whiting
Major General Lyman> <Lieu l > Col. Cole
<Col. Rug>gles <Lieu t > Col. Whitcomb
<Col. B>lanchard M r Glazier adjutant Gen 1 .
<Col. B>agly Cap 1 Eyre Quarter M r . Gen 1 &
<Col. G>ilbert
Cap 1 p eter Wraxall Seer'?. & c .
st . Article> The General acquainted this Council of War
that from vari<ous> accounts he had received he had reason
to believe that there was <not> that Harmony amongst the
Troops at the Fort at the Great Carr. Place w ch . he judged
necessary to subsist in order for the Security of & carrying on the
Service depending on that important Post &, therefore judged
<it> necessary that some alterations should be made with
respect to <that> Garrison & desired the Opinion of this Coun-
cil of War hereupon.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 71
2 d . a rticle That as some Members of this Council of War had
esterday mentioned to the General something of a Scheme of
ringing up some of the Stores on Horses back as the most Expe-
itious Method he desired that Method might be now considered
if thought adviseable whether the General should be desired
give any Orders thereupon.
Upon the First Article this Council of War are of opinion
that the 5 Companies raised in the Province of New York in the
Reg* under the Command of Col. Cockcroft be removed from
the Fort at the Great Carrying Place to this Camp, but the Coun-
cil were equally divided in their Opinions whether they should be
replaced by a Reg 1 , or Detachments from home.
Upon the Second Article the Council are of Opinion that the
General be desired to write to all the Commissarys at Albany to
emp<loy> as many Horses as can be got w ch . can be over &
above those w ch . are or may be emplo<yed> in Waggons, to
bring up such Stores & Provisions as can be loaded on Horses.
The Council further advised that Gen 1 , should stop the Rein-
forcements sending hither, at Albany, till further Orders unless
such Convoys as are necessary to Gu<dard^> the Waggons
coming from Albany hither.
PETER WRAXALL
JOHN RUTHERFURD TO WILLIAM SHIRLEY
Extract *
Extract of a Letter from John Rutherford Esq e .
Captain of one of the New York Independent Com-
panies, & Member of His Majesty's Council for
that Province Dated at Albany 22 d : September
1755
There is such various Accounts of the late Engagement at
Lake George, that I shall give your Excellency in a few words,
1 In Public Record Office, C. O. 5. 46, London, England. Inclosed
in Shirley to Sir Thomas Robinson, October 5, 1755.
72 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
what I think I can trust most to in our own Officers accounts of
the English, & Le Baron Dieskau's account of the French, who
is a Marechal de Camp, & Command r . in Chief of those Troops
sent from Brest, and, as His Aid D Camp tells us, of all the
Forces in Canada: He was wounded, & made Prisoner, with
30 more, mostly wounded, after y e retreat of the French; His
wounds are very dangerous, but y e Surgeons have some hopes of
His recovery. Coll : Johnson might have about 2500 Men at y e
Camp Includeing Indians, & 500, at the Carrying Place Fort,
the Baron's account of Troops brought from Montreal, to Crown
Point & Tinonderogue is as follows, with y e detachment he
carry 'd from thence with Him to reconnoitre y e Carrying Place,
& endeavour to surprize our Fort, not being able to gett Satis-
factory Intelligence from the Indian Parties he had sent out.
Troops brought from Canada The Detachment w lh . the
2 Battaillons 774 Baron at the Engagement on
Milices 1393 the Carrying Place, and At-
Troupes de la Colonie . 1 92 tack upon the English Camp
Cannoniers 67 on Lake George.
Officiers des Sauvages. 14 Troupes reglees 200
Sauvages 659 Canadiens . 600
Sauvages 600
3099
1400
The two Battallions of 774 men, were of those newly arrived
from Brest, as were the 200, call'd regular Troops in the detach-
ment: the Baron march'd towards our Fort with His detach-
ment, but changed his mind on a Post being kill'd, and some
Waggoners taken, by whose letters & Information he found Gen-
eral Johnson was encamp'd at the Lake, & finding 1 000 Men,
& y e Indians were comeing to assist those at the Fort from y*
Camp, he march'd towards y e Camp, & made a very pretty
deposition to surprize & cutt them off, viz*, the 1000 Men; but
the Caghnawaga's, who y c Baron insists were Traitors to Him
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756
73
all along, discover'd themselves before y e Time; however as
Gen 11 . Johnson's party retreated in confusion, after a few fires,
the Baron follow'd them close in hopes of entering with them
into y e Camp; but He mett with such a warm Reception from
the Cannon, and Deserted by His Indians, & most of the
Canadeans, That His Regulars were mostly all kill'd, and Him-
self wouded and made Prisoner.
I am &c
a true Copy
W M ALEXANDER Sec*.
INDORSED: Extract of a Letter from
Captain Rutherford to
Major General Shirley
dated Albany Sept r .
22 d . 1755.
N. 5.
in Maj r . Gen 1 . Shirley's
Letter of Oct'. 5*: 1755
TO WILLIAM SHIRLEY
Df. 1
<Camp at Lal?e George, 22 Sep'r. /755.>
<SlR
My last to Your Excellency bore date the 1 Oth In st . with a
particular ace*, of the Actions of the 8th do. That day & its
Consequences throw our irregular army into a good deal of Con-
fusion. As some of the Prisoners > reported a Bo<dy of 1000
Men more were marching from Tionde^> rogue & as all Cir-
cumstanc<es required a prudential Caution, for 2 or 3> days
after we kept our Selves in a Sta<te of Preparation, b how-
ever, > heard no more of the Enemy, tho we < had several false
alarms from the^> apprehensions of our own People; these
< things together with taking> Care of our Wounded burying
1 By Wraxall.
74 Sir William Johnson Papers
the Enemies as well <as our own, repair>ing & Strengthening
our Breast Work, filled up <our Employment for> many Days.
I herewith transmit your Excellency < Return of the> killed,
Wounded & Missing from the Morning & 1 Engage-
ment of the 8. I am apt to believe tho most Opinions <are
to> the contrary that the Enemys loss is not greatly superior
to ours.
We have the honour of taking Prisoner their General & Com-
mander in chief of the French Kings Troops in Canada, <the>
Baron De Dieskau, whom at his own request tho badly
<Wounded> I sent to Albany in a Horse Litter his Wound
has pierced his Blad<der> & I fear will prove Mortal, he bore
his Fate like a Philosop<her a> Soldier & a Gentleman, his
Aid de Camp who surrendered < himself > is gone with him, &
from this Camp & Fort Edward at the Great Carrying Place
(w ch I have so named in honour to our young Prince of that
name) about 25 Prisoners, several taken died of their
Wo<^unds^> and it was with great Difficulty I prevented our
Indians from <^ knocking^* the General & all in the head.
To my great Mortification, I must confess to you, that Not-
withstanding the Providential repulse we gave to the Enemy, Our
Troops are so far from being invigorated thereby or filled with
<any> Additional Ardor for pursuing the Main Plan, that the
reverse <of> this has been evidently the Case almost ever since.
The 2 resolute & obstinate Attack made upon our
Breast work in the Face of our Cannon seems to have given our
Troops a dread of the Enemy. We have had wet & cold days
since, the Men are thinly 2 ill bedded & Tented were
pretty much fatigued, by the Engag<ment.> by the false alarms
& precautions taken afterwards, Bad weather, * Life
to w^ they are wholly Strangers, Sickness since the 8. greatly
incre<ases> amongst; Winter at no great Distance, Family
tyes, In short all 2 Causes put together, have so influenced
our Men that they are by <no> Means inclined to proceed
1 Word omitted as illegible in copying; it is undoubtedly "afternoon."
Omitted in copying.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 75
further & I have reason to believe many of their officers of the
same Mind. I have called a Council of War & given therein
an opening to be let into the true State of things, but tho
m<any> of the Members spoke plain enough without Doors,
they gave an Opinion in Council in favour of pushing the Expe-
dition forwards, & <tho some> of the Members moved for it
yet Inquiries w ch would <have put> matters in a true Light
were over-ruled. Tis true the < Desertion and want of Waggons
for some time past, had none of the foregoing Incidents taken
place would have so retarded our Operations, that had we been
suff* in number, the true Season for pushing our Designs would
have been greatly elapsed. Before the Visit paid us by the
Enemy I had sent to reconnoitre Tionderogo & if the French had
not taken post there, I had Battoes bro* up & did intend to have
embarked myself with a chosen part of the Troops & tried to
taken possession.
But the Enemy & consequent Intelligence have <put an
End to that Scheme, for they> have not only a number of
Forces there, <but thrown up Strong works, & h>ave a Vessell
w ch sails & brings all sor<ts of Supply s from Crown Po>int
thither, and I have some reason <from Intelligence to believe >
they have a Body of Men between this & Ti<onderogue at
South Bay the only place > we hear favorable to our Landing.
It is impossible for me <to conseal these > Intelligences from
the Troops, tho I am convinced it < tends to weaken their >
Expedition Appetite.
Two or three days after our late Engagements the <Indians>
were preparing to leave this Camp & told me they desired a
M<eeting> & would Accquaint me with their Resolutions &
Motives. I inclos<e yr> Excellency what passed on this
Occasion. They told me in private <that> one very prevailing
Motive for their going Was that as the Sword <was> now
drawn between them & the French Indians, they thought <it>
absolutely necessary to return home, consult with their People,
put themselves in a posture of Defence & would then return at
76 ir William Johnson Papers
my Call. They also complained to me that our People left them
exposed to the Enemy in the Morning & did not second them.
I hope the Gov*. of New York will exert itself to put an abso-
lute End to that pernicious Trade between Albany & Canada
by the Means of the Cagnawagas. I shall write or- speak my
Sentiments warmly & freely to S r . Charles Hardy upon it.
The 24. Sep r . Last night I reed. y r . Excell? 8 . Letter bearing
date the 12 Inst. This Letter waited a Secure Opportunity to
be finished & forwarded, as parties of the Enemy are hovering
about us I have not sent any publick Dispatches of moment for
many Days past. I am sensible of & have a fellow feeling in
your Excell? 8 Fatigues & Disappointments. I did not get a
Waggon from the Mohocks or that part of the Country, & tho
many more than I wanted were in being in the other parts of the
County of Albany, yet I was al<ways> distressed by the want
of them & plagued to Death with what <T had.^>
The Reinforcements particularly from Connecticut <are com-
ing> thick upon us, by fresh Numbers they are Welcome, but
as hu<^ngry^> Guests who with our old People consume Pro-
visions as fast as the Waggons bring them, they in that point will
if we are to pro<ceed> retard us.
I shall as fresh Matter of any Importance, or New
<Motions> take place, embrace every Opportunity of advising
you.
From all that I am able to Collect, Baron D<ieskau> bro*
with him to Canada ab'. 1500 regular Troops, <half of w ch >
he retained to oppose us, & dispatched the other <half to oppose
y r Excellency.
I will send you herewith the Copy of a rough Memorand m I
found amongst some lose Papers of his since I wrote you last, &
w ch I take to be in his own hand writing, & to be an Ace 1 of the
Troops at Tionderogo when he was Encampt there. It has
neither place nor date to it. His Order of Battle when he
marched against us I sent to the Lieu l > Gov r . of new <York
as a matter more of amusement than of Importance. > he wrote
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 77
two Letters to the < French Ministry before he left> this Camp
in w ch he puts down his Num<bers, 200 Grenadiers, 600 >
Canadians & 600 Indians.
I herewith send y r Excel!?, a Copy of General < Brad-
do *> Commission & Instructions to me.
Two days ago I reed, a Letter from S r Charles Har<dy,
*> of New York advising me of his Arrival at Albany
in ord<er to> forward his Majesty's Service in both Expedi-
tions. he has x & send us Waggons almost every
day. I have gently press<^ed hm^> to come hither, as I can-
not in prudence lay the whole of my pr<esent> Sittuation in
writing before him, neither will my time perm<jt it.> If he
cannot come, I must I believe send my Aid de Camp & <Sec r y
to> him with my Sentiments & c .
My Council of War are playing Politicks upon <me;> some
of them have unadvisedly pressed for numerous reinforce-
men<^ts,^> unknown to me & promised Matters I believe beyond
what Cir<cum> stances did Justifie & our present Sittuation
renders even pro<^bable,^> hence they are unwilling to own in
Council what they see & know & even speak of in private Con-
versation. They have opposed with <^great^> Obstinacy the
building a respectable Fort at this important Post, w ch whether
the Expedition goes on or not, would in my Opinion have been
a very prudent Measure, they declared any other <than> a
Stockaded Fort would breed a general Dissatisfaction thro the
Army & in Short that the People would work at no other. So
I was over-ruled & obliged to consent to Stockades
is in hand <but> when it will be finished I know not. If
Gov r . Hardy comes <here,> I hope to get a strong place of
Defence yet erected. Many <^days^> ago It was agreed in
Council of War & I ordered the Breast 2 the Camp
to be repaired & Strengthened tis not yet done, tho
days work to the Troops off Duty A Cap 1 & 50 Men whom
I < ordered >' out to stay 5 days as a Scout of Observation &
1 Omitted in the copy.
2 Omitted in the copy. The missing words are evidently " work near.
78 'Sir William Johnson Papers
Intelligence retur<ned> l the third day heard or thought
they heard some Party of the Enemy & returned the 3 d . Morn-
ing, the Cap 1 says his Men had the Start <and> would not
stay out.
This Evening 3 Spies I sent to Crown Point returned. They
<went> very near to it, Judged there were between 5 & 600
Men there & a <Camp of Ind>ians. They have fortified the
high Ground w ch over looks <the Fort, & were> very busy
digging Trenches & raising Works. They <took a distant View
of Tionderogo. In their return could perceive a very considerable
Encamp*. There heard some French Horns play, several
Muskets fired & judged they discovered a Fort built or building.
They say the way by Land, except 4 Miles on this side Tion-
derogo, is impracticable for Cannon. I propose to send Spies to
take a more exact View.
We had this day a Man disserted from the < Rhode Island
Reg 1 . He speaks> French & is an Intelligent Fello<w; by
all accts a great Rasc>al & I am informed had declared if
<ever he deserted he would go> to the French. I sent a party
to intercept <him but miss>ed him. I am persuaded he is gone
over to <the Enemy & I fear wi>ll give them too particular an
Acc f of us.
I most sincerely Wish Your Excellency Success in the
important Service you are engaged in & am
Sir
Y r Excellencys
Most Obed'. hum <Serv l .>
<To Gov. SHIRLEY>
1 Omitted in the copy.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756
79
MINUTES OF COUNCIL OF WAR
A. D. S.
<Camp at Lake George 22 5ep r . 1755 P. M.
At a Council of War held by General Johnson at his Tent
Pres'.
Major General Lyman and all the Field> officers of <the
several > Reg ts . in Camp except <Col. Goodrich absent by
sickness &> Maj r Nicholls <de>tain d by his Wound
Cap 1 . Eyre Q r . Master Gen 1 & M r Glazier Adjutant Gen 1
Peter Wraxall
The General laid before this Council of War the follo<wing>
Article.
That as some Reinforcements are already ar<jived &>
others daily expected That as the Gov r . of New York <is
come> up to Albany in order to forward this Service & by his
Lett<ers> to the General is exerting all his Authority to get a
suffic<^ient^> number of Waggons, and hopes he shall thereby
be speedily able to forward the Provisions & Stores belo<nging>
to this Army. The General desires this Council of War will
take into their Consideration, all the necessary Circumstances w ch
relate to proceeding from hence towards Crown Point & give him
their Opinion on this important Subject.
It is the Unanimous Opinion of this Council that every further
Measure be taken by the General in order to prepare the Army
<to> proceed forward on the present Expedition as soon as
the desi<gned> reinforcements & the necessary Stores & Pro-
visions Cannon & ca . arrive here.
In consequence of w * 1 Opinion the General is adv<ised> to
order the 1 8 D s . at Albany to be brought up here & to apply to
the Gov r . of New York for some more Cannon, Mus<ket>
Ball & Flints, and to order the Shot & Shell from the half Mon
to be brought up hither.
PETER WRAXALL Secr r y.
60 'Sir William Johnson Papers
FROM GOLDSBROW BANYAR l
A. L. S.
Albany 23 Sep. 7755.
D R SiR
I begin to doubt if the Mohawks will join you in any consider-
able numbers. Yesterday 4 of the lower Castle came hither;
Thomas is the Name of him is the head of the Family & they
come to demand their prisoner, the wrong one had been kept,
and these Indians went 7 miles after the Vessel but not over-
taking her, M r O DeLancey went on and got on board & brought
one who best answered their description, but who is not the right
neither, but they are pleased & intend to adopt him, in the room
of their Uncle Jacob; this is a queer Custom, but I suppose it
took its rise from the necessity they saw of keeping up their
Numbers. The Governor gave each of them a Gun, 2 Ib powder,
4 Ib Lead & 2 Boxes of Paint. Thomas said he had an Uncle
& a Cousin at home, & that he must give his Gun to one of them.
The Gov. understood his meaning & gave him 2 more Guns
cautioning him ag*. telling. These 4 go immediately thro the
Woods from their Castle to join you. They say a Council was
held lately at their Castle at which I find it is a Custom for the
old Women even to preside, the Women were against their going
again, saying their Loss is already heavy, & that perhaps they
would have no body left to take Care of their Wives and chil-
dren, meaning that they might all be kill d and therefore they
should stay and fight at their Castle. These 4 said, that is
Thomas told the others whatever their determination was, he and
his Family were resolved to go again to their Brother Johnson
this is the Man whom the Governor by your means stop* last
year from going to Canada. They went away at 2 oClock
extremely well pleased & took their Uncle as they now call their
Prisoner along with them to whom the Gov. gave a 2
1 Original destroyed by fire.
Omitted as illegible.
I Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 81
inket, Stock 8 . & Shirt. We do not know what is the deter-
miiation of the other Castles. A Message of Condoleance is to
be sent to each Nation, in which they will be acq d with the Gov r8
app*. their Services acknowledged in the late Action, & the
Reputation of their Ancestors as well as their own argued as an
incitement to them to return to the Army I think the two
Castles of the Mohawks might have been sent for, the presence
of a new Gov r . might have added to the Weight of their Engage-
, ments to you. I mentioned this opinion tho not to the Gov r : &
was answered it would throw them into Confusion; It may be
so, but I think the other Nations could not take Umbrage at it
as they might have been told the Reason and any of the others
that could attend in time might have done so. Perhaps there is
a better Reason. I have not heard what it is and do not think
myself knowing enough in those affairs to give my opinion. I
have been very particular in this Matter, that you may take your
accordingly. Our Citizens have subscribed 500 to be
sent up in Refreshments to your army, on which head I suppose
M r . O DeLancey will write you. O That I could stop the
swift Motion of time at this Juncture, or the Severity of the
Season may not stop your Operations. I saw about 1 000 Conn*.
Men drawn out before the Gov s . door this Morning, they make
a difficulty of marching yet 2 they might eat up your
Prov 8 : I told some of their officers to do as the French did carry
1 or 15 days Prov 8 . in their Sacks. Some Voluntiers came on
horseback I hear from Boston. I think the people here are but
indifferently armed, a matter which might to be look d to & their
arms mended. A Company march d to day to mend the Roads,
which are excessive bad & which if not mended may drive your
Army to great Straights. The Passage from Ticnonder
on Land I am told is unpassable, or rather that ther ar no Pas-
sage, and after the best Information from M r . Cuyler, you 1 have
great difficulty in Landing. In short if you will have Victory,
you must I think purchase it dear, as you have done this, tho of
1 Omitted as illegible.
2 " Leeft " in the copy. It should probably be " lookt."
82 Sir William Johnson Paper*
no great Consequence as to reducing your numbers, for you 1 have!
enough not many less I apprehend than 8000. The Governor!
recommends the building of Ovens, to Transportation!
of Bread which receives damage in carrying. I was concerned
to see you even reduced the Necessity of giving up your Senti-
ments as to the Fort where you are, A Strong and very large j
one, or Store Houses, should be built some where properly situ-
ated, that we may send up prov 8 . in the winter which I appre-
hend we may have occasion to do whether you carry your Point
or not But it is more especially necessary if you abandon your
principal design D. Shuckburgh, and Ayscough are here, the I
latter comin voluntarily to do any Service in his Way. We
are all well drink your health & Success after Meals, and S r .
Charles wishes to see you. A Motion prevails among your
People I hear that he intends for the Camp; I think not, & that
his stay will not be much longer here. I am with my best wishes
D r S r . your most
Gw BANYAR
The Gov r . extremely anxious about the building of Forts and
I am in doubt whether he will not go himself if nothing less
could build them this Inter Nos.
TO WILLIAM COCKCROFT
D/. 2
Camp at Lake George Tuesday [23 Sef> r 1755]
8 oClock
SIR
I have just received an Account by a Man dispatched [ ]
a Scouting Party who are out towards South Bay, that [ ]
of their Scouts heard People's Voices & saw one Man who they
took to be a French Man & discovered a number of Fresh
] in the road w ch leads from South Bay to Fort
Edward
1 Omitted as illegible. 2 By Wraxall.
(Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 83
[ send you this advice as I received it, & think it proper you
uld be on your Guard & tomorrow morning early send 2 or 3
Parties of 3 Men ea[ch] to Scout towards South Bay, & Wood
Creek. And if [you?] get any Material Intelligence send me
an acco[unt] with all possible Dispatch. I am Sir
Your very hum
To COL. COCKCROFT.
, INDORSED: Letter to Col. Cockcroft
23Sep'. 1755
TO WILLIAM COCKCROFT
[Lake George, Sept 23, 1755]
*1
] [re]mainder of [ ]
] to releive You and the five Comp[anies] [ ]
[ ] Province of New York and for him 2 to [ ]
[ ] the said Fort.
You are to hold Yourself in readiness with [ ] to
March hither with the first Convoy of Waggons after [ ]
Arrival, with the necessary Baggage &c.
In the meantime send a party to bring up the Battae[us]
[w ch ?] may be drifted from the Fort and take care to preserve
them with their Paddles and setting Poles in the best order
possible.
If Sir Charles Hardy Gov r . of New York should give You
] of his coming up hither and want a Guard You will
1 Several lines burned off.
2 Colonel Ruggles, who was to relieve Colonel Cockcroft. This was
mentioned in the burned portion of the letter. See Johnson Calendar,
p. 51.
84 Sir William Johnson Papers
take care to order him one proper and sufficient to conduct him
to Fort [Edward]
I am
Sir
Your Verry Hum 1 Serv[ant]
INDORSED: 23 Sep r 1755
MILITARY ORDERS
The preceding letter is followed in the Johnson Calendar by Johnson's
orders of September 23d, drafted at Lake George, to commanding officers
of provincial regiments in camp to supply New Hampshire troops with
provisions. Destroyed by fire.
TO SIR CHARLES HARDY
D/. 1
<Camp at Lake George 23 Sep r 1755.
SIR
I am honoured with your Excellency 5 Letter of the 21 In 81
by Express. As I have great reason to suspect the Enemy have
parties to observe our Motions & to get a Prisoner if they can,
particularly between this Camp & Fort Edward (w ch is the name
I have given to> the Fort laid out by Cap* <Eyre at the Carry-
ing Place in hon>our to Prince Edward) I do not < think it
prudent to lay all> those Matters before you & transmit you
< those Papers w ch > I should otherwise do, in answer to your
< Letter & upon> your arrival at Albany.
If it is consistent with your Excell<;ency s > State of Health
& the public Calls upon you, I think it would <at this important
Juncture be of Great> & useful Consequence to the Service I am
engaged in, if <your Excell>ency would honour me with a Visit
at this Camp & <that the> Gentlemen of the Council accom-
pany you. Should this <be> consistent with your other public
< Engagements > & your Excellency should detirmine to do it,
please to <acquaint> the Commanding officer at Fort Edward
1 By Wraxall.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 85
I
om I shall ^thereupon order to> meet you <with> a
Guard & order < another > Guard from hence to Conduct you
hither.
If I cannot expect the honour of seeing your <ExcelL v > here
where an English Governor never yet set his Foot, I <^will>
either write you at large upon the present State of affai<js> &
transmit you the necessary Papers relative to the Expedi<^tion^>
under my Command & send them with proper Guard, w ch if
these Papers were ready I coud not prudently do at present
1 without too much weakening the <Camp> having several
Parties out, or D< is > patch a Person to You with all the
requisite Papers & qualified to give you the necessary Informa-
tion Were it prudent for me to wait on You my Wound will
not permit my travelling so far. I should otherwise eagerly
embrace the Opportunity^ of paying my personal respects
to you.
I am most respectfully Sir Your Excellency 8 . Most Obed*
hum Se<rv*>
We are but very ill provided with Musket Ball & Flints &
should be glad y r Excell? would send us a Supply.
To SIR CHARLES HARDY Gov r of New York & c
FROM GOLDSBROW BANYAR
A. L. S. 1
Albany 24 September: 8 P: M.
DEAR SIR
I wrote you yesterday and informed you of the Steps taking
here respecting the Indians. To morrow Morning M r . Ogilvie 2
1 Original destroyed by fire.
2 Rev. John Ogilvie was born in New York City in 1 722, and died
there November 26, 1 774. He was graduated at Yale, received into
the ministry and sent as a missionary to the Mohawks. He was chaplain
to the Royal Americans, with appointment dating from September 1,
1756; accompanied Sir William Johnson against Fort Niagara and
General Amherst against Canada ; and in 1 764 was made assistant minister
at Trinity Church, New York.
86 Sir William Johnson Papers
& M r . Van Schaick, 1 Recorder of this City set out with a Mes-
sage from the Governor 2 to be delivered to each Castle of the I
Mohawks the substance of which as I acquainted you is to cover I
their dead & press them to join you as soon as possible, the like |
Ceremony is to be performed at the Castles of the Oneides and I
Tuskaroras, & afterwards at the Schoharry and Auchquage 1
Castles, but the formality of Condolence is to be avoided, as it 1
is said it would take up much time. This Afternoon L l . Butler I
arrived here from Schenectady, and says the Indians are very
backward, that he has engaged the Promise of about 20 only,
and that the five upper Nations have sent a Belt to the Mohawks
signifying that they would not intermeddle, that the English &
French had a design to kill them all, That the Mohawks might
do as they pleased but if they join'd you, they would kick them
from them and have no more to say to them. To morrow the
two Castles of the Mohawks are to meet at the lower one, where
this Message & black strouds Belts &c will be delivered; may it
produce a change in their Sentiments. I suspect from the Com-
plaints of the Baron, who says the Caghnewages were not only
backward themselves but perswaded others to be so, that our
Indians and they have some Understanding together From
his Letter this should appear a favourable Juncture to bring the
Cachnewages over to us, tother Victory, and its odds but we gain
them; A small Present was given to day to a Cachnewaga
who came over about 18 months ago he appears hearty, says
he 11 join you, that he has 5 Sons among that People, whom he
will endeavour to bring back. I doubt if all the Reinforce-
ments will join you early enough to proceed, if not, those behind
may stay at the present Camp & strengthen the building there.
If they should all join you I think 'twould not be adviseable to
take the whole for these Reasons. Many are poorly armed,
1 Sybrant G. Van Schaick.
2 See below Message to Indians, September 24. 1755.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 87
others not so fit or able to proceed, and yet if you conquer or
should be overpowered, such, tho of little use, will be counted in
the numbers, and lessen the Merit or add to the disgrace. Too
many will retard the Dispatch necessary, and a number is proper
to be left for the Security of the rest, in case of any Misfortune
besides it will be difficult enough to carry Provisions for this
Reason I wish the Example of the French was followed who
carried 1 5 days Provision, how much would this lessen Carriage
where the Troops move by Land & Batoes maybe scows. 1
Youve heard perhaps of poor Cap 1 . Kings death; the doctor
has mentioned to M r . Barons 2 your former Inclination for a Com-
pany. In Conversation with the latter on this Subject I told
him, I did not understand your Commission as Col. of the 6 Nat 8 .
was yet made out, that I believed you might be glad of both, but
was perswaded could not accept of the Company in lieu of 'tother,
which would not only give much higher Rank but better Pay.
He seemed to think both, were incompatible. S r . Charles will
I think do you any Service he can, but you must desire his
Friendship and let him know wherein he can serve you. I think
you should not delay obtaining your Comm n . as Colonel which
by the Board of Trade, was recommended in a Report to the
King in Council. I read so much of the Copy of it, shown me by
M r . Pownall, as I think I formerly acquainted you on our Way
to Alexandria and I wonder the Commission has not been issued.
Perhaps the Notion prevails that the Indians must be Regimented
in this Case, and the Expence prevents their doing any thing in
it. I see no impropriety in your having the direction of Ind n .
affairs under the Title and Rank f Col. without their being
regimented. A fairer Occasion you cant have then the present
Circumstances of affairs give you & I am sure the application
you make yourself will be well seconded; I wish you may have
1 The original was probably " scarce."
* Benjamin Barons, secretary to Sir Charles Hardy.
88 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
an Opportunity of making a personal Friendship with S r . Charles
before he leaves this Place for N York. If you dont think there'*
danger of Letters being intercepted, I shall write again perhaps,
but it's time to hope a few Lines from you, especially as I now
look on myself as your Neighbour almost. My Compliments to
Cap 18 . Wraxall & Eyre. Is M r . Wraxall the only Aid de Camp
you have. Nothing of Dunbar nor any certain accounts from
the Westward, my apprehensions of their doing continue. A
Meeting of Comm rs : is proposed at N Y in Nov. next, it will
hardly take Place so soon if you can I suppose youl be present:
25Sep'. 9P: M.
I shall venture this, as I imagine the Enemy have not yet
received * their Surprize ; it is to be sent from Fort Edward by
Express and perhaps will go with some Eschort or Party. Have
you left Cannon enough or do you apprehend there's Necessity
for 'em at Fort Edward. I rec'ed your Ere; whether I shall
have the pleasure of seeing you I think will depend on your
answer to S r . Charles's Letter w ch . I've not seen. They have
just rec'ed advice in London of the taking the 2 French Ships of
War, but the French did not know it by the latest accounts. I
am D r . Sir your obed'. hble serv 1
Gw BANYAR
we've just heard of your Orders of the 21 to the Comm 8 . and
officers of the Troops here.
1 " Recovered " probably.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756
89
RETURN OF EFFECTIVES
4
Return of Men fit for Duty Camp Lake George 23 & 24
Se^ 1755.
[assachusetts Col. Gilberts Reg*. S. C. D & P. 207
*. Col. Bagly 245
d. L'. Col. Whitcomb 8 Detach 1 . 150
602
New Hampshire 244^
Rhode Island & Draughts in Artillery 186
Connecticut Gen 1 . Lymans Reg* 326
d. Col. Goodrich 8 , w** 1 2 Additional Comp 8 . 370
Companys of Connecticut Reinforce 18 410
50 on Scout 24 Sep r . 2138
Comp 8 . Reinfs Col. Chauncey 162
,ieu' Col. Worsters C. 57
5 Comp 8 . New York 329
2686
Lisi of Invalids *
Lake George y e 21 rt Sep r . 1755
Andrew Lovjoy
Samuel Meecham
Benj a Warriener
Aaron Warriener
John Mun
David Cunningham
John Miller
Ezekieh Hale
Samuel Whitman
Robert Crage
Robert Sanderson
The above Nam d . Invalid Have Liberty to Return to New
england Given them, Sence the 8 th ensta* p r Tho 8 . Gilbert
1 By Wraxall.
*On the back of the above.
90 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
TO THE LORDS OF TRADE
The preceding return is followed in the Johnson Calendar by a letter
of September 24th, now burned, from Johnson to the lords of trade on
the recent victory, return of the Indians to their home, trade between
Albany and Canada, and the means to separate the Caghnawagas from the
French (printed in Doc. Hist. N. Y., 2:698-700; Q, 2:407-8; Doc.
Rel. to Col. Hist. N. Y. t 6:1009-10). This is followed by Captain
Robert Rogers's report of scouting at Crown Point, submitted to Colonel
Joseph Blanchard, and by him to Johnson, September 24th (printed in
Doc. Hist. N. Y. t 4:259-60; Q, 4:169). Original destroyed by fire.
FROM STEPHEN HOPKINS
A. L. S. 1
Providence September 24, 1755.
SIR
Your Letter of the 9 th . Instant with many Letters from other
Officers in the Camp, have given us an Account of your Engage-
ment, with the Enemy the Day before. Many here were in
Pain for you fearing you would be attacked, before you were
reinforced; and altho this Action happened according to our
Fears, yet the Successfull Event exceeded our Hopes.
Those who from their past Experience might be led to think
they had Nothing more to do than to attack furiously, and yell
hideously to make them victorious, have been modestly shewn
their Error, they have been taught to turn their Backs, and leave
their Brethren and Commanders behind them; They who Stole
a Victory from Braddock, and cheated that Hero out of his
Life by Sculking, have been openly arrested by English War-
rants, and sent to Settle their Accounts with him, where Nothing
will be gained by Ambuscades.
We all rejoice, yea we rejoice much at your Success, yet are
not half so much pleased with that as with your Conduct and
Bravery. We esteem it a sure Earnest of further Successes that
you are able to obtain certain Intelligences and not be surprised
or deceived. We are not more encouraged by your Ardor to
engage, than by your Judgment to retreat, as on one Hand Suc-
1 In New York Public Library, Emmet Collection.
Preliminary Campaigns, 7755-7756 91
cess can add Nothing to your Courage, so on the other we hope
it will take Nothing from your Caution. We congratulate you
on the Opportunity of displaying your Humanity and Beneficence,
to one who for his great Ability in the Art of War, hath been
recommended by the renowned Count Saxe, and Commisioned
by the Grand Monarch.
And altho like all other Men we had much rather rejoice than
mourn, yet are we not so insensible to Merit, as to deny our
Tears to the Sacred Memory of Williams, Titcomb, and all
those other Sons of Liberty, who bravely Sacrificed their Lives
in their Countrys Cause ; nor are we less afflicted for the Loss of
that great American King, our faithfull Friend and Ally, who
encouraging his Brethren and fighting in our Cause, was struck
by that renowned Bullet, commissioned to destroy more Good
Sense, than any before it had ever done.
This small Colony have raised 350 men to reinforce you, four
Companies of which are already gone, and the other three are
now ready to move forward, and every Thing is and will be
provided, which we can think or be informed is necessary for
them.
Those Large Reinforcements from the Colonies of the Massa-
chusetts and Connecticut!, added to the Army you already have,
and those from New Hampshire and this Colony, we hope will
enable you to overmatch the Enemy in Numbers and Succeed in
the designed Enterprise. However should the French pushing to
the utmost make their Force to defend equal to yours to attack,
Let it be known in New England as soon as possible for Men
enough are here yet left, ready and willing if the Cause so require,
Speedily and very greatly to encrease your Numbers.
Your Most Obedient and
Most Humble Servant
STEP HOPKINS.
The honble MAJOR GENERAL JOHNSON
92 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
MESSAGE TO INDIANS 1
At a Council held at the City of
Albany on Wednesday the 24 th day
of September 1755.
Present
His Excellency Sir Charles Hardy Knight &<*.
James De Lancey "1
Daniel Horsmanden lEsq r *.
John Rutherford J
The following Message being read and approved of, was sent
by the Recorder of this city M r . Van Schaick and the Reverend
M r . Ogilvie Missionary to the Indians.
To the Mohawk Oneide and
Tuskarora Nations of Indians, as
also to the Indians of the Schohary
and Auchquage.
Message to the
Ind s . to cover their
dead and invite the
Warriors to return
& join the army.
Brethren. The Great King Your Father having been pleased
to appoint me Governor of this Province, I thought it necessary
to acquaint you therewith as early as I could, and concluded to
send you a Message, as the publick affairs which require my
presence at New York will not permit my calling you together
before I leave this City. A String of Wampum.
Brethren.
Since my Arrival, I have seen the Records of the late proceed-
ings between you and General Johnson, and cannot but express
the Satisfaction I feel in finding both you and us so firmly united
in that covenant chain, which had its beginning beyond the
1 Council Minutes, 25:83-84.
Preliminary Campaigns, / 7 55-1 7 56 93
Memory of Man, and which hath been so carefully preserved
hitherto from the least stain or rust. . Nothing can convince me
more of your intention to continue this Friendship inviolable,
than your joining with us in the proper Measures to repel the
French from their encroachments. Whether we or you receive
any Injury, I look on the Authors equally our Enemies, and that
the Covenant between us Obliges both to make it a Common
Cause. From this principle it is, that I am as sensible of the
Loss of your great Men in the late Action, as you yourselves
can be, and give you these Strouds &c to cover your Dead, to
wash the Tears from your Eyes, and drive away Sorrow from
your Hearts.
As we have now paid the Regard due to our deceased Warriors
for the present, and mean to condole you in due form when time
will admit of it; I earnestly invite you to return to the Assistance
of your Brethren, the English, who now only wait that they may
proceed with you to finish the good Work already so successfully
began.
I have the great King's Command to assure you of his pro-
tection, and under that you will remain secure against the Threats
or designs of all your Enemies. The loss of some of our great
Warriors ought not to discourage, but rather animate us to go on
to revenge their deaths on our Enemies ; with this View We have
increased our Enemies 1 Army to double the Number it was in the
late Battle. Your Forefathers were justly distinguished for their
great Bravery and gallant Actions. It was this made them the
Terror and Scourge of their Enemies, and no one dared to offend
them. You have shewn yourselves by your undaunted behaviour
in the Battle to be the Descendents of such Noble Ancestors.
Come on then with us, and by facing the Enemy again, continue
to deserve that Reputation, for which neither the Memory of
your Forefathers, or yours, will ever be forgotten. I call upon
you in the name of the Great King your Father to follow us ; your
own Interest and the Strictest Ties of Friendship Oblige you to it.
If you shou'd stay at home while your Brethren the English are
1 " Enemies *' in the manuscript.
94 f Sir William Johnson Papers
proceeding under General Johnson against the common enemy,
The French and their Indians will Ascribe it to Fear and dread of
them ; an Imputation which I am persuaded you never yet have
or ever will deserve.
TO TIMOTHY RUGGLES
D/. 1
Camp at Lake George 24 Sep r 1755
Instructions for Colonel Tim . Ruggles
1.
You are to take the returned Waggons under your Convoy
& march with the remainder of your Regiment from this Camp
to Fort Edward to relieve Col. Cockcroft who I have ordered to
march hither with the first Waggons after your Arrival with the
5 Comp 8 of his Reg* raised in the Province of New York You
will take care to march with proper advanced & flank Guards &
so as to cover the Waggons from any Parties of the Enemy.
2.
On your arrival at Fort Edward, you are to take on you the
Command of the same & take care that what remains to compleat
it be finished as speedily as can possibly be done & you are from
time to time to advise me of your proceedings & what assistance
you may want herein.
3.
You are to keep up a due Subordination & Discipline Amongst
the officers & soldiers under your Command & take care to be
always guarded against a surprize & ready to receive an attack
from the Enemy, besides your Out Sentrys from break of day
till Night you are to send small Scouts of 3 or 4 towards Wood
Creek & round about you for 2 or 3 miles & upon the Intelligence
1 Original destroyed by fire.
Preliminary Campaigns, 7755-7756 95
of the March of any Body of the Enemy to give me immediate
Notice by 2 or more brisk Men to set out a Quarter of an hour
at most one after the other & also to Albany.
You are to take care and Secure the Battoes from Damage or
drifting & not suffer any one to abuse them, to send Parties
down the river as far as the next Carrying Place to bring up
those if any w ch . may be drove down there.
5.
In case the Gov r . of New York should write to you for a
Guard to meet him you are to send him a Cap ts Guard or such a
Number as he may desire consistent with the safety of your
Command.
FROM WILLIAM SHIRLEY
L. S. 1
Camp Osnego Sep. 24 th : 7755
SIR
Yesterday afternoon I received your Letter dated 9 th . Instant,
being a Copy of that to the several Governors of the Colonies
concern'd in the Expedition under your Command, and the same
with what M r . Stevenson transcrib'd from your Letter to Gov-
ernor Phipps, and sent me seven days ago, as you will perceive
by mine to you of the 1 9 th . Instant.
In your last I received a Copy of the Orders and Instructions
for the regular Troops sent to Cadaraqui, which are a Confirma-
tion of the Intelligence, I sent you in my last, viz*, that 500 of
the Regular Troops, which came from France with M r . Dieskau,
are encamped at the Fort there ; It appears also by those Instruc-
tions, that there were at least 166 Cannadeans sent with them
1 Original destroyed by fire. There is an extract in Public Record
Office, C. O. 5. 46, London, England. The letter is printed in Cor-
respondence of William Shirley, ed. C. H. Lincoln. 2 :280-83.
96 Sir William Johnson Papers
on the I 81 : & 2 d . of Aug*. last; & that a Number of Indians are
there likewise.
By the Express, which delivered me your Letter, I received
one dated 10 th : Instant from Cap*. Ayre your Engineer, inform-
ing me of the Strength of the Fort built at the Carrying Place;
and that with a Garrison of 3 or 400 Men, would be able to
resist an attack of 1500, if no Cannon were brought against it;
and that in his Opinion it is very necessary that a strong and
Regular Work sho d : be erected at Lake George, to keep Posses-
sion of that Country so far; that if the French can seize and take
the before mentioned Work at the Carrying Place, he fears
it would be attended with bad Consequences, as it would cutt
off your Retreat and Communication with Albany, and totally
stop your Reinforcements & Provisions from joining you, if
another Road cannot be found; which he believes is not easy to
be met with; that he thinks what induc'd the French or may
induce 'em hereafter to attack you at Lake George, is fearing
that you would not attempt to go any further, so were resolved to
cutt you off, before you returned, & seems to infer from thence
that the Enemy must be so formidable, as to make it unadviseable
for you to proceed further; and concludes with extolling the
Gallantry & Resolution of the French Troops in their late attack
of you. 1
I agree, Sir, in Sentiments with your Engineer concerning the
bad Consequences of the Enemy's taking the Fort at the Carry-
ing Place, and am much concerned at the Weakness of its Works;
especially as both yourself and he are apprehensive of another
attack at Lake George with Cannon; If I was in your situation,
my chief apprehensions would be that the French would make an
attempt upon that Fort with Cannon, which they might Trans-
port thither as easily as to Lake George; and I think you judg'd
extremely right in sending a Detachment of 1000 Men to his
1 Transcript in Public Record Office has these additional words: " and
the Opinion he hath conciev'd of M r . Dieskau from his Conduct in it as
an excellent Officer."
SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON (?)
(About 1756. By T. Adams ?)
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 97
Support upon the first alarm of the Enemy's being upon their
March towards it: and for my own part, 1 I must own, I should
have tho*: it a better piece of Conduct, in M r . Dieskau, if, after
defeating the Party under Col Williams's Command he had
attack'd the Fort at the Carrying Place, instead of your Camp;
which, according to your Engineer's account of it, might have
been more easily won with the Force he had with him, than your
Camp been storm'd.
I can by no means adopt your Engineers Opinion of the urgent
necessity of immediately erecting a strong regular Fort at Lake
George for maintaining Possession of the Country so far: In my
Opinion the most material Place for erecting the strongest Works
is at the other end of the Carrying Place (at or near where the
Fort lately built stands) which is about 1 7 Miles distant from it:
It seems to me that a Regular strong Fort there would be a much
more essential one for covering the Country against the attacks
of the French from the River Champlain, thro the three several
Routes, that lead from thence to it, than one at Lake George,
which would leave it uncovered in two of those Routes: Besides,
how could a Fort at Lake George be supported, when it's Com-
munication with Albany was cutt off, which, as your Engineer
rightly observes, would most probably be the Case, if the French
should take our Fort at the Carrying Place.
I would therefore recommend it to you in the strongest man-
ner, as an Object, which deserves your attention, to have the
Fort at the Carrying Place strengthened as much as the Circum-
stances of your Army will admit, consistent with your proceeding
directly to Tinonderogue.
As to the formidable Strength of the Enemy, you will have to
encounter in your March thither, I have told you my Sentiments
at large in my last Letter ; and with regard to the Gallant Behav-
iour of their Troops in the late actions; I must own, I differ
1 Transcript in Public Record Office has these words : " tho I doubt
not of M r . Dieskau's being an excellent Officer, I must own I should
have thought it a better piece of Conduct in him."
Vol. II 4
98 f Sir William Johnson Papers
widely in Opinion from your Engineer ; Their Retreat was a very
bad one without Conduct or Resolution ; they could not otherwise
have suffered so great a Slaughter, as you say they did, in the
short Pursuit made of them by your Troops & Indians, which
jump'd over the Barricads of your Camp after them.
The more I think of your situation, the more adviseable I think
it will be for you to proceed to Tinonderogue ; as the Honour
of his Majestys Arms and the Interest of the Colonies seem to
require it: The Consequences, I fear will be bad, if you do not;
and I cant but hope that you will see these matters in the same
light, which I view them in.
The weak Condition, which I found this place in, and our want
of dry Provisions have hitherto inevitably hinder'd me from pro-
ceeding in the Expedition under my Command, but both these
Obstacles will, I hope, be so far surmounted in three days, as to
permit me to do it:
I wish you a speedy Recovery of your Wound, and much
Success, and am, Sir,
Your most Humble Servant.
W SHIRLEY.
P: S: Be pleased to Communicate this to Cap 1 . Ayre; I have
not time to write to him before I Sail
FROM SIR CHARLES HARDY
L. S. 1
Albany Sep'. the 25th 1755.
SIR
I received yours by the return of my Express by which I was
in hopes I should have had some Account of the State of your
Army, with a return of Provision & Stores, and your answer to
some other points contained in my Letter to you by that Express;
As I would not have you risque any Papers falling into the
Enemys hands, if you judge sending them to me may endanger
1 Original destroyed by fire.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756
; I must desire you would send to me a Person you can con-
in, properly instructed from you, that can give me every
iformation you may be desirous of communicating to me,
jgether with a Plan of Fort Edward and the one I am told you
re building upon the Lake, both which I hope, as I observed to
in my last, will be so constructed for the receiving proper
iarrisons for their Security this Winter, together with proper
lagazines for Provisions & Stores.
As I apprehend the Indians joining You at this Juncture may
of great Service for Scouting Parties & c . I have this day sent
r . Ogilvie their Minister, and the Recorder of this city to the
lohawks Castles, with a Message and some Black Strouds to
>ver their Dead, and have used all the arguments in my power
prevail on them to repair immediately to Your Camp, and that
will condole them on their Loss, as soon as time will admit of it.
While I am writing this Col. Dyer of the Connecticut Forces
shewn me your Order to him to continue here, with the
lainder of the Forces under his Care, till further directions. I
lould have been glad to have known your intentions on this head
mer, as it was but this morning, I recommended it in Council to
lat Gentleman, as well as the other Commanders of Provincial
\>rces in this City, that are intended for your reinforcement, to
leave this Place & join you immediately.
I observe you are desirous of my seeing your Camp with the
Gentlemen of the Council. I should be glad you would by the
return of this Express let me know in what instance you think
my immediate presence might be of Service, for I shall be at all
times glad to have it in my power the Public Service whether in
Camp or City.
By the first Waggon I will send you some Musket Ball &
Flints for the New York Forces for whom I presume you want
them ; if for others You will take care they are accounted for.
I shall recommend it to the Commissaries, and see they dis-
patch the Provisions to you, for which service there are a great
number of Waggons employed.
100 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
I hope your Wound will mend daily, but cannot this time
expect to have the pleasure of seeing you here, Whenever it is
you may be assured it will give pleasure to
Sir
Your most Obed 1 . humble Serv 1 .
CHA S : HARDY
P. S. I hope the Baron Deskieu's Wounds are better than when
he came down here.
To:
GENERAL JOHNSON.
FROM WILLIAM SHIRLEY
L. S. 1
Camp at Osnego Sept'. 25 th 1755.
SIR
As it is possible that your Wound may render you unable to
proceed in Person to Tenonderoge, in such Case I would recom-
mend it to you to order Major General Lyman, who I apprehend
hath escap'd unhurt, or Colonel Ruggles, in Case General Lyman
should be unable to go in person, to march the Forces under your
Command to that Pass, and take possession of it, and secure it
against the Enemy, leaving with you such a Number of Troops
as you shall judge sufficient for strengthening the Works at the
'Carrying place, and erecting such at Lake George, as you shall
think absolutely necessary.
If nothing further could be done this Campaigne than gaining
Tenonderoge, yet that would be carrying a great 2 for the
protection of the Country behind, this year, and facilitation of
the Reduction of Fort S 1 . Frederic the next Spring.
You will give me leave to press this Matter again upon you,
as what nearly concerns his Majesty's Service, and the Interests
1 Original destroyed by fire.
2 Word omitted in the copy. " Point" satisfies the sense.
Preliminary Campaigns, / 7 55-1 7 56 101
of the Colonies; and must greatly redound to your own Honour
and that of the Army under your Command; and I should be
glad, you would consult your Field Officers upon it.
I hope your Health will permit you to go upon this Service
in Person, and earnestly wish, your Attempt may crown'd with
all the Success, you can desire; which I cant but think it will if
you proceed. I am,
Sir,
Your most Humble Servant
W SHIRLEY
MAJOR GENERAL JOHNSON.
TO SIR CHARLES HARDY
Z)/. 1
Camp at Lafe George 26 Sep r . 7755
SIR
I am favoured with your Excellencys two Letters of the 22
& 24 Inst.
I forgot to mention in my last that the Council of War had
advised that the 1 8 pds. at Albany should be brought up here &
that I should apply to Your Excellency for more small Cannon.
I have talked with Gen 1 . Lyman & the Officers about Ovens.
They think it would occasion waste & go to slow to be useful.
Your Excellency hath shown your Humanity & Zeal for the
Service in directing Hospitals to be provided for the Wounded &
Sick. You have all our grateful Acknowledgments for it.
As I flatter myself with the honour of seeing you here, I refer
particulars to that Meeting, if I am disappointed in that, to the
other Expedients proposed in my last.
I am most respectfully,
Sir your Excellencys
Most Obed*. hum Serv*.
To SIR CHARLES HARDY
Gov r of New York &c.
1 Original destroyed by fire.
102 'Sir William Johnson Papers
TO TIMOTHY RUGGLES
A letter of September 26, 1755, from Johnson to Colonel Timothy
Ruggles, at Fort Edward, which called for returns of boats and troops,
apprised of tracks of enemy near Wood Creek and South Bay and
cautioned against surprise, following the above in the Johnson Calendar,
p. 52, was destroyed by fire.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE TO MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL COURT
Contemporary Cop}; 1
September 26, 7755
Province of the Massachusetts Bay.
The Committee appointed to take under Consideration the two
letters last received from General Johnson, having attended the
Service report as their humble Opinion
That his Honour the Lieutenant Governour be desired to
acquaint the General with the great Satisfaction which this Court
takes in the Conduct and brave Spirit shown by the Officers and
Soldiers in the late Engagement with the French and Indian
Enemy and the Welcome reception which the News of this sea-
sonable and important Success has met with throughout the
Province and the dependence which is placed, under God upon
the Continuance of the Same spirit in order to the effectual obtain-
ing the proposed ends of the Expedition. That the General be
desired to assure the Forces in the Pay of this Province that con-
stant care shall be taken by the Government and all necessary
Provision be made for their Comfortable support during the
continuance of Service
That his Honour the Lieutenant Governour be further desired
to inform the General that the Minutes of Council referred to in
his first Letter did not accompany it and that the Several Papers
mentioned in his last letter to have been sent to New York have
not been received here, and although the Province and City of
New York are nearest to the Place of Action which the Court
suppose is the Reason why they were first sent thither, yet as this
1 Destroyed by fire.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 103
Government is principally concerned in the Expedition it will
most agreeable that all Papers and Advices of importance
should be forwarded hither direct and that in every respect we
should be considered as Principals and particularly that the
French General and other Prisoners of Note may be sent to
Boston
All which is humbly Submitted & * Order of the Committee
James Minot
September 26. 1 755
In Council September 26. 1 755 Read and Ordered that this
Report be Accepted
Sent down for Concurrence
J Willard Sec*.
In the House of Representatives Sept r . 26. 1 755
Read and Concur'd
T Hubbard SpK
Copy Examined
^ THO S . CLARKE Dpi?. Sec*.
A NOTIFICATION
A notification, dated September 27th, by Oliver DeLancey and
Cornelis Cuyler at Albany, relating to stores forwarded, was destroyed
by fire. It followed the above paper in the Calendar, of which see p.
53.
FROM SPENCER PHIPS
Df. S. 2
Boston Sepr. 26. 1755
S".
I have received your Letter of the 1 7 th . Instant, And as that
Part of it which relates to the Filling up the Offices which are
become Vacant by the Death of Coll. Tidcomb Coll. Williams
&c requires a more immediate Answer I shall confine my self to
1 & by mistake for ^.
2 In Massachusetts Archives.
104 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
that Subject at present referring other Matters to the next Oppor-
tunity which I suppose will soon happen
I am sensible it must have been difficult for you to determine
in what manner to regulate the succession of Officers. There
are inconveniencies both ways. It is not very agreeable to have
Officers of inferior rank advanced over the heads of others in the
same army who a few days before were their superiors in rank
but in those forces the inconvenience is not so great as it would
be in his Majestys regular troops for there the Officers would
rank according to such promotion in future services whereas here
upon the expiration of this particular service and the raising new
Troops any reform or alteration may be made that may be thought
proper ; but there is a peculiar circumstance attending these Regi-
ments which has great weight with me. Each Regiment consists
mainly of people in one vicinity whose Officers were appointed
from among themselves to encourage the enlistment & render the
service more agreeable to the private soldiers.
I therefore think it will be liable to the least exception if in the
present case you deliver Commissions for Colonels to the two L l
Colonels of Titcombs & Williams' Regiments & advance the
other Officers in each Regiment according to their seniority. As
this was a pretty nice point I thought it best to take the opinion
of his Majestys Council & they fully concur with me.
The greatest part of our New Recruits of 2000 Men are
already on their March And the rest, I hope, will follow in two
or three days. I have commissionated Coll. Ichabod Plaisted,
Coll. Richard Gridley, Coll. Josiah Brown & Coll. Joseph
Thatcher to command the four Regim ts . now raising; The said
Collonels have rec d . my Instructions to march their Regiments
to the Camp & their to take your Orders.
I am Sir.
Your very humble Serv 1
S PHIPS
MAJ R GENERAL JOHNSON
Preliminary Campaigns, / 7 55-1 7 56 105
Since the writing the foregoing Letter a Committee of the
mncil & House of Representatives appointed to consider your
last Letters have made report which has been accepted &
rhich I herewith transmit you Being informed that the Gov-
i*. of Connecticut have furnished blank Commissions to fill
such Vacancys as may happen I have likewise thot fit to send
a number & deliver Major Hoare Twenty under a blank Cover
directed to you
INDORSED: L 1 . Govern 8 . Letter to
General Johnson.
FROM SETH POMEROY
A. L. S. 1
Lake George Sepr 26 ih 1755
Last night I Being apponted to go the Grand Rounds not
being able to go my Self ; Sent 2 of my officers Found the Guards
& Centrys at 4 Clock In y e morning In there Several Posts well
SETH POMEROY
GENERAL JONSON Esq r
FROM HUGH WALLACE
L. S.
Ne York 26th Sep. 1755
DEAR SIR
I had the Honour to write you the 1 7th In st . with M r . Bev :
Robinson, to send you an ac* of some Refreshments which were
sent up to you for the Forces under your Command, The Spirit
of Gratitude to you & your Brave Troops still continues, & y e .
People of Queens County, Long Island have raised & sent here
1 On back of Johnson to Eyre, September 29, 1 755.
106 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
for your Army 1000 Sheep, which M r . Robinson & I. (who are
Agents Volunteers for y r . Service) are sending up as fast as
possible & hope they will come safe & be acceptable, there are
some Gunners going up to you, by Cap ta . Saul Bayard you will
receive this, & I have sent by him a Cannister of Tea & some
Liquerish, which was forgot, to be sent with the other things.
I wish we knew what was the Most agreeable thing to send up
to you as more Money is raising daily, & y e Philad'a People are
raising something to be sent as Present to you.
May God Prosper you, be carefull of y r self, the loss of you
is not to be repaired at present to the Provinces so for their Sakes
& ye rest of y r . Friends, if you have no regard for yourself, be
not too prodigal of y r Valour, which gives pleasure & Joy to
every Body.
My best respects to Cap. Eyers lett him know Colo Dunbar
is on his March from Philad'a here, to go to Albany with his
Forces, Adieu D r Sir & believe me with great Esteem
Y r . most obed & verry hum Serv*.
HUGH WALLACE
FROM WILLIAM WILLIAMS
^ A letter of September 26, 1755. by William Williams, at "Oneyda's
Carrying Place," following this in the Johnson Calendar, was destroyed
by fire. It conveyed to Johnson congratulations for victory, regrets for
the death of Colonels Titcomb and Williams and a request for a com-
mission for the writer's son in Williams's regiment.
Preliminary Campaigns, 7755-7756 107
MINUTES OF COUNCIL OF WAR
A. D. S. 1
Camp at Lal(e George
Satturday 27. Sep. 1755 p. M.
At a Council of War held at General Johnson's Tent
Prest
General Johnson
Major Gen 1 . Lyman
All the Field officers of the several Reg ts in this Camp
except Maj r . Nicholls
Cap*. Eyre chief Engineer &c
Cap*. Glazier adjutant Gen 1 .
Peter Wraxall SecrT. &c
1 The General accquainted this Council of War that Col.
Blanchard of the New Hampshire Reg* has several times com-
plained to him, of the Difficulties he met with in obtaining Pro-
visions for his said Reg 1 agreable to the Resolutions of the Coun-
cil of War of the 22 & 23 Aug* and as the General has Issued
his Orders in Consequence of the said Resolution of the Council
of War, he desires this Complaint may be taken into Consider-
ation & the proper Measures, to prevent it for the Future advised
being apprehensive that very ill Consequences will other wise
arise to this Service.
2 That pursuant to the advice of the Council of War of the
21 Inst he had sent Orders to the Commanding officers of the
Reinforcements from Massachusetts Bay & Connecticut to remain
with the Troops under their Command at Albany till further
Orders except necessary Convoys for escourting the Waggons
w * 1 might be dispatched from Albany as this was done in con-
sideration of the then Scarcity of Provisions in Camp & the
Uncertainty at that time of obtaining a suff* Number of Waggons
to bring provisions to supply the Troops here together with the
1 Original destroyed by fire.
108 'Sir William Johnson Papers
said Reinforcements but since the arrival of the Gov r . of New
York at Albany the supply of Waggons has greatly increased,
and that the Gov r advises the General many more Waggons are
engaged, he proposes to this Council of War whither he shall
order the reinforcements now at Albany & the rest as fast as they
arrive to march up hither with all convenient Speed.
3. The General accquainted this Council of War that One
Henry Cooke of Major General Lymans Reg 1 , asserted to Cap 1 .
Wraxall that the Expedition to Crown Point was not to go for-
ward this year, for that General Johnson pulled General Lyman
back who was for proceeding forward, and that he had heard
this from above 100 Persons in this Camp upon w^ 1 Cap*.
Wraxall as Aid de Camp to General Johnson thought it prudent
to order the fellow into Confinement, where he now is.
The General then told this Council that he apprehended the
circulation of such Groundless False & Malicious Reports would
have a tendency to over throw this Expedition & to injure his
Character & he must therefore desire this Council of War to the
utmost of their power to repress the Growth of such Scandalous
Untruths, and as they have for the Major part been Eye Wit-
nesses to the whole of his Conduct to this Day relative to his
Command of the Army, that they would declare their Opinion
of his Conduct relative to the above Charge & inform him whether
he has neglected any or if there are any further Measures in his
power to pursue or Order w ch may contribute to Expedite the
present Expedition against Crown Point.
4. The General further accquainted this Council that he is
informed most of the officers & Men of the 5 Companys of the
New York Reg 1 who arrived in Camp yesterday had heard as a
Common Report that Cap 1 . Eyre chief Engineer, Director of the
Artillery & Quarter Master General to this Army was confined
& put into Irons for ordering the Cannon to be fired over the
Enemies heads in the late Engagement on the 8 Inst & for show-
ing the French Generals Aid de Camp the most easy Plans for
the Enemy to attack this Camp & for several other Treacherous
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 109
Practices. The General told this Council of War that such
False & Villainous Reports of a Gentleman whose Fidelity he
has the utmost reason to be assured of & with whose Services in
his several Stations in this Army he is perfectly satisfied gave him
very great uneasiness & hoped The Gentlemen of this Council of
War will discountenance all such vile Reports & give that Testi-
mony to Cap*. Eyre's Character w^ 1 it Merits.
Upon the first Article, this Council of War are of Opinion
that the New Hampshire Reg 1 , is to be provided by the commis-
saries of the several other Gov 18 . in this Camp in the follow'g
Proportions Massachusetts Bay 4/9 Connecticut 2/9 New York
2/9 Rhode Island 1/9.
Upon the 2 d . Article. The Council were of Opinion the Con-
sideration of this Article should be posponed a few days, when
Col. Bagly delivered in a paper to the General containing as
follows.
By y r . Honours leave
1 . "I would propose to this Council whether it would not be
adviseable to take under Consideration what Forces we Appre-
hend would be sufficient to proceed forwards towards Crown
Point and what Quantity of Provisions would be adviseable to
take with us when we leave this Encamp*, and by what time we
may reasonable suppose that Quantity of Provisions &c. can be
procured here considering the Season of the Year.
2. "' Whether it is Judged adviseable to proceed any further
Towards Crown Point at that Season of the Year.
3. ''* Whether it would not be adviseable to send all the Sick
& wounded that is not likely to do Duty for some time home and
also that the General send & Stop the Reinforcements that are
not yet arrived here, that the Burthen of the Gov ts . may be in
some Measure eased, and all the Forces that are here that can
be employed, be immediately set to work in building a place of
Strength Magazines & Store houses in order to secure the Artil-
lery Stores & Provisions & hold the Ground we have under God
Obtained."
110 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
W ch was read to the Council of War, who gave their Opinion
that the consideration of them be deferred to another Opportunity
or whenever the General thinks proper to summon a Council of
War upon them.
Upon the third Article this Council of War are Unanimously
of Opinion that the Words spoken by Hen?. Cooke to Cap 1 .
Wraxall were false, and Groundless, & are convinced that Gen-
eral Johnson has constantly taken every Step in his Power to
promote the Good & to bring into Effect the present Expedition
& thus cannot propose any better Measures than those now on
foot to expedite the said Expedition
Upon the Fourth Article this Council of War are of Opinion
that the Reports therein mentioned in relation to Cap*. Eyre are
intirely False Malicious Scandalous & Groundless, & that they
will write to their several Governments to discountenance any
such reports & that his Behaviour in said Engagem't was
Unexceptionable.
PETER WRAXALL
Seer'?:
FROM JONATHAN BAGLEY AND FROM JOHNSON
The preceding was followed in the Johnson Calendar, p. 53, by a
letter of the 27th from Colonel Jonathan Bagley on further progress,
sick and wounded, reinforcements and fortification; one of the 28th to
Governor Hardy on action of council of war as to reinforcements, men-
tioning absence of Indians, number of effective men, Captain Eyre's plan
of forts and Bagley *s description of picketed fort and instructions without
date to Colonel Thomas Gilbert regarding supplies, wagons and deserters.
These were destroyed by fire.
MINUTE OF ORDERS TO SURGEONS
A. D. S. 1
Camp at Lake. George
HeadQuarters 28 Sep'. 1755
The General having directed the several Surgeons in this Army
to Attend & they accord'gly came.
1 Original destroyed by fire.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 1 1 1
The Gen 1 , desired they would with all possible dispatch return
to him the Number of Sick & Wounded now in Camp under
their C'are respectively
That they would at the same time give in writing their several
or joint Opinion of the Disorders most prevalent & to what prin-
cipal Causes in their Judgment they are owing, also what Pros-
pect there is of the Sick & Wounded speedily recovering If any,
what things are wanting to comfort 'em & forward their Recovery
All w^ they are to sign either seperately or jointly as they
may agree among themselves.
PETER WRAXALL
A. D. Camp
FROM ROBERT ROGERS
The preceding minute was followed in the Johnson Calendar, p. 53,
by Captain Robert Rogers's journal of a scout to Ticonderoga, submitted
to Colonel Joseph Blanchard, and by him to Johnson, September 29th
(printed in Doc. Hist. N. Y. t 4 :260-61 ; Q, 4 : 1 70.) Destroyed by fire.
FROM WILLIAM SHIRLEY
L. S. 1
Camp at Osvego Sept r . 28 ih . 1755.
SIR;
I send the Inclos'd Extract of Gov r . Lawrence's Letter to the
late Major General Braddock for your further Satisfaction, that
it is not in the least probable notwithstanding the Baron Dieskau's
papers, the Reports of Prisoners, and boasting Messages from the
French Governor, that there should be at Crown point & Tenon-
deroge above seven hundred of the Troops, w ch . came from
France this Summer to Quebec.
I have nothing to add, but that it is my Opinion, that if this
Campaigne is to end with erecting a Work at Lake George,
especially if that at the Carrying Place is not strengthen'd we
shall be hard put to it next Summer to defend Albany ; if on the
1 In Ayer Collection, Newberry Library, Chicago, 111.
112 , Sir William Johnson Papers
other hand the Pass at Tinonderoge is taken this year & kept
(which I hope the daily Arrival of your Reinforcement from
New England will enable you to do) it will put it into our Power
to compass the Reduction of Crown point early .the next Spring,
if it should be found impracticable to do it this Fall, which yet
I hope may be the Case.
I am.
Sir,
Your most Humble Servant.
W SHIRLEY
Extract from L*. Gov r . Lawerence's Letter * to
Major General Shirley dated Halifax
July 16th. 1755.
14 The strengthering ourselves upon the Isthmus is now The
great Object of my Attention, more especially as I am inform'd
by Admirall Boscawen, that it is most probable by this time a
great part of the Troops intended directly for Quebec are arriv'd,
which were about 17 or 1800 Men, exclusive of Officers: We
are pretty certain that upwards of 1 000 are got into Louisbourg,
which, by all we can learn, were destin'd for this Place, with two
sixty four Gun Ships, had not our Fleet happily fallen in with
their's, and disconcert their Measures."
FROM GOLDSBROW BANYAR
A. L. S. 2
Albany 29 Sep'. 1755.
DEAR S*.
I this moment received your Letter and find you have mistaken
my meaning very widely. I do not imagine it is necessary for
you to ask a favour in the common acceptation of the Expression.
I mean to inform Sir Charles of the footing on which youve
accepted the direction of Indian Affairs, the prejudice these
1 Which evidently also gave the paragraph to Braddock.
9 Original destroyed by fire.
Preliminary Campaigns, 17551756
113
affairs have formerly occasioned to y r . private Fortune and par-
ticularly the Sums you are in * what you are informed
was intended as an appointm 1 . for you, and how far anything of
that nature has been done for you. These things are well known
here, but I very much doubt if they are in England. Sir Charles
is a Gentleman who I think will not look upon you as a Debtor
of his, if he represents these Facts, and sets forth the necessity
the Gov 1 are under of recompensing your Services and Losses,
or run the risque of your throwing up the direction of Ind n . affairs
which they must think, and I shall applaud you if you do, should
they continue to neglect you. But you will consider how unusual
it is for them to grant a Favour unask'd, how great soever the
Merits or Pretentions of the Persons are. They are on the Con-
trary I acknowledge, too ready to forget these things when men-
tioned. Your Case is particular and it is as it were their own
Interest to promote yours; you'l Excuse me then if I tell you
again my Sentiments which are to write to Lord Halifax & lay
your Case before him, Sir Charles will back it, when he knows
from yourself what it is, and M r . Pownall will join in the same
Interest. This Measure once tryed, were it my own Affair I am
sure I should not only act in the manner you think of doing, but
would instantly shew a becoming Resentment, and throw a pall
on y e Commissions & Employments: and you'l do well in my
opinion to tell his Lordship that the Expence attending Indian
affairs, or even living among them in any publick Character, or
otherwise than as an Inhabitant, will be too heavy for you to
sustain, & reduce you to the Necessity of giving up the Manage-
ment of them into their Hands. On this Occasion, I've often
thought if there be any Person that can succeed you. As there
is not, it ought to be the Care of the Ministry to appoint some
power 2 to assist you, to be intirely under your Direction & as you
are the only person who can recommend that you should recom-
mend him. Find out if you can one of your own Disposition, &
1 An omission in the copy.
* " Power " in the copy. The word was probably " person.*'
114 * Sir William Johnson Papers
by your Instructions he may fill your Place with Credit & in this
way there ought to be a kind of succession even more than two,
but all under the Superior In short a kind of System must be
formed for this Important End, and not left to the uncertain
Events of little Expedients, such as a few Presents formall Mes-
sages and Stuff of that Sort, which may amuse them, but can
never give the British Nation that Weight and Influence with
them which we may feel the want of as long as there are Indians
on the Continent.
The 30*.
Since the above I had this Morning some Conversation with
Sir Charles, who is very uneasy at the present Situation of Affairs,
and wonders you are not more explicit in pointing out the diffi-
culties you find yourself under: Finishing Fort Edward, by
building Barracks &c for the reception of a proper Garrison and
building a defensible Fort at the Camp are points that take up
much of his thoughts & indeed nothing else keeps him here. This
Matter was mentioned in Council & referred to a Comm'ee this
Morning who are to make Report : This I expect will be sent to
you with a Letter from himself, recommending these Matters as
independently necessary whether you proceed or Not; they are
so obviously so, that a Man in his right Sences, must see it imme-
diately. But as nearly as I can judge, you are opposed in almost
every right measure. Sir Charles suspects this gives you great
uneasiness. I told him I believed it did, and that I believed you
thought yourself neglected by the Ministry at home in their not
having fix'd some appointment for you before this time. He
seem'd very desirous to know what you expected or desired,
intimating as I thought that he would be very ready to give you
his Interest. We were interrupted & the discourse ended. Besides
these two Forts I think it necessary to build one between the
Wood Creek and the South Bay; it seems by the Map there is
a Situation that will command the entrance into the Wood Creek
& the South Bay, unless the distance be greater than I apprehend.
If you build no other than the picketed Fort at the Camp, it will
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 115
not be safe to leave any Stores or Cannon there on your Return,
it would be a kind of Trap to catch us in, and if M r . Eyres's
Plan must not be pursued, Every thing must be brought back to
Fort Edward, & if that be not secured by a proper Garrison every
thing must be brought hither, a pretty affair indeed and for
which we shall be deservedly laugh'd at, for if you take Crown
Point, you must I think demolish it and retire to a Post where a
Garrison can be supplyed in the Winter, which it will be imprac-
ticable to do at the distance the former is. You'l hardly carry
Provisions enough to leave there, and the Enemy will scarcely
leave enough to answer this purpose So that take the Matter
in what view you please it is necessary to build these Forts. I
shall not send this unless I have a very safe opportunity. No
accounts from Oswego of any Consequence, an Express is
expected hourly that went from here on the 20 th : I am S r . with
great Sincerity
your obliged humble serv 1 .
Gw BANYAR
Oct. 1 st . The Report is finished: you'l observe the Fort recom-
mended at the South Bay is at the head of the South Bay, not
where I mention, the L l . Gov. thinking there is no Ground there
but what is sometimes overflowed. It is conditional only; and
if you determine not to proceed further, the least we can do is
to build and secure these Forts, and if it is in your Power to
remove the objections or to make the army do it, it will be a
Reflection on you not to do it. All these Forts appeared always
to me absolutely necessary tho we had Crown Point, and one
Expense now does it. I must observe to you that Sir Charles
is very exact, and if he has a Right, will expect particular Infor-
mation of every material Occurrence, as well as the Situation of
your Army. He's uneasy that you are not explicit, looking
on the whole affair this way, in great measure at least, within
his own department, and that he may be answerable for any Mis-
carriages that he could have prevented : whether to go on or
116 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
Not is a Matter of very great Consequence to determine and the
Considerations that prevent it ought to be very weighty as the
Expence of these Reinforcements is immensely great, and every
one, Save the few here who see some of your difficulties are fill'd
with high Expectations. How will you pass with your Cannon
from the Lake to Tieronderoga, a portage I am told of a mile &
a quarter, or how will you carry your Cannon any considerable
way. Can you preserve any of your Oxen for this purpose.
MINUTES OF COUNCIL OF WAR
A. D. S. 1
Camp at Lake George 29 Sep r . 1755
At a Council of War held by General Johnson at his Tent.
Pres*. Gen 1 . Lyman & all the Field officers in Camp except
Major Nicholls detained by his wound. Cap 1 . Eyre Chief Engi-
neer &c. Cap*. Glazier Adjutant Gen 1 .
Peter Wraxall Seer'?.
The General accquainted this Council of War, that having
some Papers to lay before them & other Matters relative to the
present State of this Army for their Consideration, & having been
also applied to by some of the Members present to call a Council
of War he had accordingly directed the Adjutant General to
give Notice to all the Field officers in Camp to attend at 3 oClock
this afternoon precisely.
1 . The General then laid before this Council of War the Last
Returns made him of the Troops in this Camp the Returns of
the Commissaries of Provisions also the Returns of the Several
Surgeons of the Sick & Wounded with their Observations &
Opinions upon the Disorders most prevalent here &c. Upon
which the General desired the Opinion & advice of the Members
present, what might be most Expedient for the good of the
present Service.
1 Original destroyed by fire.
Preliminary Campaigns, / 7 55-17 56 117
2. The General accquainted this Council of War, that he
rent this Morning to see in what forwardness the Picketted Fort
flat Bottomed Boats were, and that he did not see above a
lozen Men at the Fort who were sitting down & no work going
forward, and that there was not one flat Bottomed Boat finished
and Lieut. Combes one of the Overseers of the Workmen told the
General that he had not above 10 or 12 hands to work. The
General further put this Council of War in mind that it had
formerly been agreed that 500 Men should daily work at the
said Fort till it was finished, and near 100 Carpenters were
promised to work at the s d . Flat Bottomed Boats till a suff 1 .
number were compleated; agreable to which he Issued his Orders
and as a sufficient number of said Boats were unanimously judged
also lately necessary to carry on the present Expedition The Gen-
eral desired this Council of War will take the Consequences of
this delay therein into their serious Consideration, and propose
what further Measures he can follow or what other Orders he
can give which may be effectual to remedy those Consequences.
3. The General also accquainted this Council of War that a
number of Soldiers in this Camp daily come with Complaints
to him & his Aid de Camp of the loss of their Blanketts & of
their Distress thereby & also of their want of Cloaths, both w ch
he apprehends may if not speedily remedied, produce fatal Effects
to the present Service, and that it already makes it extreamly
difficult to get the Men to do the daily Duty of this Camp.
4. The General accquainted this Council of War that S r .
Charles Hardy Gov r . of New York had in his Letters to him
from Albany expressed his Opinion that a more respectable Fort
than a picketted One should be built here & so constructed as to
be able to receive a proper Garrison for its Security this Winter,
together with proper Magazines for Provisions & Stores, all which
(he writes) he judges necessary to facilitate the Expedition or
to support Crown Point if taken, and that Albany concurr in the
same Opinion.
5. The General laid before this Council of War the Opinion
of Cap 1 . Eyre Chief Engineer & director of the Artillery with
118 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
regard to the Artillery & Stores w ch he judges necessary to pro-
ceed W A against the Enemy considering the late Intelligences
obtained, if those are to be depended on.
Upon the First Article this Council of War is of Opinion, that
all such Men as shall be judged by the Commanding officers of
each Regiment & the Surgeons, unfit for Duty & unlikely to be
fit for Duty this Fall, should be discharged
Upon the Second Article The Council are of Opinion that Col
Baglys Proposals in the Minutes of the Council of War of the
27 Inst be now considered w ch they apprehend may produce their
Opinion upon this Article.
The Council are of Opinion that Major Champlin be desired
to give in to the General a Calculation what Quantity of Pro-
visions 7000 Men will consume in 7 days & how much time it will
probably take to have them brought here & that he transmit the
same with the Minutes of this Council to Several Gov* 5 concerned.
Col. Bagly desired leave to withdraw his Second Proposals &
that part of the 3 d . relating to the Reinforcements upon the last
Article of his 3 d . Proposal relating to a Place of Strength &c.
It is the Opinion of the this Council that a Place of Strength
with Magazines & Stores houses & Barracks be immediately set
about to be built with all possible Dispatch. Resolved by this
Council of War that it be made large enough to Garrison upon
Occasion 500 Men & that 700 Men with such officers as the
General shall appoint be detached out of this Army to work
constantly in compleating the said Fort under the Direction of
Cap*. Eyre w ch Men are to be excused from all other Duty.
PETER WRAXALL
SecrT.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 119
TO WILLIAM EYRE
Df.
Camp al Lake George 29 Sep r . 7755
I desire you will give me y r . Opinion in Writing whether
the Artillery & Stores thereunto belongs at this Camp, at Fort
Edward & left on the Road between said Fort & Albany are,
according to the Intelligences we have received relating to the
Enemy sufP. for proceeding on the present Expedition
Y & c
To CAPT EYRE
Chief Engineer & c .
FROM WILLIAM EYRE
A. L. S.
Lake George 29 th . Sep: 7755
SIR
Pursuant to Y r . order of this Day, to know my opinion
whether the Artillery & Stores here, at Fort Edward, & on the
Road from Albany to the last Mentioned Place are Sufficient
to proceed against Crown Point, I answer no upon the Suppo-
sition that our Acc ts . from the Front are to be depended on, As
their Information acquaints us that they have (Meening the
Enemy) thirty three Pieces of Cannon, many of them 16 & 24
p drs . equal or nearly to our 24 & 32 p dr8 ., and also thirty five
mortors. now our strength consists of four Battering Pieces, viz.
two 32 p drs . & two 1 8 p d ". two 1 2 p ds . & eight 6 p d . besides one
13 Inch Morter with four Smaller ones from five Inch & a half
Diameter to Seven Inches, and add to this a Scarcity of 6 p d .
1 20 Sir William Johnson Papers
Ball. These are my reasons for determing me to think our pres-
ent State of Artillery not sufficient.
I am S r .
Y r . Most Ob*. Serv'.
WILL: EYRE
To GENERAL JOHNSON.
N. B:
Our Howitz Split during the late Engagement
TO SIR CHARLES HARDY
Df. 1
Camp at Lake George 30 Sep r . 7755
SIR
This letter will be delivered to your Excellency by M r .
Wraxall my only Aid de Camp & Sec r y. from my first entering
upon the Command of this Army to w ch he has also acted as
Judge Advocate all without any appointm*. or Perquisite.
I cannot send your Excellency a Person whom I think more
capable or more proper, to give you all those Lights with the
assistance of the Papers he carries with him w ch may be needful
to assist y r . Excellencys Judgment of our present Sittuation &
those future Proceedings w ch . may be most adviseable. I have
given M r . Wraxall my Instructions part of w * 1 are to desire y r .
Excellencys opinion with relation to the Expedition under my
command all present known circumstances considered, and that
you will be pleased to furnish him therewith as soon as may be
convenient that he may proceed with it & his other Dispatches &
Papers according to my instructions to Boston & the other Gov ts .
whose Troops compose this Army.
Tho I have not the pleasure w ch . I very much long for of being
Personally known to y r . Excellency, permit me Sir to introduce
M r . Wraxall to you as a Person who has been highly serviceable
1 The original destroyed by fire.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756
121
the publick & one for whom I have a singular esteem. I am
lost respectfully, Sir
Yr Excellencys
IDORSED: Copy of Letter to S r . Charles
Hardy & other Gov".
TO TIMOTHY RUGGLES
An order, dated September 30th, from Johnson to Colonel Timothy
Ruggles, calling for spades and shovels, and authorizing the detention of
Massachusetts troops at Fort Edward, followed the preceding in the
Johnson Calendar, p. 54. It was destroyed by fire.
TO WILLIAM SHIRLEY
Camp at Lake George 30 th . Sep*. 1755
SIR
I wrote your Excellency a long Letter dated 22 d Ins*, and
theirwith transmitted you sundry Papers referred to in my said
Letter
Herewith I send,
N. 1 . The Last Returns of the men in this Camp fit for Duty
& sick.
2 Commissaries returns of Provisions
3. The Surgeons Returns with their Opinions and
Observations
4. The Returns of the Artillery Stores and Ammunition
5. Cap 1 . Eyre's Report Concerning the Artillery
6 Minutes and Extracts from Minutes of Councils of
War
7 Minutes of Council of War of 29 th : Ins*.
8 Plans of Fort Edward & of Fort designed here by
Cap*. Eyre with a Sketch of this Encampment
9 Copy of Cap*. Roger's Intelligence of Crown Point
1 In Massachusetts Archives. The draft was destroyed by fire.
122 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
1 0. Copy of Ditto* Intelligence Posture of the Enemy at
Ticonderogo
1 1 Roll of French Indians who Came with the Troops
under Baron de Dieskau
12. Major Champlin's Report Concerning Waggons. &V
These Sir will Lead you into the most Distinct View. I am
able to give you of our Present Scituation, and all matters rela-
tive to my Command. I beg your Excellency will Look into
Them, and transmit me your Opinion and Directions as soon as
Possible; I am apprehensive from the almost Universall Inclina-
tion of The Troops to Return home and refresh Themselves,
That there may be some Difficulties in geting a proper number of
men to Garrison The Intended Fort here, as well as Fort Edward,
and Perhaps unless some Additional Pay be Given it may not be
Compased without Compulsion, which does not appear to me a
Prudent method.
The Good of the Service induced me, and I have for Forms
sake given M r . Beamsly Glazier a Commission as Adjutant Gen-
eral to this Army. He is a Very Active and Serviceable man
and Wou'd I Think be a Proper officer to Command this Fort.
M r . Wraxall my only Aid de Camp and Secretary, and Who
has also Acted as Judge Advocate to this Army Carries this
Letter to Albany, to forward from thence to your Excellency;
I thought it necessary to send some Person to lay before S r .
Charles Hardy the present Scituation and state of affairs relating
to my Command, and to proceed forward to do the same to the
Goverments and Commanders in Cheif of the severall Gover-
ments who have Troops on this Expedition, and I did not know
a more Capable or Proper Person, I Could send then M r .
Wraxall, tho I very unwillingly Part with him, as his assistance
has been and Would be Very usefull to me; but my reasons for
Dispatching him are more prevalent than those for keeping him
Still with me
He is to endeavour to obtain and Carry on with him The
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 123
Opinion of the several Goverments relative to this Expedition,
and to proceed from Albany to Boston, and also to desire the
Several Goverments to transmit their Opinions to your Excel-
lency with all Possible Dispatch
I am
most Respectfully
Sir your Excellency's &c
W m . Johnson
A Scouting Party of the New Hampshire Reg*. Bro 1 In yester-
day a Wounded Indian of The Penobscot Tribe, who was the
Second Person of that nation at the Kennebeck treaty last year;
he was Among the Indians at the late Engagement: tho I have
used Every method I Can get Nothing to be Depended on from
him, the New Hampshire and Other Scouts dailey find numbers
of the Enemy Slain in The Woods.
a true Copy ex d :
W M . .ALEXANDER Secy
To his Excellency
General Shirley &c
TO PETER WRAXALL
D/. 1
[30 Sep. 1755]
That P. W. receive the Generals Instructions viz
To go from this Camp to Albany & if the Gov r of New York
is there, to lay before him the follows. Papers
1 . The Last returns of Men fit for Duty & Sick.
2. The Commiss". Returns of Provisions
3. Returns of Artillery Stores & Amunition in this Army
4. Doctors reports of Sick & Opinions thereupon
5. [Returns of Batoes here & at Fort Edward fit for
Service.] 2
1 By Wraxall.
2 Words in italics and enclosed in brackets are erased in manuscript.
124 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
6. Papers taken from French Gen 1 . & taken from the Enemy.
7. [Intelligence from Prisoners] 1
8. Copy of French Gen ls . Letter to.
9. Intelligence from Crown Point & Tionderogue from
Cap*. Rogers &C.
10. Minutes of Councils of War
11. Minutes of Council of War of the 29 Sep r .
12. Sketch of present Encampm*.
13. Plans of Fort Edward & Fort Henry proposed here
14. Cap*. Eyre's Report concerning Artillery.
15. Minutes of last public Conferences w th the Indians in
this Camp.
16. [French Gen/ 5 Memor. of State of his Army
Number of Men at Fort
and to Accquaint S r . Char 5 . Hardy with all such other particu-
lars as may be necessary to give him the most ample State of
this Army within the knowledge & abilities of the said P. W.
who is in the Generals name to request S r . Charles'* Opinion on
the whole with regard to future Proceedings & Prospects in
writing. All w ch he is to endeavour to get finished with the
utmost Dispatch, & then proceed without Delay with all the
aforesaid Papers to Lieu 1 Gov r . Phipps of Massachusetts Bay
& pursue the same Directions in relation to him as above men-
tioned to S r . Char 8 . Hardy & desire Gov r . Phipps to dispatch
Expresses with Copies of all the above Papers & c . to the Gov rs .
of New Hampshire & Rhode Island unless Gov r . Hardy &
Phipps should think any other method more eligible, you are
then to take Gov r . Phipp 8 advice for y r . proceeding to Con-
necticut in order to go thro the same measures with Gov r . Fitch
as you had done to him & Gov r . Hardy after that you are to
proceed to New York where you shall hear from me. You are
to send me to this Camp unless you receive my future Directions
to the Contrary as frequent advices of your Proceedings &
transmit me all such Papers all such Intelligence as you shall
shall 2 needful for the good of the Service & my future regulation.
1 See note 2, p. 123. 2 Repetition and omission in the original.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 125
Provided the Advice of any of the Gov" should be for alter-
ing the Plan of y r . Proceedings herein given or adding any thing
further to them, you are at liberty to act thereon according to
your best Discretion.
INDORSED BY JOHNSON : Instructions to Capt n . Wraxall.
REPLY OF INDIANS TO MESSENGERS *
At a Council held at the City of
Albany on Wednesday the first day
of October 1755.
Present
His Excellency. Sir Charles Hardy Knight Capt. General
James De Lancey
Daniel Horsmanden
John Rutherford
Esquires
The Reverend M r . John Ogilvie who returned
Answer of the two fa s Evening from the Mohawk Castles, whither
Mohawk Castl to himself and M r . Van Schaick had been sent to
the Message requir- deliver a Message from his Excellency 2 to the
ing them to return I nc ji ans tne re (M r . Van Schaick being gone for-
to the army. war j w iti\ it to the other Nations) waited on his
Excellency in Council, and presented the answer
of the two Castles to the said Message, at the same time
acquainting his Excellency, that notwithstanding it appeared by
the Answer of the lower Castle, that they were averse to the
joining the Army again, he found on his return thither from the
upper Castle, that Several of the Warriors were determined to
return and join General Johnson, and that he believed about
thirty of them would proceed accordingly.
*In Council Minutes, 25:88-90.
2 See Message to Indians, September 24, 1 755.
126 Sir William Johnson Papers
The Answers being read were ordered to be entered and are
as follow.
Fort Williams 7^26* 1755.
The Indians (of the lower Castle) answer to his Excel-
lency's Message sent by Sybrant Van Schaick Esq r . and
the Reverend M r . John Ogilvie. Interpreted by Jacobus
Clement
Abraham alias Saghstaghretsy spoke and asked whether
we were ready to receive their Answer, and that we should
inform them of it, when it was told them that we were
now ready to hear.
Then Peter alias Tacquayanont (who lately turn'd from
the French) directing his discourse to his Excellency the
Governor spoke as follows.
Brother
We return you our sincere thanks for the kind and tender
manner in which you have covered our dead, and we are
well pleased that at your first coming into your Government,
You have expressed so great a regard for our people and in
a manner agreeable to our ancient Customs.
Shew'd the String and Retook it.
Brother
We are heartily glad upon your safe arrival over the great
Lake, and we are thankfull to the King our Father who
has appointed You. We are sensible of the great Business
You are engaged in at present, and hope for a happy Meet-
ing when the publick Business will admit of it.
Shewed the Belt.
Brother
You have pressed us to return and join our Brother General
Johnson. Our behaviour in the late Battle is a Sufficient
proof that we are firm in your Interest. But considering
the great loss we have had, you should have allowed us to
breathe and to recover our Spirits, look round and see how
Preliminary Campaigns, 7755-7756 127
our Warriors are thinned; do you not think this gives us
great concern? Would you swallow all our Fighters at
once? You now call upon us Mohawks to rise and go
forth immediately, but as the upper Nations have met with
no loss, we would advise you to use your Endeavours with
them, and strive to get them out upon this occasion.
We were likewise promised upon our going out, that this
Castle should be guarded. It is true you have put an
officer with 25 Men in to the Fort. But as the Fort and
our Castle are separate from each other, we do not think it
is sufficient, as this Officer if anything should happen, could
not be at the King's Fort and in our Castle at the same
time.
You have covered our dead and then immediately desired
us to go out to Battle : This Seems very inconsiderate. Do
you think that we should leave our Women and Children to
be swallowed up with Sorrow. At first when we were
desired to go out, it was told us we should only serve as
Scouts, and in case of the Enemy's approach, we were
promised to be led aside, but instead of that, we were placed
in the Front of the Battle, and met with a considerable loss
of some of our principal Men and Fighters, and you see now
what a little number of us are present at this Meeting.
Upon which the Speaker returned the Belt, which shews their
not complying with our Request.
Connajoharie September the 29 th : 1 755
The Indians (of the upper Castle) answer upon the Mes-
sage aforesaid.
Abraham (Henry's Brother killed on the late Battle)
spoke and addressed his Excellency the Governor.
Brother
We are sensible of your great goodness in sending us this
Message; and return you our hearty thanks, that upon this
128 , Sir William Johnson Papers
Melancholly Occasion you have covered our dead War-
riors. We look upon this as a particular Mark of your
Understanding, that upon your first coming into the Govern-
ment you conformed so exactly to our ancient Customs.
Brother
We are thankfull to our Father the King for <your
appointment^ to the Government, and we Congratulate you
upon your safe <arrival. We> are particularly sensible
of the Great King our Father's Goodness <in giving> you
directions to assure us of his gracious protection.
Brother
You have taken notice of the Friendship which Subsists
between the English and us. We acknowledge it, and think
it our duty to maintain it.
Brother
You pressed us to join our brother Warraghjeyagey. We
have considered of it, and look upon it reasonable. But as
this matter intirely concerns our Warriors, We leave them to
Act as they think best, and make no doubt that several of
them will join General Johnson, <tho> not so many as we
could wish, because Several of them are now very Sick
since their return from the Camp.
FROM ROBERT ORME
A. L. S. 1
New York, Oct. y I st . 1755
D R SiR
I take the Opportunity of an Express going to Albany ,to
send you my hearty Congratulations upon your late glorious
Success your Honor and Advantage give me leave to assure
you will ever be most agreeable to and sincerely desired by me.
I wish you may be able to succeed in your great Undertaking
1 Original destroyed by fire.
THE JOHNSON(?) PORTRAIT
(At Buffalo)
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 129
>ut I despair of it this Season by the lateness of it and I can
isily conceive the various Sentiments and Oppositions you have
combat with in a Camp of such extraordinary People. I wish
I could have rec'd those Papers relative to your Congress and
also have heard from you before I left this place I wish you
would do me the Favor to write to me in England directing for
me in Hollis Street near Cavendish Square pray present my
>mpliments to M r . Wraxall and believe me D r Sir
Y r Sencere Friend & Humble Ser vt -
ROB ORME
FROM GOLDSBROW BANYAR
A. L. S. 1
2< Oct. 1755.
I forgot when I put up the Pacquet this moment, to mention
a Report that has reached Sir Charles, & which I heard this
Morning. I mean the Differences between Gen. Lyman & Cap*
Eyre, and the universal dissatisfaction and Quarrels among the
officers. I hope you will use your Authority to prevent the ill
Consequences that must otherwise attend such Broils, if the Case
be really as reported, since no Good can be expected from an
Army in such a situation. Y". &c
Gw BANYAR
INDORSED: To Major General Johnson
at the Camp.
1 Original destroyed by fire.
Vol. II 5
130 Sir William Johnson Papers
FROM SIR CHARLES HARDY
L. S. 1
Albany 2 Oct". 1755
I have received your two letters of the 26 and 28 of September,
and shall as soon as possible send you the Guns you desire For
the future when you make any Demands of this sort, I must
desire you will let me know the Service for which you want, or
the Result of the Council of War.
Upon examining the two Plans of the Forts, I am still of the
opinion the Fort proposed to be built on the Lake by the chief
Engineer ought to have been built, instead of the picketed one
you are now finishing. My Letter to you of the 2 1 st of September
carried you my opinion on this head, and I am confirmed in these
sentiments with respect to the Importance of that Post, whatever
may be the Success of the Expedition against Crown Point. I
could urge many Reasons on this Matter, but the inclosed opinion,
of His Majesty's Council here before whom I laid the Plans, and
referred the further Consideration of it, is so full, that it will save
me the Repetition of them. I therefore judg'd it proper to send
you their Report to me, and shall only add that as you must
leave a proper Force in your Camp when you proceed towards
Crown Point, I am of opinion, if that Work was begun before you
go, those left behind you may 2 reception of a
sufficient Garrison, to maintain it against any Force the Enemy
may send this Winter, and to prevent their making any Incursion
into these Provinces.
I observe upon the Plan you sent me of Fort Edward Captain
Eyre is of opinion the Ditch should be deepned and enlarged,
and the Parapet and Rampart made higher and broader, and as
it does not appear to me there are now proper Barracks for
1 Original destroyed by fire.
2 Manuscript torn; several words missing.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756
131
lodging Men or Stores for Provisions, I must recommend it to
you to order those Works to be set about, that they may be com-
pleted before the bad Season sets in, which I apprehend may be
done by the Garison there, You will consider of the Importance
of this Post for the Security of Hudson's River, upon which the
Safety of these Provinces greatly depends; and you will observe
i<s a > the inclosed Report of the Council that Governor Fitch,
is the same opinion with my self, with regard to the Forts, and
the Importance of those Posts.
Last Night M r . Ogilvie returned from the Mohawks Castle,*
he tells me some of their Warriors will join you, and that he
believes part of them may set out to-day, I hope they will soon
be with you 3 with five others raised by Subscriptions
in that City to serve in your Army as Gunners I shall detain
them here to go to you with the Cannon. I intend to give M r .
Bayard a Commission, but as I do not know what Train officers
you have with you, if I can get no Information before he leaves
this City, I shall leave a blank in the Commission for your filling
up, and I must desire you will give him as high Rank as you
can, that of Captain I should approve.
The last Article of the Council's Report which recommends
the Securing a Pass on the hither End of the South Bay is a
Matter you will consider of, and not let the Constructing such a
Work retard your proceeding on the Expedition, as that must
be left till next year, if it cannot be done this.
I have been in hopes of seeing a proper Person from you, that
might give me the Informations you thought necessary to com-
municate to me, and must desire you will let me know as soon
as possible, if you will want Shott for the small Cannon I shall
send you. carrying three and four pound Ball, as we have none of
" Is " in copy; should be " in*' evidently.
2 See Reply of Indians to Messengers, October 1, 1755,
8 Manuscript torn ; several words missing.
132 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
that size here, part of these Cannon I suppose you intend shall
be mounted at Fort Edward. I am Sir,
Your most obed*. humble Servant.
CHAS. HARDY
To:
GENERAL JOHNSON.
FROM GOLDSBROW BANYAR
A letter of the 2d from Goldsbrow Banyar to Johnson, following the
above, was destroyed by fire. Cannon, boats, wagons, stores, reinforce-
ments and public interest in the expedition were the subjects. See Johnson
Calendar, p. 54.
TO SIR CHARLES HARDY
D/. 1
Lake George 3 d . Oc l . 1755
SIR
I received your Excell? 8 . favour of the 2 d . Inst: last night,
and can only now add that it is, & always was my opinion, to
have this Place well fortified, as likewise some work of strength
at the Carrying Place: the first is now begun and I hope will be
so completed as to answer the Intended Purposes and as to the
other (I mean Fort Edward) the Garison now is employed in
building Barracks &c for a proper number of Troops, but can
not without some inconveniency at present set about strengthening
the Ramparts, this I propose to go upon when our Work here
has got into some forwardness. The Cannon I mentioned to
your Excell? I believe will be most Serviceable (at present) at
Fort Edward, as there is no Artillery there, And what we have
got here will not be too much for the Fort now a building. We
have none of that sort of Shot y r . Excellency talks of sending for
less than 6 p drs . As to my opinion in regard to a Fort at the End
of South Bay, to be now put in hands, I look upon it not to be
practicable, nor prudent, as it will oblige us to divide our Force
1 Original destroyed by fire.
Preliminary Campaigns, 7755-7756 133
& consequently give the enemy their choice which Part of y e .
army to at'ack ; besides I assure you the men are not over willing
to carry on what is now in Hands.
As Cap*. Wraxall is before this time with y r . Excell?. I think
it unnessary to repeat the same that I sent by him, and what
further you desire to know I believe he can Satisfy you in. I
should have been much more explicit in my former Letters had
it not been for fear of the acc ts . falling into the Enemys Hands,
& thinking at the same time, to send Down M r . Wraxall, who I
judged would better answer the purpose, I am y r . Excellencys
Most Obedient Humble Serv*.
His Excellency Gov R . HARDY.
FROM PHILIP RICHARDSON
Adjutant Philip Richardson's report of October 3d, to Johnson on
mounting guard following the preceding in the Johnson Calendar was
destroyed by fire. Set Calendar, p. 54.
FROM PETER WRAXALL
A. L. S. 1
Albany 3. October 1755
DEAR SIR
I arrived here last night about 7 oClock stopped at y r . house,
delivered your Sis r her Letter, went to the Gov r . supped, & went
to Bed greatly fatigued with the Gov r . was only Lieu*. Gov r .
& Oliver, 2 Banyar came in a little before Supper Conversation
various but enough to let me see they were for pushing forward
& at least making some Effect 8 to compound for the great addi-
tional Expences by Reinforcements.
This Morning waited on S r . Charles with Papers he & Lieu 1 .
Gov r . only present at first, Horsmanden * came in at the latter
1 Original destroyed by fire.
* De Lancey.
1 " Effect " in the copy. It should probably be " effort."
4 Daniel Horsmanden, one of the Council, afterward Chief Justice.
134 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
end of my reading them (for I read them Number by Number)
They ridicul'd Doctors reports, said they were pompous & in
many points incredible. Major Champlins Calculation they
believed not correct, (the delay of Waggons I found touched a
sore place) we were never like to have 7000 Men fit for Duty.
Did not believe the Enemys artillery were any ways equal to the
Informations mentioned in Cap*. Eyre's Opinion perhaps a
/en> Small Mortars & a fer 6 pounders. Cap 1 . Rodgers' Intel-
ligence from Tionderogo, not to be depended on, should send
again & again to be confirmed in the Truth of it I told 'em I
did not believe there was another Man in the Army woud go,
try if there is not, was replyed. Councils of War short & not
explicit in their Opinions, told 'em you were aware of that, but
for political reasons found they would not or at least those who
led would not, mentioned L. 1 & R. 2 saying whatever their
private Opinion they would not give it in Council against
proceeding. That you should put points, Vis how many men
adviseable to proceed & with how many days Provisions &
oblige the Council to give a positive Answer, or tell 'em you
would complain to their Gov ts . Flat Bottomed Boats agreed to
be put in hand ab*. Sep r . y e 29. a Complaint that not one quite
finished, hon> come that matter not tafyen notice of before? I told
'em Orders had been given, Carpenters would not work, num-
bers proposed not to be had. If Orders not obeyed (was
replyed) complain to Gov ts . of their officers for disobedience &
thereby stopping the Service. Upon this Article of Flat Bot-
tomed Boats & want of the 100 Carpenters, I wish you would
direct Webster & Combes to draw up & Issue a Report & send
me Copy. I represented in general & gave many particular
Instances of the constant & little regard payd to y r . Orders.
