\
MILITARY JOURNAL
or
MAJOR EBENEZER DENNY,
©fficer in % ^efralutionarg anb |nbian
WITH AS
INTRODUCTORY MEMOIR.
Jfiirror of ancient faith !
Undaunted \uorih ! inviolable truth !
PHILADELPHIA:
J. B. LIPPINCOTT & CO.
FOR THE
HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
1859.
Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1859, by
THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF PENNSYLVANIA,
In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Eastern District
of Pennsylvania.
STEREOTYPED BY W. S. I1AVEX. PITTSBURGH, PA.
LIBRARY
UNIVERSITY Of
SANTA BARBARA
MEMOIR.
EBENEZER DENNY was born in Carlisle, Cumberland
County, Pennsylvania, on the llth of March, 1761. He
was the eldest child of William Denny and Agnes Parker.
William, and his brother Walter, came to Cumberland
from Chester County, in 1745. Walter Denny settled
two or three miles south of Carlisle, where he owned a
large tract, of land, now divided into five farms. He
raised a company for the Revolutionary struggle, was
killed at the battle of the Crooked Billet ; and his son
taken, and kept three months on board a Jersey prison-
ship. David Denny, for many years pastor of the Pres-
byterian church at Chambersburg, was a son of Walter.
William lived in Carlisle. He was the first Coroner
west of the Susquehanna, and a Commissary in the war.
The mother of Ebenezer Denny, Agnes, was the
daughter of John Parker, and grand-daughter of Richard
Parker. Richard, as early as 1730, acquired lands on
the Cannadaguinnet, three miles west of Carlisle. These
lands continued for two or three generations afterward
in possession of his descendants. It was there that his
(3)
4 MEMOIR.
grandsons, in the intervals of their military service,
turned their swords into plowshares. All three — Alex-
ander, Richard and Andrew — were actively engaged in
the war. Alexander furnished two teams, at his own
expense, when the army was at the White Plains. He
was commissioned in Colonel Irvine's regiment, Second
Lieutenant in Company "No. 1, Captain Hay, January
9th, 1776. Marched in April following, from Carlisle
to New York and Canada — promoted a First Lieutenant
in Company Xo. 4, Captain Rippey, June 9th, 1776,
and Captain, 31st July, 1777, in Colonel Irvine's regi-
ment. In the first campaign against Quebec, he and his
cousin, John Parker, who was one of his sergeants, suf-
fered great hardships, and narrowly escaped being taken
prisoners. At the close of the Revolutionary War,
whilst Richard and Andrew emigrated to Kentucky,
Alexander Parker settled in Western Virginia, on lands
which he acquired by settlement and purchase, at the
mouth of the Little Kanahwa, on which is now the town
of Parkersburg. His only surviving child, Mary, whilst
on a visit to her relative in Pittsburgh, was married to
William Robinson, Jr., of Allegheny. On that occasion
her cousin from Kentucky, a grandchild of Richard
Parker, afterward Mrs. T. Crittcnden, was her brides-
maid.
Agnes, the mother of Ebenezer Denny, was an uncom-
mon woman, of great energy and intelligence. She was
of middle height, fair complexion, blue eyes, bright
sandy hair; beautiful in her younger days, attractive at
all times, and prepossessing in her old age. Her nume-
rous friends and relatives approached her always with
MEMOIR. 5
confidence in her affection, her sympathy, her good tem-
per and sound judgment. A devout Christian — with
her Bible, in every sense, by heart. She never failed to
ascribe the many deliverances of her son Ebenezer, to a
particular providence — as other pious persons did to the
prayers of herself, his good mother.