Gov r . said he believed it, saw y r . Sittuation & pited you, but that
you should threaten leading officers & complain before now to
their Gov ts . of it.
1 General Phineas Lyman.
2 Colonel Timothy Ruggles.
Preliminary Campaigns, 7755-7756 135
Gov r . said he would make a push with 4000 Men, march by
Land, some artillery & provisions in Battoes by water. Will you
call a Council & propose? 1 . with what number of men it will be
adviseable to proceed & make at least an Effort, if the Enemy
found by a Council of War (to be called when you come near
them) too strong to be attacked & that nothing can be done why
then retreat, Gov t8 . will be satisfied that trial was made & will
not be easy otherwise.
This or some what to this purpose said.
2 d . how many days Provisions to take along? it was doubted
whether there were not provisions enough to make a push & leave
sufK with what daily coming for the rest of the Troops (get a
rough return of Quantity of Provisions in Camp, great Quantitys
gone since the last return & much live Stock. Lyman has no
more Bread here Emerson but little).
3dly. Whether Reinforcements shall be ordered up Make 'em
give a postive Answer to these points & please to send me Copy
as soon as possible.
In short S r . Charles seemed to think you should bring matters
to a point with the Council of War. Another thing was said,
that the Troops w * 1 lay idle here should mend Boats. I answered
where were their Tools all we had were employed about the
Tent 1 no reply was made to it. between Fort Edward &
Seraghtoga roads very bad Many almost impassible places
between this & Seraghtoga Call Waggoners & take their
Opinion & also officers who have commanded late Convoys.
You must have flour up & not Bread, make it a fourth Article
about Ovens. Fort is a most agreable Subject, Gov r . Fitch
approves it. 1 8 Pd 8 . 2 cannot go from hence till roads are mended,
ask Waggoners they are under your immediate Orders Coun-
cil of War you know advised to have them up, reason must be
' Tent " in the copy. It plainly should be " fort."
2 " Cos." in the copy. See, however, Hardy to Johnson, October 5,
1755.
136 'Sir William Johnson Papers
given why not ordered cant Field ps. go in Battoes. they
said if you could not attack Tionderogo why not the advanced
post of the 1000 Lieu*. Gov r . said the Carrying Place
the beginning or Landing 3 Miles from where Fort & grand
Camp is. how is that? On the whole I found they were com-
bined to bring this Province off about Waggons & if a Pass x is
not made or good reasons given against it the cry will be raised,
most of the old Stock of Provisions is gone up, I have not had
time to get a particular Ace 1 , what remains here, I will do it
tomorrow. This is the Substance of what past this day from 9
to near 1 oClock. my reflections are crude & unconnected upon
it, I can only throw out loose hints w ch you will improve &
enlarge within your self. I expect Maj r . Hoare to call for this
Packet every Minute. He bro*. a Letter from Gov r . Phipps
I presumed to open it (being directed on His Majesty's Service)
in order to offer my Opinion if points occurred. Am glad I did.
Hansen. Stevenson & I dont know who else opened y r . General
Letter, sent by Express, upon acct of the outside writing w ch was
to send Copy to Gov r . Shirley, they took Copy & sent it,
Inclosed it again to Gov r . Phipps, but forgot to put Minutes of
Council in w ch Stevenson sent afterwards. Tie enquire dis-
tinctly into the affair and if you please you may refer the Explana-
tion to me in a Line or two to Gov r . Phipps. French Gen 1 , is
easily answered, he could go no where but to New York by
reason of his Wounds, poor Man I saw him this Evening I
think he cant live long. Wants to go to New York. Gov r . says
not in a Condition.
This afternoon Stevenson gave me a Letter from Shirleys Aid
de Camp ordering me positively up to Oswego to my Compy.
Showed it to S r . Charles told me to write 3 Lines to him, that
I was engaged to you & public Service would suffer by my aban-
doning you & the Cause I was engaged in & he would settle it
with Gov r . Shirley, says unless Shirley shows him powers equal
'"Push" probably.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 137
to Braddocks, he shant command Indep 1 . Comps. S r . Charles
a prerogative Man & dos not seem to want Spirit. Speaks
highly & friendly of you, but wants you to make Council of War
speak out, & that you prove plainly, no Stop on y r . side. Are
there provisions for the reinforcements, if so, will you order them
up. I hav't seen Collonels, will tomorrow If S r . Charles gives
me time, he talked of giving me some answer, but said private
Orders, he did not think prudent, public he believed Council
would decline. Rutherford says nothing will satisfie but a Trial,
he knows it will fail but says it must be made, he thinks as we
do in all other points.
S r . Charles expects to fill up vacancies in Cockcrofts Reg 1 .
let Cockcrofts give him an account of 'em. Champlin, Thody
will & must help Adams write or Copy, publick papers. Sup-
pose you proposed a push to where the thousand Men are or some
where on this side of 'em. by what I can judge, they are little
Solicitous here whether it succeeds or no, so that some attempt
is made. If you try, I know Men wont go & want of Cloathing
& c . will be a plea, let it be so & then Truth will glare, it only
glimmers now. send for reinforcements & try them, if pro-
visions Short send 'em back again. Turenne * must not go away.
Nor Ruggles who told me he should apply.
S r . Charles & Lieu*. Gov r . say the papers to be carried thro
the Gov ts . will only discourage them, Cloud all their Hopes
I mistrust they are affraid of Consequences upon this Province
about Waggons. I said, you thought these things should not be
concealed they said the Facts were not strong enough sup-
ported. I said I could enlarge support &c. They said by & by
when matters had a stronger Light thrown on them twould be
better, I said no, misrepresentations would anticipate & preju-
dice your Judgments. Several Vessells from Connecticut &
Boston on the way, some in the River & some warm Cloathing
arrived, may be with you by the time you are ready. I shall wait
1 An ironical allusion to Lyman.
I
138 Sir William Johnson Papers
your answer to this & your Commands & perhaps send you an
Express to morrow with more particulars, & some of these more
perfected. I am forced to write just as matters come into my
Memory. I have not time to digest & put things into form. I
am extreamly anxious to have you call the Council of War &
bring things to a point I hope my rough hints, lame & Slovenly
as they are may be of Service, depending Heart & Soul is devoted
to serve you & to make you appear in that honourable Light w ch
you truly deserve. Adjutant General should make a report in
writing how ill all orders are observed. I know tis a tender point,
policy obliges him to Shun it & I believe you must not urge it too
Strong I tried warmly, but found he gave back If flat bot-
tomed Boats dont go on, reasons must be given & also why they
have not.
God almighty bless you & be assured I truly am
My Dear Sir Your faithful Affect'e FH. & Serv 1 .
PETER WRAXALL
to day I propose to read Sir Charles particulars in point from
my Journal beginning with y r . entering on the Comm d . & account
for every day I have read it to Rutherford he is convinced of
every thing.
S r . Charles is anxious but I dont think prejudice, tho I suspect
y e late & indeed present Great man is y e Snake in y e Grass,
dont forget me to Eyres I * as Proxy for him, her Eyes
struck fire at it.
*An omission in the copy; original apparently illegible.
Preliminary Campaigns, 17551756
139
FROM PETER WRAXALL
A. L. 1
Albany 4 Octo'. 1755
DEAR SIR
Major Hoare* who was to have set off very early this Morn-
ing was prevented by S r . Charles Hardy who was writing a Letter
to you, this Letter is not yet finished tho now 6 oclock p. m.
The Major proposes to set off early to morrow morning. For
above an hour before Dinner I was with S r . Charles alone. He
is of opinion I should not proceed to the other Gov t8 . but on the
contrary return to you immediately provided I thought myself at
Liberty to do so from your Instructions, w ch . I showed to him. I
told him that I imagined it would be most agreeable to you for me
to wait an Answer from you with your Directions w ch of the Two
I should do. He repeated again that he thought these Papers &
my being sent with them would only embroil the Gov ts . & render
their hopes desperate with regard to the Expedition for this year.
I believe it would be the natural Consequence of their perusing
these Papers, but then I told Sir Charles the Cloud must burst
very soon, & that unaprized of it they were at present, they might
reproach you for keeping them in the Dark, & by that means give
your Enemies if you had any (as was probable) an advantage
over you. He again urged the opinions of Council of War were
not explicit enough to serve the purpose intended, & some of the
papers of too gloomy a Cast to be perfectly consistent with that
general opinion w ch . stands minuted in the last Council of War.
There appears to me reason in the Argument. They are
extreamly urgent for having the Fort finished without delay in the
most respectable manner. That everything on your side be
pushed forward in order to be ready to make an Effort whether
1 Unfinished. Original destroyed by fire.
2 Major William Hoar, later employed by Governor Shirley in enlist-
ing men at Lake George. See Shirley to Bradstreet, Correspondence
of William Shirley, ed. Charles Henry Lincoln, 2:335.
140 'Sir William Johnson Papers
that should be complied with by the Council of War hereafter,
or not, if the latter that it may appear you did every thing w ch
could reasonably be expected from or was incumbent upon you.
Sunday Morn. here I broke off, & went to S r . Charles again.
I found him finishing his Letter to you. I told him that as he
seemed to approve my immediate return to you
INDORSED: Cap*. Wraxalls Letter
FROM GOLDSBROW BANYAR
A. L. S. 1
Albany 5 Oct. 1755
A few minutes after Cap 1 . Wraxall's departure several sloops
came in from York. Sir John Sinclair, was arrived there, also
Captain Orme who is gone to Boston to embark for London,
Lieu*. Miller & Ogilvie. Dunbar was expected there yesterday,
& I am told was determined none of his People should stop at N
York. I'll send you the Papers I can pick up. From M r .
Wraxall I learn'd much of your present Situation. Bad as it is,
I can't say I'm at all apprehensive any thing that may reflect on
your Conduct can be laid to your charge ; I would do every thing
to forward the Service, & make the necessary Preparations for a
Push, in which case if any thing prevents it, youl have the Satis-
faction of convincing the World youve done your duty. Facts
and not People's reports or Surmises, too much, often, the Effect
of Inclination or Resentment, will set things, and this is not the
time to lay them open to view. At the same time that the prep-
arations are making for your moving, I hope you'l be extremely
attentive to the Works in hand, and see that the proper accom-
modations are made for Garrisons, a Matter of infinite Conse-
quence, and if built strong and tenable, will in my opinion, with
the disappointment the enemy have met with in their defeat, I had
almost said, amply repay us for the Expence tho it be very great
indeed: Have both objects in view. I believe Dunbar will have
1 Original destroyed by fire.
Preliminary Campaigns, 17551756
141
enough, & if he sho'd join you, I would not differ as to the
Command; it in my opinion clearly belongs to him, and if he is
prudent he'll do nothing but attack a Fort or Intrenchments but
in consequence of your opinion, and in this Case the Council of
Warr will advise him whether to go on or not, in which youl
have only a Voice & consequently not so great weight to rest on
you. Dont let any thing give you too much uneasiness. So far
as I can see into Matters, if there be any Blame it will not lye at
your door, nor any where in particular, but is to be attributed to
many Causes, in which most of the Governments will share. As
to the Command, I suspect more Difficulty in those under you.
I hope you propose writing home on your own affairs. I dont
like your setting down on the meagre food of Resentm*: and
twould be too great an injury to your self when you write on this
Head, be explicit as to the appointment you'd have. I like that
much that is proposed for you, but remember it should give you
Rank, or I dont think it worth your acceptance, and if they dont
repay you the Sums you've advanced, it will be a poor Recom-
pense, considering the infinite Trouble it will be attended with.
The 6 th . I hear by D r . Middleton who conveys this that you
are much indisposed which I attribute in some Measure to the
Concern you are under. I still suspect we shall do 1 from
Oswego, the Express arrived about 3 oClock this afternoon but
nothing has transpired. I impatiently wait to hear that you are
better and am D r . Sir
your affectionate humble Servant
Gw BANYAR
To MAJOR GENERAL JOHNSON
at the Camp.
TO BENNING WENTWORTH
A letter of the 6th to Benning Wentworth, commending Colonel
Blanchard and regiment on return home, explaining that Symes and
Rogers, scouts, consent to remain, and mentioning despatches sent by
Wraxall for the governors, was destroyed by fire. See Johnson Calendar,
p. 55.
1 Sentence not completed.
142 'Sir William Johnson Papers
FROM SIR CHARLES HARDY
L. S. 1
Albany October 5 ih . 1755
SIR
I have received your Letter of the 30 th . Septem r . by M r .
Wraxall, and have examined all the Papers he brought with him.
I observe by your Instructions to him, he is directed after
having advised with me to repair to the other Governments and
lay those Papers before them.
Upon a due consideration of the whole after a close Examina-
tion of the Papers sent by M r . Wraxall, I cannot see any use in
his going to the different Governments with them, but I fear great
Evil may attend it. You will consider the Provinces concerned
in the Expedition under your Command, have been at a very
great new Expence in making the necessary Provision for this
Service, great Numbers of Men have come into this City (and
now remain here) to reinforce your Army, these big with
Expectation in going forward, what will be the case if nothing
is done, or even attempted.
I cannot undertake to give you an opinion as You have desired
by your Instructions to M r . Wraxall, either in a Publick, or
private Capacity, the Business is of great Importance and to many
concern'd in the measure, to be guided by the Council of any one
Man.
What I now offer to you are only such Sentiments as I would
give to a Friend, without expecting him to be in any degree guided
by it. The Papers you propose laying before the different Gov-
ernments, I cannot but think a little premature, and will serve no
other purpose, than to sett them upon Inquirys, like Men dis-
piritted, after the Efforts they have made, Inquirys that can tend
to nothing, but create uneasiness with each other and I doubt end
in this.
Original destroyed by fire.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-17 56 143
As M r , Wraxall informs me, the Council of Warr are not
acquainted with your design in sending him to the different Gov-
ernments, when the Gentlemen in the Superior Command of the
Forces belonging to these Provinces, come to hear, you have
transmitted such Accounts, which they doubtless will from their
Friends, you may depend they will draw this conclusion, that you
the General and Commander in Chief had taken measures to
throw Cold Water on an Expedition, that they was desirous of
Prosecuting with Vigour. I would therefore recommend your
writeing Letters to the Governours, if you think any such measure
necessary, and therein give them a short state of your present
Situation, and acquaint them that you are preparing every thing
proper for carrying on the Expedition. And if after all your
Efforts you find you cannot proceed, by the Season being to farr
advanced, for want of Provisions, or from any other unforseen
Accidents, it will then be time enough to inform the Governments,
and proper for you to have the Concurrance of the Council of
Warr (who I observe in your Councils only give general Answers
to general Questions, or Propositions) for your future
proceedings.
I would also recommend to you in the meantime, to send strong
Scouting Parties on the Lake, to drive the Enemy from any Lodg-
ments they may have on any of the Islands where they resort, I
suppose only to observe your motions, this will have the appear-
ance of doing something, and indeed may have very usefull
Consequences, by keeping your Men in Action, and may put a
Prisoner into your hands, from whom you may get a more perfect
intelligence of the Enemys motions.
I observe by the Papers the flat bottomed Boats for Trans-
porting the Cannon, are very backward, it may, and indeed is
very necessary for you to be particularly carefull that this matter
with every other that depends wholly on you as the Cheif in Com-
mand be carried into Execution with all possible dispatch, that
it may hereafter appear to the World, that the Expedition to
Tionderogo, or Crown Point, was not retarded, or postponed to
next Year, for want of any steps that you could take, a Charge
144 'Sir William Johnson Papers
some would gladly accquit themselves off, and Burthen others
with. As I hope by this time some Indians may have joined you,
they will be of great use to you as Scouting Partys. The
Recorder is not yet returned, that I cannot tell you what Effect
my Message has had upon the whole.
M r . Wraxall tells me the Roads are so bad that it will be
difficult for the large Cannon to be drawn to you, however if you
Judge it necessary to have them, I would recommend your sending
Orders for their being Transported to you, with direction to the
Commanding Officers of the Connecticut Forces here, to Escort
them this Department being wholly in you, and Moneys granted
to you for this Service.
It gave me great satisfaction to hear by M r . Wraxall your
Council of Warr have come into the building the Fort plan'd by
M r . Eyre, instead of finishing the Picketted one, let me recom-
mend it to you to dispatch the Completion of it, for I must say,
it would have given me great concern, to have had that advanced
Post abandoned and left to the Enemy to have Seized this
Winter, their Vigilance certainly would not have overlook'd it.
I must also desire you will give the necessary Orders for the
Completion of Fort Edward, that it may be, together with the
Fort building on the Lake, fitt to receive proper Garrisons for
their security this Winter.
As I do most heartily wish you all Success, and every thing
that may add to your own wishes, and contribute to Your
Honour, it is from this Motive I have thus freely laid before you
my Sentiments, not as His Majestys Governor of this Province
but one who is ready to serve you.
The small Cannon You have wrote to me for, I should hope
may more or less be intended for Fort Edward, I find there are
but few here fitt for Service, and if to be destined as above I
should be glad to have the earliest advice that they may be carried
there I am Sir.
Your most obed: humble Servr':
CHAS. HARDY
GENERAL JOHNSON
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 145
FROM JACOB OGDEN
A. L. S. 1
Jamaica, L. Island October 5. 7755.
DEAR SIR
I doubt not but that you have heard of our County's Sending
your Army a Thousand Sheep; which I hope you will receive
safe. As a Repetition of the Efforts of the benevolent Dispo-
sition of the People of this County, may be wanted, either in the
same Commodities or Cattle, it may be proper to acknowledge
the favour either by private Letter, or to mention it when anything
of Moment is to be publickly communicated. A Line or two in
this Manner would not only encourage our People to farther
Good Works, but Spirit up others.
We have your Army very much at heart here, praying that the
Ultimate Ends, of your tedious Campain, may be fully answered,
before you are obliged to retire to Winter Quarters.
Please to give my hearty Regards to Major General Lyman,
whose Pupil for near 2 years, I had the Honour to be.
With due Regard from Sir
your assured Friend & very humble Serv't
JACOB OGDEN
When anything remarkable occurs, a Line from you would be
very acceptable.
Original destroyed by fire.
146 Sir William Johnson Papers
WILLIAM SHIRLEY TO SIR THOMAS ROBINSON
L. S. 1
Camp at Osnego October 5 th . 1755
SIR,
Inclos'd is a Copy, N 1 , of a Letter dated 9 th . of Sept r : from
Major General Johnson 2 to me, giving a particular Account of
two Actions between him & the French at & near the Camp at
Lake George, late Lake Sacrament, in his way to Crown point;
a Copy, N 2, of a Letter from Captain Eyre, Engineer in that
Expedition to me upon the same Subject, dated Sep r : 1 th . from
the Camp at Lake George; a Copy, N 3, of a Letter dated
Sep r : 19 th from me to General Johnson in Answer to his of the
9* of Sept r : ; a Copy N 4, of another Letter from me to General
Johnson dated Sept r : 24 th . in Answer to Captain Eyre's;
Extract, N 5, of a Letter from Captain Rutherford to me dated
Sep r : 22 d . giving a succint, and I believe, exact Account of the
two beforemention'd Actions, a Copy, N. 6, of a List of the
forces, w * 1 . the French General is supposed by General Johnson
to have brought with him from Canada to Crown point &
Tinonderoge, found among his Papers, & thought to be wrote
in his own hand.
Since those two Actions General Johnson hath reciev'd very
great Reinforcements from New England, particularly from my
own Government of the Massachusetts Bay, & the Colony of
Connecticutt, the former of which hath in the whole voted 4300
for that Expedition, & M r . Johnson must, according to Accounts
transmitted to me from New England have had in the whole
8000 Men at least: What will be the Issue of that Expedition
this Year, I don't certainly know yet, but have Reason to think
it will be a dissatisfactory one to all the Colonies of New Eng-
land, as well as to myself.
Mn Public Record Office, C. O. 5.46., London, England.
2 See Johnson to the Governors of Colonies, September 9, 10, 1755,
Doc. Hist. N. Y., 2:691-95.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 147
I would for the present, Sir, beg leave to referr You to the
inclos'd Copies N 3 & 4 of my Letters to General Johnson for
my Sentiments of his Conduct, & Directions to him upon these
Events, so far as it was proper for me to send them to him at
the Distance, I am from him.
I have the Honour to be with the highest Respect
Sir,
Your most Humble and most
Obedient Servant,
W SHIRLEY,
Right Hon blc : SIR THOMAS ROBINSON
Knight of the Bath &c.
INDORSED: Camp at Oswego Oct r : 5 th :
1755.
Maj r . Gen 1 . Shirley
RDec r . 18 th
FROM SPENCER PHIPS
D/. 1
Boston 6 Oct r . 1755
SIR
I wrote you the 26 Ult. in answer to your fav r of the 1 7 th .
by Major Hoar, & by him sent you the Report of a Committee
which was accepted by both Houses, and may serve for your
Governnm* in the matters therein refer'd to.
The Secretary of the Province has since rec d . a Letter from
his Excelly. Gov r . Shirley wherein he desired that I would recom-
mend to the Assembly the sending Comis rs . to meet Comis rs . from
the other Governments to consult upon a plan of Operation for
the ensuing Year. I accordingly sent a Message to the two
Houses then sitting wherein I recommended this Affair to them
as you will see by the copy of said Message which comes inclosed
herewith: I likewise send you the Answer of the two Houses
In Massachusetts Archives.
148 'Sir William Johnson Papers
respectively, by which it appears that they were in no kind of
disposition to hearken to such a proposal. The Government
have exerted themselves this year as far as could reasonably be
expected from them, hoping that by the help of this last
Augmentation of 2000 Men together with the Reinforcments
from the other Governments you would be able to carry the
Point this Fall, and I very much fear if it be not now pushd to
the utmost, they will be discouraged from attempting it another
year for altho' this Government have made provision for borrow-
ing money to supply the Treasury, yet it is found very difficult
to obtain the Mony that is wanted. The Inhabitants of this
Province are generally willing to take the Treasurers Notes
carrying Interest at the rate of 6 ^ cent <P Annum, for such
Supplies as we can furnish among Ourselves, but the great
demands for Provisions which must be purchased in the other
Governm 18 & for Waggons to transport them to the Army puts
the Committee of War to great difficulties in raising Mony for
these Services so that if the Government were willing to go into
the Expense of another Campain, yet it would be almost imprac-
ticable to raise the Mony to carry it on.
I the rather think myself obliged to give you this notice because
of the prevailing opinion in some of the Southern Governm' 8 . of
the necessity of another Campain in order to execute the Plan
you are upon. This Governm*. will probably be calld upon to
exert itself to the Eastw d another year & it is very doubtful
whether they will ever come into the Measures that have been
proposed to them, I must therefore press it upon You to exert
yourself to the utmost of your power with these fresh reinforce-
ments to bring the Affair to an Issue this Fall. The Committee
of War inform me that they have dispatchd a sufficient quantity
of Provisions & of warm cloathing for the Soldiers, and I hope
nothing will be wanting for their Encouragement.
INDORSED: October 6, 1755 Letter
from IJ. Gov r . Phips to Maj r .
General Johnson.
Enter'd in L r book B page 15.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756
149
TO SIR CHARLES HARDY
Camp at La^e George
7 October 1755.
SIR
I have ordered a party of 50 Men to repair some bad places
& to mend some Bridges in the Road between this Camp & Fort
Edward. I have also sent orders to Col. Ruggles to detach
another party from Fort Edward to do the same from that Fort
to y e East side of y e River at Saraghtoga. I take the Liberty
to inclose your Excellency my orders w h . I beg the fav r . of you
to send to the Commanding officer of the Connecticut reinforce-
ments at Albany to send 200 Men to mend the road repair
Bridges &c. from Albany to the West side of the River at
Saraghtoga. They will want some person who knows the Road
to assist them. A proper Number of Hatchets, spades & shovels
will be wanted, send them I cannot, & how to obtain them at
Albany without y r . Excel!? 8 , interposition I know not. there are
none in the publick stores there.
M r . Wraxall informs me that at the N. End of an Island
opposite the House of Killiaan de Ridder, 2 if the Bank on the
west side is dug away & a Waggon passage made the Ford of
the River is not above Horse Knee high, whereas thro the usual
Ford unless the Waggons are uncommonly high the water
generally comes into the Waggons by w h . means the Provisions
have been often damaged.
As M r . Van Schaik who is Commissary of the Artillery
Waggons &c. is gone up to the Indians, I am under the necessity
of applying to y r . Excellency to order the 1 8 pounders to be dis-
patched hither as soon as the Road will be ready for them. The
Express who brings this drove one of the 32 p d . up here & says
1 Original destroyed by fire.
1 An inhabitant of Saratoga.
150 'Sir William Johnson Papers
if y r . Excellency will empower him he will procure Horses &
drivers for these 18 p ds . When they are ready. I inclose your
Excellency an order to any of the officers of the Provincial Rein-
forcements to furnish a Guard for them of 150 or 200 Men.
If M r . Van Schaik should be returned Your Excell?. will be
pleased to give him the Orders concerning these Cannon.
Yesterday I sent down to Fort Edward to be dispatched on
to Albany a French Deserter, he gave much more favourable
Acc ts . of the Enemy at Tionderogo than we lately received. I
have this afternoon sent some fresh Spies thither & shall continue
to do so till I receive Informations w h . may so confirm each other
as to be depended on. I have sent out a Party who are to post
themselves in such a manner as I am in hopes to intercept some of
the Enemys Scouts & procure us a Pris r . two or three.
By the returns delivered in yesterday we have fit for Duty
Serg ls . corp 8 . Drums & Private 2560 Sick & wounded 540.
The New Hampshire Reg*, are gone home except 6 or 8.
The Fort I find goes on all things considered pretty well there
are many difficulties to combat against, from that averseness to
Labour, & the want of due subordination w h . I very early found
to be the capital sins of this army. I have made war against
them by every method within the extent of my Power & abilities,
but to me at least, they are invinceble.
I do not expect this Fort with its Barracks, Magazine & store
houses will be compleated in less than a Month from this date.
We are in great want of Broad Axes the Mas r . Carpenter reports
that 60 Broad axes at least are wanting. I do by this Express
write the Commissaries & direct them to purchase that Number
& send them up with all possible Dispatch. Col. Ruggles writes
me that his People are employed in Getting Timber &c. for Bar-
racks & store houses at Fort Edward, but from my Information
those things will not be finished in due time unless some Carpen-
ters are sent up there. The w 1 of Carpenters here, the
1 Omitted in the copy. The completed word would probably be
"want."
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 151
many Difficulties met with in obtaining & keeping to work those
who have been employed as been frequently represented to me
by the Mas r . Carpenter & I did & do every thing in my power to
remove these obstructions. I desired Cap*. Webster who is at
the head of the Carpenter work & was Commissioned at Boston
for that purpose to make me a Report of these Matters in writing,
he has this day done it & I inclose y r . Excellency a Copy of it.
I propose if I am able to attend, to call a Council of War in a
day or two, if not, to direct General Lyman to preside & propose
in writing the Subject or Subjects I would offer to their con-
sideration.
Col. Cockcroft writes y r . Excellency with regard to the
vacancies in his Reg 1 . The inclosed Letter I received from poor
Cap 1 . McGuines the day of his death. I think it my Duty to
the memory of that Gallant Man to let you see it.
I have 7 or 8 Indians here & expect some more today. I am
most respectfully Sir your Excell? 8 . &c
To His Excellency
S R . CHARLES HARDY
Gov r . &c of New York.
Without delaying the Fort, a
sufK Number of Carpenters can-
not be got here to go upon the
flat bottom Boats. This matter
I shall lay before y e Council.
TO JOHN TAPLIN ET AL
Orders from Wraxall to Captain John Taplin, of Bagley's regiment,
for repairing roads; to Captain Robert Rogers, for scouting toward
Carrying Place and Ticonderoga ; from Johnson to commissaries for
Lroadaxes ; from Wraxall to commanders of Connecticut reinforcements
to repair road from Albany to Saratoga; and Wraxall to Colonel Ruggles
to repair road from Fort Edward to Saratoga, with directions on leaves of
absence and pretended discharges, following the above in the Johnson
Calendar were destroyed by fire. All were of the 7th of October. See
Calendar, p. 55.
152 Sir William Johnson Papers
FROM STEPHEN WEBSTER
A. L. S. 1
Camp Lake George Oct*. 7 ih . 1755
HONORED SIR
I take leave with Submission to acquaint your Honour how
I have proceeded as to y r Comands relating to y e Carpenters
Work from the 6 th . Sept r to this Date. Your Honour was
pleased to give it in y e General Orders of that day, that I should
be supply'd with as many Carpenters out of the Army as I
should have Occasion for, in order to build a Number of Flat
Bottom'd Boats to transport the Cannon, Warlike Stores &c. In
Compliance, I did all possible I could to Engage a Number of
Carpenters for the above s'd Work, I obtained to the No: of
ab*. 50 & began the Work, the 7 th . Inst. we were alarm'd & the
8 th . were attacked by the Enemy, 6 of the Carpenters were kill'd
& Several wounded, the rest so fatigued as not to be fit for Work,
& we having No Breast Work Nor Magazine No Work could
be done to the Boats for 9 or 10 days after y e . Engagem 1 ., then
the Orders were issued for me to be supply'd w lh . Carpenters to
proceed in the Work, I Raised all I could w ch was Some days
20, 1 5 or there abouts, when I urg'd them to work they told me
they were here as Soldiers & not Carpenters, & without better
Encouragement they would not work as Carpenters. I have One
Boat fit for 2 partly Caulked, one more ab*. half built, which
was all I could do with the Hands I could raise. Since w ch on
the 29 th . y r . Honour was pleas'd to issue Orders for building
the New Fort, w ch necessitated omitting the Boats, because there
was not Carpenters enough for both Works, & Moreover we
have not broad Axes enough for the required Dispatch, there
being about 30, whereas there will be Occasion for 60 more
1 Original destroyed by fire. There is a copy in Massachusetts Archives.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1 7 55-17 56
153
all this is humbly Submitted to your Honour being as near
is I can represent the True State of the Case.
From y r . Honour's Most humble & Most Obedient Servant
STEPHEN WEBSTER
Cap 1 of y e Carpenders a
To the Hon blc WlLLIAM JOHNSON Esq r . General of the Army
encamp'd at Lake George.
FROM GOLDSBROW BANYAR
A letter of October 7th, from Goldsbrow Banyar to Johnson, follow-
ing the above in the Johnson Calendar, was destroyed by fire. It dealt
with a French deserter from Ticonderoga, impeachment of Rogers's
reports, spirit of officers and men and the advantage of an advance on
Ticonderoga. See Calendar, p. 55.
PETER WRAXALL TO SIR CHARLES HARDY
Df. S. 2
Camp at Lake George 8 Octo r . 1755.
SIR
The Night I left this place the General was seized with an
Inflamation in the side of his Head & throat, the pain afterwards
pitched in his Ear & gave him inexpressible Torment, he has
been bled, blistered & purged, he has had very little Sleep &
taken as little Nourishment, he is extreamly weak & continues
in much pain tho not so severe as it was. his sittuation renders
him incapable of answering your Excellencys friendly & obliging
Letter w ch I brought him. he has devolved that honour upon
me. Permit me my good Sir, in the first place to return your
Excellency my very grateful acknowledgments for that Generous
Candor that condescending Friendliness & that truly polite
Reception which you were pleased to honour me with in my
private Capacity; If I know my own Heart, it is naturally
tenacious & grateful upon receiving Testimonies of this kind,
and the most respectfully disposed towards you in your public
l See Minutes of Council of War, 1755, Oct. 9.
2 Original destroyed by fire.
154 Sir William Johnson Papers
Capacity yet my sensibilities lead me disinterestedly to esteem
you & to wish for yours, as Sir Charles Hardy divested of every
Power but that amiable one of engaging the Heart;
My worthy & excellent Friend Gen 1 . Johnson, has the same
impressions from your Letter to him, as I have from your
Behaviour to me. Allow me who have had the Opportunity of
an undeserved Intimacy with him to say he is a Character w ch
every good Man will esteem. In his present public Station, he
has no motives of Action but what appear to him for the public
good, in his political Relation to this Province, he has no
Ambition but as prove his Loyalty & Duty to his King & Country
his Inclinations & his Constitution, both detirmine for the future
to be as much the private Man as possible, he has no selfish
Ends to serve, he will enter into none of the narrow Circles
of Party, & disdains the unpatriot machinations of Faction.
Gratitude & respect for your Excellency pressed upon me to
speak of myself. And the same Feelings towards General John-
son dictated what I have said with regard to him. If I have
gone out of my way I hope my Intentions will plead my
Appology.
The General approves of my return upon y r . Excellencys
judicious Sense of the Matter. He is strengthening his Measures
and proposes to regulate his future proceedings upon the Plan
w ch vou nave intimated to him. Whatever may be the event of
this Campaign or how much soever it may disappoint the San-
guine Expectations of the sev 1 . Gov ts . concerned, the General
will rest his character upon a just & fair Enquiry, as to popular
Breath, its infection is unavoidable, but to a Wise Man, conscious
Rectitude will prevent the Disease from being Mortal.
By the General's public Letter to your Excell? you will see
that your private hints have not been lost upon him.
As to the small Cannon, at the next Council of War, he pro-
poses to mention your Excellencys Opinion as well as that of
the Gentlemen of the Council, that if Granted they ought to
be for the Defence of Fort Edward, and that this Opinion was
Preliminary Campaigns, 1 755-1 756
155
given to me. for of y r . private Letter the General will take no
mblic Notice.
The General desires you will accept of every good wish his
Heart is capable of offering, I beseech y r . Excellency will do
me the same honour & permit me to assure you that I am
Sir Y'.
Will you please to present my Salutations to M r . Barrons.
From PETER WRAXALL
FROM PHILIP LORD ET AL
A report of scouting by Philip Lord follows the preceding letter in
the Johnson Calendar. (See p. 55.) It is printed in Doc. Hist. N. Y.,
4:262; Q, 4:1 70. It is followed in the Calendar by a letter of October
9th to Johnson from John Pownall in London (Doc. Hist. N. Y.,
2:7002; Q, 2:4089), and a request from Chaplain Solomon Page, of
October 9th to Johnson for a furlough to visit sick family. These papers
were destroyed by fire. Pownall's letter is also printed in Doc. Rel. to
Col. Hist. N. Y., 6:1017-18.
In Doc. Rel. to Col. Hist. N. Y., 6:1016, under date of October 8th,
is a letter to the lords of trade from Sir Charles Hardy, in Albany, men-
tioning the action of September 8th.
FROM GOLDSBROW BANYAR
A. L. S. 1
[Albany] October 9: 1755.
DEAR SIR
It gave me great Satisfaction to hear by Col. Blanchard, that
your Fever had left you or was considerably abated. May you
soon find yourself well and in a Condition to proceed: Col
Dunbar's horses left Philadelphia last Wednesday week the 1st
Instant. If they come soon & the Colonel goes up S r . Charles
will take that Opportunity I believe to pay you a Visit, which
I imagine may be of singular use, Can you contrive any Method
to furnish the Men with covering for their Horses? If nothing
further is done, I fear the Expence the Provinces have been
1 Original destroyed by fire.
156 Sir William Johnson Papers
lately put to will dispirit them, & be of infinite disadvantage to
the Measures of the next year. You are sensible your own
Reputation is highly interested. Gen. Shirley has given away
Kings Company to his own Cap 1 . Liutenant, which S r . Charles
thinks is interfering in his department, and a Step I believe he
imagines that Braddock would not have taken, he's (Shirley)
much embittered ag*. you: He complains that you did not send
him an Account as early as any one of the Battle. His Wings
will soon be dipt. I believe, and if you dont give him a lift out
of the Stirrup as far as in your Power I shall wonder at it.
Among that l Boston Colonels is one Col. Gridley a gentle-
man who I find has made Gunnery and the Art of Bombard-
ing his Study. He was of great Service in this way at the
Siege of Louisburgh, will be now of great Ease to my Friend
Captain Eyre, if a good Understanding is kept up between them,
which you'l endeavour to create & preserve. He is, I take him
to be, one of those Men who make the fewest Difficulties, which
is by a Resolution to surmount them. About 3000 of your pick'd
Men, assisted with 600 Regulars & the Company of the Train
besides your own Train will do the Business if cold weather
does not prevent them. The French must I think retire very
soon & leave only a Strong Garison & I cant say I expect Winter
in good Earnest till Christmas, a cold day or two or a little Ice
does not make Winter.
Capt Bayard will deliver you this whom I am desired by the
Commissioner to mention to you as a brave deserving man. The
Gov r . has given him a Commission as Captain in the Train. I
am- D r . Sir yours with great truth
Gw BANYAR
Lord Hansen at N Y is dead, no material News on Sunday
last. M r . Morris 2 & his Assembly at Varriance & the Virgs.
proposing to do something on that side.
"That" in the copy; "the" perhaps intended.
2 Robert Hunter Morris, lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania.
Preliminary Campaigns, 17551756
TO PHINEAS LYMAN
157
Df. S. 1
Camp at La^e George 9 October 1755
Thursday Morning.
SIR
As my present Illness renders me incapable of holding a
Council of War in person, I have ordered one to consist of all
the Field Officers in Camp with Cap 1 . Eyre and the Adjutant
General, and I desire you will lay before them the following
Papers, which I have directed my Secretary to attend with.
1. S r . Charles Hardy Govern r . of New Yorks Letter to me
bearing date the 2 d . Inst. with a Report from the Gentlemen of
His Majesties Council with him at Albany.
2. Cap tn . Websters Report to me conserning the Flatt
Bottom'd Boats.
3. Major General Shirleys Letter to me bearing date the 25.
UK
4. The last Returns of Men fit for Duty, Sick and Wounded
in this Camp also all the Returns which have been given in
from the Commissaries since my Order of the 7. Instant.
Upon these Papers I desire you will Acquaint the Council of
War, that as I have been informed the Roads and Bridges
between this Camp and Albany are in great want of Repair, I
yesterday ordered a Party of 50 Men to mend the Road &c.
from hence to Fort Edward. I also ordered Col. Ruggles to
detach from said Fort 50 Men to repair the Road and Bridges
from thence to the East Side of the River at Saraghtoga. I have
also ordered a Detachment of 200 Men of the Connecticut Rein-
forcements at Albany to mend the Road from that City to the
West side of the River at Saraghtoga. I have applied to S r .
Charles Hardy to direct the 4 Eighteen pounders to be sent from
Albany hither. I have also ordered the Commissaries of the
severall Governments at Albany to send hither with all possible
Original destroyed by fire. There is a copy in Massachusetts Archives.
158 Sir William Johnson Papers
Dispatch 60 Broad Axes in Consequence of Cap*. Websters
Report. These previous Measures I thought necessary to take,
and I desire to know whether the Council of War approves of
them and would advise any further ones.
I desire their opinion upon the following Points.
1. Whether in the present state of this Army, its provisions
Military Stores, number of Battoes now here, and the
Intelligence gained of the posture of the Enemy, it be
adviseable in our present Scituation to undertake an imme-
diate Attempt upon Ticonderogo or on any Passes or posts
between this Camp and that important Pass.
If the Council of War are of opinion it is, I desire they
will advise me, what number of men, what Quantity of
Provisions, and what Artillery I shall order upon this
Undertaking.
If the Council of War are of opinion that an immediate
March and Embarkation towards Crown Point is not
adviseable, I desire they will give me their reasons against it.
2. Whether the Flatt bottomed Boats now unfinished shall be
compleated without delay and how many more I shall order
to be Built, and if Tools and Workmen cannot otherwise
be obtained, whether they shall be taken from the Fort now
Building here, where there is a Scarcity of both, so that
not one half of the Works can be carried on together.
3. Whether I shall order all the Waggons as fast as they bring
Provisions and Stores up hither to stop at Fort Edward and
bring up the Battoes and other stores there, & also send
directions down to Albany to bring up the Shells which lay
at the Flatts and the Shot which remain at the half Moon.
My Secretary brings you also to lay before the Council
of War, the Report of a Committee of the Council & of
Representatives of Massachusetts Bay upon two Letters of
mine to Gov r , Phipps. Likewise a Letter from the Agents
of New York employed to forward the Generous Presents
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 159
from some Gentlemen of that City, and the Present of 1 000
Sheep and some Cheese from the Inhabitants of Queens
County on Long Island, upon which I would desire this
Council of War to give me their Opinion of Conveying the
Gratefull Acknowledgments of this Army for these Season-
able Acts of Beneficence.
I have also directed Cap*. Wraxall my Aid de Camp to
give You, to lay before this Council of War a Letter
directed to him from Col. Ruggles relating to his Applica-
tion to me for leave to go to Boston, I desire they will
take the same into Consideration and give me their Opinion
thereon.
I am Sir
Your most hum Serv 1 .
W M . JOHNSON
To MAJOR GENERAL LYMAN.
MINUTES OF COUNCIL OF WAR
D. S. 1
Camp at Lake George p. M. Thursday 9 Oct r . 1755
At a Council of War summoned by General Johnson & held in
Major General Lymans Tent.
Pres 1 . Major General Lyman Pres*.
all the Feild officers in Camp
Capt Eyre chief Engineer &c.
Cap 1 . Glazier Adjutant Gen 1 .
Peter Wraxall Sect'?.
General Lyman directed the Secretary to read to this Council
of War the annexed Letter to him from General Johnson pro-
posing the Subjects referred to the Consideration of this Council
of War.
1 Original destroyed by fire. Copy in Massachusetts Archives.
160 , Sir William Johnson Papers
The Council of War approve the previous Measures w^ the
General has taken as mentioned in his s d . Letter & desire he
would in Case good Broad axes cannot be procured in Albany,
send to the Commissaries for 1 00 wt of the best Heart & Club
Steel and in case the Axes can be procured to send them only
half a hundred Weight & a hogshead of Sea Coal.
Lieu 1 . Col. Whitcomb desired leave to withdraw finding him-
self out of Order. Col. Chauncey & Col. Dyer came to the
Council of War.
As to the First point on w ch the General desires the Opinion
of this Council of War
They are Unanimously of Opinion that in the present Cir-
cumstances of this Army an immediate attempt upon Tionderogo
or any passes or Posts between this Camp & that important Pass,
is not adviseable. And for these Reasons. The Want of a
sufficient Number of Men & a suff*. Quantity of Provisions as
to the Second Point it is the Unanimous Opinion of this Council
of War that no Tools or Workmen shall be employed on the
Flat Bottomed Boats so as to hinder the compleating the Fort
now building here.
As to the third point it is the Unanimous Opinion of this
Council of War that it is necessary for the Subsistence of this
Army that all the Waggons which can be obtained be kept
employed in bringing Provisions & other necessary Stores for the
Troops engaged in this Expedition.
With regard to the Report of the Committee of Massachusetts
Bay the Council desire the Gen 1 will let the Commanding officer
of each Reg 1 have a Copy of that part of it w ch declares the
good opinion of that Government of the behaviour of the Army
in the late Engagement in order to publish it to their several Reg t$ .
and all the Members of this Council of War desire the General
in his next Letter to Gov r . Phipps to express their Gratitude for
the obliging Notice w ch the Gov 1 . of Massachusetts Bay have
taken of them & the Troops here.
With regard to the Generous Pres*. from the Inhabitants of
SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON
(1756)
1
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756
161
the City of New York & of Queens County of Long Island, the
General is desired to write a Letter to Messrs. Robinson & Wal-
lace & to Messrs. Jones & Connel with the grateful acknowledg-
ments of the officers in behalf of this Army for their Seasonable
Generosity.
The Council of War are of opinion that the General give Col.
Ruggles leave to go to Boston
P LYMAN
PETER WRAXALL
TO MOSES EMERSON ET AL
Following the preceding in the Johnson Calendar, (See p. 56) are an
order of October 1 Oth to Moses Emerson and other commissaries for
axes ; proceedings of the same date in the trial by court martial of William
Caleb and Thomas Sear j ants, acquitting the former and finding the latter
not deserving of punishment; an undated memorandum of Lieutenant
Sawyer's desertion; and a letter of the 10th from Johnson to Benning
Wentworth, mentioning illness, the return of Wraxall and advices to be
sent to Governor Phips. All were destroyed by fire.
TO SIR CHARLES HARDY
Camp at Lal^e George 10 October 1755
SIR
My last to your Excellency bore date the 7 In st . As I still
continue mostly confined to my bed, wholly to my Tent & my
pain very little decreased, I wrote a Letter to General Lyman
that I had ordered a Council of War & desired he would lay the
papers & points therein mentioned before them for their opinion,
Copy of w ch . Letter & the Minutes of Council thereon I inclose
your Excellency. It was judged by the Council of War that
with the Reinforcements arrived since the last returns were made
our fit for Duty were ab*. 3000. That all the Provisions meat
excepted upon the Commiss r8 . last returns the 7. & 9. Inst. then
1 Original destroyed by fire.
Vol. II 6
162 9 Sir William Johnson Papers
in Camp were not suff '. for more than 1 or 12 days, that tho
the French Deserters Intelligence seemingly differed with Cap*
Rodgers's yet as he left Tionderogo 3 or 4 days after Rodgers
& the latter was ready to swear to the truth of what he had given
in writing, they were of opinion both Acc ts . were reconcilable to
Truth; the said Deserter said the Enemys force amounted to
6000. when assembled at Crown Point before part of them
advanced to Tionderogo between w^ places there is but 1 5 Miles
distance. As y r . Excellency has doubtless examined this Deserter
more accurately perhaps than was done here you will be able to
make a Judgment hereon. I beg y r . Excellency will transmit
his Examination to Gov r . Phipps at Boston & send me one.
General Lyman examined him here, my illness preventing me, &
he kept no Minutes.
M r . Wraxall informed me Gen 1 . Shirley had ordered him up
to Oswego, & that y r . Excellency had taken that matter under
your Management, W^ I am extreamly glad of & very much
obliged to you for. I soon found myself distressed by his
absence, he has always been a most necessary & useful person
to me, & he will remain so as long as my Military connexions
last. The loss of him would not only be a private one to me, but
I think an essential one to the public relative to this Expedition.
I wrote M r . Shirley before he set out for Oswego that M r .
Wraxall was my Secretary & aid de Camp. The affairs w ch
have passed thro him & the Papers which are in his hands &
under his Mannagment make it absolutely necessary that he
should not be taken from me to a sittuation w ch . must rob me of
that assistance without which I cannot give an Account of my
Conduct to the Gov ls . concerned, w ch they will reasonably
expect & may probably demand, and I cannot but think Gov r .
Shirleys abrupt & peremptory orders to him, an unkind intention
towards me. It is not meerly upon my private but on the public
Interest that I must thank y r . Excellency for y r . Interposition and
claim the continuance of it in regard to this Gentleman, who has
no pay who reaps no Perquisites for all his Labours & the
Dangers to w ch he has exposed himself in this Service.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 163
My Pain continues & I think increases. May Your Excel-
lency be a stranger to pain & intimate with every real Pleasure.
I am with great Esteem Sir
Your Excellencys most obed 1 . & obliged Serv 1 .
INDORSED: General's Letter to Gov r . Hardy 10 Oct r . 1 755.
TO SPENCER PHIPS
Z)/. 1
Camp at Lake George 10 Octo r . 1755
SIR
By Major House 2 I was favoured with your Honours Letter
bearing date 26 Ult.
As to the Unfortunate Vacancies in the Three Regiments
from your Gov*. what I did therein was conformable to the
Opinion of the Council of War & from the necessity there was
of supplying those Vacancies till I was properly informed. I
neither had in this Case nor have I ever had in any other the
least partial Bias more in favour of one officer than another,
further than that Preference w ch the good of the Service & mani-
fest Personal Merit led me to.
Tho I apprehended the Character conferred upon me, gives
me the right of some Judgment & entitules me to some Influence
in these affairs, yet I acquiesce s in the Detirmination w ch your
Honour with the Concurrance of His Majestys Council have
made in this Matter.
I am so unfortunate as to differ in Opinion with Your Honour
concerning that peculiar circumstance w ch had such great Weight
with you. Sure I am, that the popular channel thro w ch this
1 Original destroyed by fire. There is a copy in the Public Record
Office, C. O. 5.46., London, England, that was inclosed in a letter from
Johnson to Sir Thomas Robinson, January 1 7, 1 756. Also in Massa-
chusetts Archives.
2 " House" in the copy; should be Hoare.
8 Word omitted in the copy; supplied from the London transcript.
164 ,Sir William Johnson Papers
Army in general roll d its officers, was a Capital defect in its
Original Construction & w ch has given me inexpressable Vexation
& almost constant Obstructions in carrying that little command x
w ch . I have been able to do. A Popular choice in Military Life
& that by new Levies is founded in Ignorance & will be guided
by Caprice, such officers will in all probability be like the heads
of a Mob, who must support their preheminence by unworthy
Condesensions, & Indulgences subversive of order & of the very
Existance of an Army. After assuring you Sir that there are
several officers in this Army worthy of the Rank they bear, I
will also assure you there are very many under the Rank of Field
officers who are in no respect but by their Commiss 118 . superior to
any of the Men they command, nay that are utterly incapable of
Acting in the posts w ch have fallen to their Lot. For my own
Share I was not bred to Military Life, nor do I claim the knowl-
edge of an experienced officer. I have held myself quite indiff*
to the Ceremonials, & only been attentive to essential parts of
Discipline. All my Orders if inspected will I believe be found,
both easy to be understood & as easily obeyed, yet they have in
very few Instances been duly complied with, & many daily &
notoriously Violated. If I am asked why I did not enforce my
Authority supposing I had w ch . I think I had not the requisite
powers to do it. I answer the Evil was too general to admit of a
Remedy, it was radical in the Constitution & could not be con-
quered but by a Dissolution. General Court Martials & Regi-
mental Ones have been held but with a Success suitable to the
Fabric which occasioned them.
I ask your pardon for Expatiating so much on this Subject,
I have felt it & I feel it, & I wish the Gov ls concerned may not
feel it also. I will conclude by observing to your Honour, that
however popular Gov'. may be by some Esteemed in Civil Life,
in Military Life it is incompatible with any rational Expectations
of Honour & Success.
My Secretary has filled up y r . Commissions for Colonels to
Messrs. Bagly & Pomroy of Lieu*. Colonel to Maj r . Nichols,
1 See note 3, p. 1 63.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756
165
& I have desired Col. Bagly & Col. Pomroy to give in a List of
the other Vacancies in their Reg ts . & who are to succeed by their
respective Senioritys when they shall be also filled up upon your
prescribed Plan. I shall send Col. Ruggles such a Number of
Blank Commissions as he has Vacancies in his Reg*.
If there are any Fees due upon these Commissions they are due
to your Secretary mine take none of any kind.
The General Letter which I sent to your Honour was opened
(upon the presumption of the writing on the back of it) by M r .
Stevenson at Albany & a Copy sent to Gen 1 . Shirley, the Min-
utes of Council were omitted to be inclosed & M r . Stevenson
says he sent them afterwards under Cover to you. this affair
was utterly without my Concurrance & very contrary to my
Expectations.
Whatever Papers I have sent to the Gov*. of New York, I did
it with no other 1 View, than as a Method of the most eligible
Comveniency to get them transmitted your way. From selfish or
Ambitious Views, I make my Court to no Gov 1 . having no
political Schemes to carry, & resting every future Plan of my
Life on a private Bottom. A Lesson w ch mortifying Experience
has taught me.
As to the French General, his Aid de Camp & the French
Prisoners, I thought the Nearest Capital the most prudent to
send 'em. As to the punctilio so strenuously urged by your Com-
mittee it never entered into my head. The French General poor
Man & several of the Pris". were not in a Condition to be con-
signed 2 by any other chanel than I sent them. They are now
out of mine & under the Jurisdiction of the Gov r . of New York,
who if he could with a wish convey them to you would I fancy
most readily do it.
A few Days ago I sent a Deserter from the French Camp at
Tionderogo, the only one we have had from them, down to
Albany, he said, the Army at Crown Point before their March
1 " Another '* in the copy; " no other " in the London transcript.
2 The transcript in the Public Record Office has " conveyed."
166 'Sir William Johnson Papers
to Tionderogo consisted of about 6000 That upon the return
of the remainder of the Party w ch attacked our Camp, the whole
army moved to Crown Point except ab*. 400 left at Tionderogo
& 70 as an advanced Party for Scouting at the Narrows from
whence he made his escape he sayd they were building a Work at
Tionderogo w ch was then 5 Logs high, he said there is a Work
carrying on upon the Rocky Eminence near Crown Point.
You will observe this Ace*, differs from Cap*. Rodgers's Intel-
ligence concerning Tionderogo w ch I transmit you herewith, but
as Cap 1 . Rodgers was there on Sunday the 28 Inst this Deserter
left it the Thursday before, & supposing the latters Ace*, true the
former may be so also as Tionderogo is but 1 5 miles from Crown
Point, however I have sent out other Spies who I expect will clear
up this seeming opposition. If they return before I send off this
Letter you shall have their Intelligence.
I send your hon r also herewith Cap*. Rogers's Intelligence
from Crown Point.
By the last Returns made me the 7 Inst the Men fit for Duty
in this Camp were 2560. Sick & Wounded 540 in both Serg ts .
Corp 5 , & Drums included. The Reinforcements arrived since
will make up the fit for Duty ab*. 3000 By the Commissaries
returns & a calculation made thereon last night at the Council of
War we had not above 1 or 12 days Bread.
By a Violent Inflamation in my Head & Ear, I have been for
some days past mostly confined to my Bed wholly to my Tent.
I therefore summoned a Council of War to meet Yesterday after-
noon & wrote a Letter to General Lyman to lay what I had to
refer to them before the Council, a Copy of that Letter & the
Minutes of Council thereon I inclose you herewith, also a Copy
of Cap*. Websters Report & General Shirleys Letter. The
Gov r . of New Yorks Letter & the Report of his Council are
chiefly ab*. the Fort erecting here & Cannon.
As by our Scouts have discovered partys of Observation from
the Enemy who come in Cannoes upon this Lake I sent ab*. 60
or 70 Men to lodge themselves upon an Island near to the Carry-
Preliminary Campaigns, 17 55- 17 56
167
ing Place in order to lay in wait & intercept some of these Parties
they are not yet returned. I keep constantly out 2 Parties on each
side the Lake of 50 each who send out small Scouting Parties to
discover any Motions of the Enemy so as to prevent a Surprize. 1
I have about 8 or 9 Indians here of the 6 Nations & expect
some few more.
Col. Blanchard & his New Hampshire Reg*, have left us, the
Mens enlisting time being out & no advices from their Gov r . con-
cerning them. They are a loss to us as they did the chief part of
the Scouting Duty are very 2 extreamly well calculated for it.
There are arrived at this Camp about 500 of the Reinforce-
ments from your Gov*. Col. Willards Reg 1 , included. I am
Most respectfully Sir Your Honours
Most Obed*. hum Serv 1 .
To GOVERNOR PHIPPS.
TO DAVID JONES ET AL
The preceding letter was followed in the Johnson Calendar, p. 56, by
a letter of October 1 to David Jones and Thomas Cornel from Johnson,
acknowledging a present of cheese and sheep from Queens county (printed
in Doc. Hist. N. 7., 2:702-3; Q, 2:409-10). It was destroyed by
fire.
TO ROBINSON AND WALLACE
D/. 8
Camp at Lake Ceorge 10 Oclo r . 1755
GENTLEMEN
Your favour of the 16 past with Sundry presents from the
Inhabitants of your City was forwarded to me from Albany by
Ol deLancey Esq r . a few days ago.
1 In the copy the word is suspicion ; corrected from London transcript
*In copy "were**; "very** in London transcript.
1 Original destroyed by fire.
168 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
Yesterday I laid your Letter before a Council of War of all
the Field officers in this Camp & I send you inclosed an Extract
from the Minutes of the same in consequence thereof.
This Instance of publick Spirited Beneficence from Your City,
has not only impressed Universal Gratitude upon the Hearts of
this Army, but filled them with a just Sense of your Patriotism
in this Generous Instance. I have ordered a Feild officer & a
Surgeon from every Reg*, in Camp to meet & make an equitable
Division of what is arrived, in w ch . the Troops at Fort Edward
who were in the Actions of the 8 Sep r . & the Sick of the rein-
forcements are to be included.
these presents are a relief to Distresses & a supply to wants
w ch . would otherwise have been without remedy in our Circum-
stances & Sittuation.
Neither myself nor any belonging to my personal Family either
officers or Servants will Share any of these Presents, as I appre-
hend the rest of the army may stand more in need of these Sea-
sonable refreshments.
I beg you Gentlemen in particular & all the other Contributors
in general, will Accept of my grateful applause to that honour
w** 1 you have done yourselves, & for that well timed Relief w ch
you have given to the Troops under my Command.
I am
Gentlemen
Your most obliged & obed 1 . Serv*.
To MESSRS. ROBINSON & WALLACE Merch 18 at New York
TO WILLIAM SHIRLEY
Df.
Camp at Lake George 10 OcF. 1755
SIR
I wrote Your Excellency the 30 Inst. with sundry Papers
designed to give you the best State in my power of the Troops &
affairs under my Direction. M r . Wraxall on his arrival at Albany
Preliminary Campaigns, 7755-7756 169
gave that packet to M r . Stevenson to forward to Your Excel-
lency. The night after his Departure I was seized with an
Inflamation in my head w ch . gave me inexpressible Torment, I
have been bled, blistered & purged, w ch . with want of Sleep &
appetite confines me to the bed. My Pain is some what abated,
but is still such as I can get but little Sleep. As my Instructions
to M r . Wraxall directed him to consult S r . Charles Hardy upon
his future proceedings, that Gentlemans advice & my illness occa-
sioned his return hither in 5 days after his departure from hence,
w ch gave me g rea t Satisfaction, as I found he was too necessary
to me here to spare him on my designed Plan and some other
Circumstances having intervened, has induced me not to transmit
at least at present duplicates of those Papers w^ 1 I sent to y r .
Excellency. One is, that I chuse first to hear from you upon them.
The 8 Inst I rec d Your Excellencys several Letters bearing
d~tes the 19, 24, 25 & 28. past
As to my not sending Y r . Excel!?, an Ace*, of the Actions of
the 8 past at the same time I did it in a general Letter to the sev-
eral Gov ts . The Council of War gave their opinion that I should
with all possible Dispatch send that Letter to Gov r . Phipps. This
I did, and the Person appointed to carry it not being one under
my Command, was so impatient to be gone that he would scarce
wait till that Letter was finished and the officers also urging me
not to delay him. As there had been no time to look over the
Papers of the French General & other Pris" so as for me to
judge what might be necessary to send your Excellency, I was
more easy on the head of delaying my Letter to you w ch . I was
determined to send by the first opportunity & did it accordingly.
I assure your Excellency that my not dispatching you a Lettr
before or at the time I did the general one was owing to unavoid-
able Obstacles, & that I thought 2 or 3 days differ was not of
material Consequence, this & not want of that attention w ch is
due to your Station & Sittuation, was what regulated my Con-
duct. Your Excellency will please to consider or be informed,
that I have no writers but my Seer?. M r . Wraxall, & a Deputy
. & they have no pay or perquisites for what they do in this
170 Sir William Johnson Papers
way, & that no Establishment was made for me of this kind.
M r . Wraxall has been & is my only Aid de Camp. In this Sittu-
ation I think my self excusable if I cannot be so punctual &
diffusive in my advices as might otherwise have been expected
from me. I hope your Excell?. will accept this as an Appology
for my not entering into a particular reply to your several Letters
before me. Any Advice w 6 * 1 . it has been in my power to send
you, w ch . appears to me to have any connexion with or could have
any probable Influence on that part of His Majestys Service w ch .
your Excellency has the personal Direction of, I have trans-
mitted you with all the Dispatch w ch . Circumstances would permit,
and I am conscious of no wilful Neglect herein, whatever Insinu-
ations may be made to the contrary.
Your Excellencys Letter of the 25 Sep r . I laid last night before
a Council of War. The Minutes of that Council I transmit you
herewith.
By the last returns the 6 & 7. Inst the Number of Men fit for
Duty at this Camp were 2560. Men Sick & Wounded 540.
Serg ts . Corp 5 . & Drums included. The Reinforcements arrived
since was calculated last night by the Council of War, to make
the fit for Duty 3000 the Bread then in Camp sufK for about
12 days. I have about 7 or 8 Indians with me & am advised
more are coming. I expect they will be but few.
The time of Enlistment of the New Hampshire Reg*, being
expired & no Letters from their Gov r . relative to them being
come to Col. Blanchard > they are all marched home except ab*.
4 or 5. who stay with Cap 1 . Rogers, this is a great loss to us in all
our Scouting Duty, as it was principally done by them, & tho I
continue to send parties out, I am afraid the Duty will not be so
effectually done.
A French Deserter the only one we have had, came some days
ago to our Camp. I sent him down to Sir Charles Hardy, who
I suppose if he gives any Intelligence w ch may be useful to Your
Excellency will transmit it you. He gave here a diff*. Acct of
the Enemy at Tionderoga from what Cap*. Rodgers did. He
was examined before Gen 1 . Lyman but as he Deserted from
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 171
Tionderoga, 3 or 4 days after Cap*. Rodgers was there, the
officers present at his Examination & who were at the Council of
War last night, think both Accounts are reconcilable. I have
dispatchecT other Spies to Tionderogo, who may return before I
can send off this Letter, if so you shall know the News I bring.
I have also sent a party of 1 00 Men to an Island in the Lake to
Intercept any of the Enemys small partys, who are frequently
sent out to watch our Motions.
I do not recollect any thing further that I have to acquaint
your Excellency with at present.
I hope the obstacles w ch have inevitably hindered your Excel-
lency from proceeding upon the Expedition under your command
are as you hoped so far surmounted as to have enabled you to set
sail nearly ab*. the time you mention, & unfeignedly wish you
ay meet with the desired Success in an Undertaking of so much
Importance to the Interest & welfare of His Majestys Dominions
in N. America. I am with all due respect Sir
Y r . Excellencys Most obedt hum Serv*.
I have given orders & taken Measures for the Completion of
Fort Edward.
INDORSED: Generals Letter to General Shirley 10 Octo r . 1 755.
TO THOMAS HUTCHINSON
D/. 1
Camp at Lake George 11 October 1755.
SIR
Please to accept of my unfeigned thanks for your very obling'g
& Esteemed favour of the 24 past by Major Hoare. 2
The French Generals Order of Battle w ch I directed Cap 1 .
Wraxall my Seer 1 "?. & Aid de Camp to inclose to Gov r .
DeLancey, I expected would be immediately printed at New
York for the Entertainment of the public. I was not aware that
1 Original destroyed by fire.
1 " House " in the copy ; should be Hoare.
172 * Sir William Johnson Papers
it would give any Jealousy to y r . Gov*. & indeed it was not found
among the Papers till my general Letter was closed, for we had
not then had time to examine the papers w * 1 were taken, both
M r . Wraxall & myself were very much vexed to see a Letter in
the New York Paper published with his name to it. We have
understood since, that Letter was a composition of parts of his
& of another wrote from this Army. The Letter he wrote was a
Scrawl hurried over, without the least apprehension it would ever
be published, intended only as a point of respect to M r . DeLancey
then commander in chief of the Province to w ch . M r . Wraxall
bears a Civil connexion as you know I also do something from
one of us might reasonably have been expected, and this Method
Circumstances pointed out.
As to the General Letter opened at Albany & the Minutes of
Council omitted to be re inclosed. I have explained that Matter
in my Letter to Gov r . Phipps w ch I doubt not will be commu-
nicated to you as also what I have said upon the other Papers
sent to the Gov r . of New York w ch he says he sent copies of upon
the receipt of them.
Tho I have always looked upon your Gov*. as having the lead
in this present Expedition, yet I apprehended the others were not
to be totally neglected, & as no Establishment was made, to enable
me to carry on the diffusive Correspondence w ch seems to be
expected from me, it has been & is impossible for me to fulfill
those Expectations. All my writing Buisness Originates with
M r . Wraxall and I have but one Copier under him. M r .
Wraxall has also been my only Aid de Camp who writes &
delivers out all my Military orders, Instructions &c. this detail of
Duty even in a regular army of equal Numbers to this would be
thought too much for one Person, & in this is extreamly fatiguing,
he has also acted as Judge advocate & tho there has been but too
much foundation to give him his hands full in this Department yet
Prudence on the One hand, & the little advantage to the Service
found upon Trial on the other, has relieved him from much
Employ*, in this office. These Posts M r . Wraxall accepted
without even the prospect of any pay from the public, declared
Preliminary Campaigns, 7755-7756
173
ie would take none from me & has given up every Perquisite w ch
>elongs to two of them, he has sustained them greatly to my
>atisf action, to the advantage of the Service & very honourably
for himself.
I will appeal to you Sir whose Penetration I know to be equal
to your Candor, whether that punctuality could be observed or
whether it has been in my power to afford those gratifications
which have I doubt not been expected from me.
Tho this Expedition was embraced with great Ardor & a very
laudible Spirit appeared throughout most of the Colonies con-
cerned Yet there were some Capital Errors in its construction
& w ch . I fear has in a great measure tended to disappoint the
Sanguine Expectations of the Colonies. It would be too great a
Tax upon your Patience & upon my time to descend to particulars.
Believe me my very good Sir, that I accept your friendly Inti-
mations with a grateful heart & desire Consequences to myself
from your Generous concern about me, and I shall profit by it.
Whenever I consider the Great Expence of the Colonies, & that
uncommon exertion of themselves w * 1 has appeared in fav r . of
this Expedition I am apprehensive the Events of this Campaign
will not be equal to their Hopes, & perhaps all that has been
done will to the generality appear of little consequence & merit,
because all was not done. I am conscious that I have acted up
to the extent of my abilities & of my power, & I am prepared to
prove it. the Station I am placed in is exposed to too much &
to too little Fame, considered as the just result of Conduct. I
prefer the inward conviction of my own rectitude to every pre-
carious S x of applause.
Public affairs require my putting an End to this Letter, &
leaves me only time to assure you that I am with great Esteem
Dear Sir
Your most obliged hum Serv*.
I am very much out of order with a violent Inflamation in the
side of my head, w ch confines me mostly to my bed.
To the Hon ble THO S . HuTCHINSON Es<J.
1 Word apparently illegible. Perhaps "Salvo."
174 'Sir William Johnson Papers
FROM CHRISTOPHER CHAMPLIN
A report of camp guards, dated October 1 1 th, from Christopher
Champlin, following the preceding in the Johnson Calendar, p. 57, was
destroyed by fire.
TO PHINEAS LYMAN
Df. S. 1
Camp at Lat^e George
II October 1755
SIR
Application having been made to me by Your Self in con-
junction with several Feild Officers in this Camp, to order a
Council of War to take into consideration & give their Opinion
on the present state of this Army & all Circumstances relating
thereto, and whether it is not best Immediately to inform the
Governments concerned in the Expedition, thereof, & desire their
Orders as to future Proceedings.
And to consider whether it is not best to dismiss a Number of
Invalids from the Service.
As my illness disables me from being holds, a Council of War
in Person, I desire you will preside at this which I have summoned
in [consequence of the above application, & lay before the Mem-
bers thereof the foregoing Articles contained in the said Appli-
cation made to me, to ivit 2 ] conformity to the above Application
and make me a Report of their Opinions on the above Subjects
in writing
[/. To taf^e into Consideration the present state of this Army
& all Circumstances relating thereto
2. Whether it is not best immediately to inform the Govern-
ments concerned in this Expedition thereof, and desire
their Orders as to future Proceedings.
"Original manuscript in New York Public Library; in Wraxall's
handwriting.
2 Words in italics and inclosed in brackets are erased in original manu-
script.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 175
3. To consider "whether it is not best to dismiss a number of
Invalids from the Service. 1 ]
I am Sir
Your most hum serv*.
To MAJOR GENERAL LYMAN W M . JOHNSON
MINUTES OF COUNCIL OF WAR
D. S. 2
Camp at Lake George 11 ih . Oct r . 1755
HON D . SIR.
We would humbly propose to your Honour to call a Council
of War to consider of the present state of this Army and all cir-
cumstances relating thereto, and whether it is not best imme-
diately to inform the Governments concerned in the Expedition
thereof and desire their Orders as to future proceedings, and to
consider whether it is not best to dismiss a number of Invalids
from the service and am
Your Honours
most Obed*. hum Serv 18 .
To the Hon ble . William P Lyman
Johnson Commander in chief of Seth Pomroy
the Army at Lake George. Elip 1 . Dyer
Elihu Chauncey
A true Copy Examined by me Nathan Wniting
PETER WRAXALL John Pitkin.
Secry
1 See note 2, p. 1 74.
2 In Public Record Office, C. O. 5. 1 7. p. 35, London, England. In
Sir Charles Hardy to Sir Thomas Robinson, November 27, 1755. A
draft of this document in the Library Collection was destroyed by fire.
1 76 Sir William Johnson Papers
Camp at Lake George 11 October 1755
P.M.
At a Council of War held in General Lyman's Tent
Present
General Lyman president
All the Field officers in Camp
except Lieu*. CoK Ward & Lieu*. Col. Whitcome
absent by Sickness
Cap*. Eyre Engineer Gen 1 . &c a .
Cap*. Glazier, Adjutant Gen 1 .
Peter Wraxall Secretary
General Lyman acquainted this Council of War, that application
having been made by himself and sundry Field Officers now
present to General Johnson to call a Council of War upon the
following Articles.
1 . To take into consideration the present state of this Army and
all circumstances relating thereto.
2. Whether it is not best immediately to inform the Governments
concerned in the Expedition thereof and desire their orders as to
future proceedings.
3. To consider whether it is not best to dismiss a Number of
Invalids from the service.
General Johnson had by reason of his present Indisposition
desired him to preside at this Council of War, and to make a
Report of their proceedings. Whereupon General Lyman
desired this Council of War to take the foregoing Articles in to
their serious consideration and give their Opinion on the same.
It is the opinion of this Council of War, that a Member of
this Council from each Province be appointed a Committee to
draw up a particular state of this Army, and all circumstances
relating thereto, and make a Report of the same to this Council
Preliminary Campaigns, 17551756
177
of War at their next meeting. And the following Gentlemen
were appointed to be that Committee
Col. Bagley for Massachusets Bay
Col. Dyer for Connecticut
CoK Cockcroft for New York
Major Champlin for Rhode Island.
The Council deferred their opinion upon the second Article
till the Committee had delivered their Report upon the first.
Upon the third Article this Council of War are of Opinion,
that such Soldiers as are unfit for duty, and are not likely to be
of any service to the Army this Fall, may have a Furlow to
return home from the Commanding Officer of each Regiment
with the Generals approbation
The Council of War was then Adjourned by the presid*. to
6 Clock to Morrow Evening.
12 October Sunday Evening about 6 Clock
Present
Major General . Lyman
All the Field Officers in Camp except Lieu*. Col. Ward and
Lieu*. Col. Whitcomb
Major Payson added to the Council
Cap*. Eyre and Cap 1 , Glazier.
Peter Wraxall Secretary.
The Committee delivered in their Report of the particular
state of this Army and all circumstances relating thereto, which
was read to the Council and is as follows.
WHEREAS the Council of War have appointed and chosen
us William Cockcraft, Elip 1 . Dyer, Jonathan Bagly, and
Christopher Champlin, as a Committee to take into Consideration
the present state of this Army and all circumstances relating
thereto, and make Report thereof to the said Council. We in
consequence thereof make the following Report.
178 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
We find that our Army at Present Encampt near Lake George
including the Reinforcements already arrived consists of about
3600 Men, the Garison now at Fort Edward of 500 men, and
the recruits at Albany and on their March hither of about 2500
men, the whole amounting to 6600. whereof by the several
returns from the Regiment here, and at Fort Edward, it appears
that about 700 are unfit for duty, besides many others who must
soon inevitably be rendered incapable of Duty, thro' want of
proper Lodging, Bedding, Watchcoats, and other necessaries
against the inclemency of the weather to which they are con-
tinually exposed, in Camp duty, in building the Fort mending
the Roads, Advanced and scouting parties, in all which different
services they cannot have the use of fire.
[As to the Grand and important point of Provisions, it is
notorious from returns of the several Commissaries from time to
time given in, the Army in General has never at any time (since
their Encampment at Lake George) been possessed of two
weeks provisions 1 advance, (saving the Article of Meat) not-
withstanding the utmost efforts used by his Excellency Governor
Hardy at Albany, in impressing Waggons and furnishing the
Convoys, and that too when the weather was favourable and the
Roads Waggons and Horses all in good order, much less can we
now expect to have such a supply of Provisions, when our Troops
are considerably Augmented, the inclemency of the Weather
daily encreasing, and the Roads in may places almost impassable,
numbers of Waggons broke and destroyed, many horses killed
and worn out in the service, and from the present Season of the
year, heavy rains may be daily expected, when the three Branches
of the Mohawks River, and Hudsons River at Saraghtoga will
be rendered impassable, but admitting all our former Advantages
were still to continue, yet before it could be possible to get up
from Albany provisions for the present Consumption and also a
Sufficiency for the Army to proceed, the Season would be so
1 Word omitted jn the original; probably "in."
Preliminary Campaigns, 1 7 55-17 56
179
far advanced, that it would be morrally impossible to undergo
the rigour of the Weather.
The above Considerations are humbly submitted to the
honourable Members of the Council of War by their
Most Obed 1 . hum e Serv ts .
William Cockcraft
Elip'. Dyer
Jonathan Bagly
Chris: Champlin.
Camp Lake George
October 12 th . 1755.
The foregoing Report was unanimously accepted by this
Council of War] as containing the present state of this Army
and all circumstances relating thereto.
Upon the second Article this Council of War are unanimously
of opinion that the General be advised to transmit the Minutes
of this Council, to the several Governments concerned and desire
their orders as to future proceedings.
P: Lyman.
Peter Wraxall Secry
A true Copy from the Original Examined
by me PETER WRAXALL Secry
Copy Exam d . by
Gw BANYAR D Secry
INDORSED. Camp at Lake George
Oct r . 11*. & 12-- 1755
Minutes of Council of War
in Gov r . Hardy's of the
27. Nov. 1755
FROM MOSES EMERSON ET AL
There are found in the Johnson Calendar (See pp. 56-57) a commis-
sary report of October 1 1 th from Moses Emerson on rum, axes and pro-
visions forwarded by Samuel Gardineer; an order from Wraxall of the
180 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
same date to Major John Hazelton, at or near Albany, to oversee the
wagon train of the army ; minutes of a court of inquiry held on the 1 1 th
and the 15th, investigation of alleged mutinous conduct of Captain Esekial
Peirce and finding of guilt; proceedings of a council of war held on the
1 1 th regarding the state of the army, proper course to adopt and dismissal
of invalids; and a letter of the 1 1th from Philip John Schuyler to Wraxall
on evidence given at court martial against William Caleb, accused of
sleeping at his post. All were destroyed by fire.
FROM GOLDSBROW BANYAR
A. L. S. 1
Albany 12 Octo. 1755.
DEAR SIR
Your Letter of the 7 th I had an opportunity of seeing as it
was laid before the Council. Two things in it gave me a great
deal of Uneasiness, the first, which surprizes every body here,
that the Flat Bottomed Boats began so long since, advance so
slowly, that one only is yet finished; and the other that the Car-
penters are not only unwilling to Work but wanted Broad Axes
if they were willing to work. As to the first, as I understand the
Matter, it is owing to the confusion the Army were thrown into
after the Attack, which prevented their doing anything but what
tended to secure themselves ag l . a second attempt: we at this
distance are not so proper Judges, & therefore have never appre-
hended any such thing, but rather thought the Enemy were in
that Situation. And tis hard to conceive that 100 Carpenters
could not be spared for the Scows. They dont want complete
Workmen. And as to the 2d since without them Crown Point
could not be attacked, nor prudently without building Forts to
secure your Retreat, are not these things inseparable from the
Service the Men were inlisted in. And if the Provinces have
not made Provision for Extra Pay to those who are employed as
Carpenters (as our Province has done by allowing 50) their
Pay is large, & this & the Spirit they pretend to have for the
1 Original destroyed by fire.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756
181
Enterprise, ought to have contented them, relying that the diff l .
Provinces would if it was reasonable make them some allowance.
For my own Part I think they have no right to expect it, and
that the Publick are in titled to every Mans Service, from the
highest to the lowest, be it in their Power to exert it in whatever
way, on the Terms they engaged, which was Pay and Provisions.
And this backwardness is I fear owing principally to the officers
not exerting that Authority, which however week it may be
thought, would upon tryal have been found effectual: 'tis vain to
think of carrying on our Expedition if the Men will not work,
they are paid & fed for it as well as to fight, & the latter is not
to be done without the former, as they cannot approach an
Enemy. The Expence you see must otherwise be infinite.
Again, if Carpenters or Mechanicks of any kind (I speak of
those found among the Army not those who are under perticular
agreement) are to be paid, why not Labourers, and if for build-
ing Forts or Scows, why not for throwing up Intrenchments round
their Camp, since every Measure of that Sort is equally necessary
for their Preservation. I am ashamed of them. These are the
blessed Effects of that unbounded Liberty we boast of & value
purselves for. Every Man with you thinks himself as at home,
& that he's a right to be directed by his own Sentiments. In this
Case the very Essence of an Army is wanting, I mean a due
Subordination. I confine what I say to general things principally.
I know you must suffer a good deal on these Accounts, and
imagine you see these things in much the same light as I do. My
view in taking notice of them, is only to remind you of the neces-
sity (in matters of greater concern) there is of its appearing in
a proper manner that you exerted the Authority you are invested
with. That you should be reduced to the necessity of abandoning
the Work on the Scows, that the Fort might go on, & that the
latter will take a month still to finish is what cannot I think be
accounted for, but by the officers and Men being disobedient to
orders, and where the whole are so, there's no Punishing. The
stop put to the Scows, seems, tho I suppose it is not, a measure
182 Sir William Johnson Papers
taken in Consequence of a determination not to proceed further.
If you have not waggons or provisions enough, I believe it is not
sufficiently well known here. The Governor inquired about your
Order for Broad Axes, w ch perhaps had not come to light or you
supply 'd so soon otherwise. The Commissaries on all sides
appear to me to have been too indolent. And how clearly am
I convinced now, how serviceable M r . DeLancey would have
been if he had come up here 3 Months ago. a Hint that was
given time enough. To conclude since I Fear we cannot do what
is most wish'd for : I hope we may secure Ticonderoga, the Fort
at the Lake & Fort Edward, and lay up all the Batoes and
Stores in Places of Security, that there may be no necessity of
another Provision next year. I need not apologize any more
for the Freedom I take. Adieu and believe me to be sincerely
yours
Gw BANYAR
M r . Ogilvie begs his Compliments & will write to you soon.
I begin to grow homesick & I dont see we are likely to go from
hence this fortnight.
FROM JOHN LISCOM ET AL
The foregoing letter is followed in the Johnson Calendar (See p. 57)
by a report of the officers of guard and day; John LJscom's report as
captain of artillery guard; Captain Robert Rogers's report of scouting
(Doc. Hist. N. 7., 4:262-63; Q, 4:171); Timothy Putnam's report
to Rogers (Doc. Hist. N. 7., 4:266; Q, 4:173); Israel Putnam's
report to Rogers (Doc. Hist. N. Y.. 4:264-65; Q, 4:172); and Cap-
tain Hunt's report to Rogers (Doc. Hist. N. Y., 4:265; Q, 4:172-73).
all of October 12th. All were destroyed by fire.
Preliminary Campaigns, 7755-7756
183
FROM BARON DIESKAU
L. S. 1
a albany Le 72 8 K 7755
Si mes forces m'avoient permis Monsieur, de tenir plutot la
plume, je n'aurois pas attendu jusques a ce jour pour vous
renouveller les sentimens de reconnoissance que je dois a toutes
vos bontes. Celles que j'ai regues de vous dans votre Camp et
celles que je regois ici tous les jours de M de . votre soeur sont
d'une nature a n'etre jamais oubliees.
malgre La triste situation ou je me trouve moy meme, je n'ai
pu m'empecher de partager avec M de . ferrall Les peines de celle
ou elle se trouve, quoyque je n'ai jamais eu lieu de m'en apperce-
voir, par la force qu'elle a pris sur elle de me la cacher, et de
vouloir me persuader meme que je ne luy causois aucun embarras,
un des motifs qui me feroit le plus desirer ma guerison, seroit de
pouvoir trouver quelqu* occasion dans ma vie, ou je serois asses
heureux de pouvoir vous temoigner et a elle tout ce que je dois
a ses bontes a ses soins et a ses attentions, qui passent peut etre
tout ce que j'aurois pu esperer dans le sein de ma famille
je ne connois point asses mon etat, Monsieur, pour vous en
rendre Compte. je souffre toujours, et je ne vois encore point de
jour pour ma guerison, surtout a L'egard de la blessure qui passe
par la vessie; cependant on m'assure que je ne suis point en
danger et on me trouve en etat de me faire partir demain pour
new york 2 ce que je desirois ardament, moins par 1'esperance d'y
trouver plus de secours qu'ici, que par 1'envie que j'avois de
delivrer madame votre soeur de I'embarras que je luy cause, et
pour luy oter de devant les yeux un objet qui doit renouveller sans
Mn New York Public Library, Emmet Collection.
2 On October 7 Governor Hardy wrote from Albany to a committee
of the council at New York that he proposed in a few days to send down
the Baron and his aide and desired that suitable lodgings be provided
and the aide admitted to parole but kept away from the fortifications.
Council Minutes, 25:76.
184 Sir William Johnson Papers
cesse ses douleurs, quoyque je n'aye jamais eu lieu de m'apperce-
voir ni de L'un, ni de L autre
vous avez eu la bonte, Monsieur, de vous charger de mes
premieres lettres pour le Canada, je vous demande le meme service
pour cellesci.
soufrez, je vous prie Monsieur, que j 'assure ici M. D'airys et
M. votre aide de camp de mes sentimens d'estime et d'amitie que
je leur dois pour eux meme et pour celle qu'ils m'ont temoignee.
j'ai L'honneur d'etre avec un tres sincere attachement
Monsieur
Votre tres humble et
tres obeissant serviteur
LE BARON DE DIESKAU
M. DE JOHNSON
mon aide de camp a L'honneur devous presenter ses sentimens
pleins de respect et de reconnoissance et d'assurer de ses civilites
M d'ayres et m. de wrexell.
Translation
At Albany the 12th of October, 1755
If my strength had permitted me, sir, to take a pen in hand
sooner, I should not have waited to this day to renew to you
the expressions of gratitude which I owe for all your kind favors.
Those which I received from you in your camp and those which
I receive here every day from your sister 1 are of a nature never
to be forgotten.
In spite of the unhappy situation in which I find myself, I can
not help sharing in the grief of Mrs Ferrall for the situation in
which she finds herself, although I have never had reason to
observe it, because of the effort which she has made to conceal
it, and even of wishing to persuade me that I was causing her no
1 Wife of Captain Matthew Ferrall, or Farrell, killed at the battle of
Lake George.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 185
trouble. One of the motives which makes me most desirous of
recovery is to be able to find some opportunity in my life in
which I shall be so happy as to be able to testify to you and to
her to all that I owe to her kind acts, to her care and to her
attentions, which exceed perhaps all that I could have hoped
for in the bosom of my family.
I do not understand my condition sufficiently, sir, to be able
to give you an account of it. I suffer continually, and I see no
day as yet for my recovery, particularly as regards the wound
which traverses the bladder; however they assure me that I am
not in danger, and they find me in a condition to be sent off
tomorrow to New York, which I ardently desire, less from hope
to find there more relief than here than from the wish which I
have to relieve your sister of the trouble which I cause her, and
to remove from her eyes an object which must continually renew
her sorrows, although I have never had occasion to perceive
either the one or the other.
You have had the goodness, sir, to burden yourself with my
first letters for Canada; I ask of you the same favor for these.
Permit me here, I beg you, sir, to assure Mr Eyre and your aide-
de-camp of my feelings of esteem and friendship, which I owe
them for themselves and for that which they have shown to me.
I have the honor to be with a very sincere attachment,
Sir
Your very humble and
very obedient servant
BARON DE DIESKAU
MR. JOHNSON
My aide-de-camp has the honor to present to you his feelings
of respect and gratitude and to send his regards to Mr Eyre and
Mr Wraxall.
186 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
TO THOMAS FITCH 1
D/. 2
Camp at Lake George 13 October 1755.
SIR
I am favoured with your Honours Letter bearing date the
22 Sep'.
Your congratulations on our Success against the Enemy are
very acceptable & obliging & your kind concern for my wound
has my particular gratitude; The Ball is not yet extracted, how-
ever it gives me little or no pain, but from another cause I have
been & continue so much Discorded as to be mostly confined to
my Bed & wholly to my Tent for several Days. It began with a
violent Inflamation in the side of my Head, w ch afterwards fixed
in my Ear where it remains & gives me great anguish. I have
been blistered, purged & twice Bled, all w ctl has made me
extreamly Weak.
It has been thought necessary at this Juncture that a Field
officer from the Troops of your Gov*. should be dispatched to
you, in order to represent our present Sittuation & all other Cir-
cumstances relating to this Army in a more ample & satisfactory
manner than can be done by writing. Lieu*. Col. Pitkin was
named to me by Gen 1 Lyman & other Gent n . horn your Gov 1 . as
a proper Person.
I was pleased with their choice, he has been with us from the
beginning, & is a Gentleman of whose Capacity & Merit I have
a high opinion. I shall refer your Honour to him for particulars.
1 Thomas Fitch was born in 1 699 in Norwalk, Conn. ; was graduated
at Yale College; studied law, and filled the offices in his native colony
of councilor, judge of the superior court, lieutenant governor and governor,
occupying the last named from 1 754 to 1 766, when, because of his com-
pliance with the requirements of the stamp act, a new governor was thrust
into his place by the general assembly. He died July 18, 1774, and
was buried at Norwalk.
2 Original destroyed by fire.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756
187
Herewith I transmit you the Minutes of a Council of War I
imoned the 9 Inst & wrote a Letter to General Lyman to
>reside thereat & lay the particulars before them as mentioned in
my s d . Letter to him a Copy of w ch is annexed to the Minutes,
Copies also of Cap 1 . Websters Report & Gov r . Shirleys Letter
referred to in the said Minutes. By the returns from the several
Reg ts . here the 7 & 8 Inst. we then had in Camp 2560 Men fit
for duty & 540 Sick & wounded, Serg ts . Corp 8 . & Drums
included. By reinforcements arrived at 8 & 9 th at Night the
Council of War calculated our Numbers fit for Duty in Camp
to be about 3000.
By the last Intelligence we received from Tionderoga, by Cap 1 .
Rodgers of the New Hampshire Reg*, a Brave & honest Man,
who was very near the French Encampm*. there, he says the
Enemys Camp appeared as large as ours & that he judged he
saw a Work or Fort there & Artillery, that at the Head of the
Carrying Place, they had an advanced Camp of, as he judges
near 1000. French & Ind s .
Three other Spies I Sent to Tionderoga who returned yester-
day, being two Cap ts & one Ensign say they did not dare venture
near enough to Tionderoga to make observations, finding or mis-
trusting they were discovered by the Enemys out Scouts. That
on this side the Carrying Place they were very near & plainly saw
two Encamp 1 *, of the Enemy on each side the Lake one of French
& one of Indians, w ch two of them say, they judge to am*, to
between 7 & 800 Men, one of them writes a 1 000. The Lake
at this place they say is not above 32 or 33 Rod over, and that
they heard the noise of Workmen w lh . axes & other Tools as if
Works were making w ch they could not clearly discover for the
thick Brush.
Some days ago a French Deserter came to this Camp the only
one we have had. He left Tionderoga (w ch is but 1 5 Miles from
Crown Point) 3 or 4 days before Cap*. Rodgers was there,
Gen 1 . Lyman examined him. He reports ' there were at the
advanced post only 70 or 80 of the Enemy & ab*. 400 at Tion-
188 Sir William Johnson Papers
deroga. It is thought tho these Acc ts . vary, they are yet recon-
cilable when the Distance of time is considered, & the Distance
from Crown point to Tionderoga. He said he knew of no
Artillery. I sent him down to Albany to Gov r . Hardy & I shall
desire Col. Pitkin to take with him a Copy of this Fellows
information. Tomorrow I propose to send some more Spies &
upon their Return & Intelligence being favourable & our getting
a suff*. supply of Provisions, to propose to the Council of War
some further Proceedings against the Enemy w ch if Prudent &
practicable I am extreamly desirous should take place.
I send also your Honour herewith a Copy of an Application
made to me by General Lyman & sundry officers for a Council
of War on the Points therein mentioned. I complied & the
Minutes of said Council of War go herewith.
I submit every thing as to future Opperations wherein present
Circumstances do not authorize me, to those Directions w ch the
several Gov ls . concerned in this Armament shall think proper to
send.
I should have been more punctual & frequent in my Cor-
respondence with your Honour, but has not been in my Power.
M r . Wraxall who is my Sec r y. has been also my only Aid de
Camp & till very lately Judge Advocate, for all w ch . offices he
has neither pay or Perquisites nor was any Establishm*. provided
by the Gov ts . for them. My hands & his have been always so
full of the immediate Concerns of the Army, that my public
Correspondence has unavoidably suffered by it. I am most
respectfully Sir y r Honours Your most ob dt hum Serv*.
To the Honourable
GOVERNOR FITCH.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1 7 55-1 7 56 189
TO SIR CHARLES HARDY
Df. 1
Camp at Lake George 13 October 1755
SIR
My last to Your Excellency was the 10 In st . herewith I
transmit you a Copy of an Application made to me in writing
by General Lyman & sundry other Feild officers to order a Coun-
cil of War upon the Points mentioned in said Paper. I complied
with their request & inclose Your Excellency the Copy of the
Minutes of said Council.
They have desired a Feild officer from Connecticut & Massa-
chusetts should go to their respective Gov ts . with Copies of the
Minutes of this Council as a very Necessary Measure at this
Juncture. I have given my Consent for Lieu*. Col. Pitkin 2 &
Col. Ruggles to go.
I have wrote those Gov ts . that when Circumstances will allow
me to renew my proposal of making any advances towards the
Enemy, I shall do it, as I should be most sincerely rejoiced to
promote any Prudent Measures for our proceeding further.
Yesterday the Party I sent up the Lake & the Spies I dis-
patched to Tionderogo returned. The former report they were
discovered by the Enemy & near being circumvented by them.
The latter report the Enemys Scouts were so thick & alert about
Tionderogo they durst not venture near enough to make any dis-
coverys. That on this side the Carrying Place where the Lake
is not above 32 or 30 Rods Wide, they plainly saw two Encamp-
ments on the two Points, of French on one & Indians on the
other w ch . they judged amounted to 7 or 800. (two Cap ts . give
this Number an Ensign another of the Spies for they went sepe-
rately) reports near 1 000 that in the Morning for they viewed
'em by their Fires at night they heard a great noise of workmen
1 Original destroyed by fire. The last two paragraphs added by
Wraxall.
2 John Pitkin, of East Hartford, Conn.
190 Sir William Johnson Papers
with axes Adzes, Saws &c. but could not see what work they
were about for the Brush, this is a summary of their Reports, &
as to this advanced Party corresponds with the former Ace*, of
Cap*. Rodgers whose Bravery & Veracity stands very clear in
my Opinion & of all who know him, tho his Reg 1 , is gone he
remains here a Volunteer, & is the most active Man in ourArmy.
Tomorrow he proposes to set off with two or three pickeoMen
take a review if he can of Tionderogo & proceed to Crown Point
for a Pris r . Cap 1 . Angel of the Rhode Island Reg*, a thinking
Man & a good officer, proposes to set off tomorrow in order at my
desire to sound the Lake as he goes along & endeavour to take a
View of the Enemy at the Carrying Place or narrows & at
Tionderogo.
I have mentioned Cap 1 . Rodgers more particularly as I have
Understood some Insinuations have been made to his Disad-
vantage I believe him to be as brave & as honest a Man as any I
have equal knowledge of, & both myself & all the Army are
convinced that he has distinguished himself since he has been
among us, superior to most, inferior to none of his Rank in these
Troops. I am most respectfully Sir
Your Excellencys Most obed 1 . & obliged Serv*.
I propose to order two or three companies of the expected
Reinforcements, besides the two I have already ordered to rein-
force Fort Edward, in order to compleat the works there, but
unless we can be furnished with a Supply of Axes Spades &
shovels, both Forts cannot go on together, for we can spare no
Tools from hence but could employ more, and I dread the Season
& other Circumstances, unless these Forts are compleated with all
possible Dispatch & indeed as the reinforcements pour in upon
us, near 500 arrived this Evening, we shall soon want Bread &
some other Provisions. Another thing I beg leave to lay before
Y r Excellency, w ch is to press some large flat Bottomed Boats
w ch are to be had I apprehend at & about Albany, for passing
the Sprouts & the River at Seraghtoga, for if Rains come, those
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 191
places will be impassible for Waggons. I keep constant Road
parties out between this & Fort Edward, & have ordered the same
from thence to the River on this side Seraghtoga.
The General would have all the Reinforcements stay at
Albany but such as the necessity of the Service may call for. He
dreads the want of Bread here. Our Numbers are more than
Sufficient for every present purpose here. Tools we very much
Want.
The General is verry Weak with pain, want of Sleep &c. and
keeps mostly in Bed. I have the honour to be Your Excellency s
Most Obedient & Obliged Serv*.
To His Excellency SlR CHARLES HARDY.
FROM JOHN TAPLIN ET AL
This letter is followed in the Johnson Calendar (See p. 57) by John
Taplin's report of scouts, of October 1 3th (printed in Doc. Hist. N. Y.,
11:266; Q, 4:173) and Henry Babcock's report, of October 13th
(Doc. Hist. N. Y., 4:266; Q, 4:173). Both were destroyed by fire.
TO SPENCER PHIPS
L. S. 1
Camp at Lake George 13 Oct r . 1755.
SIR
My last to Your Honour bore date the 10 Inst. since which
an Application was made to me in Writing by Major General
Lyman & sundry Field Officers to order a Council of War upon
certain points contained in said Written Application, a Copy of
which I herewith send you, I complied with their request & trans-
mit you also a Copy of the Minutes of their Council of War.
The Council were of opinion that at this Critical Juncture a
member from each Gov 1 . might have to go in Person with these
Minutes in order to give such Ample Information as might
1 In Massachusetts Archives. The draft of this letter was destroyed
in the Capitol fire.
192 Sir William Johnson Papers
be necessary to possess the Governments concerned in this Arma-
ment with a just State of our present Sittuation & Circumstances.
As the former Council of War were of opinion I should give
Col. Ruggles leave to go to Boston, I have done it & send this
Packet by him; to him I refer you Sir & I cannot refer you to a
more capable Person for all such Information relative to this
Army which you may stand in need of. he is at the Head of
those Commanding Officers who have enforced Subordination in
the Regiments they Command, kept up the Dignity of their Rank
& distinguished themselves in a meritorious Manner, particularly
in our late Engagement with the Enemy, His Feild Officers &
Liu* Nixon among the Inferior Officers are some of the foremost
in my good Opinion, and had it been left in my power I should
have paid them the distinction due to their Merit on the late
Vacancies.
Yesterday the Party I sent out & the Spies to Tionderogo
returned, the former report they were discovered by the Enemy
& in danger of being circumvented & Obliged to secure them-
selves; the latter report they found the Enemys out Scouts so
vigilant & thick about Tionderogo, they did not dare venture
near enough for Observation, but say they plainly discovered an
advance Encampment of the Enemy at a narrow pass on this
Lake about 32 Rod Wide & about 4 or 5 Miles from Tion-
derogo, French on * side & Indians on the other, amounting,
(two of them report, Captains) to between 7 & 800 the other
an Ensign, reports to about 1000 This Confirms Captain
Rodgers former Account as to the advanced post, to morrow I
propose to send out Captain Rodgers again with a Captain on
whom I have equal Dependance to review the Enemy. Cap 1
Rodgers who is a Gallant honest Man says he will proceed to
Crown Point & if possible bring us a Prisoner. Crown Point is
1 5 Miles distance from Tionderogo.
When Circumstances will justify my proposing our proceeding
further towards the Enemy to a Council of War, I shall renew
Emission in the copy; "one" should be supplied.
Preliminary Campaigns, 17 55-1 7 56
193
Proposal, in the mean while I would Wish that our Sittuation
all relative Circumstances may be taken into Consideration &
rders sent me to regulate my future Conduct
I am most respectfully Sir
Your most Obed 1 hum serv*.
W M . JOHNSON
As the Dispatch of these Minutes is recommended to me by the
Council of War, I must beg your Honour will transmit as soon
as possible a Copy of these Minutes as well as the Papers in
mine of the 10 Inst to the Gov rs . of New Hampshire & Rhode
Island I cannot get them done in time This Evens. 9 or 1
Comp 8 . of y r . Reinforcem ts arrived. I fear we shall want Bread
for the Army. The Fort is in hand & I am pushing it forward.
To the Honourable
GOVERNOR PHIPPS
FROM WILLIAM SHIRLEY
L. S. 1
Camp at Osnego Octo r . 13 th . 1755
SIR
Last Night I receiv'd your two Letters dated at Lake George
the 22 d . and 30 th . Sept r ., with the papers inclos'd, in the latter
of which you desire my directions as soon as may be.
You acquaint me in your letter of the 22 d . of Sept r . you think
the time even then grately elaps'd for proceeding further.
In the same letter you Inform me you have sent your Secretary
to the Several Governments for their respective Opinions upon
the present Situation of affairs Under Your Command, and pro-
pose they shall be transmitted to me, so that my directions are
to be founded upon their Opinions ; Your Secretary's Tour, and
the Return of the Opinions of the Governments to me, will prob-
ably take up to the End of Nov r . w ch will be Extreamly late for
me to send you Directions.
1 Original destroyed by fire.
Vol. II 7
194
Sir William Johnson Paper*
The time for your desiring my Directions Should have been
as soon as possible after your action with the French on the 8 th .
Instant, at w ch time you Informed by the way of Albany, all the
other Governors Concerned in the Expedition under your Com-
mand, of it.
You must have however received, Sir, by this time, all the
directions, I could properly give you at this Distance, and w ch I
thought it my Duty to send you unask'd ; w ch then was to proceed
to Tinonderoge.
With regard to the Work Erected at the Carrying Place, and
the other proposed to be Built at Lake George (Sketches of both
w^ Cap*. Eyre hath sent me) my Sentiments concerning them
continue the Same; the first I think is at all Events too Weak;
as to the latter, if the Expedition against Crown point is to end at
Lake George (w ch I dont think the Colonies concern'd can pos-
sibly acquiesce in, nor the Government at home be Sattisfy'd
with) then I think for covering Albany it will be Necessary not
only to have a Strong Fort Erected at Lake George, but at South
Bay too, and perhaps another at the end of Wood Creek; after
all with x the Frontier of New England will still remain Expos'd
in a great Measure to the Incursions of the French & their Indians
from Crown point, Unless another Fort is Built at Otter Creek
or some other proper place: If the Fort at Crown point is to be
reduced, there will, I think, not be a Necessity for a very Strong
Work at Lake George, or at either of the other two places.
I am very sorry to find by your letter of the 22 d . Sept r . that
you disapprove of the Behaviour of the Officers & Soldiers under
your Command since the Action at Lake George.
You well know my Opinion concerning the Serviceableness of
your Secretary; that it is a very different one from what you
Express, in your Letter of the 30 th . of Sept r ., of him some of
your officers wou'd have been in my Opinion more proper to have
been Dispatch'd to their respective Governments for their Opin-
So in copy. "Wch*' rather than "with" was probably written.
I Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 195
ions; w** 1 might in that way have been more Expeditiously and
Effectually Obtain'd than by sending him.
Upon the Application of the late Cap*. King, who then Com-
manded one of the Independent Companies posted here and in
w ch he is a Lieutenant, I could not Dispense with Sending orders
five weeks ago, to be delivered to him upon his return to Albany,
directing him to repair to his Post here.
I am Sir,
Your Most Humble Servant
W SHIRLEY
MAJOR GENERAL JOHNSON
FROM WILLIAM SYMES ET AL
The preceding letter was followed in the Johnson Calendar, p. 58 by
a report of officers of guard and day, dated October 1 3th, which was
destroyed by fire; William Symes's report of scouting, written October
14th, destroyed, but pn^ecHnTyocTHist. N. Y. t 4:268-69; Q, 4:1 74;
Jejles Fonda's report of scouting, written October 14th, destroyed, but
printed in Doc. Hist. N. Y. t 4:267-68; Q, 4:174; William Symes's
report of scouting, undated, destroyed, but printed in Doc. Hist. N. Y.,
4:267; Q, 4:173; Wraxall's orders to regimental commissaries for sup-
plying Captain Samuel Bayard and five men, with provisions and rum by
weekly rotation, in this order, New York, Rhode Island, Massachusetts,
Connecticut, dated October 14th, destroyed; and Johnson's orders of the
same date to commanding officers of provincial regiments to march to
Albany, or, if there, to remain, provisions being short, with directions for
convoying provision train, destroyed.
FROM WILLIAM COCKCROFT
D. S. 1
Camp at La^e George 14 th . October 1755
To the Hon ble WlLLIAM JOHNSON Esq r . Major Gen 1 & Com-
mander in cheif of all the forces now in Camp or Elswhere
Designed for Crown Point. .
The Humble Petition of William Cockcroft in the behalf of
the Commission'd NonCommission'd officers & Soldiers belong'g
1 Original destroyed by fire.
196 'Sir William Johnson Papers
to my Regm*. who was in the Late Ingagement Humbly Sheweth
That whereas application has been made to me Respecting the
plunder they took from the Enemy on the 8 th . Ultimo and brought
into this Camp by s d officers and Soldiers, Who rec d . Orders to
March back to Fort Edward from whence they came, was in
hopes that Each man might for the Good Service he had done of
carry 'd the plunder he had taken with him, But was hinder'd by
Some New England Officers from carrying any who told, 'em
it was the Gen lls Positive orders to Stop all plunders from 'em
That an Equal Dividend might be made of the same to the Men
who Engag'd on the Same Ground where they fought Since
which tho Severall Times requested that if any did belong to
'em that they might have it. But as yet no Dividend has been
made Either of Plunder or Money, And my men thinking 'em
Selves wrong'd have Petition'd me to See them Justice done, as
the Hampshire men was w l them had not any thing taken from
'em I must in their behalf Petition your Honours to Get 'em
Righted as I think myself in Duty bound so to do In doing of
which you 1 very much Oblige your Petitioner Who is for 'em
Your most Obed: H ble Serv*
W M : COCKCROFT
TO THE COMMANDANT AT FORT EDWARD
Df.*
Camp at Lake George 14 Octo r 1755.
SIR
Colonel Ruggles I suppose furnished you with such standing
Orders as I have given him relating to the Command of Fort
Edward & I hope you will see them duly put in Execution, tho
I gave repeated orders for having the Road from Fort Edward
to Seraghtoga thoroughly mended, Bridges & Causeways made
& Repaid 2 where they are wanting. I find by a party from
1 Original destroyed by fire.
2 Should be " repaired."
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 197
Albany last night, they are in a deplorable Condition; I desire
you will order such an officer as you can depend upon & a party
suff'. to have this Work perfected with all possible Dispatch,
for otherwise it will be impossible for us to get Provisions hither
in Waggons or Cannon bro*. up to us, if 50 Men are not sufK
let 1 00 or more be Detached, it is what must & shall be done,
& I expect a strict Account from you of this Matter. I would
have the party stay out 5 days & if it cannot be compleated in
that time beginning from the East side of Seraghtoga River, let
another party be immediately sent out on their return. If the
party consists of 50 let there be a Cap*. 1 Sub & 2 Serg ts . if of
near 1 00 1 Capt 2 Subs & 4 Serg ts . and return me the names
& c . of the Commission officers who are sent.
You are out of the Massachusetts Reinforcements to make up
your Garrison 600 Men fit for Duty. And by the advice of a
Council of War this Day, I shall inclose you an Order to the
Commanding Officer of the remaining reinforcements expected
from Massachusetts to return back with the first Convoy of empty
Waggons to Albany as also any Connecticut Reinforcements
who may arrive at your Fort. This is done on Ace*, of the Bread
w ctl . cannot or is not sent up fast enough to subsist the Troops
w ch . are here. I woud have send to meet the Massachusetts
Troops w ch . are said to be coming thro the Woods with the
Inclosed order to march to Albany & follow the Orders w ch . I
shall lodge there for them. Every Monday you are to make
returns to Cap*. Wraxall my Aid de Camp of all Troops in Gar-
rison at Fort Edward & acquaint me from time to time of your
proceedings.
I am Sir
Your very hum Serv*.
To the Commanding officer at Fort Edward.
Send under a secure Guard Blanchard the French Deserter to
me, and send the others well secured to the Gov r . of New York
at Albany.
198 'Sir William Johnson Papers
PETITION AND RETURNS FROM OFFICERS
The preceding was followed in the Johnson Calendar, p. 58-59 by
an undated petition from the officers of Colonel Ephraim Williams 4 s regi-
ment asking that Colonel Pomeroy succeed Williams and other vacancies
be filled from regiment when practicable; a deficiency return of ammuni-
tion of October 14th, from Colonel Eliphalet Dyer; and an undated
return from Colonel Elihu Chauncey's regiment. These were destroyed
by fire.
MINUTES OF COUNCIL OF WAR
D. S. 1
Camp at Lake George P. M. Tuesday 14 Octo r . 1755
Pres*.
General Lyman, Presid*. Lieu 1 . Col. Whiting
Col. Cockcroft Col. Harris
Col. Dyer Col. Pomeroy
Col. Chancey Maj r . Champlin
Col. Bagley Cap*. Eyre
Col. Willard Cap* Glazier
Lieu 1 . Col. Nichols Peter Wraxall, Seer 1 *.
General Johnson by Cap*. Wraxall his Aid D. Camp & Sec-
retary desires this Council of War will take into Consideration,
the Number of Men now at this Encamp* and the Quantity of
Bread in the several Commisarys hands, & also the probable Con-
sequences of the great rains of yesterday, last night & this day,
with regard to the future supply of Bread & some other Stores
from Albany, likewise, the Reinforcements from Massachusetts
Bay now on their March hither & part of them probably already
got to Fort Edward, & give their Opinion Whether under our
Present Circumstances it will not be a necessary Measure, after
Garrisoning Fort Edward with 600. Men fit for Duty, to order
the remainder of the Reinforcements w ch may be arrived there, to
march down to Albany immediately, and to take Measures to
send notice to the rest who may be on the Road from Massa-
1 Original destroyed by fire.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756
199
chusetts hither to march also to Albany & remain there till further
Orders. Or what other Measures with respect to these Matters
they may think adviseable.
2 The Secr f y also read to this Council of War a part of Letter
from the Gen 1 , to S r . Charles Hardy Gov r . of New York con-
cerning the Reinforcements at Albany, for their approbation.
3 The General further desires this Council will consider &
advise him if he can take any Step or give any fresh Orders in
order to make the present Stock of Bread in Camp, last as long
as possible in order to avoid Distress, if the Roads or other Cir-
cumstances should Delay our expected & necessary Supplies.
4 M r . Wraxall further laid before this Council of War from
Gen 1 . Johnson, the Petition from Col. W m . Cockcroft, w ch was
sent to him this Day & desires the Council will take it into Con-
sideration & give their Opinion thereon.
Upon the First & Second Articles it is the Opinion of this
Council of War that all the reinforcements w ch may be at Albany,
on the Road to Fort Edward or at Fort Edward unless such a
number of the Massachusetts Reinforcements as may be necessary
to compleat the Garrison at said Fort to 600 Men fit for Duty, be
ordered by the General to remain at, return, or march to Albany
& remain there till further Orders. And that the General be
advised to Order the Duty of Guards & Convoys from Albany
to be done by the Massachusetts & Rhode Island Reinforcements
by proportionable Detachments as that Burthen has lately lain
Chiefly on Connecticut.
Upon the 3 d . article the Council cannot at present think of
any Advice necessary for them to give to the General in relation
to any fresh Orders.
Upon the 4. article, the follow'g Gentlemen are appointed a
Committee to take an ace*, of all the Plunder taken in late
Engagements on the 8 Sep r .
Liu*. Col. Nicholls Lieu*. Col Whiting Lieu*. Col Cole &
Cap* Matthews who are to render an Ace*, to a Council of War.
P LYMAN
PETER WRAXALL
200 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
TO TIMOTHY RUGGLES ET AL
The above document was followed in the Johnson Calendar, p. 58 by
Wraxall's instructions to Colonel Timothy Ruggles, dated October 1 4th,
in relation to Massachusetts reinforcements at Fort Edward, forwarding
and care of provisions, permission to go to Boston, and despatches. It
was destroyed by fire. In the Johnson Calendar, p. 59 are a minute
of Council, of the 16th, respecting a supply of bread for the army,
and orders of the 1 6th from Wraxall to Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Gil-
bert respecting officers in command and vacancies in the regiment. Both
were destroyed.
EXAMINATION OF A FRENCH DESERTER
D. S. 1
Camp at Lake George Thursday 16 Octo r . 1755
The Examination of a French Deserter.
Pres't General Johnson
Maj r . General Lyman
Lieu*. Col. Cole
Cap*. Schuyler Interp r .
Peter Wraxall Seer'?.
Honorie Blanchard of the Marines came from Rochelle to
Louisburgh in the Centliver Man of War ab* 1 8 Mo 8 , ago among
some other Recruits for Mons r . S*. PiereV Comp? who he says
was killed at this Camp. That he came with 400 Marines &
Canadians to Crown Point in the Beginning of Aug*. that he
staid 3 Weeks there with the Army under General Dieskau w ch .
consisted with Indians of 3500 Men. One half of w ch Mons r .
Deskau marched with hither & the other half was left at Crown
Point & Carillon, that he remained at Carillon with 400 Troops
posted there when Mons r . Dieskau marched to this Camp. That
Mons r . Dieskau marched hither with all the Queens Regiment
1 Original destroyed by fire.
2 Legardeur de St Pierre.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 201
& half the Reg*, of Languedoc, w ch made up 800. the other
half of the Languedoc Reg 1 , remain'd at the Narrows near the
Drowned Lands called by the French LaRoche where they threw
up some Intrenchments. That since the Troops w ch returned
from the Engagement here left Carrillon, where they staid but
one night, no more than 400 Troops have been posted there & the
Commanding officer cKanged every Fortnight. That there are
2QQ Canadians constantly employed in throwing up Works at
Carillon.
he says Mons r . S ! . Peirre, One of the La Cornes Mons r .
Longeville 1 Son to the Gov r . of Montreal, Mons r . Montressor, 2
were all killed here or died of their Wounds.
That about a fortnight ago he & 1 5 more were fired at as they
were upon this Lake in a Canoe.
That they used to keep an advanced Guard a League & a half
from Carillon but now they have carried it to 2 large Leagues &
a half on a sandy point where they have some Entrench 48 , that
it consists of 70 Men & that the Lake is wide where they are
posted & on the Aft side coming here that they never keep out
any Parties by Land. That they have ab* 1 5 Canoes & Battoes
at Carrillon the Canoes carries 20 & the Battoes 50.
he was asked if he knew what Orders were given to the
advanced Guard in case they discovered the approach of the Eng-
lish Army he says the Advanced Guards were to retire to
Carrillon & at Carrillon the French Army the Soldiers say was
to Join 'em from Crown Point and that 3000 Men could fight
in the Entrenchments at Carillon w * 1 . is of a Square Form of 50
yards each side & 5 Foot deep & 1 5 foot broad
That they have thrown up a Breast work at Carillon to cover
the 400 Men posted there & people are continually at work &
they have cleared the Wood all about there.
That they have a Cavillier Battery upon the Rocky Eminence
near Crown Point, & judges they have a 1 00p s . of Cannon at the
Fort.
1 Charles Jacques Le Moyne, third Baron de Longueuil.
2 M. de Montresson.
202 Str William Johnson Papers
That Mons r . LeEpeigniers Commands at Crown Point. That
2 days before he left the Advanced Guard there came an Engi-
neer there with the Major of the Queens Reg*. & posted them
a League nearer this Way.
That they brought no Prisoner with them when the Army
returned from the Attack there, and that the French would have
kept some of our People who were taken Prisoners but the Indians
killed em all.
PETER WRAXALL
Seer*?.
FROM WILLIAM EYRE ET AL
This document is followed in the Johnson Calendar (See p. 59) by
Captain William Eyre's plan and directions for completing Fort Edward,
dated October 1 7th ; Wraxall's receipt for axes and order for augers, of
the 1 8th, to Moses Emerson and other commissaries ; his orders of the
same date to Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Gilbert about French deserters,
with mention of commissions filled and sent; Johnson's orders of the 18th
to Captain Samuel Howe to repair road near Fort Edward; a letter of
the 18th from Sybrant G. Van Schaick, at Albany, to Johnson about
cannon and shot to be sent to camp ; a letter of the 1 8th to Johnson from
Surgeon Thomas Williams concerning sickness of Colonel Pomeroy; and
proceedings of a court of inquiry, held the 18th, on conduct of officers
sent as scouts. All were destroyed by fire.
FROM GOLDSBROW BANYAR
A. L. S. 1
Albany 18 Oct r . 1755 Saturday.
DEAR SIR
Since my last which was sent several days after it was wrote,
I have seen your Letter of the 13 and the Minutes of the 1 1 & 12
sent with it. The State of the army is represented in Terms very
1 Original destroyed by fire.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756
203
trong, & which clearly show the impossibility now of sending the
>roper Supplies in due time, and therefore I cannot help acqui-
ring in the opinion that you cannot proceed unless you should be
iclinable to build at Ticonderogo any Work that we may keep
til next Spring. As to this, I am told the 5 French regulars lately
come to Fort Edward all agree that there are no more than 400
Men at that place intrenched & a picketed Work encompassing
it. At the same time I consider the Information of the Enemy's
having taken Post at the Narrows in the Lake, and that having
about three thousand men at Crown Point they may easily & soon
send a Reinforcement to Tionderoga, if they should not have
been obliged by the Season to send their principal Strength away,
and trust to those 400 & the Garrison they may leave. If they
are not retired, the taking this Post may be attended with much
difficulty, otherwise I apprehend not, as we may send a Force
suff 1 . that may come upon them before they can get anp Succour
from Crown Point perhaps we might do this if they are not retired,
but then the Measure would be fruitless perhaps, as they might
in this Case retake it. 1000 or 1200 Men I should apprehend
would be sufficient to be detached for this Service with a few
small pieces of Cannon to secure the Post if taken. In Possession
of this, we have the way open all but 15 miles. Some tell me
we may proceed from here by Land as well as by water others
say not. I should be glad to know how it is, I think it is not
practicable by Land. I shou'd think the want of Provisions
would be no obstacle to this measure if thought adviseable on
other accounts, which, will much depend on the Intelligence you
receive. The taking this Post will add much Credit to the army :
and we may flatter ourselves enough of the Season is still left. I
am a little surprised at the Councils disapproving of the building
of ovens I forget their Reasons now, but when I read them they
appeared of no Weight, and Ovens must be built in the End I
suppose It is a most insolvable addition to the Expence &
Trouble the sending Bread, and waggons are scarce enough
already in this Method 3 are required where one would do
204 Sir William Johnson Papers
If you still find Difficulty in provisions may it not be proper
to send down some diligent Person to see that the Roads are
mended and the Waggons lose no time in their way, also to
remove any obstacles the waters may occasion. If all will not do,
I see youl soon be reduc'd to the necessity of lessening your num-
bers, a loss that should be avoided if possible, least it might be a
discouragement to those left. You have now only two points to
accomplish (since it seems you cannot compass the grand one) the
taking & securing Tionderoga if thought practicable & prudent,
and the finishing the Forts in hand, & a third I might add of no
small Consequence the collecting & even inventorying all the
Battoes, Guns, Ammunition, Provisions Tools and other Pro-
visions you leave. The care & account of which will afford a
great Satisfaction to the Interested, as on the other Hand, the
wasting of them will be a great discouregement to f 1 Operations.
Is it not 2 necessary to send up the 4 18 pdn I think not, nay
I am of that opinion tho you were to proceed, & why should
we risque more than is absolutely necessary. I understand the
Recorder is to wait your further Orders as to this. My
dear Friend if your health will permit you consider if proper
accommodations are not made for Garisons in the Forts they
must be abandoned & the Stores in them lost, the greatest Dis-
grace that can possibly attend you or the army. As far as I can
find M r . Shirley does not incline to garrison them with Regulars,
which Hint you'l keep to your self, perhaps when he arrives here
he will change his mind. I cant see how he will answer the not
doing it, and if the provinces should be inclinable to garrison
them, put them to the Expence of doing it when the Kings Troops,
who must be paid and fed will be unemployed. Dunbars Troops
are not yet landed, the Inhabitants say they cant quarter them
I suspect they'l encamp to morrow, that Barracks will be built for
500, and as to the rest, I think they might quarter them in the
1 The remainder of the word not copied. " Future " or " farther " was
evidently written.
" Not " for " now," evidently an error in copying.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756
205
ittlements to the N ward that the people have abandoned. The
Baron went off yesterday, well pleased with his accommodation
on board, & with the Compliment of a Guard of Regulars to
the \ The Gov r . has furnished him with 1 00 Guineas & given
him Credit on M r Alexander for what he really wants. I doubt
he cant live. Have you taken a proper Receit to secure the
Money he has from you.
Thus far I had wrote when the Servant call'd me to dinner,
& very ready I was for it, as you may think when near 3, and
the Alteration of the Air with a relaxation from Business of
about 5 weeks which has given me a share of Health & Spirits
that I have not felt the kind influences of these 9 Months While
at Dinner came in Col. Partridge from Boston M r . Lyman
came in when we had just done, & he was leaving us I Stop'd,
and learn'd from him M r . Partridge's Business, which he told
Lyman, is, as a Plenipo, to push on if possible the Expedition
ag'. Crown Point. Partridge met Ruggles in his way & learnt I
suppose from him the State of affairs. He says they (the Boston
People) have fall'n on a Method to send up their own Provisions,
& enquired of Lyman what there was, if there was enough, &
prest him to use every Method in his Power to send them up In
short whatever be the Motive I cant tell but his sole Business
Lyman says is, maugre every Obstacle, to push things forward
to an attack. The Success he meets with & the determinations
here shall be the Subject of my next Letter I dont know if
it be from any thing I have wrote that you conclude doubts are
entertained here of Cap 1 . Rogers's veracity : I meant & still think
he was imposed upon himself, & indeed to what Cause can you
impute his mistake, which made almost thousands instead of hun-
dreds. I think you push the Point a little too far in your Letter
in his behalf unless Sir Charles had given Occasion for it in
any of his Letters. Youl make a prudent use of any thing I may
write by way of Information without communicating to any one
more than you find necessary. This Gentleman is very close and
1 Word omitted; "transport" possibly.
206 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
tho' he knows (I think) that I have a most sincere Friendship for
you, yet I cannot tell if he would like my writing to you Even
what I do know, from an opinion perhaps that what is necessary
to be communicated to you should come from himself. I fancy
by your not writing that you are not so well as I cou'd wish you
to be. It was owing to your Recommendation or to what you
write, that M c .Ginnis was appointed. Cockcroft desired one of
the Companies The few French Ships at Louisburgh stole
away in a Storm. Kolburne a could have taken them it's said at
Boston but the admiral's Orders did not it was thought justify
the captian 2 of Ships going from America. And the Admiral
did not Care to risque hanging. Adieu I shall soon write.
Gw BANYAR
About 30 Mohawks were here 'tother day, although the Gov.
sent to tell them to go through the Woods from Schenectady He
offered them 2 p s . Strouds some Pipes & Tobacco w cil they
refused but were afterwards asham'd of it he gave them another
& 1 Ib of Vermillion & they went away satisfyed, & said they'd
sett off immediately to join you. Are they with you and how
many of their Colour Dont forget to write to London concerning
your own affairs & remember your Friend at Oswego you may
depend on his doing you every good office in his Power Dunbar
wont stir an Inch till he receives further Orders. My Compli-
ments I beg you'd present to M r . Wraxall & Cap*. Eyre. The
artillery I now hear will move to Morrow Morning under Eschort
of lOORh.
Gw BANYAR
FROM AARON HITCHCOCK
The preceding letter was followed in the Johnson Calendar, p. 59 by
a report of Aaron Hitchcock, officer of guard, to Colonel Ebenezer
Nichols, officer of the day, dated October 18th. It was destroyed by
fire.
1 Evidently Holbourne. 2 Evidently " capture. 1
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-17 56
207
TO PHINEAS LYMAN
Copp 1
Camp at Lake George 18 th October 1755.
SIR
I have order'd a Council of War of all the Field officers at
this camp at 5 o'Clock this Evening, and as my indisposition still
renders me unable to be at it, I desire you would preside. I send
by my Secretary Cap* Wraxall the intelligence from the last
Scouts towards Ticondorogo, and the Examinations of the 5
french Deserters transmitted me from Fort Edward, and the
Examination of Blanchard one of them whom I sent for here,
also a letter with some papers I reciev'd from L l Gov r Phips this
night
1 * l . I would propose to the Council of War whether they think it
adviseable I should order a Detachment from this army to
embark as soon as possible and attack the Enemy posted at
or near the carrying place, & in case of their Success to pro-
ceed and endeavour to dislodge them from Ticondorogo.
If the Council of War approve of one or both of these
attacks I desire they will advise what number of men & how
many days Provisions it will be adviseable for me to order
thereon, as also what further measures occur to them prudent
to be taken upon this Scheme
Blanchard the Deserter has declared himself willing to go
as a Pilot or Guide upon these attacks.
If a Council of War should not approve of either of these
attacks, I desire they will express their Reasons or objections.
2. I desire the opinion of this Council of War, whether consider-
ing our present Stock of Bread & the prospect of our future
supplies they would think it adviseable for me to order any
part of the Forces drawn here to Albany in order to Decrease
the Consumption of that necessary article, or any other
measures which may tend to prevent a fatal Scarcity of it
1 In Massachusetts Archives.
Capitol fire.
Johnson's draft was destroyed in the
208 'Sir William Johnson Papers
I have directed Cap* Wraxall to attend the Council of War
with the last Returns of the Troops here, & those from the
several Regimental Commissaries in order to assist the
Deliberations of the Council of War on this important
article.
3. Several officers are daily making applications to me for leave
to return home, both upon acco ts of their healths and several
other Reasons, as I am apprehensive their leaving this army
may be a discouragement to the Troops now here, at Fort
Edward & at Albany. I would desire the opinion of this
Council of War what they would advise me to do in this
matter. I am, Sir,
Your humble Servant
A true Copy W m Johnson.
PETER WRAXALL Sec f y
MINUTES OF COUNCIL OF WAR
Camp at Lake George Saturday P. M. 18 th October 1755.
Present Major General Lyman Presid*
All the Officers in this Encamp 1 Col Pomroy,
Col Willard L' Col Ward U Col Whitcomb
absent by sickness
Capt Eyre Engineer General
Capt Glazier Adju* General
Peter Wraxall Sec'?
General Lyman directed the Secretary to read to this Council
of War the annexed Letter 2 to him from General Johnson and
the sundry papers therein mentioned and desir'd the Council of
War would take the matters mentioned in General Johnsons
letter into their consideration & give their opinion thereon
1 Manuscript in Massachusetts Archives. Wraxall's draft was destroyed
in the Capitol fire.
2 Johnson to Lyman, October 18, 1755, q.v.
Preliminary Campaigns, 7755-7756 209
4. The President acquainted the Council he had reciev'd a mes-
sage from the General whilst this Council was sitting that as
the Colonels of the Massachusetts Reinforcements who
arriv'd this Evening had acquainted him that they had a
number of Carpenters in their Regiments he desir'd the Coun-
cil of War to give their opinion whether the flatt bottomd
Boats should be put forward that in case of proceeding further
no delay might happen for the want of them.
The Council of War desir'd they might be adjourn'd till
to morrow afternoon at 4 a Clock, and the Presid* adjourn'd
the Council accordingly.
Sunday 19 th October 1755. P. M. The Council of War
met according to the adjournment of yesterday
Present as Yesterday
Added to the Council L l Col Ward, major Pay son, major Whit-
ing and major Richardson, arrived in Camp this afternoon. Col
Harris absent.
Upon the first article this Council of War Vote to Refer the
consideration of it to their next meeting for the sake of further
Intelligence, and in the mean time advise the General to have the
Battoes haul'd up examin'd & Repair'd.
Upon the second article the Council are unanimously of opinion
that the consideration of it be referr'd to their next meeting
Upon the third article this Council of War are unanimously of
Opinion that the Flatt Bottom'd Boats still continue in their
present situation.
P Lyman
Peter Wraxall Sec-r
A true Copy of the Original minutes
PETER WRAXALL Sec r y to the General
Copy examin'd
ty THO S . CLARKE Dp*
210 Sir William Johnson Papers
FROM OLIVER PARTRIDGE
Copp 1
Albany 18. Oci. 1755
S*.
The last week I was in Boston transacting my private Affairs
when the Gent", of the Committee of War for the Government
of the Massachusetts earnestly solicited me to take a Journey to
Albany to Inquire into the state of their stores & if I found the
Expedition against Crown point was like to go on, to exert myself
to the Utmost to get the stores belonging to that Government
Convey'd from Albany to Lake George for which also there is
a Vote of the L l Gov r . & Council. The Com tee of War have
also wrote to Connecticut that they would exert themselves at this
Critical Conjuncture
I have this day waited Upon his Excellency Gov r . Hardy who
was pleased to Communicate to me the minutes of the Council
of War at Lake George & Inform me that thereupon Col Ruggles
and L*. Col Pitkin were gone to their respective Governments for
their advise & direction which I am almost morally certain will
be (if Possible) to push the Expedition this season.
I also Informed Gov r . Hardy of what I was charged with
from the province of the Massa & had his advice to send an
Express to your Honour to know whether it is possible to go
thro with the Expedition this fall if the provissions & Stores were
Spedily sent up. I must beg y r Hon rs . Spedy Answer to this
Important Question that I may know how to Govern my Self
in the Affair Committed to my Charge. And I think I may
1 In Massachusetts Archives.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 21 1
Assure your Hon r . that the Stores &c on the part of the Massa
lhall not be wanting.-
I am &c
MAJ R GEN L JOHNSON
INDORSED: Oliver Partridge 1 Letter to Maj r . Gen 1 . Johnson.
Copy.
GENERAL RETURN OF TROOPS
D.
General Return of <f/ze Troops at Lae> George p e 79 & 20
Octo'. 1755.
Serg ts . Corp 5 . Serg ts . Corp*.
Diffic 1 . since Drums & Private D r . & Private
last Return. fit for Duty < absent &
unfit> for Duty.
26 General Lymans Reg* 290 161
50 Col. Goodrichs Reg' 267 1 25
53 Col. Chaunceys (part of Reg*. . 358 79
66 Col. Baglys 121 60
73 Col. Pomroys 204 55
8 Col. Willards 2 O. at Albany 1 69 77
25 Col. Cockcrofts 5 Comp' 285 27
Increased
42 Col. Harris'' 302 40
Col. Dyers Reg 1 360
Cap 1 . Gage's Compy. in Col.
Willards Reg' 25 35
2381 659
1 Oliver Partridge was born in Hatfield, Mass., June 13, 1712, and
died in Hadley, Mass., July 21, 1792. He was graduated at Yale
College, practised law, was a delegate to the Albany Congress in 1 754.
and to the Stamp Act Congress of 1 765 in New York City.
212 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
\S/
TO CAPTAIN DOOLITTLE
An order of October 20th from Johnson to Captain Doolittle to
reconnoiter near the Carrying Place and Ticonderoga, following the
preceding in the Johnson Calendar (See p. 59) was destroyed by fire.
MINUTES OF COUNCIL OF WAR
D. S. 1
Camp at Lake George Monday Evening 20 Octo r . 1755.
At a Council of War summoned by Major General Johnson
Pres*.
Major General Lyman
all the Feild Officers at this Camp (except Col. Wil-
lard & Lieut Col. Whitcomb absent by Sickness and
Major Richardson)
Cap*. Eyre Chief Engineer &c
Cap*. Glazier Adju*. General
Major Doughty of a Massachusetts Reg*, at Albany
Peter Wraxall Seer 1 *.
The General having summoned this Council of War & by
reason of his ill state of Health being unable to attend it in Per-
son desires Major General Lyman to Preside, & has directed
Cap*. Peter Wraxall his Secretary & Aid de Camp to lay before
this Council of War the following Letters & Papers which are
just now come to his hands by an Express from Albany.
1. A Letter from S r . Charles Hardy Gov r . of New York now
at Albany with the Minutes of a Council he called there
2. A Letter from Gov r . Fitch of Connecticut
"Original destroyed by fire. This is taken from the Hastings proof.
A Record Office copy differs from it slightly in capitalization, punctua-
tion, and some other unessentials. The copy in Public Record Office,
C. O. 5.17., London, England was transmitted by Governor Hardy
November 27th.
Preliminary Campaigns, 7755-7756
213
A Letter from Col. Oliver Partridge 1 from Albany who is
there as an Agent from the Committee of War of the
Province of Massachusetts Bay.
4. A Letter from Col. Peter Gilman of a New Hampshire Reg*,
of Reinforcements arrived at Albany.
Upon which the General desires they will in particular advise
him what answer, they think proper for him to make to the fol-
lowing Paragraph in Col. Partridges Letter.
" I also informed Gov r . Hardy of what I was charged with
from the Province & had his advice to send an Express to your
Honour, to know Whether it is possible to go thro with the
Expedition this Fall if the Provisions & Stores were speedily sent
up. I must beg Your Honours answer to this Important Ques-
tion that I may know how to govern myself in the affairs com-
mitted to my charge & I think I may assure Your Honour that
the Stores on the part of Massachusetts shall not be wanting."
The Presid't put the Question, whether it was advisable to
proceed with the Expedition this Fall.
Voted in the Negative, for the following Reasons.
The Council adjourned to 5 oClock tomorrow Evens.
21. 5 oClock met accords, to adjourn*, pres*. as yesterday.
Viz in the first place beg Leave to Refer to a report of y e State
of y e Army as Unanimously Agreed to by a Councill of War
the 1 1 & 1 2 Inst lately Transmitted to y e Severall Govern-
ments for their Consideration with Respect to y e Decrease
of y e Waggons Increase of y e badness of The roads
Difficulty of passing the rivers &c.
And now would farther Add that our Supplys Since have
been & Still are Decreasing y e rivers rais'd the roads worse
& no forrage for horses Imploy d . in this Service.
2 nd . Before it would be possible by y e whole United force of all
the Governments Concern'd to afford us a proper Supply
1 Partridge to Johnson, October 18, 1 755, q. v.
214 Sir William Johnson Papers
which we apprehend would not be possible till The Middle
of November nor even then the Lake would be in Danger
of Freizing or the Wind high & Bostirous which would
Indanger the Loss of our Army by Water & Especially our
Artillery & by a Small Scum of Ice prevent our Passage Or
Cutt off all Manner of Supply of Provisions which might if
our Army gone forward leave us in a Desperate Situation.
3 Our Soldiery in General by their Long Encampment here by
reason of our Transports not arriving at Albany & the
Difficulty of Transporting y e Provisions here from thence
being Thereby Subjected to Cold & Wet without any
Lodging but the Ground but one blankett to Lye on & to
cover & many none at all whereby & other Camp Dificulties
Near one third of our Army are Sick & Unfitt for Duty
their Spirits Exhausted their Strength & Vigor Enervated
that if now a full Supply of Comfortable Lodging &
Cloathing was here their General! recovery Cannot be soon
Expected.
4 Several Cannon necessary for the Expedition yet at Albany,
Shells, Shot, Powder & upwards of Four hundred Battoes
at Fort Edward yet to bring forward, which before this
time could not be got here without Exposing the Army to
suffer for want of Provisions & still to bring forward, will
stop such a proportion of Carriage for Provisions as will
be employed for that Service.
5 if our whole recruits were here arrived So many being Dis-
miss'd as Invalid & Worn out in y e Service the present Sick
here Necessary attendants for them with what must pru-
dently be Left in garison att fort Edward & here would
reduce our Army able to goe forward to not more than four
thousand & by the best Intelligence from our Scouts who
have had a Criticall View at Ticonderogo the Enemy
amount to Three thousand & a Thousand more Cheifly
Indians at an Advanced post forward both properly
Preliminary Campaigns, 7755-7756
215
Intrench'd & preparing for y e best defence y e attention of
y e Enemy now drawn off from y e Eastward & Westward
are able to afford you 1 a large Reinforcement as we are not
able to make any preparations here without their Intelligence.
But on y e whole if our Severall Governments for whom we
are Acting in whose Intrest lies our own in whose Service
we are & whom we are willing to Serve to Death when
Call'd if they Can remove those pricipall objections or if
not as we progress our Selves Under their Instructions
They Advise us to press forward Our own Lives we will
Risque & Wilingly Submitt the Event. But to Conclude
we with the Utmost Submission apprehend That to have
had this Expedition Succeeded Our Recruits Should have
been Sooner rais'd The provisions & all other Needfull
preparations previously made & gone forward that they all
arriving in fresh Spirits & recruiting Vigor Not Subjected to
a long Dull & Sickly Encampment the Bane of New Eng-
land Men would probably have Surmounted all opposition
& by the blessing of Heaven had desir'd Success.
This Council of War desire the General will transmit these
Minutes to the several Gov ts . who have Troops on this Expedi-
tion.
Peter Wraxall P LYMAN
SecrT.
The Council gave it as their Opinion the 1 8 p ds now at Albany
should not be imediately sent up but remain for further Orders.
PETER WRAXALL
SecrT.
1 So in the Hastings proof,
in the Record Office copy.
It should doubtless be ym. It is " them
216 Sir William Johnson Papers
TO THOMAS FITCH
Camp at Lake George 20 Octo r . 1755
SIR
I wrote Your Honour the 13 Inst by Lieut Col. Pitkin with
sundry Papers therein mentioned to all w ch I beg leave to refer.
Two days ago I called another Council of War, upon Intelli-
gence from 5 French Deserters who came & surrendered them-
selves & say the Enemy have but 70 or 80 Men as an Advanced
Guard on this side the Carrying Place & about 400 posted at
Tionderogo & no Artillery. I proposed for their Consideration
& Advice, whether I should Order a Party to dislodge the Enemy
from one or both of these Posts. The Contrariety of Evidence
between our own Scouts who have lately reconnoitred the
Advanced Guard & w ch two of them say are between 7 & 800.
& another says near 1 000 and the former Intelligence from
Tionderogo puzzeled the Council of War & induced them to
pospone their Opinion to another or the next Council of War, as
in 3 or 4 days we expect Cap*. Rodgers & small party from
Crown Point where they are gone to reconnoitre & try for a
Prisoner. I have this day sent out a Cap*, a Lieu* & 5 Men
to observe with the utmost exactness possible the posture of the
Enemys advanced Guard & Party at Tionderogo. I expect they
will return in 3 or 4 days, when I propose to call another Council
of War upon this Subject, in the mean time I have ordered all
the Battoes we have here to be got in readiness for an Embarka-
tion if adviseable.
By the Returns of the Commissaries yesterday We have but
6 days Bread in Camp, & by the late Rains the Roads & Waters
make it scarce possible for Waggons to come along. Numbers
break, the Provisions are damaged & the Horses so fatigued as
not to be capable of a second Trip.
1 Original destroyed by fire.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 217
I inclose Your Honour a Copy the Proceedings of a Court of
iquiry held upon one Ezekiel Pearce Cap*, in General Lymans
Leg*, from these Proceedings & from a variety of other Cir-
istantial Evidence he appears to me to be a Dangerous, Pesti-
lent & Turbulent Fellow, unworthy to serve his Country in any
>hape, very improper to be kept in this Camp, & undeserving
>f any Rank in this Army. I shall therefore do what is in my
power to mark his Character with the Infamy it Merits, w * 1 is
to order him out of this Encampment, to have no harbour at Fort
Edward & not to be regarded as an officer by any of the Troops
under my Command. His Mutinous Intentions deserve Death,
but that is beyond my Author. I understand he was at the
Head of a large Knot of worthless & Lawless Fellows who are
a Disgrace to the Commissions they bear, but since his Con-
finement & Trial this Confederacy is broke & I cannot find them
out. The Want of due Subordination the little respect w ch is
daily paid to my Orders, the Democratical (if you will alow me
the term) Fabrick of this Army in general, have given me
unspeakable perplexity & in my opinion must ever impede &
render any great Undertakings extreamly hazardous, against an
Enemy who have all the opposite Advantages however this when
in my power shall not prevent my attempting any thing or every
thing that tends to produce the great End of this Armament.
I am Sir Y r Honours Most Obed* hum Serv 1 .
FROM BENJAMIN GREEN 1
Extract of a Letter 2 from the Hon ble . Benjamin Green Esq r .
dated Halifax October 21 st . 1755.
The Fleet sail'd on Sunday last, since which we have had
constant bad weather. The night before the Fleet Sail'd We
detected an horrid Scheme that had been laid here by some of the
principal French officers, which w th a Plan of the Town & Bat-
1 Original destroyed by fire.
2 Person addressed unknown.
218 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
teries &c was done on exceeding thin paper, & in extream small
writing & was folded & pressed as close as possible & put up in
the middle of a Wash ball to go to Canada by way of Louis-
burg. It was to take this place this Winter, there was to be
2000 Canadeans, 1000 Indians & 500 Regulars & 50 of the
Train with Cannon &c. They were to encamp first on the Wind
mill hill &c> and when they had taken the Town they were to fire
the Batteries upon our Ships. The Inhabitants were all to be
Shutt up in the Church & Fire to be set to it, and they were to
put all the Troops to the Sword without Quarter. You'l see
what abandoned Villians they are and that they will not yet let
us alone. The Admiral put it to the Chief person who was
concern'd (the Captain of the Alcide 1 ) who denied it upon
which the Admiral shew'd it to him in his own hand writing to
his horrible confusion.
FROM PELETIAH BLISS
This paper was followed in the Johnson Calendar, p. 60 by a cer-
tificate, undated, from Peletiah Bliss and Amos Putnam, relating to the
illness of Colonel Seth Pomeroy and need of his removal from camp; and
a letter of October 21st to Johnson from Goldsbrow Banyar, at Albany,
dealing with testimony of four French deserters, employment of Indians
against French settlements, encampment of regulars and Colonel Ellison'*
illness. Destroyed by fire.
TO THOMAS FITCH
Df*
Camp at Lake George 22. Octo r . 1755.
SIR
I wrote your Honour the 20 Inst with a Copy of the Proceed-
ings of a Court of Enquiry upon Ezekiel Pierce. Since w ch .
I am favoured with y r . honours Letter bearing date the 1 3 Inst.
It was by the Advice of a Council of War, that my General
1 The Chevalier Hocquart commanded the Alcide, captured by Admiral
Boscawen.
2 Original destroyed by fire.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756
219
er with an Account of the Engagements on the 8 Sep r . wrote
all the Gov". was sent by Express to Gov r Phipps & w^ I
not doubt but he would have communicated with all possible
speed to the other Gov".
I inclose your Honour a Copy of the Minutes of a Council of
War I summoned the 20 In st . this with those you have I doubt
not before now received from Lieut Col. Pitkin, will give you
an ample View of our present Sittuation & I presume convince
you, if not of the impossibility, of the inexpediency of our pro-
ceeding for some Weeks. There is an Article not mentioned
by the Council of War, w ch I think I have good Grounds for
believing. It is a general indisposition amongst the Troops to
proceed further, arising from the severity of the Season, a sur-
feit of the Military Life its fatigues & hardships, & an extreme
fond inclination of returning to their more comfortable homes &
the endearments of Family tyes.
Your Honour may depend that your just Quota of Troops to
be left in Garrison shall be observed.
As to the Fort building here, whatever insinuations have been
made to your Honour to the contrary, I am convinced the ground
is the most Advantageous of any w ch could be chosen here &
has not within 370 paces of it any rising Ground w ch Commands
it, and that distance is not within Battery in Breach. 1 This Fort
has born & continues to bear the Malignant Malice of some, for
w^ 1 I can find no other reason than Ignorance & Obstinancy.
Your Honours Intimations so politely given on the Subject, I
receive with a most grateful respect, my Opinions of your Candor
& Judgment is such that I shall always in every Instance pay the
greatest regard to your Sentiments & advice.
I am with great Esteem
Sir
Your Honours Most Obed*. hum Serv*.
We have not above 4 days bread in Camp.
To the Honourable GOVERNOR FlTCH
Reach?
220 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
TO PETER GILMAN
Df. S. 1
Camp at Lake George 22 Octo r 1755
SIR
I sent down Orders some time ago to the Commanding Officers
of all the Reinforcements at Albany that their Troops were to
remain there till further Orders except such Guards & Convoys
as might be absolutely necessary for the Service & those to be
as few as Prudence wou'd permit this was done upon the scar-
city of Bread amongst us & the danger at this Season of the
year of a due Supply failing. We have not now above if we
have 4 days supply of Bread in Camp. Till you can send up
some Bread in particular & other Stores in general for your Reg 1 ,
you must remain at Albany & assist in making the Roads or other
Matters relative to the Service. The Guards & Convoys hither
were to be taken by proportionable Detachments from the Massa-
chusetts & Rhode Island Reinforcements, have you waited on
S r . Charles Hardy Gov r . of New York at Albany if not I
desire you will do it, & apply to him if you should want any
Advice or assistance in w^ the good of the Service is concerned
I am &c
W.J.
To COL. PETER GILMAN
TO SIR CHARLES HARDY
D/. 1
Camp at Lake George 22 October 1755
SIR
I am favoured with Your Excellencys Three Letters bearing
dates the 11. 15 & 18 Inst.
The French Deserter came hither when my pain was so great
that I was incapable of attending to Business. Gen 1 . Lyman sent
1 Original destroyed by fire.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756
him to Fort Edward & I understood in order to be forwarded to
your Excellency. As to the officers not fulfilling his orders or
acting in the absurd manner your Excellency mentions, I am sorry
for tho not surprized at it, my daily experience has afforded many
& grosser instances of Disobedience & Ignorance, & beyond my
>wer either duly to punish or to prevent.
The 1 4 Inst I gave Orders to the Commands, officer at Fort
Iward to send under a secure Guard 4 other Deserters to your
xellency. I hope that has been more duly complied with than
ihe above Instance.
I judge our men fit for duty now here (for all the Returns
tho ordered the 20 are not come in) may amount to near 4000
out of w ch . no more than 3. 4 & 500 at most have been at work at
the Fort for some days past, tho 700 was agreed to by the Council
of War to work daily there when we were not above 2600. fit for
duty. I have given repeated orders I have sent the most serious
& pressing messages, some few Colonels have themselves pressed
an attention to this important article, yet so it is. I have issued
out this Morning a fresh order in the most peremptory manner for
1 /3 of each Reg 1 , in camp to go upon the Works. I am deter-
mined if this order is disobeyed by only one two Col 3 , to put
them under arrest, if too general I shall be almost tempted to
leave the Command of the Army to Gen 1 . Lyman & make a
Remonstrance upon it. Gen 1 . Lyman has always been a great
Enemy to this Fort & dos every thing in his Power to throw cold
water upon it. Says tis only beneficial to New York, will be
disapproved by the other Gov ts . who will not consent to Garrison
it&c.
Most of the Carpenters in the 3 Massachusetts Reg ts . of Rein-
forcements are employed in building Hutts & Houses for their
Men & officers, so that hitherto we have found little profit from
them.
I am thankful to Your Excellency for the marks of respect you
have paid to the Memory of Capt McGinnis. The young man
now Capt of the Company I have little knowledge of, they tell
me he is a sober Modest Man of good Spirit
222 Sir William Johnson Papers
As to Cap*. Morris's Ace*, of the Indians I have nothing of,
from, or seen any of them & should such a number come have no
Provisions for them. I have 6 or 7. here who do not choose to
go out on the Scout & are of no Service at present.
I am very glad y r . Excellency sent up D r . Ascough to the
Wounded Indians, it will greatly please them.
The 1 8 I called a Council of War upon the Intelligence from
the 5 French Deserters who deliv d . themselves to the Guard going
to Fort Edward & the further Examination of Blanchard one of
them whom I sent for hither, & who says their Advanced Guard
is ab*. 7 or 8 Miles on this side Tionderoga & consists of 70 or
80 Men & that they have about 400 at Tionderoga & the rest
of the Army at Crown Point. No Artillery at Tionderoga but
a breast work. I proposed to them whether they would advise
a Party to be sent against one or both of these Places, & how
many. They adjourned for their answer to the 19. when they
postponed their opinion till we got further Intelligence. They
were so puzzled with the absolute contradiction between, the
Information of these Deserters & our several Scouts that they
judged necessary to suspend their judgments till more Intelligence
could be got. The next day I sent out a Cap*, a Lieu 1 . & 5 Men
as a reconnoitering Party to the Advanced Posts & Tionderoga
with written orders to take the most exact view they could. They
are not yet returned. They advised in the meantime that the
Battoes here should be hauled up for caulking. I have ordered
it. I proposed also to them to go on with the flat bottomed Boats.
They unanimously gave their opinion that they should continue
in their present Sittuation.
I have wrote Cap 1 . Conine to withdraw his men within the
Stockades. Could not some of the regular Troops under well
chosen officers garrison his Majestys Indian Forts & save the
Crown the Expence of these additional ones.
The Baron Diskau told me when he was here that if any one
was to be sent to Crown Point he did not believe they would be
suffered to leave it & I do not know how or which way I can con-
trive to convey his Letters.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1 7 55-1 7 56
223
Your Excellencys favour of the 18 In 8t . with the Minutes of
>uncil I laid before a Council of War together with some other
;tters, the Evening I rec d it. The Minutes of that Council I
iclose your Excellency & beg leave to refer you thereto. I
iclose you also Cap*. Rodgerss, Lieu* Butterfield & Ensign
Pitmans * Intelligence from Tionderoga. They arrived last night
with the Scalp. When the other Scouts come in from Tionderogo
I may call another Council of War to repropose an Attack that
way, but I fancy it will not pass. In short The men in general
are so tired with a camp life & so homesick that I verily believe
any great Number would not march if called upon. The sick
increase, we bury 12 & 15 as I have been informed some times
in a day. I dont suppose we have more than 5 ds. bread now in
camp.
I referred Co 1 . Partridge to y r . Excellency, & I beg you will
please to let him have a copy of the above Minutes, unless
General Shirley should be come to Albany to whom I also write.
By venturing out of my Tent, I believe I catched cold, & my
pain in the ear is returned again, & I had not a wink of Sleep
last night. I am most respectfully Sir Your Excellencys Most
Obd< humble
INDORSED: GenK Letter to S r . Charles
Hardy 22 Octo'.
TO SPENCER PHIPS
L. S*
Camp at Lal^e George 22 October 1755
SIR
My last to Your Honour was the 1 3 Instant to be deliver'd or
forwarded by Colonel Ruggles.
Since which I am favoured with Yours of the 29 Sep r .. and
6 Ins 1 ., the former by Col. Gridly, who arrived here a few days
1 Israel Putnam, not Ensign Timothy Putnam.
2 In Massachusetts Archives. Johnson's draft was destroyed by fire.
224 i Sir William Johnson Papers
ago. He seems to deserve the Character you give him, and if
all the Officers of his Rank in this Army were equal to him I
should have thought myself verry happy in my Station and have
flattered myself with Prospects equivalent to the hopes and
expectations of the Governments. I propose Col. Gridley to
Command at Fort Edward and inspect the finishing the Works
there.
Your favour of the 6 Ins*., with the papers therin, I laid before
a Council of War the Copy of whose Minutes. I transmit you
herewith. A few days ago five french Deserters fell in with &
surrendered themselves to a Guard of ours Marching to Fort
Edward I sent for the most Intelligent of them and Examined
him. He said they were of the Advanced Guard 5 or 6 Miles
on this Side the Carrying Place. That between 70 and 80 Men
were kept there, and between 4 and 500 at Ticonderogo. The
rest of the Army at Crown Point. This Account so strangely
contradicts the repeated Accounts from our own Scouts, that the
Council of War posponed giving any Opinion on my Proposal
till we got further Intelligence. Cap*. Rogers and two other
Officers with a Scout were then put for Crown Point I sent the
next Morning a Cap*, a Lieu*, and 5 picked Men with written
Instructions to take the nearest and most exact View they pos-
sibly could of the posture of the Enemy at Ticonderogo and their
advanced Post. When they return I shall probably renew my
proposal to the Council of War. The Battoes are turned up and
drying for Caulking.
I inclose Your Honour the Minutes of a Council of War I
summoned the 20 Ins 1 . I cannot possibly without delaying the
Express who waits to return to Col. Partridge transmit Copies
of these Minutes to the Governours of New Hampshire and
Rhode Island I must therefore beg Your Honour will order
them to be Copied and sent.
Cap*. Rogers and 2 other Officers returned last Night from
Crown Point, they Scalped a French Man who would not sur-
render in sight of the Fort. The Hill near the Fort is they say
Jor the land :Ma:
f/fo'n/f. //<'"/{/>/</>//* r'tt/.tn
Preliminary Campaigns, 7755-7756 225
fortified. They had a View of Ticonderogo in their return and
of the Advanced Post. They Assert that to their best Judg-
ments there were at least 2000 Men at the former and 1 000 at
the latter.
Our Sick and unfit for duty increase, the Weather Cold and
Wet which I am afraid will increase their Number. We have
not more than 4 days Bread at present in Camp, the Roads
almost impassible, the River not fordible. I have ordered Par-
ties to mend the Road clear from Albany thither, but I fear the
nature of them is such as will elude Art if much Rain comes. I
dread the Consequence and our Fort goes on Slowly. I am Sir
Your Honours Most Obed 1 .. Serv 1 ..
W M . JOHNSON
I inclose this open to
Col. Partridge to seal
and forward.
To The Honourable
GOVERNOUR PHIPPS.
FROM ROBERT ROGERS AND OTHERS
A. L. S. 1
Camp at La^e George 22 Octo r 1755
On the fourteenth Day of October I Embarked in a Burch
Canoe at the Camps on the South End of Lake George With
Four Men Beside My Self & Sailed twenty five Miles & Landed
on the west side of the Lake then Traveled by Land and on the
Eighteenth Day I arived on the Mountain on the West Side of
Crown point there I lay that Night & all the Next Day and
Observed Ambuskers Built upon the Mount about Thirty Rods
To the Southwest of Crown point fort in the Evening went Down
1 Original destroyed by fire. Printed in Doc. Hist. N. Y., 4:269-70;
Q, 4:175. The following is from the Hastings proof. It varies from
the copy in the Doc. Hist, in capitalization and punctuation.
Vol. II 8
226 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
To the Houses that was built upon the lake to the South of Crown
point & Went into a barn that was well fill'd with wheat & Left
three Men & proceeded with one Man To make further Dis-
coverys at the fort and found a Good place To ambush within
Sixty Rods of the fort & Imediatly went back & took our partners
& Ambush'd at the proper place we had found & there we lay
Till about Ten of the Clock & Observed Several Canoes passing
up & Down the lake & Sundry Men that Went out To work
about their Secular affairs & Judged the whole that was in the
fort To be about five Hundred at length a french Man Came
out of the fort Towards us without his Gun & Came within fifteen
Rods of where we lay then I with another Man Run Up to him
In order to Captivate him But he Refused To Take Quarter
So we kill'd him and Took of his Scalp in plain Sight of the fort
then Run and in plain view about Twenty Rods & made our
Escape the Same Night we Came Right West of Tianarago
about three Miles & upon a Mountain in plain Sight of their fort
& See large Incampments Round it & heard a Vast Number of
Smal arms fired Judged there To be Two Thousand Men at
Tianarago & on the Twenty first Day Got To Our Canoes about
Eight of the Clock in the Morning & found all Safe & about
Nine of the Clock in the Evening arived all well at our Encamp-
ments where we Set out.
The above account is the Cheif Discovery that we Made at
Crown point & Tianaragoe.
ROBT RODGERS *
JONATHAN BUTERFEILD
ISRAEL PUTNAM
To the Honourable WlLLlAM JOHNSON Esq r Commander in
Cheif of the Forces at Lake George this presented By Your
Honours Most Humble Serv 1
INDORSED: Cap* Rodgers & O Ace* of Scout to Crown Point
rec'd22Octo' 1755
He varies in spelling his own name.
Preliminary Campaigns, 77557756
227
TO OLIVER PARTRIDGE
The above letter was followed in the Johnson Calendar, p. 60 by
Johnson's letter of October 22d, to Oliver Partridge on council of war,
despatches and want of provisions. It was destroyed by fire.
TO WILLIAM SHIRLEY
Camp at Lake George 22. Octo r . 7755.
SIR
My last to your Excellency was the 1 In st with sundry papers
to w cK . I beg leave to refer.
The Spies I sent to Tionderoga returned with an Account that
they found the Enemy s out Guards so alert that way, that they
did not dare venture to come near enough to make any distinct
Discoveries. They say they had a very clear view of the
advanced party who are near 2 miles on this side the Carrying
Place. They say there were 2 Encamp*, on each side of the Lake
amount?, to about 7 or 800 French & Indians, one of them (for
they went seperately) say to 1000. These were 3 Commission
officers 2 of them Captains. This Ace*, confirms Cap*. Rodgers
w ck . I transmitted to y r . Excellency.
Since these People came in, 5 French Deserters delivered them-
selves up to a Guard of ours marching to Fort Edward who car-
ried them thither. They came from the advanced Guard posted
when they left it, about 5 miles from Tionderoga, but say it was
to be advanced the next day 2 miles nearer this way. That it
consists of between 70 & 80 men, that there are between 3 & 400
at Tionderoga, no Artillery or Fort, only a Breast work thrown
up. That the rest of the Army were at Crown Point.
Upon this I called a Council of War & proposed for their
opinion whether I should send a Party either to endeavour to cut
off this advanced Guard only or a number suff*. to make an attack
upon Tionderoga.
1 Original destroyed by fire.
228 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
The Council finding such an unaccountable Opposite between
this Intelligence, & those we have had from our own Scouts,
agreed to postpone their opinion, till some further Intelligence
could be obtained. The next day I sent out a Cap*, a Lieu 1 . &
5 Men with written Instructions to take the nearest & most dis-
tinct View possible of the Enemy at these Posts. They are not
yet returned. Last night Cap*. Rodgers & two more officers
arrived from Crown Point. They went with two Men more in
their Company & have bro*. a Frenchmans Scalp, a Copy of their
report I inclose your Excellency. Also Copy of the Minutes
of a Council of War the 1 1 & 12 Inst. Copies of w ch . Col.
Ruggles carried to Boston & Col. Pitkin to Connecticut. I
should have transmitted them to Your Excellency before but I
was advised from Albany that you were on your way down &
am told this will probably meet you arrived there.
I also inclose Your Excellency the Minutes of a Council of
War held the 20 Inst.
Upon the best calculation I can make for I cannot get the
Returns all in, There are at this place about 4500 Men fit for
Duty, ab*. 800 given in Sick & unfit for Duty. And not above 5
days bread in Camp. Our Fort here goes on slowly. I do all in
my power to push it. Directions & Orders for finishing Fort
Edward are given.
I am Sir
Your Excellencys Most obd*. hum. Serv*.
INDORSED : General's Letter to
Gen 1 . Shirley Octob'. 22 1755.
(Preliminary Campaigns, 1 7 55-17 56 229
TO SYBRANT G. VAN SCHAICK
Df. S. 1
Camp at Lake George, 22 Octo r . 1755.
SIR
I have yours of the 18 In* 1 . If sending the Shot from the
dalf Moon will take up Waggons w ch would otherwise be bring-
ing Bread, pray speak to S r . Charles & I believe he will withdraw
his Order.
The 18 pounders are to remain at Albany till further Orders
I am
Sir
Your hum Serv 1 .
W.J.
To SYBR T . G. V. SCHAICK Esq r .
BIGOT TO THE FRENCH MINISTER *
Quefcec 23 Octobre 1755.
Lettre de M. Ulntendant Bigot au Ministre
MONSEIGNEUR,
Un habitant me remit il y a quelques jours un cahier de registre
ecrit en Anglais qu'il avail trouve sur le champ de bataille apres
Faction qui s'est passe au Fort Dvquesne, il ne s'y est trouve
d'interessant que deux minutes des instructions que le General
Braddock avait donne au Colonel Johnson et au Colonel Shirley,
je les ai fait traduire par M. Perthius, Con c au conseil superieur
et j'ai Thonneur de vous en adresser cy-joint les copies.
Les instructions du Colonel Shirley confirment bien le projet
des Anglais de s'emparer de Niagara et de toute la partie de terre
qui borde au sud le Lac Ontario, sous pretexte de proteger les
cinq nations, et les faire rentrer dans leurs anciennes possessions,
1 Original destroyed by fire.
* In Public Archives of Canada, Correspondances Officielles, v. 11,
1755. F. 300.
230 'Sir William Johnson Papers
que les Anglais pretendent que nous leur avons enleve. Vous y
remarquerez, Monseigneur, que ce Colonel est authorise a tirer
sur le Tresor du Roi d'Angleterre les sommes necessaires pour
ses operations, ce qui prouve que ce prince fait la grande partie
des depenses pour 1'execution des projets qu'il a forme contre le
Canada.
J'ai Thonneur d'etre avec un profond respect.
Monseigneur
Votre &c
BlGOT.
Joint a la Lettre de M. Bigot du 23 novembre * 1755.
Instructions 2
du General Braddock au Colonel Johnson commandant un corps
de 5. a 600 hommes destine pour 1'attaque du fort S l Frederic,
campes au Lac S* Sacrement et aux environs.
Vous feres voir aux Sauvages des six nations un acte que vous
remettra le Colonel Shirley et vous leur feres en mon nom la
lecture des Instructions suivantes.
Comme il paroit par un traitte fait a Orange par les cinq nations
alors et Johnnans Lieutenant Gouverneur de New York, par
lequel les dittes cinq Nations remirent tous les pais de chasse de
castor qu'ils avoient conquis il y avoit alors huit ans, sous la
protection du Roy d'Angleterre qui devoit leur en garantir la
possession pour eux et pour leur usage, et qu'il paroit aussy par
un acte passe en 1726 entre les trois nations Goyongouins,
Sonontouans, Oneyonts et le Gouverneur alors de New York
qu'ils avoient remis toutes les terres consistant en 60 mille a
prendre des Lacs en allant dans les terres, en comencant par un
crique que 1'on apelle ou Baye de Niaouenre* Canahogue sur
*ou Baye de Niaouanre.
1 This evidently should be " Octohre."
'In Collection Moreau de St Merv. 1750-1756. F. 202, 12:252.
Preliminary Campaigns, / 7 55-1 7 56 231
le Lac de Choueguin Canahoguet sur tout le long dudit Lac et
tout le long du detroit depuis le dit Lac jusqu'a la chute de
Niagara et tout le long du Detroit depuis ledit Lac jusqu'a la
chute de Niagara x et tout le long du lac Ontario jusqu'au crique
nome Sodoms qui apartient aux Sinnakeens et depuis Sodoms
jusqu'a la montagne apelle Tegerhunekserade$ qui apartient aux
Cayouges et depuis Tegerhunekserade jusqu'au crique qu'on
nomme Cayhunghage qui apartient aux Onondages** Toules 2
les dittes terres estant de 60 mille anglois, toutes lesquelles terres
depuis les susdits Lacs ou Rivieres allant directement en pro-
fondeur dans le pays ren ferment tous les villages des dittes trois
Nations avec toutes les Rivieres, Criques et Lacs qui se trouvent
dans les dittes limites aux conditions d'estre proteges et deffendus
par Sa Majeste et ses successeurs pour toujours et conserves pour
1'usage des dittes trois Nations leurs enfans et leurs successeurs;
Et comme il paroit que les Francois de temps a autres par fraude
et par violence ont construit de bons forts dans les limites des
terres susdittes en contravention des conventions portees audit
contract et traitte, vous assureres en mon nom les dittes nations
que je suis venu de la part et au nom de Sa Majeste pour detruire
tous les dits forts et pour en batir qui puissent proteger les dittes
terres et les leur assurer a eux et a leurs successeurs pour toujours
conformement au but et a 1'esprit du traitte Et en consequence
sommes les de lever la hache et de venir prendre possession de
leurs propres terres.
Je soussigne Conseiller au Conseil Superieur certifie avoir
traduit de 1'anglois en frangois la piece cy dessus et des autres
t Lac Ontario.
$ Montagne qui doit estre entre la Baye des Goyogouins et Choueguin.
ou La Famine.
** ou Onontagues.
1 The repetition here occurs in the original.
" Toutes " was probably written.
232 * Sir William Johnson Papers
parts, dont la minutte a este deposee au Secretariat de Monsieur
Tlntendant de la Nouvelle France.
A Quebec le 20 octobre 1 755.
signe: PERTHIUS.
Nous Intendant de la Nouvelle France
Certifions que nous avons entendu dire a tous les anglois qui
sont venus en ce pais que M. Perthius, Conseiller au Conseil
Superieur, parloit tres bien la langue angloise et qu'il la
traduisoit parfaitement.
Fait a Quebec le 22 octobre 1 755.
Translation
Quebec, 23d October, 1755
Letter of Intendant Bigot to the Minister
MY LORD:
Some days ago a Canadian delivered to me a minutebook
written in English which he had found on the battle field after the
action which occurred at Fort Duquesne. Nothing of interest
is found in it except two drafts of instructions which General
Braddock had given to Colonel Johnson and to Colonel Shirley.
I have had them translated by M. Perthius, counselor to the
superior council, and I have the honor to transmit to you the
copies, hereto attached.
Colonel Shirley's instructions well confirm the scheme of the
English to seize Niagara and all the portion of land along the
southern shore of Lake Ontario, under the pretense of protecting
the Five Nations, and reestablishing them in their ancient pos-
sessions, which the English pretend that we have taken from
them. You will observe in these instructions, my Lord, that this
colonel is authorized to draw on the treasury of the King of Eng-
land for the sums necessary for his operations, which proves that
Preliminary Campaigns, 7755-7756 233
that prince bears the greater part of the expenses for the execution
of the plans which he has formed against Canada.
I have the honor to be with profound respect.
My Lord
Yours etc.
BIGOT
Attached to M. Bigot's letter of November 23, 7755
Instructions
of General Braddock to Colonel Johnson, commander of a force
of 500 to 600 men intended for the attack on Fort St Frederic,
encamped at Lake St Sacrement and in the vicinity.
You will show to the Indians of the Six Nations a deed which
Colonel Shirley will deliver to you and you will have the follow-
ing instructions read to them in my name.
As it appears by a treaty made at Albany by the then Five
Nations and John Nanf an, 1 Lieutenant Governor 'of New York,
by which the said Five Nations transferred all the beaver
hunting grounds, which they had conquered eight 2 years before
that time, to the protection of the King of England, who
was to guarantee to them their possession and use, and as it
appears also by a deed executed in 1726 between the three
nations, Cayugas, Senecas, Onondagas, and the then Governor
of New York, that they had assigned all the lands for sixty miles
in breadth, taken from the lakes into the country, beginning at a
creek which is called either Bay of Niaouenre* Canahogue
on the Lake of Choueguin Canahogue,t running the whole
length of said lake and of the strait from the said lake to the
falls of Niagara and along Lake Ontario to the creek named
x The triple error of the interpreter which changed John Nanfan to
Johnnans apparently arose in one particular from his mistaking the f for
the long s common at that period.
2 Eight in the French. " Four Score" in the English deed of 1 701 ;
eighty in the English deed of 1 726, See Doc. Rel to Col. Hist. N. Y. t
4:908, and 5:800.
234 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
Sodoms, 1 which belongs to the Senecas, and from Sodoms to
the mountain called Tegerhunekserade,$ which belongs to the
Cayugas, and from Tegerhunekserade to the creek which is
named Cayhunghage, which belongs to the Onondagas,** all
the said land being of the breadth of 60 English miles, all of
which lands from the aforesaid lakes or rivers running in depth
directly into the country, inclosing all the villages of the said
three nations with all the rivers, creeks and lakes which are
found within the said limits, on the conditions of being pro-
tected and defended by his Majesty and his successors forever
and preserved for the use of the said three nations, their children
and their successors; and as it appears that the French from time
to time by fraud and by violence have constructed strong forts
within the limits of the aforesaid lands in contravention of the
agreements expressed in the said contract and treaty, you will
assure the said nations in my name that I have come on the part
and in the name of his Majesty to destroy all the said forts and
to build some which will suffice to protect the said lands and
insure them to them and their successors forever agreeably to the
object and the spirit of the treaty. And, for this purpose, summon
them to take up the hatchet and to come and take possession of
their own lands.
I the undersigned, counselor to the superior council, certify
that I have translated from the English into French the paper
attached to this and other portions, the draft of which has been
deposited in the secretariate of the Intendant of New France.
At Quebec, the 20th of October, 1 755
signed: PERTHIUS.
We, the Intendant of New France,
Certify that we have heard it said by all the English who have
come into this country that M. Perthius, Counselor to the
1 " Usually Identified with Sodtis," W. M. Beauchamp, Aboriginal
Place Names of Ne York. P- 242.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756
235
Superior Council, spoke the English language very well and that
he translated it perfectly.
Done at Quebec the 22d of October, 1 755.
FROM JAMES BROWN
Peletiah Bliss and Timothy Warner's certificate of the 23d of Lieu-
tenant James Tracy's sickness, with General Lyman's permit to go home,
and a letter of the 23d from James Brown, of Bridge Hampton, L. I.,
announcing to Johnson a present of 12 cattle from his parishioners and
declaring a warm interest in the success of the expedition, are in the John-
son Calendar, p. 61. These were destroyed by fire.
* Or Bay of Niaouanre. 1
t Lake Ontario. 2
J Mountain which should be between the Bay of the Cayugas and
Oswego. 3
Or La Famine. 4
** Or Onontagues.
1 A name which Beauchamp appropriates to Chaumont bay, on Lake
Ontario, Aboriginal Place Names, p. 96.
2 The above note is incorrect. The deed of 1 70 1 does say *' the lake
of Swege," and the deed of 1726 says "Lake Osweego"; but Lake
Osweego and Sweege are early names for Lake Erie. Beauchamp,
Aboriginal Place Names, p. 66, 67, 132, 171. The line described in
the deed of trust began at Canahogue (Cuyahoga river) , where it empties
into Lake Erie, and followed that lake eastward. If we must suppose
that this fact was known to Perthius, it is still apparent that his interpreta-
tion of Choueguin Canahogue reveals confusion of thought.
" Tegerhunkserode, a hill east of Sodus bay and belonging to the
Cayugas in 1 758. It was called Tegerhunckseroda in 1 726.*' Beau-
champ, Aboriginal Place Names, p. 242.
4 Salmon river.
236 'Sir William Johnson Paper*
TO RICHARD GRIDLEY
D. 1
Camp at Lake George. 24 Octo r . 1755.
Instructions For Col. Gridley
1.
You are to march from hence with two Companies of the Regt
under your Command, to Fort Edward & take on you the Com-
mand of that Garrison.
2.
You are to direct & inspect the compleating of the Works there
agreable to the Plan & Directions W ch Capt. Ayre left with
Major Fitch.
3.
You are order out Parties of 50 or 1 00 men according to the
Number of the Tools w ch can be spared to mend & repair the
Road & Bridges between said Fort & Seraghtoga, and order
a Bridge for Waggons to be made as soon as possible over a
certain Creek about 8 or 9 miles from the sd Fort. The road
Parties are to stay out 4 whole days at work & to be relieved the
5th you will exert your self to have this very necessary piece of
Duty Diligently & faithfully performed.
4.
Major Hoare having made a complaint to me that the late
vacancies in Col. Ruggles's Reg 1 , are not filled up according to
Seniority, you are to enquire into the same, & if Lieut. Col.
Gilbert sent me an undue list of the officers to be promoted You
are to order him into Confinement, & make me a distinct Report
thereon. You are also to order a Court of Enquiry upon a cer-
tain Pris r . of said Reg*, who by discharging his Gun killed &
wounded some Soldiers there & send me the proceedings of the
same.
In Ayer Collection, Newberry Library, Chicago, 111.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756
5.
237
You will keep a Guard at the Bridge beyond the Fort, to stop
& secure Deserters or such as leave this Army without furlough
or Discharge & to search Waggons, that they do not carry off
any of the Stores or other Property belonging to the Public &
to turn such back as do not when they are empty bring stones for
building the chimnees at Fort Edward, & send an Acct of their
names to the Commissaries at Albany in whose Service they are
employed. You will also keep out small Scouting Parties daily
& nightly for 3 or 4 miles round to prevent any Surprize or Insult
from the Enemy.
6.
You are to send me a General Return of your Garrison every
Monday, & to stop as little Bread or flour as you prudently can.
TO SIR CHARLES HARDY
Camp at Lake George 24. October 1755.
SIR
I wrote Your Excellency the 22. with sundry Papers to w ch
I beg leave to refer you.
I find a large Scow is very much wanted to ferry the Waggons
& Horses across the River at Seraghtoga Cap*. Webster our
head carpenter is extreamly ill with a Flux w ch is a great Draw-
back upon the Works here. There is such a general disinclination
to Labour amongst the Troops here & particularly with regard
to the Fort, so much yet to be done, & the time for doing it so
short, that I cannot think it by any means adviseable to send
carpenters away to make this Scow and indeed I apprehend we
have none here who are proper Judges of its Construction. I
beg therefore Your Excellency will acquaint the Provincial Com-
panies at Albany that they must hire some Workmen there who
1 Original destroyed by fire.
238 'Sir William Johnson Papers
understand this Matter to build a proper Scow with all possible
Dispatch and I would have a Company of the Massachusetts
Reinforcements at Albany with an active careful Captain posted
at the East side of the River at Seraghtogo where there is good
Quarters for them in order to assist the Waggons & carry on any
further Service to w ch they may be ordered.
Col. Gridley is to march from hence to morrow with Two
Companys of his Reg*, to take the Command of Fort Edward &
to expedite the Completion of that Fort, as also to have the Road
from thence to Seraghtoga thoroughly repaired & Mended, w ch .
I understand is not done according to my Orders, tho Men have
been constantly upon it.
M r . Butler arrived here Two Nights ago with about 9 or 10
Mohock Indians. The rest who set out with him, were met by
a Party who were returning from hence homewards, they
disauded them from proceeding & told them a heap of idle
Falshoods, & by this Means drew all except the above Number
away with them. These came to me this Morning & told me
that as we were not ready to go forwards they were desirous also
of returning home, that they came chiefly to pay me a Visit &
see how I did & would now go & give their Bretheren an account
& that when I was ready to go & sent them word both their
Castles would come to a Man. They are gone & I have now but
four Indians with me. I find the Indians are not inclined to go
out on the Scout either by themselves or in Company with our
People. They seem to be infected with the Epidemical Disease
of our Troops, Home Sickness, & I fear with regard to both, it is
incurable for this Season.
To send the Indians scalping among the Inhabitants of Canada
& destroying their out Settlements, is a work w^ will require pre-
vious Ceremonies & a more formal Application than can be made
here. I not only think this point may be compassed, but some
more Consequential Measures possible to be effected, in order to
distress the French Indian Interest, but this will require time,
some artful Managment, & a Diligent Application.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 239
Col. Cockcroft Informs me he has recommended One M r .
Richardson an Adjutant at present in one of the Massachusetts
Reg ts to y r . Excellency for a Vacant Lieutenancy in his Reg*,
he has distinguished himself very advantageously, & had it been
in my power to have promoted him to a Captain in his own Reg 1 ,
it should have been done.
Will your Excellency please to direct the Inclosed Letter for
Gov r . Lawrence to be forwarded I have received a very polite
one from him
To His Excellency S*. CHARLES HARDY
FROM THOMAS GILBERT
Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Gilbert's receipt, given at Fort Edward,
for cannon, dated October 24th, following this in the Johnson Calendar,
p. 61 was destroyed by fire.
TO CHARLES LAWRENCE
D/. 1
Camp at Lake George 24 October 1755.
SIR
Last Night I was honoured with your favour of the 25 past.
Your approbation of the Behaviour of the Troops under my
Command in the late happy repulse given the Enemy, I have
communicated to several of the principal officers here, who join
with me in esteeming it amongst the most honourable consequences
of the day ; and I beg you will accept of our joint Gratitude for
the same.
Your favouring me with a Letter on this occasion & your very
polite & friendly sentiments in my favour therein, gives me all
those pleasing sensibilities, w ch . worthy & amiable Characters
have the distinguishing Privilege of imparting.
I wish our progress since the late action had been such as
entitled us to your further notice, but our great distance from
Original destroyed by fire.
240 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
Albany, the Disappointm*. of a suff 1 . number of Waggons, to
supply us with the requisite Stores & Provisions for proceeding,
the late arrival of the Reinforcements, the great increase of sick-
ness in our Camp, the unfavourableness of the Season, the want
of warm cloathing & proper Bedding for the Men. These things
have not only been insuperable Obstacles to our proceeding, but
dejected our Mens Spirits & given them a much greater keenness
for returns, home than going forwards. We have not now more
than 2 days Bread in Camp, the Roads so Bad & the water so
high, that the supplying us is not only extreamly Difficult, but I
dread will be fatally slow.
I am building a respectable Fort here to maintain His
Majestys possession of this important Pass, the work goes on
slowly, the men are much disinclined to Labour & I am very
anxious lest it should not be timely compleated. I have had
another Built at the Carrying Place ab*. 1 8 Miles nearer Albany
from hence at another considerable Pass, that also is uncom-
pleated. However both these Works are going on & tho not so
briskly as I would wish, yet I hope will be timely finished so as
to receive Garisons this Winter. And with this I am apprehen-
sive our present Campaign will end, unless the Troops should be
kept up for a Winter Expedition.
Tho the Ball cannot be extracted I feel no pain or incon-
veniency from my Wound, but I have been confined to my Tent
for near a fortnight by a violent & painful inflamation in the side
of my head, tis now better & hope to get out of Confinement in
a day or two.
May Health, honour & Success continue to attend you. I am
with great respect Sir
Your obliged & Obed*. Serv*.
Cap*. Wraxall my only Aid de Camp & Sec r y. begs you will
present his comp ts . to Admiral Boscawen to whom he was
formerly well known in Jamaica.
To the Honourable
CHARLES LAWRENCE, Esq r . &c.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 241
FROM THOMAS GILBERT ET AL
This letter is followed in the Johnson Calendar (See p. 61) by an
ler of the 24th, issued by Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Gilbert for the
;st of Abraham Loucket, Surgeon Thomas Williams's certificate, dated
25th, of the sickness of Ebenezer Moulton, Oliver Cole and Sergeant
ill; proceedings, dated the 26th, in the trial of Abraham Loucket by
>urt martial; Captain Doolittle's report of scouting to Crown Point and
Iconderoga, dat7d the 26th (printed in Doc. Hist. N. Y. t 4:270-71 ;
Q, 4:1 75-76) ; Stephen Miller's report as field officer of the day, dated
the 27th; Jelles Fonda and Philip Lansing's return of bateaux, undated;
and minutes, dated the 27th, of a court of inquiry convicting Lieutenant
Asa Noble, charged with mutiny and plunder. These papers were
destroyed by fire.
FROM SPENCER PHIPS 1
L. S.
Boston Ocr. 25. 1755
S*
The several Letters which Col. Ruggles was charged with
have been forwarded to me from Holden, 2 but Col. Ruggles
himself has not yet been in Town. The Gen 1 . Assembly met
here the 22 d . Instant, & are still sitting, & seem to be under great
Concern, least the Expedition to Crown Point should not be
push'd forward now you have had such large Reinforcements of
Men from the several Colonies concerned in it: And I herewith
send you a Vote pass'd this Day by the two Houses, which will
show you how much they have the thing at Heart, And I must
press it upon you not to dismiss any Man till you hear further
from Me And that you would in the mean time be making all
the necessary Preparations as tho it was a thing determined to
proceed with all possible Dispatch. I am Sir,
Your humble Servant
S. Phips
Hon ble . W M . JOHNSON Esq'.
1 In Massachusetts Archives. Not an autograph.
1 Underscored in copy. Hardwick is written in the margin. Hardwick
was Ruggles's home.
242 ' Sir William Johnson Paper*
FROM GOLDSBROW BANYAR
A. L. S. 1
Albany 27 Oc*. 7755.
DEAR SIR
I am favoured with yours of the 23 d . and really partake in
the Concern your present Situation gives me. I have suspected
it since a few days after my Arrival, but knew it was irremedi-
able. Tho believe me, I do not think this adds much to the
merits of your C: of W-r and the Army, who seem to me to
have had no inclination to proceed since the Battle Otherways
they would have finish'd their Scows & prepared every thing else
for a March in Case Provisions had arrived, which they could not
be certain would fail them. Instead of this, what have they
done. Your Scows and Fort at the Lake too might have been
finish'd by this time, had your New England Men been actuated
by that noble Spirit they have amused the world with so long.
I may be in an Error but dont believe a single Syllable of
Rogers's Information. The Lives of the Deserters are in our
Power, who might be convinced their Lives would have paid for
any Misfortune the Consequence of their false Information. I
see they take no Notice of the Deserters Information, but rest
upon the critical View of Tionderoga at three miles distance.
You have done every thing in your Power, & I know both
your Inclination & Reputation will lead you to persevere in that
disposition to the last act of Securing Garrisons in the two Forts
which I suppose you'l think of doing whether the Regulars be
ordered or not if they are ordered, a few of your best &
activest Men should be left as Rangers. Your Credit is much
interested in securing the Footing you've gain'd You see the
Opinion of the Council about dismissing some of your Troops.
It is a measure I see you'l quickly be reduced to, and I hope
when done, that it may not discourage the rest who may be left
1 Original destroyed by fire.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 243
hind. Cant you spur on those wretches By representing to
them the danger they are in of loosing the Credit of their Victory,
as well as of that Name they sustain in the World, unless they
secure their Conquests for such I call the Forts when built. Gov-
ernor Fitch, sensible that the Expedition will probably be laid
aside, is very anxious on this Point, and believe me, those who
are of a Contrary Opinion will have little Satisfaction in it upon
their Return home. I laugh at & despise the Man you mention
as an advocate for this Sentiment, and his Reason for it, is of
little weight as I apprehend himself will soon be in the Esteem
of the Publick. I am very sorry you could not be present in
Council. If you can speak to any one be present yourself the
next, and be very particular in recommends, the necessary
Measures to be taken in Case the Expedition as I apprehend it
is already laid aside. I would give my own Opinion and then
receive theirs, and oblige them too to act according to mine, if
there's appear'd unsupported by Reason. M r . Ponnall is just
come. M r . Montresor the Engineer is come here too. The
News from Boston is later than that they bring. (Boston Paper)
The former says Hawke has taken 5 French Men of War & that
about 20 French Merchantment are sent in to English Ports. A
Warr seems inevitable Adieu and believe me to
yours most effectionat
Gw BANYAR
The Commiss'r is over & desires to be remembered to you. Sir
Charles seems to wish a Party may be sent to the Enemy's
advanced Post as the opinion of the Council is. M r . Ponnall
last Night (it's now 28) read me I believe all his Letter he now
writes I really think the Matter he speaks of requires Explana-
tion, the Method of doing it must be thought of, it would look
a little odd to write a Letter on that Subject only. Carpenters
are about sending up by the Commissaries to build Scows & about
1 00 Men are going to Saraghtoga the Comm. of the Massachu-
1 Omitted in the copy.
244 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
sets having rece'd an Extract of your Letter. Let not any thing
that you can do be wanting to complete every thing necessary in
the best Manner. I'm glad Coll Gridley is gone to Fort Edward
Give my Compliments pray to M r . Wraxall & M r . Eyre -
Barracks for 500 Men are building between the Stockades & the
Street running North from the Church.
MINUTES OF A COURT OF INQUIRY
This letter was followed in the Johnson Calendar, p. 61 by minutes
of a court of inquiry, dated the 27th, in which Joseph Gilbert, accused
of discharging his gun, thereby killing and wounding several persons, was
acquitted. They were destroyed by fire.
FROM NATHANAEL DWIGHT 1
A. L. S.
Lake George Oct'. 27* 1755
To the Honb le Maj r General Johnson now in the Camps Sir
Stephen Davis one of my Sarg 1 the bearer hearof is a man that
has as I understand bin burnt out and Drove of from the Western
frontiers three times by the Enemy by which he is redused to
verry Low Circumstances the third and Last time he removed
his family which are young and helpless to Hadley 3 d . precinct
where he has the Summer past by his fingers Ends Supported
them and when the Order Come out for recruts for this army in
our Government the Capt of that place presd S d Davis up hear
and the towns people rise up against itt and Several offered to
Come in his room even the Cap ts own Son S d to his Father in the
face of the Company that he had rather Come in his room it
made Such Great uneasiness but all would not Do Davis must
Come Since that he has Letters from home which he will Lay
before your Honour which represent his Family Sick and in
verry Destitute Circumstancies and none to pity or Relieve them
and if your Honour upon Consideration of the Case in your
, 1 Original destroyed by fire.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 245
lorn Can thing x it fit S d . Davis Should be allowed to return to
family it will Greatly oblige him
These from S r
your most Dutifull Humble Serv* to Command
NATH'A DWIGHT
FROM AMOS PUTNAM ET AL
Amos Putnam and John Calef's undated certificate of sickness of
Lieutenant Ephm Hail, following this in the Johnson Calendar, p. 62
was destroyed by fire.
REPORT TO MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL COURT
D. S. 2
October 27, 1755.
^ovince of the Massachusetts Bay
The Committee appointed to take under Consideration the
several Letters & Papers received from his Excellency Governor
Shirley and Major General Johnson, have maturely considered
the same & have likewise fully discoursed with Colo. Ruggles,
who lately left the Army destined for Crown Point, concerning
the Situation & Circumstances of it; and are upon the whole of
Opinion, that it is expedient the Army should proceed imme-
diately upon the Expedition, and that the Committee of War
make the necessary Provision for this Purpose: And in order
more effectually to carry the Design into Execution, that it will
be expedient that three Gentlemen of Weight and Influence
should forthwith repair to Albany, to correspond with the Com-
mittee of War here & forward the Necessaries to the Army, and
if need be to purchase such Articles as may be wanting upon any
Emergency, or such as cannot so well be sent from hence. And
that the other Governm t8 . concerned in the Expedition be
acquainted with these Resolutions and desired to join some
1 So in copy ; k is intended.
2 Original destroyed by fire.
246 Sir William Johnson Papers
Gentlemen from each of them respectively to carry on the same
Design.
The Committee are further of Opinion that as His Excel-
lency Govern r . Shirley now is or will very probably soon be at
Albany, his Excellency be desired to use his Weight and Influ-
ence with all concerned in the Execution of this important Plan,
in order to engage them to proceed with Resolution and Dispatch.
In the Name & by Order of the Committee
J. Osborne
In Council October 27. 1 755. Read & sent down
In the House of Represent Ves. October 27. 1 755.
Read & Ordered that this Report be accepted
Sent up for Concurrence
T. Hubbard Spk r .
In Council Octo r . 27. 1 755. Read & Concurr'd
Tho. Clarke Dp*. Sea*
Consented to, S. Phips.
Copy examined $ THO S . CLARKE Dp*. Seer?.
FROM MINISTERS OF SOUTHOLD, L. I.
L. S. 1
Southold Oct. 28 1755
To the Honourable WlLLIAM JOHNSON & PHINEAS LYMAN
Esq rs .
Major Generals & Commanders in Chief of the Provincial Forces
design'd against Crown Point
We the Subscribers, & Ministers of the Gospel, in the Town
of Southold, on the Island of Nassau, in the Province of New
York in America, beg Leave to present the following.
1 Original destroyed by fire.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756
247
HON D . SIRS
As it hath pleased the sovereign God of Armies to bless &
:ceed the provincial Forces under your Command in the late
ippy Action, near Lake George; which has fired every loyal
Ireast thro* the respective Provinces, with signal Sentiments of
Gratitude & thankfulness to almighty God, & under Him, with
proper Acknowledgements to your Honours: so with raised
Hopes & Expectations of the happy Event in the Reduction of
Crown Point: which appears Matter of the highest Consequence
to the Security of our future Peace and tranquility, & of all our
most precious Priviledges, civil and sacred. We assure you
Gentlemen, you have our united & repeated Prayers with our
respective Congregations, (& indeed those of all the Ministers &
Congregations thro* this Province, & New England.) to the Lord
God of Armies, for your future Success and Prosperity in these
most important Enterprises. We wish you Prosperity in the
Name of the Lord: We wish your Success in the speedy Prose-
cution of the present Enterprise that God may be with you in the
Camp; be with you in your Marches & Engagments; teach your
Hands to war & your Fingers to fight, & in the End procure you
a glorious Name & Renown. We feel, tho upon y e Island our
Hearts & Affections, as our Interest, heartily united to our dear
Friends & brave Country-men of the Main Shore, who are bravely
hazarding their Lives for the common Cause & Safty, & pray
never to put up a Petition to Heaven, without bearing you upon
our Hearts, with feeling Sentiments of Gratitude & Honour &
with most earnest importunate Requests for your Safty, Success &
happy Conquest.
Our People in Token of their Sentiments of Gratitude have
collected near three hundred fat sheep with some cheeses & some
proper Necessaries of Cloathing, (as the Inhabitants of the neigh-
bouring towns in the County have of fat Cattle &c) for the use &
Refreshment of the Army, or a Present, which we hope will
248 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
safely reach the Camp & be Kindly received. We feel ourselves
nearly allied to our dear Friends of Connecticutt, & the neigh-
bouring Colonies, & can heartily say, your People shall be our
People, & your God our God. We wish we were able to make
a Present an hundred times as large. We should be heartily
willing, Gentlemen, you should, were it possible, look into our
Hearts & there see the Sentiments we bear to you, & all our dear
Friends in the Camp as the Defenders of our Country under
almighty God.
We are with great Respect, your Honours' obedient obliged
humble Serv*
JOSEPH PARK
WM THROOP
THOS PAINE
TO MOSES EMERSON ET AL
The preceding letter is followed in the Johnson Calendar (See p. 62)
by the following papers which were destroyed by fire: Wraxall's order
for nails, directed to Moses Emerson and other commissaries at Albany,
dated the 28th; minutes of a court of inquiry in relation to disorderly
conduct of Dr Peter Middleton, dated the 28th; Colonel Ichabod
Plaisted's report of arms and ammunition in regiment, dated the 28th;
Colonel Nathan Whiting's report of ammunition, dated the 28th; Thomas
Gage's report of ammunition in Colonel Willard's regiment, dated the
28th; orders to Captain Robert Rogers for scouting, dated the 29th;
James Reed's report of scouting, dated the 29th (printed in Doc. Hist.
N. 7., 4:271; Q, 4:176); and Dr Peter Middleton's request for an
opportunity to defend himself in writing or be heard by a new and
impartial court, undated.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756
249
FROM SPENCER PHIPS
Df. S. 1
Boston October 29. 1755
The General Court appointed a very large Committee of their
Members to consider the present state of the Army & what are
the most adviseable steps to be taken at this critical conjuncture ;
and Col. Ruggles coming to town soon after was fully heard
by the whole Court and afterwards added to the Committee and
after mature deliberation they agreed upon a Report which has
been accepted by the Court copy of which I shall herewith for-
ward to you. In consequence of this Report three Gentlemen
viz. James Minot John Choate & Samuel Livermore Esq have
been chosen & approved of to proceed to Albany & I expect they
will set out in two or three days & I must desire you to corre-
spond with them in all things pertaining to their Commission which
will be founded on the said Report. I am sensible as well from
Col. Ruggless general Character as from the particular account
you have given of his Conduct that it is of importance he should
repair to his Post without delay & therefore I have dispatched
him as soon as possibly I could and I refer you to him for a more
particular information of the sentiments of the General Court
respecting your further proceeding. I am
S r Your most humble servant
S. PHIPS
To the hon 1 MAJOR GENERAL JOHNSON
INDORSED: October 29. 1755 L f . Gov r . Phips's Letter to MajV
1 In Massachusetts Archives.
* The remainder of the indorsement is mutilated.
250 Sir William Johnson Papers
MINUTES OF COUNCIL OF WAR
D. S. 1
Head Quarters.
Camp at Lake George Thursday Evens. 30. October 1755
At a Council of War held by General Johnson whereto all the
Field officers in Camp were summoned
Pres't.
The General
Maj r . General Lyman Col. Cockcroft
Col. Harris Col. Bagley
Col. Dyer Col. Plaisted
Col. Chauncey Col. Browne
f Lieu*. Col. Cole Lieu*. Col. Fry 1 , , . .
1 Lieu*. Col. Worster Ma,\ Richardson J absent by ^^
Lieu 1 . Col. Cummins Lieu 1 . Col. Ward
Lieu 1 . Col. Nicholls Lieu 1 . Whitcomb
Lieu*. Col. Whiting Maj r . Payson
Maj r . Cbamplin
Maj r . Kingsbury
Maj r . Gage
Maj r . Miller
Cap*. Eyre Chief Engineer &c. Cap 1 . Glazier Adj*. Gen 1 .
Peter Wraxall Secr-r.
The General accquainted this Council of War that as by the
Minutes of One held here the 1 8 or 19 Inst the Consideration of
his Proposal concerning an attack on Tionderoga or the Enemys
Advanced Guard posted on this side the Carrying Place was
postponed till further Intelligence was obtained; he now laid
before this Council of War, Captain Rodgers & Companys Rela-
tion of their Scout to Crown Point, and Cap*. Dolittle's Ace*, of
his reconnoitring Party towards Tionderogo.
1 Original destroyed by fire. There is a copy in Public Record Office,
C. O. 5.1 7, London, England; transmitted by Governor Hardy November
27th.
Preliminary Campaigns, 7755-7756 251
The General hereupon desires this Council of War will now
take into their Consideration the first Article proposed by him in
the s d . Minutes of the 18 Inst. (w ch were read to the Council
from the Original) & give him their Opinion agreable to his said
Proposal as therein Minuted.
The General made the following previous Observations to
this Council of War.
(1.) That the Information of the German Deserter who was
brought into this Camp and the Five others who were carried
to Fort Edward, are all uniformly positive that the advanced
Guard of the Enemy do not exceed 80 Men, and that our
Scouts have reconnoitred at such a Distance in such Circum-
stances that their Accounts, particularly as to this advanced
Guard, may be supposed very inaccurate.
2. That it appears to him, the taking or cutting off this advanced
Guard or Party, is a feasible attempt and what the Duty &
honour of this Army call for & incumbent upon him to recom-
mend to their favourable attention that he has ordered a
Survey of the Battoes & 85 are returned to him as fit for
Service.
3. That if this attempt should succeed (which he thinks if well
conducted it may) it will not only raise the Reputation of this
Army in the Eyes both of our Friends & Enemies, but discour-
age the latter tend to increase our Influence & Consequence
amongst our Allied Indians, weaken the French Indian Interest
& probably prevent many Scalping Parties from disturbing our
out settlements this ensuing Winter.
. The General also laid before this Council of War a Letter to
him from Col. Peter Gilman Commanding the New Hampshire
Reinforcements now at Albany, and the Minutes of a Council
held by S r . Charles Hardy at Albany.
Upon which he desired the Opinion of this Council of War,
Whither they think it adviseable for him to dismiss the said Rein-
forcements from this Service.
252 Sir William Johnson Papers
Upon the first Article referred to in the Minutes of the Council
of War of the 18 or 19 Inst. this Council of War gave their
Opinion that both attacks were not adviseable.
Voted that the further Consideration of this Article be deferred
till further Intelligence is obtained w ch is daily expected by Cap 1 .
Rodgers & his Party gone down the Lake or by any other Means.
With regard to the New Hampshire Reinforcements the Coun-
cil of War are unanimously of Opinion that they be not yet a
while dismissed, as the State of this Army has been transmitted &
referred to the Consideration of the several Gov ts concerned &
as it would cause a general Uneasiness among the rest of the
Troops.
PETER WRAXALL
Seer*.
TO RICHARD GRIDLEY
D/. 1
Camp at Lake George 30 Octo r . 1755
SIR
Yours of yesterday with the sundry returns therein mentioned
I received. As the Court of Inquiry have found the Discharge
of Gilbert's Piece to be Accidental & without Malice, You will
please to order him out of Confinement.
I herewith send you Authentic Copies of Lieu 1 . Col. Gilbert's
List of officers w ch . he sent me to fill up Commissions for, &
W*. by the Extract of Cap'. Wraxall's Letter to Col. Gilbert, I
judged was agreable to the Plan determined by the Gov r . &
Council of Boston, if not Col. Gilbert has grosely imposed on me
& made a false Return. You witl order a Court of Inquiry on
this Matter & send me their Proceedings; you have a Copy of
Major Hoare's Letter to Cap*. Wraxall.
I approve of your taking the Two Load of Bread & hope M r .
Emerson will send you a speedy & suff l . supply.
1 Original destroyed by fire.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 253
To give Col. Ruggles's Reg 1 , leave to go home is I think at
this juncture too delicate & important for me to order. I leave
to your Discretion the consenting to furloughs for particular
Person in w cl \ I doubt not you will consult the Good of the
Service. You will give out in orders y*. no Furloughs are
granted without y r . consent.
I greatly depend upon you to expedite the compleating of Fort
Edward, to lose no time, to employ every hand that can be useful
is of the utmost Consequence to the Service at this Season of the
Year. I am Sir Y &c.
to COL. GRIDLEY
Commd r . at Fort Edward
FROM PETER MIDDLETON ET AL
The preceding letter is followed in the Johnson Calendar (See p. 62)
by these papers, destroyed by fire: a request, undated, from Dr Peter
Middleton for a copy of the proceedings of a court of inquiry; a protest,
undated, by Dr Middleton against the finding of the court, with a request
for an impartial hearing; Josiah Stanley's request for a furlough, dated
October 3 1 st ; orders to commanding officers at Albany to furnish a guard
for Lieutenant Governor Pownall as f ai as Fort Edward, dated the 3 1 st ;
orders to Captain Samuel Angell to reconnoiter near the Carrying Place,
dated the 3 1 st ; orders to Colonel Richard Gridley for forwarding trowels
and hammers, for sale of arms of French deserters for their benefit, and
a guard for Lieutenant Governor Pownall from Fort Edward, dated the
31st; and orders to the commander of the Massachusetts reinforcements
at Albany to expedite the movement of wagons at Saratoga, dated the
31st
FROM THOMAS FITCH 1
Nev> Haven 3/ October 1755
SIR
Your Letters of the 13 th Instant, by Lieu*. Colo. Pitkin and
of the 20 th . and 22 d . by Cap 1 . Stores came to Hand during the
Session of the General Assembly in this Place, before whom, I
1 Original destroyed by fire.
254 Sir William Johnson Papers
laid the several Matters, for their Consideration, And am to
acquaint You in Addition to what I wrote in my last that the
Assembly, altho greatly concerned to have the Expedition pro-
ceeded in further, and willing to exert themselves to their Utmost
for that Purpose, Yet being made sensible by the Intellegence you
have given, that it appears impracticable, they have come into a
Resolve for discharging, as many of the Troops as may be spared, I
from the necessary Services, yet remaining to be performed, a
Copy of which I enclose for your Information and Direction, so
far as relates to this Colony. You will therefore observe the
Directions therein given in discharging such Part of Our Troops,
as shall be judged proper, to be released and sent Home, from
the Service under your Care. I have wrote to Major General
Lyman Directions in some Matters which relate to our own
Troops after discharged, not apprehending it proper to Trouble
You with those Things.
(Rendering you my hearty Thanks for your good Service)
I am S r . Your most humble and Obedient Servant
THO S . FITCH
MAJ R GEN LL . JOHNSON.
RESOLVE OF CONNECTICUT ASSEMBLY
D. S. 1
[October 31? 1755]
Anno Ri. Rs. Georgii, 2di. 29no.
At a General Assembly of the Governor and Company of His
Majesty's English Colony of Connecticut in New England in
America, holden at New Haven in said Colony on the 2d
Thursday of October, 2 Annoq. Dom: 1755.
1 Original destroyed by fire.
2 October 9, the date when the general assembly convened. Public
Records of the Colony of Connecticut, 10:420. 425.
Preliminary Campaigns, 7755-7756 255
tlESOH-YED that, it is the opinion of this Assembly, that such,
so many of the Troops, raised by this Government, and
under the Command of Major General Johnson, as (Regard had
to fortifying, garrisoning, and other occasional Operations) may
safely be drawn off, be forthwith dismist, and at Liberty to return
Home, And that the Number to be retained in said Army, be
according to the Quota originally proposed and agreed on,
between the Governments, in said Armament concerned. And
further, that in such Dismission the Troops first sent into said
Service, be preferred, save only such of them as may voluntarily
remain therein. And His Honour the Governor is desired hereof,
to advise said General Johnson, by immediate Express to him
with a Copy of this Resolve.
A True Copy, Examd. per GEORGE WYLLYS. Secret
TO PETER OILMAN
Df. S. 1
Camp at La^e George
31. Octo'. 1755
SIR
Your letter of the 28 Inst I laid before a Council of War last
night for their Opinion whether I should dismiss the Troops under
your Command at Albany. They gave their Opinion that as a
State of the Army & the several Circumstances relative to our
present Sittuation has been transmitted to the several Gov u . &
[is their Directions in consequence of it desired. Answers to w^
in are expected in a few Days, that I should not at present dismiss
!i your Troops, & also that such a Dismission would at this Juncture
be a predjudice to the Service by discouraging the rest of the
Troops. I hope a very few days will enable me to give you some
1 In Aycr Collection, Ncwberry Library, Chicago, 111.
256
, Sir William Johnson Papers
possitive Orders, till when you will remain in your present Sittua-
tion with your Regiment.
I am Sir
Your very hum Sv f
WJ
To COLONEL PETER GILMAN
Commanding officer of the
New Hampshire Reinforcements
at Albany
TO SIR CHARLES HARDY
Camp at Lake George 31 Octo r . 7755
SIR
Your Excellencys favour of the 28 Inst inclosing the Minutes
of Council is before me.
Last night I summoned a Council of War & herewith is a Copy
of the Minutes, and also a Copy of Cap*. Dolittles report of his*
reconnoitring Party that went to Tionderogo mentioned in said I
Minutes. I warmly urged an attempt to surprise the Enemysj
Advanced Guard on this side the Carrying Place, but besidesi
the reasons Minuted for deferring their Detirmination on thatj
point, it was said, that the Men were all possessed with a fii
Persuasion that we were to proceed no further this Fall, that
finishing the Fort was to be their last Labour, that if this Scheme
was to take place, it would totally discourage them from going onj
with the Fort, that it was with great difficulty & nice Mannag-j
ment that their Spirits were kept up for the Works, that by far
greatest part of the Men were quite home-sick, no ways incline
or disposed for any further Opperations against the Enemy
that they were & had been for some time at short allowance ol
Bread, & their Stock of Rum almost Expended. All this & mi
more to the same purpose passed in the course of the Debate.
1 Original destroyed by fire.
o
fc
a
Preliminary Campaigns, 17551756
257
As to ordering any of the Troops down to Albany, they were
utterly against it, not only that we may in a few days expect to
have answers to the Dispatches sent to the Gov ls . of Massa-
chusetts & Connecticut, but that the present Temper of the Troops
would render it not only an imprudent but a fatal Measure.
I have ordered Col. Gridley & he has promised to forward
Compleating Fort Edward with the utmost Dispatch, I have rein-
forced that Garrison with 1 00 Men. I have ordered Four Wag-
gons from Albany to be loaded with Fodder & to come up, Two
to assist at Fort Edward & two here; for some days past the
Works here have gone on with Spirit, the Bastions & ramparts are
finished & a great part of the Earth thrown up for the Parapet,
one of the Barracks roofed, another almost ready, the Mason
Work in hand, some of the Magazines compleated & the rest near
finished & Cap*. Eyre tells me that in 8 or 10 days if the Weather
permits he hopes it will be in a defensible Condition.
As to the Garrisoning of these Two Forts this Winter I am
affraid it cannot be done with these Troops, the time of Elist-
ment of the Massachusetts Troops, expires in December &
January, as I think dos the Connecticut, Col. Cockcroft tells me
some of his Peoples Enlistments are already expired & I heard
from One of his Serg ls . that the Major part of the Reg 1 , expires
next Month & that they will not be disposed to stay longer. Pro-
vincial Forces in general do not seem formed for Garrison. And
I believe there will not be near a suff*. number of Men & officers
found disposed to remain in Garrison, & in my own private
Opinion., from my Experience & Conversation amongst their
Officers, I should not think it prudent to leave these Forts wholly
in their hands, however this be, it is I think now time to take this
Matter into serious Consideration & fall on effectual Measures
relating to it.
I did not know the Deserters bro*. any Arms with them. I
shall write to Col. Gridley to get them & send 'em down to your
Excellency, but I fear that meaness of Spirit of w ch I have seen
Vol. II 9
258 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
so many Instances in this Army, has interposed & will defeat
my Intentions.
I thought what I wrote to Your Excellency in mine of the 24
Inst would be sufK for a Company of the Massachusetts Rein-
forcements to be posted on the East side of the River. I will
inclose y r . Excellency an Order in form for that purpose. Cap*.
Rodgers the most active officer in this Army is gone down the
Lake with about 28 or 30 picked Men in Battoes in order to inter-
cept one or more Canoes w ch . Blanchard the Deserter tells me,
are daily sent about 12 or 15 Miles this way in order to make
Discoveries, I gave him particular Directions & if the Enemy
comes in his way, I hope he will do something.
I applied to the Council of War last night to recommend to
me a proper & capable Officer to go with 3 or 4 more in order
to indeavour at such a Discovery of the Enemys Advanced
Guard as may remove the Difficulties & Uncertainties w** are
started on that point.
I must repeat to Your Excellency the Difficulties w^ I forsee
about Garrisoning the Forts this Winter out of these Troops if
the rest of the Army is Disbanded.
Your Excellency mentioned some time ago your design to send
up some Bullets & Flints, we are very scarce of both. No Ladles,
Spunges or Rammers came with the Cannon to Fort Edward.
None can be spared from hence.
I have about 10 or 12 Indians with me a small Scouting
Party of them are gone to Wood Creek & South Bay, and three
upon a Scalping Scheme to Crown Point. I am
Sir &c.
To His Excelly. S R . CHARLES HARDY &c.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756
259
FROM HENRY BABCOCK AND OTHERS 1
L. S.
Camp at Lake George /*' November 1755
Though we are loath to trouble You, with Complaints against
an Officer here in the Army. Yet the Indignity put upon us by
Colonel Dyer is such, that we cannot in Justice to ourselves pass
it over.
We have been credibly informed that Col. Dyer reported to
You, that Sunday the 26 th ., when we were upon Duty on the
Quarter Guard at the Front of Col. Cockcrofts Regiment, That
from Midnight till the firing of the Morning Gun, We neither
went our Rounds nor relieved our Gentry's nor turned out our
Guard to the Grand Rounds, But behaved in a supine negligent
manner unbecoming Officers intrusted with such an important
Command Whatever were Col. Dyers Motives for representing
us in a Light so unworthy a Soldier we know not, but as we are
none of us conscious of the least Defect of Duty that Night we
look upon this his Piece of Information so malicious and hurt-
full to our Character, that we beg we may have an Oppertunity
of vindicating ourselves before such as you shall think proper to
appoint for the Examination of our Conduct. That same Night
also we received a most gross affront of another kind from Lieu*.
Isaacs of Col. Chanceys Reg 1 , who officiating as Adjutant that
Morning took upon him to impose one of his Sergeants upon us
for a Lieutenant, who accordingly had the Impudence to intrude
himself amongst us into the Guard Room and was accordingly
entertained as became a Commissioned Officer. As these Prac-
tices are not only equally destructive of all Subordination &
Discipline, but an unwarrantable Abuse of manifast Insult upon
1 Original destroyed by fire.
260 'Sir William Johnson Papers
us we hope that you will please to give us Redress upon those who
are the Authors of this Imposition. We are with Respect Sir
Your most Ob*, humble Servants
HENRY BABCOCK Cap 1 .
HENRY VAN SCHAACK Lieu*.
WILL M : HUNTER Lieu*.
FROM ROGER BILLINGS
Roger Billings's report of scouting (printed in Doc. Hist. N. Y. 9
4:274; Q, 4:177), dated November 2d, following the foregoing in the
Johnson Calendar, p. 63 was destroyed by fire.
TO STEPHEN HOPKINS
D/. 1
Camp at Lake George /. November 1755
SIR
Both your very esteemed favours of the 8 & 24 Sep r . came
the same day to my hands. I was then confined by an Inflama-
tion in the side of my head w ch . kept me partly confined to my
Bed wholly to my Tent for above a Fortnight, It is but a few
days since I have dared venture abroad, & am forced even now
to do it with Caution.
This is one Cause that has kept me Silent tho so agreably pro-
voked by your Judicious elegant & friendly Letters, to have done
myself the honour of answering them. Besides this Impediment,
is the great Variety of public Buisness w ch constantly & indis-
pensibly calls for my attention. It is impossible for me regularly
to correspond with or distinctly to transmit to the several Govern-
ments who have raised Troops on this Expedition those Papers &
Advices w ch are necessary for their Information & to furnish me
with their Directions; I have thus far constantly desired the
Lieut Gov r . of Massachusetts Bay to send Copies to Your
1 Original destroyed by fire.
Preliminary Campaigns, 7755-7756 261
Honour & the Gov r . of New Hampshire of my Dispatches to
him. The Gentleman who is my Secretary, is also my Aid de
Camp, & this without either Pay or Perquisites; (for no Estab-
lishment was provided by the Colonies) ; his hands have been
constantly full & it has not been in my power to relieve him from
his Constant Application. I believe the attention w^ an irregular
Army calls for. is much greater than that of a regular one. Sure
I am that my perplexities have been without intermission & my
Patience put to a very severe trial. I will not trouble you with
particulars.
I have mentioned these things in general to justifie my keeping
two such Letters as yours so long unanswered by me.
When this Command was pressed upon me, I was fully pos-
sessed of its Importance. I foresaw that it would bring upon me
a great deal of Fatigue, & confessed that it demanded Abilities
to w ch I did not pretend to be equal, however united Applica-
tions drew my Consent. I have exerted my self in every Shape
to the utmost of my Tether. It is very probable that the Event
will fall short of the public Expectations of the Colonies Con-
cerned, of the Expence they have been at & the Numbers of Men
they have sent, in neither of w * 1 . can I reasonably charge them
with a deficiency: And if Disappointment should as it possibly
may, turn their reflections upon me, I am calmly conscious of my
own Innocence, and if I should be Authoritively called upon to
do it, I have materials to justifie my Conduct.
One short reflection I will make upon the Subject & so con-
clude it. That the warmth of Imagination & the Vivacity of
hope, are very apt not only to outstrip possibilities, but to prevent
a sedate & judicious attention to Circumstances by w ch means we
reason upon imaginary Principles & draw suitable Conclusions.
Our Army since the Engagement has grown more & more
Sickly, their Vigor declining, & their Vivacity subsiding, The
Reinforcements seem rather to have shared than added any thing
to the cure of our Distempers. They have so much increased the
Consumption of our Provisions particularly Bread & Rum, that
262 'Sir William Johnson Papers
of the former we have been for some time at short allowance, &
of the latter we have scarce any left. Our Men are quite home-
sick subdued & surfeited with the fatigues & hardships of a Mili-
tary Life, no ways disposed to go forwards, impatient to return
home, averse to the Common Duties of a Soldiers Life, Indolence,
Murmuring & repining are their glaring Characters.
We have been above a Month erecting a Fort here to secure
the Ground we have fought for or a retreat in case it had been
necessary, or to preserve our Artillery & all other Stores w ch it
would have been impossible to have carried off at this late Season
of the year, this Important Fort wants yet a great deal to com-
pleat it & unspeakable are the Difficulties I have met with & do
meet with in carrying it on. This Character of the Army is in
a great Degree as applicable to the officers as the Soldiers. But
I must do the Troops from your Colony the Justice to say that in
general, both Officers & Men, have from the begining distin-
guished themselves amongst the very best & particularly so in our
Action against the Enemy.
The State of this Army & the several Circumstances relating
to it, by the Advice of Two Councils of War, I transmitted the
13 & 22 Octo 1 ". to Gov r . Phipps who I desired to send you
Copies. We are impatiently waiting the Sentiments & Directions
of the several Gov ts . in consequence thereof.
M r . Hopkins Your Son was at this Camp whilst I lay ill, by
w ch means I was prevented from Showing him those Civilities
w ch . his relation to you would have disposed me to.
I understand by Col. Cole that some reports have been spread
to the Disadvantage of his Character as an officer In justice to
him I must assure you that I have always found he acted worthy
the Comand conferred on him and I wish he had always been
at the head of the Reg*.
I am Sir with great Esteem Your Honours Most Ob dt hum
Serv'.
To the Honnorable Gov*. HOPKINS of Rhode Island.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 263
FROM ABRAHAM LANSING
A letter of November 1st from Abraham Lansing, at Fort Edward,
to Johnson on court martial proceedings, following the preceding in the
Johnson Calendar, p. 63 was destroyed by fire.
TO ROGER BILLING
{Camp at Lake George 2 Nov T . 1755} *
To CAP T . BILLINGS
You are to imbark with the party under your Com-
mand in order to join Cap*. Rodgers, You are to keep the Men
orderly and Silent upon pain of Death & not scatter the Battoes
out of sight of each other Your self or the next officer in Com-
mand to be in the last Battoe in order to bring up the Rear regu-
larly, on your joining Cap*. Rodgers you are all to be under his
Command & deliver him my Letter herewith. I have directed him
to consult with the Officers when Occasion requires Your Suc-
cess depends upon Secrecy & Silence let that be your principal
Care & Attention, take Connor in the Battoe with you as a
Pilot. And Let the officer who brings up the Rear, have the
Indian who came from Cap 1 . Rodgers in his Battoe.
FROM GEORGE MUIRSON
A letter of November 2d from George Muirson, of New York,
announcing to Johnson a present of fat cattle, stockings and mittens from
people of Suffolk county, in the Johnson Calendar, p. 63 was destroyed
by fire.
1 Original destroyed by fire.
* Date supplied from the Johnson Calendar.
264 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
TO MOSES EMERSON AND OTHERS
Df. 1
Camp at Lake George 2 Nov r . 1755
GENTLEMEN
By returns from the several Commissaries this day, it appears
that We have not on the whole more than 5 days allowance of
Bread in Camp with Flour Rice Meal & Samp we might make
out 9 or 1 days, the Men for the most part have been for some
days past at short allowance w ch together with the want of Rum,
occasions a great deal of murmuring & uneasiness. I wish it may
not increase & end fatally unless sufficient Supplies are speedily
sent particularly for the Massachusetts Troops. The Connecticut
I hear have large Quantities of Bread or flour upon the Road.
If for the want of Bread we should be obliged to abandon this
place or the Troops should refuse to stay, Words nor even
Imagination cannot paint the dreadful & infamous Consequences,
equaly important it is that a proper Quantity of Provisions should
be left for the Garrisons here & at Fort Edward where they are
likewise short of Bread.
I send this to you by Express to give you timely Notice that
you may without the least Delay exert your selves proportionably
to the Number of your respective Troops & the great importance
of the affair, I call on you to do it & I expect you will make
use of your utmost Power & Diligence to save the public & this
Army from the impending Evils with w ch it is by the want of
Bread threatened. You will consider how precarious the Season
of the year renders our Resource, so that not a day should be
lost. S r . Charles Hardy's zeal has been manifested at a very
critical Juncture & the ready Exertion of his Authority has prob-
ably saved us from the last & greatest Distress, and I persuade
myself if when you show him this Letter as I desire you will do,
1 Original destroyed by fire.
Preliminary) Campaigns, 1755-1756 265
he will continue to Strengthen y r . hands & lend you every kind of
assistance within the reach of his Authority
I am
Gentlemen
Y &c.
To MR MOSES EMERSON and the rest of the Provincial Com-
missaries at Albany.
TO RICHARD GRIDLEY
D/. 1
Camp at Lae George Sunday night <^Nov. 2.>
SIR
By returns from the Commissaries this day I find we have not
above 5 days allowance of Bread in this Camp. The Men have
been for some days at short allowance this & the want of Rum
occasions a great deal of Murmuring & Uneasiness. I am
alarmed at the Consequences on all Acc ts . The Inclosed Letter
is to accquaint the Provincial Commissaries at Albany of this
Matter to order & to urge them in the strongest Manner to hasten
Supplies. I have mentioned your want as well as ours.
Send forward this Letter by a good Serg*. & 7 or 8 or 1 2 brisk
Fellows to Seraghtoga with an order to the officer there to send
it by a Serg*. & 5 or more Men without delay to Commissary
Emerson.
Pray send the Trowalls & Hammers by these People
I am Sir y rs
To COLONEL GRIDLEYE
If you can send a good Express a Horse back do it. I have
ordered a Company to Seraghtoga if they should not be arrived
& you have no horse the Men must go forward, upon Second
thoughts if you should get a horse I believe it will be safest to
take a Guard to Seraghtoga.
Original destroyed by fire.
266 'Sir William Johnson Papers
FROM THOMAS POWNALL
A. L. S. 1
Albany. No* 2*. 1755-
DEAR SIR
I had this day the pleasure of your's of y e 3 1 8t . 2 And am really,
without Compliment, greatly obliged to You for it & for y e
honor You do me in y e enclosed Order as also for y e Guard You
intended me from Fort Edward. I was determined upon com-
ing up & your Letter fixd me, but this Evening we have an
account that M r Shirly dined today at Scenectady & is to be
here directly tomorrow. As soon as ever y e Confusion that
Matters are in here can be any how remedied, we must go down
directly for N York where I am obliged to be y e 1 th at a Con-
gress And I am thus by circumstances that I expect I can be
of no use in, nor any good from; deprived y e pleasure of seeing
You & talking with You which woud have given me the highest
satisfaction. If I go to England I shall certainly not go till y e
latter end of this month. If it be possible for You to come to
NYork do.
S r Charles Hardy is very much your freind & has wrote to
England very strongly in your favor, if you apply to him for y c
1300 due to You. He will I beleive (M r Watts lead me to
think so) be able to gett it for you, such is y e disposition of y e
Assembly towards You at present. And I know he will try.
I beg You will (if I must despair of y c satisfaction of talking
with You) write me by minute or memorandum or any how
answers to y e several points I have proposed to You. I mean
by them to enable myself to be a Freind. I have seen all y e
Matters relative to your wretched (as Milton calls it) painfull
Preheminence in y e Command of the glorious & victorious New
England War. I want nothing to make me see it clearler, seing
1 In New York Public Library, Emmet Collection.
2 Not found.
Preliminary Campaigns, 17551756
267
might possibly make me feel for You with more anxious sensa-
tions - Tho* at present I must pity You. Yet I shall live to
congratulate You & I hope soon. Virtue may, like Fire, lye
buried & smotherd for some time, & by oppression it may seen to
be quite putt out. Yet will it burst forth at length with a more
splendid & active Vigour. Keep up Your Spirits, & keep up
your hopes. I can almost venture to tell You you will be pro-
vided for with honor.
Permit me my dear Sir, to remind You, 'tis y e advise of a
sincere freind who wishes You to be more prudent than perhaps
I should be able to be myself in y e same Case, permitt me to
remind You of y e Fable in Homer, where, as we used to read
at school, when y e Aggravations that Achilles suffer'd had
wrought him to be just going into Acts of Resentment Minerva
laied her hand upon his hand & putt it back. And y c Forbear-
ance that he with y e utmost & most painfull reluctance submitted
to, ended in his greater & more establish'd Glory.
I shall propose in such a manner as I shall hope to be able
to carry thro', y e Building of a picquetted Fort, & laying in a
Magazine of Flour at Sacondaga Creek north of your house.
I shoud be glad, to enable me to propose this properly, to know
y e nature of y e Ground from y c Settlements on your Creek, to
y* Forks at Sacondaga Creek. It is I find but seven miles north
1 5 East, half sandy pine Land. The Creek I am told, were it
not for a barr at y c mouth, where it enters into Sacondaga river,
is capable of being navigated with large Shallops & y e Secondaga
River capable of a Navigation with large boats as far as y e Falls
about 8 miles above Fort Edward. However, that both are
capable of a navigation with large Flatts like y e English lighters.
If these Facts be true, as I am told I may depend upon them to
be, I am Certain, that, besides y e benefit a Fort woud be in that
part, Provisions especially Flour might be more easily collected
in a magazine there, & infinitely more easily sent from thence,
early in Spring, down y e Stream, than from Albany up y e Stream
that is so rapid at that season. If You can contrive it any way
268 'Sir William Johnson Papers
I wish you woud have that matter inquired into, y c Whole Pass
from Your Creek down sacondaga Creek & y c Sacondaga River
to y e Falls, reconoitred; & send me an Account by y c time of y c
Congress, or if that cannot be done time enough, send me y e
best account you can gett me.
Tho' I have troubled You with many troublesome questions
yet there are none, as far as I am sensible, impertinent, & none
but what I coud make great Use of y e Answers to. If you can
favor me with such answer do, I shall be obliged to You. May
I beg such before I go to England. I intended to pay my
respects to your Sister today with Cap 1 Rutherford, but her
Servant Maid said She was not well enough to see Company.
I am Sir most sincerely yours
POWNALL
FROM SAMUEL ANGELL ET AL
Brief descriptions will be found in the Johnson Calendar, p. 63-64
of Samuel Angell's report of a scout along Lake George, dated November
3d (printed in Doc. Hist. N. 7., 4:274-75; Q, 4:1 78) ;J*oberJ^
Rogers's report of a scout and an engagement, dated the 3d (printed in
Doc. Hist. N. y. f 4:272-73; Q, 4:176-77); Johnson's warrant for
rehearing the case of Dr Peter Middleton by a court of inquiry, dated the
4th; minutes of a council of war at Lake George, dated the 4th, con-
sideration of points resumed and postponed. All were destroyed by fire.
TO ROBERT ROGERS
Camp at Lake George 2 Nov r . 1755
To CAPTAIN RODGERS.
Agreable to Your Message & Desire I send You a Reinforce-
ment of 2 Men under the Command of Cap 1 . Billings who
with the Men are to put themselves under your Command.
I would recommend to you to act with silent Caution & so to post
1 Original destroyed by fire. 2 Omitted in copying.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756
269
your Men as to cut off their retreat to Tionderogo. It appears
to me most adviseable to begin the Attack from the Water secur-
ing their Canoes & that at break of Day. You will consult with
the Officers upon your proceedings but the Stroke must be struck
without delay. If there are any Works & time will permit
destroy them, do your Buisness as soon as possible & dont delay*
one Moment when you have done the best you can suffer no
Men to delay time by looking after Plunder, for if you are dila-
tory the Enemy from Tionderogo may come upon you & be too
powerful for you to make a safe Retreat
FROM GOLDSBROW BANYAR
A. L. S. 1
Albany 4 Nov\ 1755.
DEAR SIR
I have read your Letter of the 3 1 and the Papers that accom-
panyed it and very much approve of the manner you recom-
mended the particulars to the Council of Warr: Tho from the
disposition the army seems to be of I expect very little Good
from it It's extremely well judg'd to discover your thoughts
as to the Garrison of the Fort at the Lake. & the other too if any
difficulty is likely to occur concerning that: How the General,
who has ordered Dinner at 3 this afternoon & expected by that
time, will dispose of his Troops I cant tell. Barracks are going
on with. You had a Company last Warr at M l . Johnson, do
you think it may be proper for you to take and apply for one
now. They'l be useful to the Service if M r . Ps: Scheme of a
Fort at Sacondage takes place I suppose he has mentioned it to
you, if not take no Notice of it from me it is to facilitate the sends.
pris's: 2 down that River to Fort Edward or some proper place
1 Original destroyed by fire.
2 This word evidently should be " provs:,
the copy " pris's:," for prisoners, appears.
for provisions, though in
270 'Sir William Johnson Papers
contiguous I like it if the River be not inteirupted by any con-
siderable Fall, and Mills for grinding Wheat &c be immediately
set up. I see the advantage of it to you & like it the better for
that reason Do you think it proper, or perhaps you may have
represented to the General the necessity of Regulars to garrison
the two Forts. I dont think they'l be safe with irregulars only.
Indians ought to be kept there & presents put into the Hands of
the officer for them, this is your department I believe you've
not desired Sir Charles, but he has I understand from M r . P.
recommended you strongly to the Great, in a manner you your-
self could choose to have it done. Should you pay Militia when
there are so many of the Kings Troops to garrison the Indian
Forts. I have orders to send a part of the Musket Shot and
Flints to you but cant imagine you can really want them.
I believe were expected in N. Y. for I receive no Letters or
Papers if I can get the list to inclose to you I will. The Army's
complaining always of the want of Bread if they have Flour
enough I think I could make a shift with that: Remember the
securing Battoes Scows Cannon Stores Prov s . the two Forts
and view the one where you are often if your Health permits.
Your Barrels or the Staves of them may serve for others to Barrel
Beef drove up & Salted at Fort Edward It is necessary there-
fore to preserve them, they want no Store Room but a look out
to prevent the Burning of them Adieu.
I am yours most affectionately
Gw. BANYAR
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 271
FROM GOLDSBROW BANYAR
A. L. S. 1
AW. 4: 1755. P: M: 3.
DRSlR
About }/2 an Hour ago I sealed my Letter to you of this day:
Since which an Express arrived here from Boston with Pacquets
for Gen Shirley from England. All that I hear yet is that he
has a Comm n . or Comm 8 . in chief with all the Powers Mr
Braddock had & some say the Comm 8 . for the Vacancies
are come to him blank, this Fact is not so certain as 'tother.
About 1 50 Merchantmen are taken from the French by Way of
Hostage I suppose, among 'em its said 3 Men of War, but
nothing but the 1 8l . Fact is yet to be credited I shall only say,
How necessary it is since things are thus situated, that a good
understanding be established & continued among the great Folks
We should regard the Service, & not think of the Persons in
whom the Power is placed. If this is not done, the Preparations
that are necessary will go on heavily this Winter, and nothing
will be in readiness against next Spring, or against a General may
come from England. The King was not 2 & wars not pro-
claimed nor expected to be so until his return. It is absolutely
necessary that altercations which concern you Cease, and as the
other person concerned has now also the Power he can wish
for, I suppose he'll gladly relinquish to you what I dare say
will appear to be your department, and be glad too to keep up a
good Correspondence with you. If he sees his own Interest he
will, and with every one else if it be possible.
Yours DrS r :
Gw BANYAR
It's now 5 oClock : I suppose this New app 1 . may make some
alteration in the whole System So you'l read my other Letter as
wrote before the alteration.
1 Original destroyed by fire.
1 Illegible: " returned " may have been written.
272 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
TO BENNING WENTWORTH
Camp at Lake George 4 Novr. 1755.
SIR
A few Days ago I received Your Excellencys favour of the
25 Sep r . inclosed in a Letter from Col. Gilman at Albany.
The Activity & Usefulness of Col. Blanchards Reg 1 , woud
prejudice me in favour of any other from your Province.
By Col. Gilmans Letter I find the Stores & Provisions for his
Reg 1 , were not arrived & that the People were enlisted only to
the 5 of next Month.
Since the Visit w ch the Enemy paid us here we have been kept
extreamly short of Bread & tho S r . Charles Hardy Gov r . of
New York came up to Albany purposely to invigorate & forward
every thing at Albany & has exerted his Authority in the strongest
Manner he could yet Waggons have been so scarce the Roads at
this Season of the Year so bad & the Stores about the Country
quite beat out, that we have had only a bare Supply of Bread for
present Consumption, & tho the Men have been at short allow-
ance for sometime past we have not above 4 days bread now in
Camp. For these reasons & some others, the Council of War
advised me to order the Reinforcements that were at Albany to
remain there till further orders.
Col. Gilman in the Letter w cjl . covered yours wrote me, that
as he was informed we should not go forward this Fall, he was
desirous of marching his Reg 1 , back before full Winter should set
in w ch . woud be most for the health of his People & be some sav-
ing to the Province. The Gov r . & Council of New York at
Albany gave also their opinion in favour of this measure. I laid
both before a Council of War, who gave their opinion that it
was not adviseable immediately to dismiss the New Hampshire
Reg*, as it woud greatly discourage the rest of the Troops, who
are quite tired of their Military Life & exceeding earnest to
Original destroyed by fire.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756
273
irn home. And also that as the State of their Army & all
Circumstances relating to it had been transmitted to the several
iov ts . concerned for their Direction, w ch . we are daily expecting,
would be most adviseable first to have the Gov ts . Answers.
I transmitted to Gov r . Phipps this State of the Army & desired
would send your Excellency Copies thereof. It would have
iprudently delayed time to have wrote distinctly to the several
Gov t$ . concerned.
It has been a mortification to me that I have not been able to
correspond distinctly & frequently with your Excellency but as
the Gov ts . concerned made no Provision for a Sec r y. & Clerks &
no Establishment for an Aid de Camp, Cap*. Wraxall has acted
in both those Capacities without Pay or perquisite & has had his
hands constantly full.
Our Fort here is pretty far advanced to its completion it has
met with many obstructions & the Men have been very backward
in working there w ch has been partly owing to several of their
officers. It had the sanction of a Council of War & 700 were
promised daily to work at it. I hope however it will be in a
tenable condition in 8 or 9 days.
I am very suspicious that as our Opperations will not equal the
hopes & wishes of the public, Dissatisfaction & Reproach will
arise, but at the same time I am convinced all Circumstances
considered we have done what has been in our power, at least I
am fully conscious I have exerted my utmost Influence & abilities
to obtain every possible advantage & improve every Circumstance
for the public Good. Want of Waggons, Reinforcements pour-
ing in & consuming the old Stock of Provisions & Stores their
own not arriving in time The late Season & bad Roads
Sickness nakedness & hardships endured by the Troops & thereby
disheartened This was out of my power to remedy, nor are the
Consequences imputable to me. When all things are calmly
weighed & considered, I believe it can be made appear, that this
Army has warded off the most fatal blow that ever threatened
these Neighbouring Colonies, & tho their Expence has been very
great, it has not been ill laid out
274 Sir William Johnson Papers
I wish your Excellency every thing that is wish worthy and
am most respectfully Sir
Your most Obed* hum Serv*.
INDORSED: General's Letter to
Gov r . Wentworth
4 Nov. 1755.
FROM MOSES EMERSON 1
Albany 5. NoV. 1755
SIR
I now send by Jacob V. Vrancken a Cask of 1(H Nails
agreeable to y r Honors Orders. The Augers M r . Lyman
promis'd to send, w ch . conclude he has done I rec d . your Hon".
Orders of 2. Inst. this day & shall show it to S r . Charles Hardy.
I have had a Majestrate & some Constables at Schenectady &
down the River for 3 or 4 days after Waggones, but as yet have
had but 35. come in, w ch have loaded chiefly with Bread and
Rum. Am very glad Connecticut Troops are like to have a large
supply of Bread in Season, hope they'l be able to repay what they
Borrow'd of Massachusets
M r . Titcomb wrote me he had lent Connecticut 50 Cask
Bread, & it is likely some of the other Commissarys have also
supply'd 'em M r . Lyman himself thinks he shall be obleig'd
to make Two Trips to repay what Bread he owes I cant help
thinking that the Massachusetts Troops have been better supply'd
than Connecticut & am sorry to have Massachusetts only singled
out as Deficient I shall do every Thing in my Power to get
up the Provisions Your Hon r . will please to Excuse my
troubling you with this
I am Sir
Your Hon". Obed*. Servant
MOSES EMERSON
Hon ble . MAJ R . GENERAL JOHNSON
1 Original destroyed by fire.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 275
TO RICHARD GRIDLEY
D/. 1
Camp at Lake George 5 Nov r . 1755.
>IR
Yours of Yesterday with the Returns I received last night. I
am sorry for your Indisposition & hope it will soon leave you. You
direct Major Fitch to forward every thing with all the Dis-
itch possible. I have ordered 4 Waggons to be sent from
Albany, two of w ch I propose shall stay at Fort Edward to bring
itone for the Chimneys & to do every other work for w ch they
be wanted & two here, they are to Load Fodder to maintain
their Horses. You will when they are employed order them a
suff 1 . Guard.
I am sorry for the Enemys triumph by the Scalp they have
taken, the Stupidity of our People & their constant disregard
to Orders will give the Enemy these advantages, I apprehend
their Scalping Parties will grow more & more thick upon us, I
doubt not you will give the proper Orders & take all the precau-
tions in your power. As to Scouts & Guards, I am quite of your
Opinion, let us however do our Duty & the Enemy will punish
them if they dont do theirs. As to the Plunder taken I refer the
Disposition of it to your Orders.
By the Letters you sent me from Gov r . Phipps I received his
Orders in Consequence of a Vote of the Council & House of
representatives, not to discharge any Man till further Orders,
w ch you will notice accordingly.
Col. Browne has received Complaints from his officers, that
your Surgeon will not take Care of his Sick Men & that fresh
Provisions are deneyd them, if they pretend Sickness to cover
Laziness as I am convinced numbers here do, I applaud the Sur-
geons Honesty, & to such I would Order no Work no Victuals.
I am Sir
y n . &c.
To COL. GRIDLEY.
1 Original destroyed by fire.
276 Sir William Johnson Papers
TO COLONEL THATCHER
D/. 1
Camp at Lal^e George 5 Nov r . 1755.
SIR
As I understand you are the Eldest officer, I suppose my
orders formerly sent to the Commanding officer of the Reinforce-
ments at Albany rests with you, but I find Major Hazelton gives
out the orders for the Guards for Waggons & all Convoys sent
hither.
I expect that you take that Duty upon you & that you acquaint
all Commissaries that when they have any Provisions or Stores
to send off, to give you timely notice & that you do thereupon
immediately order suff*. Guards for the same by proportionable
Detachments from the Massachusetts & Rhode Island Troops.
And I desire you will acknowledge the receipt of this Letter by
the first opportunity & conform to its Contents.
You are not to discharge or give a Furlough to any officer
or Soldier belonging to the Massachusetts Troops till you receive
my Orders for the same.
You are to wait on Sir Charles Hardy Gov r . of New York
about a Company to be posted on the East or West side of the
River at Saraghtoga & take his directions in that affair & act upon
them & I desire you will show him this Letter.
I am Sir
Your hum Serv 1 .
To COLONEL THATCHER at Albany.
TO CHARLES HARDY
There occur in the Johnson Calendar, p. 64 Johnson's letter of
November 5th to Governor Hardy, inclosing affidavits of two wagoners,
with the judgment of a council on the matters attested; a letter of the 5th
from Dr Peter Middleton to Johnson, protesting against a ruling of a
court of inquiry and asking a reexamination ; and Captain Ichabod Phelps's
report of the 6th regarding deserters in charge. They were destroyed by
fire.
1 Original destroyed by fire.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756
277
FROM RICHARD SMITH
A. D. S.
Camp at Lake George Nob. p e 6, 7755
Return of Military Stores in <Cmy possession > as p r Order of
gor General Johnson Esq r .
mon ball
32 Pounders 69
18 do. 689
12 do. 201
6 do. 750
grape Shott 1 32 charges
Cartridge 25 d.
13 Inch Shells 36
7&9 do.235
4 boxes musk 1 , ball
1 casks wadding
!/4 cask match
white cordige exspended
Tarrd d. d.
1 tin powder measure for 32
Pounders
2 d. d. 18
pounders
1 do. do. 12
pounders
2 do. do. 6
pounders
8 powder horns
1 priming wires
2 pair brass calloper compasses
1 pair brass scales led & weight
2 copper rammers to fill fuses
400 fuses filld & primd
Cannon
2 12 pounders Iron
46 do. d.
46 d. Brass
1 13 Inch Mortar Iron
2 7 do d<>- -do.
29 Inch d. brass
1 4 carriage for different
sized guns
2 hand screws
6 tannd hides
80 Pick axes
1 Iron crows
6 Lint Stocks
20 Rammers & spunge staffs
2 gunners mallets
4 formers sized
7 copper ladles sized
6 cartridge boxes
1 5 crab hanspiks
8 reams cartridge paper
16 Broad axes (Delivered
all the spades, shovels, wood
axes, deliverd to the people
at Work on the two forts.
What are lost, broke or
spoild, cannot Ace*, for till
are returnd to the magazine
278 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
2 cask nails 4 - - Whip Sawes
8 leather buckets 30 Paint Polins
2 Jinns & f urneter 3 bars steel
fourteen cannon 4 d. Iron
2 32-pounders Iron Powder in y e magazine
2 18 d. d. whole Barrels 1 4
halfe d. 385
Quarter Casks 4
< 1 Hoit Burst in the ingagement
1 Jinn broke
RlCH D . SMITH Corns 1 *. Military Stores>
INDORSEDS Return of Gcmms? 8 . of
Military Stores
FROM CHRISTOPHER CHAMPLIN ET AL
Following the above return in the Johnson Calendar, p. 64 arc these
papers, which were destroyed by fire: Major Christopher Champlin's
report of main and camp guards, dated November 6th; and a letter to
Colonel Richard Gridley, of the 7th, from Johnson on a court of inquiry,
custody of Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Gilbert, returns of garrisons and
military stores for General Shirley, work on forts and naming of fort at
Lake George (William Henry).
TO WILLIAM SHIRLEY
Z)/. 1
Camp at Lake George 7. Nov r . 1755.
SIR
In Compliance with your Excellencys order of the 5 Inst. I
herewith transmit you
1 . A General Return of the Troops under my Command
at this place.
2. Copys of the several Commissaries returns of the Pro-
visions in their hands.
1 Original destroyed by fire.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 279
3. The Return from the Commissary of Military Stores.
I have wrote to Col. Gridley Commanding officer at
Fort Edward to transmit you Returns of that Garrison
of Military Stores & Provisions there.
4. A Copy of the Minutes of the last Council of War.
5. A Copy of Capt Dolittles Information of the Enemy
at Tionderogo.
6. A Copy of Capt. Rodgers & Comp 8 . report. I have
had no Intelligence from Crown Point since the last I
sent you.
Overlooking the Copy of my last Letter to y r . Excell?. I find
there is a mistake in the number of Men fit for Duty. It should
have been ab*. 3500 of TV ch . about 800 calculated as Sick & unfit.
The Fort finishing here w ch . I have named William Henry
after Two of the Royal Family, if y e Weather permits will I
hope be speedily fit to receive a Garrison.
I have sent a reconnoitering Party to endeav r . a view of the
Enemys advanced Guard since Cap*. Rodgerss Skirmish also Two
Indians to Crown Point. I am Sir
Your Excellencys Most Obed*. hum. Serv 1
To His Excellency
GENERAL SHIRLEY &c.
REPORTS AND MINUTES
The preceding letter is followed in the Johnson Calendar, p. 6465
by four papers which were destroyed: Michael Thodey's report of a
scout toward Wood creek, dated November 8th (printed in Doc. Hist.
N. 7., 4:277; Q, 4:179); James Connor's report of inspection of the
enemy's advance guard, datecl the 8th (printed in Doc. Hist. N. Y. t
4:276; Q, 4:1 78-79) ; minutes of a council of war, held November 8th,
touching dismissal of Connecticut and New Hampshire troops and move-
ment against enemy; and Philip Lansingh's report of guards, dated
November 9th.
280 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
TO BARON DIESKAU
D/. 1
[Camp at Lake George, Nov. 9, 7755 2 ]
SIR
My not being Master enough of the French Language, & hav-
ing been for near 3 weeks confined, mostly to my Bed wholly
to my Tent, with an Inflamation in the side of my head, has
prevented me from putting those acknowledgments upon Paper
w * 1 my heart gave you for the honour You have repeatedly done
me by your Letters.
I beg my very good Sir, that you will believe me when I
assure you, that I have been that I am & always shall be
unfeignedly anxious for the reestablishment of your Health &
the perfect Cure of your Wounds.
I felt all those Inconveniences w h you suffered at Albany, &
I lamented my want of Power to have instantly remedied them
however I am greatly obliged to my Sis r . that her Conduct was
so agreable to you & I shall ever esteem her the more for it.
I sincerely rejoice that your Spirits are revived & that you have
such well grounded hopes of a Cure. You are in the hands of a
Gentleman of whose Skill the world in general & myself in par-
ticular have a very high Opinion, & one who is capable of being
the Agreeable Companion as well as the able Physician
You will see Sir by the dates of this Letter that I am where
you left me a variety of Circumstances has occasioned it.
It is probable I shall soon be at New York, where the greatest
pleasure I wish for, is to find you in health & Tranquility, towards
w ch I shall be always ambitious to contribute to the utmost Extent
of my Abilities.
Capt Eyre is extreamly ill &, under the Apprehension of a
Fistula he proposes to go down to New York as soon as possible
in order to apply to & put himself under the advice & Directions
of D r . Magra.
1 Original destroyed by fire.
2 Date supplied from Johnson to Magra, November 9, 1 755.
Preliminary Campaigns, 7755-7756 281
Please Sir to accept of my most cordial good wishes & the
most respectful salutations of Capt Wraxall my A D Camp. I
have the honour to subscribe myself with perfect Esteem,
Sir
yrs &c.
My Comp 18 . to Mons r . Bernier in w ch . M r . Wraxall joins me
& desires the hon r . of his Comp 18 . to Yourself
FROM RICHARD GRIDLEY
A. L. S. 1
Fort Edward Novern': 9 th . 7755.
SlR-
I Receiv'd your favour of y e : 7 th . and have Transmitted to
General Shirley a State of the Stores &c of this Garrison agree-
able to your Order, tho* it was much against my inclination to
write any more to him, for we never can agree till an alteration
of Nature in one of us.-
Four waggons are come two of 'em I detain for drawing
Stones for the Chimneys agreeable to your Order, I believe the
Barracks will have the first Story finished tomorrow. I was
out yesterday & hope in a few days to be able to tend it closely
my self; & get it finished as soon as possible.
I am Glad Fort William & Henry is near finished.
I am w th Respects
Sir
Your Most Humb 1 : Serv*.
R: GRIDLEY
GENERAL JOHNSON
1 In New York Public Library, Emmet Collection.
282 Sir William Johnson Papers
TO REDMOND MAGRA
D/. 1
Camp at Lake George, Nov. 9, 7755.
DEAR DOCTOR
I was extreamly rejoiced to hear the Baron was under your
Care M r . Wraxall & I recommended him to your Skill at the
first Interview we had with him. he is a worthy & an Amicable
Man & I very much Interest myself in his Perfect Recovery, w^
I find he hath now hopes of, & if possible I always had when he
should come under your Care.
You will please to present him with the Inclosed Letter. I
have told him you will translate it for him.
I salute you with my best Wishes
I am
Sir
Your very humser 1 .
To DOCTOR MAGRA.
INDORSED: Generals Letters to the
Baron Dieskau & D r .
Magra9NoV. 1755
TO WILLIAM SHIRLEY
Camp Lake George 9 Nov r . 1755.
SIR
By a Public Print from Boston which came hither this day
we are informed that His Majestys Commission is arrived con-
stituting Your Excellency Commander in Chief of all His
Majestys Forces in North America, upon w^. I take this first
Opportunity to congratulate you.
1 Original destroyed by fire.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 283
Last Night I held a Council of War & inclose your Excellency
Copy of the Minutes of the same together with Copies of the
Lesolves of the Gov 1 . of Connecticut, of Gov r . Fitchs Letter &
>f Connors Information mentioned in said Minutes. The Returns
>f the Commissaries were the same I sent you the 8 Inst. by w h .
>n Calculation it appeared we had not 4 days allowance of
Iread in Camp.
This day I received a Letter from Lieu*. Gov r . Phipps with a
Copy of a Report of a Committee of the Assembly & w h . I find
has been also transmitted to your Excellency.
I propose to lay it before a Council of War for their advice as
to my proceedings in Consequence thereof, & shall advise you the
result.
I wrote lately to S T . Charles Hardy upon the Subject of Gar-
risoning Fort William Henry & Fort Edward. I think it proper
for me to observe to your Excellency, that the present Temper &
turn of the Troops under my Command & the general run of
their officers, do in my Opinion render them improper Troops for
such a Duty, & that unless they are formed on another Plan it
will be an unadviseable Measure.
If I am to hold the Commission I received from General Brad-
dock for the Sole Superintendency of Indian Affairs, I think from
the present Face of public affairs & the Prospects before us, that
the Public Interest & the Duty of that appointment call for my
utmost attention & an immediate application to them only; I am
convinced this is a critical Juncture w ch if not properly improved
will be of the utmost ill Consequence to the British Indian
Interest. Thus Sittuated, the public Good & my Duty to His
Majesty seems to require that I should surrender the honor con-
ferred on me in the Command of this Army, and under these
Considerations I am willing to relinquish my Military to attend
to my Indian Department in w h . I apprehend I shall be able more
effectually to serve my King & Country.
Hereon I refer myself to Your Excellency & beg you will take
these Matters into your Consideration & favour me with your
Answer thereon.
284 Sir William Johnson Papers
Cap*. Eyre is extreamly ill & quite incapable of doing any
Duty & the Doctors tell me that to all appearance it will not be
safe for him to venture.
Cap 1 . Eyre for some time past has been much out of order;
however he attended the works tho in constant pain. Two or
three days ago he was unable to stir out & upon the Surgeons
examining they found he had a Fistula & thought he might be
safely cut here, w ch he consented to upon Ace*, of the Fort being
now so far advanced that he could give verbal Directions for its
Completion. He was cut this Morning the 1 th . & is tollerably
well after the operation.
The Connecticut Troops this Morning refused to do any Duty
either to work at the Fort or to mount Guard. They say they
cannot live upon a Biscuit a Day & half a pint of Flour w ch is
what they are allowed & that they want a Sauce to their Meat
w * 1 they are used to & cannot live without it. They were packing
up to go off & some had actually got without the Breast work but
were prevented from proceeding. As soon as I received notice
of it, I sent for General Lyman & other Commanding officers.
They told me that unless a certain number of Days were fixt for
their working at the Fort & then that they should do no more but
be discharged agreable to the Orders of their Gov ts . (w ch I find
the Men are all Acquainted with) they could not undertake to
retain them in the Service. Upon this I told the Gentlemen to let
them know, that if they would work 1 2 Days longer at the Fort &
immediately conform to their Duty in all other respects, & that I
had no orders to the contrary from their Gov ts . I should dismiss
them upon the Plan prescribed me. The Gentlemen are just
gone & assure me that this Method will restore Obedience &
Tranquility, but of that I am doubtful as I apprehend there are
other Causes at the Bottom.
Major Hoare of Col. Ruggles's Reg*, has made a Complaint
to me of great injustice done him by Lieu*. Col. Gilbert of the
same Reg*. & who I think from the state of the Case has behaved
unworthy the Commission he bears I dont apprehend I have
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 285
power to punish him as he deserves. The Major has applied to
me for leave to wait on y r . Excellency & lay his case before you.
He has shown himself a brave & active officer, so that not only
Justice but his Merit induces me to grant his desire of going down
& I refer y r . Excellency to him for particulars.
I am Sir & c .
MAJOR GENERAL SHIRLEY &&c.
ft-
TO MOSES EMERSON
A letter of November 10th from Johnson to Commissary Emerson, at
Albany, on supplies of bread, and padlocks, and a report dated the 1 1 th,
of Indian scouts, Hendrick and Nicklas, after observations near Ticon-
deroga (printed m~^ocr7JisTl^Yr^:27S' t Q, 4:180) follow the
letter to Shirley in the Johnson Calendar, p. 65. Destroyed by fire.
r
FROM GOLDSBROW BANYAR
A. L. S. 1
Albany Novem r . II 1755.
DEAR SIR
I wrote you a few days ago you that Gen. Shirley
was appointed Com r . in chief: whether it is by any particular
Commission & Instruct 8 . I know not, it is an act however of the
Regency, and will continue at least till the Kings arrival. It was
absolutely necessary to remove all doubt by an actual placing of
the Power in somebody this is done in a very ample manner to
Gen Shirley very little comes to my knowledge worthy yours
Some say 4 Reg ts . are to come over, be that as twill it's in
general expected that a Comm r . in chief will be app d . soon for
America. I am of opinion the Breach between you is too wide
to be heal'd, all I shall say on that Subject is that if it is not, &
the Command rests where it is, the Public may, probably suffer
by it. Were it my own Case as long as I continued in the Comm n .
1 Original destroyed by fire.
2 Omitted in copying.
286
Sir William Johnson Papers
and any thing remained of the Fund, I would do what I could to
keep up a good disposition in the Indians, and to induce them to
go on Service when wanted, let who will be the Conductor of the
Army or the director General I cannot think he has Power,
or if he had, that he would venture to supercede your Commis-
sion, if he does himself will feel the Injury rather than you, and
till then it will be expected that you make the best use of the
authority committed to you that the Circumstances of things will
admit of. 'twould be a shocking thing that the Publick Good
should be impeded by any difference between Persons intrusted
with the power to promote it this I fear, and hope you'l avoid
as much as possible. I know your Views & actions concerning
the Publick are as little directed by your own private views as it
is possible for those of any Person to be. As Most People have
this opinion of you whatever Provocations you receive, it will
nevertheless be expected that you do not suffer your Resentm 1
to get the better of your Publick Spirit. When things are better
understood it will be known where the fault lies. I just now hear
there are 3 Comm rs . from Boston instructed not to suffer one of
their People to go home, but to push on the Expedition. Tis not
so much the want of Provisions, tho I believe there is a deficiency
in that article, as the want of an Inclination to proceed; & I
veryly believe that if, after the Battle, you'd had every thing
necessary, the army would not have proceeded. There are many
who for want of being better inform'd think you, and not the
army were averse to proceeding. I hear none of that opinion
here. It is not a time now to refer to their opinion, but it should
be a reason for your continuing to recommend the Reasons, as
well as the Measures you propose. You were certainly right to
consult on all occasions, but perhaps it had been better for the
Common Cause if you had been guided by y r . own Judgment, or
at least have try'd your authority early. I hear the State & Con-
dition of your army are demanded of you, as a Foundation for
Orders for further Proceedings.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-17 56 287
November 1 1 A . I have kept the above in my Pocket these 5
days I believe for want of a good opportunity. The Powers
granted M r , Shirley are by act of the Regency till his Majesty's
pleasure is known. The Sergeant to whom you gave a Letter
lately for Sir Charles lost that and his Pack of Clothes together,
so that there is no account from you of Rogers' s Skirmish. How-
ever exaggerated his acco t8 . are thought here to be, every one says
he is a bold useful man, and deserves well of the Publick. We
heard that you were sending off 600 Men to the advanced Post.
But no News we hear from the Camp is credited unless from
yourself and you know you seldom write. If I have not already I
intended to hint to you to order the Cask emty Casks to be pre-
served; in Case it should be thought proper to salt Beef at Fort
Edward. Much is said here as to this Point ; whether there is or
not a practicable Road to be made from the Carrying Place to
South Bay, and whether this is or not the best way to go to Crown
< Point. This was the way you said you would go. For this
Reason some People think a Fort unnecessary at the Lake. I
should be glad of your Sentiments on this Matter, and how far
if you go through the Lake, the artillery & Stores must be carryed
by Land, and whether in case the South Bay Road is practicable,
we should not still be obliged to Land and drive the Enemy from
i Tionderoga, that is whether they could not otherways stop us
' here Wou'd not the Narrows too, be a dangerous Post to
remove an Enemy from. In short I mean your opinion whether
the Lake or the other Passage is the best way Comm". from
i Conn*, are here, those from Massachusets are expected tomorrow.
And then I suppose all Matter as to your x will be
settled. when and not before Sir Charles will leave this Place.
I am d. Sir, yours most afectionately,
Gw BANYAR
1 Word omitted in copying.
288 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
TO RICHARD GRIDLEY
D/. 1
Camp at Lake George II Nov r . 1755
SIR
This morning about 19 or 20 Men of the New York Reg 1 .
mutined & marched off with their arms, they murmur at the bad-
ness of their Provisions, that their Months pay is due, that their
Enlistments were expired & that their officers abused them. They
were bro*. back, I went out to them & so far answered their
Objections that for this time they are pacified, but I fear tis but
Fire covered with Ashes w ch may soon break out again & as I
dread from the Disposition of the Troops, that if these fellows
should go off it would infect others & spread perhaps throughout
the whole I would therefore desire that you will in case a party
should go off from hence that when they come to Fort Edward
you would turn out a proper account of y r Garrison & make them
Prisoners, I would not have you fire upon them so as to kill any
unless absolutely necessary but endeav r . all you can to intimidate
and secure them & then send them with a Strong Guard hither
I am
Sir
y r . humserv 1 .
To COLONEL GRIDLEY
Capt Wraxall rec'd the Inclosed Letter this Morning w ch I
think proper to send you The Writer came once up here with a
Guard, Spoke to M r Wraxall & desired he might be introduced
to me w ch M r . Wraxall put off this is all he knows of him
TO COMMANDERS AT ALBANY
Johnson's order, dated November 1 1 th, to commanders at Albany to
march to the east side of the lake to meet the enemy, following the pre-
ceding in the Johnson Calendar, p. 65 was destroyed by fire.
1 Original destroyed by fire.
HENDRICK AND SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756
289
FROM THOMAS POWNALL
A. L. S. 1
Albany NoV. II. 55
MY DEAR SIR
Lett me thank you for your late Letter & the very accurate
account of the Rout from Ft Edward to the Mohawks. I beleive
I shall be able to gett carryed into Execution the building a
picquetted Magazine with a Garrison, by giving it in hints to
other people who are willing to catch at anything upon which
they can build a merit.
I mentioned to S r Charles Hardy, the matter Relative to the
Canadien & French Prisoners, He is sorry that the giving them
again is an after thought after they have had quarter once given
them but however if you will by yourself or the Indians make
a formal demand of them he will lett them be delivered to you.
I mention'd it also to the L* Governor, he is of the same mind.
Sr Charles Hardy hopes & depends upon seing you as soon as
you can be releived from y r present Command, he has deferrd
talking or corresponding with Gen 1 Shirley on points of Indian
Affairs till he sees you. He wishes, if you can possibly, that you
woud come hither or to N York by the Mohawks away, that is
to call upon them before you come here or to N York.
It seems the French are reduced to the making a desperate
push. They have and will have certainly some scheme to attack
you by surprize or draw you unawares into some action ; for God's
sake suspect Every thing. Wherever you fight lett it be your own
choice, not their force or artifice.
Things here are under strange confusion & military 2 Service
under much dissatisfaction. Pay 8 my Respects to Cap 1 . Eyres
1 In Aycr Collection, Ncwbcrry Library, Chicago, 111.
2 This word is questioned in the copy.
8 This word is bracketed in the copy, as doubtful or supplied.
Vol. 1110
290 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
& all freinds, And wish you all success & happiness. I don't
despair yet of seing you. I remain my Dear Sir, your most
affectionate faithfull Servant.
T. POWNALL
TO WILLIAM SHIRLEY
D/. 1
Camp at Lake George 1 1 Nov r . Tuesday night
SIR
Just now Two Indians who set off some days ago for Crown
Point are arrived & say they were prevented from proceeding by
Discovering a Large Army of the Enemy on this side the Nar-
rows on the East side the Lake. The chief of the Two is a Man
I can depend on is a brave Indian & he is very positive in his
Information & says our Troops here appear but a handful to them.
Since these Indians came in, Capt Rodgers & his Party are
arrived ; they say they saw a very Large Smoke about that Place
w ch . the Indian describes, tho they were not as I understand so
near as the Indian.
By the Advice of the Commanding Officers here, I send your
Excellency this Express & inclose you My Order to the Com-
manding Officers of the Reinforcements at Albany to march
hither with all possible Dispatch, w ch I beg you will circulate
amongst them without delay, & We hope you will Order the
Regular Troops to our Assistance. Whether they propose an
Attack upon Fort Edward or here is uncertain. I have given Col.
Gridley Notice & directed him to take every necessary Measure.
I am
Sir
yr Excellencys Most Obed*. hum Serv 1 .
To His Excellency
GENERAL SHIRLEY &c.
1 Original destroyed by fire.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 291
TO RICHARD GRIDLEY
Johnson's letter of November 1 1 th to Colonel Richard Gridley, on the
nearness of the enemy and need of good management, following the fore-
going letter in the Johnson Calendar, p. 65 was destroyed by fire.
FROM SIR THOMAS ROBINSON
In Doc. Rel. to Col Hist. N. Y. t 6:1020, is a letter, of November
1 1 th, from Sir Thomas Robinson, at Whitehall, notifying Johnson that
he has been raised to the dignity of a baronet.
FROM GOLDSBROW BANYAR
A. L. S. 1
[Albany] Nov. 12, 1755.
The Comm n : are expected hourly. You see the necessity of
employing a number of Parties as well to prevent the Enemy
intercepting your Provisions as to be some little Cover to the
Country. No one would imagine you are in great want of Prov*.
As the Council of War thinks proper to detain all the Men there,
this Measure I apprehended would long since have reduced them
to actual Want. One convoy intercepted, will drive you to great
Streights. What method do you think best to get Prov 8 . up the
next Winter. Sho'd not Pork be sent from N Y to this Place
before the winter sets in, in order to be sent in slays when the
Snow permits. Cannot you find means to keep a small Party
going between the Camp & Fort Edward, & between that &
Albany in order to carry your dispatches. The Comm n . &c.
will in a few days I suppose settle what is to be come of your
Forces.
Y
Gw BANYAR
1 Original destroyed by fire.
292 f Sir William Johnson Papers
TO RICHARD GRIDLEY
\L/
Camp at Lake George 12 Novemb r . 1755.
SIR
Since my dispatches last night, there are Contradictions between
the Indian acco*. & Cap*. Rogers & his party who went out Sep-
erately on different Sides of the Lake. Cap*. Rogers is positive
the Enemy are at Tenonderogo, the Indians as positive they are
between this & the Carrying place, & are a Prodigious Body.
You will dispatch the inclos'd to General Shirley either by some
Brisk men to Seraghtoga, & they to Send it forward, or a Horse-
back as you will think best, I leave it to you but would not have
a moments delay, but let it go forward with the utmost dispatch;
you will keep a good look out a party advanc'd on this road will
I think be proper; God knows whether the Enemy will Visit us
or not, & w * 1 . of us first, so that no precautions are to be omitted;
I have order'd all the Reinforcements with as much provision as
they can carry, to March Instantly, if you find needfull you may
Reinforce yt Garrison, I am greatly hurried
Sir&c
please to send me a Copy of mine last night & this Letter for I
have no time to take Copies
To Colo. Gridley
a True Copy
R: GRIDLEY
LETTERS TO AND FROM JOHNSON
The preceding letter was followed in the Johnson Calendar, p. 66
by Thompson and Connor's report of scouting, written November 1 3th j
(printed in Doc. Hist. N. Y. t 4:279; Q. 4:180); Lieutenant Peiter |
Becker's report of scouting to eastward dated the 1 3th (Doc. Hist. N. Y.,
4:278; Q, 4:180); minutes, of the 13th, of a council of war, relating
to an entrenchment around Fort William Henry and despatches to Albany;
and Johnson's letter, of the 13th, to General William Shirley regarding
information given by scouts. Destroyed by fire.
Original destroyed by fire.
I Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 293
MOHAWKS TO ARENT STEVENS 1
Connajoharie 12 lh . Nov f . 1755.
DEAR BROTHER STEVENS.
This is to acquaint you that there is a Post from Oneida who
' informs us, that there is an Onondaga Indian from Oswegatie,
who tells us that the French Governor made Inquiry of the Indians
who had taken the French General Prisoner, upon which they
answered the Oneidas. O says he, that is all I want to know, I
can take them likewise, I have Snow Shoes & every other Neces-
sary for that purpose.
And therefore with this Belt of Wampum the Oneidas request
General Johnson & General Shirley at once to build a Fort at
Oneida if they please, and immediately to put Men into it for
their protection and they desire likewise that they would supply
them with Cannon Powder & Ball. Now Brethren protect us
all and that as speedily as possible, and pray dont forget to
acquaint General Johnson, and we desire an Answer directly.
We have sent the News every where and to Onaquage. Nothing
More, but we are
Yours &c
RoNDADIKAS X mark
BRANDT'S X mark
NICHOLAS'S X mark
PAULUS PETERS
P: S: We desire to know by the first Opportunity whether we
are to have a Fort or not.
1 Original destroyed by fire.
294 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
TO WILLIAM SHIRLEY
Of. 1
Camp at Lake George 12 No\> r . 1755
SIR
The Express with my Letters last night set off about 1 2 oClock
when the Letters were sealed & every thing ready for their
Departure. Cap*. Rodgers came in & told us that upon further
Consideration & comparing the Indians account with his own Dis-
coveries, he was persuaded the Army the Indian had seen was at
Tionderogo. The Indian was called in & confidently assured us
he was so well acquainted with Tionderogo & the Country there-
abouts & had so clear a View of the Enemy that he could not
be mistaken. Rodgers grew as positive on his side. I again put
it to the several officers present whether any alteration should be
made in my Letters, it was unanimously agreed they should go
as they were & they urged me not to keep the Express a moment
longer, One Gent n . indeed said he would not give any Opinion
the positiveness & contradiction on both sides appeared so equally
strong. the other Indian, a younger one, confirmed his Com-
panions Ac*, with equal warmth.
After the Express went, I sat up till near 3 this Morning with
both the Indians, minutely examined them, compared all Circum-
stances they continued unvariably positive. Early this Morning
I talked to Rodgers; he still persists the Indians are mistaken,
that he counted 150 odd Tents at Tionderogo, saw an Indian
Encamp 1 , hear them Dance &c. & this the same day the Indians
say they saw the Encamp*, this way & heard a great number of
Drums beat, the Indians saw also their Fires by night w ch . in
Number & largeness exceeded they say all they ever saw & made
it as Light as day, that there was no End of their Numbers
Immediately upon the Indian News I dispatched a party for
observation towards where the Indians place their Discovery
Original destroyed by fire.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756
295
This Morning early Two Indians 3 Indian officers & an able
Woodsman with 2 or 3 of our People set off to reconnoitre. Two
days ago our usual Scout of 30 Men marched for South Bay
Wood Creek & to the Narrows in the drowned Lands with
Orders upon Discovering any Body of the Enemy to dispatch a
Brisk hand or two hither & to Fort Edward. We have no Intel-
ligence as yet from them. For my part I was puzzeled last
Night I remain so still. If my Opinion leans any Way it is in
favour of Cap*. Rodgers for unless the Enemys Motions are very
slow I think we should at least have heard from our Scouts who
marched two days ago. and yet when I reflect on the general
Behaviour of our own People I cannot fully depend on their
Alertness.
As I was pressed by the Officers last Night to mention their
hopes, that the Regular Troops might come to our assistance &
as I am sensible it may be attended with many Inconveniences &
that the Scarcity of Provisions here particularly Bread may make
a precipitate March of Bad Consequence I think it proper without
taking any further Advice to lay matters before your Excellency
in the most concise & yet clearest manner I am able & wholly to
refer the Issue to Your Excellency The Provincial Reinforce-
ments I would by all means have march with the utmost Dispatch
& the Commissaries send forward without delay all the Provisions
they possibly can
I am
Sir
Your Excellencys Most obed* hum Serv 1 .
INDORSED: General's Letter to Gen 1 .
Shirley 12 Nov. 1755.
296
Sir William Johnson Papers
FROM WILLIAM SHIRLEY 1
Albany NoV: 13*. 1755.
SIR
Yesterday in the Afternoon I receiv'd your Letter of the 1 1 th
Instant by Express giving an Account of the Discovery of a large
Body of French on the East side of Lake George advancing
towards your Camp. Upon the Receipt of it Orders were imme-
diately given to the Commanding Officers of the Provincial
Troops rais'd for the Reinforcement of the Army under your
Command, w ck are quarter*d about this Place to collect their
respective Corps forthwith in order to march w th . all Dispatch
to your Assistance, each Man to carry with him as much pro-
visions & ammunition as he can speedily march with.
Accordingly I expect that 800 of those Troops will march this
morning, and the remainder, w ch by advice of the Gov". & Field
Officers of the Regular Troops now here are reserv'd to escort as
large a Quantity of Provisions for the Subsistence of your Army
as all the Waggons & Horses, that can be immediately procur'd
by Sir Charles Hardy upon this Emergency, can carry: and I
hope they will follow the first Division of the Troops in twenty
four Hours.
Upon this Occasion I have determin'd to send a Detachment
of 500 of the Regular Troops now here to strengthen you further,
w * 1 shall proceed to the Army, as soon as a Body of the like
Number of Militia shall be rais'd here to proceed with them as
Scouts & Rangers in their March & Guides thro the Country.
I hope this Reinforcement will be sufficient for your Support
against any Attack, w cK the Enemy may make upon you: and
doubt not but you will be able soon to give a good Account of
them: I wish you all imaginable Success, and am,
Sir,
Your most Humble Servant.
W SHIRLEY
MAJOR GENERAL JOHNSON.
Original destroyed by fire.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 297
TO REINFORCEMENTS
Johnson's order, of November 1 3th, to reinforcements to hasten their
march from Albany to camp, following the preceding letter in the Johnson
Calendar, p. 66, was destroyed by fire.
TO RICHARD GRIDLEY
D/. 1
Camp Lake George 15 Nov r . 1755.
SIR
Please to forward the Letter herewith immediately by an
officer & 1 2 or 13 Men to Seraghtoga, where a Party are to take
them forward to Albany without the least delay.
One of Scouts to South Bay discovered a very late Tract of
Four going towards Fort Edward. I am convinced the Enemy
extreamly want a Prisoner & I beg you will prevent straggling
all in your power & no parties under five to go out. please to
advertise them hereof at Seraghtoga.
No Discoveries since my last.
I am
Sir
Your most Obed* Serv 1 .
To COLONEL GRIDLEY
WILLIAM SHIRLEY AND OTHERS TO ONEIDAS *
Albany NoV. 15*: 1755.
His Excellency Sir Charles Hardy yesterday Communicated
to the General a Letter he had received by M r . Stevens and three
Indians, from the Conajoharie Castle, containing a Message from
the Oneida Indians, requesting that a Fort might be immediately
built at their Castle, that they might have some Cannon & Ammu-
nition and that some white men might be posted there for the
defence of it.
/Original destroyed by fire.
296 ' Sir William Johnson Paper*
Whereupon there was a meeting at 10 oClock this Morning
at the General's.
Present
His Excellency General Shirley
His Excellency Sir Charles Hardy
The Hon ble . James DeLancey Esq r .
The Hon blc . Thomas Pownal Esq r .
The Messengers were called in and the following Message
delivered to them in Writing and explained to them by the Inter-
preter.
Brothers of the Oneida Nation
I have heard the Message from you, directed to myself and
General Johnson, which was forwarded to me thro the Mohawks
Castle, and in Answer thereto do now inform you, that before
I came to the Carrying place in my way from Oswego, I had
heard that you had desired a Fort should be built at your Castle,
and I thereupon ordered about 20 Men from Burnetsfield to go
to build it, and I was afterwards told, that the Men were gone
to your Castle to build it. I shall now write to Cap 1 Williams at
the Carrying place and to Justice Petri, that if the Men are not
yet gone to send them Immediately. I shall also send you a good
officer with 30 Soldiers and two great Guns with Powder and
Shott, and every thing else necessary for your defence.
Brothers, be not dismayed at the French, they want to
frighten you, and to turn your faces from fighting against them,
and to keep you at home least you should do them harm, you may
depend upon it, that I shall do all in my power to defend you,
and all my Brothers of the Six Nations and I shall let our
Brother General Johnson know the Message you have sent, he is
at present fighting against ours & your Enemies the French, and
he will do all in his power also to you and all our Brethren.
With this Belt of Wampum I confirm all I have said.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756
299
FROM WILLIAM SHIRLEY"
L. S. 1
Albany No*. 15 th . 1755.
SIR
I have nothing to add to the inclos d , 2 but to desire that you
will let me know, as soon as possible, what you now apprehend
to be the Strength and Situation of the Enemy, and likewise the
State of your army if you have any thing to add to the last
Accounts you transmitted to me.
I am,
Sir,
Your most Humble Servant,
W SHIRLEY
P. S. His Majesty's Service will not permit me to accept of
your Military Commission before this Campaigne is over.
INDORSED: General Shirleys Letter
to General Johnson with
Indian Papers ab*. Fort
at Oneida.
TO WILLIAM SHIRLEY
Camp at Lake George 15 Nov r . 1755
SIR
The Two Battoes with officers w ch Informed Your Excellency
in my last of the 1 3 Inst I had dispatched upon further Discovery
of the Enemy, returned the next Morning; they went about 12
or 14 Miles down the Lake to the first Narrows. They dis-
1 Original destroyed by fire.
2 Oneidas to Stevens, November 12, 1755, and Shirley and others to
Oneidas, November 15, 1755.
300 'Sir William Johnson Papers
covered several Smoaks; saw a Birch Canoe paddle very swiftly
to an Island on the East side* near to which they were & where
there appeared a small Fire A Whistle was given upon which
the Fire was put out they found they were discovered, lay
upon their Oars a while to consult & look round them they
judged it not safe to proceed & returned hither about 4 oClock
Yesterday Morning. I then sent out another Scout to go down
the Lake in a Battoe about 6 miles, to Land on the West side
travel about 8 Miles by Land, get upon an Eminence & make
what Observations they could. They returned Yesterday after-
noon, say they saw the smoak as it were of expiring Fires on the
East side, but discovered no Cannoes or any People. Another
Land Scout from the N. E. returned Yesterday Evening say
they saw a pretty large smoke to the S. E. of the Mountain where
they posted themselves. Several other Scouts have returned but
made no Discoveries w ch clear matters up, or serve to give a
detirminate Opinion, perhaps before Noon or in the Afternoon
I expect the return of some Indian officers Two Indians & some
of our People, who I sent to South Bay, Wood Creek & across
the Mountains 3 days ago. I propose to keep this Letter in
expectation of Intelligence from them.
When Cap*. Rodgers had the Skirmish with the Enemys
Advanced party he told me he heard Two Alarm Cannon fired
at Tionderogo. I find upon looking over his Written Report he
has omitted this Circumstance, he persists that he was not mis-
taken but very plainly heard the Cannon. Now I apprehend,
that upon this alarm the Enemy assembled at Crown Point &
from all parts of the Country that way, marched to Tionderogo,
imagining our Army was coming forwards, posted themselves in
some advantageous Pass to oppose us, and that this was the Army
the Indians saw, for I cannot bring myself to think they were
mistaken, the oldest of them to this Moment is as positive as
ever with regard to the greatness of the Fires & that he clearly
saw a vast number of Tents. Whether that Army remains, is
broke up upon further Discovery that this Alarm was groundless
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 301
or are taking Measures to Attack us, which of these is the Case,
I will not pretend to detirmine. perhaps before the close of this
Day some of our Scouts may help us to form some more certain
judgm 1 .
By Advice of a Council of War we have moved our Artillery
over to Fort William Henry & most of them are mounted there.
We have almost finished a double Entrenchment round the Fort
have removed thither our Powder Military Stores & Provisions.
And propose if the Numbers of the Enemy should equal our
Intelligence that upon their coming to attack us, we will make
our Stand there, which we judge will be more safe & formidable
than in this Camp, in the other Case our Force must have been
divided, it was suspected (& I believe with reason) that our
Men wou'd most of them have run to the Fort, and besides this
Measure will probably Baffle the Schemes of an Attack w ch the
Enemy may have formed, supposing to have disputed the Point
in our Encamp*, here.
About one oClock the Party I sent to South Bay, returned
they went round the Bay & 10 to Wood Creek neither discovered
the Enemy nor the Traces of any except a Party of about 4 very
lately passed towards Fort Edward, a Scout down the Lake
also return discovered a Fire where the others did of yesterday
heard 3 Indians whoop on the East side, whistling on an Island
saw Two Canoes who made from them.
The Fort is in a finishable Condition. Two Ranges of Bar-
racks built but we are distressed for boards to floor them, when
compleated they will contain Men. The Timber is getting
for another Barrack. The Connecticut Troops are detirmed not
to stay longer than their 1 days w ch . expire next Wensday & I
am affraid their going off will spread a general Inclination thro
the rest to do the same, particularly the New York Reg*, part of
w^ actually set off a few days ago & with the utmost Difficulty
I prevailed on them to stay a little longer, they alledge their
enlistments are out & also demand their Pay w ck was due the
first of this Month. We have not in the whole more than 3 days
302 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
Meat & Bread in the Camp & unless speedily supplied dread the
Consequences will be extreamly fatal!.
To His Excellency
GENERAL SHIRLEY &c.
J. C. MAINE TO PETER WRAXALL
Following the foregoing in the Johnson Calendar, p. 66, is a letter, of
November 1 5th, from J. C. Maine to Wraxall, in which his release from
custody at Fort Edward is asked. Destroyed by fire. On the same page
are three papers, of November 16th, which were destroyed by fire: orders
to Lieutenant Richard Rogers to reconnoiter Ticonderoga and ^lown
Point (printed in Doc. Hist. N. 7., 4:281 ; Q, 4:182); a letter to
Colonel Richard Gridley concerning J. C. Maine's case, lack of news
by scouts, and guards; and a letter to Governor Hardy about reports of
scouts, information brought from Canada by an Onondaga Indian, inability
to devote time to Indian affairs, and a proposal to send militia.
TO ISRAEL PUTNAM
D/. 1
Camp at Lake George 16 Nov r . 1755
To CAP T . PUTNAM
You are to proceed with the Party under your Command in
a Battoe as far down the Lake towards the Enemy s advanced
Party as you find you prudently can. then land on the East side
& take a View round about if you can discover any considerable
Encampment of the Enemy, if so to make the most exact dis-
covery you can of their Numbers &c. If you discover no
Encampment thereabouts proceed to Tionderogo & make the
best Discoveries you can there & return hither as soon as possible.
Given under my hand at the
Camp at Lake George 1 6 Nov r . 1 755
1 Original destroyed by fire.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 303
TO WILLIAM SHIRLEY
Camp at Lat^e George Sunday Morning 16 Nov r . 1755.
SIR
Yesterday afternoon I dispatched a Letter to your Excellency
by a Party to Fort Edward, to be immediately forwarded from
thence to Saraghtoga from thence to Albany. No further
Intelligence concerning the Enemy hath since arrived. A party
went yesterday with orders to Scout to South Bay & down Wood
Creek. In the Evening I sent a Party with 3 Battoes down the
Lake to make & push for all the Discoveries they could.
This Morning about 2 oClock I received by Express Your
Excellencys Letters of the 13 Inst.
As none of our various Scouts have brought any Intelligence
w ch clear up the Contradictions between the Indians & Cap 1
Rodgers's I grow more & more inclined to believe the Indians
were under a mistake (or that the Army they saw advanced is
retreated to Tionderogo).
The Three Battoes I sent down the Lake yesterday Evening
are this Minute come in sight. I will detain the Express to send
you their Report.
Two of the said Battoes are come in (the other was one sent
from the Works) the Third Battoe with the officer of the party
& 9 Men they left determined to proceed upon discovery, there
not being Provisions enough for them all. They went about 16
or 1 7 Miles down the Lake & discovered nothing.
Two Indians 1 Indian officer & Two others are now going off
for Tionderogo to discover the posture of the Enemy, & if the
Army is not there or advanced on this side are to proceed to
Crown Point for future Discovery.
1 Original destroyed by fire.
304 'Sir William Johnson Papers
If any fresh Intelligence of importance arrives I will dispatch
an account of it by Express to your Excellency.
I am Sir
Your Excellencys Most Obed 1 . hum Serv 1 .
To His Excellency
GENERAL SHIRLEY &c.
FROM DAVID WATERBURY AND ELIPHALET FALES
In the Johnson Calendar, p. 67 are found Lieutenant David Water-
bury *s report, dated November 1 7th, of a scouting expedition (printed
in Doc. Hist. N. Y. t 4:280-81 ; Q, 4:181-82) ; and Captain Eliphalet
Fales's report of scouting, also of the 17th (Doc. Hist. N. Y., 4:283;
Q, 4:183). Both were destroyed by fire.
\
MINUTES OF COUNCIL OF PROVINCIAL OFFICERS
[Albany*]. Nov. 17, 1755
At a Meeting at His Excellency Major General William Shir-
ley's the 17: NoV: 1755. 6 oClo. P. M.
Present
His Excellency Major Gen 1 . Shirley
His Excellency Sir Charles Hardy
The Hon ble . James Delancey Esq r .
The Hon ble . Thomas Pownal Esq r .
The Hon blc John Rutherford
The Hon ble . Daniel Horsmanden
The Hon ble . James Minot
John Choat Esq r .
Oliver Partridge Esq r
Sam 1 . Leveredge Esq.
Commissioners from
the province of the
Massachusets Bay
Benjamen Hall Esq r . Commissioners from the
John Hubbard Esq r . Colony of Connecticut
Voted.
1 Destroyed by fire.
2 Place supplied from the Johnson Calendar.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 305
That it be recommend as the Opinion and Advise . . /
of the Members of this Meeting, that the Army under the Com-
mand of Major Gen 1 . Johnson, do advance against the Enemy,
and attempt to remove them from their encroachments as far as
they are able at this Season.
above Copy from the Minutes
WM ALEXANDER Secy.
PROCEEDINGS OF COURT OF INQUIRY
D. S. 2
Proceeding of a Court of Inquiry held at Fort Edward Monday
November the 1 7 1 755 By order of the Commander of the Said
Fort
Present
Cap 1 Thaxter President
Leiu* Burbeck
Leiu* Powers
_ . _ f Members
Leiu* 1 albot
Leiu* Clark
Complaint Exhibitted By Cap* Moses Deshon who was Cap* of
the pickett found on the Sixteenth Instant Against Mathew
Bright John Mahar Francis Conner David Anderson James
Baker Thomas Morgan James Powers. For deserting the Fort
on the Lord day and treating the Said Cap* and officers with
Disrespectfull Language and using many profane Speaches
when the Said Cap 1 was bringing them disarmed into the fort
The Prisoners being Called and asked whether they ware Guilty
of* Not they Reply 'd Not Guilty
1 Omitted in copying ; probably omitted by Alexander.
"Original destroyed by fire.
* This word plainly should be " or."
306 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
On which the Court proceeded to Try and Called the Evidences.
Ensign Blake
Evidences
Serg*. Standley
Edward Worster ^ .. n .,
^ i- A -i i Guilty as rolloweth
Cornelius Anmbal
By whose Evidences we
-find the above Prisoners
Mathew Bright John Mahar Francis Conner Guilty of deserting
the fort on the Lord Day of profane Swareing & treating their
Superior officers with Disrispectfull Language and threating the
Said officers when disarmed if they had their arms would not be
so disarnTd again by the Said officers. David Anderson Guilty
of deserting the fort on the Lord day and Treating his Superior
officer with ill Language by telling him he was a dam Liar
Thomas Morgan James Baker Guilty of deserting the fort on the
Lord day and when order'd back by the guards behaved them-
selves disrispectfully unto their Superior officers. James Powers
guilty of deserting the fort on the Lords day.
For which Crimes wee order'd them Back unto their place of
Confinement and their to Continue until the morrow Ten of the
Clock in the forenoon and then to be Conveigh'd unto the place
of Correction and their to receive their punishment as followeth
Mathew Bright, John Mahar Francis Conner Each Receive
thirty Nine Stripes on their naked Backs with a whip or Birch
David Anderson Receive fifteen Stripes on his Naked back
with a whip or Birch
James Baker Thomas Morgan To Ride the wooding horse
one hour Each
James Powers To pay twelve pence Sterling
all which we Humbly Submitt unto your Honnours
Consideration
From your Honnours Humble Servant
SAMUEL THAXTER President
Preliminary Campaigns, 1 7 55- 1 7 56 307
GEORGE BRAMAN S TESTIMONY
Testimony of George Braman at Fort Edward, against a prisoner by
name of " Whetmore," dated November 1 7th, in the Johnson Calendar,
p. 67, was destroyed by fire.
TO WILLIAM SHIRLEY AND SIR CHARLES HARDY
D/. 1
Camp at Lat^e George
Monday Morning 17 Nov r . 1755.
SIR
The Connecticut Troops have flatly refused to go out on the
5 days Scout towards South Bay & Wood Creek w ch was
marched this Morning, they say their time is out on Wensday &
they will stay no longer. Their Feild officers have been with me
6 tell me they have used all their Influence but in Vain. When
they go off I fear the New York Reg*, will not stay & that the
Infection will spread amongst the rest of the Troops. We have
not more Meat & Bread than will serve the Troops here one day
in short there is a general Dissatisfaction w ch I affraid may pro-
duce Consequences the most distressing & fatal. I have sus-
pected these things for some time past but General Lyman in
particular & several other officers in general when I have sug-
gested my Apprehensions have glossed things over & represented
the Mens Inclinations in such favourable Lights as did in some
Measure lead me to think I was mistaken in my Suspicions, in
my Opinion no time is to be lost in falling on Measures to Serve *
His Majestys Two Forts our Artillery & its Stores. And I am
1 Original destroyed by fire.
* Evidently this word should be " save. 1
308 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
clearly of Opinion that from present Appearances, it will not be
adviseable to depend on the Provincial Troops for these Garrisons.
I am
Sir
Your Excellencys Most Obed'. hum Serv 1 .
To GENERAL SHIRLEY
&
S*. CHARLES HARDY.
Since writing the above Col. Whitcomb of a
Massachusetts Reg*, has been with me & says
it was with the utmost Difficulty that he & his
chaplin prevented the Reg*, from marching off
to day & thinks he shall not be able to retain
them tomorrow.
LETTERS TO AND FROM JOHNSON
A letter to Johnson from William Alexander, dated November 1 7th,
inclosing minutes of a council of governors and commissioners held at
Albany, and asking report of action thereon, follows the foregoing letter
in the Johnson Calendar. It is followed by Israel Putnam and Stephen^
Schuyler's report of a scout to South bay, dated the 18th (printed in
Doc. Hist., N. K, 4:279-80; 4:181); and Johnsons letter, of the
18th, to inhabitants of Suffolk county, acknowledging donation of fat
cattle, with a note to George Muirson. Destroyed by fire.
FROM GOLDSBROW BANYAR
A. L. S. 1
Albany 18 No*. 1755.
MY DEAR SIR
I am f avour'd with your Letter of the 10 and have just now
seen your Letter to Sir Charles of the 1 6, with Extracts of yours
to the General of the 9 th I have seen too the Letter to you in
1 Original destroyed by fire.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 309
Consequence of the Opinion of the Grand Meeting held last
fight which lasted till this Morning, there's nothing more in it
was recommended by the Gov. & Council by the Report of
the 1 8t . & the Minute of the 27 Oct. But I observe it leaves a
hole for the Council of War to creep out at, if it should be
possible to proceed. Today I understand the Gen. has agreed
to garrison the two Forts at the Kings Expence, but with Irregu-
lars. I suppose he'll appoint officers. It was urged it might be a
disappointment the next year, if Regular Troops were sent
It was yesterday given out in Orders that a New Regiment was
to be raised, & Cap 1 . Bradstreet to be L*. Colonel of it. Kenier *
is promoted to the Rank of Major. I hear nothing of tother
Regiment that is to be raised, it's said. Some suspect the Jersey
Troops are to be taken into one of the two Regim 1 *.
The Promotion of Bradstreet gives great Chagrin to the Euro-
pean Majors. There's some Secret in this affair, for a few Months
ago the General & Bradstreet were on no good Terms. He now
aims at the Superintendency of Indian affairs at least as to the
foreign & uppermost 3 of the five Nations. It's said the Commis-
sion to you should be of a different Nature, I suppose to make
room for other Persons. I was told lately you had rece'd 5000
Sterl'g on account of Indian affairs 2 from Braddock the rest
from his Successor, I imagine the 1600 Gen Shirley paid you
& what you recived from our Province on acco*. of the Expe-
dition is meant. Much is said to lessen the Merit of your Service,
and great Fault found at your not proceeds, the Blame of which
is industriously thrown upon you. And so little do that Party
think that the Publick have Reason to ask or wonder why the
Niagara Expedition did not go on, that it is said " It's surprizing
they could do so much." I am apprehensive you may be under
a necessity of justifying yourself to the Blame of others. We
shall if it be possible see you at New York. For if your Inidns f
1 James Kinneer, major of 50th regiment?
* Indians.
31 ' &r William Johnson Papers
Fund is Exhausted I doubt you'l get no further Supply. You
are not sworn as a Counciler, nor have you seen Sir Charles,
who's much yo r . Freind & greatly wishes to see you. The Meet-
ing of the Governors is appointed for the 1 st . decem. at N York
Sir Charles will certainly leave this Place on the 20 th : wind
& weather permitting; and the General talks of embarking two
days afterwards. As to other Politicks the Scheme of opera-
tions is to be setled. There is no prospect of much unanimity,
nor do I think the proper will be formed as soon as they
ought to be. Some expect many hope, and, it may be appre-
hended, a few dread the Arrival of a New General. God send
it, and give you Health.
I am D r . S r .
yours most affectionately
Gw BANYAR
I was told the Presents for the Western Ind s . arrived to late
at Oswego, & that all or most of them are left there. The Oneidas
sent a Message lately desiring a Fort may be built in their Coun-
try. It is ordered and to be garrisoned w h Regulars If the
Gen 1 , does not secure Ind : Scouts, think of doing it if you can &
represent to the Ind s . the necessity of this Measure for the Security
of the Fort at the Lake which covers them in some Measure. They
must be on the Watch too as they expect a Snow Shoe Attack.
I hear a Survey is to be made under the direction of the Engi-
neers from Fort Edward to Wood Creek & South Bay to dis-
cover if there be a practicable Road to be made that Way. In
this Case they should have 8 or 1 trusty Indians, such as you can
recommend and procure for them. It's said by the General that
there's not a practicable Road from the N. End of the Lake to
Tionderoga I mean that Carrying Place. I should not be sur-
prized if some Regulars should be still ordered up either as an
Eschort to the Engineers or as a Garrison, or both perhaps.
1 Omitted in copying.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 311
Musket Ball & Flint are sent. M r . Pownalls opinion is that we
might avoid Tionderoge by leaving it on the Right & making a
Road from the N End of the Lake to the Fort at Crown Point,
About 12 or 14 miles. In this Case we must raise our Cannon
Stores & Waggons by Takles a considerable heighth from the
Lake. One Division should march first with whatever is abso-
lutely necessary and invest the Fort ; the other bring up the artil-
lery & Baggage after them. The Road he thinks may be prac-
ticable soon for Carriages. But it must be examined, to see
whether it be so or no : none but Indians can do this : The Men
can march on the West side the Lake, till they come to the Bay
there to be ferryed over thence to the further End where the Road
is to begin. The Passage for the Waggons Horses and Stores
must be by water through the Lake in Scows. or Flatts and
Batoes. I think the whole will be attended with too great difficul-
ties. And as we can probably move before the French can, we
may go the way you intended. I send you M r . Pownal's Sketch
of this Matter. I believe it will go hard with you soon for want
of Prov 8 : all useless Hands should be dismissed, & as many as
can be spared sent to Fort Edward to save Carriage to the Lake.
Do not suffer the Fort & artillery & Stores to be in any danger.
The two Reg ls . consist of about 1 1 00, 500 are to be sent to
Schenectady, the rest to be kept here, in Barracks, & Block-
houses fitted up to receive them.
312 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
MINUTES OF COUNCIL OF WAR
D. S. 1
Camp at Lake George 18 Nov r . 1755. A. M.
Head Quarters
At a Council of War held by General Johnson
Pres'.
The General
Major General Lyman
Capt Eyre
Col. Plaisted
Cap*. Glazier
Col. Harris
Col. Cockcroft
Col. Bagly
Peter Wraxall Seer*.
Col. Dyer
Col. Chauncey
Lieu 1 Col. Whiting
Lieu 1 Col. Cummins
The General having been apprized by several of the Field
Officers of the Connecticut Troops that the said Troops insisted
on their Dismission from this Service agreable to the Votes of
their Legislature & the Generals Promise to them, the Day after
tomorrow. The General desired the Opinion & advice of this
Council of War what measures were most adviseable to pursue
with regard to the Quota of Connecticut for Garrisoning Fort
William Henry & Fort Edward & for retaining the other Troops,
in case they should refuse to stay as it is apprehended they will
when the Connecticut Troops march off
1 Original destroyed by fire. There is a copy in Public Record Office,
C. O. 5.1 7, London, England; transmitted by Governor Hardy November
27th.
jr 7
m\ t V *
*\ ! WS
(Preliminary Campaigns, 1 7 55- 17 56 313
Hie Question was put what number of Men this Council of
ir thought sufficient to Garrison Fort William Henry & Fort
ward
500 Voted for Fort William Henry
400 Voted for Fort Edward.-
Fhe Question was put whether the General be advised to send
ientleman from this Army to Albany to represent to the Gov rs .
& Commissioners there the State of this Army & to know their
resolutions as to the future Destination thereof.
Unanimously resolved in the affirmative & that Col. Chauncey
& Col. Whitcomb do go down upon this Errand.
Voted that this Council of War understand that the Dismis-
sion of any part of this Army shall be suspended till some detir-
minate Orders arrive from the Commissioners at Albany or till
Col. Chauncey 1 & Col. Whitcomb 2 return or dispatch an account
of their Negotiation p TER WRAXALL
FROM WILLIAM SHIRLEY
L. S*
Albany Nov r . 18 th . 1755.
SIR
I desire you will send me Word by the Return of this Express
as soon as possible what Number of Men you shall think necessary
to employ in the Attempt, w ch . you shall forthwith make against
the Enemy, in case you determine to make one, what Train of
Artillery you propose to carry with you in such Attempt;
Also what Number of Men the State of your Battoes will admit
of transporting over the Lake, over & above what is necessary to
be employ 'd in carrying that Train & Warlike Stores; likewise
what Number of Men the State of the Provisions, w^ 1 . you shall
1 Elihu Chauncey, of Connecticut.
*John Whitcomb, of Massachusetts.
* Original destroyed by fire.
4 Omitted in copy.
314 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
be able to get together for making this Attempt will admit of
sending.
I am,
Sir,
Your most Humble Servant
W SHIRLEY.
MAJOR GENERAL JOHNSON.
TO WILLIAM SHIRLEY ET AL.
Johnson's order of November 1 8th to Captain Roger Billing to convoy
wagons to and from Albany, and his letter of the 1 8th to General Shirley
and Governor Hardy, relating to scouts and bounty for the capture of a
Frenchman, following the preceding letter in the Johnson Calendar, p. 67,
were destroyed by fire.
FROM WILLIAM SHIRLEY
L. S. 1
SlR Albany. 18 th : NoV: 1755
This Evening there has been a meeting of myself, Sir Charles
Hardy and Commissioners from the Province of the Massa-
chusets Bay and Connecticut upon the several points contained
in your last Letters ; they have agreed, upon Measures, for settling
all those points in such a manner, as they apprehend, will be
most conducive to his Majesty's Service, and most satisfactory
to the Officers and Soldiers under your Command. For this pur-
pose Commissioners from the several Governments concerned will
set out from hence for your Camp tomorrow. I give you this
Intimation by Express, that you may have it in your power, to
quiet the minds of the Army, until those Gentlemen shall arrive :
for which purpose you will be pleased to Communicate this to
your Officers and Soldiers in such manner as you shall judge
proper.
I am Sir
Your most hm ble . Servant
W SHIRLEY
MAJOR GENERAL JOHNSON
1 Original destroyed by fire.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 315
TO WILLIAM SHIRLEY
Df. 1
Camp at Lake George 18 Nov r . 1755.*
wrote your Excellency this Morning to w^ 1 I beg leave to
refer. Since that Letter went off I called a Council of War &
inclose your Excellency a Copy of the Minutes of the same.
Just now I reed your Excellencys of the 15 Inst. with the
papers therein inclosed. I am glad a Fort is likely to be built at
Oneida. Your Excellency may recollect that I have recom-
mended Forts to be built at the residence of each of the several
Nations, I have explained myself thereon to the Lords of Trade,
to obtain the Indians consent properly & to effect the Scheme
vigorously will I think be quite adviseable. I inclose your Excel-
lency a General return from the last returns given in & beg leave
to refer you to Col. Chauncey & Col. Whitcomb for the other
particulars w * 1 they have in charge & am Sir
Your Excellencys Most obed 1 hum Serv*.
To GENERAL SHIRLEY &c.
TO SIR CHARLES HARDY AND RICHARD GRIDLEY
The preceding was followed in the Johnson Calendar, p. 67 by a
letter of November 1 8th from Johnson to Governor Hardy, inclosing
minutes; a letter of the 18th from J. C. Maine, at Fort Edward, to
Colonel Richard Gridley, entreating pardon; and a letter from Johnson to
Colonel Richard Gridley, of the 18th, on recent alarm and official mis-
conduct of Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Gilbert. All were destroyed by
fire.
1 Original destroyed by fire.
1 In Doc. Hist. N. Y. t 2:410, is printed an announcement from the
London Gazette that a baronetcy has been granted to William Johnson,
dated November 18th.
316 Sir William Johnson Paper*
FROM JOHN FREEMAN
A. L. S. 1
Lake George Novemb^. 19*. 1755
To the Honourable GENERAL WlLL M : JOHNSON.
A Report of the Scout of Cap ta . Robert McGinnis's Compel
under Serj*. Freeman
Honoured S r :
The 1 7 th . Instant we Set Down the Lake in a Battoe
& that Night Got within about 5 Miles of the French Army &
Remained there untill the 10 th . in the Evening; In which Time
we heard 30 peices of Cannon fired of; After which we pro-
ceeded on towards the French Army & Spied a French Indian
Battoe & Chased her untill She Got ashore under the Command
of the French Army, Upon which they were Alarmed & fired
two Guns: & then we Retreated as fast as we Could homewards;
Given Under My Hand at the Request of the whole
JOHN FREEMAN
N. B. what they call the French Army in the above Report is the
Enemys Advanced Guard.
FROM JAMES MINOT
This report is followed in the Johnson Calendar, p. 68 by minutes of a
council of war, held November 1 9th, with action relative to the distribution
of oxen donated by inhabitants of Suffolk county and acknowledgment of
the gift; and by a letter of the 19th to Johnson from James Minot, in
behalf of Massachusetts commissioners at Albany, advising that a force
be sent to guard wagons. These papers were destroyed by fire.
1 Original destroyed by fire.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756
317
.
MINUTES OF COUNCIL OF WAR
D. S. 1
Head Quarters
Camp at Lake George Thursday 20 Nov r . 1755. A. M.
at a Council of War held by General Johnson
Pres':
The General
Major General Lyman
Col. Plaisted
Col. Harris
CoL Cockcroft
Col. Bagly
Col. Thacher
Cap 1 . Eyre
Leiu*. Col. Cummins
Leiu'. Col. Whiting
Peter Wraxall
The General laid before this Council of War the Information
of an Auchquaga Indian transmitted to him by Sir Charles Hardy
Gov r . of New York, also Cap*. Putnams Report who returned
yesterday from Tionderogo.
hereupon the General acquainted this Council of War, that as
Cap 1 . Rodgers when he was last at Tionderogo had observed an
Encampment of Indians & Cap 1 . Putnam now confirmed the
same, he thought, the Enemy s Scheme (mentioned in the above
Indian Information) of intercepting our Provisions coming from
Albany might probably be put to trial & that by a Considerable
Body, he judged it therefore Adviseable that a Strong Detach-
ment from this Army should be immediately sent to meet & pro-
tect the Waggons & Guard the Provisions w ch . we have Intelli-
gence are upon the Road between Albany & this Place.
hereon he desires the Concurrance & Advice of this Council
of War.
It is the Unanimous Opinion of this Council of War that 500
Men be forthwith detached to cover & guard the Provisions &
road hither.
PETER WRAXALL Seer'*.
1 Original destroyed by fire.
318 >Sir William Johnson Papers
LETTERS TO AND FROM JOHNSON
This document was followed in the Johnson Calendar, p. 68, by a
mutilated letter of November 21st from Lieutenant Governor Thomas
Pownall, at Albany, introducing to Johnson Mr Van Schaik, commis-
sioned to explore the country between Hudson river and Crown Point,
with additional remarks on Indian affairs; Stephen Webster and Philip
Combes's report of the 21st on the number of boats fit for use; and an
undated letter to Major General Lyman, asking his presence at a council
of war. They were destroyed by fire.
TO CAPTAIN OF ESCORT
D/. 1
Camp at Lake George 22 Nov r . 1755.
To CAPTAIN
You are to march with the Party under your Command to
Albany & on your arrival there to wait on the Commissioners
from Massachusetts Bay & Connecticut & acquaint them that you
are ordered down in order to Guard up hither any Provisions
which may be dispatching for the use of this army & w ch you
are Accordingly to do provided you meet any Waggons or
Horses loaded with Provisions or other Stores for the use of this
army on the road between this & Albany w ch . may stand in need
of a Guard you are to take 'em under your Convoy. You are to
march your Men orderly & Silently & prepare against any
attempts of the Enemy
w.j.
TO RICHARD GRIDLEY
This order was followed in the Johnson Calendar, p. 6&-69 by a
letter of November 22d from Johnson to Colonel Richard Gridley about
donation of cattle, accounting for ammunition, custody of Maine (under
arrest), sentence on prisoners, despatch to General Shirley and garrison
of Fort Edward; and a letter of the 22d from Oliver Partridge to a
person not named, asking for an escort for commissioners on their way to
Fort Edward, joined in the same manuscript with a letter from Samuel
N. Nelson to an unnamed person, giving reasons for not sending the escort.
These were destroyed by fire.
1 Original destroyed by fire.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 319
MINUTES OF COUNCIL OF WAR
D. S. 1
Camp at Lake George 21 [22] Nov r . 1755. A. AT-
I-lead Quarters
At a Council of War to w**. all the Feild officers in Camp
were Summoned
Pres'.
General Johnson
Major General Lyman
All the Feild officers at this Camp except Lieu 1 Col. Fay sick
abed of a Fever
Cap*. Eyre chief Engineer &c. Cap 1 . Glazier Adjutant General
Peter Wraxall
Seer**.
The General laid before this Council of War a Copy of the
Minutes of a Meeting of the Governors & Provincial Commis-
sioners at Albany and a Letter from William Alexander Esq r .
wherein the same was inclosed, also a Letter from General
Shirley.
hereupon the General desired this Council of War to take the
Contents of the above Papers into their most serious Considera-
tion & give him their Opinion & advice thereon.
The General Observed to this Council of War, that as the
Vote of the aforesaid Meeting is next to an absolute Order for
this Army proceeding forthwith against the Enemy, he would
recommend that an attempt be made with the utmost Dispatch &
Vigour w ch . the Circumstances of this Army will admit of.
The General put the following Question
what further attempt or attempts this Council of War wou'd
advise to be forthwith made against the Enemy?
Original destroyed by fire.
320 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
Voted that it is not adviseable at present to go forward for the
following reasons The Council of War desired to be adjourned
to 8 oClock tomorrow morning w ch the General consented to.
22 Nov. A. M.
The Council of War met according to the adjournment of
yesterday.
To avoid Repitition wou'd Referr to those already Given and
fully agreed to by a Council of Warr on the 1 1 *. & 1 2 th . of
Octo: Last, & another of the 20 th : of the same mo: Which We
apprehended wou'd have proved Satisfactory & Convinceing to
all Concern'd, but it Seems they have not so proved, Neither as
yet have they been Removed or Obviated And our further
attempt ag st . the Enemy at this season is Still Urged by Some
Concerned as we sincearly Regard the Interest & Safety of our
Country, & the army under our Care, Relative thereto wou'd, as
We are in the best Scituation to know both the Circumstances of
the Enemy, as Well the State of our army and all the Difficulties
that may attend a further progress, more Especially at this
advanced Season (and without Presidents) Although Providence
has hitherto Bless'd us with uncommon Weather, yet in a Short
Time (Unless the Course of Nature is altered and the Season
miraculously Changed) We may Expect both Cold & Snow,
That if happily We shou'd Succeed ag $t . Tionderoger, yet a
deep Snow Comeing, We Cou'd neither tarry there nor Return
back as our Battoes are by no means Sufficient to Transport an
army Baggage &c, Equal for Such atte'pt and the Northerly
Winds frequent here, Raises Such a Surge as will much Endan-
ger the Transporting our artillery 'ore the Lake, and may Soon
be Impassable.
2dly. Neither are our Troops by any means Sufficiently
Cloathed for such further attempt, as they are So destitute, that
by necessary Camp Duty, they are much Disabled & Dis-
hearten d, tho as fine a Number of men perhaps as may or can
be produced in New England, yet by there being so Exposed as
Preliminary Campaigns, 7755-7756 321
I Well in their Lodging as Cloathing &c & Great part of the army
brought to a Very Short allow'ce many days without meat, &
When meat but one Biskit & sometimes two, & when no bread
only a pint of Flour, Whereby it has been Extreamly Difficult
for some Time Past to keep the army or a Greater part of them
from Disbanding them Selves, and Nothing but Pressing on them
the absolute Necessity of Finishing our Fort so far as to make it
in some measure Defenceable, to Secure our Cannon & other
Warlike Stores &c and as Stand against the Enemy cou'd
Induced them to have Terryed thus long Labouring under
their Burthens together with an Expectation when that was done
of returning home to Recruit their Waisted vigour, and before
the Road and Weather grew so bad as to Expose them to Travel
2 or 3 Hundred miles thro Snow and Water Week & Strong
together, to arrive at their Respective homes which if not done
in a few days is more than probable to be the Case, & may Occa-
sion a Greater Loss of men than yet has happened, besides the
Danger of Discourgeing any further Expedition
3dly: We have not here above Sixty Battoes which Can be
filled for service the Remainder (tho* no ways Sufficient) at Fort
Edward which at Present We know not how to get here, the
Rhodes are so Excessively bad that the Waggoners when they
Arrive here declare they can Scarce Return home without any or
but very Small Loads, w ch the aspect of their Horses fully
verifye, beside their want of Forrage ; & also the Greater part of
our Shells, Shot, & Powder necessary for s d . Undertaking Still
at Fort Edward, & the same Difficulties attending their being
brought here
4thly The Whole Provisions now in Camp of Bread and
meat only. Void of most all other Necessaries is not more than
Sufficient for three days, which is much less than heretofore, Not-
withstanding all the Resolute attempts and Frequent Engage-
ments for a large Supply, And tho Considerable is now Expected
yet haveing a large Quantity in Garrison Seems Absolutely
322 Sir William Johnson Papers
Necessary; as thereby it will be easy for the Enemy to Inter-
cept the same afterwards without large Parties for Guards.
And the Present urgeing of our proceedings & thereby Cause-
ing an unexpected Delay to our Troops in their Return, and no
Directions or Provision making for proper Garrisoning the Forts
here, Scarcity of Provisions and other Hardships attending our
Troops will we fear if not Soon Remedied & the Armes Dis-
banding; notwithstanding the Utmost united Endeavours of the
officers to the Contrary, produce an Entire Rout and Brakeing
up of the army in the utmost Confusion, Leaving the Forts artil-
lery & Warlike Stores Entirely to be taken possession of by our
Enemy, the Consequence of w ch wou'd be too horrible to Relate,
& God forbid it should ever happen
And to Conclude, We are Contious that this army have to the
Utmost of their Abilities fulfilled their Duty to their Country,
Exerted them Selves as far as Circumstances wou'd permitt and
this Council of Warr are so little averse to a Strict and Impartial
Enquirey into the Truth of these Assertions that they most chear-
fully rest their honour an Cause upon it
PETER WRAXALL
FROM GOLDSBROW BANYAR
This document is followed in the Johnson Calendar, p. 68 by two
letters, of November 22d, from Coldsbrow Banyar, at Albany, both
destroyed by fire. The first, written in behalf of Governor Hardy, directs
care of boats and asks Johnson to report in person at New York the
results of a conference with Indians. The second is occupied with Hardy
and Indian affairs.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756
323
FROM SIR CHARLES HARDY
D. S.
Albany, Nov. 22, 7755 .
[ ] Knight Captain General [ ]
in Chief in and over the Pro [ ] York and the Territories
depending [ ] in America and Vice Admiral of the same.
You are to give orders to the respective captains in your Regi-
ment to take proper Care that the men in their Companies be
duely armed and equipped and furnished with ammunition
according to Law, that they may be in readiness to march on
short notice.
And on Intelligence of the approach of an Enemy You are
to march them to the defence of Fort Edward, or Fort William
Henry, or to any Place you shall judge necessary for the defence
of the Frontiers and repelling the Enemy.
And Whereas on certain Emergencies it may be Necessary
that the Militia of the lower part of this County should be imme-
diately ordered to march and rendezvous here You are there-
fore to signify your orders to the Lieutenant colonel or the next
Commanding officer of the Albany Batalion that upon such
Emergency and in your absence from the City of Albany he do
forthwith issue his orders to assemble that part of the Militia in
this City there to receive your orders or those of the next Com-
manding officer.
Given under my hand at Albany
The Twenty second day of November
one thousand seven hundred and
Fifty five.
CHA S . HARDY
To MAJOR GENERAL WILLIAM JOHNSON
Colonel, or in his absence to the
next commanding officer of the
Regiment of Militia in the County
of Albany.
324 'Sir William Johnson Papers
TO WILLIAM SHIRLEY AND SIR CHARLES HARDY
D/. 1
Camp at Lake George 22 AW. 7755
GENTLEMEN
I recieved in a Letter from M r . Alexander a Copy of the
Minutes of a Meeting at His Excellencys Major General Wm
Shirleys. w^ I laid before a Council of War, a Copy of the
Minutes whereof I herewith transmit to your Excellencies.
There is one point which I think the Council of War have not
been so explicit upon as it desired. It is the present Disposition
of the Troops here. Most of their Field officers have told me in
private Conversation, that they were of Opinion, if the Men were
ordered to go forward the greatest part of them would flatly
refuse that the Men & many of their officers in general are so
bent upon going home, they have with great difficulty been
retained here for some time past. Our out Scouts, otir Camp
Duty & indeed every kind of Duty, is carried on with Difficulties
& delays & performed with reluctancy & murmurings. All things
considered it gives me no Surprize & is I think the natural Conse-
quences of the Constitution & peculiar Circumstances of this
Army.
I am most respectfully
Gentlemen
Your Excellencies
Most Obed'.
hum Serv 1 .
To their Excellencys
MAJOR GENERAL SHIRLEY
and
SIR CHARLES HARDY.
1 Original destroyed by fire.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 325
FROM MYNDERT WEMPEL
A. L. S. 1
Senecas Land Nov r . the 22. 1755
Hon d . GENERAL JOHNSON
SIR
This is to let you know that I am in good health & hope this
will find you in the same, & I received a Letter & that give an
Account as that you had a sore Battle with the French and
Indians & gained the Victory which was verry much pleased to
me that the Lord had fought for you, & us. for the Women
rejoices verry much of the News, we received 6 Scalps here
they thank'd the General for so doing. The News that is here
I will now write as follow.
The french Man Senusses 2 has been here with 6 Indians & is
gone to Cayouga another to spake with them the Drunkard and
the Thickcup are gone along with them for to hear the News
what the French man says, he has spoke with 4 bands of Wam-
pum, the first was that he comes for to pay the Brothers a visit
to speak with her that they should not fight with nobody the
Second Band says that they all must come in Canada in the
Spring for to mourn the death of the Brothers that is kilK the
third Band says the father says how they come to be lost, the
fourth Band says that y e drunkard is the Occasion of all to bring
them to the English of big & small but thou art lost thou Eyes
art as yet shut, then the Drunkard & the Thickcup spake with
one Band to the Frenchman, &. says that the French should keep
their Mohawk & Ottowawa & all their Nations at home & then
we all will stay at home, he made them an Answer that he
would write home that the french & English should fight it out
by themselves, they said to him your tongue speak well but
your heart is false so soon as you are gone it is otherwise. We
have here News of Ohio that the Mehehandere have fought
against the English they have killed 105 & taken 70 Women
1 Original destroyed by fire.
2 Chabert Joncairc.
326 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
and Children prisoners & here is come one Scalp & here is come
one Band of Wampum of 6 foot long of Conastoga and the
English are now Settled close by Susqueana. as for the Senecas
they order me to write to you that they would come down in the
Spring to help you to fight if you do. send no more at present
but if it could be so if you could procure somewhat more presents
to the Indians for the frenchman had given a great gift to the
Indians wherefore I was ashamed of. and here I had of Sinocie
four old Sachems for 14 days & I had nothing to give for 10
pound is but a little to give the Commissioners alow'd me always
30 for gifts in time of War. I haved but very hard for
John Abeel has now 8 Hog 8ds . of Rum for I cant work upon that
Account 2 for they are every day drunk they force my goods
from me & say that the goods I have is not mine it is given to
me to give to them as they would have it. no more at present
from
Your Hearty Welwisher & Servant
MYNDERT WEMPEL
TO RICHARD GRIDLEY
[Camp at Lake George, Nov. 23, 7755]
SIR
The Troops here are so uneasy under their manifold Sufferings,
that I am affraid they may march off in a Body to morrow.
The Connecticut seem detirmined at all Events to go off to mor-
row Morning. I desire you will if the Commissioners from
Albany are with you accquaint them with the above particulars
& that I think their immediate presence here absolutely necessary
for the good of the public Service If they are not *
1 Original destroyed by fire.
2 Omitted in copying.
Preliminary Campaigns, 17551756 327
please to dispatch by an Express of 3 or 4 good Men without
delay what intelligence you have concerning them at all
Events I beg to hear from you immediately.
& am
Sir
To COL. GRIDLEY.
WILLIAM SHIRLEY AND CHARLES HARDY TO FORT
COMMANDERS
D. S. 1
Albany, Nov. 23*. 1755
To the Commanding Officer of the Troops employ 'd in garrison-
ing Fort Edward at the Carrying place, & Fort William Henry
at Lake George.
You are hereby directed to furnish M r . Meccellar 4 & M r .
Williamson two Engineers in His Majesty's Service, John Bliker
& Anthony Vanscoick & their Company, whom we have sent to
make a Survey of the Lands between Fort Edward & South
Bay, as also between that Fort & the Falls 2 at Wood Creek,
with such an Escort of Officers & Men out of the Troops under
your Command, as they, upon advising with you, shall judge
sufficient for their Guard in the aforesaid Service: and you are
to supply the said M r . Maccellar & Company, together with the
Party of Officers & Soldiers, who shall be sent to escort them,
with Provisions for such a Number of Days as they shall judge
the said Service will take up.
W SHIRLEY
CHAS: HARDY
1 Original destroyed by fire.
1 The present Whitehall.
328 Sir William Johnson Papers
'
DIRECTIONS TO COMMANDANT AT FORT WILLIAM HENRY
D. S. 1
Lake George Camp 25 ih . Nov: 1755
Directions to be observed, and followed after, as much as Cir-
cumstances Will admit in Fort William Henry in case of an
Attack by Artillery,
Upon Notice of the Enemys approach, the Commanding offcer
is to level every sort of Cover round the Garison (if not done
before) as Soon and as much as possible his time Will allow,
and to take every Method to deter if not hinder them from getting
possession of the Eminence to the South West of the Fort, by
keeping a Constant fire of Artillery upon them Should the
approach it from the North East, by the West Side of the Lake,
as they must be much exposed from the Fort in drawing their
Heavy Guns that way : this Method to be Observed on the Sup-
possition that the Lake is not frose, and that the Enemy Will
come by Water within near Gunshot of the Garrison before they
Land their Force and Artillery. If they should attempt a Seige
when the Lake is lock'd in with Ice, they Will be under the
Necessity to mount up the Bank on one Side or the Other, for
the Surface of the Water is so much below the Garison that they
will not be able to do any Mischief with Batteries on the Ice,
besides their being so much exposed, therefore if they march to
the Westward of the Lake the Method before mentioned should
be observed.
If the Enemy should think it adviseable to bring their Artillery
to the South, & South East Side, by the East Side of the Lake,
or on the Lake, they Will still be exposed coming that Way to
the Cannon from the Fort, tho' more remote than the Other, and
after they have raised Batteries on their Side, as near as the
Swamp Will allow them, yet they Will not, it's apprehended be
able to make from those Places practicable Breaches prudent to
1 Original destroyed by fire.
Preliminary Campaigns, / 755-7 756 329
issault what is chiefly to be feared from Cannon at this distance,
their dismounting of some of the artillery if care is not taken,
10' let what will be done, accidents may, and will happen.
But then if the Enemy, as is very likely will endeavour to Cross
the Swamp to the South East of the Garison, in order to seize
the above Mentioned rising Ground to the South West; in that
Case, if this be done within Cannon Shot of the Fort it will prove
them a difficult undertaking, besides their Loss, before they
:an accomplish it; and if this Passage is made further off, they
ill find it not an Easy Matter to ascend the very high & Steep
lank, that is to be met with there. However in the End it may
Supposed all those difficulties are to be Surmounted, at the
cpence of Men, & time, and that they get entrenched on this
rising Ground, before which is done, the Cannon should be placed
fast & as quick as is possible ; and great care should be taken
to Secure all those which can not be made Use of in the most
iafe Places which the Commanding officer must be the best
fudge of
When the Enemy get themselves safely Secured by means of
trenches and Breast Works, and have or, are rising Batteries, the
Mortars as well as the Guns should be at Work, to retard and
hinder the Progress of their approaches; when the Enemy begins
to descend this Hill, then they become much more exposed, and
their approach more hazardous and difficult, if the Garison Will
take their advantage and are obstinate. I may naturally Suppose
by the time all the Barracks may be much damaged if not wholly
destroyed, by means of Shells, fire, & Shot, but this must be
expected, and the Men off Duty to lie in the Casemates where
they can repose themselves without Danger; Pains ought to be
used to prevent the firing from spreading as much as possible,
otherwise, one do not know but it may be possible an accident
may happen to one of the Magazines; the Powder should be
divided between them. All that can and will contribute to make
a Noble Stand, is, by not being intimidated by accidents, con-
sidering Maturely the advantages the Works and their design,
330 'Sir William Johnson Papers
and being resolute, if it must go, to make them deerly Pay for it,
both in loss of time as well as in Blood, should the resolute
defence not give time to the Country to come to its relief ; which
must certainly happen, if the Garison Will act on those honour-
able Terms, and the following the aforesaid Rules, as nearly as
Circumstances, and time Will allow.
When the Enemy advances close to the out Side of the Ditch
and that by a Superiority of Cannon, and a great loss of their
Troops, which last must be inevitable cost them, and that from
this Place they Will be able to make a Breach, & not before
(except in the Parapet) which will not be Sufficient for them to
make an assault; then, and not till then, a brave officer ought to
think of Capitulating, when he may reasonably expect an honour-
able One, for his former gallant behaviour; and it's generally, if
not always, that such a difence meets with great respect even from
an Enemy; and they will not think it a prudent Scheme to force
a brave officer to be desperate, being convinced from his former
Conduct he Will make their attempt cost dear, this manner of
acting must reflect honour on the Commandant & Garison, and
no doubt but it Will bring him a timely relief, or procure him
honourable Conditions.
Scouts should be always kept out to give timely Notice, and
Sally's during the Siege should be as often attempted as times
and Seasons will admit; but they should be made with the utmost
precaution and Secrecy, otherwise they may be cut off, so Weeken
the Garison, & by that Means Shorten the Siege.
Every Materiel that can Mend Carriages, Ramparts, & Para-
pets, ought to be brought into the Fort, otherwise the Ramparts
& parapets will Soon not be tenable, and the fire of the Cannon
too soon be lessen'd: besides Spare Planks for repairing Plat-
forms; a certain Number should be fix'd on for this Service. The
honours of War are colours flying, Drums a beating, with one or
two Pieces of Cannon & Match lighted & so many Rounds, and
Days provisions; and the whole to march thro the Breach; But
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756
331
ds is never alow'd to any, but those who make an obstinate
ifence.
WILL: EYRE, Eng r .
case that the Commandant is acquainted that a Body of Troops
on their March Without Cannon, He may be assured their
Intentions are to approach the Garison unobserved, and to Storm
the Fort by Escalade, which is often Successful, if the People
Within have not good look out, and reflects great honour on the
assailants, and the Contrary on the Garison if, they should be
Successful, but if this designed Attack be discovered by the
defenders it cannot be Successful if the Commandant and his
Troops do their Duty, and consequently must be fatal to the
Enemy: this is one of the most Bloody attacks made against a
Fortress, and fatal when the Issue is not favourable to the
assailants, when this is apprehended all the Guns on the Flanks
should be loaded With Grape Shot, as they being chiefly useful
on Such Occasions. The Footstep all round the Ramparts should
be in good repair, that every Part might be full Mann'd. if
small Brush- Wood can be found a few fascines and Gabions
should be made upon Notice that the Enemy are making prepara-
tions for a Siege, they being of the greatest Use to repair the
Parapets, I mean the fascines fastened with pointed Sticks, and
the Gabions, by filling them with Earth, Serve Many Purposes,
but particularly in making Blinds or Traverses on any Part of
the Works, which are Secur'd by the Besiegers Cannon.
One third Part if not the half of the Troops, should be on
Duty at once, and to be relieved Just before Night during the
Siege. The Small arms to keep a Constant firing both Night and
Day, but particularly in the former, which time the Cannon should
cease except the Enemy were making an attempt by Escalade;
but the Mortars are to be used at all times; this Method Will
render the Enemy s progress under the Shelter of Darkness very
hazardous, as well as Slow which otherwise they would make
332 'Sir William Johnson Papers
use of to their advantage. A Proper Party should
be posted in the advanced Work in order to keep the Enemy from
making a Lodgment close to the Bank and a field Piece may be
advantageously Used there, taking care that when there appears
apparent Danger of its soon falling into the Enemys Hands to be
brought into the Garison. Its impossible to enumerate all the
Incidents that happen in a Siege, in order to give Directions
thereupon, therefore those must be left to the Discretion and
Abilities of the Commanding officer.
FROM RICHARD ROGERS AND DANIEL CLAUS
The preceding paper is followed in the Johnson Calendar, p. 69 by
Richard Rogers and Daniel Claus's report of scouting, dated November
25 (printed in Doc. Hist. N. Y., 4:281-83; Q, 4:182-83).
TO JONATHAN BAGLY
D. S. 2
Camp at Lake George 26 Nov r . 1755
1
You are to take upon you the Command of the Garrison posted
at this Fort & to keep up all that Discipline & good order amongst
the Troops which is necessary for the Preservation of his Majestys
said Fort & the Tranquility of its Garrison, as soon as possible
to level the Encamp 1 , near the Fort as it is a Cover to an Enemy
2
You are with all possible Dispatch to have the Works com-
pleated upon the Plan laid down & explained to you by Cap 1
William Eyre chief Engineer & to make it as habitable & com-
fortable for the Troops as Circumstances will allow to put it
in the most defensible Condition & to clear the Woods round it
as far as Gun Shot.
1 Omitted in copying.
2 Original destroyed by fire.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 333
3.
In case of an Attack from the Enemy you are to follow the
Directions which I give you herewith from the Chief Engineer.
4.
You are to examine into the State of the Military Stores
delivered over to you by M r . Smith Commissary General of the
same, to take care there be no Waste or Embezzlement of them,
to Examine the powder Magazines & take care to prevent the
Powder from receiving any Damage.
5.
You are to order the Battoes to be all hauled over the Bank
& put in a place of Security under cover of the Guns of the Fort
& so as not to be a Shelter for the Enemy. The Paddles &
setting Poles are to be carried into the Fort & both Camp to be
carefully searched upon the Marching off of the Troops now here
& all the scattered working Tools to be gathered up & Secured in
the Fort
6.
I would have you keep out constant Scouting Parties round
you of about 6 or 7. And if any of our allied Indians should
come to the Fort to receive them kindly & Friendly.
7.
You are to make Monthly Returns of the State of your Garri-
son to General Shirley & Sir Charles Hardy Gov r . of New York
& to write to them upon all Matters w** 1 you may Judge necessary
relating to your Command.
8.
At a Meeting of several Field officers & the Provincial Com-
missioners, I was advised to appoint another Major for one of
334 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
the Two Garrisons, I have accordingly appointed Beamsly
Glazier Esq r . to be Major of the Troops at this Garrison, and I
have also appointed Major Kinsbury to be Superintendent of the
Carpenters at this Fort & M r . Mason to be commanding officer
of the Artillery You will put them in Orders to be Obeyed
accordingly.
9.
Agreable to the Opinion of the Council of War held at the
Fort, the Provisions are to be one common Stock & to be Issued
to the Troops upon an equal allowance
W. Johnson
By Major Gen 1 . Johnson's Command
PETER WRAXALL
Secr'y.
Additional Instruction
(10)
In case you receive credible Intelligence of the Approach of
so formidable a Body of the Enemy as may make assistance
necessary you are to send me or the Commanding officer of the
Militia immediate Notice of it by Express.
Wm. Johnson
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 335
MINUTES OF COUNCIL OF WAR
D. S. 1
Nov. 24-26, 1755
Fort William Henry at Lake George Monday Evening 24 Nov r .
1755
At a Council of War
Pres*.
Major General Johnson
Major General Lyman
and all the Field officers of the Provincial Troops except
Lieu 1 Col. Frey sick of a fever met this camp.
Cap 1 . Eyre chief Engineer &c.
Cap*. Glazier Adjut. General
The Hon ble . James Minot Esq r . Commiss. from the Pro-
The Hon ble . John Choat Esq r . vince of Massachusetts
Oliver Partridge Esq r . Bay.
Colonel Benjamin Hall Commiss". from Con-
John Hubbard Esq r . necticut
Sybt. G. Van Schaick Esq r . Commiss". from the Pro-
Cap*. Volkert Douw vince of New York
Peter Wraxall SecrT.
The Major General Johnson laid before this Council of War
a Copy of the Minutes of a Meeting held at Albany the 20 Inst
of the Governors & Provincial Commissaries and desired this
Council of War would take into their consideration & give their
Opinion upon those Points therein referred to this Council of
War ; And that they would also give him their Advice upon such
other Matters relating to this Service as are left to him which
they may apprehend necessary at this Conjuncture.
The Question was put whether 750 Men were suff*. for Gar-
risoning Fort W m . Henry & Fort Edward.
Voted for 750 Men officers included
Original destroyed by fire.
336 .Sir William Johnson Papers
The Question was put what number of the said 750 Men
should Garrison Fort William Henry and what Number for Fort
Edward.
Unanimously agreed that 430- be Garrisoned in Fort William
Henry & 320 in Fort Edward.
The General proposed to this Council of War whether they
would advise him for the present to order the Detachments for
the aforesaid Garrisons in the proportions 1 as settled in the afore-
mentioned Minutes of the Meeting at Albany.
Voted in the Affirmative.
Maj r . General Lyman, Col. Harris, Lieu*. Col. Cole & Major
Champlin excepted against the said proportions as being too heavy
for their respective Governments.
The Council of War was adjourned till to morrow Morning at
9 oClock.
Tuesday Morning 25 Nov r .
The Council of War met according to their adjournment.
The Commissioners from the several Provinces proposed to the
General that the Troops agreed to be left in Garrison at Fort
William Henry & Fort Edward should be considered as a Reg*,
and that Jonathan Bagly Esq r . should be Colonel of the same,
Nathan Whiting Esq r . Lieu*. Colonel Edmond Mathews Esq r .
Major & that New Hampshire Feild officers should have the first
Nomination of a Captain & Rhode Island the Second.
Which Proposals the General referred to the Council of War
for their Opinion.
The Said Proposals were unanimously approved of by this
Council of War.
It is the Unanimous Opinion of this Council of War that the
Two Garrisons be supplied out of a Common Stock to be pro-
At the meeting in Albany of governors and commissioners it was agreed
that a garrison of 600 men for Forts William Henry and Edward should
be furnished by the colonies, in the following proportions: Massachusetts
Bay, 185; Connecticut, 154; New York, 123; New Hampshire, 77;
Rhode Island, 61. Council Minutes, 25:99.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 337
rided by each Gov f . concerned in proportion to the Number of
icir Troops retained in said Garrison.
It is the Unanimous Opinion of this Council of War that it
recommended to the respective Governments to provide & Send
soon as possible warm Cloathing & Bedding for the Troops
are to be left in these Garrisons this Winter.
PETER WRAXALL
Secr^.
Camp at Lake George
at a Meeting at Head Quarters Wensday Morning the 26 Nov r .
1755.
Pres*.
General Johnson
Maj r . Gen 1 . Lyman
Col Bagly Col. Dyer & Leiu* Col. Whiting and
The Commissioners from the Several Gov ls
Peter Wraxall
Seer 1 *.
The Numbers of said Meeting gave it as their Unanimous
Opinion that the General appoint another Major & his Destina-
tion to be for that Fort w ch the General will think most for the
good of the Service.
PETER WRAXALL
FROM WILLIAM SHIRLEY
L. S. 1
Albany 26 ih : NoV. 1755 10 oClock forenoon
SIR
Last Night I rec d . your Packet of the 22 d . Instant directed
to me and Sir Charles Hardy who embarked two days ago for
New York.
Original destroyed by fire.
338 Sir William Johnson Papers
As his Majesty's Instructions to me upon Indian affairs make
it necessary for me to see you soon, I must desire you will come
to me at New York, where I shall be until the 7 th . of Dec'. I
suppose the Buisness of the Army at Lake George will now admit
of your Absence, so as to arrive there by that time, otherwise
it will be necessary for me to see you at Boston as soon as may
be: The Military Affairs likewise under your Command, require
that I should see you before I leave New York, if possible.
Be pleased to let me know the present state of your Barracks
at both Forts, and return me your Answer if practicable, by this
Express in time for it to reach me in f ortyeight hours.
I am
Sir
Your most humble Servant
W SHIRLEY.
MAJOR GENERAL JOHNSON.
SIR CHARLES HARDY TO SIR THOMAS ROBINSON
L. S. 1
Fort George Ne York N0V. 27. 7755
SIR
I am now to acquaint you that I returned to this City yesterday,
after a long Residence at Albany, where I went with a Com-
mittee of His Majestys Council soon after my Arrival to this
Government, to give every assistance in my power for the for-
warding the Expedition to Crown point.
[Inclosed are Copys of the most material Councils of Wan
transmitted to me by General Johnson, during my residence at
Albany, by which your Excellency will see the principal causes
that prevented that Armys proceeding down the Lake George
in their way to Crown point.
Mn Public Record Office, C. O. 5. 17, p. 19, London, England.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756
339
Soon after my Arrival at Albany, I found it necessary to
Impress all the Waggons and Horses round the Country, for
supplying the Army with Provisions ; great numbers came in, but
not sufficient for laying in the necessary Stores, principally owing
to the great number of Reinforcements coming from the Massa-
chusets, and Connecticut, after the Battle on the 8 th . of Sep-
tember, and many from the first mentioned Colony repairing to
the Camp without a supply of Provisions, being laid in there for
them; those from Connecticut were kept at and about Albany
waiting for the arrival of the Stores & Provisions coming round
by Sea, that did not arrive in many Days after their Forces; the
same circumstances the Massachusets reinforcements were under,
with respect to their Provisions and Stores from Boston; so cir-
cumstanced, your Excellency will observe the Impractability of
so large a Body of Men being provided with a sufficient quantity
of Provisions, and Stores, by a land Carriage, furnished by this
Province only; when at the same time General Shirleys Expe-
dition to Niagara called upon me to assist his Commissarys with
Land Carriages also.
I am informed it was expected that the Army when they first
moved towards Lake George from Albany, would have carried
as much Provisions and Stores as their Battoes could have con-
veyed, but am told the Waters of Hudsons River were then so
low as made that Impracticable, this delay before General John-
son was able to march I apprehend to be one principal cause why
the Army did not move to Attempt the carrying the Expedition
into Execution after the Arrival of their Reinforcements.
Thus farr I have endeavoured to give your Excellency a full
Account of the Difficultys General Johnsons Army laboured
under, with respect to Provisions and Stores, necessary for so
large a Body of Men.]
The Strength of the Enemy at Crown point, and the Pass at
Tionderoga, on the North end of the Lake, your Excellency will
find more particularly sett forth in the Inclosed Councils of Warr,
Informations, the General obtained by his Scouts and from some
few Deserters from the Marine Company s establish'd in Canada.
340 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
These Posts being so secured after the Arrival of the Forces
under the Baron Deskieu, many of them assembled at Crown
point, leads me to beleive, the Army under General Johnson had
they been in a condition to have moved forward, (and had had
their Battoes at the Lake which they never could get, for want
of Carriages to transport them from Fort Edward, where 400 of
them lay) would have met with such a Reception, that I doubt
whether it would have been prudent for them to have made the
attempt, for though it may appear to your Excellency upon the
Face of the Council of Warr of the 12 th . of October, that the
Army at Lake George consisted of 3600 Men, at Fort Edward
500, Reinforcements at and about Albany 2500, in all amounting
to 6600. I must observe that the Army at the Camp never
amounted to near that number, and the most General Johnson
could have had with him, fitt for Service as appeared by the
Council of Warr of the 20 th . of October would have been 4000,
and that at a time the Scouts gave him intelligence that the Enemy
were three Thousand, besides a body at an advanced Post con-
sisting of One Thousand mostly Indians.
From these Informations and the opinion of the Officers in
their Councils of Warr, I judged it proper to recommend to Gen 1 .
Johnson to attack the advanced Post of the Enemy, how farr
they judged this measure practicable I beg leave to referr you to
the Inclosed Council of Warr of the 30 h . of October, from this
Council I plainly saw it would be in vain to expect the Army
would make any attempt on the Enemy, and as I received
information that Commissioners were coming to Albany from
the Massachusetts, and Connecticut, to determine the destination
of their several Forces for the Winter, in conjunction with the
other Governments concerned in the Expedition, I judged it nec-
essary to delay my return here, to meet those Commissioners, for
to fix on the proper Garrissons for the securing the Forts at the
great Carrying Place, and that on the South end of Lake George,
till his Majestys Pleasure should be known concerning them;
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 341
lis meeting was held on the 20 th the result, the Inclosed Copy
fully inform you of, I shall only beg leave to observe to you,
lat as the Forces of the Massachusets Bay are under a limitted
[nlistment, General Shirley assured me, and the Commissioners
>resent, that he would on his return to his Government use his
influence with the General Court, that Provisions should be made
for their Forces to be left in Garrison, or others sent in their room.
Having thus farr given you the best information in my power
with relation to this Expedition to Crown point, I shall only beg
leave to observe to you, that though the Army under the Com-
mand of General Johnson has not been able to reach Crown
Point this year they have advanced the Frontiers of His
Majesty's Dominions by building two very respectable Forts, at
the Expence of the Provinces.
As to the several points necessary for me to lay before you,
respecting our future Opperations, I must beg the suspencion of
your Excellencys Judgment till I can collect the proper Authen-
ticated Papers to transmit to you, which I have not time to do by
this Conveyance.
What Efforts the Provinces will make to carry this Expedition
into Execution next Year, I am not able at this time to inform
you of, though I fear the general disappointments of this, may
make them rather backward, and more if they find they are not
assisted by more able and Experienced Generals, than are at
present on this Continent. I must beg your Excellency will not
imagine I mean to attack the Conduct of any General Officers
who have been concerned this Year, but to offer my humble
opinion which my Duty calls on me to do, in matters of this
Importance. Military Opperations I believe to be very little
understood in these Countrys, and they not only want able &
Experienced Officers to Conduct them, but to advise them in
making the necessary preperations for them.
I must beg leave to lay before you in justice to General
Johnson that he has undertaken this Service, as well the care of
the Indians, without any reward or pay.
342 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
Your Excellencys Letter of the 26 th July and one of the 28
August I have received and shall take care punctually to observe
their Contents.
I have the honour to be
Sir
Your most Obedient
and humble Servant
CHA S : HARDY
P. S. The Baron Deskieu is now here, but the Surgeons report,
there is but little hopes of their perfecting a cure.
The Papers I inclose to Your Excellency are as follows, viz 1 .
Copy of the agreement made at Albany for Dischargeing the
Forces under General Johnson, except 600 for Garrissons for
Forts Edward and William Henry. 1
Minutes of Council of Warr held at the Camp at Lake George
the 11&120ct'. 1755
D D 20 & 21 D.
DO D 30 DO.
DO DO 18 Nov.
The Right Hon ble : SlR THOMAS ROBINSON
INDORSED: Fort George New York
Nov. 27 th . 1 755.
GoV. Hardy
R3< Jan-y. 1756
1 See Minutes of Council of War, November 24, 1 755, note.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 343
JOHNSON S PATENT OF HEREDITARY DIGNITY
D. 1
I William Johnson Esq r . Creation of a Baronet
GEORGE the Second by the Grace of God &c TO ALL to
om these presents shall come Greeting Whereas our late Royal
Progenitor King James the ffirst made it one of the Principal
cares of his Government to Plant and Improve his Kingdom of
Ireland and more Especially Ulster a large Province of that
Kingdom which by the Conduct and Arms of his said late
Majesty being happily reduced to Obedience his said late
Majesty laboured to Establish in such a manner that so great a
Province might not only {flourish with the true Religion Civility
and good manners but also with Wealth and Plenty of all things
which might Advance the State of a Common Wealth In which
Undertaking his said late Majesty's Royal Care did not only
Endeavour that the Plantation itself might be carried on Towns
raised Houses and Castles built and ffields Tilled but also that
so New and Extensive an Establishment of Civil Affairs should
be Protected and Defended by an armed fforce least any Hostile
fforce or intestine Defection might Disturb or hinder the Same
AND WHEREAS it was intimated to his said late Majesty on the
behalf of some of his ffaithful Subjects that they should be most
ready to carry on that Royal Undertaking both with their Lives
and {fortunes AND WHEREAS his said late Majesty being Moved
with the prospect of so good and pious a Work and kindly
Esteeming such generous Affections & Inclinations to his Service
and the Publick Good resolved within himself to be wanting in
Nothing that might Reward the said Intentions of his Subjects
Or which might Stir up the Minds and good Wills of others to
Do their Endeavours and assist in that behalf Therefore Weigh-
ing and Considering with himself that Virtue and Industry are
*In Public Record Office, Patent Roll 3649. 29 Geo. II. part 1.
NO. 10, London, England.
344 Sir William Johnson Papers
best Nourished and Encouraged by Honour and that all Honours
and Dignitys derive their Original and Increase from the King
as from a {fountain to whose Majesty and Royal State it prop-
erly belongs to Erect and Institute new Titles of Honour and
Dignity as from whom the Ancient Titles flowed He judged it
proper to repay new Merits with new Ensigns of Dignity Where-
fore of his certain Knowledge and meer Motion after the manner
of his Royal Progenitors of famous Memory who had and Exer-
cised this Prerogative of Creating new Degrees of Honour
amongst their Subjects He of his Royal Power and Authority
ORDAINED Erected Constituted and Created a certain State
Degree and Dignity Name and Title of Baronet within his then
Kingdom of England to Endure for ever and that the said State
Title Dignity and Degree of Baronet should be and be reputed
to be a Middle State Title Dignity and Degree of Hereditary
Dignity between the Degree of a Baron and the Degree of a
Knight NOW KNOW YE THAT WEE of our more Especial Grace
certain knowledge and meer Motion have Erected Appointed and
Created Our Trusty and Welbeloved Subject William Johnson
of Our Colony of New York in America Esquire (a Man Emi-
nent for ffamily Inheritance Estate and Integrity of Manners)
who generously and freely Gave and ffurnished to Us an Ayd
and Supply large enough to Maintain and Support Thirty Men
in Our ffoot Companies in Our said Kingdom of Ireland to con-
tinue for three whole Years for the Defence of our said Kingdom
and Especially for the Security of the Plantation of our said
Province of Ulster) to and into the Dignity State and Degree
of a Baronet and him the said William Johnson for Us our
Heirs and Successors WEE do Erect Appoint Constitute and
Create a Baronet by these Presents TO HOLD to him and the
Heirs Male of his Body lawfully begotten for ever WEE Will
also And do by these Presents of Our Especial Grace certain
Knowledge and mere Motion for Us Our Heirs and Suc-
cessors Grant unto the said William Johnson and to his Heirs
Male aforesaid that he the said William Johnson and his said
Preliminary Campaigns, 17551756
345
[eirs Male may have Enjoy hold and take place and precedence
>y Virtue of the Dignity of a Baronet aforesaid and by force of
icse Presents as well in all Commissions Writs Letters Patent
r ritings Appellations Nominations and Directions As in all
Sessions Meetings Assemblies and Places whatsoever next and
immediately after the Younger Sons of Viscounts and Barons of
this Our Kingdom of Great Britain and before all Knights as
well of the Bath as Knights Batchelors and also before all
Knights Bannerett now Created or hereafter to be created
(Except those Knights Bannerett which shall happen to be
Created under the Royal Banners Displayed of Us Our Heirs
and Successors in Our Royal Army in open Warr And the
King himself being personally present and also those Knights
Bannerett w ch . shall happen to be Created under the Royal
Banners Displayed of Us our Heirs and Successors in Our
Royal Army by the first born Son of Us our Heirs or Succes-
sors being Prince of Wales for the time being there personally
present in open Warr and not Otherwise for the Term of their
Lives only and no longer respectively and also Except all
Knights of the Most Noble Order of the Garter and all of the
Privy Council of Us Our Heirs and Successors the Chancellor
and Under Treasurer of Our Exchequer the Chancellor of the
Duchy of Lancaster the Chief Justice of the Kings Bench the
Master of the Rolls in Chancery the Chief Justice of the Com-
mon Pleas the Chief Baron of the Exchequer and all and singular
Judges and Justices of either Bench and the Barons of the
Exchequer of the Degree of the Coif for the time being (who
all and singular by reason of their Honourable Order and Labour
sustained in Affairs concerning the State and the Administration
of Justice shall have take and hold Place and Precedence in all
Places and upon all Accounts before all Baronets now Created
or hereafter to be Created any Custom Usage Ordinance or any
other matter to the contrary in any wise Notwithstanding) and
that the Wives of the said William Johnson and of his Heirs Male
aforesaid successively and respectively by Virtue of the said
346 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
Dignity of their said Husbands shall have hold Enjoy and take
Place and Precedence as well during the Lives of such their
Husbands as after the Death of the same Husbands for and
during the Natural Lives of such Wives next and immediately
after the Wives of the Younger Sons of Viscounts and Barons
and the Daughters of Viscounts and Barons and before the
Wives of all Persons before whom the Husbands of such Wives
by force of these Presents ought to have Place and Precedence
And in regard that the Degree of a Baronet is a Degree of
Hereditary Dignity the firstborn Son or Heir Male Apparent
and all the rest of the Sons and their Wives and the Daughters
of the same William Johnson and of his said Heirs Male
respectively shall have and hold Place and Precedence before
the firstborn Sons and Other Sons and their Wives and the
Daughters of all Knights of whatsoever Degree or Order
respectively and also before the first born Sons and other Sons
and their Wives and the Daughters of all persons respectively
before whom the ffathers of such first born Sons and Sons and
Daughters by force of these presents ought to have Place and
Precedence So that such first born Sons or Heirs Male Apparent
and their Wives as well during the Lives as after the Deaths of
their said Husbands for and during their Natural Lives and such
Sons (those Sons following immediately and next after the Wives
of the first born Sons of such Baronets) shall have and take
Place and Precedence before the first born Sons and the Wives
of the first born Sons of every Knight of what Degree or Order
soever and that the Younger Sons of the said William Johnson
and of his said Heirs Male and their Wives successively and
respectively as well during the Lives as after the Deaths of their
said Husbands for and during their Natural Lives shall in like
manner have & take Place and Precedence next & immediately
after the first born Sons and the Wives of the first born Sons
and before the Younger Sons and the Wives of the Younger
Sons of all Knights aforesaid WEE Will also and do by these
presents for Us our Heirs and Successors Grant that the said !
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 347
William Johnson shall be Named Appealed Called Plead and
be impleaded by the Name of William Johnson Baronet And
that the Style and Addition of Baronet shall be put in the End
of the Name of the same William Johnson and of his said Heirs
Male in all our Letters patent Commissions and Writs and all
other Charters Deeds and Letters by Virtue of these presents as
a true lawfull and necessary Addition of Dignity WEE Will also
and do by these Presents for Us our Heirs and Successors Ordain
that before the Name of the said William Johnson and of his
Heirs Male aforesaid successively in English Speech and in all
English Writings shall be Used and Sett this Addition to wit,
SIR and that in like manner the Wives of the same William
Johnson and of his said Heirs Male shall Use have and Enjoy
this Appellation LADY, MADAM and DAME respectively according
to the manner of speaking AND MOREOVER of our more abundant
Grace certain Knowledge and meer Motion Wee have Granted
and do by these presents for us our Heirs and Successors grant
unto the said William Johnson and to his said Heirs Male that
they and their Descendants shall and may bear either in a Can-
ton in their Coat of Arms or in an Escutchion at their pleasure
the Arms of Ulster (to wit) an Hand Gules or a Bloody Hand
in a ffield Argent and that the said William Johnson and his
said Heirs Male successively and respectively shall and may have
place in the Armies of Us Our Heirs and Successors in the Troop
nigh to the Banner of Us our Heirs and Successors in Defence
of the Same which is the Middle Station between a Baron and a
Knight AND FURTHER WEE do hereby grant that the said Wil-
liam Johnson and his said Heirs Male shall have two Assistants
of the Body to Support the pall one principal Mourner and four
Assistants to the same principal Mourner in their ffunerals Wee
Will Moreover and do by these presents of our more ample
Grace certain Knowledge and meer Motion for Us our Heirs &
Successors covenant and Grant to and with the said William
Johnson and his said Heirs Male that Wee will immediately
after the passing of these presents create and Make the said
348 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
William Johnson a Knight and that Wee our Heirs and Suc-
cessors will create and make the first born Son or Heir Male
Apparent begotten of the Body of the said William Johnson
and of the Bodies of his Heirs Male aforesaid and Every one
of them a Knight as soon as he shall attain the age of one and
Twenty years although in the Lifetime of his ffather or Grand-
father Upon Notice given thereof to the Chamberlain or Vice
Chamberlain of the Household of Us our Heirs or Successors
for the time being or in their Absence to any other Officer or
Minister of us our Heirs or Successors attending the person of
us our Heirs or Successors TO HAVE hold Use and Enjoy the
same State Degree Dignity Style Title Place and Precedence
with all and singular the priviledges and other the premes before
granted to the said William Johnson and his Heirs Male of his
Body lawfully begotten forever WILLING and by these pesents
for us our Heirs and Successors granting that he the said William
Johnson and his said Heirs Male and every of them successively
shall and may bear and have the said Name State Degree Style
Dignity Title Place and Precedence with all and Singular the
priviledges and other the premisses and that the same William
Johnson and his said Heirs Male and every of them shall suc-
cessively be held Baronets in all things and shall be treated and
reputed as Baronets AND FURTHER of Our more Especial Grace
certain Knowledge and meer Motion WEE have granted and do
by these presents for us our Heirs and Successors Grant to the
said William Johnson and his said Heirs Male that they and
their said Heirs Male respectively and other Baronets made and
hereafter to be made from time to time shall for ever have hold
and Enjoy their Place and Precedence among themselves Each
of them according to the Priority and Seniority of his Creation
of a Baronet aforesaid and not otherwise nor in other manner
AND MOREOVER of our more Abundant Grace and of our certain
Knowledge and meer Motion WEE have granted and do by these
presents for us our Heirs and Successors Grant to the said Wil-
liam Johnson and his said Heirs Male that neither WEE nor our
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 349
leirs or Successors will hereafter Erect Ordain Constitute or
Create within this Our Kingdom of Great Britain any other
Degree Order Name Title Style Dignity or State nor give or
rant place precedence or preheminence to any person under or
:low the Degree Dignity or State of a Baron of Parliament of
lis our Kingdom of Great Britain who shall be or may be or
accounted used or reputed to be superior or equal to the Degree
Dignity or place of a Baronet aforesaid nor shall any person
under the Degree of a Baron (Except before Excepted) by
reason or colour of any constitution order Dignity Degree Office
Service Place Business Custom Use or other thing whatsoever
now or hereafter have hold or Enjoy Place Precedence or Pre-
heminence before a Baronet aforesaid but that as well the said
William Johnson and his said Heirs Male as the Wives Sons
Daughters and the Wives of the Sons of the same William John-
son and of his said Heirs Male respectively from henceforth for-
ever shall freely and quietly have hold and Enjoy their said
Dignity Place Precedence and Priviledge before all Persons
(Except before Excepted) who shall hereafter be created of
such Degree State Dignity Order Name Style or Title or to
whom the Title Place Precedence or Preheminence as aforesaid
shall be given or granted or who shall claim to have hold or
Enjoy any Place or Precedence by reason or colour of any Con-
stitution Order Dignity Degree Office Service Place Business
Custom Use or other thing whatsoever and before their Wives
and children respectively according to the true intent of these
presents without the hindrance of us our Heirs or Successors or
any other person or persons whatsoever SAVING nevertheless and
always reserving to us our Heirs and Successors full and absolute
power and authority to continue and Restore to any person or
persons from time to time such Place and Precedence as at any
time hereafter shall be due to them which by any Accident or
occasion whatsoever shall hereafter be changed anything in these
Pents or any other cause or respect whatsoever to the contrary
thereof Notwithstanding WEE Will Moreover and do by these
350 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
presents for us our Heirs and Successors Grant and Appoint that
if any Doubts or Questions as to any Place Precedence Privi-
ledge or other thing touching or concerning the said William
Johnson and his said Heirs Male and their Wives the first born
Sons and their Wives the younger Sons Daughters and Wives
of the younger Sons or any of them shall hereafter arise which
neither by those our Letters Patent nor by other Letters Patent
heretofore made in this behalf are Determined such Doubts or
Questions shall be Determined and adjudged by and according
to such other Rules Customs and Laws (as to Place Precedence
or other things concerning them) as other Degrees of Hereditary
Dignity are Ordered Governed and Adjudged LASTLY WE WILL
and do by these presents for us our Heirs and Successors grant
to the said William Johnson and his said Heirs Male that these
our Letters Patent or the Inrollment thereof shall be in and by
all things good firm valid sufficient and Effectual in the Law as
well against us our Heirs and Successors as Against all other
persons w l . soever according to the true intent of the Same as
well in all our Courts as elsewhere WEE will also &c without ffine
in our Hanaper &c IN WITNESS &c WITNESS Ourself at West-
minster the Twenty seventh day of November
By Writ of Privy Seal
FROM RICHARD SHUCKBURGH *
We* York, Nov. tf 27. 1755.*
DEAR S R .
The best news that I have heard lately is that its probable I
may have the pleasure of seeing you soon here: I fear your mind
is troubled with the division we hear the General has been pleased
to make in the Conduct of Ind n . affairs, as it was universally
1 Original destroyed by fire.
2 In Doc. Rcl to Col. Hist. N.Y.,6:] 020-2 1 , is a letter, of November
27th, from Sir Charles Hardy to the lords of trade, in which the Crown
Point expedition is discussed.
Preliminary Campaigns, 7755-7756 351
erstood to be a peculiar appointment in y r . department of the
edition ag st . the unwarrantable incursions of the French: I
nt help saying it is hard that the only Person, who has success-
fully done any thing to make us respectable in our Colonies,
should be laid athwart or discomposed in his direction of affairs
so essential to the common Good, while having so serious a
Charge as that of an army & without vanity may be sensible of
the great Expectations the Ministry must entertain from his Con-
duct, whom they have so pointedly allotted to Act. Excuse my
freedom when I say it would be highly necessary that you write
yourself to the Ministry, LA Hallifax particularly, the present
State of affairs what has been transacted & what you may humbly
think requisite to proceed farther ag st . the French, who are much
embarrass*d in their Politicks, on our being so superior at Sea;
our Men of War taking all their Trade, few Vessels escap'd.
They wou'd willing confine the War to this Continent where
they know from their previous interest & combination with the
Ind s . they are now certain of Success, especially as we are so
disjointed in our Management what will be undertaken next
year I know not, but it seems we may rather act upon the Defen-
sive than Offensive, as indeed we have done no more thus & well
that we did it; the Glory belongs to you, I am joined in that
Opinion by the acclamations of all equitable Persons who take
a singular pleasure in allowing the merits of an action where it
is due, being ever provided ag 8t . the prejudice partiality & odious
comparisons of the ignorant & evil minded. whatever you may
read in the News papers I now send up : I must acquaint you that
M r . Fox late Secretary at War is made Secretary of State for
the Southern Provinces, which includes this part of the Kings
dominions L d . Harrington is made Secretary of War, Sr. Tho 8 .
Robinson late Secretary of y e Interior y c Ward
Robe the Spaniards are much Sollicited by the french to take
part in the War against Us, but they are inflexible in their peace-
1 Omitted in copying.
352 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
full intentions towards Us. Cap*. John Shirley 1 died here
Sunday from a disorder contracted at Oswego an incorrigible
looseness besides I beleive consumptive: he had all Military
Honours shown at his funeral: I pity the Gen 1 , his father it
being the second Son he has lost during this Expedition, the
Baron De Dieskau y r . Prisoner, its yet doubtful whether he
will recover D r . Magra does not continue to visit him. I wish
it may be in my power to Keep him alive, I am glad you catch'd
him he of himself is a good prize, we take him to be a most
consummate Gen 1 , it is said he was Executor & Legatee to
Marshale Saxe & a great favourite of his, he is a man of some
Estate besides his command of two Regiments in the King of
Frances service, his Aid de Camp Bernier has the Misfortune
Not to be lik'd by any; having a strange kind of Negative in
his Countenance something forbidding familiarity, which is not
the general Characteristick of ye french it seems he is a Savoy-
ard, vastly inquisitive, narrow in his Sentiments troublesome &
impertinent, gave some offence to D r . Magra on w^ 1 he discon-
tinued his visits; I do not understand french so part of this is
not my own remark, that only relates to his looks & Deportment.
I have seen Col. Cole's Letter which is wrote w^ Caution
Modesty & sense I'm sorry your Collegue Provincial drew
upon himself such severe Remarks on his behaviour & seemingly
no less true, tis a saying of some Author I have met with that
Envy may be compar'd to a deceit of the Eye when we imagine
we go backwards because others go forwards some who it was
impossible cou'd participate in the Glory of this single action
seem to Extenuate it tho great as it was in the Execution & much
greater in Consequence & doubtless will reflect due honour &
Confidence from the Ministry in England on you the principal
in this first fortunate Enterprize ag ?l . y e Common Enemy in
this part of the world. I shall refer the most of my Sentiments
1 John Shirley was the second son General Shirley lost during the cam-
paign just closed, the other son, William, having been secretary on Brad-
dock's staff and shot dead by his chief's side.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 353
on this & other matters relative till I may have the honour of a
tete a tete conference being by the firmest attachment y r . friend
& most oblig'd & most humble Serv 1 .
MINUTES OF MEETING OF OFFICERS
D. S. 1
[I Fort Edward Fry day Morning the 28 Nov r . 1755-
I
At a Meeting of the several Commanding officers of the Pro-
vincial Troops now at this Fort summoned by Major General
Johnson
Pres'.
Maj\ General Johnson Lieut Col. Gilbert
Colonel Gridley Doctor Williams commanding the
Colonel Plaisted detachm*. of Col. Pomroys Reg*.
Colonel Harris Lieu 1 Colonel Irving
Colonel Cockcroft M r . Macceller
Colonel Whiting
Peter Wraxall
SecrT.
M r . Macceller One of His Majestys Engineers produced an
Order signed by General Shirley & Sir Charles Hardy directed
to the Commanding Officer of the Troops employed in Garrison-
ing this Fort & Fort William Henry for an escourt for the said
M r . Macceller & Company for the Services mentioned in said
Order w ch was read to the Members of this Meeting. And M r .
Macceller being asked what Guard he thought necessary to
escourt him, told the General 250 Men whereupon the
General desired the Opinion of the Gentlemen present whether
they thought it safe & adviseable to detach that number out of
the said Garrisons & what Number of Men they thought would
be a safe & suff 1 . Escourt for this Service.
1 Original destroyed by fire.
Vol. 1112
354 * Sir William Johnson Papers
It is the Unanimous Opinion of the Provincial Officers present
that it is neither safe nor adviseable to detach out of the said
Garrisons, considering their Strength, their Circumstances & the
present Disposition of the Troops, the said Number of 250 Men
& that a less number would not be a prudent or adviseable
Escourt
The General put the Question whether the Commanding
Officers at present could detach out of their Troops now here
under their respective Commands the said number of 250 as an
Escourt for M r . Macceller & Co.
It is the Unanimous Opinion of the said Officers that they have
neither the Power to order nor Influence suff*. to prevail on their
Men to march upon the said Escourt.
PETER WRAXALL
SecrT.
TO WILLIAM SHIRLEY
Df. S. 1
Fort Edward Fryday Morning 28 Nov r . 1755.
SIR
Your Excellencies Letter of the 26. Inst met me yesterday
Evening on my March hither from Fort William Henry.
I hope to see Your Excellency at New York. There are two
Ranges of Barracks at Fort William Henry two Story high, all
which want flooring except the upper Story of the North Bar-
rack, the rest would have been finished but for the want of
Boards, there is no Glass for the Windows, when compleated
they will contain about 250 Men, they are to build tempory
hutts out of the remains of our Camp for the remainder of the
Garrison, & I expect they will find some Boards in our Encamp-
ments for flooring & enough for the partitions. I wrote to Com-
missary Emerson for Locks for the Gates Magazines & Stores
some time ago but none are yet sent.
1 Original destroyed by fire.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 355
The Barracks for this Fort are not finished but when corn-
Seated will contain & that commodiously the Garrison for this
'ort, were all the Materials at hand & the Men to work briskly
icy might be compleated in about a Fortnights time.
I am
Sir
yr Excellencys &c.
W.J.
To MAJOR GENERAL SHIRLEY &c. &c.
TO NATHAN WHITING
D. S. 1
[Fort Edward, 28 November, 1755]
Instructions for Lieu*. Colonel Nathan Whiting Commandant
of His Majesty s Fort Edward.
..:. !/>: (1) ',= .
You are to take upon you the Command of the garrison posted
at this Fort & to keep up all that Discipline & good order amongst
the Troops posted here which is necessary for the preservation of
said Fort & the Tranquility of its garrison.
(2)
You are with all possible Dispatch to have the Barracks &
Works compleated upon the Plan laid down & explained to you
by Cap 1 William Eyre Chief Engineer & to make it as habitable
& as comfortable for the Troops as Circumstances will allow to
put the Fort in the most Defensible condition w ch . is practicable
& that as speedy as possible.
Original destroyed by fire.
356 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
(3)
In case of an attack from the Enemy you are to follow the
Directions from the Chief Engineer which I shall transmit you
from Albany.
(4)
You are to examine into the State of the Military Stores
delivered over to you by M r . Smith Commissary General of the
same, to take care there be no waste or Embezzlement of them to
examine the powder Magazine & take every proper Method to
prevent the powder from receiving any Damage.
(5)
You are to order the Battoes to be taken good care of, that
they are not abused or damaged by any neglect & the Paddles
& setting Poles to be all gathered up & carried into the Fort.
(6)
I would have you keep out constant Scouting Parties round
about of about 6 or 7. And if any of our Allied Indians should
come to the Fort to receive them kindly & friendly.
(7)
You are to make Monthly Returns of the State of your Gar-
rison, of your Provision &c. to General Shirley & Sir Charles
Hardy Gov r . of New York & to write to them upon all Matters
w ch you may judge necessary relating to your Command.
(8)
Agreable to the Opinion of the Council of War held at Fort
William Henry, the Provisions are to be one common Stock & to
be issued to the Troops upon an equal allowance.
(9)
In case you receive Credible Intelligence of the Approach
of so formidable a Body of the Enemy as may make assistance
necessary, you are to send me or the Commanding officer of the
Militia of the County of Albany immediate Notice of it by
Express.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 357
Given under my hand at Fort Edward this 28 day of Novem-
ber 1755.
W JOHNSON.
By Major Gen 1 Johnson
Command
CAP T . WRAXALL
FROM NATHAN WHITING
D. S*
Fort Edward NoV 29 1755
A list of the Companys with their Numbers now in Garrison
att Fort Edward Viz
My own Comp ................ 42 Inclusive of officers
Cap 1 . Grants Comp ........... 45
Cap*. Hobbeys Comp ......... 46
Cap*. Putnams Comp .......... 46 ~
179
Maj r . Mathews Comp ............ 57
Cap*, Gaylords Comp ............ 36
272 Total with Officers
N B Two of the above Companys Viz. Cap l$ . Hobbey and
Putnam are not yet arrived from Lake George; Connecticut
must Still furnish 14 men New York 61 in Order to Com-
pleat their Numbers &c Maj r Mathews tells me he has 14
Men gone to Albany with Leave that he expect in a few
Days
1 Original destroyed by fire*
358 * Sir William Johnson Papers
A. L. S.
Fort Edward Nov' 29* 1755
SIR
I order'd muster of all the Troops in this Garrison This after-
noon immediately upon Col Gridleys going of & found the Num-
bers to be but 272 which Supposing the two Company s yet at
Fort Edward to hold out as they are now Set Down, falls Short
of the Complement for the Garison here 75, I doubt not you will
make a Speedy representation of the affair that Some relief may
be FORTHWITH afforded, I dont find I have above ten or twelve
Carpenters & but two Sawyers & them borrowed of Col Bagley.
They I immagine are gone to the other fort with their Comrades :
What a bad Situation the fort is in, & what want of every thing
you perfectly know. Col Bagley has a memorandum of Sundry
Articles wanted which if not Speedily sent Especially the
Wagons to ride Stone & Nails to Shingle the Barracks, we shall
Soon be in a very bad Situation, I make no doubt you will do
every thing in your power to forward every thing Necessary for
the Works I have ingaged 36 of the Connecticut Company s in
the New York pay to inlist on Condition of being relieved by the
14 th . January & having Samuel Gaylor their Capt Ebenezer
Dyer & William Billings Lieut 8 which I was obliged to promise
them & beg you would forward the Commissions I have
informed the Commissioners of the terms of their Staying & of
their deficiencys in their troops & desired them to take Speedy
measures to Supply them M r Dyer is my friend & a Worthy
Active Man I desire the favour you would give him a Commis-
sion for fort Maj r as such an officer is very Necessary & may be
a great ease to me, & an Obligation to a Worthy Man I want
assistance by Some active Man as I really am Like to have much
on my hands.
I gave orders to make up the Complement in Maj r Fitchs three
Companys 54 by detaching, it was done & the Names returned
to me but not one of them Stayed I wish I may be relieved or
at Leest have Liberty to go Home for a Season, for I have a
Preliminary Campaigns, 7755-7756 359
troublesome time & really want Some relaxtiation from my
fatigue.
NATHAN WHITING
MAJ R GENERAL JOHNSON
FROM SIR CHARLES HARDY
L. S. 1
Fort George New York 30 Novern'. 1755.
R
The inclosed Letter from Col. DeKay 2 I received yesterday
in the Evening by Express. By the Papers sent with it, there
is an Account that the Enemy have cutt off a Settlement called
lower Smithfield, and at another Place have murdered 7 Persons.
In Pensilvania they have done much Mischief, and lately
destroyed one of the Moravian Settlements called Mahony near
Delaware River and kill'd all the Inhabitants but two. They
are now infesting the Jerseys, and Minisink in this Province, and
tis supposed as their Rout has been from Potowmack to Dela-
ware along the Back of the Mountains they will pass through
the back parts of our Settlements till stop'd perhaps by the Fear
>f approaching too near the six Nations. From the best Accounts
we yet have, there is great Reason to believe a number of the
Delawares Shawanys and Susquehanahs are concerned in these
Incursions, and if not acting therein, it must be with their Consent,
since it is through their Country the Enemy's Indians pass to
perpetrate these Cruelties.
1 In New York Public Library, Emmet Collection.
2 Letter not found. Thomas DeKay was colonel of an Orange county
regiment
360 Sir William Johnson Papers
I think it therefore necessary that a Message be sent by you,
in my Name, to the different Nations, to acquaint them with
these Incursions, and even to warn them to be on their Guard
least there be any Design against them. At the same time to
insist that they dispatch Messengers to the Delawares, Shawanys
and the other Nations dependent on the six Nations requiring
them not to assist the French but to take up the Hatchet and
assist the English and to let them know that if they go out a
fighting against the English, the six Nations will consider them
as Enemies, and treat them as such accordingly.
This is look'd on as a very proper measure to be taken without
Loss of time, and I not only recommend it to you as my own
Opinion, but as the unanimous advice of his Majesty's Council;
and if the Fund for Indian Affairs is wholly expended, and
General Shirley is embarked from Albany, or should refuse to
supply you with Money, I engage to reimburse you the Expence
this service may be attended with.
The Accounts I have, give soom room to suspect the River
Indians may join the Enemy it is proper therefore the six Nations
should send a Message to those living in the back parts of Orange
and Ulster counties ordering them to assist us in repelling the
Enemy.
I am Sir.
Your most Obed 1 .
and humble Serv*.
CHA S : HARDY
MAJOR GENERAL JOHNSON.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 361
TO COLONIAL GOVERNORS
D/. 1
Albany 2<*. December 1755.
GENTLEMEN
Conformable to the agreement of the Governors and Pro-
vincial Commissioners at their Meeting in this City the 20 Ulto.
and in Consequence of the Votes of a Council of War, of w ch
the Commissioners from the several Governments were Members,
held at Fort William Henry the 24 & 25 Inst a Copy of the
Minutes of which Council of War I herewith transmit you
have discharged the Provincial Troops under my Command,
except the Number agreed to be given by the several Provinces
for Garrisoning Fort William Henry & Fort Edward. To the
imanding officers of these Garrisons I have given the best
Instructions in my power Copies of which I herewith transmit
rou. Vide (3).
Thus Gentlemen is this Campaign closed. I think myself
obliged to observe to you that altho the Sanguine Hopes &
over-eager Expectations of the Governments concerned, are dis-
appointed, and which I am informed have been in a great measure
nursed & strengthened by some of our own Corps from (as I
apprehend political & selfish Motives) in spight of the Envy
or Malice of others. I say in opposition to These or any other
Causes of public Discontent, I think my self obliged to observe to
You Gentlemen, that our Army hath had the honour by the
singular favour of Divine Providence, of defeating some part of
that formidable & ambitious Plan which was concerted at the
Court of France & put into the hands of the Baron Dieskau to
execute, a Plan Gentlemen, which had not this army been the
chosen Instrument of putting into Confusion, would very prob-
1 Original destroyed by fire. There is a copy in Public Record Office,
C. O. 5. 46; transmitted in Johnson to Sir Thomas Robinson, January 1 7,
1 756. In copy the order of two paragraphs is different from that in the
draft.
362 Sir William Johnson Papers
ably, not only have destroyed all our other Military Operations,
have totally lost us all our remaining Indian Allies, but have
plunged these Northern Colonies into the most calamitous sittua-
tion & opened Streams of Blood from every vein. Far be it from
me either in behalf of this Army to impute the Glory hereof
mearly to their prowess, or to insinuate * my own Consequence
I did, I do & I hope I always shall, gratefully adore the very
remarkable Interposition of the Supreme Ruler of the Universe.
Gentlemen
From the date of this Providential Repulse by the Authority
of indisputable Facts & authentic Records, the Circumstances &
situation of the Troops under my Command I take upon me to
assert, that it hath not been prudently practicable or adviseable
for the army to proceed further towards the Enemy.
without entering into the particular ungrateful reasons which
have induced me to explain myself as above, give me leave to
assure You they are such as in my Opinion justifie me for doing it.
I think my self also obliged to give this public Testimony to
the Merits of the following Gentlemen
Cap 1 Peter Wraxall during my Command has without even the
Prospect of any Pay, without taking any Fee or Perquisite what-
soever, acted as my only Aid de Camp & Secretary and also as
Judge Advocate to the Troops under my Command I think he
has distinguished himself in these Departments, with that Fidelity
Capacity and unremitted application as deserves the Esteem of the
public, full well I am convinced it deserves my grateful
Acknowledgment.
Cap 1 William Eyre was sent to me by General Braddock to
act in the Expedition under my Command as an Engineer, he
hath sustained the Duties of chief Engineer, Quarter Master
General & Director of the Train of Artillery, for neither of
1 Transcript in Public Record Office has " impute it to my own Con-
sequence," and the paragraph ends with these words.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1 7 55- J 7 56
363
'osts any Establishment was or hath been provided ; he has never
ipplied for any and as often declared he expects none. His Skill
unwearied application in planning directing & attending the
>uilding Fort Edward & Fort William Henry, have been evi-
dent to the whole Army. In his other Departments he has been
extreamly useful to this Army, & as a Gentleman early innitiated
into Military Life, has on many important Occasions shown his
beneficial Consequence to our Service.
M r . Beamsly Glazier arrived in our Camp 2 or 3 days before
the Engagement, he distinguished himself that day every way
worthy of a good officer. After this he accepted of an Appoint-
ment from me, of Adjutant General, tho no Establishment was
made for such an an officer, than w cl1 none was more wanted or
necessary in our Camp, he has sustained this Post with inde-
fatigible Diligence & very advantageously for the Service. I
persuade myself the Justice & honour of the Governments con-
cerned will make a provision for this Gentleman adequate to his
fatiguing Services.
Gentlemen
As I am about to close the Military Scene I have acted in,
I thought I could not quit it with becoming propriety, had I
remained Silent with regard to these Gentlemen whose Names I
have particularly mentioned.
I beg Gentlemen you will do me the favour to communicate to
your respective Governments my grateful Acknowledgments for
the honour done me in consenting to my Appointment as Com-
mander in chief of their Troops, and I hope you & they will
believe my most solemn assurances, that I have to the utmost
extent of my Abilities faithfully & Diligently discharged the Trust
reposed in me, 1 and that if I have fallen short of their Expecta-
tions & Opinions, it hath been my Misfortune not my Crime, and
herein I am very willing to stand the strictest & most impartial
Enquiry. I look upon my Command as now at an End & my
Authority no longer to exist. If I am herein mistaken, I must
1 The words which follow, to and including *' Enquiry," are omitted
from the copy in the Public Record Office.
364 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
beg to surrender my Commission as Major General & Com-
mander in chief of the Provincial Forces on the Expedition
against Crown Point, and to declare my disinclination to act any
longer in that Capacity.
I am
Most respectfully
Gentlemen
Your most Obed* & most hum serv 1 .
But Gentlemen I must inform you that the officers in general
have been prevailed on to stay from a regard to the honour of the
Service & the Welfare of their Country, that it was with the
utmost reluctancy the Men could be retained in the Garrisons &
that most of their Enlistments expire in a few * Weeks, their num-
bers not compleat. that the Commanding officers of the Artillery,
Gunners & Matrosses are people who I fear are by no means
equal to that Service and in Short unless these Garrisons are put
upon a better & more Secure Establishment than it was in my
power to fix them, I am affraid of the Consequences. I hope
therefore that without delay these important affairs will be duly
considered & put on a footing of more Order & Security. I have
directed the Commanding Officers of each Garrison to make
returns of the State of them to General Shirley & S r . Charles
Hardy as soon as possible
Gentlemen
herewith I also transmit you the Engineers Roll of the Officers
& Men belonging to the Artillery with the amount of the Pay
respectively due to them. The Good of the Service made it
absolutely necessary to appoint this Artillery Company & as an
Establishment was voted for this purpose by the General Court of
Massachusetts Bay, I make no Doubt the Persons concerned will
be duly paid. The officers in particular & the Men in general
1 " four Weeks " in copy in Public Record Office.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 365
stinguished themselves in a very meritorious Manner in our
igagement at the Camp
The Governors of the Several Governments who raised
Voops on the Expedition against Crown Point.
FROM JOHN POWNALL
In Doc. Rel. to Col. Hist. N. Y. t 6:1022, is printed a letter, of
December 2d, from John Pownall to Johnson, informing him that the
attention of the King has been called by the lords of trade to Shirley's
interference with the Indian department.
DIRECTIONS TO COMMANDANT AT FORT EDWARD
Df. S. 1
Albany 2<*. Decemb'. 1755
Directions to be observed by the Commanding officers at Fort
Edward in case of an attack.
Three of the Six pounders should be mounted as Soon as pos-
sible in the North East Bastion two in the North west, & one in
the South East, the South west Corner of the Fort to be laid
out as the chief Engineer has marked it and put into a Posture
of defence, as Soon as time will allow, and palisaded as the rest
of the Works.
If an Enemy should attempt this Place, its reasonable to
believe they Will do it in those two Sides that are not defended
by Water, consequently the greater care must be taken to have
as many Ambrasures made in those Bastions and Platforms,
which may enable the Garrison to fire upon the Enemy let them
approach it which Way they Will, great care should be taken
to oblige the Enemy to begin their approach as far off as is pos-
sible, by keeping a Constant fire on them With as Many of the
Guns as can be brought to bear and particularly before they can
Original destroyed by fire.
366 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
have time to cover themselves. After they have erected their
Battery or Batteries against the Garison they Will endeavour to
destroy and knock down the Top of the Parapet & Palisades
in order to make a Passage which they may assault, & this Step
must be wholly left to the Commanding Officer, as he Will Be the
best Judge of his own Strength, & that of the Enemy ; but if he
finds himself able to oppose the beseigers, he ought to make a
Retrenchment behind the Place where he expects the attack in
case he should be obliged to give Way, in order to save the Gari-
son from being Sacked or put to the Sword, this Retrenchment
is only a Breast Work raised, to retire behind if the Breach or
Passage can not be defended. But If the Enemy should
endeavour to make themselves Masters of y e Fort by Escalade,
it must be by Surprize, otherwise it's a very hazardous attempt,
therefore the Commandant ought to be on his Guard to prevent
such an attack, but if they should undertake it by mere force, the
Artillery should be all loaded with Grape Shot, on the Flanks,
and every Part of the Works Manned as Well as the Number
Will admit except a proportional Number on the Parade to be
always ready to Sustain that Part which may be pressed most.
Small Parties of two or three should be constantly kept out to
give timely Notice of an Enemy's approach.
If the Commanding officer finds, after he has done his utmost
to defend the Garison as long as he can, his next endeavour is to
obtain honorable Conditions, the honours of War are that y e
Garison March out With Drums beating Colours flying, two or
three Days or more of Provisions, as also one or two Cannon, &
Match lighted.
during the time that the River is lock'd up by Ice, great caution
should be used to prevent an Escalade, as an Enemy may then
approach it on all Sides with ease.
WILL: EYRE
Engineer.
Preliminary Campaigns, / 7 55-1756
367
FROM GOLDEN & KELLY
A. L. S. 1
New York Decem'. 3<*. 1755
MAJOR GENERAL JOHNSON,
SIR
We've receiv'd your much esteem'd Fav r . of the 18 th Ult.
agreeable to which have sent you the respective articles you
ordered except the Box of Lemmons which could not be procured
pr Bill of Parcells & receipts enclosed & as to your being disap-
ointed in our keeping up a Correspondence with you during the
last Campaigne do assure you it was not either want of Inclina-
tion or Time to do any thing that We thought might be agreeable
to you but that of imagining you were so burthen'd with Business
of Importance that writing to you unless on the most pressing
Occasion would have been Troublesome & Impertinent.
We've enclosed such of your foreign Letters as are come to
our Hands
Our W K, and his Countrymen here desire their Com-
plim 18 . may be acceptable to you & they are in great Hopes to be
honour'd with your Company here 'ere the Winter proves an
Impedim*. to a thing they so much wish for, to testifie which They
intend on your arival to have 6 of their Capital Merch 1 . Men
haled out in Batalia in the Stream to proclaim it in so audable a
Manner as the Sound thereof shall be both grating & Irksome to
the few here whose private piques or late Contracted dirty party
Prejudices would wish you a different reception & lest your
Modesty should induce you to shun a complim*. of this kind they
beg the favour y r . permission & of your acquainting them when
you are within a few Miles of this City to the End their attempt
may be conducted with such Decency & regularity as may make
it ornamental both to themselves & Country To desire you to
Original destroyed by fire.
368 , Sir William Johnson Papers
accept the Compliments of Messrs. Wallace, Folliott Cunning-
ham & Torrens would be a particularization that would do
Injustice to the rest of your Countrymen & Freinds here, other
than as representatives, in which Light please to receive from Us
their most sanguine Tenders of Esteem & respect in Conjunction
with
Sir
Your most Obed*. & most humble Serv ls .
GOLDEN & KELLY
ROBERT HUNTER MORRIS TO WILLIAM SHIRLEY
Contemporary Copp
3 Decemb'. 1755
'< Extract of a Letter from Gov r . Morris to General Shirley
Dated at Philadelphia December the 3 d : 1755>
<The Unhappy > defeat of the General gave the French
Infinite < advantage & when they Un>expectedly saw, that this
Defeat was Attended with the < Retreat of the> Remainder
of the Army, they found themselves at full <Liber>ty to Act
Offensively against us,
As to the Shawonese; a part of them was always perfiduous,
& declared for the French in the Last Warr; but the Bulk of that
Nation still Remained faithfull, & did us great Service; the Dele-
wares are our own Indians, & were depended upon by us, in
Conjunction with the Sound part of the Shawonese, & the Six
Nations, to Preserve the Western Indians in our Interest, or at
Least Prevail Upon them to be Neuter; but to our great Surprize,
they, the Delewares, & Shawanese, have taken up the Hatchet
against us, & with uncommon Rage and Fury carried on a Most
Barbarous & Cruel War, Burning & Destroying all before them,
& have in this Short Space of time been able to Lay waste a Con-
siderable Tract of Country, extending a Vast Length; from
beyond the Apalaccian Hills in Virginia to the River Delaware ;
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-17 56 369
it may be expected, that they will next fall on Jersey, & per-
laps New York, as they follow the Chain of Mountains, that we
:all the Blue Hills, which take their Rise in New England.
You will see by the papers enclosed, that the Indians have
roclaimed War. with great Solemnity against all the English &
threaten not to Leave one of them alive ; & assign, as a Reason for
this, that they have been too Long treated by the Six Nations, to
whom they <^are subject, as Women, but will now show them
that they are Men.
By all Accounts > they have Sold them< selves to the French,
& their Towns^> lying Scattered, some on & beyond the <^Ohio,
others on Both> Branches of the Susquehannah, & others again
<on the Waters of> the River Delaware, & haveing in every
of their <Towns, Indians^ of Other Nations, they are Capable
of Doing abund<ance of> Mischief, they give out, that they
have sent some of their Chiefs to the Cherokees, & other Southern
Nations of Indians, & that they have Received favourable
Answers, & in the Spring expect great Numbers of Indians to
Join them, & to Assist in the Distruction of this, & the Neigh-
bouring Provinces, & tho' much of this may be a Vain Boast, &
without Truth, Yet I think we have Reason to Believe they will
Act with all the Force, they Can procure, against us, by the
Secret intelligence., which Accompanies this, & which was Com-
municated to me by a Person, who has formerly had Considerable
Dealings with them, & has known their Secrets, whose name I
desired may be Concealed, they would have their own people
Believe, this is Scheme to Recover their Lands, & to Reduce
both the English & French to Narrower Bounds, but tho' they
may assign this or Any Other Reason for their Conduct, it
appears plain to me, by the French being said to be Privy to it,
& it being Inconsistant with the present Engagements of the Six
Nations to General Johnson, that this is Meer Pretence, & that
those Indians are intirely under the Direction of the French, who
have fallen on those Measures, not only to Render it imprac-
ticable for his Majesty to Undertake the Reduction of Fort
370 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
Duquesne but <to Cause a diversion of the Forces employed in
the other Expeditions; and it must be acknowledged to be good
Policy, as the French can no way Make war so> Cheap as by
employing <C Body's of Indians,
But> whatever may have been the <Success of the Dela-
wares & Shawonese at> the Instigation of the French with other
Nations, <they have failed^ in their Application to the Susque-
hannah Indians, th<o they are> in general of their own
Nations, perhaps they may have prev< ailed on> some few of
their Loose young Men to Join them, but the Greatest & Best
part of them Continue true to us, & have assured this Govern-
ment, that they will take the Hatchet against the French, if we
will give it them, & Act along with them, as you will see by their
Messages, which Scarroyady & Andrew Montour delivered to
me ; & therefore, I sent those two immediately back to them with
such encouragements, as I could then under the differences, that
Subsisted between me & <my> Assembly, be Warrented to
give them; & at the same time sent <Scar>royady & Montour
to the Six Nations to inform them that the <Delaw>ares &
Shawonese had fallen upon this Province without <the> Least
Provocation on our part, & desired to know if this was <done>
with their Privity; and if not as those Indians were dependent
<on> them, that they would Call them to Account for their
Outrages, & Prevent them doing the Like for the future,
The Susquehannah Indians Complain Heavily & not without
Reason, that Neither the Six Nations nor General Johnson
<have> sent any Message to them, tho they were Promised by
your Excelb: <& m>y self that Messengers should be sent to
them as soon as the <Six> Nations should have Concluded with
him, but I shall take Care to <make an Apology, as I Propose
to send for them to Come & Confer with me on the Plan of our
Operations, & shall assign to them their part of it, when it will
soon> be seen what Numbers <they Can bring to our Assist-
ance, & with> what Vigour they will Act.
The Southern Indians in our Alliance a<re very Nu>merous,
& Capable of affording us Considerable As<sistance, but I>
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756
371
am afraid have never been invited to take part with us in the
Present dispute, the French are now using Means to turn them
against us, which it is our duty to disconcert, & a timely appli-
cation may draw a Number of them to Join & Assist us the Next
Spring.
a true Copy examin d . by
W M . ALEXANDER Sec?.
INDORSED: Ext<ract of a Letter from> Gov r . Morris, to his
Excelly: General Shirley Dated 3 Decemb r . 1755
INDIAN PROCEEDINGS
D. S. 1
Albany 27 July-4 December 1755-
John, Cornelius & Joe, three River Indians having applied
to the Hon ble . William Johnson Esq r : Sole Superintendent of
Indian Affairs, & laid before him a certain Paper, signed by
several of their chief Sachems, setting forth that certain Lands
therein described, do belong to the above named Indians & was
never sold by the true Owners thereof and which they the above
Indians also affirmed and further said that the greatest part of
said Lands were in the possession of Colonel John Rentzelaar of
this City and were taken up & occupied by him & some other
Persons, without any Deed or payment having been made for
the same to the right Indian owners thereof. And the said
Indians did require & insist, that a proper Consideration should
be paid them in Money by the Persons now in possession of their
aforesaid Lands when they would assign over to them their right
& Title.
hereupon the Hon ble . William Johnson Esq r . sent to the s d .
Col. Rentzelaar & desired his Attendance.
1 In the Canadian Archives. See Indian Proceedings, 1755, May 15
June 2 1 , note, under the later date.
372 'Sir William Johnson Papers
This Day he came & there were present] 1 as follows.
The Hon blc . Will. Johnson Esq r .
Col. John Rentzelaar
Peter Wraxall Secret for Indian Affairs
and The Three above named Indians.
Colonel Johnson read the Paper above mentioned to Col.
Rentzelaar, when the said Rentzelaar declared, that no one Foot
of those Lands were in his Possession or belonged to him, but
were in the Possession of sundry Persons living about Kinder-
hook & Claveroot.
The Indians then asked Col. Johnson [ f s] Advice, whether if
they could sell their Title to any white Persons, he would advise
them to do it. The Colonel told them that he could not pretend
to determine upon the Justice of their Claim, but that if any
Persons who would examine into the matter, were willing to
purchase their said Title, and they were satisfied to dispose of
the same, he thought they were at liberty to do it, and that white
People would settle the dispute better amongst themselves than
the Indians could do with them.
Albany 27 July 1755.
Pres'.
The Hon blc . William Johnson
Peter Wraxall Secret
William Printup Interp r .
Carighwage a Tuscarore Sachem.
he says, that he came down in a Battoe to Schenectady with
a white Man, that on His Arrival there he was dispatched hither
to Gen 1 . Johnson with a Letter from Arent Stevens Interpreter,
he further says that his Grandfather told him to tell the General,
In a small number of cases, in these proceedings, words or syllables
at the end of lines were lost in copying. Apparently the manuscript was
bound, and the mssing parts, being covered by the binding, escaped the
photostat.
Preliminary Campaigns, 17551756
373
iat the Promises he made to him at Mount Johnson should be
faithfully fulfilled.
The said Indian also says, that when he came to Arent Stevens,
he asked him the s d . Indian how it would now go with the Indians
as Gov r . Shirley was offering them so much money to go with
him and whether General Johnson was to be left to go by himself
after all the Promises made him at Mount Johnson, he further
says, that the white Man who came down with him in the Battoe
took him immediately on their arrival at Schenectady to Arent
Stevens & told him if he did not make haste, General Shirleys
Agents would lay hold of him & tempt him with money to go to
Oswego. he replied that it was agreed in the Council of the 5
Nations, that as he was now appointed Sachem he must take
care of the News at his Castle & not go to Oswego.
He asked General Johnson what all this working with the
Indians meant for by what he had told them at -Mount Johnson
they looked upon him to have the sole Direction of their Affairs,
and that these Proceedings had caused great Confusion amongst
the Indians.
That he met several Indians on his way dow[n] in Battoes
going to Oswego and that if these Methods of giving sumes of
Money to the Indians were pursued, he was of Opinion they
would delude all the Indians as they went along.
General Johnson replied
That these Proceedings were very contra fry] to his Inclina-
tions & Opinion & done with out his Consent or knowledge.
That he had wro[te] to Gov r . Shirley about it & hoped it might
help to put a Stop to them, and that he was sensible these
Methods would raise great Confusion amongst the Indians, who
left Mount Johnson fully satisfied & well inclined. That he
expected the Promises made to him at Mount Johnson would be
374 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
fulfilled & gave him a String of Wampum to carry this Message
to the Confederate Nations.
Albany 29 July 1755.
Pres'.
Hon ble . Will. Johnson Esq'.
Peter Wraxall Sec^. for Indian Affairs
William Printup Interp r .
Otrowana a Chief Cayouga Sachem & Six Sache[ms] and
Warriors of Onieda Tuscarore & Messasaga
Otrowana spoke as follows.
Brother
When I & the rest of my Bretheren here present came as far
as where Gov r . Shirley now is at Col. Glens near Schenectady,
the Gov r . called me to him & said, " You Cayouges w^ way
are you going. I replyed I was going to Albany to see my
Brother Gen 1 . Johnson; the Gov r . said come turn back again &
go with me, I am going to Niagara. But I left Gov r . Shirley
& went over the River to Schenectady. While I & my Company
were Securing our Canoe, several Persons who I understood were
employed by Gov r . Shirley, laid hold of the Messasaga Sachem
who was one of my Company & were ready to pull him to peices
pressing him in such a manner as if they would force him to go
to Niagara. I spoke to them & said, dont stop us here, if you
have any thing to say let us have a Meeting in Town. Then
several Persons laid hold of them & carried them to Justice
Fishers & as soon as they got into the House a great many People
employed by Gov r . Shirley joined the Company. When they
were all met Col. Lydius came & brought a large Bag with many
Belts of Wampum, he & Justice Fisher spread them out before
them, & told him that the King their Father had employed both
General Shirley & Gen 1 . Johnson to go out & fight their Enemies,
that Gen 1 . Shirley was going to Niagara & Gen 1 . Johnson to
Crown Point if God spared their Lives. Then Lydius spoke to
them as follows.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 375
>retheren
hear well what I am going to say, My Heart aked within me
For the Loss of a great Oneida Sachem called Conochquanie.
r ou Oneidas are Elder Brothers to the Cayouges, & the Pain
never get out of my Heart, till I have got a Scalp or Prisoner
to put in the room of that Sachem, upon w ch . he gave us a very
large Black Belt of Wampum
Lydius then laid down a much larger Belt of Wampum & said
to m[e] pray inform me how I am to proceed in fulfilling
this my Intention. Brother I beg you will put me in the right
way how I shall mannage.
Upon w ch I told him, the Method he had now taken was the
same I always followed when I wanted to get People to go out
a fighting with me. After I had spoke with one large Belt I
then flung down another, went away & wait[ed] to see who
would follow me. this Method y[ou] have made use of & it is
Customary amongst us.
Lydius then said, What I have now donfe] I do both for the
Oneidas & Cayouges because, both have lost a great Sachem &
Warrior & I intend it as much out of regard for y r . Nation as
for the Oniedas. I hope youl put me in the right way to get
fighters to follow me, for I am fully detirmined to go a fighting
to Niagara, & some of us will go to one Nation & some to
another in order to get the Indians to go with us & if we meet
any Indians on the road we shall take them along.
I asked Lydius whether his Proceedings were with General
Johnson's Consent & Approbation. Lydius replyed no. They
were acting for themselves & going a diff* way fr[om] General
Johnson
Brother
After this was all over the Belts of Wampum were put again
into a very large Bag, then we were pulled & hauled by one &
another telling us, " Come now you must turn back & go along
1 Name marked out in the manuscript. It was evidently Otrawana.
376 * Sir William Johnson Papers
with us & urged us in so strong a manner that we had much ado
to get out of their hands.
Albany the Fourth day of August
1 755. The foregoing Proceedings of
this Record from Page 1. to page
83. I Attest
PETER WRAXALL
Secr r y. for Ind n . Affairs.
Albany 8 August 1 755-
Three Warriors of the lower Mohock Castle were sent to
General Johnson by the Sachems & Warriors of said Castle with
the following memorandum of Canadagayea the Chief Sachem
of said Castle & also to inform Gen 1 . Johnson of the proceedings
of General Shirley & his Agents.
" Memorandum taken from Canadagayea who desired that
his Deposition should immediately be sent to Warraghiyagy,
which was the following, and concerned Yohahoaano, (Gen 1
Shirley) he spoke in the presence of several of the Lower Mohock
Castle at Mount Johnson Aug 1 . 6 1 755 and said.
' That when Gov r . Shirley came to the Castle he applied to
him to be his Speaker to w ch . he hardly would agree & told
Lydius who spoke to him for it, that he would serve him that day
but not the next.
Gov r Shirley then with a Belt of Wampum condoled the
Losses of their People & passed some other Ceremonies accord-
ing to Custom Then gave the Belt.
Then with another large Belt he told them that when he
parted General Johnson he asked him how many Indians of the
lower Mohock Castle was to join him, when he answered that
20 Men were ready for him at Whistle, wherefore he should be
glad those 20 Men were to set off with him immediately.
laid down the Belt
Preliminary Campaigns, 7755-7756 377
Whereupon the Mohocks said they knew nothing about it
ifter which he took a Paper out of his Pocket & told them that
icse doings of General Johnson seemed very strange to him, as
was him raised Gen[ ! ]. Johnson to the Post he was in now.
Then Governor Shirley further asked them whether General
Johnson did not allow them 10/ a day for going upon the out-
scout and also if he had not told them that those Indians who
would serve the Crown in this Expedition] were to have 5
apiece after their return if Successful, and that it should not be
lost upon them that might happen to be killed as their Family
was to receive the said Sum.
The Indians said it had not been told them (when John
Fisher & the rest looke[d] at one another & smiled)
Then Gov r . Shirley further acquainted the Indians that he
lodged some 5000-Sterl8. in General Johnsons hands for the
use of [the] Indians.
At parting he told them that he must take the People along
that was working [ J 1 the Fort, as he wanted hands in the
Bat [toes] as they were in his Employ.
Canadagaye also said that they hear[d] Gov r . Shirley stopped
all the Waggons that was pressed for General Johnson upon the
River.
All these doings he said appeared strange to them & should
be very glad to have their Brother Warroghiyagys answer to it,
especially concerning the Fort as no Body was working at the
Fort & they soon leaving their Families.
Deposed in the presence of
Arent Stevens "
General Johnson's Answer to the Three Warriors who brought
the foregoing Memorandum
Pres
Peter Wraxall Seer*
Arent Stevens Intr r .
word omitted in copying; probably "at. 1
378 'Sir William Johnson Papers
Bretheren
I told Gov r . Shirley according to what you agreed on when
I saw you last at my House that there were Six of your People
who were ready to Attend him I promised him no more I
wrote no such Letter to him as I am informed he showed you nor
sent any Belt of Wampum by him.
Bretheren
It was not Gov r . Shirley who raised me up, it was as I told
you at our public Meeting, by the King your Fathers directions
to General Braddock. Gov r . Shirley has lodged no Money in
my hands the Money I received for mannaging your Affairs,
was put into my hands by General Braddock, he having a Power
from the King your Father for so doing. If Gov r . Shirley told
you I had orders to Allow you 10 Shillings 3$ day or to give
you 5. ^ Man after your return, he imposed on you, for I
never had any such Orders
All my Promises I will faithfully fulfill to You, as I have
always do[ne,] and you may depend upon it, that those who
remain true to their Engagements & go with me, I will always
remember & do every thing for them in my pow[er] and I am
sorry to hear that the Workmen were taken away from building
your Fort, I wi[ll] write to Justice Fry to press Men to finish it
as soon as possible. 1
Head Quarters
Camp at the Great Carrying Place
21 Aug*. 1755.-
Four Mohock Indians sent some time ago by General Johnson
with a Message to the Cagnawag[a] Indians in Canada & a
Belt of Wampum in order to prevail on them at least to stand
Neuter between the French & us. returned & joined Gen 1 John-
1 This Fort was building by Directions of the Lieut. Govr. of New
York (upon Genl. Johnson's Application) with a Fund raised by the
Govt. of New York. Footnote by Wraxall.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1 7 55-17 56 379
>n this day at the Camp. They reported the following Answer
>f the Cagnawagas to them & to General Johnson's Message.-
Brethen
Last year we opened a Road for you & us to trade to Albany,
>ut find the Annogongues have stopped it up by killing the
iglish. We sent to their Sachems & expressed our uneasiness
at it. We sit still and do no harm, however our said Ro[ad]
is now shut, & we leave it to you to find anoth[er]
gave a Belt
Bretheren
the French Priests by throwing Water upon our Heads, sub-
ject us to the Will of the Governor of Canada but as you
are a free People be careful of your safety & do not engage
Your selves in the Quarrels between the English & French
a Belt
"Brother Warragheyagy
We have received your Message desiring us to stand out of
your way lest you should tread upon us, Bro r . we return you
thanks for your warning, but it is not in our power to comply
with it, for the French & we are one Blood, & where they are
to dye we must dye also. We are linked together in each others
Arms & where the French go we must go also.
Gave a Belt for General Johnson &
returned that he sent to them.
Vide page 90. the Conference there recorded should have fol-
lowed, 1 but by Mistake the following Speeches were entered
from the rough Minutes on these Records before the Error was
discovered P. Wraxall Secret.
1 Wraxall's note relates to the proceedings at Lake George on August
31st.
380 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
Camp at Lake George 4 Sep r . 1 755-
A. M.
Pres*.
General Johnson
Maj r . General Lyman
Lieu*. Col. Whiting
Colonel Ruggles
Lieu*. Col. Pitkin
Peter Wraxall Sec 1 ?, for Indian Affairs & c .
Cap*. Butler 1
Lieu*. Clausse }. Int rs .
W m . Printup ]
Sachems of the several Nations of Indians at this Camp
Hendrik Speaker
Brother Warraghijagy Sole Superintendent of our Affairs.
When you went from the carrying Place you left a Message
to acquaint the 5 Nations that you were proceeding to this Lake,
& desired we would join you with all possible speed. We
received this Message & have accordingly joined you here, & are
exerting our selves to assist you in all matters within our power.
You know a Message was sent to the Cagnawagas to keep
out of your way with whi[ch] they would not comply. We are
now resolved to send once more & our Messengers are here
presenft] ready to set off and we now return you your Belt. 1
And now
Brother you will wait till they return when you shall know
what Answer [we] receive.
Brother
It is our way upon these Occasions] that the head Man we
send, takes the People he goes to meet by the hand & desires
"A Belt Genl. Johnson left at the Great Carrying Place for the
Indians to join him at Lake George. Footnote fcp Wraxall.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1 755-1 756
381
icy will come along with him to their fire place, b[ut] as it is
lot now a peaceable time, we imagine they will appoint some
>ther place where you & some of your chief Men may meet with
icm & us in Council
irother
As our People are always out on the Scout & their Eyes &
irs always open they heard Yesterday 3 Guns fire at the
Ja[ce] where we expect to meet the Cagnawagas & we are
>retty certain they are now waiting for us there, as no Guns
ive been heard at any other place.
Irother
this is all we have to say now, as we choose to be short as we
re in haste to dispatch our Deputies. 1
'res 1 .
Camp at Lake George 3 1 Aug*. 1 755
General Johnson
Colonel Ruggles
Peter Wraxall Secret for Indian Affairs & c .
Cap 4 . Butler, Lieu* Clausse & W m . Printup
Interpreters.
Deputies from each Nation of Indians.
Hendrik Speaker
Brother Warrighajaghy Sole Superintendent
When we were lately called to meet you at your & our Fire
place at your House, you desired us to join & assist you in the
present Expedition, to which we agreed & have accordingly met
you here.
Now we inform you that we have sent out Two Scouting
Parties two different ways towards the Enemy.
*A second speech delivered by Hendrick, closing the proceedings, is
printed in Doc. Rd. to Col. Hist. N. Y. t 6:998-99.
382 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
Brother
We are sorry to see the Sittuation of your People. We are
more used to righting in the Woods than they are and when we
came in yesterday we observed your Sentrys very negligent sitting
down & not keeping a Sharp look out. however we are ready to
assist you in every respect and as we are united together with
you as one People, we hope you will join some of our People in
your Councils, whose knowledge & Experience may be very
serviceable to you & tend to your Security & Success, as we are
well acquainted with the Enemy you are engaged against and
without this union of Councils you may meet with a sudden &
fatal Blow.
Brother
We hope as Your People & ours are now united in one Cause
you will not refuse to take us into your Councils, as that Great
Man at Ohio did, who had he listened to & regarded the advice
of those of the 5 Nations who were with him, that unfortunate
Defeat might have been avoided, dont you follow his Example
or will meet with his Fate
Brother
As we are now all going upon the same Expedition it is the
earnest Request of our united Nations that for the general safety,
Two Good Forts may be built, one at the Great Carrying Place
& One here as both these Places are every way exposed to the
French, they having had diff' Roads to attack them and that you
may by these Two Forts secure your Amunition & Stores w ch
should they fall into the Enemies hands would Put an End to
your Expedition
Brother
We are very much disturbed at our present open Sittuation,
for unless we defend our selves with proper Fortifications, tis
easy for the French to come suddenly upon us & destroy us; they
also serve as a safe Retreats in case of Necessity. We are
Preliminary Campaigns, 7755-7756 383
icrefore very uneasy on these Points, for should [the] French
the better of us we should have no Security behind us & the
Tench would certainly take Possess [ion] & build Forts at these
>laces if you neglect to do it and proceed with their Army &
ike Albany and Adjacent parts.
Brother
this is all we have to say [at] present, but to acquaint you
that to morrow Morning we shall send out our Young People
[to] scout three different ways.
Brother
It is proposed amongst us that w[e] shall go & meet the
Cagnawagas & talk with them at a place appointed by them,
what will be the re [suit] we know not, but it will be proper for
us to tak [e] a Belt of Wampum with us, and we desire fur [ther]
that while the Army remains here we may fur[n]ish the out
scout parties for if your Soldiers go out they may mistake us for
the Enemy & by that means fire upon their Friends & kill them
as they did at Ohio which would ruin all our Affairs.
P. M. Eo. Di.
General Johnsons Answer to the foregoing Speech of the
Indians.
Bretheren of the United Nations.
Your meeting me here conformable to Yo[ur] Engagements
is not only very pleasing to me but a proof of your Duty to the
Great King our common Father, and that you retain towards
you[r] Bretheren the English those Friendly regards w[ h .] it
will always be your Interest to continue.
Bretheren I assure you that we on our *
1 The remaining part of Johnson's reply is missing in the document.
For the conference of September 1 1 and 1 2 at Lake George, following
this, see Doc. Rel. to Col. Hist. N. Y., 6:101 1-13. It related to the
purpose of the Indian allies to return home after the battle.
384 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
Albany Wensday Morning
4 December 1755-
Present
General Johnson Sole Superintend 1 . & c .
Peter Wraxall Secret for Indian Affairs
Arent Stevens Interp r .
Three Expresses were dispatched by the Warriors & Women
of the Tuscarore Nation to General Johnson one of w ch . being
tired staid at his House at Mount Johnson the other two came
hither. Ta won thaw Speaker Delivered himself as follows
Warraghiiyagey Sole Superintendent of our Affairs
We praise God for this fortunate day which thro his Favour
hath brought us again Face to Face in safety. We are dis-
patched by the Warriors & Women of the Tuscarore Nation to
acquaint you that our Nation apprehend themselves to be in
imminent Danger having received Intelligence that a French
Army is designed again [st] us to cut us off. As we, the Oneidas
& the Mohocks are said [to] be the People who killed the
French General & defeated [their?] Army. The French have
said they are making Snow Shoes & preparing every thing for
a Winter Expedition, being determined to have Revenge for the
Blood which we have spilt. As we look on you Brother to be
one Blood one Heart & one Religion with us, We apply our
selves to you for assistance in this our Distress & hereupon we
give you this Belt (gave a large broad Belt)
We request Amunition & some Big Guns as our Fort is in
great forwardness, also 400 Men to reinforce us. If you delay
to assist us it will probably be too late, and should we be cut off
you will loose faithful & Zealous Friends. Our chief Women
join in this Application & desired us to tell you that we Warriors
are sprung from & are apart of themselves.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1 7 55-17 56 385
Jrother
We told you before that we were one Heart, one Blood & one
Religion with you. We repeat it & be assured we are detir-
lined to remain true to & stand by our Bretheren the English to
ic last, nor shall it be in the power of the French to alter our
l.esolutions or draw us off from our Union with you. We will
lot do as some of our Bretheren of the Onondaga Nation did
>t War, received Powder & Ball from you & make use of it
against you.
Brother
We Tuscarores applied to the Oneidas & proposed building
a Fort for our mutual safety in a proper place but the Oneidas
gave us no Answer upon which we knowing our Danger agreed
to build one our selves which is more than half finished.
Our Brother the Oneida whom we left at your House we
imagine is charged with a Message to you from the Oneida
Nation, but this is only our surmise, we have now finished what
we were charged with & enforce our Message with these 3
Strings of Wampum (w^. he gave)
To the foregoing General Johnson made the following reply
Bretheren of the Tuscarore Nation
I am equally grateful to Heaven with you for our Meeting in
safety & to hear that you[r] Nation are as yet well
Bretheren
You are not strangers neith[er] am I to the Boastings of the
French & their Arts both by Threats & other Methods of draw-
ing you off from your Union with us your Bretheren however
to gua,rd you against any of their Pa[rties] who may be sent
against you, I will do all that is in my power to secure you and
I shall send th[em] your Message by Carriiwhio (the Sec 1 ?, for
Vol. 1113
386 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
Indian Affairs) who is now going to New York to the G[ov r8 .]
that are met there, who I doubt not will be as ready as I am to
Afford you assistance.
(Gave a Belt & 3 Strings in return)
FROM MYNDERT WYMPEL
A letter of December 5th in Dutch from Myndert Wympel, in Senecas'
Land, to Johnson about an Indian raid on English settlers, occurring on
page 70 of the Johnson Calendar, was destroyed by fire.
TO NATHAN WHITING
D/. S. 1
Fort Johnson 2 December 6 ih 1755.
SIR
I received yours of 29 th . ult. at Albany, where my Hurry
would not permit me to answer you. I sent by Colo. Bagly
Directions in case of an attack how you are to manage. I now
send you the Commissions you desired for the severall Officers &
doubt not they will merit them, as they are approved of by you.
As to Lowell I don't know what to Say, I am afraid he is not
equal to the Thing, consider it is a great Trust to be reposed in
him, and I hear he is addicted to Liquor, I mentioned it to the
Commissioners, but they could not think of another. If you can-
not get a proper Person, you can give him a Commission yourself.
As you wrote the Commissioners about your Circumstances
there, I doubt not they have given you all the Assistance in their
Power, when I spoke to them concerning the Uneasiness of those
who Stayed to Garrisson the Forts, their answer was, that they
did not doubt but the Governments, would relieve them by the
1 Original destroyed by fire.
2 For notices of Fort Johnson, see Doc. Hist. N. Y., 1 :532, in
"Description of the Country between Oswego and Albany 1757,**
and 3 : 1 038-39, in " Rev. Gideon Hawley's Journey to Oghquaga,
1753."
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756
387
'ime their Inlistments were out; There are Waggons ordered
Nails &ca. so hope you will soon have the Barracks in good
)rder, as the Wheather has been so very favourable
I am extreamly hurried So that I have only Time to wish you
ill Happiness that Part of the Works can afford you, and a
'ictory over your Enemies Should they attempt an attack.
Jhould that be the Case it would crown all and make you happy,
rhich is the Sincere Wish of
Sir
Your hearty Friend
and humble Serv ! .
WILLIAM JOHNSON.
IEU T . COLLO. WHITEING
at Fort Edward
TO SIR CHARLES HARDY
Fort Johnson Dec br . 7 th . 1755.
R
I received your Excellencys favour with Collo. DeKays letter
4 th . Inst. at 9 a Clock at night by an Express from Albany
which I set out next Morning at Day break for my House,
id left orders for the Interpreter to follow me as Soon as possible.
r e arrived last night, & this Day I sent to the Mohawks to meet
my House to Morrow Morning, where will be present Some
leidas Tuscaroras, & a Seneca who came down w*. the
iclosed letter from Myndert Wemple, 2 as Soon as I have
:quainted them with the behaviour of the French & Indians
the Southward of Us, I shall dispatch a proper Message to
the Confederate Nations, to whom those Indians as it is
lought (who are now committing Hostilities against the Eng-
i) belong, or are dependant on, I shall also Send to those
1 Original destroyed by fire.
2 Wemple to Johnson, November 22, 1 755, q. v.
388 9 Sir William Johnson Papers
Indians liyeing at & near the Susquahana River, over whom as
well as those of the six Nations I flatter myself I have so much
Influence as to prevent their annoying any of the Inhabitants of
this or the Neighbouring Governments and indeed check y c .
further progress of any other Nation of Indians that way provided
I have time and am not interrupted.
The inclosed French Pacquet I this day took from a Schenec-
tady Man who got it from an Ondaga Indian Just arrived at
their Castle from Canada the Same Day this Man left it, & not
knowing but there might be Some thing in it necessary for me to
know at present I opened It. the Man to whom it is Sent, went
to New York along with the rest of the Prisonners. I should be
glad y r . Excellency would please to Send me two or three of the
Youngest of them, in order to give them to Some of those Familys
who have lost their Freinds in the late action as it would be verry
well taken. I find by those Indians Come lately from Canada,
that there were about a Hundred of the French Indians Killed
many of whom died of their wounds by the way, and Since, the
Gov r . of Canada bought as many Slaves, Pawnays 1 &ca., as
restor'd those who were Slain, and gave their Familys verry con-
siderable Presents. It is expected I do the Same, & indeed there
is an absolute necessity for it. If we want them again. I can I
believe out of the Fund in my hands do it. all to the article of
guns which I cannot get suitable for them, there is one John
Abeels an Albany Trader who has for Some years past con-
stantly carried great quantitys of Rum to the Senecas Country
Contrary to Law, & in open defiance of all authority, verry much
to the prejudice of the Service & the weakening our Interest w lh .
s d . Nations I am credibly informed he has lately Supplied a
French officer & Interpreter Called Jean cure in Indian Sinuchsis
at that place w th . Rum & other Merchandise for a present w ch
Said Sinuchsis gave the Indians after treating with them, nay
by y e . power of his Rum prevailed on an Indian called the Grote
Younge & others to go with him to Canada they are gone, and
^ee Slavery in Ne*> York, h A. Judd Northufi, p. 306-7.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 389
this Interpreter is expected there in ab*. a Month to Confer farther
r* that, & the other Nations adjacent. (I have this Day offered
two French Men who have lived in this province Some Years, &
aded there Each a Commission in y c . Indian Service in Case
they would bring Said Jean ceur down a Prisoner, they have
undertaken it, & expect they will Succeed.) I shall endeavour
prevent his tampering further with them having this Day
offered a very considerable reward to two Men who are going up
there, to bring him down to me if possible, or any other French
Man who may come there or to any of the Six Nations. I have
great hopes many Indians will Join us in the Spring if we push
Matters vigourously. I shall dispatch Messages not only to all
the allies of the Six Nations but to the Mississagaw Chipawais
and others living the North side of the Lake, of whom I have
great reason to entertain a good opinion from the kind acceptance
a Message of mine met with, w^ I sent last June by a leading
Man of their Nation. I hear M r * Shirley has sent also to them
since that time I am
LETTERS FROM AND TO SHIRLEY
In Doc. Rd. to Col. Hist. N. 7., 6:1024-27, are printed Shirley's
letter, of December 7th to Johnson, stating his appointment to succeed
General Braddock and imposing new duties on Johnson; a new commis-
sion issued to Johnson on the same day by Shirley; and Shirley's instruc-
tions, dated the 10th. A letter of the 16th from Johnson to Shirley,
mentioning frontier hostilities and the Shirley commission, is printed, p.
1027-28.
THE KING TO WILLIAM SHIRLEY
Attested Copp 1
Copy of His Majestys Eighth Instruction
to Major General Shirley
You will not only cultivate the best Harmony & Friendship
possible with the several Governors of our Colonies and Provinces
1 Destroyed by fire. Accompanied Shirley's letter to Johnson, Decem-
ber 7, 1755, printed in Doc. Rcl. to Col. Hist. N. Y.. 6:1024-25.
390 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
but likewise with the Cheifs of the Indian Tribes; and for the
better improvement of our good Correspondence with the said
Indian Tribes, you will find out some fit & proper Person agre-
able to the Southern Indians, to be sent to them for this purpose,
in like manner as we have ordered Colonel Johnson to repair to
the Northern Indians, as the Person thought to be most Accept-
able to them, to endeavour to engage them to take part & act with
our Forces in such Operations as you shall think most Expedient
a true Copy Examined by
W M . ALEXANDER
Seer 1 ?.
FROM GOLDSBROW BANYAR AND PETER WRAXALL
A. L. S. 1
New York 8 Decern'. 1755.
MY DEAR SIR
Captain Wraxall by whose Fireside I am now sitting tells me
M r . Watts is about sending some money to you, which I think a
good opportunity of signifying to you the great desire Sir Charles
has to see you as soon as possible. He has something very par-
ticular he says to confer with you upon as to publick affairs, and
will be greatly disappointed should you not arrive before Gen-
eral Shirley's departure.
M r . Pownall, M r . Rutherfurd M r . Wraxall & myself in a
Word all your Friends earnestly wish you would hasten hither
as soon as possible. We are Sir
Your obed*. & affect, humble Servants
Gw BANYAR
PETER WRAXALL
Pray bring down Shirleys long angry Letter & your answer to
it. Pownall extreamly presses y r . coming down speedily. A
reception from many friends here is intended you, w ch will do you
1 Original destroyed by fire.
Preliminary Campaigns, / 755-7 756 391
great honour & give the Attorney Gen 1 , great Chagrin. If the
multiplicity of other affairs will permit you to think of the
Counterparts of M r . Clarke's deeds, pray bring with you such of
them as the Tenants have executed.
INDORSED: To the Hon ble . Major Gen 1 . Johnson
at his House at Mount Johnson.
TO HENDRICK FREY JUN R .
Df. S. 1
Fort Johnson Dec r . 8. 1755
SIR
As the present Circumstances of affairs do not require your
keeping that Fort any longer. You are therefore hereby required
to deliver up to the Indians of that Castle, what Amunition there
is left and then withdraw your People, and discharge them You
are also to take care and store in a safe place what provisions are
there and take a Receipt for them then send me your Account
drawn out in a plain distinct Manner, so that I may pay you and
your Men off.
I am
Sir
Your Hum Serv 1 .
W. J.
To CAPT N . HENDRICK FRY JUN R :
FROM GOLDSBROW BANYAR
A. L. S. 1
NCJ York 9 Dec. 1755.
DEAR SIR
I wrote you three or 4 Lines yesterday signed by Cap*.
Wraxall and myself, signifying the desire of your Friends that
you should hasten hither as soon as possible. I cannot help
Original destroyed by fire.
392 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
repeating this; to which I will add what M r . Kennedy this
Moment told me, which was to this Effect, that he was sure if
you was here all might be reconciled, which he said he had from
a Person he could depend upon : and I suppose from one who is
in the Secrets of the other side. I believe they apprehend more
Difficulties now than they foresaw in dividing the management of
Indian affairs I do not urge the appearance of a Reconcilia-
tion as an argument to induce you to come down, I am appre-
hensive as you have Notice to attend the General here, or at
Boston, should you not come it may be used as a Reason to lessen
your Zeal for the Good of the Common Cause, and any future
Miscarriages as to Indians, may be laid at your door for not giv-
ing your attendance at the proposed Meeting or Conference
which will at last take Place soon I believe. M r . Kennedy has
put me in mind of the Glass I sent you of his, & I should be glad
of the Book I sent you on the Subject of fortification
I am
Sir
your effectionate & obed 1 . humble serv*.
Gw BANYAR
FROM JOHN WATTS ET AL.
The foregoing is followed in the Johnson Calendar, p. 70-71 by a
letter of December 9th from John Watts, at New York, to Johnson,
about Gilbert Marselis's receipt, a money transaction, Mr Wraxall and
recent military affairs; a letter of December 10th to Johnson from John
Watts, in New York, dealing with pecuniary transactions; Shirley's
instructions to Johnson relative to a council of the Six Nations, extension
of the Anglo-Indian alliance, completion of the fort in the Oneida country
and the coming conference at Oswego, dated the 1 0th (printed in Doc.
Rel. to Col Hist. N. Y. t 6:1026-27); Francis Wade's application for
a commission, dated Philadelphia, the 10th; and a report of the board
of trade to the King on the proposal of the Penns to grant Iroquois lands
to soldiers, dated Whitehall, December 1 1 th (printed in Doc. Hist. N.
V., 2:704-7; Q, 2:410-12). Destroyed by fire.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 393
FROM JAMES F. MERCER 1
A. L. S. 2
Oswego, Dem br : 16 ih . 1755
DEAR SIR
Permit me amongst the croud to Congratulate you upon your
success against the Enemy may neither jealousie nor Envy, have
power to lessen your fairly Acquired honors, I hope the public
will enable you to make an early Campaign, & Accomplish the
Conquest it has so long wish'd for, if they perform the part,
uncumbent on them, from Your Zeal & Capacity, they may
expect a happy Issue, I need not recommend the Bearer Lieu*:
Mills 3 to you who already know him, his integrity far exceeds
my abilities, in Panygerick but I will venture to Asure you of one
thing w ch from his Modesty you might be the last to know, (that
is) his perfect Attatchment to You & Gratitude for favors
recieved, During the few Months recess, I wish you all possible
happiness, & when the Season will permitt Powers equal to the
arduous task intrusted to your prudence & conduct, I am with
the most perfect Esteem,
Sir,
Your Obliged
& Most Obedient
Humble Servant
JAMES F. MERCER
GEN L JOHNSON
1 Gazetter October 7, 1 754 lieutenant colonel of Sir William Pep-
perrell's regiment, the 5 1st, or 2d American.
2 In New York Public Library, Emmet Collection.
* Lieutenant John Mills, of the New York Independants.
394 'Sir William Johnson Papers
TO UNKNOWN PERSON
L. S. 1
Fort Johnson, Decb r 17th, 1755.
DEAR SIR,
I have this Moment the pleasure of y rs , and am much obliged
to you for your kind Congratulations.
I had Yesterday the Honor of a few lines from Gov r Morris,
with Severall Papers relating to the Barbarous proceedings of
the Shawanese & Delaware Indians, I have only time to acquaint
you that I already Sent Messages to the Six Nations about their
Behaviour, & insisted Strenuously on their useing all means pos-
sible to check their Vile proceedings. I have also Sent a Message
by one of our Indians to the Delawares & Shawanese, forbidding
them to Act any more in that Manner at their Peril, but to join
Us in ye Spring against the French and their Allies, w ch would
be more their interest, and greatly more to their credit than what
they are at present about ; they do not regard truth if they Say I
Sent them no Invitation to Join Me, for I Assure you, at the
several Meetings last June there were three Delawares present,
whom I sent an Interpreter for, and after receiving their Share
of the present, they promised to Join me whenever I called, but
they did not come at my Invitation Shortly after; However I
have hopes yet of their Reformation, as well as the Shawanese,
if I have but time to look into those Matters & am not interrupted
by Everry little Trader & Fellow in the Country, as has been
the Case, and find is still so; this I am afraid will Stagger the
Indians & be of fatal Consequence. Excuse my hurry, w * 1
occasions brevity, being Surrounded by All the Mohawks who
came to Condole the death of my Sister & Brother-in-Law. I
1 From Pennsylvania Archives, ed. Samuel Hazard, 2:535. The head-
ing in the Pennsylvania Archives, " Col. Johnson to Gov. Morris," is
evidently an error. The letter was probably written to Richard Peters.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756
395
propose going soon to York, where I hope to have the pleasure of
Seeing You & Saying more.
Mr. Clause is at liberty, and may go to Philadelphia when he
will.
I am, with much esteem,
Your most Obed*
Humble Serv*,
W M . JOHNSON
INDORSED: Col 1 Johnson, 1 7 Dec r , 1755.
TO THE LORDS OF TRADE
In the Johnson Calendar, p. 71 is a letter of the 18th to the lords of
trade on Indian affairs and Shirley's order to Johnson to meet him in New
York or Boston (printed in Doc. Hist. N. Y. f 2:708; Q, 2:412-13,
and Doc. Rd. to Col. Hist. N. Y., 6:1023-24). Destroyed by fire.
TO JONATHAN BAGLEY
Df. S. 1
Fort Johnson Dec br . 20 th . 1755.
SIR
I this day had the pleasure of hearing of your Welfare, & all
freinds there by an Indian Called Michael which you may be
assured gave me no Small Satisfaction I have this day had a
Meeting of y c Mohawks as I am resolved to go to York in two
or three days, when I gave them a charge to go to You at Fort
W m . Hennery and Scour the Woods thereabouts, so that no
Enemy can Surprise you. Fort Edward or the Settlements here,
provided they are kept Sober and upon Constant Duty, their
Signall is a red flag when they come in Sight of the Fort. I hope
you will be kind to them & give them Victuals enough but not too
much liquor. If they are well Used they will go constantly there
the whole winter & relieve each other. pray Send down the
French Prisoner who was Shot in the thigh and lay in your
Original destroyed by fire.
396 'Sir William Johnson Papers
Encampment by the first opertunity to the Care of Lieu*. Miller
at Albany, also a return of the Military and other Stores there
w** 1 . 1 expected before now. We have nothing Strange here Since
you left Us. My Compliments to Cap ta . Glazier and all freinds
there, & believe me Sir
Y r . Sincere Welwisher
& Humble Serv 1 .
w.j.
P. S. You must not put too much Confidence in Michael Or
his Son. tho they may behave well for ought I know, the Son
Joseph is a wicked Dog in his Cups Whenever any of them get
drunk the only way is to disarm them & tye them & not to
beat them.
To COLL. BAGLEY COMMD T . of Fort W m . Hennery
FROM WILLIAM SHIRLEY
The preceding letter is followed in the Johnson Calendar, p. 71 by an
undated nondescript list of names, Bentincks, Yorks, Amhursts etc.;
Johnson's account, dated December 23d, with Casper Springsteen, with
Springsteen's affidavit taken before Sybrant G. Van Schaick, recorder of
Albany; and instructions from Shirley to Johnson to engage Susquehanna
Indians in the British service, dated December 24th (printed in Doc. Rel.
to Col. Hist. N.Y. t 7:\Q). Destroyed by fire.
FROM WILLIAM SHIRLEY
L. S. 1
Nev> York Decemr. 24: 1755
SIR
I wrote to you by the last post to Albany and then sent you
a Commission and Instructions relating to Indian Affairs conform-
able to his Majesty's Instructions to me on that head: As that
post has been returned some days I am much surprised that I have
yet no answer from you, especially as I therein desired your
1 Original destroyed by fire. There is a copy in Public Record Office,
C. O. 5. 1067, London, England.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755 17 5(
397
icdiate answer, and you must be sensible that his Majesty's
Jervice on This Continent require a Speedy and explicit adjust-
icnt 1 of those Affairs.
I now send you additional instructions, 2 w ch . the present State
of Pensylvania from the Advices I have lately received from the
Government of that province require to be immediately Carried
into execution.
It gives me great uneasiness that I have not received your
answer to my last letter, and have order'd the Express who brings
this to you, to wait for your answer and therefore hope you will
not fail to send it to me by him. I am Sir
Your Most Humble Servant
W SHIRLEY
P. S. I must in particular know whether I am to depend upon
your following my Instructions now sent you, and those which I
shall hereafter send.
w.s.
To:
MAJOR GEN L . JOHNSON.
EXAMINATION OF FRANCIS BEAU JOUR
D. 8
Fort Edjvard December p e . 27 th . 1755
The Examination of Francis Beau jour a French deserter
Quest, when did you leave Tinondiroga
Ans r . Last, Monday morning.
Quest, what were y e Number of Forces then at that Fort
Ans r . Two Hundred Regulars and one Hundred Canadians,
also, forty Savages, Viz*. Twenty Abonoquia and Twenty
Iriquois
" Adjudgment " in the London copy.
2 In Doc. Rel. to Col. Hist. N. Y.. 7:10.
3 Original destroyed by fire.
398 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
Quest, when did those Savages Come to Tinondiroga
Ans r . They Came there the 1 5 th . Instant.
Quest, what Duty do they Doe
Ans r . Scouting
Quest, do you Suppose any on that Duty now
Ans r . Yes Eight, and they are ordered to Scout near this and
the other Fort, and are promised 1000 Livers as a premium if
they obtain a prisoner
Quest, who is Commandant at Tinondiroga
Ans r . Mons r Lacorn
Quest, how many men are there now at Crown point
Ans r . Fifty Regulars and fifty Canadians
Quest, how long Since the Army Returned to Canady
Ans r . They Returned on the 14 this month
Quest, how many did the whole Army Consist off
Ans r . Three Thousand five Hundred Viz*, two Thousand of
which were of the Regiments Le Reine & Languidox the Rest
Canadians
Quest, was it known by your Forces, that the English Army
were Returned home, Ans r - Not
Quest, how many did the French Suppose the English Army
Consisted off
Ans r . Five Thousand
Quest. Why did they leave Tinondiroga while they Supposed
our Army So Great
Ans r . Scarceity of Provisions
Quest. What Quantity of Provisions have they now at Tinon-
diroga
Ans r , Two Hundred Barrells of flour, and about 50 BarrK
of Pork, no Rum nor Brandy
Quest, is a General Scarceity of Provisions at Canady
Ans r . Generally Reported, that provisions are Scarce
Quest. Why are Provisions Scarce
Ans r . tis Said that the Provisions sent for our Support were
taken By the English
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756
399
Quest, do they Expect the English Army will Attack Tinon-
diroga this Winter Ans r . Yes
Quest, do they Expect their Forces back from Canady this
Winter
Ans r . Not
Quest, have you heard any talk from them of making any
Attack on Either of our Forts this winter; Ans r . No.
Quest. What Sort of Fort is that at Tinondiroga
Ans r . it is about the Bigness of Fort William Henry, of a
Quadranguler Form with four Bastions the Wall about Six feet
high, and no Ditch, it being Rocky were obliged to fetch the
Dirt that was Necessary from Distance, that three Sides were
built with wood & Earth the other only with wood founded on a
Rock
Quest, how many Barracks are there in that Fort
Ans r . two that will contain 300 Soldiers, besides one Barrack
for the Officers
Quest, how many Guns are there within that Fort
Ans r . 12. Eight 12 pounders and 4 Six Do. & no Mortars
Quest, which is the best Side for an Enemy to Approach the
Fort
Ans'. The North West
Quest, was you at the Battle at Lake George, Ans r . No.
Quest, how many was there in that Battle of the French Army
Ans r . about fifteen Hundred
Quest, what was the Number Supposed killed on your Side in
that Battle
Ans r . The Number talked of was two Hundred but the
officers were forbid to tell the Certain Number
Quest, what did they Judge was become of General Diskeau
Ans r . It was Reported he was kill'd in the Battle, but Since
heard by a Letter from Mons r . Longvill that he was a prisoner
Quest, was there any principle officers besides him that Did
not Return after the Battle
400 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
Ans r . Yes Mons r . S*. Pierre Mons r Longvill Son to the Lieu*.
Governor of Mount Real * and Eight other Officers
Quest. Did they bring any English prisoners to the Camp
after the Battle
Ans r . No. but it was Reported that there were Seven taken
but were Delivered to the Indians who killed them all
Quest. Is there any more French men that talked of Deserting
Ans r . Yes a number about thirteen
Quest. Do you know what number were left at Niagria and
Catragua
Ans r . that the two Regiments that went there last Summer
were Returned, and Know not how many were Left behind
JOHNSON'S HOUSEHOLD RULES
The preceding paper is followed in the Johnson Calendar, p. 71 by
44 Directions for household affairs each day," not dated. It was destroyed
by fire.
MEMORANDUM CONCERNING SHIRLEY'S AGENTS 2
[ ] Arent Stevens & Ja s . Glen [ ]
Interpreters told me
Since my return from Lake George Arent Stevens the Pro-
vincial Interpreter told me that he was puzzled how to conduct
himself by reason of different Applications made to him for that
M r . Alexander Secretary to General Shirley told him that if he
would undertake to act for M r Shirley in Indian Affairs he
should have a larger salary than he received from the Province,
and that it should be punctually paid him by M r Stevenson of
Albany. And that upon his, the s d . Arent Stevens complaining
that his salary was too small, M r . Alexander said it was in my
power to double it & was surprized I did not do it. Stevens told
me that he refused M r . Alexanders offers & said that as he was
1 Charles Lemoine, Baron de Longueuil.
2 This memorandum was probably made in December 1 755.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756
FROM RICHARD PETERS TO UNKNOWN PERSON
^Reading 3 d Jan*. 1756>
Governour desires me to acquaint you, that the
Enemy > Indians encrease in Numbers, and by <an Express
that came> in the Night, he has receivd an Account that <they
have> attacked a Company of Men posted for the Defence of
<Gnadenhu>tten, and as is feard defeated them, tho' this be
not certain <Be> pleased to make the Governours Apologies
to the General for not writing to his Excellency; No Man can
have done more Business than he has been obliged to do since
his Return and he really had no time.
We have repeated Accounts that the whole Body of Indians
is against us, and M r Weiser is of that Opinion and thinks that
402 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
no Expence should be saved nor time Lost in engaging the
Southern Indians, for without their Assistance our Country will
be overrun, as the Peoples Fears rather increase then otherwise,
and no Body can be got to fight. The Governour and Commis-
sioners are here in their Way to the Indians Treaty but not an
Indian has come yet that we hear of & I question whether any
but such as are with Geo e Croghan about a Dozen will come.
After we see what Indians appear and what can be done, a
Proclamation will issue to offer Rewards for Scalps, and to raise
Men for an Expedition against the Indian Towns on Susque-
hanna.
If there be one hundred Indians concerned in this second attack
of Gnadenhutten and they have succeeded, I assure you they will
next attack Bethlehem and Easton and make a Lodgment at the
Junction of the West with the East Branch of Dellaware where
stands Easton.
A considerable Relief might be procured if the Six Nations
would send some of their Warriors (for Rewards to be paid by
<the Government) down Susquehanna River, as I am persuaded
many yet wishes us well who are intimidated and would engaged
for us if properly applyed to, and such Application cannot be
made> by this Government any <otherways then by General>
Shirley. Dear sir remind his Excellency <of dis>patching the
additional Instructions for Gen 1 . J <ohnson, and> the Messages
to the Southern Governments about <the Southern > Indians, on
whom alone is all our Dependance for any<thing> effectual to
be done
I am Sir
Your humble Servant
RICHARD PETERS
The Governour desires his Compliments of the * to
his Excelb., Cap 1 . Morris Major Hawke, Major Kenneer, &
your Self, & may I add mine.
1 Omitted in copying. " Season " was probably written.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 403
If the Six Nations would join in recommend it to the Southern
Nations to take up the hatchet against the French and their
Indians, it might have great Weight and should not M r Johnson
be desired to solicit this of the Six Nations?
TO WILLIAM SHIRLEY ET AL
The preceding letter is followed in the Johnson Calendar p. 71- 2 by a
letter, of January 3d, from Johnson, at New York, to Shirley, declining a
new commission for Indian affairs (Doc. Rel. to Col. Hist. N. Y., 7:11);
and a French letter, of the 5th, from M. Bernier, in New York, asking
Johnson to indicate the manner in which Baron Dieskau can repay money
lent him by Johnson. Destroyed by fire.
FROM AND TO WILLIAM SHIRLEY
In Dec. Rel. to Col Hist. N. Y. t 7:1 1-13, is a letter, of the 4th.
from Shirley to Johnson, discussing the nature of Johnson's commission;
and a letter, of the 5th, from Johnson, at New York, to Shirley, on his
commission and powers as Indian superintendent, is given, 7:1314.
TO WILLIAM SHIRLEY
L. S. 1
Ner York, /anr>. 6". 7755 [/756 2 ] p. m.
SIR
As your Excellency has now determined that I shall act by
General Braddocks Commission appointing me to the Sole
Management of Indian Affairs, by which Commission "All per-
sons to whom the direction of the affairs of the Six Nations, or
their Allies have been heretofore committed, and all others what-
soever are strictly required and enjoined to cease and forbear
acting or intermeddleing therein."
I must beg leave to repeat the request I made to your Excel-
lency last night, that all agents or others that are acting amogst
the Six Nations without My knowledge or direction, be with"
1 In Ayer Collection, Newberry Library, Chicago, 111.
2 1 755 in the copy.
404 'Sir William Johnson Papers
drawn, as it is impossible for me to answer for the administration
of Indian Affairs, if the Business transacted with them does not
go through my department.
I am
Y r . Excellency's Most obed 1 . Humble Serv 1 .
W M JOHNSON
His ExcelK. GENR L . SHIRLEY
FROM SAMUEL BLODGET
A. L. S. 1
Boston Jan: 7 th 1756
SIR
At the Desier of a number of Gentlemen in this Town I have
Composed from my Jornal this work 2 However Inferior; pleas
to permit me to present your Honnour with It; it is Not that I
think by any means can add any Light to the Generall of that
Campaign the Least of whos advantages and Knoledg far
Exseads my Best and Greatiest; However I hoop it will not be
unexseptable Since it is the Best Exsplanation I am able to Give
of the Battle; the facts I have Laid Down are without the Least
partialeti; which I think there is much Need of in Vindeation
of your Honour, for I Confess it was with Great Surprise the
Newmorous and Groundless odd Questions that has Ben put to
me on my Return from the Camp & Elleswhair all which I have
answerd with candor, altho I have Refused to Name them; and
have Satisied numbers of people that has misunderstood the Con-
duct of affairs as they Express it as it carry with it Good Intin-
1 Original destroyed by fire.
*A Prospective-Plan of the Battle near LaJ?e George, on the eighth
day of September, 1755, with an Explanation thereof; containing a full,
though short, History of that important Affair. By Samuel Blodget,
Occasionally at the Camp, when the Battle was fought. Advertised at
Boston November 10, 1755; published December 22, 1755, Boston,
February 2, 1 756, London. Reprint of Henry Stevens, Son &
Stiles, London.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 405
tion it is hooped it will met with its Deserved Reward; at the
Same tim asking your Pardon for Mistakes If any Should be
found in It after your Examination.
S r . pleas to permit me to Subscribe my Self your Sinsear
friend & in Vindication of your Honour
SAM: BLODGET
P : S as the post is waighting and wrote in Great heast &
for which I ask your pardon & flatter my Self I shall the more
Readyly Receive It
SB
To GENERALL JOHNSON
FROM NATHAN WHITING
A. L. S. 1
Fort Edward Jan* 8 l 1756
SIR
Your favour of 6 th . December inclosing me Several Commis-
sions for officers here I duely received; observe what you Say
as to Cap*. Lowel I am very sensible of the objection you men-
tion, accordingly have done Nothing with respect to his Com-
mission but Wait for farther advices; I now hand you a return
of the forces belonging to this Garison, would observe to you that
a pretty many of Maj r Mathew Company are returned as absent,
& by some Complaints of the Men perhaps more returned for
Duty than are really here; this I find to be a mistake upon the
muster I intend a Muster of all the Men this Day as I think
it my Duty to know exactly the Numbers in Garrison, as I would
not disoblige the Maj r . I should be glad you would desire him
to Send up all his Men immediately. I send you also the State
of the provision and Artilery Stores. I Cant get the Commissarys
to Send up bread we have had none this ten Days, but What
the Soldiers have brought from Lake George
M r De Peyster has Sent up Wagons as far as Sarotoge Who
Original destroyed by fire.
406 'Sir William Johnson Papers
have Left their Loads there which the Soldiers are obliged to
fetch on their backs I could have born with it, had we not enough
for every one to do to Gary on the Necessary business here &
horses might easily have been Sent up with bread
I have got up three Chimneys in the barracks, & one in the
old House almost finished, one in the Guard House the Men
might in a few Days more be tolerably Comfortable if they had
Necessary provision and Cloathing as the articles of beding
& Cloathing have Not been Sent up the people Suffer very much
the Want of them they have as yet been very patient having
been told they would be Sent up as Soon as there was any Slaying
they now grow uneasy as they think it very possible those Articles
may be brought on Horses the New York Soldiers are the most
in want, if Clothing is not sent Soon I dont know what will be
the Consequence, nor do I See how they can Subsist I hope
Some measures are taking to relieve those of Connec*. in the pay
of New York as their time is out the middle of January. I beg
the favour you would make out M r . Dyer a Seperate Commis-
sion for fort Maj r as his at present is only interlined & Confines
his duty to Cap' Gaylor's Company I am Sensible you were
hurried When it was done I shall take it as a favour to have it
renewed I imagine that through a mistake you made out Com-
missions as Ensigns instead of Second Lieuts, as we have no
Ensigns, neither had they in New York I should be Glad of
Liberty to alter them
I send you the Examination of a french deserter which I took
as he past to Albany, by that you will have all the Intelligence
I can give you of the Enemy ; Cap 1 Rogers was there about the
time he deserted I have not his report but hear he thinks there
was a thousand Men there, dont think me too importunate for
renewing my request for Liberty to go Home for a Season,
beleive me to be with the Sincerest Regard
Your Honours most Obliged &
very humble Serv 1 .
N. WHITING.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 407
PS the Magazine was endangered by the great rain we had
ie time ago the Water Stood in a pond round it I have
a drean thro the Bastion the South Side I dont See any
lamage done
W M JOHNSON Esq r
FROM WRAXALL
In Doc. Rel. to Col. Hist. N. Y. t 7:1431, is printed a communica-
tion, dated January 9th, to Johnson from Peter Wraxall, ** Some Thoughts
upon the British Indian Interest in North America, more particularly as it
Relates to the Northern Confederacy commonly called the Six Nations,**
with appendix, containing information given by Indians August 8 and
September 4, 1755, concerning Shirley's efforts to influence them; in
6:99899, is printed also the information given September 4th.
SHIRLEY AND HARDY TO JAMES STEVENSON
Df. S.
[New York, January 10, I756 1 ]
Deliver to His Excellency Sir Charles [Hardy or or-]der
the Cloathing sent by the Assembly of Pensilva[nia] for the
Troops in Garrison on the Northern Frontiers, & which were
sent to you from New York by M r . Alexander Golden
W SHIRLEY
To JAMES STEVENSON Esq r :
at Albany
The Articles sent according to M r : Franklin's Letter of Dec r .
2< 1755.
1339 warm Waistcoats 750
1000 pair mill'd Stockings 750
332 pair knit Mittens 332
1 Date supplied from the Johnson Calendar.
408 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
New York, /am? 17: 1756.
SIR
I desire you wile from [time] to time deliver to General John-
son, or his Order any part of the above Cloathing, for the uses
of the Garrisons of Fort William Henry, & Fort Edward.
CHA S : HARDY
To JAMES STEVENSON Esq r .
at Albany
TO DAVID BLAUVELT
Df. S.
New York, January /2, 7756
[ i
On my arrival at Albany from [ ] Lake George I
received a Letter from M r George Ludlow of New York with
55 coats w ch he informed me were sent by your Directions and
designed as a present to the Provincial Troops under my Com-
mand from the Inhabitants of the precinct of Orange Town.
As the Troops were all discharged except such as remained
in Garrison at Fort William Henry & Fort Edward, I have made
use of your Benevolent Intentions by ordering the said coats to
the Soldiers belonging to those Garisons, to whom they will be
a very welcome & a well-timed Benefaction.
please Sir to communicate to our Generous Friends of your
Precinct, my grateful Sense in behalf of the Army I had the
honour to Command for their Beneficent Intentions, antj let them
know the Disposition I have made of their Donation, vill be
extreamly acceptable & useful.
I am
with my best Wishes
Sir
Your most Obed 1 .
hum serv 1
To CAPTAIN W JOHNSON
DAVID BLAUVELT
of Orange Town
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 409
rDORSED: Gen 1 Johnson's Letter to Capt David Blauveldt of
Orange Town with thanks for Coats sent for the
use of Troops
NewYorkl2J an yl755
FROM WILLIAM SHIRLEY
D. S. 1
New York January 13 1756
Instructions to Major-General William Johnson. 2
1 **. You are to acquaint the Six Nations that I succeed the late
General Braddock in the Command of all his Majesty's
Forces in North America.
2 d . That at the meeting to be soon held at your House with
the Indians of the Six Nations they be desired to attend the
Several Meetings which I have proposed to be at Oswego
next Spring of all the Nations in their and our Alliance in
order to concert such measures as may be for the mutual
benefit of them and us; and you are to attend yourself at
such meeting.
3 d . You are then to acquaint them of the Behaviour of the
Shawanese and Delaware Indians in Destroying the Set-
tlements and murdering the Inhabitants of the Several
Provinces of Pensilvania & c .
4 th . You are then to deliver to them my Speech herewith sent
you, which you are to enforce by all arguments in your
Power, and with such presents as you shall Judge neces-
sary.
5 th . You are to assure them in the Strongest terms that I shall
do all in my power to protect them and their Allies from
any Danger they may apprehend from the French, and as
the Building Forts in the Several Nations will not only
1 Original destroyed by fire.
2 C/. Shirley to Johnson, December 10, 1755, Doc. Rel. to Col Hist.
N. y., 6:1026-27.
410
Sir William Johnson Papers
Secure them from an Attack of the French or their Indians
but will also more Effectually fix them in the British
Interest.
You are to let the Indians of the Cayuga and Seneca's
Castles know that if they are desirous to have Forts built
for the protection of their Castles as is done for those of the
Mohawks; and the Tuscarora, Oneida and Onondaga
Indians have desir'd me to do for them, I will give orders
for the Erecting of them, and you are to take care that
Forts are built as soon as may be for the Tuscarora,
Oneida, and Onondaga Indians, according to the Model
herewith sent you in such places as you shall Judge most
proper, and to supply them with whatever you shall Judge
absolutely necessary for the Defence of such Forts, and if
they shou'd desire to have Garrisons posted therein which
you are to dispose them to do as much as possible ; you are
forthwith to acquaint me of it.
6 th . You are to acquaint them that it will be for their ease and
Conveniency to be supply'd with whatever Goods and
Commodities they shall want in Exchange for their Furrs
and Pelleterie, near their own Castles, if they desire it, I
will cause Trading Houses to be built in their respective
Nations ; where they shall be furnished with whatever they
want at Cheaper rates than they have hitherto been and be
allowed the best prices for their Skins and Furrs, that can
be afforded, and the Strictest care taken that they shall
not be impos'd upon in any part of their trade.
7 th . You are to take care that they be furnish'd with Skillfull
and carefull Smiths or Armourers, and such as shall be
agreable to them.
8 th . You are to dispose them as much as you can, to be desirous
of having English Ministers reside among them, in like
manner as the Mohawks have, for the Instruction of them
in the knowledge of the Christian Religion, and perform-
ance of Divine Worship among them; as also to teach
Preliminary Campaigns, / 755-7756
411
their Children the Indian Language ; and to let them know
that in such case I will order Chappells to be built for that
purpose, and procure Ministers to do the before mentioned
duty among them; and acquaint them that their Bretheren
of the Mohawks Castles have found great benefit and
Satisfaction from it.
9 th . You are to Visit the Several Nations of the said Indians
as often as is needfull, and to Inform Yourself of every-
thing that may be further done for fixing them in the
Interest of the English and a dependence upon his
Majesty ; or if they have any Grievances or Complaints to
make; an Account of both which you are to transmit to
me as soon as may be.
1 lfl . You are to use every Expedient in your power to cultivate
and Improve a good Correspondence with the Indians of
the Six Nations, and their Allies and Endeavour to prevail
on them to take part and Act with his Majesty's forces in
such opperations as I shall think most Conducive to the
good of his Majestys Service and if notwithstanding the
Messages already sent by Yourself and the Six Nations to
the Shawanese and Delawares they should still persist in
their Hostilities against the English you are in that case to
tell the Six Nations that we are Determined to revenge the
Injuries done by those People, and that we expect they will
Chastize them for such their Behaviour as it bids Defiance
to their Authority which the Six Nations have always
maintained over those Indians, and to make them sensible
that unless they do this, they will not only lose that Author-
ity forever but with it the Character which the Six Nations
have hitherto maintained of being the Masters and Supe-
riors of those Indians.
1 1 *. You are in my Name strictly to forbid all Persons whom
you shall at any time hear of or find treating or Conferring
with the Indians upon any Business of Publick concern
without my special Authority and direction given them
412 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
under my hand from Intermedling or Acting therein upon
any pretence whatsoever at their Peril and forthwith to
acquaint me with their behaviour.
12 th . You are to use all the means in your power to obtain all
possible Intelligence of the Motions and designs of the
French by employing and sending Indians or others to such
places as you shall judge necessary and to give them proper
rewards for their Services which Intelligence you are to
transmit to me immediately.
1 3 th . You are to be as frugal as possible in your Execution of the
trust reposed in you, to render accounts to me of all
expences, and to draw upon me from time to time for such
Sums of Money as you shall find necessary to employ for
his Majesty's Service in the management of Indian affairs
under your direction.
1 4 th . You are to use your utmost dilligence in the severall points
contained in these Instructions conformable to the powers
and Authorities given to you by a Warrant or Commission
from the late General Braddock dated at Alexandria the
15 th day of April 1 755. In consequence of his Majestys
Instructions to him; and to make report to me of your pro-
ceedings therein, and of all Material Occurrences which
may Affect his Majestys Interest with the said Six Nations
or their Allies, and to observe and follow such further
Instructions as you shall receive from me as Commander
in Chief of his Majesty's forces in North America for the
time being.
Given under my hand at New York the thirteenth day
of January 1 756.
W SHIRLEY.
Preliminary Campaigns, 17551756
413
GENERAL WILLIAM SHIRLEY TO THE SIX NATIONS *
^ D. S.
The Speech of His Excellency Major General William Shirley
General and Commander in Chief of all His Majesty's
Forces in North America.
To the Sachems & Warriors of the Indians of the Six Nations.
" Bretheren
The Great King of England your Father having committed
to me the Command of all His Forces raised & to be raised upon
the Continent of North America and in a particular manner com-
manded me to protect your Country and the Lands which your
Forefathers have conquered and are of right your territories,
against all violence & Attempts of the French our common
Enemy, and to cultivate a strict Friendship & alliance between
him & you. I take the first oppertunity of communicating this
to you by Major General Johnson whom I have now ordered to
visit you & take care of your Interest.
Bretheren
Since I came to this Place I have heard much News which
concern you as well as all the English & therefore do now send
General Johnson to speak my Mind to you.
Bretheren
Perhaps you think the Weather looks somewhat Cloudy, the
French are proud & have for some time past been very insolent
more so than is fit for you & us to bear. They threaten more but
be no frightened. I am not so. They are but few, we are many,
they are but a handful, if we all take up the Hatchet against
them, it behoves you Bretheren to be wise and to remain stedfast
to your old Friends the English; the Great King of England is
determined not only to protect you as well as his subjects in
America but to chastise the French for their repeated Insolencies.
Inclosed in Shirley to Johnson, January
1 Original destroyed by fire.
13, 1756.
414 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
Bretheren
The Governor of Pensilvania hath informed me that he hath
sent a Message to you of great importance by Scarrooyady and
Andrew Montour, I hope you have heard them with great
Attention and have considered well what they said.
Bretheren
The Indians called the Delawares & Shawanese who live in
& near Pensilvania have for a long time past lived in Friendship
with the People of that Province, Maryland & Virginia, those
People have always treated them as Friends & Brothers, and
yet they have without any Provocation, and without giving them
any Notice, taken up the Hatchet against them & struck their
Tomahawks in them whilst they lay asleep in their Beds not
expecting any harm from them, they have killed & Scalped
numbers, they burnt their Houses & Barns & have killed their
horses & Cattle.
Bretheren
The People of Pensilvania are always a Peaceable People,
they did not love War, not because they are weak & unable to
fight, they are strong & have great numbers of Men, this
Behaviour of the Delaware & Shawanese Indians hath made
them resolve to fight and they will have revenge.
Bretheren
The Indians the Delawares & Shawanese always lived under
your Direction, they looked upon you as their Masters, and you
looked upon them as Women, who wore Petticoats, they never
dared do anything of Importance without your leave, for they
knew if they did you would chastise them, yet those People
have now dared to make war upon your Antient Friends.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 415
Bretheren
It behoves you to join heartily with the People of Pensilvania
in punishing those Indians, for unless you do, we cant but think
you have given them leave to do what they have done, and if they
have not your leave yet it behoves you more to punish them, if
you dont they will dare look you in the face, they will think
themselves as good men as you, and you will loose the Name of
being their Masters.
Bretheren
I must again desire you will join in chastising those Indians,
that you will send some of your Warriors against them, that they
may know you are still our Friends, that you are Men & they
are but Women.
Bretheren of the Onondagas & Cayugaes
When I saw some of your chief Sachems & Warriors at
Oswego, your Hearts & my Heart seemed to be one, you prom-
ised to be true Friends to the English & to join with us against
our Enemies the French, and I promised to do all in my Power
to protect you against the French; you desired I would build a
Fort in your Country, which I will do as soon as the Weather
is fit for Men to work, you also promised to send some of your
Sachems to meet me next Spring at Oswego.
Bretheren of the Oneidas
Some of your chief Sachems & Warriors met me in my way
from Oswego at the Great Carrying Place, I desired them to
tell me whether your Nation would join heartily with us against
the French but they told me they would not give any answer, till
they had consulted the rest of your Sachems & Warriors, you
desired me to send you a number of Men to build you a Fort
which I understood was to be for you & the Tuscaroras, I sent
you a Number of Men to build you a Fort, but I have heard
that they went away, since which I have sent more Men to you
for that purpose and I hope they have almost finished it.
416 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
Bretheren of the Mohocks
In my return from Oswego I had not time to stop at your upper
Castle at Connajohary, but I sent my Secretary & some of my
officers there to console with you for the Loss of your Great
Sachem Hendrick & other Warriors at Lake George & to wipe
away your Tears & to inquire after your Healths. I visited your
lower Castle where your Chief Sachems & Warriors there told
me, that they & we were one, that our Enemies were their
Enemies and that when the Hatchett was lifted up against our
Head it was against their Head.
Bretheren of the Six Nations
It is now your time to resolve whether you will join heartily
with the English against their & your Enemies ; I told you before
that the Great King of England is determined to chastise the
French and all those who join with them & for that purpose I am
now raising a great Army to go against them early in the Spring;
if you join heartily with us, the Work will be easy, your Country
will then remain in Peace to you, & the Neighbouring Nations
will know that you are still able to conquer them.
W. SHIRLEY
By His Excellencys
Command
W M . ALEXANDER
Sec'*.
FROM ROBERT RODGERS
A. L. S. 1
Fort W m Henry 14* Jatf* 1756.
Set out with a party Under My Comand with Orders to
Distress the Enemy at Carilon we Marched Down the lake
George on the Ice Till we Came to y e . first Narrows & there we
Campd the first Night: y*. 15 th in y e . Morning Set Out Again &
Traveled that Day 25 Miles & then Campd till Midnight & Set
1 In New York Public Library, Emmet Collection.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 417
FROM JOHN C. HARTWICK ET AL.
There are found in the Johnson Calendar (See p. 72) the following
papers, which were destroyed by fire : a letter of January 1 3th to Johnson
from John C. Hartwick, at Staatsborough, proposing a plan for better
defending and governing the provincial frontiers (printed in Doc. Hist.
N. y., 4:294.196; Q, 4:191-92); Hartwick's letter of the 15th to
Abraham and Paulus Petersen and other Mohawks, conveying congratu-
lation, condolence and counsel, with request for signatures to a petition
(Doc. Hist. N. y., 4:296-98; Q, 4:192-93); the address, undated,
of Mohawk chiefs and others to King George, commending Hartwick's
plan and petitioning for a land grant in his behalf (Doc. Hist. N. y.,
4:298-301 ; Q, 4:193-95) ; and Hartwick's letter, of the 15th, expres-
sive of gratitude to Johnson and desire for his prosperity. P. 73, a letter,
of the 1 7th, from Johnson, at New York, to the lords of trade, arguing
that his office should be placed on an independent basis and showing
the need of provincial legislation to undo land frauds (Doc. Hist. N. Y. t
2:644-48; Q, 2:376-78, and Doc. Rol. to Col. Hist. AT. y..
7:7-9); not destroyed. Also a letter, of the 17th, to Johnson from
1 Erased in the original.
Vol. 1114
418 'Sir William Johnson Papers
Mindert Wemple, in the " Senecas country," about Frenchmen, goods
and scarcity of food; destroyed by fire.
TO THE LORDS OF TRADE
In Doc. Hist. N. Y. t 2:709, is a memorial of Johnson to the lords of
trade (not sent) praying for payment by the crown for expenditures dis-
allowed by the assembly; dated January 14, 1756.
FROM THE CORPORATION OF KINGSTON
L. S. 1
Kingston January ye: 17 th . 1756
May It Please Your Honour
We are Informed That you are to have a Conference With
The Mohawks Indians, and We Thought, In Duty We Were
Obliged to Let You Know The Malancholly Condition The
Poor Inhabitants at Minissink Lye Under and Likewise Some
part of our County of Ulster, by The Many Cruel and Bar-
barous Murderings and Burnings, Which Those Savages Doe
Commit Upon The Inhabitants,
The People Daily See Nothing but Fire and Sword Devesta-
tions and Desolations before Their Eyes, and Dread to become
a Victum to an Inhuman Enemy, they have Laid Waste and
Made Desolate about Sixty Miles In Lenght Upon Delaware
River, as We Always Understood That The Delaware and
Shawanose Indians Was Subject, or at Least Tributary, to The
Mohawks Indians We Desire That you'll be pleased to Lay our
Case before Them And to Endeavour If The Mohawks Will
Order or Direct The Delaware and Shawanose Indians To
Cease, Commiting Any Further Hostilities Upon The Inhabi-
tants, And If They be So Obstinate to persist in Their Wicked,
Proceedings, If We March Up against Those Indians, and
Original destroyed by fire.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1 755-7 756
419
istroy Them In The Manner They Attempted To Doe Us,
lat The Mohawks Indians Will Not be offended at us. We
Should Take It as a Great Favour If You Would be pleased to
Let us Know. What Answer the Mohawks Indians Will be
pleased to Make to You Upon The Case, We Write you Above,
If They Will Give us Their Assistance. We Are Your Honours
Most humble Servants
Hend Sleght, A: Gaasbeck Chambers
T Hersbrough Johannis De Lamette
Evert Wynkoop David DeLametter
John Hardenbergh P. Edmundus Elmendorph
Charles Brodhead
TO SIR THOMAS ROBINSON
L. S. 1
New York, Jan. 17*. 1756
SIR
The inclosed letters and Papers of the Baron De Dieskau,
which I have the Honour to transmit to you, were given me by
the Baron at the Camp at Lake George after the Action of the
8 th . of September, I sent them directly to S r . Charles Hardy,
who not having had a proper opertunity of sending them to Eng-
land has returned them to me, to send by his Majesty's Ship the
Nightingale that Sails to Morrow.
I did not presume to trouble his Royal Highness, or his
Majestys Ministers with any letters, or Papers relative to the
affairs of my Provincial Military Command, apprehending it
would be going out of my way to do so, as I sent all necessary
Papers to the Governments under whose appointment I acted,
Supposeing that they would of course transmit every thing that
was proper to be sent.
By the inclosed Sketch of the Country betwixt Fort S l . Fred-
In Public Record Office, C. O. 5.46, London, England.
420 f 5/r William Johnson Papers
erick, & Fort Edward, 1 which the Baron delivered me, I ought to
observe Sir that the French were at that time as little acquainted
with it as the English, I take the liberty to send you a Sketch
of the same part of the Country, compiled from the Journals of
the Scouting Parties I sent out there this Summer compared with
the Informations of the Indians and Hunters. 2 I ought also to
observe, that there is a misapprehension in the Barons letter where
He imagines that the Canadians and Indians forsook Him, they
continued at the attack till all was near decided, and the last
push was made by some of their Indians.
Sir, as I had oportunity of experiencing in the Provincial Mili-
tary Command I was Honoured with last Campaign, some matters
that it highly imports His Majesty's Ministers to be apprized of,
I cannot but think it my Duty to lay them before You to the best
of my own Observation, and more especially as they may at this
Juncture be liable to be Misconceived from the appearances of
the Events of this last Year.
Provincial Forces acting by themselves are so constituted that
neither by their Form or Discipline to be fitt for the various
Duties and Services of a Campaign of any continuance, nor for
the difficulties, Fatigues, & Events of a Siege, there cannot be
any well grounded dependance of Success or good to the Common
Service in Expeditions under an Army so Constituted.
These were some of the principall reasons which led me to
desire my dismission from the Provincial Service in a general
letter, I wrote to the Several Governours who raised Troops
under my Command, Coppy of which Letter I herewith
transmit. 3
As I have thus on one Hand from my own knowledge ventured
to say what Provincial Forces undertakeing a Campaign by
themselves in the Form of an Army are not fitt for. I ought on
1 See opposite page.
2 See opposite p. 422.
3 Johnson likewise inclosed his letter of October 10, 1755, to Lieu-
tenant Governor Phipps.
.8.8
H .b
n o
pj *-
ii
W
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 421
the other to say, where their Merit, and Strength lyes, and what
they are fitt for.
1 8t . They are fitt for what may be properly called an Expedition,
or an Excursion of ten or twenty Days Continuance
2 d . the objects of his Majesty's Service in this Country being
either to Erect Forts, or to demolish those erected by the
French in their encroachments on his Majestys Lands, must
I cannot but conceive be the Work of his Majesty's Regular
Troops, but as the way to all Such is thro' Woods & Wilder-
nesses the Provincial Forces of these Countries as Irregulars
can the best of any Forces in the World Cover His
Majesty's Troops thro' these Woods to where their proper
Scene of Action lyes, they can also in the Same Manner
escort up all their convoys, and would I should hope, did
any occasion call for their Service upon Such Duty act with
Bravery, Spirit, and Success.
If I have been guilty of any neglect or omission in not
writeing before to his Majesty's Ministers, or am now too
forward in troubling You with this, I beg it may be imputed
to my Misapprehension not my want of respect.
I have the Honour to be with the
most profound Respect
Sir
Your Most Obedient
Faithfull & most Humble Servant
W M . JOHNSON
To
the Right Honr blc . SIR THOMAS ROBINSON
INDORSED : New York Jan? : 1 7 th : 1 756.
S r . W m . Johnson.
R
March 11 th
422 Sir William Johnson Papers
TO BARON DIESKAU
Df. S.
[New York, '8 Jan*. 1756]
SIR
I receive the Sword you send me, not only with Sentiments of
the highest Esteem & Gratitude but as a Testimony of that
Friendship wherewith you are pleased to honour me. Permit me
sir to assure you, that it shall be the Ambition of my Life to mani-
fest to the World in general that I am not unworthy of your
Friendship, & to Convince you on every occasion, within the
Extent of my Abilities, that I honour your Character & am
unfeignedly disposed to render you every Mark of my Esteem &
Affection.
May every Felicity attend you & believe me My Dear Baron
that I am
with the utmost Cordiality
Sir
Your Affectionate
& Devoted Ser*
W JOHNSON
ADDRESSED: To
The Baron
De Dieskau
INDORSED: Baron de Dieskaus Letter
to Gen 1 . Johnson with his Sword
and Gen 1 . Johnson's Answer
1755
JOHNSON'S MAP OF LAKE GEORGE AND VICINITY
(See reverse)
EXPLANATION
1 Fort Edward
2 Fort William Henery
3 Wood Creek called by ye Indians Osserage
4 Creek Skaihyohowane
5 Foot of ye Mountains
, . , f called by the Indians Ticonderaquegon
6 South Bay & Drowned lands -\ . . , . , . r Q c , T/
^signifying a Mass or Conflux of Waters
, T r (Caniaderoite signifying the
7 Lake George calld by the Indians -I ^ ^ ^ *~ 6
8 A Bay call'd by ye Indians 1 where the Scouting Parties hid their
Kanhusker a Corner J Canoes.
9 First Narrows
10 A Bay call'd by ye Indians Sakundawide
1 1 Second Narrows The French advanc'd Post . . . below which
The Carrying place Over the Falls.
12 A Remarkable high Mountain call'd by the Indians Tokaghwanker-
aneghton. NB beneath this is a little bay from whence in ye course
of the prickt line (green) turning eastward thro a Gap in ye
Mountain where the Creek runs thro, 'tis thought by some a road
may be found,
1 3 The Sugar Bush
1 4 The French Fortifyed Post which they call'd Carillon call'd by the
Indians Tieonderoge signifyeing ye Conflux of two Rivers.
1 5 Fort St Frederic
1 6 The Narrows on ye Drowned Land. Two Rocks.
1 7 A Lake, The Country here is full of Such.
1 8 A remarkable high Mountain call'd by ye Indians Canucksohory
19 Advanc'd post of the English Forces from ye Scouting parties went
out to South Bay & ye Narrow in ye various directions of the green
prickt lines.
20 The Point, opposite to Fort St Frediric, calld by the Dutch Crum Pt.
21 Presqu'Isle.
22 The Great Lake called by the Dutch Lac Corlear, by the French Lac
Champlain & des Iroquois, but by the Indian Themselves Caniadere'-
guaront' which either signifyes the Lac that is ye Gate or Door, or
else signifyes Barent's Lake so call'd after a Dutchman of that Name
which the Indians pronounce Guarent. The Entrance between Fort
St Frederic & Crun Pt into the Lake ye Indians call Tek'yadough-
niyariga signifyeing two Points of high Land opposite to each other.
23 Kingiaquocktenoc Falls where is a Portage of 200 Yds.
24 Narrows not above 30 or 40 Ft: across where Wood Creek runs into
ye drowned Lands.
NB The Red Lines show ye Roads that have been open'd & made for
Carriages. The red prickt Lines ye directions in which tis supposed
that such may be found. The green prickt Lines shows the Routs
of the Indians & Scouting Parties.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756
423
FROM NATHAN WHITING
A. L. S. 1
Fort Edward. JarP 24 1756
SIR
I have Wiled away the time till now & have met with Nothing
extraordinary, I dont find I am any nearer that point of happi-
ness I promised my Self by going Home, than When the forces
first went of, but As hope or expectation Supplys the place of
enjoyment I Live upon that yet. the Garison is now pretty Well
Setled & I should have no difficulty were it Not that the New
York people are uneasy for want of the blankets And Cloathing
they Say they were promised & Which they really want, it is
time me thinks, they Should have Winter Cloathing If they are
to have Any; I have repeatedly Wrote to the Commissioners
And M r D e Peyster, Why they Are not Sent I know not. I
believe they would Some of them have gone of before now were
they not really Satisfied that I had done every thing in my power
to get their Cloathing.
I have Lately Sent a Scout of eight Men as far as the falls on
Wood Crick, they were dogged the Day they got to the falls by
Some partys as they Supposed of hunting Indians, they were
alarm d in the Night by the firing of Guns, & Shifted thire Loging
& in the Morning opposite a Mountain Where they Lodged,
they discovered the head quarters of the Indians & about thirty
Setting round their fire within 1 5 rod. While Cap* Grant Who
was the head of my Scout was determining What to do he found
they had discovered him so he made of and they persued him
all Day, he came across the South Bay to the other Fort the Same
Day Which was the Day after Rogers got in with his prisoners,
one of Rogers Men was out alone upon the Mountain West of
the Fort Henry Where he was fired upon by An Indian, but
miss d then the fellow Says he fired at the Indian, killed him
Went up to him to Scalp him, When he Saw eight more running
In New York Public Library, Emmet Collection.
424 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
toward him upon Which he run they fired after And persued
him, he Escaped them & got in here the Next Day. this is his
Story, I immediately Sent & Informed Col Glazier that his Man
was Safe & to know of him Whether he knew Any thing of the
matter, he tells me they discovered Some Tracts but found
Nothing of the dead Indian; a considerable flight of Snow fell
that Evening may they always be so disappointed in all their
Attempts upon us ; Cap 1 Grants tells me the Ice of Wood Crick
Will Scarcly bare a Man & he thinks never is Strong so that tis
Not possible he thinks for them to Visit us that way with Artilery
this Winter he Says he Sees no possible way to get to South
Bay & thinks it much more difficult to go by Woodcrick than
Lake George Which he Imagines the only Way When ever
forces are Sent on this quarter.
I have now only to tell you that I am Informed by Cap* Gaylor,
Who I discharged upon Cap 1 M c Ginnis Company, Coming up,
that the Commis rs nor M r D e Peyster would pay his Company
Any thing for the time they have Garison d this Fort, they Say
they have no Orders. I think it very Strange, they dare not
venture to advance so much money When I'me Sure they need
not fear the Honour of the Gov'. As I had my orders from you
for detaining part of them forces I make my Application to you
& doubt not you will do every thing proper for you to do to
enable Cap 1 Gaylord to get his money I beg Leave to Subscribe
with due Esteem
Your Honours
Most humble Serv*
N WHITING
To WILLIAM JOHNSON Esq r
INDORSED: Fort Edward 24 Jan?. 1 756.
Col 1 Whiting Letter
FROM BEAMSLY GLAZIER TO ROBERT ROGERS
In the Johnson Calendar (See p. 73) is a letter, of January 29th,
from Beamsly Glazier, at Fort William Henry, to Robert Rogers, direct-
ing him to reconnoiter Crown Point (printed in Doc Hist N Y
4 :283_84 ; Q, 4 : 1 83) . Destroyed by fire.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 425
FROM BOLEYN WHITNEY
A. L. S.
Dublin January 37" 7756
I take this opportunity of the bearer Capt n . Mansel going from
this kingdom to America to congratulate you upon your glorious
victory you have gain'd ag*. the perfidious ffrench and Indians
which has in a great measure retriev'd the misfortune brought
upon our affairs by the defeat of Gen 1 . Braddock our whole
kingdom is overjoy'd to find that this Success is owing to a gent",
of this countrey and say they could expect no less from the nephew
of the Brave Sir Peter Warren and you may easily imagine what
joy it has diffus'd among your own relations and friends. I lately
saw your Bro r . John who manages my Lady Warrens affairs in
this countrey, he told me his Bro r . had sold his company in Col.
Pools Regiment, and that he intended to goe to America and
serve under your command he is in great esteem among the
military men here and most acceptable to every one that knows
him your father considering his time of life is in a pretty good
state of health but his sight is greatly impaird the rest of the
ffamily are all well and in high spirits my friend Cap 1 . Mansel
will be ambitious of your Patronage and friendship I think by
the time you may receive this he will be eldest Capt n . in gen 1
Otways Regiment which is order'd for America I am under the
greatest obligations to his father and ffamily and shall be greatly
oblig'd to you for any acts of favour and friendship that may be
show'd to him he is esteem'd a very good officer and tho' a young
man has been upon important services which have given him
experience in the military way. I presume to address you on his
behalf as I am persuaded you remember my attachment to your
ffamily and the regard Sir Peter Warren had for me and wishing
you all prosperity and success in your glorious enterprizes I
remain Sir, your most ff aithful and obedient humble servant
BOLEYN WHITNEY
426 'Sir William Johnson Papers
FROM RICHARD PETERS
A. L. S.
Philadelphia, 2* Feb* 1756
SIR
Whilst I was attending the Governor in his Journy to <the
Fronteer> of this Province I received your Favour for which I
make you my heartiest Acknowledgments. To the Condolances
your Friends have made You on the Deaths of your Sister and
Brother I very sincerely joyn mine.
I hope M r Clause will be of Service at the general Convention
of the Indians and desire you will be pleased to favour him with
a Copy of the Minutes of what passes at it, for the use of this
Government, and not suffer him to stay a moment after the Indians
have given their final answer but proceed with the Minutes and
your Dispatches to Governor Morris, who will wait with
Impatience for them as he has suspended the Execution of several
measures necessary to be taken against these horrid Ravagers on
our Borders till he knows y e determination of the Six Nations. It
is not to be doubted, notwithstanding all that is doing or can be
done for our Defence, but they will continue to murder our
Inhabitants and destroy their Plantations until the Government
shall offer high Rewards for Scalps and form some vigorous
offensive Measures against them.
As to the Information given by the Smith of our Inhabitants
having killed and scalped some of the Seneca Indians at Cone-
wago in our Province, of which S r Charles Hardy has wrote the
Governor an Account I have his Honours Orders to assure you
that it is scarce possible any such thing could have been done, as
none of the persons concernd in this Government have ever heard
of it, tho the Governor, several of the <Council, M r . Weiser &
myself have lately been at Conewago the place where the
Murders> are said to have been <committed and> that this
River is not in any Path used by the Warriors, but runs thro the
Preliminary Campaigns, 7755-7756 427
iterior Parts of the County of York and on the South and East
les of the South Mountain where I have not heard that any
Carriers have come since my knowledge of the Province.
ccuse me for suggesting a Suspicion. May not some of the
>enecas have joynd the Delawares in their Incursions, and in
>rder to vindicate themselves in case they shoud be discovered
lave framed this Story. However a Copy of C r Charles Hardys
Better to Gov r Morris is sent to M r Weiser with orders to make
the fullest enquiry into this matter directly & when his answer
comes it will be imediately forwarded to you. But as no time is
mentiond in the Information when this shoud have happened, nor
no place that can be distinguishd nor no names of persons I do
not think M r Weiser will be able to learn any thing about it.
Perhaps you may see the Senecas at the General Convention
who have the Information and by them discover the truth, and
according as this shall turn out the Governor desires you will act
towards the Senecas and treat with them in such manner as shall
best conduce to preserve their friendship & the Reputation of this
Province for doing Justice to the Indians on all Occasions.
Scarroyady has favoured the Governor with a Letter dated the
4 th Jan r y from Oneocguago so that I expect he will be very
favourable to you at the Convention.
<He & M r Montour 1 deserves the thanks & Esteem of this
and all the other Colonies for undertaking this dangerous
Journy]> and executing their orders so well and faithfully. I
< desire > you will be pleased to .make them my Compliments
and < express > for me the vast pleasure I received to hear of
their Safety. They may return with M r . Clause who has a
Credit on M r Stephenson to defray their Expences and if neces-
sary, to provide them w h Cloaths.
The Governor of Virginia acquaints Gov r . Morris that 130
Cherokee are already arrivd at Jacksons River in Virginia & with
the Provincials are going on an Expedition ag* the Lower Shaw-
1 Andrew Montour, interpreter. For a sketch of Montour, see Francis
Parkman, Montcalm and Wolfe, 1 :58.
428 'Sir William Johnson Papers
onese Town w ch is considerd as a Secret of State. M r Dinwiddie
further says that the Cherokees have expressed themselves in our
favour, say they will take up the Hatchet ag< the French & fur-
nish us with a thousand of their Warriors in the Spring I wish
this may be true or one half of it. No news of a great while
from England. Every Honour conferrd on you gives me a
sensible pleasure and woud his Majesty or his Ministers accom-
pany the Title of Baronet with a proper order on the Treasury,
it woud be doing still better and no more than what they shoud
do. My kind service to M r Wraxall. I am with a very sincere
and cordial Esteem
Sir
your obliged
humble Servant
RICHARD PETERS
Scarroyady & Montour must
know if any Senecas have been
scalpd in this Province having
both been near the place several times
this year.
INDORSED : Feb r y. 2 d 1 756
Letter from M r Peters
of Philadelphia
FROM WILLIAM EYRE
A. L. S.
New York 3 J . Feb: 1755 [1756]
D R . SIR
Give me leave mongst the many of Your friends to congratu-
late you on this Signal Mark of Regard which His Majesty has
so lately Certified to you and hope it is only a prelude to future
good fortune.
No Doubt but you will hear of or See the Inviteracy of the
Boston writers. You and I seem the Butt of their Spleen and
Preliminary Campaigns, 7755-7756 429
Resentment, this last Paper of theirs is most Scandalous, No
>oubt but you will see it, and be convinced how much we are
ispected by y f . Set of Banditti.
I am Sorry I have not Some good News to Send you in regard
to publick Affairs, the Packet has brought nothing very tooth-
>me. I live in hopes to See better times, if you have Any
[ews I should be glad to be favoured with a line. Adieu D r . Sir
;lieve me to be with Much truth & Esteem
Y r . Sincere Wellwisher &c.
WILL: EYRE
S R . WILL M . JOHNSON
FROM GOLDSBROW BANYAR
A. L. S. 1
New York 4 February 1756
DEAR SIR
Vandenbergh arrived last Night: I rece d your Letter this
Morning, and am oblig d to write in a hurry as the Governor will
I believe dispatch the Express this Afternoon. I am pleased to
find by your Letter there are some of the Susquehanahi at your
House. It would be a satisfaction to know from yourself the
Reesons they alledge for their quarrel with the English. I wish
you may accomplish your Scheme of bringing some of them to
live among the six Nations, and to make the latter incorporate
those Nations whom they call their dependents into a Nation con-
federate with the six Nations. The Interest of all will be one,
and we can assure ourselves of their Friendship with greater Cer-
tainty than at present. The six Nations themselves appear to
me not so united as it could be wish d they were. If the French
Emissaries be kept from among them, and even Messages from
being sent by Indians, the Party the French have among them
would drop of course, and till this be done I fear they will act
very differently, and not any so heartily as the Common Interest
1 Original destroyed by fire.
430 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
requires. You are the best Judge how to effect all this. The
Governor says they will want Powder at Oswego the Beginning
of April if not supplyed sooner I wonder if there be such
another People under the Sun as the English. Can it be sup-
posed that after all that M r Shirley has done to save Osipego,
that a place of so much Consequence should not be better supply d .
M r . Kennedy says an Express was sent to Scotland for Lord
Louden, for what nobody could tell, some said to come over to
America. I hope it may be so There was no Talk, that
appears by the Prints or private Letters, of sending either Troops
or a General. Can we be said to have either, except a few hun-
dred of the former. The Secend Pacquet was to sail in 1 days
after this. No Letters of Consequence after the 15 Nov r : M r .
Kennedy read me a part of two he had one to this Effect. Gen-
eral Johnson was spoke of in the House of Lords with great
applause another your Friend M r . Johnson is Spoke of
highly, and tis not doubted his Majesty will compensate him for
his Services. No private Letters that I hear mention y r . being
created a Baronet. M r . Franks told me twas mentioned in an
Article Whitehall Nov r . among the other Promo 8 , that you
are particularly distinguished as of New Yorl^. No Body doubts
it. And that you have no Notice of it from private Letters must
I suppose arise from the Letters w ch , are wrote being so soon after
it was done, or perhaps before for I cant tell which. I directed
a Letter with your Title, inclosed to M r . Ogilvie, with a private
Letter for your self that came in the Pacquet. Tho I hardly
doubt it, yet I will not address this in that manner as it will not
go inclosed. No accounts yet whether the New Englanders will
raise their Quotas of Men. You know I suppose that there are
3 more Vessels to be built at Oswego as large as the Harbour
will admit of which is something larger than the biggest of those
already built. I have nothing material to add that I can think of.
Let me be favour d with' some Account of your Indian proceed-
ings, without thinking that I shall know it from those you can send
the Gov r . who is not always very communicative : And no Intel-
Preliminary Campaigns, 1 7 55-17 56 431
ligence he receives goes before the Council but what immediately
requires their advice. I am D r . Sir
your affectionate &
obed. h ble Servant
Gw BANYAR
FROM SIR CHARLES HARDY
L. S. 1
Fort George New York 4 th Feb*. 1756
SIR
Last night I received your Letter Incloseing Copys of one
from Colo. Whiteing, and the Indians Speech and Information.
I am inclined to beleive the French Officer said to have been
at Niagara, will not so readily make an Attempt on Oswego, but
rather means to frighten and intimidate the Indians, however,
it is proper to take every prudent precaution, and you will inform
the Commanding Officer of Oswego of this and every other
Information you may from time to time receive, also the Com-
manding Officers at the two head Quarters at Albany and
Schenectady.
The Six Nations should not be so much allarmed at the French
Motions, they must see a good Garison at Oswego, and should be
encouraged to give them Assistance, by repairing to that Fort,
when they learn from any good Authority, that the French are
forming any designs that way, I do not doubt but you will pro-
mote such a Spirit among them.
I am informed there is not more Provisions at Oswego than
will serve the Garison to the last Week in March, if you send to
Colonel Mercer, I must desire you will inform yourself in this
particular and let me know, that all proper assistance may be
given them, and in the mean time, if they should be in want, you
will take all measures in your power to afford them the necessary
relief, for that Garison must not be reduced for want of timely
1 Original destroyed by fire.
432 Sir William Johnson Papers
Supplys ; I should hope if the Waters are and continue to be shut
for some time, that Horses might get up with Supplys in Sacks,
which on such occasions must be impressed for this Service; upon
a full consideration of this matter I must desire you will send a
trusty Indian to Oswego, to be satisfied in this point, and you may
use my Name to Colo. Mercer upon it.
It is very extraordinary that the Commissioners or Commissarys
at Albany, will not supply the Forces in the Pay of this Province,
with the Cloathing agreable to my directions, which I have since
repeated by M r . Oliver DeLancey who has wrote twice to them
by my order I do by the return of your Express write to them
again.
I am sorry the Surveyors will not undertake the Service they
have been desired to Attempt.
I must recommend your endeavouring to prevail on some
Indians to continue a constant Scout between our Forts, and the
Wood Creek, and South Bay, that the Enemy or their Indians
may not surprize any of our Party's from the Forts.
I am glad to find you have any hopes of putting an end to the
Ravages committed in Pensilvania, the Six Nations ingageing
to put a stop to them will be an earnest of their regard for their
English Brethren: this matter must be strongly pressed upon
them. You will as soon as possible send me an account of your
meeting with them.
I am Sir.
Your most Obed:
humble Servant
CHAS: HARDY.
You will forward the Inclosed to Colo. Mercer.
The Hon ble . WILLIAM JOHNSON
Preliminary Campaigns, 7755-7756 433
FROM ROBERT ROGERS ET AL
The preceding is followed in the Johnson Calendar, p. 7376 by
Robert Rogers's report, dated the 6th, of a scout to Crown Point (Doc.
Hist. N. y., 4:284-85; Q, 4:184); conferences between Johnson and
the United Nations and other tribes, December 7, 26, 1755, Jan. 29,
Feb. 2-28. 1756 (Doc. Rd. to Col Hist. N. Y., 7:44-74); a letter,
of March 5th, from John Pownall, at Whitehall, for the lords of trade,
to Johnson on Lord Loudoun's command, Johnson's superintendency and
Indian grievances (Doc. Hist. N. Y. t 2:710-11; Q, 2:413-14; and
Doc. Rel. to Col. Hist. N. y., 7:40-41); a letter, of the 6th, from
Johnson to the lords of trade on Indian conferences, Indian trade, forts
and garrisons in the Indian country, missionaries and chaplains, and alarm-
ing news about Oswego (Doc. Hist. N. Y., 2:712-15; Q. 2:414-16;
and Doc. Rd. to Col. Hist. N. Y. t 7:41-43). Destroyed by fire.
TO JOHN VAN SEICE
L. S. 1
Fefer* 8*. 7756
M R . JOHN VANSEICE
As I have the sole management of the affairs of the Six
Nations, and their allies, committed to my Care, & trust by his
Majesty's Instructions, I hereby desire you will communicate
what ever news is, or may be among the Indians of that Castle
where you are, or any other, which may reach your ears to me
immediately and to no Body Else, unless to the Commanding
officer at Osswego, to whom you are immediately to communicate
such news as may concern the Safety of said garrison. You are
to promote his Majestys Interest with Said Indians as far as in
y r . power by following such directions, & orders as you may from
time, to time receive from Me. Also to Mend their Arms of
every kind and their working utensils for which I understand
Gen rl . Shirley sent you there.
You are not to Suffer any French Emissaries, or Interpreters
whatsoever to come into the Ondaga Castle if you can help it.
if such should come and the Indians countenance them, you are
1 In Boston Public Library.
434 Sir William Johnson Papers
in that case to tell the Indians you will acquaint me of it. Yoi
need not be afraid of any Bodys displeasure for following these
directions, as I have Settled that matter with Gen' 1 . Shirley con
cerning you at New York.
I am y r
W M . JOHNSON
To M r . John Vanseice
Smith at Ondaga
COMMISSION FROM GEORGE SECOND
D S 1
Feb. 17. 1756 \
George R.
Sir Wn. John- George the Second &c a : To Our Trusty and Welbeloved S
son Bar 1 , to be _ v .. 11 . T , , r > > AV7
Colo, of the Six William Johnson Baronet, Greeting. We reposing especi
todia'T &* Agent Trust & Confidence in Your Loyalty, Courage and good Co
& Superintendant duct, do by these Presents constitute & appoint You to be Colon
of Our Faithfull Subjects, and Allies, the Six united Natio
of Indians, & their Confederates, in the Northern Parts of Nor
America, & You are to observe and follow such Orders aij
Directions from time to time, as You shall receive from Our Cor
mander in Chief of Our Forces in North America now and 1
the time being, or any other Your Superior Officer according
the Rules and Discipline of War; and We do also constitute!:
appoint You Our Sole Agent and Superintendant of the szjl
Indians and their Affairs, with the Annual Salary of Six hundrl
Pounds Sterling, payable Quarterly at the four most usil
Feasts or Days of Payment in the Year, out of such Sums f
Money as shall be in the Hands of the Commander in Chief if
Our Forces in North America for the time being, applicable)
the Service of America ; to hold, exercise & enjoy the said Off*
& Employment with the several respective Salaries, Perquisi's
1 In Public Record Office, C. O. 324.38, p. 445, London, England.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 435
& Advantages during Our Pleasure. And We do hereby direct
Our said Commander in Chief of Our Forces in America for the
time being, whose Commands & Directions You are punctually
to observe in all Matters relating to Affairs of the said Indians, to
take effectual Care, that the said Salary of 600 be duly paid
& satisfied to you according to Our Will & Pleasure herein
declared. Given at Our Court at S': James's the 17 th . Day of
February 1 756 in the Twenty Ninth Year of Our Reign.
By His Majesty's Command
H. Fox.-
FROM JOHN POWNALL ET AL.
In Doc. Rel. to Col. Hist. N. Y., v. 7, are the following letters: the
lords of trade to Henry Fox, secretary of state, recommending Johnson's
appointment to the superintendency by a commission from the king, dated
February 1 7th, p. 35 ; the lords of trade to Sir Charles Hardy, announc-
ing such appointment, February 17th, p. 36-37; John Pownall, secretary,
to Johnson on his appointment and Indian grievances, March 5th, p.
40-41 ; John Van Seice, at Onondaga, to Johnson, on the condition of
Oswego, March 6th, p. 74; and Henry Fox to Johnson, apprising him
of a parliamentary grant of 5000, of appointment as colonel, agent and
sole superintendent, and of royal support in his policy, March 13th, p.
76-77.
WILLIAM SHIRLEY TO ABRAM MORTIER
D. S.
Contemporary Copp
Boston, March 77, 7756
By His Excellency William Shirley General and Commander
in Chief of his Majestys forces in North America
You are hereby directed and required out of such Monies as
are or shall come to your hands for the Contingent uses of his
Majestys Forces under my Command to pay or cause to be paid
to Sir William Johnson Baronet or his Assigns without Deduc-
tion, or Account the sum of Five thousand Pounds Sterl. in
Dollars at four shillings and Eight pence Each being for Expences
436 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
in the Indian Affairs Under His Management. And for so doing
this with the acquittance of the Said Sir William Johnson
Baronet or his Assigns shall be your sufficient Warrant and
Discharge
Given Under My Hand at
Boston the Seventeenth day of
March 1756.
Will-. Shirley
To Abram Mortier Esq r .
Deputy Paymaster
at. Boston
New England
By His Excellencys Command
W M . ALEXANDER Sec?.
INDORSED: March 17 lh : 1756
A Draft from Genr 1 .
Shirley on Abr m .
Mortier Esq r . for
5000
TO HENRY FOX
L. S. 1
Fort Johnson April 2. 1756
SIR
The 20 th . of March I was honoured with Sir Thomas Robin-
sons Letter to me bearing date the 11. November.
His Majesties gracious Approbation of my Conduct previous
to, and on the 8 th . of September, and the honour He hath been
pleased to confer on me as a Mark of His Royal Favour, adding
thereto the Condesension of directing His Secretary of State to
signifie the same to me, I receive with Sentiments of the highest
Gratitude, and most dutifull respect.
1 In Public Record Office, C. O. 5. 46, London, England.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 437
Permit me to assure You Sir, it is and shall be my most fervent
and Zealous Ambition to manifest on all Occasions within the
;ach of my Abilities, my dutifull Obligations, and my loyal
Devotion to His Majesties Royal Person, Crown, and Dignity.
I have transmitted to the Governours of the several Provinces
whose Troops I had the honour to Command those Paragraphs
of Sir Thomas Robinsons Letter which signifie to me, the Honour
of His Majesties Approbation of the Behaviour of their Officers,
and private Men, His Royal Commendations of the Alacrity and
Dispatch with which their Reinforcements were Raised, and His
Majesties Paternal Assureances of His Favour and Protection.
I am
With the utmost respect
Sir
Your most Obedient
and most humble serv*
W M . JOHNSON
To The Right Honourable
HENRY Fox Esq r .
&ca
INDORSED : Fort Johnson April 2 d :
1756
Sir W m . Johnson
R June 7 th .
FROM RICHARD SHUCKBURGH
A. L. S. 1
New York April y 4. 1756
SIR
Having given y r . News Papers to M r . Banyar to forward I
have little to advise you but woud not let Slip this Opportunity
of acquainting that an Agent for Indian Affairs is appointed for
Carolina for y c Southrn Inds. how far his district reaches I'm
Original destroyed by fire.
I
438 Sir William Johnson Papers
not informed, One M r . Atkins * one of y e Council of y. Province.
I have seen him at L d . Halifax's Levee, this Cap 1 . Rutherfurd
writes. I should say Major now. I still attend Baron De
Dieskau & By S r . Chas. Hardys interest have Gen 1 . Shirleys
Liberty to do so. You'le see by the Papers that the Quakers
alterd their Note to their Gov*. & by the Letter .of their address
seem to applaud their Indian management & by what M r . Claus
says want to continue it for which they appear to be very unfit.
This is y e humble opinion of y r . old acquaintance & very humble
Servant
R D SHUCKBURGH
FROM DANIEL CLAUS
A. L. S. 2
Philadelphia April the 5*. 7756.
HONOURED SIR
I would have given myself the Honour of waiting upon you
immediately after my arrival here, but the Report of your
Honours being marched with a Body of Men and Indians
towards the great Carrying place not only detained me, from it,
but likewise gave me a great deal of Uneasiness of not being
myself among that Body, Now its not being confirmed gives me
an Opportunity of sending this to you, and acquaint your hon r .
in the Name of Skaronyade M r . Montour and all the Indians
that were last Summer with Gen 1 . Braddock, and at present in
this City, that they were resolved to quitt this Government and
live among their friends the Six Nations since times were so
troublesome at Ohio they are twenty odd in Number Men
Women and Children. capt n George Croghan, and John
Davison are likewise coming that Way, the former left this place
last Wednesday in Order to Settle his affairs at Aukwik, and is
to be back next Saturday, when We I hope Shall Set off for the
Mohawks.
1 Edmund Atkin, superintendent of Indian affairs in the Southern
colonies. See Doc. Rel. to Col Hist. N. Y., 7:21 1.
2 Original destroyed by fire.
Preliminary Campaigns, 7755-7756 439
Gov r Morris is Striving to give me a Capt ns Commission in
the Provincials under Colo Clapham a N : E : Man to go to the
Frontiers and build Forts at Shamokin & ca , NB : The party is
to consist of 400 Men only, but I can not conceive how that will
be consistent with me as I plainly foresee Indian affairs must drop
in this Province as there will be no Indians; Thinking your
honour was from home I wrote by the Post to Capt n Wraxall and
by his answer he advises me not to accept of Such a temporary
thing as a Provincial Commission, he also writes me that M r .
Banyar to whom he read my Letter acquainted S r . Charles with
it, but he did not return from the Gov rs before the Post left N ;
York.
This Province at present is in a most deplorable Situation
The Gov rs . Party and the Quakers, (whose head is M r Franklin)
are continually in Dispute with one another, and nothing but
Confusion reigns here ; the Enemy as reported is descending upon
them with a Body of 1 600 Strong ; M r Peters is Sometimes most
distracted and dreads its Ruin if things go on as they do The
60,000 pound raised lately are expended to one quarter and no
body knows what good was done thereby.
The young Man that made his Escape from King Shingo the
Delaware, Says that the Indians told him how they found out that
the English and french made an agreement to cut them of & then
take their Lands in Possession, but that they would prevent that
if possible, for Saith they if we only Subdue the English first
we may do afterwards what we please with the French, for we
have them as it were in a Sheep Den and may cut them off any
time, for they had no liberty to plant any Corn yet tho' they
tryed but it was forbid them and we told them that we did not
give them Liberty to build that Fort in order to make Improve-
ments but only to fight against the English.
The People were Surprized that the 6 Nations at the last
Treaty had not agreed upon knocking the Delawares and Shaw-
enese in the head ; Skaronyade told them that the 6 Nations were
resolved to cut them off in case they would not listen to the Mes-
sage they sent now; the Governour and Council then were won-
440 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
dering that the Treaty was mentioning nothing of the Nature, I
told them I did not hear the 6 Nations say any Such Thing in
publick nor believed they would undertake it. then M r . Montour
Said it was agreed upon in Some of their private Councils, and
other things more which never was communicated to any body yet.
They are now upon promising Rewards for Scalps 30. a Scalp
and 50: a Prisoner, Before they know the Result of the 6.
Nations upon the answer the Delawares are to give to their late
Message I am afeard they will make Evil worse; They think
here the Message to the Delawares upon the Susquehanna only,
was of no Consequence or help, but Messages should have been
Sent to Ohio and to the Indians who live near Fort Du Quesne.
Last Monday the 29. of March dies Moses Moye Mishes Son
who came down with me he fell Sick on Sunday Night at 12.
oClock and expired the next Night about 2. in the Morning he
was burried honourably in the English Churchyard, and your
honour will find a paragraph about it in the News papers, Ska-
ronyade begs of your honour to acquaint the Ralations with it.
Just now M r . Peters tells me that this Government was going
to engage 50. or 60. Jersey Indians whereof I was to be com-
mander, I did not give him a conclusive answer but told him I
would consult Skaronyade ab*. it.
There is a Report in Town of a London Vessell being in the
Mouth of Delaware River.
The Post goes off and I must conclude; I have given your
honour a Short Description of the principal Things in Motion
here and have no more to add but to remain in due Respect
Your honour 8
Most Obedient and
most humble Servant
DAN CLAUS.
P S*. Just now I Seen a Paragraph in the N : York News
that your Honour Went a Second time towards the Carrying Place
I hope and heartily wish you Success, We are to Set off the
Beginning of next Week There is no News from home yet here.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1 7 55-17 56 441
FROM JOHN WATTS
The preceding letter is followed in the Johnson Calendar, p. 76 by a
tier of the 1 2th from John Watts, at New York, to Johnson at Albany
it finances and military movements. It was destroyed by fire.
FROM GOLDSBROW BANYAR
A. L. S. 1
New York, 20 April 1756.
>EAR SIR
Yesterday Morning arrived the Pacquet; which left Falmouth
the 14 February, but the latest Letters are the 17 th January:
so that the accounts from Boston are the freshest : The Pacquet
Intelligence does not mention the appointment of any General,
but by a private Letter which Sir Charles told me he had, he
was confident a General officer would be appointed. Several
young Gentlemen are come hither from Boston, who came in
one of the Men of War arrived there, who I hear say Lord
Lowden was actually appointed, and one of them I am told says
Transports were hired to bring over the three Regiments ordered
to America. General Shirley's Conduct is universally condemned
in England. They look on your Victory in much the same Light
as we do, that is, it saved the Oswego army and the County of
Albany &c a . Dieskau bears the Character in England of a very
considerable Officer The Ministry had determined to have it
recommended to Parliament to distribute 100,000 among the
Colonies concerned in the late Expedition. The Bostonians I
hear are disappointed for instead of 50,000 bro 1 in the Man of
War arrived there it is now said only 15,000 was brought &
that for the Payment of the two British Reg 18 . Young M r .
Franks 2 had been consulted about the Money proposed to be sent
to the Colonies & writes fully on this Head to M r Watts who is
out of Town & we know not what he writes. Sir Charles has
ordered the Indian arms & ammunition to be delivered to you.
1 Original destroyed by fire.
2 Moses Franks of Philadelphia?
442 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
Your last Letters and the accounts that accompanyed them
give me very great Pain for Oswego, for if they can prevent
Bradstreet and his Convoy from reaching it, the Garrison can-
not hold out till a sufficient Force be sent to dislodge the French.
I hope notwithstanding his mad Conduct, you will (or rather
have already) endeavour to prevail with as many of the Six
Nations to join him & go with him to Oswego as possible. It is
almost all my hopes for I do not see how he can with such a
chicken hearted Crew as I suppose the Batoe men to be make
Stand ag* the French. 1 Unless we can save Oswego, farewell to
all our operations this year, the most we shall be able to do will
be to retake it. My comp ts to M r . Wraxall : I deliver this with
two Letters for you and two for Cap*. Wraxall to d r . Shuckburgh
who will inclose them in a Pacquet with the News Papers. I am
My dear Sir
your most obed &
affectionate h blc Serv*.
Gw BANYAR
FROM ONONDAGA DEPUTIES ET AL
In Doc. Rel to Col Hist. N. Y. t 7:82-85, are printed a report of
Onondaga deputies to Johnson, dated April 2 1 st, and a report of Mohawk
delegates, dated the 22d. In Doc. Hist. N. Y., 1 :475-76; Q, 1 :308,
under April 21, is a council minute containing intelligence from Johnson
of measures taken by him for the relief of Oswego and the protection of
Forts Edward and William Henry.
FROM ROBERT HUNTER MORRIS
L. S.
Philadelphia April 24, 1756
SIR
I have the Honour to acknowledge the receit of yours of the
8 th . March which M r Clause delivered to me with a Copy of the
Treaty The Indians adhere so closely to their Tedious Cere-
monies that I am sensible you must have had a most fatiguing time
1 See Francis Parkman, Montcalm and Wolfe, 2:80-83.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 443
it. It is however some Compensation to receive the Satis fac-
>n you Express in finding the Indians so well disposed towards
tis Majesty's Interest. It was very kind and well judg'd to
>in Scarroyady with you in the Several matters relating to this
Government, and it had no doubt a good Effect on the Minds of
ie Six Nations, and I have the pleasure to find by what you say
lat Scarroyady is in high Esteem with them. Our particular
>mplaints are well and strongly laid before them, but I cannot
iclp expressing my concern at your being obliged to repeat them
so often before they woud give their final Answer, nor do I
observe that the Senecas joined with the rest of the Nations in
their resolutions to send a Peremptory Message to the Delawares
to desist or that they sent any Deputies.
You cannot conceive what havock has been made by the
Enemy in this Defenceless Province nor what Numbers of
Murders they have committed, what a vast Tract of Territory
they have laid waste, and what a Multitude of Inhabitants of all
Ages and both Sexes they have carried into Captivity; By
Information of Several of the Prisoners who have made their
Escape from them, I can assure you that there are not less than
Three hundred of our People in Servitude to them and the French
on the Ohio, the most of them at Shingas's Town called Kittannin
about thirty Miles above Fort Duquesne, and Scarroyady and
Montour must have acquainted you that they saw more or less
English Prisoners in almost every one of the Delaware Towns on
the Susquahannah as high up as Diahogo.
At first the Enemy appeared in small Parties and committed
their outrages where they coud do it with more safety to them-
selves, but of late they have penetrated into the Inhabited part of
the Country in larger Bodies and have defeated Several Detach-
ments of our Armed forces, burned and laid waste whole
Countries, and Spread a general Terror amongst us so that I have
been constrained to yield to the importunate Demands of the
enraged People (not being able otherwise to afford them a
sufficient Protection for want of Arms, Amunition and an equal
444 9 Sir William Johnson Papers
and compulsory Militia Law) to Proclaim the Delaware Nation
Enemies & Rebels to His Majesty and to offer large rewards for
Prisoners and Scalps hoping that this woud engage such of our
Inhabitants as had any courage left, as well as all others in the
Neighbouring Provinces, to hunt, pursue and attack them in their
own Country and by these means keep them at home for the
Defence of their own Towns and prevent the total desertion of
the back Counties which there is good reason to be apprehensive
of, but this measure tho loudly called for on my return from New
York in December last, and since importunately and frequently
repeated was not taken till near a Month after the return of
Scar<joyady> and Montour and by their advice they as well
as we observing the Power of the Enemies to be daily encreasing
and judging this the likeliest way to bring them to hearken to the
Six Nations and to move for Peace upon honourable Terms. I
own had I had the least notion that they coud be stopt in the
midst of their furious Carreer, I woud not have gratified the
People but dispairing of this, you will agree with me no other
method is so likely as this to bring a force into the Enemys
Country and drive them from their lurking places and from their
Towns. The Proclamation a printed Copy of which I herewith
send you was not issued above a Week before I received from
S r Charles Hardy the agreeable Account of the return of the Six
Nation Deputies who were sent to the Delawares and of their
having assured you " they had made up that uphappy affair
and that the Delawares expected those of their People who might
be taken Prisoners by us to be delivered up as soon as possible
and then they promised to deliver up those they have of ours."
Be assured, Sir, that I have no Prisoners of theirs, unless one can
call a Delaware Indian so, who was put into Jayle in order to
keep him out of harms way, being informed against and lying
under a strong suspicion of having Burned and destroyed some of
the Plantations on the Frontiers. Except this I have not a single
Delaware Prisoner, & this must be well known to them, and
therefore their Demand does not look well especially, as they
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 445
were the Aggressors and by all forms of Proceeding (Indian as
well as English) the Six Nations ought on this account to have
insisted on it as a Preliminary, and the only Test they coud give
of their Sincerity, that they shoud deliver up those of our People
which they have taken Prisoners and of which Numbers are
known to be in their Towns, and it is expected from the Six
Nations that they will cause this to be done before I be requested
to lay down our Arms, who are innocent and most wrongfully
and unexpectedly attacked whilst living in Peace and friendship
with the Delawares and all other Indians.
You may be assured, Sir, that a peace on honourable Terms
will be extreamly acceptable, as we form this charitable Opinion
of the Delawares that they were hurried into this Measure by the
Artifice and Intimidations of the French and did always believe
when they came to open their Eyes they woud relent and cease
injuring their innocent Brethren and Allies, who have never hurt
them either in thought or Action. It was this Opinion of their
good Disposition toward us that influenced us to suffer so long
their Hostilities without declaring them Enemies untill the Blood
streamed in such Quantities down our Mountains and filled the
Vallies to such a Degree that we coud no longer delay the
Publication of their horrid treatment of us and wage vengeance
upon them.
I do not perceive that any of the Delawares living on the Ohio
came to the Meeting appointed by the Deputies of the Six
Nations, or that they have been spoke to, and they are as you well
know, the most numerous of all, indeed the main Body of the
Delawares live at Kittannin and the other Delaware Towns on
and be<yond the Ohio, and> have been the most mischevious,
and do still, even so late as <last Week> continue to Murder
and destroy our Inhabitants, treating them w th the most barbarous
Inhumanity that can be conceived. I shoud be glad to know
whether these have expressed a desire of Peace and on what
Terms the Six Nations propose to Settle it, for unless these be
made to desist, our Inhabitants will be in as bad Plight as ever.
446 Sir William Johnson Papers
A Party of Delawares lately doing Mischief on Potomac was
headed by a French Officer, who was killed, and the Party
routed, and in this Officers Pocket was found a Paper of Instruc-
tions from the French Commandant Monsier Dumes at Fort
Dusquesne, ordering him to burn and destroy what he coud meet
with on that River, and to kill the English, or take them Prisoners;
From the Ohio therefore we must expect the greatest mischief and
all means possible shoud be used to seperate the Delawares and
Shawonese from the French there, and prevail with them not to
join in ravaging, burning and laying waste our Frontier Counties.
Against these the Proclamation was principally calculated and
you must be sensible I cannot recall it till I know the precise
Terms on which the Six Nations have or shall have mediated a
Peace ; You will be the best Judge of what is Proper for me to
do, or what the Indians will expect from us on this Occasion of
which be pleased to advise me and favour me with your senti-
ments which will always have their weight with me as you can
always come at and settle these matters in conferrence with the
Indians and we shoud be apt to at <such a Distance > from
them.
The Colonies are Sensible of your Influence over the Indians
and admire the Zeal with which you prosecute their true Interest
and applaud the happy success that has hitherto attended your
Arms and Negotiations, and in particular the Colonies exposed
to the French owe you great Obligations for the dispatch with
which you lately appeared with so considerable a Force at the
Carrying Place and disappointed the French. May the same
success attend you in the present March and may we have the
pleasure to hear you have drove off the Enemy now said to have
invested that important Fortress of Oswego. I am Sir with great
Regard
your most obed* Humble Servt
ROB T . H : MORRIS
Preliminary Campaigns, 7755-7756 447
TO WILLIAM SHIRLEY
Df. S. 1
<Fort Johnson 24 April 1756
My Letter of <yesterday to your Excelly.> I dispatched
lis morning, but I forgot to < mention > one thing to you w ch I
think of great importance.
S r . Charles Hardy writes me that Gov r . Morris by the public
prints had declared War against the Delawares & Shawanese
Indians. I am surprized that M r . Morris whose Province was so
much interested in the result of the 6 Nations Embassy to those
Indians, who was a principal in it and to whom I sent a Copy of
my late Proceedings, would not wait to hear the effects of this
Embassy before he entered into this consequential Measure.
What will the Delawares & Shawanese think of such Opposi-
tion, & contradiction in our Conduct? how shall I behave at the
approaching Meeting at Onondaga, not only to those Indians,
but to the 6 Nations? These Hostile Measures w ch . M r Morris
has entered into, is throwing all our Schemes into Confusion, &
must naturally give the 6 Nations such Impressions & the French
such advantages to work on against us, that I tremble for the
Consequences. I think without consulting your Excellency,
without the concurrence of the other neighbouring Provinces,
without my receiving previous notice of it, this is a very unad-
vised & unaccountable proceeding of Gov r . Morris. I cannot
but be of opinion, if Terms of good Accommodation can be
brought about, that in the present critical situation of affairs, it
will be far more eligible than to enter into Hostilities against these
Indians, especially as a few days will detirmine what part we
have to chuse. I hope your Excellency will take this interesting
copy is in the New York Public Library.
448 Sir William Johnson Papers
<affair into your Consideration & make use of such Inter>
position as you <shall> judge necessary thereupon.
I am
Sir
Your Excellencys
most obed 1
hum. ser ! .
W M . JOHNSON
To His Excelly.
GEN L SHIRLEY
INDORSED: Fort Johnson April 24 th 1756
My letter to Genr 1 . Shirley
concerning Gov r . Morris
FROM GOLDSBROW BANYAR
A. L. S. 1
Nen York 25 April 1756.
MY DEAR SIR
I have at length the opportunity of doing what I have long
wish'd for I mean of congratulating you on a more substantial
Advantage, than his Majesty's late Honour conferd on you,
which with the addition made you by Parliament of 5,000
Sterling, will compleat that Satisfaction which the Service of
the Publick gave you. I think if you take these two together,
you will consider them as the highest Compliment paid to any
American Subject. I shall endeavour to inclose you the Papers
containing the Extracts of the Votes of Parliament and for addi-
tional News shall inclose you a few Paragraphs of a Letter to
me from Boston. It is from a Hand whose intelligence I have
found generally to be depended on. I believe I shall see Sir
Charles before I put up this, if I do I may perhaps add something
more.
Original destroyed by fire.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 449
Before the Contradiction of the News from Oswego, the Lieu-
mant Governor, as Sir Charles could not go himself, had offered
to go to Albany to reside there and give the necessary Directions.
Whether this alteration will prevent his going I know not. He
was to have acted under his Majesty's Commission to him as
Lieutenant Governor, and such Instructions as Sir Charles should
give him Brasier l has accepted of the offer of a L 1 . Colonels
Commission from S r . Charles. But Fitch says he cannot with
propriety accept of a Rank from this Government not superior
to that which he now holds in his own Government which is
Lieutenant Colonel. I cannot find tis fix'd yet:
I send you Extracts which I took from the two Sheets of Com-
ment one of the 10 February. If there be two different Regi-
ments to be raised I am in hopes his Majesty may give one of
them to you. Rutherford's Rank of Major given him by M r .
Clinton it's said is confirmed some say he is Major of the 4 Ind ts
is to keep his own Company & to have 1 5s : p diem I have not
been out to hear any thing So can write nothing with certainty
but that I am my Dear S r .
your affectionate
& obed*. Servant
Gw BANYAR
My Compliments to Cap*. Wraxall I have forwarded four
Letters, 2 to each of you: One was sent afterwards to Cap*.
Wraxall They were all given by D r . Shuckburgh to one M r .
Sinclair I believe to be left with Parson Ogilvie; to whom be
pleased to give my Comp 18 . if he is among the 2 at this time.
1 This should no doubt be Glazier. Beamsley Glazier was in command
of Fort William Henry.
2 Omission in copy.
Vol. 11 15
450 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
[Extract from Boston Letter]
Boston April 191756
I can now acquaint you that your Wishes in some affairs are
completed: We had a Vessel last week from England. Our
Governor is superceded as General. He has received private
Letters by this Vessel from Cap* 8 Rutherford & Morris &c.
Staats 1 carried the Plan of Operations last Fall to England, but
arrived too late there, the Scheme or Military Plan being already
fix'd and the Governors Friends not able to get it altered. The
Earl of Loudon is Lieutenant General & Commander in chief in
No. America & Governor of Virginia. Abercrombie is made a
Major General and coming with him. Webb is made a Major
General, is on board the Pacquet, and is on his arrival to take
the Command from Gen. Shirley. There are six Regiments
coming over, and in their room 6 Hessian Regiments are coming
over to England One of the Regiments coming to America is
said to be a Highland Regiment of 1000 Men. Some of the
Papers mention 4 Regiments to come from England, and 2 to be
raised in America The Transports were ready for them in
February last. We imagine Lord Loudon will not be over before
May, which we think rather too late for the present year. What
the Plan of operation is we know not, nor where he or the Tran-
sports are intended to come, but believe that another attack will
be made on Fort Duquesne. We apprehend it has been no small
Blott in M r . Shirleys Escutcheon, his drawing the Troops from
the Southward, and as the Consequences have proved so bad, it
is not improbable the Gent n in favour of the Colony of Virginia,
which is so dear to the Crown, have made a Party against him at
home. I believe this news is no small Chagrin to the Governor,
and has I believe compounded 2 many designs & Schemes he
1 Captain Staats Long Morris, of the New York regiment, commissioned
November 7, 1751 W. C. Ford, British Officers serving in America,
] 754-1 774.
2 The word in the original was probably " confounded."
Preliminary Campaigns, 1 7 55-17 56
451
probably might have laid. He had fix'd a day for setting out
for your Province but on this News has alter'd his Mind, and
M r . told me he does not go till he receives his
Pacquets on Webbs arrival. The Parliament have voted
12000 for the Payment of the Expedition last year, 5000
of it to S r . William Johnson for his Services. A Private Letter
mentions that if M r . Shirleys Friends succeed he will be
appointed Gov. of Jamaica.
Knowles 2 is ordered home, and made one of the Lords of the
admiralty and tis thought will have a Command in the Channels.
Extract from the House of Commons Votes
Feby 10*. 1756
Resolved that a Sum not exceeding 81 1 78: 16s be granted
to his Majesty for defraying the Charge of the Royal American
Regiment of Foot to be raised for his Majesty's Service in North
America, for the Service of the year 1 756.
Resolved That leave be given to bring in a Bill to enable his
Majesty to grant Commissions to a certain number of foreign
Protestants who have served abroad as officers or Engineers, to
act and rank as officers or Engineers in America only under
certain Restrictions and Qualifications.
I long to have a very long and particular Letter from you.
The Reflection 3 some of them at least throw out sly Insinuations,
signifying the Folly of Harrassing the Militia on slight pretences
But they seem determined to represent the best actions of Persons
not of their own Kidney in the worst view. Tell M r . Wraxall
he must not think I can write to you both at a time. I am hoping
there is some good News for him in the Board of Trades Letter
I sent you.
SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON
1 Name omitted in copy ; probably Alexander.
2 Charles Knowles, admiral in 1 763 and baronet in 1 764.
8 Should apparently be Reflectors, issues of the newspaper, Reflector.
See vol. 1 , page 832 (note) .
452 Sir William Johnson Papers
FROM ROBERT HUNTER MORRIS TO SUSQUEHANNA INDIANS
Contemporary Copy
<A Message from the Governor to the Susquehannah
Indians by Newcastle, lagrea and William Lacquis
delivered in Counsil 26 th April 1 756
Brethren>
I have received an account from Sir William John < son sent
me> by Sir Charles Hardy Governor of New York that imme<
diately> after the Council held at Fort Johnson, Deputies were
dis<patched> by the Six Nations to Otsaningo, and that they
con<vened> the Delawares, Shawanese and other Indians
from the several Tov/ns on the Susquehannah to the number of
thr<^ee^> Hundred, to whom they delivered Messages from that
Council, blaming them for taking the Hatchet against their
Bretheren the English, and commanding them to lay it down
immediately, and that they had hearkened to this Mes<sage>
and had agreed to Strike no more. What I tell you is in this
Letter (here the Governour gave M r . Weiser Sir Charles Hardy's
Letter of the 1 6 th . of April to translate to them) and when he
had made them understand what Sir Charles Hardy had wrote,
the Governour took a Belt in his hand and proceeded.
Bretheren
I think it necessary that the Indians at Wyomink as well
Enemies as Friends should know, that Sir Charles Hardy has
sent this account to me from Sir William Johnson, and as Two
of You are of the Six Nations and one a Delaware, I think it is
proper, that You should undertake to Notify this to them, and
at the same time let them know as from yourselves, that if they
are sincerely disposed to Peace, and will deliver up the English
Prisoners to the Six Nations, and hearken to their Advice in
laying down the Hatchet, and abide by such Terms as shall be
agreed on, You can venture to assure them, that though much
Blood has been spilt, and that the English in resentment of this
cire well prepared to avenge themselves, yet they have so great a
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756
453
regard to the Six Nations, that it will be in their power to per-
suade the English <not to prosecute the Warr, but to accept fair,
and just and honourable Terms. And I provide you with this
Belt to deliver it to them with such a Speech.
Brethren
I> speak my own sincere Inclinations <Vhen I say I am^
for Peace, and not only my own but the Senti<ments of
oth>ers, and particularly the earnest desires of a < number of >
People who are the Descendants of those who came over with
the first Proprietor, all these are extreamly desireous to interpose
with the Government to receive the submission of the Delawares,
and to overlook what is past, and establish for the future a firm
and lasting Agreement Peace and Affection between us, and
have repeatedly applied to me for this Purpose.
Brethren
As many Stones have been told to the Indians to our Prejudice,
I desire you will undeceive them, and particularly I charge Wil-
liam Lacquis to acquaint the Delawares, that those of their Tribe
who live amongst us have not had any Mischief done to them,
but are treated with our usual Kindness, and are at Liberty, and
live in Peace and Plenty amongst us. I charge You William
Lacquis to declare the truth to the Indians, and to assure them,
that they have been imposed on ; and relate the care that has been
taken as well by the Government of New Jersey as this, of all the
Indians who have staid with us and that they enjoy our Pro-
tection, and live as happily as ever. A String
Brethren
Pascinosa and some other Shawanese and other Indians have
not broke faith with Us, but endeavour'd to disuade the Dela-
wares from Striking us-- When <they> could <not succeed
they separated from them, and now live together in some place
near Wyomink I would have you go to them, and let them
likewise know this account from Sir William Johnson, and assure
them from me, that if they are inclined to come within the Inhab-
454 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
itants, You have my or>ders to Conduct them, or if they
not incline to come now, but> at any other time, they will on
< sending me> a Message be provided with a safe Conduct
and <meet with> an hearty Welcome; Let them know that
Scarro<oyady^> related to me what passed between him and
them, <and> that Aroas and David have likewise made me
acquainted with what was said by them, when they were last at
Wyomink.
Then the Governour gave them a String to give Pascanosa
Newcastle, lagrea and William Lacquis returned the Gov-
ernour an answer Viz*. That the Messages were very good, and
what they approved mightily, and would undertake the Journey,
and deliver them faithfully, but there they must de<sire> the
Governour to make their Apology to Coll . Clapham 1 and to
tell him, that nothing but the Governors Commands would have
enduced them to delay their coming to him.
The Governour promised he would, and then told them, that
M r . Spangenberg 2 was desired to be present, having some Dela-
ware Indians under his Care, that he might hear what was deliv-
ered to them He desired they would go by way <]of
B Bethlehem, and take with them one or more of the Indians
<ther>e, and that M r . Spangenberg would prepare these
Indians for their Visit, and persuade some of them to accompany
them to Wyomink.
A true Copy
Richard Peters
Secretary.
A true Copy Examined by
BENJ A . BARONS
Secretary.
INDORSED: A Message from the Gov r .
to the Susquehanah Ind s .
deliver'd in Council the 26
April 1 756. Philadelphia.
1 Colonel William Clapham.
2 August Gottlieb Spangenberg, Moravian bishop, consecrated in 1 744.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 455
FROM SIR CHARLES HARDY
L. S.
Fort George New York 28 ih April 1756
M r : Claus delivers you a Letter from Gov r . Morris * giving
his Reasons from declaring the Dela wares &c Enemy s. The
measure appears to me hasty, as I wrote you some Days ago, & I
hope you will satisfy the Six Nations with respect to it.
Thus fair I am of opinion with him, that it is unreasonable in
the Delawares to make an Exchange of Prisoners a Preliminary,
when they must know none of their People are in Captivity in
Pensilvania, and such there cannot be in any other Province.
This part of the Delawares demand should be Carefully, and
particularly explain'd to the Six Nations, or their Delegates, that
they may not be in an Error, and be lead to beleive that the
English have many Prisoners, when it is so notorious they have
none ; If this unhappy breach was made up, it would give another
Turn to our Affairs, and most probably enable those Colonys,
who are so Essen tialy affected by their Inhuman and Barbarous
Incursions, to Act with more Vigour in Support of the Common
Cause: surely if the Six Nations are our Friends they will bring
this matter to a final and short Issue, by Chastiseing them if they
decline obeying their Orders, and Cherish and receive them as
Friends and Bretheren if they lay down the Hatchet. But they
must at the same time take care to withdraw themselves from the
Neighbourhood of the French and their Indians on the Ohio,
least by a too frequent Intercourse with them they relapse, & turn
Robbers & Murderers again.
I am sorry to hear the Lands on which our Two Forts stand
on the Northern Frontiers of this Province are so infested with
French Indians, and none of our Allies move to remove them
I cannot but say this Conduct has not the Face of Acting like
Bretheren and Friends, after such Solemn Assurances of their
1 Morris to Johnson, April 24, 1 756, q. v.
456 Sir William Johnson Papers
Attachment to us; It appears clearly to me, that the French are,
and intend if possible to Cut off the Transportation of Provisions
and Stores, both Northward and Westward, which I fear they
will in a great measure effect, and of consequence Impede, if not
wholly destroy the Prosecuting the intended Expeditions, if the
Six Nations do not heartily join with us, and drive them, and
keep clear and open those Roads This is a matter of that
Importance that I cannot but recommend it seriously to you,
and on which our hopes of future Success principally depends.
Your Letter of the 1 8 th . from Burnettsfeild I have received and
think you have judged prudently in taking the advice and opinion
of his Majesty's Officers for your further Proceedings.
Your Conduct merits great Applause, and you may be Assured
meets with it, with all those you could wish it to do.
The Advices from England of Lord Louden with more Troops
for this part of the World you must have heard of.
I Congratulate you on the Notice the Brittish Parlaiment have
taken of your Services.
I am
Sir
your most Obed*.
& Humble Servant
CHA S . HARDY
P. S. The Indians M r . Claus Carrys with him I hope will
Interest themselves with the Allied Nations, in Accomodating
matters with the Delawares.
SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON Barr*.
INDORSED : New York 28 Apr 1 . 1 756
Sir Charles Hardys
Letter to me
Preliminary Campaigns, 17551756
These are therefore in his Majestys name to order & Command
you Jeremy Quackenbush Serg* of said Company to levy the
Sume of Twenty five Pounds this Curry, from each of the
said Delinquents & in case of not sufficient Distress to commit him
or them to Jail according to the Law of this Province in this Case
provided, and the Sherrif or Jayler of this County is hereby
required to receive the Body or Bodies of such person or Persons
& him or them in safe Custody to keep until Said Fine, or Fines
be paid together with the Jailers Fees for all w cl \ this shall be
your Sufficient Warrant
Given under my
hand at Fort
Johnson this 29 day
of April 1 756
Casparus Brunk
Lieu* Jacob Halenbeck
Dirck Bratt
Jachim Staats
1 Probably the four persons named below.
I
458 Sir William Johnson Papers
FROM GOLDSBROW BANYAR
A. L. S. 1
NCJ York 30* April 1756
DEAR SIR
I received yours of the 22 th . yesterday you will before this
comes to hand have got my last wherein I gave you all the News
I could then learn from England; Sir Charles after I had sent
my Letters told me he had received a Letter from Major Ruther-
ford, who acquaints him that he found on his arrival Lord
Lowden was appointed Comm dr in chief. He mentions, that the
King had conferd the Honour of a Baronet on you, & what he
thought still better the Parliament had voted you 5000. He
says two Regiments are to be completed to 1000 each & sent
over with Lord Lowden The Scotch Fuzilleers and Highland-
ers. The Royal American Regiment is to be raised here in
America, thirty German officers & some English officers are
appointed to come over, and some officers to be appointed in
America. This Regiment is given to Lord Lowden himself, &
to consist of 4 Batalions, each Batalion of 1000 Men & three
Feild Officers : where the devil they'l raise 4000 Men in America
I cannot see. Sir Charles told me you was to have an appointm*
by which I understood a Salary ; how much I believe he does not
know. I am glad to see the Prospect increases of your accom-
modating Matters between us & the Delaw & Shawenese Do
not spare any pains to accomplish it you can hardly do your King
& Country a more essential Service, and you'l win the Hearts of
the Quakers by it (if that were any Motive) who utterly disap-
prove of Gov r Morris's Proclamation. I have some hopes any
bad Effects that might otherwise happen from it will be prevented
by the Interposition of Sir Charles who has sent copies of your
late Proceedings to Philadelphia. I cant tell what you'l do for
the Goods necessary to be given at the Meeting at Onondaga,
1 Original destroyed by fire.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 459
vhich is certainly of the greatest Importance, there are no Goods
>roper to be purchased here tho some are hourly expected, I
ippose you have sent Orders here to send up what you want.
Gen. Shirley arrived here on Wednesday last. I don't think
;'ll go till the arrival of the next Pacquet, but this is my own
mjecture. I hope you'l have Arms & ammunition enough, &
the Indians must be content till the Fall for other Presents. I am
apprehensive you'l run great Risques at this Meeting, you'l
therefore do well to be more cautious than your natural Dispo-
sition leads you to be of your own Safety. I have much the same
Sentiments about Oswego as you have. You don't mention how
farr Bradstreet has proceeded. Some here say he's got up I
don't believe it, nor do I think they will go safe all of them unless
he has a good number of trusty Indians. Cant you take advantage
of Colonel Schuyler's Reg*, as a Convoy, and if Gen. Shirley
has not given him orders to this purpose or discretionary, if there
be a good Understanding between you as I hope there is, he'll
step a little out of the way on so important an Occasion. I think
however you should have at least 1 50 or 200 Regulars along with
you. I suppose it wont alarm the Delawares & Shawanese. At
all Events, if I could get no other Guard, I would endeavour to
prevail on a number of the most active young Fellows in the
Militia to go with me, & if I could get them on no other Terms
would make them an allowance & charge it to the General account
we must loose no advantage for the sake of saving a little Expence,
nor should the Publick without a Compliment risque your Life.
P* Merid: I have been to Council since the Morning, which
was called to determine what should be done with the French
Neutrals 1 that were destined for their Post but drove off the
1 His Excellency communicated a Letter from Governor Lawrence (of
Nova Scotia) dated the 1 1 th. August last sent by a Vessel with about 30
Families of the Sellers in Nova Scotia, taken at the reduction of that part
of the Province, inhabited by the People commonly called Neutral French,
acquainting his Excellency that the result of the Council called on that
occasion, was that these people should be dispersed among the several
460 f Srr William Johnson Papers
Coast to S* Ch rs . and now arrived here. If the People themselves
will submit, the Method proposed, is to put the Boys out appren-
tices to Trades, the Girls to Service, and the Men and Women
to be dispersed on long Island, Staten Island & Westchester, but
I cannot see how the latter will be provided for unless they will
take up with working for their Subsistence in the Country, in the
Farming way. But if they prove refractory & will not part with
their children, or consent to labour for themselves, I dont know
what method will be fall'n on. We should I think do what we
can to incorporate them among us. Virg a . on the contrary I am
told have apply ed 500 to carry theirs to London. If so, tis a
very absurd Measure, & may oblige the People of England to
fall on some Method to get rid of them. They audaciously &
unanimously refused the Oath of Allegience M r . Lawrence
writes: or they might have cont'd in Possession of their Lands:
The Reasons he gives in his Letter shews the Measure of dis-
persing them among the Colonies was well judg'd. Sir Charles
told me he had setled the Matter with Gen 1 . Shirley about a
Guard to attend you to Onondaga & that he said he would order
Provinces, and that in Consequesce thereof, he had sent a Vessel with that
Number of Families to this Province.
His Excellency acquainted the Council, that the Vessel had been
driven off the Coast in the Winter, and had put into St. Christophers,
where some of the people found means to make their Escape to the
French Islands, there being at present only 21 Families, and desired
the opinion of the Council as to the disposition of them.
The Council advised his Excellency to recommend it to the Mayor and
Magistrates of the City, to endeavour to put out the Children to such Per-
sons as are willing to take them, not doubting but the most of them may
be thus disposed of, and that they send proper Persons on Board the Vessel
to consult the disposition of the People, and to represent the advantages
such a Provision for their Children will be attended with, by learning them
Trades and useful Employments, by which they will be enabled to support
themselves and Families comfortably in this Country. And that in the
meantime Provision be made for their subsistence. All which his Excel-
lency recommended to the Mayor Mr. Holland, and desired him to
acquaint the Magistrates therewith and consult them upon it. Council
Minutes, 25:118.
Preliminary Campaigns, / 7 55-1 7 56
461
1 00 Men I understand you applyed for no more you know
:st but I dont think it enough; as you should run no risque.
>ir Charles thinks the Indians have had Presents so lately, that
iey rec'd * little or nothing of other Presents than Arms & ammu-
nition. I hinted to him that whatever you used of the public
Presents you might replace & told him you wanted many things
w ch you could not procure time enough as there were no such
things to be had. He answered the arms &c he had given an order
for were to be given to the Indians in his Name, meaning too
I suppose as a Present from the King: I dont know whether I
ever thought to mention it to you, but it has been made an Objec-
tion by Gen Shirley I heard, that your Proceedings were in your
own Name and not in the Kings. I take it when the Indians
speak to the Governor, or to any Person having publick authority
on solemn Occasion, they mean the English in general, or his
Majesty but that tis usual for them only to address themselves
to the Person they are treating with. Nor can you avoid speaking
to them in your own Name However some general & apt Expres-
sions interspersed in the Conference may obivate the Objection, if
there be any thing in it. You follow the usual course of Proceed-
ings. I intended to give this Letter to M r . Claas who is going
from hence in a Sloop with Monocantha 2 & about 24 other Ind 8 .
he brought with him from PhiK but the Sloop wont sail till to
Morrow & Earhart goes off he tells me in half an Hour: what
will you have done with the Warrant for 69.7.0 & 72:9.0
for your Gen 1 . Pay & Ballance of amount of your Onondaga
Journey? I shall receive the Money due on Myndert Wemps
Order & give you Credit for it. unless Wemp has since paid
you, for the order you've endorsed to me is above a year old.
You ought to take care of your self, for if his Majesty would
make me a Baronet & give me 5000 I'd leave as many Subjects
as I could procure for him from my best Endeavours. I believe
you've not been an Oeconomist, you therefore ought to be saving
1 So in copy; should be ** need " probably.
2 Monocatootha, alias Scarooyadi, Delaware Half King. See W. M.
Beauchamp, History of the Ner York Iroquois, p. 301.
462 Sir William Johnson Papers
now, that you may have a little left to apply in Peace & Ease
when all this Hurley Burly is at an End. My Compliments to
Cap*. Wraxall I'll take Care of your two Letters. There's no
oppy either here Phil*, or Boston except the Pacquet: Adieu &
believe me to be with great D r S r . your most affectionate
h ble Serv'.
Gw BANYAR
I am told they are 2000 strong at Oswego.
FROM WILLIAM KELLY
A. L. S. 2
Nei York May 2<*. 1756
S*
The Consideration of your having a Multiplicity of Business
on your hands together with the Repeated alarms you've for a
Considerable time past had of the French's design's on us the
Oposition of which (and I may say without Flattery the Defence
of our Country) lay Intirely with you are the reasons I Introduce
to Apologize for not Embracing a more Early Opportunity to
Congratulate you on the Dignity His Majesty has been pleas'd
to Con f err on you which hope you'l now Accept in the most
hearty manner as well on that Occasion as the Sense the English
Nation have Shew'n the World they have of your Service's which
is very grating to a Tribe we have here but times are so Alter'd
that such of them as used in time past to Froth at the Mouth with
Detractive Clamour dare not now Utter their filthy Venom lest
they might have a prompter to make their Exit. And Relying
on your good nature to Excuse the Familiar manner in which I
address you (also my not waiting on you the morning you left
Town which was owing to my being unwell) proceed to give you
an acco*. of what may be new to you
Cap 1 . Troy arriv'd in Philadelphia last thursday in 7 Weeks
from Ireland & bro*. Gen 1 . Webb's Baggage and several Officer's
1 Omission in the copy.
2 Original destroyed by fire.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756
463
passenger's who say Gen 1 . Webb and the Troop's under his Com-
mand were Embark'd 'ere Troy sail'd, so that they may be
Expected Hourly, but am under some Uneasiness for their Safety
as we have had a most Violent Gale of Wind last night right on
Shore. Gen 1 . Shirley Sails for Albany this day if the Wind
abates. The Copartnership between M r . Golden 1 & I Expired
yesterday, as he does not Intend to follow Trade having a Num-
ber of Offices to attend, wou'd deem it an Extraordinary favour
to have the Execution of your Commands here in the same
manner as when in partnership with the GentK in which you
depend on the Strictest punctuality Have sold the last of your
Deer skins the other day at 4 & there yet Remains a small matter
of the Beaver which is so bad that can't Sell it at any price, its
thought an Embargo will be laid tomorrow but it's too late for
most of the Trading people here and in Philad a . have for a Con-
siderable time been a crowding provision to 'Statia 2 from whence
it goes Imediately (some in the same Bottom's that carry it from
hence) among our Enemies 3 I am S r .
Your most Obed 1 . h ble Serv*.
WILLIAM KELLY
S R . WILLIAM JOHNSON Baronet
FROM GOLDSBROW BANYAR
The foregoing is followed in the Johnson Calendar, p. 77 by a letter
of the 4th from Goldsbrow Banyar, at New York, to Johnson on the
passage of war bills. It was destroyed by fire.
1 Alexander Golden.
2 St Eustatia or St Eustatius, West Indies.
8 The embargo act was approved by the governor on May 4th. On
December 29th the governor, under instructions from the king, ordered
that an embargo should be laid ** upon all ships and Vessels clearing out
with Provisions, from any Port or Place within His Government, except
those which shall be employed in carrying Provisions to any other of His
Majesty's Colonies and Plantations." Council Minutes, 25:152.
464 Sir William Johnson Papers
FROM GOLDSBROW BANYAR
A. L. S. 1
Nev> York 5 th May 1756
DEAR SIR
I wrote you yesterday. I have a moments time to talk to you
before the Express goes. Major General Webbs coach & some
of his servants are I hear arrived this Forenoon here, the Coach
I saw, but I must tell what I hear for I've not had time to examine
anything.
It's said alway's 2 and the Highland Regiment were
Embarked at Cork, that three were to embark at Portsmouth
and in all 8 were coming. It's said Webb was sent for back
after he was proceeding to embark on board the Pacquet. An
Embargo that was to affect England & Ireland both was to take
place the 25 March and a greater likelihood than ever of a
Warr. Webbs baggage Came to Philadelphia where tis said a
Vessel is arrived from Ireland in 4 or 5 weeks. Orders go by
this Express to Col: Glen 3 & Renselaer 4 directed to you to
detach from the Militia as many Men as will make up Albany
Quota 21 1 Men. They are not sent to you as tis imagined you
can take no Care concerning that Business as you must be very
near setting off for Onondaga.
An Embargo is laid here by Act of Assembly for 21 days
only, this is absolute, and if Pensilvania & Jersey agree it is to
continue 3 months.
An Act is also passed this day to fix the Rates of Carriage as
follows Between Albany & Schen^ 9 s per day, from thence
Westward 1 s. per day Between Fort Edward & Fort W m .
Henry 12 s. per diem and 9 s. is allowed for 30 miles from the
Place the Waggons are hired til they are employed, & so on their
return home.
1 Original destroyed by fire.
2 Otway's.
3 Lieutenant Colonel Jacob Glen.
4 Lieutenant Colonel Jeremiah Van Rensselacr.
Preliminary Campaigns, 7755-7756
465
Tell Captain Wraxall I'm much obliged for his Letter, & will
iswer it as soon as I can, at present he must accept of what I
ite you as to himself.
I have had a damnd deal of Trouble about 9 Indians Men
Women & Children whom M r . Peters has consigned to me:
They are a part of Monacatutha's Company he left behind the
Woman is dead they waited for, & he desires I will procure them
a Passage to Albany. I shall draw on him for the Expence I am
put to, and if he protests the Bill shall charge his Majesty's
Superintendant of Indian Affairs for the Northern Division with
it. You nor M r . Wraxall dont say a word about the 5000 or
some will have it 6000, the latter 1 000 being given out of his
Majesty's privy Purse, but I know no authority for the 1000
I sent you the Vote of ParK for the 5000. M r . Peters writes
He does not hear any Parties are gone out against the Indians
since the Proclamation, nor does he believe any thing will occur
on the side of Pensilv a . to hinder a Peace, and that the Gov r .
has sent Indian Messengers to Wyoming to notify to the Dela-
wares there what he has rec d . from S r . Charles Hardy of the
Return of the deputies of the six Nations and their Success with
the delawares at Otseningo. God bless you. I am S r .
your affectionate h ble serv*.
Gw BANYAR
M r . Peters writes the Duke had recommended a Military Man
to M r . Penn as Governor and some say Webb is actually
appointed.
INDORSED:
May 5* 1756.
Banyars Letter.
466 Sir William Johnson Papers
FROM WILLIAM KELLY
A. L. S. 1
N. York May 5 th . 1756
Have Receiv'd your Esteem'd fav r . of the 26 th . Ult. on the
3 d . Curr*. directed to my late partner & Self which Shew'd him
and had his directions to undertake Compleating your Orders
which has Engag'd my whole time and am affraid it wont be in
my power to Effect as there are many out of the way things in it.
There's not an Indian Blanket in Town to be had and those
that are Expected are Engaged to our Province Commissaries
the Women's Yarn Stockings with Clocks, the Indian arm's &
Knives 3-4 Garlix & Tinsell to Lace the Hatts cannot be had
I have Ransack'd every Store in Town and have in two days
time procured every thing else order'd and in Order to Com-
pleat the whole if possible have this day dispatch'd my Clerk to
PhiK where hope to procure the Deficiency Excepting the Gun's
& Knives which despair getting. Have heard M r . Ogden at
Newark Expects a Vessell from Bristol hourly have Sent a
person over to him in Order to Engage the Quantity of Blankets
but am affraid they're preengaged to that Province & you may
rest assured that if it's among the possibles your Order's Shall be
Complied with but must observe to you that most European
Goods are considerably risen as much owing to the Great demand
the Army make as the Freight Insur a . &c a being much higher
than formerly. I don't think you'l be able to get arm's to suit
you on the Continent as there are none Imported for Sale that
may be depended on the same sort as you deem so bad Sold
this Spring for 25 p r O. more then cost here and as to the 100
Muskets you've now by you believe will fetch a profit therefore
wou'd advise you to Order them down to me directly and
also to send a Sample of Indian Arm's & Knives home & Import
them yourself or please to give me the Necessary directions & I
will Import them as no doubt there will be more wanting next
1 Original destroyed by fire.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756
467
Spring I am now Lading a Brigg for Bristol which will sail in
about 3 Weeks if you've any Commands that way please favour
me with them I have partly Engaged an Ordinary wide Silver
Lace to put on the Hatts (in Case the Tinsell cant be had) which
won't come much dearer than old Lace. Gen 1 . Webb's Bag-
gage & Some Officers from Europe arrived last night p r Stage
from Philad a . the yard wide Garlix are making into Ruff <led>
Shirts the Wine Bottling &c a . I am (much hurried)
S'.
SR. WILLIAM JOHNSON Bar*.
Your most obed*.
Serv*.
WILLIAM KELLY
RICHARD PETERS TO WILLIAM SHIRLEY
Contemporary Copp
-^Philadelphia the 6 ih May I756>
SIR
In the Absence of the Governor who went last Week to the
Frontier County, 1 the Council opened your Excellency's Letter of
the 2 d instant inclosing one of the 24 th April from Sir William
Johnson to you, finding great Faults with Governor Morris for
issuing his Proclamation declaring the Delawares (tho* they were
then Carrying on a most destructive and Ruinous War against
this Province) Enemies to his Majesty, and offering a Reward
for their Scalps. And on Considering this Letter, together with
what your Excellency is pleased to say, Viz*. " that if there
should appear any thing to Governor Morris which upon recon-
sideration of this matter may make it adviseable for him to sus-
pend Hostilities against the Indians effected by his Declaration
until the Result of Sir William Johnson's meeting the Indians at
1 " Counties " in the letter printed in Correspondence of William Shirley,
ed. Lincoln, 2:438.
468 / Sir William Johnson Papers
Onondaga is known, you did not doubt but he would think it a
prudent Measure " and on likewise considering the several
Letters from Sir Charles Hardy Copies of some of which are
inclosed the Council have unanimously resolved to advise the
Governor to publish a Cessation of Hostilities against the Susque-
hannah Delawares until further Orders, and have directed me to
acquaint you with their having done so; and that they would
likewise have advised a general Cessation of Hostilities against
the Delaware Tribe, was it not a matter of Fact that those from
Ohio have but lately appeared in large Parties on our Western
Frontiers & killed & carried away great Numbers of our
Inhabitants over Susquehannah, & by the last Post from Annapo-
lis it is expressly wrote by the Postmaster there; that those
<^Delaware Indians were then murdering within 12 miles of
Winchester^ having destroyed the Settlements on <Conego-
chege * & the Con^>nelloways 2 & other places as well in our
Pro<^vince as in^> Maryland and Virginia, & in Several
Depositions made by Prisoners who from time to time made their
Escape from those Delawares, it is possitively declared that they
were meditating a Grand Attack on this and the Inhabitants of
the Neighbouring Provinces and that we may expect them as soon
as their Indian Corn is planted to the number of 2000 Indians
of different Nations all Embodied against us by the influence of
the French & those Delawares.
The Council therefore cannot think it prudent the Province
being in such Circumstances that those Indians should be
included within the Cessation of Hostilities. As Sir William
Johnson has before this time received from Gov r . Morris one of
the printed Proclamations & his Letter accompanying it, sent by
M r . Clause who had the Charge of conducting Scarroyady & his
Company to Fort Johnson & likewise has heard the Accounts
those Indians would give of the most miserable Condition of the
1 Conococheague, Washington county, Md.
2 Conaways, Anne Arundel county, Md.
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756
469
back Counties, it is hoped that he sees the Measure in another
Light than he did when he wrote his Letter & will have Con-
sidered the reasons for it, as set forth by the Governor in that
Letter, a Copy of which is here inclosed, whereby it will appear
that when that Declaration was published the Enemy Indians
were greatly increased in their Numbers and appeared in
formidable Bodies upon every fresh Descent that the Frontier
Counties were near being abandoned that the Six Nations
Indians to a Man, who were Parties & present at the late Treaty
thought the measure absolutely necessary, advised us &
assured us it would be agreeable to the Six Nations, & every one
promised to engage some of the Warriors to assist us against
<[them, that the Formality of a Declaration tho' necessary to
animate^> our own People <^ should make no manner of
difference as to the Enemy's Delawares, who <had been for>
some time before, & then were Butchering the Kings < Sub-
jects^ like Beasts appointed for Slaughter or driving them
<before> them bound with Cords & Naked into a Shamefull
Captivity.
The Council say when these matters come to be Considered,
together with the Restrictions in the Proclamation & the distinc-
tions between those in open War & those who have not join'd
them, no one can with Justice Censure the Declaration but
impute the ffault where it does in truth lye, at the Door of the
Delawares; for they & they only, & not the Shawonese are
included in the Declaration The Council desire further to
inform your Excellency that the Gov r . by their advice has sent
four Indians two of which are of the Six Nations & two ffriendly
Delawares to Wyomdick x the principal place of Residence of the
Susquehannah Delawares to notify to them & the Neighbouring
Indians the transactions between the Deputies of the Six Nations
and the Chiefs & Warriors of those Susquehannah Indians at
Otsaningo, 2 as Communicated to him by Sir Charles Hardy from
1 So in original, for Wyoming.
2 Robert Hunter Morris to Susquehannah Indians, April 26, 1 756. q. v.
470 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
S r . William Johnson & that these Messengers had further in
Charge to assure those Indians that if the Treaty took full effect,
& their future Actions Corresponded to the Professions made to
the Deputies of the Six Nations, they should find a ready Dis-
position in this Government to return to their old Friendship, on
their giving up the English Prisoners and acknowledging Faults.
The Council requests of your Excellency that you would be
pleased to make Sir W m . Johnson acquainted with all those
matters, that they may be properly mentioned at the Treaty at
Onondago & if this be done they apprehend no ill Consequences
can attend the Declaration of War, <^but that it will appear that
this Government tho' reduced to the necessity of making it, &>
offering Rewards to <^such as would go out against ^> such a
destructive Enemy, has paid a <due regard to> the Mediation
of the Six Nations & will still do it, <nor do> the Council think
that Sir William Johnson should blame but rather justify this
step, especially as during the time of the meeting at Otsaningo
the Delawares from the Ohio where doing their greatest Mischief
both in this & the Neighbouring Provinces & do still vow not to
leave an Englishman alive which Conduct should stirr up those
very Susquehannah Indians in Conjunction with the Six Nations
to assist us in bringing them to Terms of Peace & to Consider this
Declaration as made against these implacable & obstinate
Enemies & not against any that now are, or hereafter may be
disposed to hearken to the Six Nations in our favour.
The Council doubts not but the Governor will Concurr with
them in those Sentiments & supply what is wanting of his Author-
ity in this Letter, but in the mean time, till he can signify this
himself, as he is at a Distance, they thought it their Duty to lay
those matters before your Excellency and request they may be
Communicated to Sir William Johnson with all possible dispatch,
to take off any Prejudices that may arise either in his Mind or
with the Indians on account of this Declaration & least any Acci-
dent should have befallen M r Clause & the Letters sent by him
miscarry, they further desire you will furnish Sir William John-
Preliminary Campaigns, 1755-1756 471
>n with one of the printed Proclamations & the Copy of the
iov rs . Letter to him of the 24^ April. I am
Your Excellency's
Most obedient Humble Servant
Richard Peters by
Order of the Council
A true Copy Examined by
His Excellency General Shirley
FROM WILLIAM CORRY
A. L. S. 1
Albany May 8 ih . 1756
DEAR SIR
On Thursday Evening Gen 1 . Shirley arrived here about 9
of the Clock without any Ceremony not a gun fired he has
dismissed his Guard only two Senterys. the new Generals Coach
and Servants are arrived at New York. M r . Visher tells there
is no money come up and others say, the Gen 1 . Desired his
accounts and he would pay them, there is a good dail of Differ-
ence between giveing Visher the money, or the Gen 1 , to pay the
accounts himself. Visher at present complains a good deal if
it is true, no money is come up all the fat will be in the fire,
the following piece of News is related by Col. Shote and he
affirms may be told as matter of Fact. The French Fleet of 1 4
Men of War and transports with six thousand land forces on
board bound for Canada, was attacked by the English Fleet,
and Eleven of the French men of War were taken, with only the
loss of one 10 Gun Ship of the English, this news came to
piscataway in a Ship of England in 5 weeks, he was told many
circumstances relating to the fight but as his memory is bad and a
very cautious man, he does not give the Circumstantial account
At last Col Marshal has received his orders to march I wish
1 Original destroyed by fire.
472 f Sir William Johnson Papers
they could as easy have filled his Company his Company they
say consists of 33 of which Eleven is Effective, they say the
New Gen 1 , will keep his ressidence in the fort I am extreamly
glad to hear M r Broadstreet and the provisions are like to get
to Oswego. I am with Compliments to Sir Peter, Sir y r most
faithfull humble Serv*.
WILLIAM CORRYE
FROM JOHN WATTS
The preceding letter is followed in the Johnson Calendar, p. 77, by
a letter of the 10th from John Watts, at New York, on remittances.
Destroyed by fire.
INDIAN PROCEEDINGS
In Doc. Rel. to Col Hist. N. Y., 7:80-82, is printed a letter, of
May 1 Oth, from Sir Charles Hardy to the lords of trade, discussing John-
son's Indian proceedings.
TO WILLIAM SHIRLEY 1
Extract of a Letter from Sir William Johnson
to General Shirley dated 10 th . May 1756.
I wish the Companies of Rangers, your Excellency mentions,
were ready to go upon Duty, when I would hope to be able to
join Indians with them; and unless this Method takes place, I
despair of the Communication to Oswego being secur'd.
A true Copy,
W M : ALEXANDER Secy.
INDORSED: Extract of Sir William
Johnson's Letter to
General Shirley dated
10* May 1756.
in Maj: Gen: Shirley's
of June 23 d . 1 756.
1 In Public Record Office, C. O. 5.46, London, England. Inclosed
in a letter of June 23d from Shirley to Henry Fox.
Sei>en Years War
473
FROM JOHN OGILVIE
A letter of the 14th from John Ogilvie, at Albany, on page 77 of the
fohnson Calendar, relating to Indian affairs, disputes of officers, news
concerning Washington and the French (Doc. Hist. N. Y., 4:301-2;
Q, 4:195), and one of the 16th to William Kelly, p. 78, ordering
goods for personal use, were destroyed by fire.
FROM GOLDSBROW BANYAR
A. L. S. 1
Ne York 18 May 1756
DEAR SIR
You have the News Papers inclosed: Since which we have
an account of the arrival at Philadelphia of a Vessel from
London in 5 Weeks and 3 or 4 days They bring no account
of any Engagement between the two Fleets, so that what is men-
tioned in the Papers on that Head is hardly to be credited. M r .
Myers from Philadelphia arrived this forenoon. By him we
hear that Lord Lowden & Major Gen 1 . Webb were actually
embarked with 4000 Troops said to be bound for this Place.
The Brest Squadron was sailed; and Boscowen with a Fleet on
a secret Expedition It was thought the Brest Squadron were
designed to attack Minorca, but I dare say it was intended for
North America. Wherever they are gone, I suppose Boscowen
is designed to follow them if our Intelligence will lead him into
their Tract.
I have yet heard nothing of the Pacquet. Miller was saild &
put 'bout & thought to come out as well as Lord Lowden & the
Fleet with the same wind that brought out this Londoner, arrived
at Phil a . I have not heard what Convoy was to come with the
Troops. I hear the dutch wont send over their 6000 Troops
and that the King of Sardinia has declared he will take part
with England. M r . Baker and another Gent whose name I have
forgot, and who I am told was agent for Nova Scotia, were
Original destroyed by fire.
474 Sir William Johnson Papers
appointed to supply the Army here with Money and Provisions,
& that the latter is coming over. But the News is not digested
yet and you must wait till the Saturdays Post I suppose before
the particulars can be sent you Col. Fitch is arrived here and
goes away for Albany toMorrow or next day.
Pray how is it as to the Onondaga Mutiny a ? I have a hint
(only) that tis put off; I should be glad to have the Particulars.
This News is not spoken off here. And I heard it by chance.
It's being known might awaken the Fears of our Frontier Set-
tlers, who seem to be very quiet except in Virg a . & they I imagine
are attack'd by the French & their Indians I dont mean the
Shawenese or delawares It's almost time for me to expect a
few lines from you. I've had the pleasure to be introduced to a
Relation of yours here; he's been much indisposed since he
arrived from Boston but is now gaining Strength daily. You'l
see him soon I suppose 2 I am
D. S'.
your affectionate
h ble Serv.
Gw BANYAR
The Embargo was taken off. My Comp ts . to M r . Wraxall
The assembly is adjourned to meet on the 1 st June
SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON
FROM GOLDSBROW BANYAR ET AL
The foregoing is followed in the Johnson Calendar, p. 78, by a letter
of the 24th to Johnson from Banyar, touching English opinion of Ameri-
cans, movements of regulars, Indian affairs, finances etc.; and a letter of
the same date from William Alexander at Albany, to Johnson, inclosing
an account of small arms. They were destroyed by fire.
" Meeting " was written unquestionably.
2 Guy Johnson probably. He arrived in Boston from Ireland in 1 756.
Seven years' War
475
FROM WILLIAM CORRY
A. L. S. 1
Albany May 26*. 1756
SlR
Your favor of the 23 rec'd, shall observe your orders relating
the Sherif &c a .
I sent a letter to M r Alex r . who informed me he was sending
you an Express last Monday Morning, which letter informed you
of 200 skipple or bushels of Indian Corn being Come up for
your use which I would have sent you, had I bags Every thing
else is gone up with Carefull Waggoners and a Charge given
about the wine in bottles the Invoice is inclosed now you have
every thing you writ for, except the waistcoat which is not done
and the Cask of Buck shot from M r Liman he can not procure
it he says, first he said he would get it. which I would have sent
up in one day but the Sloops could not unload them as other
peoples goods interfared. Last night I chanced to meet M r .
Adams; inter nos, he seemed fine and Mellow, what he has
been about I know not. The news from Lake George, that Cap*.
Rogers has taken a french prisoner and kill'd an Indian, the
prisoner tells that 250 french and Indians were marched to inter-
cept the provisions, 600 men at tenind a 2 ; 400 at the Narrows 3 ,
one hund: at Crown point.
Cap*. Rogers with 275 went out to attack the 250 Gen 1 .
Winslow 4 seems to insist that a diversion must be made at
Oswego, or he cant march to Crown point, he has ordered that
no Suttler or woman upon any pretence shall go with the army
the Gen 1 seems an Elderly man, if his powers were measured by
his legs he would be but of Slender ability they say Gen 1 .
Shirley expects daily up 28000 pounds that is a pretty sum
1 Original destroyed by fire.
2 Ticonderoga.
8 Two Rocks, Lake Champlain.
4 John Winslow, of Marshfield, Mass.
476 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
M r . Alex r . will send you the account of the Arms Patrick
McGee informs me there are fat Cattle to be had at Goshen,
tomorrow, I shall endavour to send one load of Indian Corn to
Schenectady with borrowed bags, for fear your in want. Yester-
day the trial was between Vanderpool and M r Emerson. It
went in favour of Vanderpool I cant conceive how they can
pack a Jury, to bring every thing against Strangers, without even
the Colour of Justice. 1 however the Lawyer on the other side
of the Question did his business so ill, that he could not get Judg-
ment on the Verdict therefore the Court offered him a New
trial or to argue the matter in Law Next Court, so the Case stands
at present the Boston Commissioners have no patience about
it, if any thing could make them swear, they would swear at the
Albany Jurys, they vow no Strangers Cause ought to be tried
in Albany unless half the Jury was foreigners they spake
without reserve of the Injustice done M r Emerson, they say
they payed their Quota to you, and a great deal to this purpose,
indeed I think it best that you pay Vanderpool and all them
Waggons as soon as possible, that Emerson may have no more
trouble about it sure I am, if I had not baffled them, so, as to
prevent their taking out Execution against Emerson, the would
all be on him in Eight days. Vanderpools charge is for 39 days.
1 7. 11 s Od. the settled price from Albany to Schinectady is
ten Shills and Six pence allowed by all the Commissarys I
have paid fifteen load at 1 Os 6d p r Load and shall s
one more tomorrow for the Indian Corn 1 Os 6d . 8 8
Paid Flansburrow for packing and boxing the Guns. 3
8_] 10
I believe the Indian Corn is 200 bushells I want only bags
to send it up forthwith, the Waggoners had lists of their
1 CL Cony to Johnson, July 3, 1756, and May 2, 1761.
Seven Years War 477
loads This Family are very much yours, My Compliments to
Sir Peter, I wish his Gout was a 1 000 mile off, and he as sound
as a trout. Believe me to be Sir yours to Command
WILLIAM CORRYE
after M r . Garritse told me all your Goods were gone he found
the following particulars five Casks near barrel size, a Cask of
Sugar and a small box which Just made a load and I have sent
them off which makes one load
s d
More 0106
from below . , 8 11
9_
FROM WILLIAM EYRE
The preceding letter is followed in the Johnson Calendar, p. 78, by a
letter of May 28th from William Eyre, at Schenectady, to Johnson on
the Onondaga congress, warlike preparations at Albany, pay of gunners,
and, in postscript, a letter from Dublin and an expected visit from Warren
Johnson. It was destroyed by fire.
TO THE MAGISTRATES OF FISHKILLS
Copp
Fort Johnson 28. May 1756
GENTLEMEN
The River Indians whose fajnilies are at Fish Kilns, have had
a Meeting with the Mohawk Indians, and it is agreed that they
Shall remove and live with the Mohawks ; Two of those Indians
are going down to fetch up their Women Children &c a : and I
send an Interpreter with them; as the Removal of these Indian
and their incorporation with the Mohawks is an Affair that will
be I hope of happy Consequence towards the public Tranquility
and this Juncture I must desire you will give all Assistance in
478 Sir William Johnson Papers
your Power to the Indians who are going down, and take Care
that no just Cause of Dissatisfaction be given to them
I am
Gentlemen
your verry h ble Serv 1
W:J:
To the Magistrates of
the Precinct of Fish Kilns.
TO THE LORDS OF TRADE
In Doc. Rel. to Col Hist. N. Y., 7:86-91, is a letter, of May 28th t
from Johnson to the lords of trade, showing the state of the frontiers to
southward, criticising Governor Morris's Indian policy and explaining the
decline of British credit with the Six Nations. It is followed, p. 91 116,
by a Journal of Johnson's Indian transactions from March 5th to May
26th. In Doc. Hist. N. Y., 2:7] 7-726, is also printed the above letter
of May 28th to the lords of trade.
FROM HUGH WALLACE
A. L. S. 1
New York 29* May 1756
DEAR SIR
I had in course your obliging Letter 24 th April, & am greatly
obliged to you for your good Oppinion, & verry kind Intentions
towards me, which I hope I shall always study to deserve.
Believe me, I shall always be proud to serve you But I would no
more desire, a thing which was not consistent, with your well
known Integrity to give, then I would hang myself.
M r . De Peyster says he is glad he had it in his power to
furnish you with Pistolls; they cost him 3. 10 St. & I paid him
7 - - for them, which you may order me here, as you please,
or lett me have the pleasure of receiving it from you at our next
meeting.
1 Original destroyed by fire.
Seven years' War
479
This will be handed you by y r Kinsman, 1 who has been sick
jre for some time. I have often had the pleasure of seeing him,
offerd him my best Services It gives me pleasure to think of
lis being with you, for I take him to be a sensible modest worthy
'oung Gentleman & one who will yet make a figure, I am sure
he has my best wishes.
All your Friends & Countrymen here, remember you with
much regard Indeed some seem to prize drinking y r . Health,
more than Health itself to them. I believe drinking y r . Health,
now you are absent, makes as may Happy, as y r . Good Company
used to do when present & that did not use to be a few
I sincerely wish you Health & Happiness, may you continue
to be a Favourite of y r . Prince, & an Honour to your Country, is
the frequent & most Earnest Wish of
Dear Sir
Your most obed h bl Serv 1 .
HUGH WALLACE
Colo. Dunbar 2 who sailed in the Packett y e . 1 4 th Inst. desired his
Complim ts . to you in an Especiall Manner.
Give me leave to recommend to y r usuall Friendship, Cap*
Rob* Ross of y e 48 Regim*. if you should see him your way, he
is my perticular Friend, you'll find him a good Man, which is
enought for you
FROM WILLIAM SHIRLEY
L. S. 8
Albany May 30*. 1756
SIR.
I received your favour of the 30 th . 4 the Charge of any
Rewards you may give to the Indians for delivering up our
1 Guy Johnson doubtless.
2 Thomas Dunbar, colonel of the 48th foot ; superseded in November
1755.
8 In Newbery Library, Chicago, 111.
4 " If " should evidently be supplied.
480
Sir William Johnson Papers
Deserters should hereafter appear improper in your accounts,
you shall be repaid from the Contingencies. The objection you
mention against the Garrison of Fort Hunter being proper to go
into the Mohawk Fort, is what may as well be made against any
of his Majesty 's Troops, I make no doubt the officer there will
do his Duty : and if you please to recollect they are troops your-
self desired but a few days ago for that service. I wish you had
provided Garrison's of hired men for this purposes as at your
request I impowered you to do in my letter of the 10 th . April;
making such Detachments at present from the 44 th . or 48 th .
Regiments very much distresses his Majesty's, service, however
in case of any Alarm, I will order the Garrison at Fort Hunter
to be reinforced, and I can't think the Indians there have the
least reason to apprehend any dangor, while they are Covered
from the Enemy by 30 men at Fort Johnson within two miles
of them, a Party at the Connajoharise Castle. 150 Men at the
Connajoharie Falls, besides the Troops at Herkerman's & several
hundereds at Schenectady, any of whom may come to their
Releif, before they can possibly be obliged to surrender.
If any deficiency of Provisions should happen to you at
Onondago, Oroego 1 is the only place it can be supplyed from,
& on your application to the Commanding officer there you will
be supplyed, but in that case I must desire you will send the
Empty Battoes you will have with you, to Oswego for that
purpose.
I am
Sir.
Your most Humble Servant
W SHIRLEY.
SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON Baronet
1 Should be Oswego.
Seven Fears' War
481
FROM WILLIAM SHIRLEY
/ ^ i
JL^ J.
Albany, June 2 J . 7756.
SIR
Sir Charles Hardy hath inform'd me of the Subject of his
inclos'd Letter to you, & desires me to write to you my thoughts
upon it.
My thoughts are these : Sir Charles's proposal for the Indians
of the six Nations to meet him at Albany, or Schenectada, so
soon as he mentions in his Letter, seems to me to interfere with
their general Meeting at Onondago, lately concluded on between
you & them ; as also your proceeding from thence to Oswego ; and
I believe if Sir Charles had known, that the former of these points
was determin'd upon in the manner you have lately acquainted
me it is, he would not have entertained Thoughts of meeting the
Indians before their going to Onondago.
I am,
Sir,
Your most Humble Servant
W SHIRLEY
SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON, Baronet.
FROM WILLIAM CORRY ET AL
The preceding letter is followed in the Johnson Calendar, p. 78, by
one, of June 5th, from William Corry, at Albany, to Johnson, dealing
with a disturbance in the provost jail, Indian depredations and a panic
near Fort William Henry; one, of the 5th, from James Furnis, at Albany,
inclosing a letter from Mr Watts; and one, of the 5th, from Dr Richard
Shuckburgh, at New York, brought by Guy Johnson, giving news. They
were destroyed by fire.
1 Original destroyed by fire.
Vol. 1116
482 ' Sir William Johnson Paper*
FROM JASPER FARMER
A. L. S. 1
We* York hne 7*. 7756
S*
Capt n . Miller being arriv^: from London, by whom I have a
Complect asortment of Europen Goods; among which I have
Swivel guns, w*. Iron Shott, Musket ball, Swan Shott, about
200 fine Light Armes w th . Cases to them, They are Such a Sort
only Something Super r : to a ferile 2 Gen rl Shirley b l : for y e
use of y e Indians, They are of a Small Musket bore, neat &
Well finish* 1 , w* Good Locks & neat brass work, If you shul
want any of y e above or any other Sort of Goods I have you May
be Shure of haveing them at y c very loest rates I inclose an
Advertisement by which y c find Miller If 3 for London directly
he will Sail in Four weaks from The date, If you have any
Comm ds there or back they shal be duly Executed by him who
will have pleshure in rendering you any Services, In y e begining
of apr 1 it was very uncertain when Lord Lowden wold leave
England, it was Ginerly thought that y e Man of War In which
ye C 11$ Webb & Abercromb, & Maj r Mudeford was Coming in
wold Sail y c 20 th of apr 1 . y c money for y c Expedition is to come
w^ that Ship w th Som Store Ships under her Convoy, we have
a Large y*. of Irish beef & buter Soon Expected here, y e atten-
tion of England y e begining of Apr 1 was for y e preservation of
port Mohone against which place The french had Sent a very
Strong Armiment from Tulung, Several admerels w* Grates
part of y e British Navy was Gon Theither, which is all that is
Mataer 1 : by y e Late Ship from London.
1 Original destroyed by fire.
2 Ferile in copy; changed to ferule in proof; fusile, for fusil, is undoubt-
edly the original.
'Should evidently be "is" or "of" for "off."
Seven Years War
483
I conclud w* harty wishes for y r , & helth & am S r .
de Esteam y r most obd' Humb e . Serv*:
JASP R : FARMER
Nev York, June 7*. 1756
For London directly
The Brigantine Maria, Thomas Miller Master: Will sail
with all expedition, having very good accommodations for pas-
sengers. For freight or passage apply to Jasper Farmer, or said
master.
FROM JOHN OGILVIE
The foregoing letter is followed in the Johnson Calendar, p. 78, by
one, of the 8th, by John Ogilvie, at Albany, to Johnson about packet
for lords of trade, money with Mr Furnis, and arrival of ship from
London. It was destroyed by fire.
FROM GOLDSBROW BANYAR
A.L.S. 2
New York 8 June 1756.
DEAR SIR
Yesterday morning the Pacquet arrived after a Passage of
8 weeks lacking a day from Falmouth, so you may imagine the
Advices are old. She has brought only the February and March
Mails, but there were some Letters sent down afterwards.
Colonel Webb and some other officers among the rest Major
Rutherford are come. Colonel Webb is to take the Command
immediately, but as I understand from the Major is not to be a
Major General till Lord Lowden's Arrival, when he is only to
take rank as such in America. The Fleet were to sail about the
time this Vessel sailed. General Abercrombie comes with the
Fleet, on board whereof are only 2 Regiments, the Highland
and another each of 500 Men, but to be recruited in Scotland to
" Tuessel " in copy; "success
2 Original destroyed by fire.
was probably written.
484 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
] 000 each, for which they were not to wait. Lord Lowden was
to embark in about 1 days after the Fleet, in a Cutter, a 20 Gun
Ship : and this is done its said, that the French might be left to
their Conjectures only, as to the Destination of the Fleet and
Transports. I hear Col. Webb has brought your Patent creating
you a Bar*, the Fees of which are paid by the King: It's said too
he has a Commission appointing you Colonel of the Six Indian
Nations &c and another Comm n . appointing you sole Superin-
tendent of Indian Affairs, with Colonels Pay for the former and
600 Sterling p r Annum for the latter. Whether he has the two
last Commissions, I cannot affirm with certainty, there seems no
doubt he has the first, and I believe if he has not the others, the
appointm*. are fix'd. In a Letter I wrote M r . Seer?. Clarke 1
of the 28 Nov r . I took the Liberty to mention pretty fully the
Hardships you were under, what appointment I had been
informed was intended you, that you had it not, unless in Brad-
dock's Commission, and the difficulties you met with by Gen
Shirley's interfering in Indian Affairs. This Letter he writes
me, he shew'd to Lord Halifax, the first part of which be sure
makes me think myself a Man of prodigious Consequence, but
tis the way of your great Folks to give, what they think, the most
pleasing turn to every thing they say. It is in these Words :
" Lord Halifax is pleased his Sentiments and yours agree, and
says every thing is now settled as you would wish them. Lord
Louden is made Gov r . of Virginia, and Gen 1 . & Commd r . in
chief of all the Forces on the Continent, Major Gen 1 . Aber-
crombie the next in Command ; and Sir William Johnson Colonel
of the Six Nations of Indians with Colonels Pay, and sole agent
for Indian Affairs with a Salary of 600 Sterling, a year : which
with 5000 voted him by Parliament for his past Services, must
convince every one amongst you (excepting M r . Shirley) how
highly his Conduct is approved on this side the Water, and
how deservedly his merit is contested both by Ministry and
Parliament."
George Clarke, secretary of the New York provincial council, but
resident in England.
Seven Years' War
435
M r . Clarkes Letter is dated at Bath the 24 Feb?. but I suppose
you will have more certain accounts of this matter than any I can
give you, perhaps in the 3 Letters I inclose you, accompanyed
with one for Captain Wraxall, who Major Rutherford tells me
has got his Company. It's said Both Captain Eyre's and M r .
Wraxall get their Promotions in consideration of their Services
in the Campaign with you. Rutherford got Ogilvie put among
the List of Captains given in by Lord Loudon for the Batalions,
but he and many others were struck out to make room for German
officers on whose Account the Duke set many clever Fellows
aside & many of them who had been in foreign Service. There
are a few Lieut : & Ensigns Cornm 8 left for Lord Louden to give,
just to preserve the Appearance of an opening for Americans.
M r . Rutherford says he found himself and the other Field officers
nominated by Gen Shirley broke. M r . Cunningham who came
over with Sir Danvers Osborn an Officer for Halifax, is come
hither one of L d . Louden's Aid de Camps. I hear nothing about
Invasions, attacking of Mnorca, or the Destination of Fleets.
You will see the news in the Papers. I have not seen the Gov-
ernor since Webbs arrival, if I learn any thing further this Morn-
ing I shall add it. I am Dear Sir
your affectionate &
obed*. humble Servant
Gw BANYAR
Pray Give my Compliments 5 Congratulations to Cap*.
Wraxall
P. S. I have saw the Gov r . what I write is true, except
perhaps as to the Colonels Pay & Salary too, which I did not
ask. One M r . Atkins 1 is appointed agent for the Southern
Division with the like Salary. M r . Pownell I hear comes with
Lord Lowden as Secretary primier but perhaps he is since nomi-
nated for the Massachusets Government, I cant tell how it is.
SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON Bar*.
Edmund Atkin.
486 Sir William Johnson Papers
FROM JOHN OGILVIE
The foregoing letter is followed in the Johnson Calendar, p. 78, by
a letter, of June 9th to Johnson from John Ogilvie, at Albany, about
letters received and sent, and money paid to John Glen. It was destroyed
by fire.
EXPENSES OF ONONDAGA MEETING
D.S. 1
Burnets field I0 ih . June 1756
An Account of Horsehire to carry provisions to Onondaga for
the use of the Hon ble Sir William Johnson Bart, and Cap*.
Pattens Company of Grenadiers
John Jost Herkemer with 2 horses for 25 days @
1 2/ for man, and horses p r day "... 15 ..
Johannes Rasbach with 2 horses 15
Andrew Weber with one Horse for 25 days at
6/p r day 7 10 ..
George Wens with one Horse for Do 7 10
Adam Bers with 2 horses for 25 days 15
John Christman one horse for Do 7 10
John Conrad Frank with 2 horses for Do 15
D. for a horse which Cap*. Patten took to
Oswego with Saddle and Bridle, and never
returned horse nor furniture 6 10
John Baker with a horse for 24 days @6 7 4
John Christman had an horse killed w th . carrying
Adam Bers had two horses rendered unfit for
any service, so that he could not use them for 2
Months, for which three horses they charge . . 8
Andrew Klebsaddle with 2 horses for 7 days ... 4 4 . .
D. to drive the Oxen with four men, besides
himself 6 8
Andrew Weber for pasturage of the Oxen 8
Stephanus Frank for 1 1 , loaves of bread 11
Dietrick Stale lost a Bell which he sent with the
Oxen . . 8 6
1 Original destroyed by fire.
Seven Years" War 487
John Rasbach lost an horse with a Saddle and
Bridle which carried Cap 1 . Pattin's baggage . . 6
carried forward 1 22 3 6
Brought over 122 3 6
Fort Johnson December 1756
I do Certify that the within named persons have been with me
to Onondaga last Summer, and carried also Cap*. Patton's
baggage and provisions for the Grenadier Company which he
commanded, and which was by Gen 1 . Shirley's order
w. j.
FROM WILLIAM WILLIAMS
The foregoing paper is followed in the Johnson Calendar, p. 79, by
a letter of June 1 Oth to Johnson from William Williams, at Fort Williams,
about Onondagas who have come to guard bateaux and escort Sir William,
also about Canadian Indians. It was destroyed by fire.
FROM WILLIAM CORRY
A. L. S. 1
Albany, June II*. 1756
SIR
This is to let you know that Just now an Express arrived from
New York, which informs us of the arrival of Major Gen 1 . Web
we have an account in Every body's mouth, that his Majesty
has settled on you Six hundred a year Ster : Capt Raxel is made
Captain in the Room of Cap*. Rutherford Cap*. Rutherford a
Major, he is arrived with Gen 1 . Web: I spoke with the Express,
he confirms the above account Gen 1 . Louden daily Expected
two prisoners taken this day on the other side of the River
within a Mile of Albany.
Original destroyed by fire.
488 , Sir William Johnson Papers
For God Sake dont expose your self among the Indians,
rather Send for them, and let them wait upon you let me
intrate you when you receive this letter Stop, under pretence of
great affairs, and return home, where you can have an opertunity
of intertaining the Indians, and conversing with them with safety
and pleasure, to what you can in their Castle at such a distance
and hazard. You see I am earnest to comply with your desire
of my often writing to you I am now going to inquire for a
post, if I can get y e opertunity of one, shall send off this letter by
him. if not I shall make bold to send you an Express My
Compliments and Joy to Sir Peter all here, I mean this family
Salute you I am Sir
Yours to Command
WILLIAM CORRY
FROM JOHN OGILVIE
The foregoing letter is followed in the Johnson Calendar, p. 79, by
a letter of June 1 2th from John Ogilvie, at Albany, conveying congratula-
tions to Johnson. It was destroyed by fire.
ROBERT H. MORRIS TO OGAGHRADARISHA
Contemporary Copy
Philadelphia, June 14, 1756
[ ] the Camp at Armstrongs [ ]
Ogaghraderisha
Colonel Clapham has communicated to me by a sp[ecial?]
Messenger the several matters you have delivered to him, as
[well] from Sir William Johnson, as from our good Friends
and Allies [the] Six Nations; and I detained the Express no
longer than was necessary to lay them before the wise Men,
whose advice I ask in all matters relating to Government, for
their consideration, and they concur with me in this Answer which
I am now going to make to you
Seven Years War 489
Irother
I return you my hearty thanks for your kind Speeches. They
pve me much satisfaction bespeaking great care and sincere
Affection for us on the part of Scarroyade and our other Friends
at Fort Johnson, and on the North Branch of Susquehannah and
I am particularly oblig'd to you for undertaking this hazardous
Journey.
A String
Brother
You tell me that Sir William Johnson finding it too difficult
for him to take the necessary care of the remote Indians who live
on the Waters of the Susquehannah, has recommended it to the
Person who has the Command of the Provincial Forces now on
their March to Shamokin to take care of them. This is perfectly
agreeable to me. I have already given him my Orders to Afford
every kind of Protection in his Power to our Friendly Indians
and I now repeat the same directions to him, in Confirmation
thereof I give this String.
A String
] have appointed you to represent them
[ ] ratify and confirm whatever you Transact with
this Government on their behalf. As you have so full a Power
from them I must desire you to proceed to this City, the place
where all my wise men and Councellors assemble together and
transact there the Publick Business. I have several matters now
under my consideration of great Importance to our Allies the
Indians which I cannot communicate but in Council, by this Belt
therefore I invite you to come to this City and afford me your
assistance and advice in Council.
A Belt
Brother
I thank the Indians for the ready and voluntary consent they
have by you given to our Building a Fort at Shamokin. you must
490 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
be sensible that this measure did not Originally proceed from me,
but was first moved by the six Nations who lived among us and
on their renewing their Request after having been present in the
great Council lately held at Sir William Johnsons I consented to
it. I promis'd it shou'd be done and the Forces under Colonel
Clapham are now going to carry the Promise I made to the six
Nations when here into Execution 1
Brother
I am desir'd to Build another Fort fourteen Miles above
Wiomink at a place called Adjonquay I have agreed to this.
i ]
I have given notice of your safe Arrival [ ] S r .
William Johnson and Scarroyady at Fort Johnson. I have sent
Messengers to Diahogo to give them information of it least they
shou'd be uneasy at your Absence, and I mention this that you
may be the more willing to come to this City, where I shall be
glad to take you by the Hand and place you among my
Councellors.
Brother
You may return to Susquehannah from this City by a nigh
and Convenient Road without any Danger and I shall take care
that you be well rewarded for your Trouble
A String.
Brother
As I expect to see you here, you must not look on this as a
compleat Answer, you must be sensible from what I have said
that your Message is extreamly agreeable to Us and will be com-
plied w th . but I leave several things to be mentioned to you in a
Personal Conference.
1 See Doc. Rel. to Col Hist. N. 7., 7:1 14.
Seven Years' War
491
Given under my Hand and the Lesser Seal of the Province
at Philad a . the 14 th . June anno Dom: 1756
Seal of the
Province.
ROB T . H: MORRIS
INDORSED : A Copy of Governor Morris's
Answer to what was delivered by
the Indian Ogaghradariha to
Col. Clapham at the Camp at
Armstrong's dat. 1 4 th June 1 756.
FROM RICHARD SMITH
A. L. S. 1
Albany June p e 19. 1756
S*
As I had y e honour to Serve Under you last campaign expect-
ing to meet you here or to have found you at Fort Johnson but
understanding you was gone among 5 * y e Six Nations. Wait here
your return With a designe of tending my Service in case you
enter into Action. I have y c pleasure to inform you that a letter
I wrote from y e camp two days after y e battle was y c first ace 1 ,
of it that arrived in England & it had y e honour to be laid
before y e house of Commons, it gives me infinite pleasure now
to reflect that as when I wrote I had no Sinester Views, nor no
other on only doing Justice to merrit where ever I Saw it so pray
excuse my vanity if I tell you. I am not a little proud of having
y e honour of having made known yours my dear friend Cap*.
Wraxels & Cap*. Eyre; to no less than y e Commons of great
Brittain. now S r . William as I have a wife & five children which
urges me to to the request beg you will reward that litle Share of
merrit I may Claim in having endeavourd to acquitt myself in
1 Original destroyed by fire.
492 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
dilligently discharging y e trust reposed in me during y e Camp of
y e Campeign. which is that you will give me a Leautennacy in
your Rigement. & as I told you on your acceptance of me before
so if you honour me with your acceptance of me again. So you
may be assured my Actions shall allways speak for me & my
grattitude & fidelity Continue to y e death, as I have not y c
honour to be intamately acquainted with you yet S r . William I
am know Stranger to your worth and must beg of you to beleave
I would not have presumd to have made such a request as I have
but should have relied on my worthy frend Cap*. Wraxel to have
done it for me, but alas with agony I write it by what I here I
fear he is no more, my friends had wrote to him on my behalf
I am well assured he would have served me & hope for his sake
you will.
Remain With all due Respect
Your most devoted Humble Serv ! .
RICH D . SMITH
P S their is intelligence from fort Ed wd , the enimy have a
large party employd in Cutting a road & was advanced Within
ten miles of y e fort Gen rl Winslow detached 400 men to rein-
force y e garrison & convoy a hundred Waggons on y e 17 th of
this Instant beg my Service may be acceptable to Cap*. Duller l
& M r . Adams 2 & M r . Clous.
SIR CHARLES HARDY TO THE LORDS OF TRADE
In Doc. Rel to Col Hist. N. Y., 7:1 17, is a letter, of June 19th
from Sir Charles Hardy to the lords of trade, mentioning Johnson's com-
mission.
FROM AN ONEIDA ET AL
The preceding letter is followed in the Johnson Calendar, p. 79 by
intelligence, dated June 20th, given by an Oneida of French designs
concerning the Oswego falls, Oneida lake, German Flats and Sir William
Johnson (printed in Doc. Hist. N. Y., 2:727-28; Q, 2:423).
It was destroyed by fire.
1 Captain Butler probably.
2 Robert Adams, deputy secretary of Indian affairs.
Seven Years War 493
FROM WILLIAM CORRY
A. L. S. 1
Albany June 27": 7756
SIR
M r Van Epse informed me all the 110 Kettles and also the 5
or 6 at M rs . Millers he sent to your house which I was very glad
of. I have taken a Method now to prevent your looseing any
goods between Albany and Schinectady. I have sent a load of
blankets and Six bullet moulds to M r . Van Epse, and expect
more goods by the first Sloop which shall send up as soon as they
arrive.
As to news I inclose you my last papers, yesterday we had a
certain account that Sixteen vessells chiefly transports are arrived
with troops from England at New York, Gen 1 . Loudon not yet
arrived, the present plan is all for Crown point, the present
Musters is Six thousand provincials 3 thousand more expected:
the two Regiments Web and Burton 2000, the English from
England when all arrive 3000 several Companys of Artiliry &
the independants, when Compleat are expected to amount to
14000 men in the whole yourself and Indians are also men-
tioned for that Service, it is said in Common conversation, and
also in the papers that the English Gen ls are to consult with you
upon affairs a letter is gone to Col. Wouldbe to order him to his
company he was within an Inch of being discarded, two
Merc ts . Ships are arrived from England, they say the bill of
costs is settled at last, the amount is 1 68 thousand Ster.
our Sloops are impressed to carry up the English troops to
Albany. Major Mathews I am convinced can clear himself with
hon r . how ever he is turned out he cant get a hearing untill
you come down. A Certain Gentle 11 , has done all in his power
to bind him with Cobwebs and make the world believe they were
Original destroyed by fire.
494 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
bell Ropes, it may turn upon their own heads God Speed
you in all things is the wish of your Affect, humble Serv 1 .
WILLIAM CORRY
I heard Sir peter * was very 111 at the Flats.
TO WILLIAM SHIRLEY
>/. S. 2
Camp at Onondaga Lake 3 June 27 ih . 1756
SIR
I have the honour of y rs . of the 23 d . Inst. 4
I have not had an answer from the Six Nations as yet, so that
I cannot with any degree of certainty say what I can do as with
regard to the Number of 100 Men y r Excell c y desires I would
engage for the Crown Point Expedition, they tell me I am to
have their answer to Morrow I hope it will be favourable not-
withstanding the many 111 impressions our backwardness & Losses
has made on their Minds, as well as the Indefatigable overtures
of the French, & their Indians, who have had great opertunity
this time past of Corrupting them. I am sorry to See there is
little hopes of any of the Twighties, or other Western Indians
comeing to Oswego as Your Excellency & myself expected. I
cannot therefore see the necessity of my going there.
This Moment two Indians whom I sent from Oneida 1 1 Days
ago to call the Shawanese, & Delawares returned, & tell me that
they parted this Morning with 26 Shawanese & Delawares,
whom I expect will be here this night So that to Morrow I hope
to hear their Resolutions. I shall use all means in my power to
bring this Meeting to as Happy an Issue as possible, and if turns
out well hope to bring down a Number of Warriors with Me,
1 Peter Wraxall, secretary for Indian affairs.
2 Original destroyed by fire.
8 Johnson left Fort Johnson June 3d, reached Oneida the 1 3th, Onon-
daga the 1 8th, set out to return July 3d and reached home the 7th.
4 Not found.
Seven Years War 495
Whom I must Cloath well &c a . w ch I cannot well do so soon
unless I had that present at least the Coats, Shirts, Hatts &
ammunition w h . S r . Charles Hardy has. they never will be so
acceptable, or of such Service as at my return. When I propose
(if they go with me) to stick at no Expence to engage them
heartily as the rest would then fall in the Sooner.
I am
y r . Excels*.
Most Obed 1 .
Most Humble Serv 1 .
W M . JOHNSON
I find by all the Nations here who ever resorted the Carrying
place, that Cap 1 . Williams * is a very disagreeable person to them
they earnestly desire, & insist upon it that he be removed, or they
will never go on the Scout, or any other Service there.
I am sorry I am under a necessity of taking so disagreeable a
task in hand, as to write against any Gentleman, but as I plainly
see & find he has greatly disobliged all the Oneidas, Tuscaroras
& Onondagas greatly to the prejudice of the Service, I think it my
Duty to take notice of it to your Excellency, his Interpreter is
as much found fault with.
GENR L . SHIRLEY
FROM JOHN BRADSTREET ET AL
The preceding letter is followed in the Johnson Calendar, p. 79 by
a letter, of the 28th, from John Bradstreet to Johnson about provisions
forwarded and journey to Oswego, with mention of Captains Vanbarge
and Patton and Mr Pitcher; and a letter, of the 28th, from William
Corry, at Albany, to Johnson, about arrival of men-of-war in the St
Lawrence, Fort Duquesne, arrival of English generals, billeting redcoats
in Albany and sending supplies. They were destroyed by fire.
1 Captain William Williams, of Sir William Pepperrell's regiment.
He was stationed at the Oneida Carrying Place.
496 , Sir William Johnson Papers
TO PETER WRAXALL 1
July the 2*. 1756
Extract from Sir William Johnson's Letter to Peter Wraxall
Secretary for Indian Affairs, bearing date from his Camp in the
Woods between Onondago and Tuscarora, Friday Evening
July the 2< 1756. 2
Last Night I finished all matters with the Six Nations to my
great Satisfaction, I have a number of the Shawenese and Dela-
wares with me whom I intend to take down to my House, and
settle all Affairs there with them, as I could not here. The meet-
ing being broke up before they all arriv'd, the King of the Dela-
wares came here after the meeting was broke up, he accompany 's
me also, they will be about 30 in Company of both Nations; the
King of the Delawares tells me, that he on receiving a Message
sent him by me from Oneida sent immediately to the Delawares
on the Ohio, to come to the Onondago meeting, he thinks there
will come above 1 00 of them, which is a good Sign, I doubt not
settling that unhappy Affair as soon as I get home. I hope you
are quite recover'd and that I shall have the pleasure of meeting
you at my House Tuesday or Wednesday next at furthest.
A true Extract Ex d . by
LAMB T . MOORE D? Secrey.
FROM WILLIAM CORRY
A. L. S.*
Albany July 3*. 1756
SIR
Upon the application of some of our poor distressed people I
trouble you with this Letter. Last week I was sent for to the
Court House by the Mayor and Justices, they shewed me the
Gov rs Letter ordering them to call all suspected persons for selling
1 In Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Manuscripts
Indian Affairs, II, 1754-56.
2 Johnson set out on the 3d on his return from Onondaga. Doc. Rel.
to Col Hist. N. Y., 7:150.
3 Original destroyed by fire.
Seven Fears' War
497
rum to the Indians before them, they made the people sware from
the Commencement of the act, which was a year wanting ten
days before they were summoned; they picked out all the
Strangers from the one end of Albany to the other with much
discretion and Judg*. but the persons that might be really sus-
pected of the right breed they passed over, among the number
sumoned Alex r . McCay confessed that 8 or 1 mpnths ago when
he lived at New York and traded between York and Albany in
his Sloop 1 2 or 14 miles below Albany he sold an Indian a pint
of Rum for 3 brooms and declared he knew nothing of the act.
William Taylor said about a month before an Indian Captain
in his march to Lake George from some part of New England
Quartered his Indians for the time he staid in Albany at his
house, and he supply'd them in reason according to his orders as
Soldiers. a Dutch man one Cooper, lately come to Albany
said he knew nothing of the act and some days before sold an
Indian a pint of Sider. a Jew said by M r . Alexanders orders
he sold his servant six Gall 8 , of Rum which he was told was for
the use of the Indians I observed to the Mayor and Justices these
sellings did not come within the intent and Meaning of the act,
and if they thought proper, we would acquaint the Gov r . with
them and know his pleasure, to which all agreed
In 4 or 5 days after unknown to the Justices and as I hear by
the advice of his good Friend the Sheriff, and I suppose to put a
penny in his pocket, he fixed upon McCay and M r . Taylor and
granted his warrant to put each of them in Goal if they did not
each pay the fine of 50 and the Costs, which M r . Sheriff
chenged 1 to 28S. each as for money leveyed upon an Execu-
tion M r . McCay paid down the money and Costs, and the
Mayor sent Taylor to Goal, after he had lain there 24 hours with
great difficulty I got him out, he giving a bond with two Sufficient
Sureties for the Money, how the Mayor sliped the dutchmans
neck out of the halter I cant tell, for he confessed before us all,
1 In copy, " chenged "; in proof, " changed "; should be " charged
apparently.
498 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
he had sold a pint of Sider to an Indian, and refused to swear
as every Sale here seems quite foreign to the true Sence and
Meaning of the act their request is, that you would please to
represent their case to the Gov r . and if his Excellency shall think
them guilty, they submit, if Innocent, they hope his excellency
will relieve them of the fine and Costs, as the costs was as unjust
as the fine The last year when the Indians was in Albany two
Dutch weomen were committed for selling rum to the Indians
and refusing to swear, yet they let them out, without paying any
fine Last week one Huse an Irish man was called before the
mayor for something, and Huse told the Mayor he could clear
himself by 20 Evidences yes said the Mayor, Irish Evidences.
The King and Duke 1 resent highly that the troops were
oblig[ed] to lay in tents last November Sir John St Clare
vows he will acquaint his Majesty with the treatment he met
with from the Mayor, when he applyed to have the last troops
billeted. I beg you will get this set turned out, I feel the poor
Strangers oppressions and wish to relieve them. I have a much
better set ready to put in their places. It is said that Albany is
to be fortified, which would be good news to you and I.
States Morris when he was last in England waited on the
Duke, 1 the Duke asked him if he had the returns of the army
he said not, have you brought the returns of the two new raised
Regiments, he said not, what do you come for said the Duke,
and left him abruptly the next day States rec d an order to
repair to his Regiment.
Pray take notice of the Complaint of these poor people. And
let the Gov r . order me to summon and examine all persons sus-
pected of Selling rum to the Indians, and I'll put the saddle on
the right horse.
I am Sir your most
humble Serv*.
WILLIAM CORRY
1 The Duke of Newcastle.
Seven Years War
499
FROM JOHN ABEEL ET AL
The preceding letter is followed in the Johnson Calendar (See p.
79-80) by a letter of July 6th from John Abeel, at Fort Williams, to
Johnson, asking payment of Senecas employed by Abeel; a list, sent to
Johnson, of supplies, dated the 10th, from Cornel's Jno. Cuyler, assistant
commissary, at Schenectady; conferences at Onondaga and Fort Johnson
between Johnson and the Indians, July 1 12 (printed in Doc. ReL to
Col. Hist. N. y., 7:146-60). These were destroyed by fire.
TO JAMES ABERCROMBY 1
Fort Johnson 12 th . July 1756
SIR
Last Night I concluded all Matters with the King or Head
of the Shawanese, & with the King or head of the Delaware
Indians, Who live on the Susquehannah the Former at Way-
oming, the latter at Jiaogo. 2 The Shawanese Chief declares
that none of his people were concerned in any of the Hostilities
committed on the Frontiers of the Southern Provinces that they
have Strictly adhered to their Treatys & Engagements with the
English and are determined to Continue Acting upon the same
principles
The Delaware chief has confessed that some of his people
deluded by the French & the Indians in their Interest did join
with them in their Late Hostilities & Depredations on the
Frontiers of the said Governments. That they have seen their
Error, laid down the Ax, and do repent of their past Misconduct,
will for the future Govern themselves by the Example of their
uncles the six Nations, & in Conjunction with them will take up
& use the Hatchet against the French & all their Adherents.
This he ratified in the most publick & Solemn manner before the
Deputy's of the Six Nations who were present & Engaged himself
that all the English prisoners who had fallen to the Share of his
people Should be forthwith Delivered up.
1 In Public Record Office, C. O. 5.17, p. 539, London, England.
2 Tiaogo.
500 Sir William Johnson Papers
I presented the Warr Belt which was Accepted by both these
Chiefs who sung the Warr Song (which is a Sacred Engagement
amongst the Indians) with singular Zeal and Warmth
I think proper to Lose no Time in acquainting your Excellency
with the Happy Issue of this Important Affair In which I have
been successfull beyond my Expectations
The Delaware Chief who was the principal Object has also
promised to use his utmost Endeavours to withdraw those of his
Nation whom the French have Seduced to go & live in the
Neighbourhood of Fort Du Quesne.
As I See by the publick prints the Governour of New Jersey
hath published a Declaration of War against the Delaware
Indians, which as he Could not but know they were Expected
at the Onondago meeting with the Hopes of Bringing Matters
to an Accomadation was In my Humble Oppinion a premature
& very unadvised Measure, and the Governour of Pensilvania
he must have known, had upon this Account Suspended any
Hostilities in Consequence of his Declaration of War Some time
ago published If from these or any other of the Collonys any
Hostilities shou'd be first Committed against these said Indians,
The Six Nations will in a Body resent it, And all Our Indian
Affairs be put into a fatall Confusion, which I beleive no body
will be able to Compose. I Hope therefore your Excellency
will judge it proper to Communicate with the utmost Dispatch,
The General Account which I have Given you to the Southern
Governments, I would have Sent one to Sir Charles Hardy in
Order that he might have Transmitted it to the Neighbouring
Governments to the Southward but as that would have taken up
more Time I thought it best to referr it to your Exency who I
hope will if your Sentiments Correspond with mine, Inforce them
with your own Opinion.
I shall Only Add that their Appears Every kind of Moral
Evidence to beleive the uprightness and Sincerity of the promises
and Engagements of these Chiefs in Behalf of their People And
that as soon as a Copy of the particular proceedings of this Con-
Seven Years War
501
jress can be Got ready I shall Transmit one to Sir Charles Hardy
Order to forward to the Southern Governments.
I hope Some day this week to have the honour of waiting upon
you and am most respectfully
Sir
Your Excellencys most
Obedient Humble Serv 1 .
W m . Johnson
To
His Excellency
Major General Abercromby
Copy
James Abercrombie
Major General
A True Copy Examin'd by
Benj a . Barons
Secretary
Pro v . N. Hamp
Copy Ex a . THEODORE ATKINSON Sec*
INDORSED : Copy of a Letter from Sir
W m . Johnson to Maj r . Gen 1 .
Abercrombie dated
Fort Johnson July 1 2 th :
1756
in Gov r . Wentworth's Letter
of July 19*: 1756
FROM JOHN BRADSTREET
A letter of the 13th to Johnson from John Bradstreet, at Albany,
inclosing an account and asking payment to Captain Schuyler in the John-
son Calendar, p. 80, was destroyed by fire.
502 , Sir William Johnson Papers
FROM JOHN ST CLAIR
A. L. S. 1
Albany July the 14*. 1756
SIR,
As the provincial Forces have begun their March, and the
48 Regiment follow them to morrow, to take up the posts as
they leave them, is the reason that all the Wagons in this part
of the Country are employed. I am therefore under the neces-
sisty of beging the favour you will employ the Constables about
you to collect all the Wagons in your Neighbourhood to rende-
vouze at Schenectady on Sunday the 1 8 th . Ins*, for the march
of the 44 th . Reg 1 . & its artillery towards Oswego ; I .shall thank-
fully pay the Constables for their trouble in empressing the
Carnages.
I shall be glad to see you soon at this place and to assure you
with what regard and Esteem I am
Sir
Your most obedient and
most humble Servant
JOHN S T CLAIR DQMG
To S R . W M JOHNSON Bar*.
FROM ROBERT ROGERS
In the Johnson Calendar, p. 80, is found Captain Robert Rogers'*
journal, addressed to Johnson, of a scout to Lake Champlain, with an
account of losses which he inflicted on the enemy, and the completion of
the undertaking July 15. (Doc. Hist. N. Y. t 4:285-87; Q,
4:184-85.) Destroyed by fire.
1 In collection of Mr H. R McCullough, North Bcnnington, Vt
Seven Years' War
503
EXAMINATION OF MICHAEL GREENLEAF
D. S.
Fort William Henry. July 75*. 1756
Michael Greenleaf [ ] Says Never in the Service
His Occupation a [ ] at Crown Point: Eight Days
From Shamblee before [ ] A Create Numb r of
troop 8 at Shamblee bound To Carrying [ ] with
Aboute 500 Regulars A Generall Ariv d From France his Name
not known no Certain Intilligence at Canada of the English
Coming Against Crown Point but they Expected it. Never
Understood y l y e French were Desigend to Attact this Fort:
Create Stors of Proveshions at Shamblee: Aboute 50 battos at
S l : John bound to Crown Point Readey To Follow He Meet
30 That Night before he was Taken. Create Num r in Canada
Lettly Died with the Small Pox 2 Indaien Cannes Set out
the Day before he Did with 20 Indaiens & 3 French Men one
a Lingester To Interupt our Convoys between Here & Albany
He was Freest to transport proveshions between S*. Johns &
Carreylong 1 & to Receive twelve Livers p r Trip the Com-
manding officer Gives 60 Livers for a Scalp & they Sell our
Prisners for 50 Crowns 2 Days Before he Left St Johns he
heard there were 2 Rigments Arrived at Canada they understand
at Canada we have a Number of Ships in y e Mouth of St Law-
rence River None of there forces to go any other way but to
Crownpoint & Carrilong A Grate Prospect of a Good Crop this
Year
Carillon.
504 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
the other Seven Prisners have been Examined are not So
Intelligible But Give much y e Same account
ROBERT ROGERS
INDORSED : A true Exammination
of the Prisners
NO. 5
[ 1
Prisoner
July 15* [ ]
taken at Fort [ ]
& Hennery
FROM WILLIAM KELLY
A. L. S. 1
New York July 16* 1756
SIR
I am heartily glad it's in my Power to congratulate you on
your safe Arrival from among those whom your Friends here
thought wou'd have proved your Enemies & the Success I am
informed you've had is no small Addition to the Pleasure the
Account of your Safety afforded me : have not wrote you since I
rece d your esteem d Fav r . of the 3 d . Ult. with your Draft on M r .
Watts for 1200 which he paid on Sight & is carried to your
Credit; It has not been in my Power to procure any more Tinsel
than wou d lace 30 Hats which have sent up p your Linguister
Jacob 8 . Camynt 2 (or some such Name) the rem r . of the Hats
still lie by me : have now sent you p a small Boat Hugh Dunlap,
Mar 8 , a Barrell of British Herrings mark'd W: J. No. 58 cost
60 s & Carta. 76 which have got out of a Vessell that came into
the Hook who on hearing there was a Prohibition on the Exporta-
1 Original destroyed by fire.
2 Jacobus Clement probably.
Seven Years War
505
of Provisions wou'd not enter but proceeded to the West
idies.
Lord Loudon is hourly expected, a Vessell being arrived that
jft Port & kept company with in the Nightingale (a heavy going
50 Gun Ship) as far as the Banks of Newfoundland & there
parted with him in a Fog; & notwithstanding M r . Kilby (who is
in Partnership w lh Ald n . Baker in the Governm*. Contract for
supplying the Forces here) is arriv'd with several others who
have seen & read Numbers of the English Declarations of. War
publish'd in London the 1 8 th , May last * against the French yet
one of them has not thro' their Means come to hand; but Lord
Loudon has 'got them on board, whose Arrival is heartily wish'd
for here: there are fresh Accounts that M r . Pownall is made
Gov r of the Massachusetts Bay &c a . & that a Capt". in the Army 2
whose Name I forget, is made Dep?. Gov r . of Pennsylvania.
We are now fitting out several Privateers which will be ready
to sail the Moment Comm 5 . can be obtained : You've enclosed 3
Letters which came under Cover to me from M r . Fran*. Wade
of PhildeK w th Directions to forward a Trunk which sent up
yesterday by Capt n . Bentheysen: Since we've had a Certainty
of a War with France I had a Mind to take the Liberty to pro-
pose to you to be concerned in a Privateer out of this Port which
now take the Liberty to mention to you & request your Answer
there being now in Port a very fine Bermuda's Cedar Snow,
reckoned the best Sailer in the West Indies & has been a Priva-
teer last War it's said of her that there's nothing swims on salt
Water but what she can come up with, the Man who now has
her here asks 1500 Guineas for her & in Case you've an Incli-
nation to be concerned that Way, will engage no Person what-
ever shall be interested in her but Gent n . of probity & Character
& if this Proposal shou'd be disagreeable to you hope you'l
1 The English declaration of war bore the date May 1 7, 1 756. It
was proclaimed in Albany July 27th in New York City on the 31st.
Council Minutes, 25:37.
2 Captain William Denny.
506 9 Sir William Johnson Papers
excuse the Liberty taken to propose it by Sir with the utmost
Sincerity & Esteem
Your most Obed'. H ble . Serv'.
WILLIAM KELLY
S R . WILLIAM JOHNSON Bar*:
FROM WILLIAM KELLY
This letter is followed in the Johnson Calendar, p. 80 by an invoice
of goods, dated July 18th, sent by William Kelly to Johnson. It was
destroyed by fire.
TO THE LORDS OF TRADE
In Doc. Rvl. to Col. Hist. N. 7., 7:117-120, is printed Johnson's
letter of July 1 7th, to the lords of trade on the Onondaga meeting with
the Six Nations and his success with the Shawanese, Delawares and River
Indians at Fort Johnson. A journal of Johnson's proceedings with
Indians from June 3d to July 1 9th, at Oneida, Onondaga, Fort Johnson
and Albany, is printed, p. 130-161. In Doc. Hist. N. Y., 2:728-31,
is printed the letter to the lords of trade.
TO JAMES ABERCROMBY AND OTHERS
Contemporary Copp *
Albany, July 17, 1756
As I have lately had a considerable Meeting at Onondaga
& my own House, with the Indian of the Six Nations and several
of their Allies & Dependants, I think it my Duty to accquaint
this Council of War.
1. That if a Body of His Majesties Troops should act in
conjunction with the Provincial Levies, now on their March
towards Crown-point, I can take upon me to give this Council
of War assurances, that a large Body of our Indians will
heartily & readily join with & assist in such Operations with
respect to the Crown Point Expedition as may be found most
1 In Public Record Office, C. O. 5.47, London, England. Inclosed
in Johnson to Fox, 1756, July 18th.
Seven Years 9 War
507
iviseable for the Success & honour of His Majesties Arms, and
His Majestys Service shall render it necessary,* I am ready
take upon me the Command of the said Indians and give my
istance to the utmost of My Abilities in every shape that will
d to promote or produce Success to the said Enterprize, and I
ther beg leave to declare my Opinion, that without such a
iction of His Majesty's Troops and Assistance of the Indians,
I very much fear our Success that way this year.
2. That provided an Expedition against the Enemy from
Oswego shall be judged practicable & adviseable this Season,
and I should not be called upon to act in person towards Crown-
point as mentioned in the foregoing Article, that I doubt not
of being able to bring into the Feild, join & assist His Majestys
Arms that way with a large Body of Indians whom I shall be
ready to head as I have mentioned in the preceeding Article.
And I beg leave to give it as my Opinion, that if Circumstances
should not admit of any considerable Attempt to be made against
the Enemy this Year from Oswego and the present Obstinacy of
the Provincials against being joined by His Majestys Troops &
Indians continues, that it will be very prejudicial to His Majestys
Indian Interest.
I was asked what number of Indians I could bring into the
Feild this Campaign.
I replied that I spoke within compass when I said I could
* I am at this time in a very ill state of Health wch was known &
visible to the Gentlemen present wch. was the reason of my putting in
those Words.
508 Sir William Johnson Papers
depend on bringing Five hundred, provided there was the Appear-
ance in our favour of a formidable & respectful Enterprize.
INDORSED: Copy of a Paper from
S r . William Johnson
w ch . he laid before & was
read to a Council of
War of w * 1 . he was a
Member, at Albany
17. July 1756.-
in S r . W m . Johnson's Letter of
July 18*: 1756.
TO HENRY FOX
L S 1
Albany 18. July 1756
SIR,
I am honoured with your favour, bearing Date the 13. of
March last, 2 acquainting me that the Parliament in Consequences
of His Majestys gracious Recommendation has granted the Sum
of 5000. as a Reward to me, for that Zeal, and those
Endeavours, which my Duty to his Majesty, and my Country
demanded from me.
And that as a farther Mark of His Majesty's Approbation
and Confidence, He hath also been pleased to confer upon me,
a Commission of Colonel, Agent, and sole Superintendant of
the Affairs of the Six Nations their Allies and Dependants,
which with your Letter and my Patent, I have received from
Colonel Webb; Sir
I beg Leave to assure you, of my most dutyful, and gratefull
Sensibilities of these distinguishing Marks of his Majestys Royal
1 In Public Record Office, C. O. 5.47, London, England.
2 Fox to Johnson, 1 756, Mar. 1 3, is printed in Doc. Rel. to Col Hist.
N. y.. 7:76-77.
Seven Years War 509
Favour, Benevolence, and Confidence, and that I shall to the
utmost of my Abilities at all Times, and on all Occasions exert
myself to demonstrate by my Actions, the Truth and Sincerity
of the Professions I have now made and that in the Disposition
of what Monies I may receive to carry on His Majesty s Indian
Service, I shall act with the most prudent Oeconomy in my
Power, keep as particular and exact Accounts, as the Nature of
this Service will permit and in all Respects I will be the honest
Man.
As I have had very lately a Great Meeting with the 6. Nations
their Allies and Dependants at Onondaga, and a subsequent
Treaty with the Shawanese and Delaware Indians at my House,
in the Presence of the 6. Nation Delegates which ended but a
few Days ago, it would be extreamly inconvenient to them, and
bring a great Expence upon the Crown to call another Meeting
immediately, and as we are in hourly Expectation of My Lord
Loudouns Arrival, by whom you tell me a large Present will
come for the Indians, when perhaps his Lordship may think it
proper to assemble the Indians, before his Arrival it will I judge
not be advisable to summon the Indians to a general Meeting,
neither can I, nor could I timely provide these presents, which
are indispensibly necessary on such Occasions.
As the sailing of this Packet, does not leave sufficient Time
to send full Copies of my Proceedings at Onondaga, and at the
subsequent Treaty at my House, I have by this Opportunity
wrote to the Lords of Trade, and give them a summary Account
of the capital points which have been negotiated at said Meeting
and Treaty, to which I beg Leave to refer you, as I humbly
conceive they are of great Consequence to his Majesty s Service,
and the Welfare, of his North American Dominions, at this
interesting Conjuncture.
I take the Liberty to inclose You Copy of a Paper I delivered
yesterday at a Consultation which Major General Abercrombie
call'd of several Field Officers, the Governour, and Lieu*. Gov-
ernour of this Province, and which Paper was read to them. If
510 / Sir William Johnson Papers
the Circumstances of Affairs at Oswego should be found such:
and which I fear they will be: as to render any considerable
Attempts from thence for this year impracticable, and the
Obstinacy of the Provincial Forces prevent a Junction of his
Majestys Troops and Indians to cooperate towards Crownpoint:
It will certainly very much disgust our Indians, who are pleasing
themselves with seeing the French speedily humbled, and it will
require some well concerted Measures to ward off the bad Con-
sequences to his Majestys Indian Interest. This is one of the
principal Reasons, which makes me impatient for the Honour
of a Conversation with My Lord Loudoun.
I have the Honour to be with high Regard & Esteam
Sir
Your most Obedient, and
most humble Servant.
W M . JOHNSON
To the right Honourable
HENRY Fox Esq r .
&r a . &r a . &r a .
INDORSED: Albany July 18 th . 1756.
Sir W m . Johnson
R Sept'. 29*.
TIMOTHY HORSEFIELD TO SIR CHARLES HARDY
Contemporary Copy
Bethlehem, July 2/, 7756
<The following Information came from the Mouth of Jo.
Peepy, an Indian now in Bethlehem a Delaware. >
That Tatteneskund, 1 the King as he calls himself, Tepisgau-
kunk and Betschihillewi, all of the Tribe <or Nation> of
Delawares, had told him, that they had been 3 or 4 Weeks ago
amongst the French at the Fort Niagara.
1 Teedyuscung.
Seven Fears' War
511
That the French made exceeding much of them, was very open
and free with them. One of the Chief officers said striking on
his Breast " I am a man, look at me (stretching out his Arm)
my Arm is strong and I have thousands more like me." As to
Provisions they had Bread midling Plenty, but their Meat was
very scarce, and that little they had was quite spoil'd. They told
them they expected a supply of Provisions every day.
Tatteneskund and Company requesting some Goods & c of
them, the French officer answered " that he would willingly help
them to every thing they wanted but at present Goods was scars
with them. He said that they expected four large Ships from
their Mother Country and if they would come again in two
Months they should have everything plenty; all what their Eyes
could see or their Hearts desire."
The French Captain said " I will now shew you what Works
we have made to destroy our Enemies," taking them into a Cellar
& from thence into a Place under Ground where was laid many
Barrels of Gun Powder, the Indians described it going some-
times this Way and again another Way, something like a Worm
Fence, and as far as I can learn, the Mine went at least half a
<^mile from the Fort, and that there were more such Places
under Ground, with Barrels of Gun Powder near the Fort.
Further, when the Indians came away they> talk'd one to
another, and concluded it <lead that Way> that the English
would come if they attack'd the fort.
That all round the Fort for the distance of <near a> !4 of
a mile was quite clean, every thing being <clear'd out> of the
Way, and that from the Fort was a fine Road leading to the
Water (I suppose Lake Ontario) made exceeding regular and
fine, every thing moved out of the Way, and the Indians thought
under this Road was the Mine. They say the Fort is situate in
a Fork, built very strong with a Ditch or Moat very deep round
it, the Palisadoes are of large Trees, and within another Row of
Palisadoes and then the Buildings. 1
1 For plan, see Pouchot, Memoires sur la dermiere Guerre de UAmeriquc
Septentrionale.
512 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
When Tatteneskund and Company had been two or three
days at Fort Niagara, the French Captain took a large Letter
and laid it open before them, desiring they would give good
Attention to what he was now going to say viz*. This Letter is
come from the King of England to <^us,^> and says so much
"Let us the English and you the French consider what we are
about. We the English live on one side and you the French live
on the other side, and we have all the Indians in the midst of us.
Let us join together at a certain time and squeese the Indians all
to Death at once, and then we will divide the Country betwixt
us You can see plainly by this what People the English are,
and what you are to expect from their Hands."
As near as I could learn the number of. People at Niagara are
300 French and 200 Englfch, 100 of the English are Prisoners
kept very close, not having Liberty to speak to an Indian, and the
other 1 00 are Indian Traders that used to frequent Allegheny or
Ohio, have now joined the French, < en joy their full Liberty
and walk about as Gentlemen.
When these Indians ask'd for Powder and Lead they^> were
answered "We have none now to < spare, else we> would
give you; the Powder you saw under < Ground, we cant> take
it, it must be kept there for the use we <have told you of>."
They gave Tatteneskund a fine dark brown < Cloth > Coat,
very much laced with Gold, which he now < wears. >
The French chiefly depend on the Help of the Twightwigs
and Tachquas, 1 who some time since were in the English Interest,
but afterwards were persuaded to leave the English and join the
French.
But when Taneskund was at Niagara, there <came> an
Indian from the six Nations, desiring them by a large Belt, not
to meddle in the War, neither to join the French nor the English,
but if they cant help medling, to wait at least four Months before
they do any thing to assist the French.
Choctaws.
Seven Yean War
513
The Twightwigs accepted this Belt, and sent word in answer
lat they would do so; signifying that they had been blind this
Winter past, and this last summer till now, but they open now
their Eyes, and will follow the Direction of the six Nations herein
as children.
The beforementioned Nations live very near the Fort Niagara.
But the beforementioned was not delivered them at Niagara but
in a Place some Miles off, and the French know nothing of it.
INDORSED: Copy Indian Intelligence sint
Express by Letter of 21 st July 1756
from Timothy Horsefield at Bethlehem
(thro which the Indians passed who
gave it) to S r . Charles Hardy, relative
to the state of the French Fort at
Niagara & a Message sent by the 6
Nations to the Twightwees &c a .
TO JOHAN JOST PETRIE AND JOST HERKIMER
Jdy 22, 7756
Mess". PETRY & HARKEMAR *
His Majesty s service requires there should be A good Road
opened by Land to Oswegoe; and the Shortest way possible
thorough the Country of the Six Nations; this is therefore to
desire you & both of you will imediately look out for a proper
Persons to go & Mark it out, with the Assistance of the Oneida
& Onondaga Indians. Whom I shall Order to Assist them. Send
the Undertaker down to me Directly, and if you incline either,
or Both of you to Undertake the Cutting, open & finishing Said
Road to Oswegoe, which will be a very Considerable Piece of
1 Original destroyed by fire.
2 Johan Jost Herkimer, father of General Nicholas Herkimer, N. S.
Benton, A History of Herkimer County, p. 151.
Vol. 1117
514 Sir William Johnson Papers
Work, I would have you come to me as soon as possible, and
I will Agree with you about it. I would Advice you to it as it
will be a very considerable thing.
I am.
Yr.
Humble Serv 1 .
FROM LORD LOUDOUN
A. L. S.
New York M> 23 [7756]
SIR
I had this Morning on my arival hear the pleasure of Receving
your very obleging letter of the 1 8 h * from Capt Wraxell and
likewais an Accoun* of the great Success you had and the very
Matterial Sevice you have done at the late Meeting at Onondago
As the Express waits my finishing this letter and that I hope to
have the pleasure of seing you in a very few days I beg leave to
finish this by assuring you that I am with sineer Regrard
Sir
Your most obedeent
humble Servant
LOUDOUN
FROM PETER WRAXALL
A. L. S. 2
New York 23 July 1756.
MY DEAR SIR
I arrived here Yesterday Morn*, ab*. 7 oClock. This Morn-
ing ab*. 4 oClock L d . Loudoun came up (silently) in a Pilot
Boat he saw Company ab l . 12. I went to make my Bow
1 Not found.
2 Original destroyed by fire.
LORD LOUDOUN
Seven Years War
515
ith the Multitude, he gave me a very particular & gracious
option & said aloud he must have a great deal of Talk with
I staid till the Company mostly withdrew & then gave him
ir Letter w ch he read equired with singular kindness after your
Health, he told I had been recommended in the warmest manner
to him by M r . Fox, 1 Calcraf t 2 &c. that he should be disposed to
do me any Service in his Power ; some more Speeches of Civility
passt on both Sides, he dined at the Kings Arms with his own
Family, M r . Pownall 3 (of whom by & by) Col. Young 4 &
Major Rutherford 5 of the Royal Americans. Cap*. Kennedy, 6
M r . Barons, 7 Oliver Delancey & your hum Serv*. I have Just
left him, gone to see M r . Barons, & as an Express is to go off
this Evening I sit down to give you these few Lines. I am to
wait on him between 7 & 8 this Evening. His Countenance is
full of Candor, his. Eyes Sprightly & good Humoured, he is
short, strong made & seems disposed & fit for Action, he lets
himself down with great ease & affability. This is all I can as
yet say of him or about him.
M r . Pownall is I understand to have the Gov*. of Boston on
M r . Shirley's departure, he (M r . P) received me very civilly,
but there is that something, w ch . flows from the Heart, w ch . I
thought wanting, he asked very kindly after you. desired I
would call on him for a little talk tomorrow Morning, he told
me I must write a Letter to My Lord Halifax for he had
appeared for me with regard to the Indep*. Commission (credat
Judaeus appella) however austier like I must write & thank him.
I asked Pownall about Secretary p. for Ind. affairs, he said the
Choice & Sallary would rest with you. what Pownall is with
1 Henry Fox, Lord Holland, secretary of state.
2 John Calcraft, politician, 1726-1772.
8 Thomas Pownall, governor of Massachusetts from 1 757 to 1 760.
4 Lieutenant Colonel John Young.
5 Major John Rutherford.
6 Captain Archibald Kennedy.
7 Benjamin Barons, secretary to Governor Sir Charles Hardy.
516 f Sir William Johnson Papers
regard to L d . Loudoun, Cuninghame told me this Morning he
knew not, but said he soon woud know. My Lord has a Sec r y.
Pownall seems thoughtful & loaded with Cogitation, the Boston
People (I hear) begin to Yelp against him. M r . Shirley paid
his Visit at one oClock. Oliver sticks close & runs about for him
(L d . Lou) when My Lord sets out is not known, the Man of
War not come up, but he'll stay no longer than absolute necessity
requires. Cuninghame is first Aid de Camp & if Pownall dont
interfere will be chief man. he has but one Aid de Camp more
as yet, I fancy Morris will come in. Staats Morris married in
Eng. the Dutchess of Gordon (Dowager) & is to go home in the
Packet, for a woman of Quality no great Fortune, but Interest
& alliance will help him, if he's discreet. My L d . told me he
woud write to Gov r . Belcher ab*. Southern Ind 8 . he has the
Extract from y r . Letter. By the next Opportunity I will give you
My Conversation w th . L d . Loudon and M r . Pownall. I have
now given you all that has past & all that I know within these
few hours. I told Pownall the allowance you had made me for
my past Services a<s> Seer 1 ?. w ch he approved. My Bill on
London is I find sold for time. I dont care to draw for the
reasons I gave you, if without inconveniency you can send me an
order upon M r . Watts for 1 00 more I'll be obliged to you
Paper I have ordered & will go to M r . Ogilvie p r first Sloope.
Gorgets shall be put in hand.
I am much as when I left Albany I hope you are better be
punctual to the Doctors Orders & dont do every thing yourself
I beseech you to be careful & believe me to be My Dear Sir
William
Y". Affectionately
PETER WRAXALL
Seven Years' War 517
FROM ARENT STEVENS
A. L. S. 1
Schonectady 26 th : /u/j>. 7756
SIR
The Dronkert sons came here yesterday from Albany in
Licquor, and as I found them a good deel out of temper, I stopt
them at my house till they were Sober, and then asked them the
reason, they say when they came to the carry place Capt n : Wil-
liams took their guns from them and talked of Confmeing them,
when they asked the reason of such treatment, he said they were
Senekas and all that Nation were french Men, they answer'd
if so, why dont you make us Prisoners. Capt n . Williams then
said, if I had all your Nation togethere here I would do it, the
Indians then asked him who told him their Nation were French
Men, he answered them he had a letter from Sir William Johnson
which Informed him so, upon which they sent Onendaga Indians
Expresses to Inform the Senekas what danger they had been In.
My little Child lies so very weak that we Expect her death
every hour, otherwise I should have come up with these Indians,
however if you have Occasion for me, shall Imediately come on
receiving your Orders.
I am with the Utmost respect.
Sir
Your Most Obed*. Hum ble : Serv':
ARENT STEVENS
Original destroyed by fire.
518 , Sir William Johnson Papers
FROM PETER WRAXALL
A. L. S. 1
[7Ven> York. July 26, 7756]
DEAR SIR
You & Captain Cuninghame will soon I hope meet each other,
were I present I should not stand silent upon the occasion. I am
deeply in with you both & therefore my Pen shall speak. I must
have something to say between you, for I value you more than
any two Men in this part of the World, and if I was put to it, I
believe I should confess, more than any two Men on both sides
the Atlantic. I can witness you are no Strangers to each others
Merit (according to the Measure of my Judgment) do you
testifie my affection for you both.
I dont think this Letter a necessary one, and as I write it
unasked I will aver tis the officiousness of Friendship & to show
my own Importance. This I am sure is the Case, that if you love
one another, I shall love you both the better for it, and if you dont
I was never more mistaken in my Life.
I am heartily
My Dear Sir
Your Sincere Friend & faithful Serv*.
PETER WRAXALL
To SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON, Bar 1 .
1 Original destroyed by fire.
Seven Years War
519
FROM PETER WRAXALL
A. L. S. 1
New York 26. July 1756
DEAR SIR WILLIAM
Such a Scene of hurry, what can I say of it! My Lord is to
set off this Morning or this day he has been so crouded that
till last night no getting near him however he then sent for me.
he opened with Military Matters about my Company. Next
about Oswego on this Subject I mentioned the Article of Rum,
its great Plenty private Sale prejudice both to Indian
Service & Troops. Bradstreet reported to be concerned
Kings Battoes said to have been made use of last year for private
Trade. William's at Carrying place, & him at Fort Hunter
Stuyvesant selling to Indians, w ch you may remember from
Buttlers Complaint. I told him that from you he would hear
more at leisure & explicitly upon these Subjects. Pownal to
whom I had mentioned these things before was for the most part
then present & spoke of the abuses with warmth.
Then Gov r . Belcher's Proclamation came upon the Carpet,
he read to Pownal & me what he had wrote to send away this
Morning, it was polite but strong against any Warlike Measures
against Shawanese or Delawares with whom you had treated
praising Your Conduct in the Affair I had given him a general
Ace 1 , of y r . Treaty.
Cuninghame has asked me if I choose to be near My Lord &
be in his Family. I told him that I was by Friendship & I appre-
hended by my office engaged to you, that otherwise I would
gladly embrace the Honour of being near My Lord, thanked
him &c.
I shall take the Liberty (I speak so because recommendations
are with me such tender points) to give Cuninghame a Line or
two of Introduction to you. he is a Discreet worthy Young
1 Original destroyed by fire.
520 ,Sir William Johnson Papers
Fellow, & I dare say you will be pleased with him, tho very lively
he is a Man of Business & I think you You will be pleased when
you talk with him on that Subject he will put My Lord in Mind
of things, w ch may escape him in the variety & load of affairs,
but without Joke I hope you will show him that favour & Con-
fidence, as my friend I believe you will, but to forward matters
is my principal reason. I wish you would let him know (what
without Flattery I esteem an honour) that I am your Friend
how pleased shall I be (& I hope it will be the case) if he takes
with you & that you will put your hand into the Cov 1 . Chains with
us. tis a Circumstance I wish for, it may help public affairs &
promote our private Tranquility. You must not forget me to
My Lord, & say what you honestly can in my favour. I long
to hear how you are, if you dont write the 1 two or three Lines
I shall think you unkind, or that you dont Give my Heart
that Credit it deserves with you. (tis a Secret) but Cuninghame
does not overlike P 1. I hint it you will make a proper
use of it.
I have talked with Magra, he says he will have nothing to do
with me till Lord Loudon is gone & I am a Man of more Leisure
I have wrote much I have much to write. The Packet goes to
morrow. I feel my self not capable of much Application I
want some relaxation & to ride a Horse back &c. however if you
ask me of My Lord for your self & want me, I wont stay a
Moment, at all Events, if you can let me stay a little say how
long if you can.
Your Proceedings to the Board of Trade cant go yet awhile,
no Packet or Vessell going after this for some time. Your Ace 18 ,
of the first 5000 must be finished & a Copy for the Board to go
with the Proceedings. I dont forget a Clerk for you. The
Gorgets I have spoke ab*. but not yet agreed for. I must Visit
L d . L. Pownal &c. I must finish some Letters this Letter will
show you my head is in a ferment, in two or three days I hope
" the " in the copy; " me " was probably written.
Seven years' War
521
to be cool, by a hint from P 1 he seems to think as I do
about D ys 1 Politicks & hearts towards you.
I am truly Y r *.
if you will
take care of y r . Health
PETER WRAXALL
FROM ROBERT LEAKE ET AL
The preceding letter is followed in the Johnson Calendar, p. 81, by a
letter, of July 26th, from Robert Leake, commissary, at Albany, to
Captain Abercromby, aide-de-camp, about guard to Oswego for cattle
and drivers; a letter, of the 26th, from Cornel's Jno. Cuyler, at
Schenectady, to Johnson on means of transporting supplies; and a letter,
of the 26th, from William Kelly to Johnson on defective and also missing
goods. They were destroyed by fire.
WILLIAM CLAPHAM TO DANIEL CLAUS
A. L. S. 2
Camp at Shamokin 27 th . July 1756
SIR
I return you thanks for your kind and agreeable Letter of the
15 th . of May p r . the old Man Ogaghradarisha to whom I have
shewn all the Civility that lay in my Power & such as is due
to his Merit and the Character you give him. I beg you'll give
my kind respects to M r . Mont 8 , Scaroyade & y c other g
B 5 of the six Nations and Assure them of my
sincere Friendship for them. I heartily congratulate them on
their Arrival at the Mohawks Country, and return them many
1 De Lanceys.
2 Original destroyed by fire.
3 Montour. The last three letters bracketed in the copy.
* ** Great " was probably written. In the copy all the letters but the
initial are bracketed.
5 " B " followed by a blank space in the copy. " Brethren " was
written evidently.
522 Sir William Johnson Papers
thanks for their kind remembrance of me. I have Hopes from
the great Experience of S r . William Johnson in Indian Affairs
that the Treaty at Oswego will be successful & terminate well
for the English Interest. I wait with the Expectation of having
the Pleasure to see some of my Bretheren here to give me the
agreeable News, and I shall rejoice when I have the Opportunity
of taking them by the Hands & bidding them a hearty Welcome
to my Habitation. I have agreeable to their Request transmitted
every thing the old Man related to me, to Governour Morris,
who immediately sent for him to Philadelphia, to converse w*.
him in Person ; and three days ago he arrived here. He is now
on his Return to you & will relate to you every thing that pass'd
at Philadelphia while he was with the Governour.
On our March from Harris's Ferry x I erected a Fort at Arm-
strongs about thirty Miles from this place on the Susquehannah,
and have been here a Fortnight in which time we have built
Barracks sufficient to contain five hundred Men and inclosed
ourselves with Pickets in form of a Semi-circle from the River,
in order to be more secure till we have erected a strong Fort.
The Plans of the two Forts I now send you.
I wish you all the Success & Happiness you can desire. & am
Sir
Your most humble Serv
WILL M CLAPHAM
Ogaghradariha will deliver to my Brethren. Scaroyade &c. a
Speech from me, with a String of Wampum to seal the same.
P. S : I have omitted to inclose the Plans of the Forts as I have
sent them to Sir William Johnson.
M r . Lewis Montour is here with me, & begs you'll remember
his Love to his Brother M r . Andrew Montour. I sent p Oga-
ghradariha a small present of Tobacco to Scarroyade. Jagrea
is now with me also p their Desire
M R . DANIEL CLAUS
Harrisburg, Pa.
Seven Years War 523
FROM CORNELIUS JOHN CUYLER ET AL
The preceding letter is followed in the Johnson Calendar, p. 81, by a
tter, of July 27th, from Cornel's Jno. Cuyler, at Schenectady, to Johnson
supplies forwarded and receipt; a letter, of the 27th, from John B.
n Eps, at Schenectady, about supplies sent; and a letter, of the 27th,
>m William Kelly, in New York, mentioning articles sent by John
Hogan and the sailing of five privateers. These letters were destroyed
by fire.
FROM PETER WRAXALL
A. L. S. 1
Ne> York 27 July 1756.
DEAR SIR
I find Gorgets with the Kings Arms & your Cypher made of
good Silver & to do Service will come higher than 26s apeice.
the Silver Smith here says those at Albany if made for that price
must be very base Metal. If you could send me down One for
a Pattern & the price you would go to, it would I think be the
best way & I cannot but imagine to have 'em made here must
save money, as I have spoke to a very honest Workman.
As I wrote you fully yesterday I have nothing New to say, let
me repeat to you to take care of your Health & be Obed 1 . to
Physical Orders. I apprehend the State of Affairs will not call
you forth this Season & I hope you will be in perfect plight by
the next. I have not been able to attend to my own Health as
yet & am much as when I left you. however when you want &
call me I come, I suppose my self to be & that I shall be under
your Direction, if you can set a time when it will be necessary
for me to come up I would be glad to know it afore hand, as some
Preparation will be necessary and if a Tent will be necessary for
me this Season that I may get it made tho unless I alter much
for the better I shall not be fit for the Feild. I take the Liberty
to inclose you a few Certificates, if Hare should be able to get
1 Original destroyed by fire.
524 Sir William Johnson Paper*
me any good Men. 4. for each to him delivered at my Quarters
& 8s. to Drink Kings Health God bless you. I am my Dear
Sir
Your faithful
& affect 6 , friend
& Servant
PETER WRAXALL
To SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON
FROM SENEGAS ET AL
The preceding letter is followed in the Johnson Calendar, p. 81-82,
by a complaint of Senecas against Captain William Williams for accusing
their nation of being in the French interest; dated Fort Johnson, July
28th. It was destroyed by fire. Also by a copy of the proceedings at
Easton of Lieutenant Governor Robert Hunter Morris, William Logan,
Richard Peters, Benjamin Chew and John Mifflin of the council, and
conferences of the same, assisted by Joseph Fox, John Hughes and
William Edmunds, commissioners, with Indian envoys, including Teedyus-
cung, the Delaware king (printed in Perm. Arch., 2:722-30, and
Penn. Col. Rec. 7:207-20). Dated, July 25-31. Not destroyed.
FROM PETER WRAXALL
A. L. S. 1
Nev York, 31 July 1756.
DEAR SIR
I have made several Enquiries in relation to a Person to act
as a Clerk or Deputy Seer?. The Person I mentioned to you
that I had in my Eye, I have talked with, his present Salary &
his future Prospects under D r . Johnson 2 from the Colledge,
greatly exceed what he would expect in our Way. besides his
hand writing w ch . is very indiff*. would be an invincible Objection.
I heard of another who in point of School learning would do,
but upon Enquiry into his writing, I found he wrote a learned
hand, alias a bad one & also very slow.
1 Original destroyed by fire.
2 Dr Samuel Johnson, president of King's College.
Seven Years' War
525
This is not the most fertile Soil for needy, learned Men & I
am afraid it will be difficult to answer our Wishes in all respects.
A M r . Farril has been recommended to me by the Colledge
Person above mentioned he was with me this Morning, he is a
Man of about <3>7 or 38, born in the North of Ireland
writes a good hand & fit for Dispatch tells me he understands
Accounts & is skilled in the common parts of the Mathematics
understands Surveying but is not a Schollar, he says he
understands the English Language, has been a School master in
the Jerseys, is now out of Employ & is very well inclined to
make Trial. He is a Married Man but his Wife & Family are
in Jersey where they are to stay. I told him I would write to you
about him, that upon your Answer, I would let him know. That
if you approved of his coming up upon Trial & the thing did not
hit his Charges should be paid. I desired him if he was any ways
inclined to Liquer to tell me for if so it would never do he
declares he is not he seems a Man of Strength & capable of
Fatigue; his Physogmony favourble and appears to be Modest.
If he should meet with your Approbation, I told him I believed
his Salary would be about 50 p Annum, (to be out of mine).
I fear a Man of School Learning, a good writer & an Accomptant
will be difficult to meet with. People of this Country in general
I dont think will answer. One of this Province I should for
many reasons be averse to. Mr. Farrel is quite a Stranger here
& has no Provincial Connexions, a point with me much in his
favour, if you would have him come up, I believe We must
advance him 3 or 4. I shall wait your Orders hereupon & if
you incline to try him I believe best loose no time.
I have enquired about a Gun Smith, but I can hear of none
Armaments by Land & Privateering coming on employ all these
People & they are much wanted.
Some body I forget who, told me your 5000 waits your
Orders in Eng d . L. Loudoun I suppose can tell you for certain,
if it dos, I would advise you to send over a Power of Attorney
with as little Delay as possible, tis bad Policy to let Money lay
526 Sir William Johnson Papers
in the great offices, especially in War time. I would beg leave to
recommend my Friend Calcraft to be your Agent in this Affair.
I apprehend you will be no where better served or safer & that
it will be somewhat of good Policy, he may then pay himself for
the Charges of your Commission. I believe the Power you send
must be signed in the Presence of Witnesses who are going to
Eng d . Leiu*. Gov r . will tell you. If you write Calcraft 1 I would
be obliged to you if you would say something to this Purpose.
' That as my friend was one reason among others of y r . applying
to him on the Occasion." I am impatient to hear from you. first
to know how you are. 2 d . what Face matters wear. 3. whether
any fatigues are cut out for you, w ch I am anxious about. I have
rode out but once as yet, am still weak but I think better. I
wait y r . Commands w * 1 I shall Obey w th chearful punctuality, I
am hiring a House & in it a room for you & a Tvife may follow,
if I get quite well, my paper wont admit ceremony.
adieu
Adieu. y rs . truly
PETER WRAXALL
FROM JOST HERKIMER AND JOHN CONRAD FRANCK
A. L. S. 2
[August, 1756}
HON D . SIR
We had the honnour of yours of the 22 d . Ulti. annent laying
out a Road from hear to oswego throw the Six Nations, and as
for my part, Hanios Pettrie, I am oald, and lame in one of my
jips, and It's not in my power to Undertake any Such fatigue;
and for me, Joast Harkemer, I dare not leave my house upon
account, of the Millitary, for they Tieraniece over me as they
think proper, For the Commanders use me as 111 as the Common
1 For a sketch of John Calcraft, see Dictionary of National Biography.
2 Original destroyed by fire.
Seven Yean War 527
Soldiers, In short they take a prerogative power in their own
hand, Not only by Infesting my house, and taking up my Rooms
at pleashure, but takes what they think Nesserarie of my Effects
for theire own use with out asking, and if shuch doings Is
allowed to go on not only I and my familie must suffer but also
all my Niebours.
And as for my part Conrat Franks, It is not possible for me
to undertake it upon account of Soldiers, Battoee men & Saillors
&c. for My house every day is full Either of one sort or another,
and within this short time has suffered Considerable by the Sail-
lors under, Capt n . Harris Command for they not only, use my
house as they thought proper but likewise took what ever of my
live Cattle they thought proper for theire use, without either
asking liberty or paying me for their Vallue, and Supposing I
should undertake Such a thing, and leave my house, as matters
Stands in, at present; I must Immagine never to See Either my
wife or Chieldreen again. And notwithstanding all the Endeav-
ours one and all of us has made we cou'd not find any one proper
person that would undertake such a piece of work; and althou
one and all of us would be ready and willing to do any thing that
wou'd tend to his Magisteies Service or the good of our Country,
yet as matters Stand now we must be Excused. We Remain
with Dew Respect
Hon d . Sir
Your honours most
obedient and most
humble Serv".
JOST HERCH HEIMER
JOHN CONRAD FRANCK
528 Sir William Johnson Papers
FROM LORD LOUDOUN
L.S. 1
Albany 3 d . August 1756.
SIR,
As I find it is Your Opinion, that ten Shillings, which is all
the Private Men of the Stockbridge Indians have to receive, in
case a Month Pay should be kept back, will not answer their
present Exigencies, as they tell you; I must leave it entirely to
you to Pay them up to the time you shall think proper.
I am, Sir,
Your Most Obedient
Humble Servant
LOUDOUN
SIR W M : JOHNSON. Bar*.
FROM GOLDSBROW BANYAR
A. L. S. 2
[Albany] Thursday 5 August 1756
DEAR SIR
An Hour after you left us, M r . Pownall call'd in at M r .
Oglivies House, and asked me whether you had wrote to Lord
Halifax I answered I knew not, but believed you had not. I
understood he had been talking with you on the Subject & from
that Conversation expected you would write. He made so much
a Point of it as to desire I would write to you putting you in
mind of it. Observing a few words might do to this purpose.
Acknowledging his Lordships goodness in interesting himself in
your Favour to obtain the appointments & other Advantages
lately granted you. [which M r . Pownall assured me were very
much owing to his Lordships activity and personal Sollicitation in
1 In New York Public Library, Emmet collection.
2 Original destroyed by fire.
Seven Fears' War
529
the affair] * assuring his Lordship of your constant attention to
that part of the General Service committed to your Care and
already begun under his Direction, and that you shall gladly
:eive and be punctual in observing his Lordships Directions in
lis important Branch of his Majesty's Service You See the
Intention of it. Which is to express your Gratitude, and to let
his Lordship know you look upon yourself as under his Direction
that is of the Board at which he presides. This I really take
to be the Case, tho not to exclude the Secretary of State. Whose
Letters or Orders M r . Pownall tells me, will as to the Points
relating to your Department, take their Rise from Lord Halifax,
or at least he will be privy to every thing of that Nature. And
in many Cases you will receive Orders from that Board, to which
I suppose as usual you will transmit your Proceedings as I sup-
pose you are also to do to the Secretary of State where any of
your Proceedings are forwarded upon his Majesty's Orders
signifyed by him. Will it not be proper to acknowledge the
Receit of your Comm n . & M r . Fox's Letter. You know these
Hints, take their Rise from Friendship, and therefore will excuse
the Frankness of them. You must be sensible of the use of keep-
ing up a good Understanding with the Leading Men, you are
fairly in the Saddle, and must make the Seat easy.
That Villain Jere we heard this Morning is kill'd by the
Soldiers at Schenectady. I wish he had met his Deserts sooner,
or he had not come down at this time, and that you may prevent
it s giving the Indians the uneasiness apprehended by some here,
& especially to the delawares, who may imagine themselves in
like Circumstances, and liable to like Treatment.
Give my Compliments to M r . Ogilvie pray We shall go on
Tuesday 2 next I believe. I am Dear Sir W m . your affectionate
& obed. h ble Servant
G w BANYAR
1 Bracketed in the copy.
2 On August 1 1 th Governor Hardy issued a press warrant at Albany
to Sir John St Clair; and that day apparently returned to New York.
Council Minutes, 25:135.
530 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
FROM CORNELIUS JOHN CUYLER ET AL
The preceding letter is followed in the Johnson Calendar, p. 82, by a
letter of August 5th from Cornel's Jno. Cuyler, at Schenectady, to
Johnson about provisions sent; and a letter of the 6th from Oliver DC
Lancey, at Albany, on sending Indian presents and the pay for them.
These were destroyed by fire.
FROM WILLIAM CORRY
A. L. S. 1
Albany August 6*. 1756
SIR
I rec'd your favour within this hour and have been at Sir John
S ! Clears and Commissary Lakes, 2 and I expect to get with the
utmost difficulty a 100 skipple sent up this day in bags I have
borrowed from different people and hope I shall get the
remainder sent up tomorrow Waggons not one in Albany
these waggons came from other parts and were twice pressed
if possible all your goods here shall be sent up tomorrow the
Casks were so bad we could not pack the corn in them as to
M r . Mathews he was mobed among them one held him by the
Collor, an other behind his back Kicked him, a third with a Stone
Struck him on the Shoulder so I have been informed the Case
was, but he did not shew a proper resentment for which I was
very angry with him but really the Mans Spirits are so broken
with their persecuting him that he is quite Cast down
There is a report here that the Duke of New Castle is in the
tower that salt is like to be excessive dear therefore order them
to take care of the salt in the pork barrells, let them wash it, and
dry it, it will be as good as the first day, that Cap* Rogers is
sending down a French deserter to be hanged, there was found a
paper in his waste Coat which shewed the plans of Fort Edward
and William Henry and all our Schaims well drawn, he was with
1 Original destroyed by fire.
2 Robert Leake, commissary of stores.
Seven Years' War
531
Rogers on an Outscout and endeavouring to betray him was
found out. they say New Castle is accused of some neglect as to
the fleets sailing this in a hurry my office full Compliments
to M r . Oglieve his family well Mr 8 . Oglevi here last night
Y rs Sincerely
WILLIAM CORRY
Lake disaapointed me the Waggons to Morrow disapointment
then Lord .
get 16 bags made, been in Schinectady fraights M r . Van
Eps for waggons and bags
FROM PETER WRAXALL
A. L. S. 1
New York 6 Aug*. 1756.
DEAR SIR
The Packet arrived last night the Letters were delivered this
Morning. I have none myself by 2 M r . Franks has from his
Friends w ch . say, that the Spanish Ambassador received Dis-
patches from his Court containing Copy of Mons r . La Glasion-
iere 3 Letter to the French Ministry accquainting them that his
Squadron came in sight of ours under Admiral Bing, 4 who
declared 5 an Engagement but La Glasioniere came up with him
& they engaged for some time when Bing shoved off for Gibraltar
& that we had one Ship more than the French. The 23 of June
No News had arrived in England of the Surrender of S*. Philips
Old Blakenny 6 makes a Defence w * 1 . is highly applauded by the
French, but it was universally expected he could not hold out
1 Original destroyed by fire.
2 " By " in the copy ; " but " was written probably.
s Marquis de La Galissoniere, French naval officer, formerly governor
of Canada.
4 John Byng, born 1704, shot for neglect of duty in 1757.
5 " Declared " in the copy. " Declined " was written evidently.
'General William Blakeney.
532 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
jmany days longer. Lord Anson, 1 all the World rave at Bing.
Admiral Howke 2 is saild for the Mediterranean Mens fears are
great for Gibraltar. They dread Boscowen 3 wont be strong
enough for the Best 4 Squadron w^ is at Sea. Mons r .
5 is sailed with a Squadron for North America.
Hannoveriens Landed. Political Complaints, Disorders,
Tumults &c. in England Mens hopes are ebbed & a flood of
fears are driving in. Gov r . of Gibraltar 6 in disgrace for denying
a Reg 1 to M r . Bing who was ordered to call there for one. Lord
Tyrawley 7 sent there in his room. In short M r . Franks's Letters
are very Gloomy & if they speak the Sense of the Public, tis a
November-June with *em in England.
Considerate Minds will not take their Hopes & Fears from
Spirits easily depressed & easily elated. Let us hope the best &
not fear the worst, oh that we could, at least may we be able
to transmit better news to them than they send us.
I will add no more lest I should loose the first Boat than that
I truly am
My Dear Sir
Your sincere Friend
& Affect Servant
PETER WRAXALL
I hope I have a Letter on the Way from you. I repeat when
you want me say, He come without Delay.
Lord George Anson, English admiral, born 1 697, died 1 762.
2 Edward Hawke, English admiral, born 1 705, died 1 781 .
8 Edward Boscawen, English admiral, born 1711, died 1 761 .
* " Best " in copy; should be " Brest."
5 The name omitted is evidently Montcalm. " The first week in April,
Montcalm . . . gave Hawke the slip and stole out of Brest with
a squadron of six of the line and another thousand men," J. S. Cor-
bett, England in the Seven Years' War, p. 101-2.
6 General Fowke was governor of Gibraltar.
7 General James O'Hara, Lord Tyrawley, " governor if Minorca
until 1 756, when he was sent out on the Gibraltar expedition." Diction*
ary of National Biography.
Seven Years' Wat
533
TO JOHN BRADSTREET
The preceding letter is followed in the Johnson Calendar, p. 83, by
a letter of August 7th from Johnson to Captain John Bradstreet on
transportation of Indian supplies. This paper was destroyed by fire.
TO THE INHABITANTS OF SCHOHARIE
Fort Johnson August 7 th . 1756
GENTLEMEN
As there is a Road to be Cutt from the German Flatts to
Oswego now directly, this is to give Notice to all who may incline
to Undertake or work at the Same, to come imediately to my
House, & they Shall know y e . Terms.
I am
Gentlemen
Y'. Humble Serv*.
W M . JOHNSON
To all the Inhabitants of Scohare
FROM WILLIAM EYRE
A. L. S. 1
Schenectady Camp 8 ih . August 1756
D R . S R . WILLIAM
By a Letter lately come from LA Loudon we find he is much
incensed against the Officers who were concerned in Jerrys Death ;
it would be doing them a Singular favour, as well as obliging the
whole Reg 1 ., to endeavour to pacify My Lord, as he seems now
determined to proceed against them if not prevented by y r . kind
Interposition.
I am apprehensive, My Lord, thinks the Worst of Conse-
quences may arise from this affair, believing the Indians so pro-
voked, as there may be no satisfying them ; Our accounts by Cap*.
Buttler, I think say, that the Mohowks are no Way displeesed,
& that the Sachems of the other Nations, think the Indian deserved
1 Original destroyed by fire.
534 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
what he met With, and that they would endeavour to pacify
their Young Men ; if it's so, I request you Will be so kind, as to
Inform my Lord of it, by the return of this Express, and You
Will much Oblige and serve the whole Corps. Col. Gage does
not write till the Messenger returns from you to His Lordship,
so request you will be Speedy. I am D r . S r . William
Most Sincerely Yours
WILL EYRE
FROM HORATIO GATES
Copp 1
Herkimer 8 ih . Aug. 1756
To SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON, Bar*, at Fort Johnson.
SIR,
I can no longer avoid acquainting you of the extreme ill
behavior of Justice Herkimer 2 , his family & relations who are
not only perpetually making the Indians drunk with Rum, which
they sell in most unreasonable quantities but are taking all
opportunities to create an animosity between the Officers, Soldiers
& the Indians. Of this, I have most authentic proofs as this
scandalous & perverse conduct of these people may & will, if
persisted in, produce the worst of consequences. I thought it
my duty to acquaint you of it, & desire you will exert your
magisterial authority to stop this growing ill, which will save me
the disagreeable office of doing that by force of arms which
ought to be done by the powers of governments As there is
at this time a quantity of Rum in the houses of Herkimer &
his daughter to prevent future mischief I think it should be seized
which I did not care to do without first having your opinion
thereon. When Herkimer meets with any thing he does not
1 In Library of Congress, Force Transcripts, Miscellaneous, v. 3.
2 Johan Jost (Hanyost) Herchheimer, or Herkimer, father of General
Nicholas Herkimer, of the Revolution. '
Seven Years' War 535
like, he threatens to complain to Bradstreet, but this does not
leter any one for doing any thing consistent with Honor, &
iuon.
With very great esteem,
I am, Sir,
your most obedient humble
servant,
Horatio Gates
FROM PETER WRAXALL
A. L. S. 1
Nerv York Sunday Evening [August 8, 7756 2 ]
MY DEAR SIR
This afternoon I received your very kind favour of the 2 d . Inst.
the Three Lines in the Margin, to wit, that you would be glad to
see me as soon as I conveniently can, prevent my entering into
any of the Subjects, as I will set out from hence as soon as I can
get my self ready w * 1 . I hope will be towards the end of this
Week.
I shall bring a Sample of the Gorgets. I shall bespeak your
Cloaths & I propose if I dont hear from you before I go to the
Contrary, to bring up M r . Farril with me, upon Condition if an
Agreement is not made for his Stay, that the Expences of his
going & returning be paid him.
Tho I still feel the Effects of my late illness, I am much better
& Magra promises to furnish me with traveling Orders.
I thank God the pain in your Breast is removed I hope your
Cough will soon follow as to the rest you deserved the Scourge
& I wont say I pity you. however pray be Obedient & regular.
The Examination of y r . Onondaga Proceedings, Letter to Board
of Trade & d. to L d . Hallifax will I apprehend be time enough
1 Original destroyed by fire.
2 The date is supplied from the Johnson Calendar.
536 Sir William Johnson Papers
when I come up. You know you lately wrote largely to the
Board, you gave them (by the Packet w ch is not yet sailed) a
Summary of y r . Onondaga proceed- 5 . & subsequent Treaty, so
that I conceive there is less hurry necessary for these matters I
suppose Your Ace*, of first 5000 goes home with y r . next Letter
upon w ch . I imagine some Observations will be necessary to be
made to their Lordships.
I expect in two or three Days to hire me a house & put a House
keeper in it to get every thing in order against I come down next,
when (health permitting) I shall certainly commit Matrimony.
Your Comp ts . are very obliging to the Dear Creature, she is a
good Girl & I think will never give me Cause to repent. If I had
been to stay here a little longer, matters wou'd be I believe con-
cluded on & the irrevocable " / fae thee " be announced but
all things must give place to my public Duties, in w ch . your voice
& our Friendship will be always uppermost to me, & this I will
evince If My Lord Loudoun makes Difficulties about my Salary,
there shall be none with me whilst you are pleased to think me
necessary to you. Last nights Post from Boston brings Advices
in ab*. 7. Weeks from Cadiz that there had been a warm Engage-
ment between Adm 1 . Bing & La Glasioniere, that the latter had
been obliged to sail for Toulon & Marsielles to refit & the former
was got into Port Mahon.
We are unwilling to believe the London Acc ls . & hope for a
Confirmation of better.
Gov r . Morris 1 has met the Delawares &c. at Easton. I think
if not sent you you should at least insist on a Copy of their Pro-
ceedings, in my opinion they ought not to presume to call any
1 Robert Hunter Morris was born in Morrisania, N. Y., about the
year 1700, and died January 27, 1764, in Shrewsbury, N. J. He was
chief justice of New Jersey from 1 738 to 1 764, a member of the council
of New Jersey in 1 738, and from October 3, 1 754, to August 20, I 756,
he was governor of Pennsylvania.
Seven Years War 537
[eeting. I have much to say on these Subjects w^ 1 I shall refer
II we meet, may it be in Mutual Health.
I am truly
Dear Sir William
Y rs . Sincerely & affectionately
PETER WRAXALL
FROM OLIVER DE LANCEY
The preceding letter is followed In the Johnson Calendar, p. 83, by
letter of August 9th from Oliver De Lancey, at Albany, to Johnson
on goods for Indians and papers belonging to " Sir Peter's estate.*'
Destroyed by fire.
TO ALEXANDER TURNBULL*
A. Df. S. 2
Fort Johnson, August the 9 lh . 1756
1 You are to keep your Party Sober, & in good order &
prevent their haveing any unnecessary Intercourse with the
Indians, least any difference might arise between them from too
much familiarity.
2 If any difference should arise between them, or the Indians
use any of Your Party 111, I am to be imediately acquainted
with it.
4 You will in the Day time keep one Sentry on the Eminence
to the Northward of the House, who upon Seeing the Enemy
advance, is to fire his peice & retreat to the Fort. Another Sentry
to be posted at the gate of the Fort on the outside who is also to
enter the Fort on the advanced Sentrys alarming him.
3 The Serjant to take Care that the Mens Quarters be kept
verry Clean, and that they Wash well, & freshen their Salt Pro-
1 Of the 42d regiment, stationed mainly at Schenectady. Turnbull
with his detachment was evidently to be at Fort Johnson.
2 In New York Public Library, Emmet Collection, 58. These orders
are printed in Orderly Book of Sir John Johnson, annotated by William
L Stone, with an Introduction by J. Watts de Peyster, p. v-vi.
538 Sir William Johnson Papers
visions, the neglect of w h . makes them Subject to many Disorders
fatall to the Troops in this part of the World.
7 In Case of an attack, the 2 Bastions to be properly manned,
the Curtains also, there mixing Some of my People w th . Yours.
The remainder of My People to Man the Dwelling House &
fight from thence, makeing Use of the four Wall Peices, &
Musquetoons out of the Window fitted for them.
6 Whenever an alarm is given by the advanced Sentry, you
will order three Pattereroes 1 to be imediately fired that being the
Signall I have given to the Mohawks, & on their approach near
the Fort when Challenged, they are to Answer George as Dis-
tinct as they Can, then to be admitted if practicable.
5 When there are no Indians here the Gates to be Locked at
8 o Clock in y e . evening and opened at Six In the Morning : first
looking round about to See that all is Safe & clear the
advanced Sentry to be posted Everry Day.
The Mens Arms & Amunition [
to be kept in good Order J
I am S'.
Y.
W M . JOHNSON
To Lieu 1 .
ALEXANDER TURN BULL
1 Pedreros. " Spanish pedrero . . . The English forms show many
corruptions of the original, the later ones being apparently influenced by
Patter. A piece of ordnance originally for discharging stones; formerly
also used to discharge broken iron, partridge-shot, etc. ; and for firing
salutes." A Neu> English Dictionary.
Seven Years' War 539
TO HORATIO GATES
Df. S. 1
August 10* 1756.
SIR
This morning I received yours of the 8 lh Inst. with a Complaint
ag sl . Harkemer, and his Son in Law for Selling Rum to y e
Indians and endeavouring to create a Misunderstanding between
the officers, Soldiers & them. Those are Evils which should be
prevented by all Means, and in order to put a Stop to them I
shall send for Harkemer, & his Son in Law. at the Same time
it will be necessary that you send me all the Proof you Can to
make good those Allegations against them.
I am extreamly hurried being Surrounded by above 900 of
the Copper Colour. So that I have only time to assure you I am
truely
Y'. Most Humble Serv 1 ,
W M . JOHNSON
As the Bearer of this is a verry Clever fellow I should be
glad you would take a little notice of him, & let him have some
provisions. My Compliments to all your Corps there. Nothing
new here. I sent up three days ago a large Package of Letters
among w h . were Severall for you & the officers there which I
hoped were delivered by the Indians.
To: CAPT N . HORATIO GATES.
1 Original destroyed by fire.
540 * Sir William Johnson Papers
FROM GOLDSBROW BANYAR
A. L. S. 1
Albany 12 August 1756: 7AM
DEAR SIR
I inclose you a List I took from S r . Charles's Mouth, which he
begs you'l procure for him with what other Indian Curiosties you
can get him. As he is made an Admiral, I expect he'll use his
Interest immediately to get appointed to some Naval Command,
and bring us another New Face. Tis only my Conjecture, but
I dare say as certain almost as if himself had told you so. He
gave me yesterday the List of persons informed ag*. for selling
Rum to Indians & ordered me to deliver it to the Recorder with
Directions to put the Law in Execution against. I gave him a
Copy, having the Original in your Hand by me I know of no
News. It looks as if Bing had been worsted If so Minorca is
gone probably. Keep up your Correspondence with Sir Charles.
I am
D^. Sir
your affectionate
& obed*. Servant
Gw BANYAR
I have got your line to S r . Chas. & Acco 1 . and Order for the
Indian Fort. & will make out a Warrant on my Admiral of
N York which I dont expect to leave in a Hurry, as I dare say
I shall decline coming again on a like Occasion.
1 Original destroyed by fire.
Seven Years' War
541
FROM JAMES DE LANCEY AND CHARLES CRAVEN
A. L. S. 1
Oneida Carrying Place August 13 th 1756
SIR
Major Craven has thought proper to send an Indian down to
you by M r . Read as we suspect him to be in the Enemies Interest;
for while our Cattle were feeding about half a mile beyond Fort
Newport one of the guard which had the care of the Cattle heard
the Bushes behind him rattle, upon this he look'd and saw this
Indian coming out of the Bushes he cocked his Piece at him
the Indian then cryed Johnson Brother and wanted to shake
hands with the Soldier, the Soldier then asked him where he came
from, the Indian answered from the Lake, the Soldier [asked]
what made him come through the Woods, he said he was afraid
the Soldiers wou'd hurt him, when he came to the Corporal of
the Guard he asked him where he came from, the Indian said
from Cadaraqui, and that they had repaired the Fort, that it was
built of Lime and Stone eight foot thick; the Place where the
Indian was discovered is the same where one of our Serjeants
and one private Man were scalped some time ago and one
Serjeant taken Prisoner; when he came to Fort William he was
again Interrogated where he came from, he said from Cadaraqui
and that it was very strong, that last year we might have taken it
but now the French were twenty times stronger than we, he said
also that there twelve more with him, & that formerly they had
rewards for Scalps but now they were to take Prisoners only,
(on Sunday last one of our Men was missing and has not been
heard of since he went out a fishing up the River) Corporal Man
of General Shirley's Reg*, says he knew this Indian in South
Carolina and that he then went by the Name of Samuel Norris
and when he was with Colonel Washington at the Great
Meadows (Corporal Man then belonged to the Carolina Inde-
1 Original destroyed by fire.
542 Sir William Johnson Papers
pendant Companies and was then with Cap 1 : Macoy) this same
Indian & several others to about the Number of fifty went away
on Pretence to bring down their wives & Families, and went over
to Fort Duequesne and took the Half King Silver Heels,
Monekatuca, Cut away lach. Monekatucas Son, and Free
Robin Prisoners to Fort Dusquesne and delivered them to the
French three or four days after the above mentioned Indians
were Prisoners they got leave to walk without the Fort and imme-
diately came down to Colonel Washington and informed them
that the French and Indians were coming to attack them and that
this Sam Norris Delaway George with whom this Indian used
always to keep Company & great part of the others had joined the
French and were coming with them to attack us. James Battey
Soldier in the Carolina Blues was with Colonel Washington at
the same time and confirms what Corporal Man's says. Corporal
White of my Company says that he knows this Indian to be a
Shawanese. I suppose Silver Heels is with you and will be able
to inform whether what is said against this Indian is true or not
Major Craven desires his Compliments I am
Sir
Your most Obedient humble Ser 1 .
JAMES DELANCEY
SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON
SIR
This Suspected Indian told me that he had heared great Can-
nonading at Oswego & that he immagined the French had
beseiged it & was going to bring you intelligence of it. he after-
wards said his Wife lived at the Flatts & he was going to her
I am
Sir
Your most Obed 1 . Servant
CHA CRAVEN
To SIR W M . JOHNSON Bar*.
Seven Years' War 543
TO THOMAS BUTLER
Df. S. 1
Fort Johnson, 15 Aug st . 1756
SIR
I have engaged the Bearer James Connor 2 as Serjant to serve
as such in the Company of Rangers some of whom are now
under your Command. As Such you are to look upon him, &
order him accordingly. He will be an active usefull person, as
I have also Sent up Cap*. Funda 3 to Join you, I think you can
now carry on that Service with ease to your Self & satisfaction to
the General, which is what I heartily wish for. and from your
prudence and Zeal what I have no reason to doubt of. pray
write me by every opportunity what occurs to you.
I wish you Success
& am Your Friend
& Humble Servant
W M . JOHNSON
Collo.
CAP T . THOMAS BUTLER
FROM THOMAS BUTLER
A. L. S. 4
Burnets Field Aug 1 . 16*: 1756
SIR
I Rec d . your favour dated Yesterday Wherein I find you have
Received Intelligence of the Enemys desire to Atack us, and
that you have wrote the same To Major General Webb. You
1 Original destroyed by fire.
2 See James Connor's Report, November 8, 1 755.
"JellesFonda.
4 In New York Historical Society, Miscellaneous Manuscripts. A
copy of this letter is in the Library of Congress, Force Transcripts,
Miscellaneous, v. 3.
544 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
May depend I shall take all the Care imaginable to prevent any
Surprise. & hope you wont doubt my Courage for I am detir-
min'd to Venture my life to the Utmost. You Seem to Signifie
that you will be with us if it Shou'd be So am Sure we Must have
a Number of Indians More then we Now Shall. I find the
Tuskaroras will not joyn us as they are dissatisfied yet about
Jorreys * Death the Onidas this day Waited on the General and
told how redy they were to Serve him on your acc tt . I have not
time to mention the perticulars that past at this Meeting the
Express Jest Going of from Genr 1 . Webb. As you Men-
tioned Cap*. Fondas joyning Me I Spoke To him as I was
comeing up and I now find by yours he will be Soon here. I
think Cap 1 . Fonday a Very Good man though at the Same time,
Shou'd been Glad to have Seen My Brother in his Stead. As
he has waited all the summer Your Commands, but hope you
wont forget him, I expected Some few of the Mohawks here
this Day but none has arived Gen 1 . Webb arrived here this day
with the Regm*. all Well. I am Now to acquaint you that
this afternoon the Kiyogah known by the Name of the Negro
came here from Ondagah Which place he left yesterday and
Says the Fort on the East Side of oswego was besig'd by the
French & ca This News he had from two Onadagas that was
come from thence and by the Severall Surcumstances he tells I
belive it To be True, though Several GentK here laughs at
it the Indian Goes from this to your House to morrow Morning,
from Whom you'l have the perticulars
1 William Jere, alias Skowonidous, a Tuscarora killed at Schenectady
by soldiers. See Doc. Rel Col. Hist. N. Y., 7:177-78.
Seven Years War 545
I dont doubt but youl have a letter by this Express from
Major General Webb concerning it we are like to tarry here
To morrow
I am
Sir Your Most Dutifull
and Obed': Serv*:
THOS: BUTLER
ADDRESSED: To
Sir William Johnson Bar"
at
Fort Johnson
INDORSED: Burnetsfeild August 16 th . 1756
Capt n . Butlers Letter *
TO CHARLES CRAVEN
Df. 2
Fort Johnson 16 Aug 5t . 1756
SIR
Before I rec' d . yours, or Cap*. DeLanceys favour I dispatched
an Express to Lord Loudoun, & another to Major General Webb
with the Intelligence which this Indian you Suspect brought me,
and which General Webb no doubt will acquaint you with. I
have on the receipt of both Yours examined M r . Croghan, and
one John Davis who are acquainted with all the Indians who
accompanied Coll . Washington two years ago this Davis was
w*. Washington all the time, and says he never saw this Indian
there, neither was the Half King, Monacatouth, Silver Heels or
any of those mentioned by Serj*. Man & the other Soldier ever
taken prisoners by this Sam, or any other, nor brought to Fort
Due Quesne there was another Indian called Sam with M r .
1 In Johnson's handwriting.
2 Original destroyed by fire.
Vol. II 18
546 Sir William Johnson Papers
Washington Davis says, but he never knew this Man there. M r .
Croghan says that Delaware George always kept with him, but
never knew this IncK before. He is a Pede, and not a Shawan-
ese. He has been near four years living at Oneida, never was
with Washington, nor does he know him, never was at Fort Du
Quesne, Cadarachqui nor Oswegoe he says, neither does he
know those Ind s . the Serj*. or Corporal says he kept Company
with, & assisted to make prisoners as they say He says that he
met 3 Soldiers by the way between the Forts who gave him Rum
and made him so merry that when he came into your Fort he lost
2 Drawbank and a Dollar & a half in Cash, this is what I can
learn about this Ind n . from himself, M r . Croghan and John Davis.
As to the Money paid Senuchsis for the Horse, if it can be proved
that Dennis Madden took him away, I think he ought to pay it,
and suffer for it besides He has not lived on my Land this long
time, neither do I know anything of him lately. I am much
hurried, so have only time to assure you
I am Sir
Your Most Hum Serv 1 -
My Compliments to
Cap*. DeLancey.
FROM THOMAS BUTLER
A. L. S. 1
Burneis Field Aug*. 18 1 756
SIR
Last Night the two Indians you Sent with a packett to Oswego
Returned hither Say Near the three Rivers met three Soldiers
comeing from Oswego with letters, who gave an account that
the East and west Fort were both besig'd by the Enemy, that
they made a Shift to Steal out the Garrison along the lake Side
that the French are very Numerious, and told those Indians they
had better go back upon which they returned in Compy. with the
1 Original destroyed by fire.
Seven Years' War 547
three men as far as the rift above the three Rivers where they
left them with an Ondagah woman. They suppose they may
have been last night at the Onida Carrying place, as these two
Indians were Returning were overtaken by an Onida who had
been at Oswego Gave them a belt wompom he rec d from the
French there desiring the five Nations to keep out way as were
besigeing Oswego for they did not desire to Hurt the Indians.
The Kattle that were driveing to Oswego are Returning. This
Moment arived the Soldars mentioned above who says Oswego
That is all the Forts * are taken together with the Vessels. Co 11 .
Mercer 2 is Killed.
For the particulars I refer you to Cap*. Richman 8 who is going
down. As I am Teased with the Indians cant write any more at
present. The packet shall Send you by Cap*. Richman. I am
y r . Very Dutifull and obed'. Serv 1 .
THO S . BUTLER*
1 It is now certain that no regular operations will be undertaken till
spring; but when it was determined that the army at Oswego should go
into winter quarters, they began a new fort upon a hill on the east side of
the river, about 470 yards from the old one; it is 800 feet in circum-
ference, and will command the harbour; it is built of logs from 20 to 30
inches thick ; the wall is 1 4 feet high, and is encompassed by a ditch 1 4
feet broad, and 10 deep; it is to contain barracks for 300 men, and to
mount 16 guns. On the other side of the river, west of the old fort,
another new fort is erecting ; this is 1 70 feet square, the rampart is of earth
and stone, 20 feet thick and 1 2 feet high, besides the parapet ; this is also
encompassed with a ditch 1 4 feet broad and 1 feet deep, and is to contain
barracks for 200 men. This fort will be fortified with the greatest care,
as there is a good landing, and an easy ascent not far off. An hospital of
framed work, 150 feet by 30, is already built, which may serve as a
barrack for 200 men; and another barrack is preparing of 1 50 feet by 24,
From these preparations, it seems reasonable to conclude that the general
intends to winter with his army at Oswego, that they may more expedi-
tiously go into action in the spring. Cenf/eman's Magazine, January,
1756,26:7.
2 Colonel James F. Mercer, commandant.
8 Captain Ezra Richmond, of the New York regiment.
4 " Jno " in the copy; it should be '* Thos."
548 Sir William Johnson Papers
FROM LORD LOUDOUN
A. L. S. 1
Albany August 20 th 1756
SIR
As the Sittuation of the Country requires the aid of the
Mellitia I must Desier you will rais one thousant of them and
March them to the German Flatts where you will take the
Command and Corespond and Coopperat with M G Webb who
is at the Great Carying Place and send me Constant Intelligence
of all you can learn
I am
Sir
Your most obedeent
humble Servant
LOUDOUN
To SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON Bar
When ever you See it Propper to to move the Postes of the
Regular troops in that Neighbourhood there are hereby Directed
to obey your order of forwarding them on to M G Webb
LOUDOUN
INDORSED: Albany Aug. 20. 1756
L d . Loudouns Orders
to March w*. y e . Militia
to Burnetsfeild
Mn New York Public Library, Emmet Collection,
Seven Fears' War 549
TO LORD LOUDOUN
Contemporary Copy 1
Conojohary Aug 22 d 9 at night.
[Y LORD -
I wrote your Lordship this morning just as I was setting out.
lis moment I mett an Onondaga Indian who says he came
limning to me from Oswego with y e Following Account Viz.
lat 9 Daies ago y e Fort on the east side of y e River after an
Attack of two daies had surrended that the old Fort held out
rhen he came away which was last Wednesday So that by
lis Account they must have been engaged four daies & were
till in possession of the Fort. Our People sallied out he says
& fought bravely, there were two French Vessels laying before
y e Fort & playd briskly against it Five Officers & about 20 of
our Men he heard were killd when He left the place & Several
of the Enimy He & another Onondaga were all y e Indians on
our Side. The other he says was killd, & he himself wounded in
the Arm & shot thorough y e Shirt in several Places which I
have seen- I hope to be at the German Flatts by 12 o'clock
to morrow when I shall be able I hope to muster a Considerable
Number of Indians & if I find that the French are still there f
shoud be glad (if Your Lordship approves of it) to join Maj r
Gen 1 Webb & go with him to Oswego. I shall send your Lord-
ship all y c Intelligence I can gett & as early as Possible
I am My Lord &c
W m Johnson
1 In Public Record Office, C. O. 5. 47, London, England. Inclosed
doubtless in a letter from Loudoun to Henry Fox.
550 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
Copy-
Pi S
As I am not well acquainted with this Indians Character I
cannot say much about his Intelligence. He seems sincere
& tells it with an air of Honesty .-
His Excellency. The R*. Hon bl y e EARL OF LoUDOUN &c
INDORSED: Copy of a Letter from S r . William
Johnson to the E. of Loudoun
Conojohary 22 d . August 1 756.
in the E. of Loudoun' s Letter
of Aug'. 23*: 1756.
2
FROM LORD LOUDQUN
Albany 23*. August 1756
Contemporary Copp *
I have just received your Letter of the 22 d . and must approve
of your proposal of going on to M. G. Webb, and if your
Intelligence is such as you can depend upon, and that you find
your numbers are such that you can have a chance of releiving
the place or retaking it, that you should both proceed with all
Expedition ; this is all I can say on the Subject, but that I shall
strengthen the post you leave.
I have heard nothing of Captain Bradstreet which prevents
my being able to forward the provisions from
Schenechtady ; And he is hereby directed to Obey you in all
such orders as he shall receive from you for carrying on the
Service in consequence of directions to you.
INDORSED: Copy of a Letter from the E of Loudoun
to Sir William Johnson.
Albany 23* August 1756.-
in the E. of Loudoun's Letter
of Aug'. 23< 1 756
m 4
1 In Public Record Office, C. O. 5. 47, London, England.
" Proceed " crossed out is in the original.
Seven Years' War 551
FROM LORD LOUDOUN
L. S.
Albany 26 th August 1756
SIR,
Late last Night, I had the Pleasure of yours of the <24 lh >*
which gives me great Pleasure, to find your People have been so
allert in getting up; I have enquired about the Powder; there
were ten Barrils and two thousand Weight of Lead sent from
hence, and delivered to the Person you directed it to, whose
Receipt we have for it, And I have sent off Major Dobbs, this
day, to follow it out, and see where it has been stopt, and forward
it on to you; the embezling of Seventeen hundred out of two
thousand, is to much, and I shall convince whoever did it, it is
wrong, if I can find him out.
Your Mohawk Castle shall be supplied.
I have writ fully to M r . Webb, and I must beg of you, to meet
with him, and Cooperate together; I was promised five hundred
more Men to send you, but they are not arrived; the Batteaus
not coming down, distress me prodigiously in supplying you;
but nothing shall be left undone in my Power; in the mean time,
I ever am most faithfully,
Sir,
Your most Obedient
Humble Servant.
LOUDOUN
Sir WILLIAM JOHNSON, Bar 1 .
Not found.
552 Sir William Johnson Papers
FROM THOMAS BUTLER
Great Carrying Place 27 th . Aug si . 1756
A. L. 1
SIR
This Morning I Sent you an Account of the Fate of Oswego
p r Jacob the Onida Since which Connor Murrey & the indian
arrived whom I acquainted you had Sent to Oswego I gave
them an indian Letter to Niclas desireing him To Give them all
the assistance he could on their March which they say he did,
but advised them not to proceed at least further then Ondaga.
however they resolv'd to Go on upon which he furnished them
with an indian. he asured them Oswego was all in ashes On
their March between Tuskarora and Onadago they met with
Onadago Indians who told them to turn back, that Oswego was
destroy 'd & that they cou'd not pass Ondago. they themselves
had Seen the place all in Ruins had likewise Spoke the French,
who told them they had now fought two battles with the English,
and Should Very Soon fight the third which wou'd Make Every
thing between them & us Easey. That they Saw the French and
Indians Set of from Oswego. these report that the prisioners were
Chiefly officers, that Vast numbers lay Slauter'd round about
Oswego So that the Staunch may be Smelt at a Great distance
from thence
I Send inclosed the Strings Wompom bro* here by the High
Freest.
1 Original destroyed by fire.
Seven Years' War
553
FROM THOMAS BUTLER
Onida Carrying Place 29*. Aug*<: 1756
A. L. S. 1
SIR
When I came to the German Flatts found there Several the
Uper Nations. To whom I spoke and found twenty Eight
Onidas, who promised to Go with me. Eleven Sinakass one
Onadago. Seven Mohawks of the lower Castle and Ten of Cono-
johary Makeing in all fifty Six which I thought a Sufficient
Number with Those I understood were To joyn me on the road
to Oswego But unhapily at the flatts We got the News of Oswego
being attacked. Major Gen 1 . Webb Gave orders for the Regm*.
&c. with him to decamp and March To the Onida Carrying
place, Upon which I went Emeadiatly To all The Indians whom
had ingaged and told them the Necessity of the Armys Marching
direcktly, for fear the Enemy Shou'd be at the Carrying place
before us. they made Several objections Saying it was too late
in the day, and they wou'd eaisily overtake us the next Morning
however the Cinakas promised To follow that Evning. I
acquainted the Indians that as Gen 1 . Webb had no Guide Must
Go with him with as Many indians as wou'd then incline To Go
I left M r . Fonda &c. to bring up The remainder. M r . Fonda
can inform you what Trouble he had To Get them To Move at
all. but after Some time they overtook Us here, when I talkt or
Mententioned to the Indians of Going a Scouting they askt for
pay in C. for the Same besides their dayley wages which I was
obliged To do To Some, there Seems no Such thing as Sattis-
fieing the Indians and allways Casting Reflections As To pro-
visions They have not wanted, Ten pound foureteen Shillings M r .
Fonda layed out at the German Flatts in lether the most of which
they have had besides Near fifeteen pounds here Yet they have
allmost all left me.
1 Original destroyed by fire.
554 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
A party with Silivers Heals, it was Some time before I could
find out where they were bound, after I knew was pressing them
To Go on and last night prevailed on five who with Connor and
Tho s . Harris left here Eairly this Morning for Oswego I hertily
wish those may Succeed.
The most of the Gent m . here looks on Indians as Trifles & of
little Use and talk in Such manner that if the Indians Shou'd
hear Must Certainly Make a Rupture between them and us.
Cap*. Bradstreet Seems the only man here with the Gen n . I hope
things May not run the Same Channel they did last year I shall
tell you More when I have the pleasure of Seeing You. M r .
Fonda was packt up this Morning in order To Go home, but
I reciveing a letter from M r . Crogan that he wu'd be here this
Evning he resolv'd to Stay till he comes. Were not on your
Acc ls : Shou'd Go away myself. I am very Sorrey To x you
are so unwell, but wish you a Speedy recovery Which are the
Herty prayers of
Sir
Y'. Most Dutifull Ser':
THOS: BUTLER
ADDESSED: to Sir William Johnson at Burnets Field*
FROM LORD LOUDOUN
L. S.
Albany 2 d September 1756
SIR,
By a Letter I had this morning from Major General Webb,
I <find he> has found it necessary, to make the Stand at the
German Flatts, rather than at the Carrying Place, and for that
purpose is coming there, and have desired him to consult with
you, whether it will be necessary to keep the w<hole> Militia,
1 Word omitted in copy.
2 Address omitted in copy; supplied from the Johnson Calendar.
Seven Years' War 555
>r what part of them, that are now with you; and this must
lepend, on the Intelligence you receive from the Indians, you
lave sent out, or that you may be able to get in any other way.
Before that resolution was taken, foreseeing your people would
not be kept long, in that Situation, I had this morning wrote to
Sir Charles Hardy, to desire he would send me up, some of the
Militia from the Lower Country, 1 in order to support you; and
must now leave that affair, as it now stands, till I hear from M r .
Webb and you, after you have had a Meeting.
I am most Affectionately,
Dear Sir,
Your most Obedient
Humble Servant.
LOUDOUN
SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON Bar 1 .
FROM RICHARD PETERS
A. L. S.
Philadelphia 3 Sepf 1756
SIR
Governor Denny did himselfe the honour of writing a long
Letter to you by Capt n Newcastle wherein he gave you an
Account of all the Transactions between this Government and the
Susquehannah Indians in consequence of the good dispositions
they were put into by the joint Interposition of your good Offices
1 In a letter of September 6th to Johnson, Governor Hardy said, after
ordering that the detachment of Albany militia at German Flats be strength-
ened by a fresh detachment from the same battalion of militia: "And in
case a still greater Force shall be required from the Militia to protect that
part of the Country. You are to give orders for the marching of such
greater Force and even to march yourself with the whole Batalion if neces-
sary on any Emergency. In which case you are to require Such aid from
the Commanding officers of Ulster and Dutches as you shall judge proper
to march for the security of the City of Albany." Doc. Hist. N. Y. 9
2:732; Q, 2:426.
556 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
and those of the Six Nations. In the Close of his Letter he men-
tiond some Information he had reced of Teedyuscung the Chief
of the Delaware Indians at Diahogo, as if he was not the man he
pretended to be at some late Conferences held with the Indians
at Easton at which Newcastle was present, and upon this Informa-
tion Newcastle grew uneasy & proposd to take a journy to you
in order to enquire into the Reality of Teedyuscungs Professions
and Authority as he had frequently said he had received it from
the Six Nations.
Now, Sir, since writing that Letter a special Messenger has
been sent to Teedyuscung, a Man of Understanding who is
Major of the Provincial Forces and he is now returnd & says
positively that the former Accounts in prejudice to Teedyuscung,
ought not to gain credit, for he has well accounted for his stay,
has left his Wife and two Children among us as a Security for
his honesty & did at going away declare he would use all his
Interest with the Indians & bring with him in two Months a large
number of'Delawares & other Tribes of Indians who shou'd
renew their former Treaties & enter into a strict Bond of Amity
with the English. I am commanded by y e Gov r . to communicate
this to you & to desire it may be imparted to Capt n . Newcastle to
prevent any unjust Jealousies they might conceive ag l . Teedyus-
cung.
I have the honor to be
Sir
your most obedient
humble Servant
RICHARD PETERS
INDORSED: RkM Peter' 8 . Letter
Philadelphia 3 Sept. j 755
FROM SIR CHARLES HARDY
In Doc. Rel. to Col. Hist. N. Y., 7:123-25, is a letter of September 5,
from Sir Charles Hardy to the lords of trade, in which Johnson's
activities at the time of the loss of Oswego are described. In Doc. Hist.
N. Y., 2:732, is an order of September 6 from Sir Charles Hardy to
Johnson for reinforcing the detachment ordered to German Flats.
Seven Years' War 557
TO THE LORDS OF TRADE
There is found in the Johnson Calendar, p. 84, a letter, of September
I Oth, from Johnson to the lords of trade, mentioning the effect on the
Indians of Oswego's fall, his call of an Indian meeting, scalping parties,
discussing Indian presents, French cunning in Indian matters, the Pennsyl-
vania land grant, and promising an early account of disbursements (printed
in Doc. Hist. N. 7., 2:733-37; Q. 2:426-29 and Doc Rel. to Col
Hist. N.Y. t 7:\2 7-30) . Destroyed by fire.
FROM LORD LOUDOUN
Albany 10*. Sept 1756.
SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON
SIR
Last night I had the pleasure of yours of the 8*. I am very
glad to hear that you grow better but should be very far from
desiring you to make any journey you are not fit to undertake;
and the more so, that a great part of the business I wanted to
talk with you about is answered in this letter -
The first part of which was to regulate my letter to Gov*.
Denny in the first scrawl of which I had writ a very strong para-
graph forbidding the people of Pennsylvania from negotiating
or meddling with the Indians, but through you whom the King
had thought proper to appoint for that purpose But, when
the fate of Oswego came to be known, I then doubted whether
at this instant, it might be in your power to manage those Indians
that lye at such a distance, and in that situation, it might not be
reasonable if they could settle with the Indians in their neighbor-
hood for their own preservation for the present, under certain
restrictions from you, without giving them any permanent right
to intermeddle in Indian affairs
In this, I did not choose to take any steps till I knew your
opinion, & now shall write to Gov. Denny and show him the
1 In Library of Congress, Force Transcripts, Miscellaneous, v. 3.
558 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
real situation of the whole Indian affairs, of your having the
King's commission, as sole agent & manager of the Six Nations
& their allies under my direction; and that I am commanded
by His Majesty to send & appoint a proper person to be sole
agent for the southern Indians; so that whoever intermeddes in
Indian affairs does it in direct contradiction of the King's orders
and interferes with the office he has by his commission given
to you and the Commander in Chief of his Forces for the time
being
As to the Indian presents, the destination you have made is
very different from that made at London, by the government;
but that alteration I will venture to take upon me, so far as we
shall concert; I have got them here so that you can be supplied
I must now inform you of a piece of intelligence I have just
received from M. G. Lyman; that Jacob the Stockbridge Indian
has been opposite to Tienderoga and taken two scalps, that from
there he viewed the French Camp, which he reported a fort-
night ago to be twice as large as that at Fort Edward and is now
positive it is not above half as large as the Fort Edward Camp.
It behoves us to find out where they are gone to strike their
stroke; whether they have crossed over to come down the branch
of Hudson's River that falls into the Seondago Creek 1 and
so to come down on your house & endeavor to cut off Mr. Webbs
retreat: or if they are come round by the East side of Wood
Creek either to attack Fort Edward or fall in on the Eastern of
Hudson's River ; and I must beg that you will take all possible
pains to find it out & give Mr. Webb & me intelligence from
time to time as I shall to you of whatever I discover
I imagine Mr. Webb has three different roads by which he
1 Sacondaga creek, the relation of which to Hudson river Loudoun
misconceived.
Seven Years War 559
can retreat, in case he is overpowered by numbers Your will
be so good as to inform of them
I am, with the greatest truth & esteem,
Sir
Your most obedient
humble servant,
Loudoun
P.S. I have since rec'd yours of the 1 th . 1
I shall regulate my letter to Gov. Denny
according to y r directions. I shall immediate-
ly garrison the Mohawk castles and
forward you the Indian presents.
TO THE EARL OF HALIFAX
D/ 2
Fort Johnson II Sep 1 . 1756.
MY LORD
M r . Pownall hath made me extreamly happy by informing
me, That I have been honoured with Your Lordships Patronage,
& that You condescended to interest Your self in my favour with
a friendly & active Zeal ; in consequence of which I beg permission
to assure Your Lordship, that I have the most respectful & grate-
ful Sense of so honourable a Distinction, and that I am animated
with the sincerest Resolutions of manifesting my Duty to His
Most Gracious Majesty & of serving my Country, in the Depart-
ment wherein He hath been pleased to place me, in the most
faithful & best manner I am able. Your Lordship I am sensible
has an undoubted right to expect this Conduct from me, and I
am equally convinced, that I shall thereby fulfill Your Lordships
Intentions & Wishes.
My Lord I will never wilfully give you reason to repent or
Cause to Blush, that You have honoured me with Your Patron-
x Not found.
2 Original destroyed by fire.
560 , Sir William Johnson Papers
age & conferred Your Favours upon me, and it shall ever be my
study to demonstrate that
I am
My Lord
Your Lordships
Most Grateful
Obedient & Devoted
Servant.
I think it proper to inclose Your Lordship the Extract herewith
from the Records w * 1 . being minuted upon a peice of Paper in
my absence, occasioned it not being recorded in the order of time
according to its date & was not therefore transmitted with the
Copy of my Proceedings last Winter
To the Right Honourable
The EARL OF HALIFAX &c. &c.
FROM LORD LOUDOUN
L.S. 1
Albany 16 th : September 1756.
SIR
I had between twelve and one this morning, the pleasure of
yours of the 1 5 th :, for which I am very much obliged to You;
On this Intelligence, I have made an entire new disposition of
the Troops, on your side the Country ; I have ordered down here,
M. G. Webb, with the 44th Regiment; I have left all the other
Troops there; and in place of building a Fort at the German
Flatts, I leave 220 Men, to defend the Fort at Herkermers, and
his House against flying Posts :
And I leave Major Dobbs people, at the little Carrying Place;
the Militia and Captain Richmonds Company, at Canajahora ;
Gates Company at Fort Hunter; Cap*: Wraxals' Company at
1 Original destroyed by fire.
Seven Years' War 561
your House; and the remains of Col: Schuyler's Regiment at
Schenectady.
I bring down the Artillery, as being useless there; and except
it is Scalping parties, I hope they will have no trouble on this
side, if their Intelligence holds true, of their making their push
from Crown Point, to which place I am pushing up, all the Force
I can Muster, and shall I hope, in a few days, get up about 300
Men; and propose to be at Fort Edward myself, which I think
the most liable to an Attack, and by that shall be able to reinforce
Fort William Henry.
On this occasion it will be necessary, to Muster all the Indians
You can, to attend Us both, and to get us Intelligence, and pre-
vent our being hemmed in by the Enemy's Indians; they will have
the assistance of our Ranging Companys.
The Indian Presents shall be sent You directly, but I have not
had time today, to give orders about them.
I ever am most faithfully,
Sir,
Your Most Obedient
Humble Servant.
LOUDOUN
SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON Bar 1 .
JOHNSON'S JOURNAL
In Doc. Rel to Col. Hist. N. Y., 7:171-200, is printed a journal
of Johnson's proceedings with different Indian nations at Fort Johnson
and German Flats from July 2 1 st to September 1 7th.
562 ' Sir William Johnson Papers
FROM LORD LOUDOUN
L.S. 1
Albany 19*: September 1756.
SIR
In my Letter to you, of the 16 th ., I forgot to mention M r .
Crogan, who has been with me some days, with a proposal of
raising Recruits; I should have been glad, to have had a Letter
from you along with him, recommending him to me, as it cannot
be supposed, I can know his character so well as You do; and
you may remember, what passed between us on that Subject, at
a former Meeting; His Proposal goes further, than I doubt I
dare go; I imagine it will be better for him, to be employed in
Indian affairs, which I imagine, will not be difficult to bring about,
with your Concurrence, and which we shall settle, when I have
the Pleasure of seeing you. I have sent M r . Crogan, about
dividing the Indian Presents, in order to forward them to You
directly ; the remainder is lodged at M r . Stevenson's, to be ready
to be sent, as you demand them; as I imagine, you would not
chuse to have the whole in your House at once, for fear of
accidents.
I have in Consequence of your Letter of the 1 7 h ., given the
strictest Orders, not only to the Troops, (in relation to giving
Liquor to the Indians,) under the severest penalties, but have
published the same, to the People of the Town, by the beat of
Drum, with which the Magistrates sent two Constables, and their
Cryer, to publish the same in their Names likewise; and I have
assured them, that if any of them do offend, I will banish them
from the Army.
I ever am most faithfully,
Sir,
Your Most Obedient
Humble Servant.
LOUDOUN
SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON Bar 1 .
1 Original destroyed by fire.
Seven Years' War 563
TO LORD LOUDOUN
L.5. 1
Fort Johnson September 26 tfl . [1756.]
This moment arrived here Tiiyaguande Head Warrior of the
Onondaga Nation who left Montreal the 26 th . of last month and
his own Castle three days ago. and gives the following Account
He says that Severall of the Seneca Sachings were arrived at
Onondaga and waited for the Cajugas, who were hourly
expected, then they were all to sett of together for my House
agreeable to the Invitation, or call, I gave them when I was at
the German Flatts. Captain Butler with the Mohawk deliver'd
his Message there, and proceeded to the Seneca & Cajuga Nation
to bring down their Young men.-
That He and the Delegates who were sent to Canada by the
whole Confedracey mett the First Division of the French Army
going to Oswego at their Encampment by the Lake Side at a
place call'd by the Indians Ca'na'dun'ta, which I suppose to be
opposite Isle Galot. 2 they afterwards met the French Gen 11 , who
brought up the last Division, He says he's a Young man. The
Delagates told him they were going to speak with their friends
living in Canada, and try to get them from thence to which he
answer'd that He had nothing to do with it, but advis'd them to
go to Montreal & Speak with the Gov r . there about it. The
General told them they were wrong in not going to Canada
sooner, as the Gov r . had Calld them so offten & as Early as last
Spring, but their not attending his call, was partly the reason
of his going to Attack Oswego, As it was Supposed by him, the
Six Nations were indifferent about Oswego, hearing so often of
his Intentions to take it, and would not come down to prevent it.
That he was Determin'd to have a fair Tryall for it in a few
days, and should he meet with a Repulse it would not discourage
him, he would try a second, & a Third time before the fall of the
Leaf,
This Indian says, he and the rest of his Company were at
Montreal when the French returned from Oswego with the
1 In Public Record Office, C. O. 5. 47, London, England.
2 Galloo island.
564 Sir William Johnson Papers
Prisoners, and had an Opportunity of seeing them all as they
landed particularly the Officers among whom he knew Col.
Peter Schyler- He spoke with one John Newkirk who was
Interpreter for Colonel Mercer at Oswego and was taken prisoner
with the Rest, said Newkirk is given to a Scawendadey Indian,
who is very kind to him as he writes to his Father, I have seen the
letter it is dated the 25 th . of August but does not Contain one
Word of News This Newkirk desired the Indian who brought
the letter, to tell me that the Garrison, behaved monstreously ill,
that the Officers were dejected, and the men all Drunk haveing
knock'd the heads out of Several Casks of Rum, and drank of
it till they were all as Drunk as Beasts, Colonel Mercer, One of
the Gunners, & Eight men more were all that was kill'd on our
side, & but three of the French, one of whom was kill'd by a
French Indian Accidentally The Delegates from Onondaga
prevail'd on ten of their Nation to leave Canada & are come to
Onondaga, they could not perswade the rest to leave the French.-
Provisions very plenty in Canada the Provisions taken at Oswego,
also the Cannon are left at Cadaraghui, & Niagara, He says
he Could not think the French had any design this way, for their
Force is all gone towards lake George, They were Continually
marching that way from Montreal (both French & Indians)
before he left it, Very few men left at Montreal, or Niagara as
he heard, none at Swegatch'y except a few Indians who did not
incline to Join the French, there is no Fortification there at all,
at Cadaraghgui they are enlargeing the Fort making it very
strong, and have above three hundred of the English Prisoners
at Work, making a Trench round it mostly through a Rock, this
Indian says that there is not a Man to be seen at any of their
late Encampments along the lake they had Thrown up a kind of
a Picketed Fort at Canundunta alias Isle Galott or opposite to
it, But have left it. and are all gone to Canada since the
Demolition of Oswego. He further says that he found some
Cajuga Indians at Oswego who told him and the rest of his party,
that they Came there to see whether the French had returned,
and while there, saw Six Vessells returning from Niagara, two
of which came to Oswego, to see whether the English were come
Seven Years' War
565
there, finding none they fired severall Cannon on Board & so
sail'd for Cadaraghqui.
He Further says that all the Caghnawageys, and every other
Nation in Canada also a great Number of Ottawaes &c a . are
gone towards Lake George and he Imagines They will be ready
to make an Attempt some where there about, by this time or very
soon.
W M . JOHNSON
INDORSED: Indian Intelligence
from Sir W m . Johnson
7bcr26* 1756-
in the E. of Loudoun's Letter
ofOct'.3 d . 1756.
m 31
FROM LORD LOUDOUN
SIR
L. S. 3
Albany Oct /' 7756
I receved the Inclosed docket from Sir Charles Hardy for you
As my letters to the Government are now near finished I pro-
pose Letters out from the Gov ts on the 3 d I have heard no More
of M r Crogan so I suppose he has gone across the Country to
Saratoga
All the American Reg 1 are now March 1 so that I hope our
Neighbours will give over there Plan of making the attack tho
the Prisoner M r Kennedy brought in makes them very Numerous
but adds that they are very Sickly
I ever am most faithfully
Sir
Your most Obedient
humble Servant
LOUDOUN
To SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON Bar 1 .
1 Destroyed by fire.
566
Sir William Johnson Papers
JOHNSON'S ACCOUNT OF INDIAN EXPENSES
1755
Mar., 1755 to Oct., 1756
D. S. 1
The Crown D r :
10.
Mar h . 30 th . To Sloop Hire & Stores to New
York on Gov r : Shirleys
Earnest desire, desireing I
would meet him there and
Accompany him to Alexan-
dria to meet General Brad-
dock *
Ap 1 . 7 to To Expences on my Journey to
May 4 and from Alexandria, also at
York and by the way home .
To Expences at a meeting with
some Delawares at Philadel-
phia on the present Occasion,
from 4 To Expences of Horses Hire
to 8 &ca. from York to Albany
as I rid post
To Liquor &ca given to some
Coghnawageys whom I met
at Albany on my return and
examined them, found some-
thing worth sending the
General
10 To a Meeting of the Mohawks
held at my House on my
return, when I told them the
reason of the Troops passing
thorough their Country &
severall other things necessary
To 6 Barrels of Pork, 4 D:^
Beef, 2 Casks Rice, & 2
Cases of Pipes for the Ind 8 .
bought by Cap*. Benthuysen
as ^ his Account will ap-
Pear, & freight to this place. ,
Mn Public Record Office, C. O. 5.1067, London, England.
39.
1.
4.
1.
2.
41.
14.
12.
4.
10.
6.
15.
14.
11
Seven Years' War
567
JOHNSON'S ACCOUNT OF INDIAN EXPEf>
1755
ay 1 2 To a Meeting of some Onon-
dagas who came to tell me
some News concerning the
proceedings of the French a
prenst amt^ ^
JS
'
\
>
ES Com
5.
1.
18.
2.
1.
2.
13.
1.
14.
inued
17.
7.
10.
8.
16.
15.
19.
6.
10.
To Provisions while at my
House & on their Journey
back J
1 4 To D : to five Tuscaroras, & 1
Conajoharee family 2 days. ^
To a Belt Wampum sent to In- 1
vite both Mohawk Castles to
a Meeting
To 3 Strings of Wampum sent '
to acquaint the Six Nations of
the Troops going to reinforce
Oswegoe Garrison, and to
desire they might pass un-
molested
1 5 To sundrys given to 2 Onon- *
daga Indians sent to Cadar-
chqui as Spies viz 1 : Cash
for provisions, some Cloath-
ing &ca on their Journey,
Powder Shott &ca
1 6 To Expences attending a gen- "
eral Meeting of both Mo-
hawk Castles at my House
where they remained 3 Days
with all their Familys. At
this Meeting I stopped those
from going to Canada who
had actually promised their
friends there to go
To 3 Strings Wampum at said
Meeting 1
To a present of 2 Casks powd r : "
for supports, their familys
awhile & 2 Bags Shott, as
they complained much of the
want of provisions . .
8
568
Sir William Johnson Papers
JOHNSON'S ACCOUNT OF INDIAN EXPEN
1755
May 1 7 To Abraham the Sachem a 1
Gun 407. & Cash 17/. to -
buy prov 5 :
SES-Con
2.
1.
3.
1.
4.'
3.
tinned
17.
11.
9.
12.
5.
1
1.
7.
To a Black Cloth, Shirt & Hose
to Bury Guilliane a principal -
WWrior
To 2 Skipple Pease & 2 Ditto
Oats for Seed to Aron whom -
I stopt from going to Canada. '
To a Belt q. 2400 Wampum &
Making to acquaint the Six
Nations of my Appointment
& to call them all down ....
To a second Belt to make the
Six Nations easy on the
Troops going up to Oswegoe,
sent both the above Belts by
the Interpreter Clement
To sundry Goods sent up by said
Interpreter, & for Arent Ste-
vens to pay the Ind s : running
of Errands & for prov 8 : Lodg-
ing &ca
1 doz Knives 117. 4'
doz. Jews Harps!
187. & 6 doz Rings f 1 - 13 '
67 ;
2 P r : Gimps 127. 1 1
M white Wampum H . 1 8 .
&1 d: Combs 6/. J
Cash to Clement on his 1 ^
Journey j
19 To Cloathing to Seth & his"
Wife the old Sachem of y e .
Mohawks having lost his only
Son, 2 black Blankets, 2
Shirts, 2 p r : Hose, a small f
Blanket & Stockings to their
Grand Child, & some To-
bacco &ca to the old Couple. J
Seven Years' War
569
JOHNSON'S ACCOUNT OF INDIAN EXPENSES
1755
y 20 To Lieu*: Butler at his setting
off w*: 4 Mohawks & Jn.
Wemp on their Journey w lh :
my Dispatches to Gen 1 : Brad-
dock Cash 8. & sundrys at a
Meeting on said Occasion
27/10
To W m : Printup Interpreter
sent to call all the Ind 8 : living
on the Susquehana to a Gen-
eral Meeting at my House
/^_ _L 2^ / 1 1 TT t ^ /
21
Cash 33/. 1 doz Hose 167.
1 doz Combs 6/. 1 doz |
Knives 9/. & 1 P. Gimps 7/. J
To Peter a French Ind n : whom
I prevailed on to stay among
us Cash to pay for Plowing
his Land to plant Corn on
&ca
To a Shirt to a Squaw for a
Child of hers verry Sick ....
22 To a Meeting of the Mohawk
Castle, when they gave me
three young Men to go to
Crown Point as Scouts
Sundrys
To Provisions for 4 Scouts to
Crown Point. . . .1 . 15
To a pair Shoes & a")
Lap for one who I . 8.
had none to put f
in
on J
To a Belt Wampum to W m :
Printup to call y e . Susque-
hana Ind 8
24 To a Cag Rum to the Mo-
hawks to get their Fences
made
To Expences at two Meetings
with a few Coghnawageys at
Albany in Cash &c
Continued
9.1 7.
10
3.
II
6.
10.
4.
2.
2.
1.
I.
3.
16.
13.
5.
8
570
Srr William Johnson Papers
JOHNSON'S ACCOUNT OF INDIAN EXPENSES Continued
1755
May 24 To Scoharee Jn: an Indian to
purchase Provisions
To the following Goods bought
for the Present given to the Six
Nations & the Susquehana
Ind 8 : &ca, & delivered them
June 1755. viz 1 :
Ti 16P 8 :Strouds.l at
9 ^..J 144. .
8 D: Blankets..
9
3 D: Penniston.. 39.16.16
16 D: Garlix.... 40. .
8 D: Callicoe... 26. . .
16 D: Callaman-l^
coe W. . .
40 Large french
Blankets ..16/..
40 second Size.D.! on
10/ |20. . .
40 third Size..Do.\,s
87 }16.-.-.
4 P 8 : flower'd
Serge fine . . 5 . .
3 M. Gun Flints! r r
9 O. fineHoilandH
Gun Powderk)8. .
12 ]
2 M. pound Lead! ^c
in small Barrs. . J
20 Rolls Gartering! 7
77 J / '~~ -
40 P: Gimps.. 6/. 12. .
8 D o z . Looking! 9
Glasses . .30/..J IZ - -
40: Virmillion.14/ 28. .
4 O: weight
Kettles.. 3y
Seven Years' War
571
4.
9.10.
JOHNSON'S ACCOUNT OF INDIAN EXPENSES - Continued
1755
May 24 24 Doz. Jews Harps! 2
2/6 J
8 D: Wo'iclocktl n
Hose ..28/...J 1
10 D: asizeSmal-1
ler ..19/ J
10 D: long Knives!
Sheathed. ..12/J
10 D: large pistol!
CaptD...10/..J
30 D : fine wrought! T 9
PenD..8/...J IZ
10 D<>: Razors. 15/
4 G s : finest Ind n .l
Awl Blades. 1 07. J
38 Doz. Hawksl
Bells ..2i /
20 D: fine Buckle-1
5. .
7.10.
4.15.
ing Combs. . 5/ . J
5. .
107. 4.-
50 Frying Pansl T? ln
sorted ..5/ /'2.10.
10 Doz. Gill, & 201 ft tn
Doz. i Gill CupsJ ' IU --
20": Brass Wire... 4.10.
1 Case Pipes!
4.19..& 1 M.J21.12. 4
Weight Tobacco.)
268 Dollars to the
severall Sachems
with the private
presents
A private present as
Usual to all the
Sachems of 11
different Nations
after the Congress
was over Viz*, a
Strowd, Shirt,
Lap &ca to each
amts to 97 in all
is 327. P.,
155. 4.-
1086.
10.
10
572
iSir William Johnson Papers
JOHNSON'S ACCOUNT OF INDIAN EXPEN
1755
June 1 8t . To Seth the Scohare Sachem j
& his family in sundrys. . . . J
To 3 Oneida Warriors very
great friends of mine whom
I prevailed on to promise to
Join me, a present to y e .
Am': of
SES Con
1.
5.
1.
1.
2.
1.
1.
9.
tinued
5.
14.
7.
16.
18.
12.
18.
I
12.
16.
2
3
4,5&6
To the Mohawk Sachems to
get their Land fenced 6 q ls :
rum
To an Ind n : come from Canada,
whom I prevailed on to stay
here & Join me, his name is '
Teiyaharee a present amt.
to -
To another Ind n : & family
whom I prevailed on to stay
among the Mohawks, he
having lived 1 6 years among
the French & quite hearty in
their Interest
To an Ind n : Express sent after
Lieu*. Jn. Butler with a '
Letter for Cap*. Orme ....->
To Expences going to lay out ]
the 2 Forts for the 2 Mo- \
hawk Castles J
To 2 Barrels Beer of Hend^. }
Fry for the Conajoharees to j"
drink the Kings Health J
To 3 Ind n . Warriors from j
Oneida who promised their j"
assistance J
To the 4 Outscouts returned
from Crown Point last night
who were out 14 days 3 of '
them @3/. & 1 at 4/. ^
diem
10
8
10
Seven Years War
573
JOHNSON'S ACCOUNT OF INDIAN EXPENSES Continued
1755
June 8 To Prov 8 : for 6 Outscouts sent
this day to Crown Point as
Spies 2. 1 4. Powder,
Lead, Flints, Pipes & To-
bacco 10/
To Jacob Benthuysen Skipper
for bringing 4000 Dollars
from Oliver DeLancey ....
9 To a parcell of Coghnawagaes
met in Albany whom I ex-
amined about the Mischief
done at Hosack, & endeav-
our'd to sett them up against
the Onagunga's who did it . .
10 To freight of 4000 Dollars to
my House in a Waggon &
Battoe
11 To Hend k . & Abraham his
Brother w th : their Family s
who came down to my House
in order to help me to Trans-
late the Speech to the 6
Nations, Cash 20 Dollars 10
each & sundry trifleing Ar-
ticles besides 36/
To Cash paid for Wampum at
Albany for Belts as
ceipts will appear ....
12 To a Meeting of
the Mohawks
when I condoled
the Death of a
Chiefs Mother
viz 1 : Lowrance
2 black
Strowds, 2 pair
black Hose & 2
Shirts , ....
re-
3. 2.
3.
2.
9.
16.
4.
17.
9.
16.
11
8
574
Sir William Johnson Papers
JOHNSON'S ACCOUNT OF INDIAN EXPENSES Continued
1755
June 1 2 To Sundry other
expences a t - i y
tending said
Ceremony . . .
To expences of sending up
Pork & Beef 3 Barrels to
Harkemars for the Ind 8 : &
Riding over the Carrying
Place
To an Express sent up to me
with Letters Concerning the
Coghnawagee Indians
15 & 16 To sundrys at a Meeting of all
the Warriors & Sachems of
the Mohawks on a Message
sent them about the Ana-
gunga's behaviour
To a large Belt insisting on
their Joining us against them
should they Attempt at any
time to commit Hostilities
against the English
To young Seth a noted Warrior 1
a fine Shirt 20/. a Pair of {
Hose & Ribbond 107 J
17 To 2 large Oxen bought of
Matthews for y e : Ind s . at the
Interview
20 To 2 Ditto . . of Dan 1 . Campbell
for DO
To 29": Powder Saluteing all
the Ind s : as they came
To Expences paid at Cherry
Valley for the Aghquageys
Delawares Tuscaroras &ca,
as ^ Acc ts . delivered me by
W m : Printup Interpreter. . .
To 1 Ox of John Potman. . .
21 To 1 Bull of M': Ferrall....
To 1 Ox of Johannes Quack.
3.
18
12
8
3.
3.
3.
19
14
16.
18.
10.
12
10.
15.
10.
Seven Fears' War
575
I
-}
/
JOHNSON'S ACCOUNT OF INDIAN EXPENSES
1755
5 21 To Alliday a Squaw for a fatt
Cow for the Mohawks. . . .
To 1 1 New fine Belts some
verry large all for the
Speeches
To making of them
To 6 large Strings Wampum
on said & other Occasions.
23 To 1 Ox of Hannis Apple . . .
To 1 DO : of Ury Adam Dog-
steader
To 1 D: & 1 Bull of Douwl
Funda
To 1 Bull of Peter Conin
To 1 Ox of Nicholaus Gardi-1
neer
24 To5jO:Biscakeat18/.
Garret Lansingh
To 1 Bull of Clement..
To 6 Doz. Jews Harps to some
of the Warriors
To what paid 3 Conajoharees
for 16 Days being on the
Scout to Crown Point
To 3 white Men who were with
them all the time
To 1 2 loaves Bread of Thomas!
Harris Wife /
To 69 DO DO. 51/9 &
20 white DO. 207. of Douw
Funda
To Cash to the Chief Tusca-
rora Sachem to buy a Cow
for his family
Continued
."}
26
27 To Ribbond for the new made!
Sachems Meddals J
To a Flag to a Tuscaroraj.
Sachem J
To a pair Pumps & Buckles
the Chief Onondaga
5
. .
34
.
2.
16.
3.
2.
12.
10.
.
4.
10.
7.
3.
10.
10.
4.
10.
4.
3.
14.
6
1.
4.
7.
4.
9.
12.
.
9.
3.
11.
9
4.
.
.
18.
3.
10.
12.
-
toll
,.J| . 12. -
576
Sir William Johnson Papers
JOHNSON'S ACCOUNT OF INDIAN EXPEN!
1755
June 27 To 85 Loaves Bread 63/9. 1 1
Ox & 1 Bull 7.12. of [
Hanchy Vedder J
5ES Con
10.
4.
10.
3.
41.
16.
45.
7.
4.
43.
22.
10.
13.
15.
5.
tinued
15.
10.
8.
5.
5.
10.
14.
15.
10.
3.
4.
2.
18.
16.
17.
To 1 Ox of Clause De Graafe.
To 2 Oxen of Peter Wormwood
To 1 Dollar gave Aron thel
Mohawk on promise to go j-
w th . us J
28 To 1 Bull of William Hall....
To 300 Bushels of Ind n : Corn]
from Kelly & Golden for the [
Ind 8 : J
To Expences attending it to 1
Albany, & from thence here . J
To an Express from York &ca \
for Expences . . . . J
To Hay Land, Pasture, Grain "1
Fences &ca destroyed, maks. I
Hutts, fetching Timber for |
Seats Council House &ca. . J
To 2 Oxen of I sack Wemp. . . .
To 6 Barrels of Beer & Car- 1
riage of it to my House for r
y e . Meet* J
To 12 D : Pork & freight upl
here J
To 20 O: Bread of Cornel 8 :!
Cuyler @ 187. ^ Casks, \
packs. & freight J
To 1 HogW: Tobacco 4. 12.-)
& a Case of Pipes & 1-
freight J
To 2 Barrels Rum from Sche-1
nectady 13.4 & freight. J
To 1 D..D: 6.12. & 421
Gall', of MK Ferrall8.8.. )
29 To Tea & Sugar &ca for some "j
of the Chief Familys 14
days, & for make. Punch for "
the many meetings of the dif-
ferent Nations 56": Sugar. . J
Seven Fears' War
577
JOHNSON'S ACCOUNT OF INDIAN EXPENSES Continued
1755
June 29 To 5 Bottles Claret at the ]
War Dance & sund?. other [ 1 . 6
things requisite j
30 To 2 Fatt Cattle of my own .... 7 . 7
To W m : Tarachioris a Cona-1
joharee Sachem 2 Dollars .. J . 16
To Cechcoana a Mohawk!
Sachem 1 D I . 8
To a Fatt Ox of Hance Primel
of the Mohawks J 4
To a p r : Ind n : Shooes to youngl
Brant a Sachem f . 4
To 1 Cow of Paulus the Ind n : ]
for the five Nations corns. V 4
down J
To 2 Oxen of Hanlbey Acre. . . 10
To 3 Ruffled Shirts for 3 youngl
Sachems / 1 . 16.
To 2 Oxen of John Glasford. . . 12
July 1 To 1 Cow of Jacob Potman .... 4
To sundy. Expences bringing
down the Six Nations as ^ 48. 12.
Ace": delivered me by the
Interpreter will appear
To a Deer Skin to an Oneida
Old Chief & Cash . 15.
To a Cow of a Squaw for the!
Mohawks J 5
2 To 1 Ox of W m : Allen 4 1
& 3 Oxen of Albert Van- f 16
dewerkey J
To 1 Cow of Jn. Matthews \
5 & 2 Oxen of Dan 1 : Y 15
Campbell J
To 1 Gold Laced Hatt to al
Mohawk head Warrior . . . . J 4 . 10.
To Seth Chief Sachem of y e . T
Schoharee Ind": Cash for > 1. 4.
Prov: J I
Vol. 1119
578
Sir William Johnson Papers
JOHNSON'S ACCOUNT OF INDIAN EXPENSES Continued
1755 ^
July 2 To 5 hands w*: Battoes Car- 1
rys. up Ind n . Corn for the Y 3. 10
Ind*
To 15 b .-25 Biscake of Garrell
Lansing & freight here J 14. 14
To Jn. of Conajoharee a prin- 1
cipal Warrior Cash j . 10
3* 1 . To Peter Conin Smith for "1
mending Guns, Axes, Hat- ? 28. 5
chets &ca, as <P Account. . J
To an Express paid who came\
with Letters J . 13
To a Gold Locket to the Chief
Onondaga Sachem 247. & a [ 7. 4
Coat J
To a Bridle & Halter to an
Oneida Sachem who lost [ . 9
his J
To an Oneida Family going
home to buy bread on their \- . 8
Journey
To an Ox 4 .
To sundry Familys on their
return homewards to main- F 16.
tain them Cash
To a Scarlet Coat well Lined to
an Ind n : Chief & a Spear. . f 4. 10
To an Oneida Chief to buy a
Battoe at Oswegoe in order
to remove his Family from ,
the French Settlement at < 2 *
Swegatchie Cash 24/. & a
Present 32/
To a Tuscarora Sachem I made
now who promised well Cash J 1.4
5 To the Mississagey Delegate a
present in Sund 8 : Amounting h 6.18
to .
Seven Years' War
579
JOHNSON'S ACCOUNT OF INDIAN EXPENSES Continued
1755
fuly 5 To a Belt & String of Warn- ] \
pum sent to his Nation to [
Join us as Brothers J
To a Gun to the Red Head 1
36/ & Cash 4 J
To 2 Sheep & a Hog given to ""
the Mohawks when y e .
Conajoh 8 : came to Condole
the Death of Gilliane a head
Warrior who died
To Nickus Brants son to finish
his House before he could
go
To 2 fatt Cattle killed for the
5 Nations at Conajoh ee :
corns, down
To a Hog &c for a Meal for 1
the Conajoharees who stayed r
a day J
To a black Belt bought of al
Squaw to serve an Occasion. J
To Boards for their Houses 1
dureing the Conference dam- f
aged J
To 108 Loaves Bread
To 1 1 Mens & 1 Boys ruffled!
Shirts of M r : Ferrall J
To 65 Skipple Pease at thel
Grand Conference @ 3/6 f
To 109 D: Indian Corn &
Meal at D. 2/6
9 To Expences Maintaing a num-
ber of different Ind 8 : at
Albany
To 6 Waggons Carrying some
sick and Old Indians from
Albany to Schenectady &ca. ^
To a Box for a Pacquet to
Gen 1 : Braddock & freight to
York
3
4.
9.
2.
2.
6.
5.
5.
11.
8.
2.
17
16
14
5
18.
8.
14.
7.
13.1 2.
15.
14.
4.
580
' Sir William Johnson Papers
JOHNSON'S ACCOUNT OF INDIAN EXPENSES Continued
1755
July 5 To Cash to John Wemp an
Express sent to Gen 1 : Brad- 16.
dock with the Indians 40
Days at 8/. ^
To 4 Strings Wampum sent to
acquaint the Ind 8 : of General
Braddocks Success which f 16
was the first Ace" :
To an Oneida Sachem come to
Albany w*. some News to [ 2.
me
To 2 Mohawks returned from
the River Indians to whom
I sent an Invitation to come
& Join us
To Hooping &ca Powder. . . .
To a Battoe to Caiyougas,
Oneidas & Onondagas to
carry their Sick
17 To 3 Strings Wampum sent to
stop 2 familys of Mohawks
whom I heard were going
away to Canada, & a dollar
to y e . Express
1 8 To a full Meeting of the Cona-
joharee Castle when they
declared their resolution of
Joining us to a Man, a
present Amts. to
To Mending 3 Guns at Sand-
fords
19 To 1 Ox of Hendt; Phillips
for the Caiyougas, Onon-
dagas &ca
To an Ind": who came down
w*: dispatches from Cap 1 :
Bradstreet
To a Scoharee Ind": who
came to know when I would
want them to Join us
4.
4.
I.
14.
4.
3.
1.
15
17
16
10
10
19
18
8
10
Seven Years' War
581
JOHNSON'S ACCOUNT OF INDIAN EXPENSES Continued
1755
July 20 To a Belt sent to the Six
Nations to call their War-
riors down
To another Belt to call the
Aghquagey, Schoharee &
Southern IncK down
To the 4 Ind 8 . whom I sentl
Express to Gen 1 : Braddock \
for 40 days J
To the Interpreter whom I sent 1
to Scoharee w 1 * 1 . a Message, f-
Expences J
To a Kettle for the Outscouts "1
147. & Prov*: for 3 Ind 8 : \
10 days 30/ J
To sundy. exp 8 : attending the
Interpreters Journey with the
Aghquageys to the Lake
Atsegy where he divided
some Corn between them. . .
To rideing D: 3 Loads w*. a
Waggons to the Lake @
327. ^ J
To sund 8 : supplyed by Hend k . "j
Fry to the 6 Nations going f
up
To a Pistol I gave to Abraham
Isacks Son
21 To 4 young Ind s : sent up with
Capt 8 : Stoddert & Stevens to
call down the Warriors of
the 6 Nations 3 Strowds, 3
Shirts 3 Laps, 3 P r : Hose,
3 P r : Shooes, 3 Combs,
Paint, Powder Lead & Pro-
visions
To the 2 Officers who go with
them travelling Money 6
Dollars .
3
24
7.
1.
7.
2.
15.
18.
18.!
4.
16.1
2.
10
8
582
Sir William Johnson Papers
JOHNSON'S ACCOUNT OF INDIAN EXPENSES Continued
1755
July 21 To a Seneca Chief Warrior
who goes along to bring his
Men down a Scarlet Blan-
ket, french Stockings, Shirt,
Lap Powder, Lead &ca ...
To 2250 white Wampum sent
by Cap 18 : Stoddert & Stevens
for sundry uses
To 2 M. black D: to D: for
sundry uses among the 6
Nations
To Cash to them both to buy
Provisions for their War
Dances in the Castles
To Ottrowana Chief Caiyouga
Sachem for his good Offices
in getting a number of Men .
To his Son in law who Com-
mands that Party a present.
22 To a black Strowd 307. 2 P r .
black Hose 12/. 2 Shirts
16/. & 2 Strings Wampum
sent by Stoddert & Stevens
to Condole the death of 2
Ind s : one Onondaga & One
Oneida
To Peter a french Ind n . whom
I turned from the French
Interest and Joined us
To a large Belt Wampum sent
to Canada this Day to Invite
the Coghnawageys here, or
at least to be Neuter & not
Join the French, the Scawen-
dadies also
To a present to the 4 Ind 8 :
whom I sent w th : y e . Mes-
sage in sundrys
To 2 fatt Sheep to the upper
Nations in their going up to
fetch their Men .
4.
2.
3.
10.
9.
8.
4.
15
11
16
17
18
1. 4.1
3.
16
8.
1.1 10.1
Seven Years' War
583
JOHNSON'S ACCOUNT OF INDIAN EXPENSES Continued
1755
July 22 To 20 Loaves Bread 27. 4
Sk. Meal. 10/. & 1 Skipple t
Pease 3/6 .............. J
To Cash for Prov 8 : by the way 1
home for y e . above Ind 8 : & [
familys ................ J
To a large P 8 : Saddle Lace for "1
binding for their Blankets. . J
To 10 Dollars & a String oil
Wampum to Cap 1 : Mc:Ginn j-
to fetch down the Oneidas . . J
To the Interpreter for a Coffin 1
&ca to Bury a Squaw killed I
by Lightening at Schenec- [
tady .................. J
To a Bull to the Mohawks & 3 1
Barrels of Beer for a War j-
Dance at their Castle ...... J
To Sundrys supplyed by the 1
Harkemar to the Six Nations r
on my Order going up ..... J
To Gun Smith & Black Smiths
Ace", for mends : the Ind 8 :
Guns &ca, as ^ Justice V
Eps Ace": will appear. . . .
To 2 Meddals .............
To 5 Coarse Hatts to those sent 1
to the Coghnawageys with a >
Message ............... J
To the following Goods given to
the Ind 8 . who Joined our Arms
& were in the Engagement at
Lake George viz*.
269 Strowd Blankets
@> 157. ^ ..... 201
42 French D<>..16/. 33
310 Laps..4/ ..... 62
96 Pair french Stock-1 ^3
ings . .97 ....... J
15.
12.
.
A
1
11
2.
I.
13.
8.
6.
16.
12.
5.
16.
14.
8.
5.
584
^Sir William Johnson Papers
JOHNSON'S ACCOUNT OF INDIAN EXPENSES Continued
1755
July 22 15 6 D white U 7 ,
DO 4/9 /?
To 2 O: Leather for] c
Shooes ..5/ I?
To 1 M. Gun Flints]
J
2. .
4/. ^ O
To 88 Shirts some
Ruffled ..9/ ....
To 16 P r : Shooes!
made . .4/ J
To56:Shott
To 10 Rolls Gar-
tering for the
Ind s . Heads
To 3 Groce Indian! i
Awl Blades J
To 48 Pair Pennis-] i i o
ton Hose..4/9...J U '
To 14 P s : red &1
green Saddle r
Lace for StrowdsJ
To 10 D: Narrowl
Gimps . . 6/ /
To 250 Dollars left!
with M r . FerrallMOO. .
to pay for Guns . J
To7O:GunPow-T
der at 14.-.^ HOI . .
& freight J
To 302 Guns &]
freight to myU52.15.-
House J
To 40 Silver Gor-
gets @ 217. ^
for Chief War-
4.
5.
4. .
10.
18. 4.
3. .
42..
nors
To 9 Doz. Knives.. 4. 1 .
To 3 D: Looking! A <,
Glasses . ../
Seven Years* War
585
\,-
[35..-
JOHNSON'S ACCOUNT OF INDIAN EXPENSES Continued
1755
July 22 To 14 O: Lead @
507
To 47: Virmillion\ 7A
1 9 / rO 
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