Her father left his large estate to his sons ; as was the
custom in those days. Agnes inherited nothing. Her
husband, a highminded and gentlemanly man, fell away
in his habits and circumstances. Ebenezer, therefore,
felt that he ought to endeavor to assist them, as well as
to support himself. At the age of thirteen, he obtained
employment as a bearer of dispatches to the com-
mandant at Fort Pitt. He crossed the Allegheny moun-
tains alone, lying out in the woods with any party of
pack-horsemen whom he overtook at nightfall. His
friend in after years, Samuel Murphy, of "Murphy's
Bend," on his first visit from Bullskins to Fort Pitt in
1774, met him at Turtle Creek, on his return from the
fort: "a slender, fair, blue-eyed, red-haired boy, two or
three years younger than himself, between eleven and
thirteen years old." Murphy expressed, at the time, his
surprise that the public authorities would intrust a mere
lad to carry important dispatches through a wilderness
infested with savage enemies. Twenty years afterward,
Murphy was a lieutenant in a military expedition to
Presqu' Isle, commanded by the person who was that
night at Turtle Creek his camp-mate and bed-fellow.
Once during that expedition, whilst suppressing a mutiny,
and again, when returning, he fell out of his perogue, the
(5 M E M O I R .
life of the commander was saved by that brave and ath-
letic soldier. "When I met him at Turtle Creek," said
Murphy, "he must have been on his return from the
fort. I know him too well to suppose that he would have
disclosed to me the nature of his business, until after it
was executed." On two of these missions to Fort Pitt,
at the Loyalhanna and at Turkey-foot, he was chased
into Fort Loudon by the Indians.
He was afterward employed in his father's store in
Carlisle. Fresh from his bridle path on Chestnut Ridge
and Laurel Hill, and familiar with its danger, it Avas
hardly to be expected that he would be content at home
behind a counter, whilst his uncles, of whom he was
justly proud, risked everything in the war.
A letter of marque and reprisal was about to sail to the
West Indies. He repaired to Philadelphia and shipped
as a volunteer. The captain intended to intercept a
British merchantman, with a valuable cargo, bound from
the Bahamas to Halifax. But entertaining a party of
friends who accompanied him down the Delaware, was
unable to command his ship when, outside the capes,
the expected prize came in sight. He made amends for
this disappointment afterward by a vigilant, daring and
successful cruise. His ship became noted in the Gulf.
On one occasion, off Martinique, he had a running fight
with three armed British cruisers. In that chase and ac-
tion, Ebenezer attracted the notice of the captain by his
alacrity and intrepidity, as he had throughout the voy-
age by his modesty and fidelity. Observing that in
every emergency he was not less brave than any of the
*
MEMOIR.
crew, whilst he was always reliable and trustworthy, the
captain, on the voyage home, promoted him to the com-
mand of the quarter deck.
To overcome his scruples and aversion to what seemed
so much like highway robbery, that even the love of ad-
venture could not gloss it over, he was offered the privi-
lege of supercargo, to induce him to embark again in
another cruise. This tempting offer reached him in the
family cabin at Carlisle, surrounded by his mother and
sisters, whose affectionate endeavors to dissuade him
from its acceptance only increased his desire to earn
something for himself and them. He decided to go back
to sea. He invested his share of the prize money in
whiskey and flour, and had crossed the Susquehanna with
his wagon on his way to Philadelphia, when he received a
commission of Ensign in the First Pennsylvania regi-
ment. He gladly disposed of his produce at Harrisburg,
and joined the army at Little York. This was shortly
after the mutiny in the Pennsylvania line. In his mili-
tary journal, which then commences, he describes the
pain he felt at being obliged to witness the execution.
Then followed Wayne's forced marches into Virginia,
and the first action of the Pennsylvania troops, under
Lieutenant- Colonel Richard Butler, near Williamsburg,
where they had a desperate encounter with Simcoe;
the British partisan and his rangers being very much
emboldened by their recent success at the junction of the
Eivanna and Fluvanna rivers, at which point, with a de-
tachment of yagers, infantry and hussars, they fright-
ened the Baron Steuben into a night retreat of thirty
8 MEMOIR.
miles, and destroyed the greater part of his stores scat-
tered along the river bank ; although .he was at the head
of five hundred Virginia regulars, with some militia, sep-
arated from the enemy by deep water, and the boats all
on his own side. This was Steuben's first and only sep-
arate command.
Soon after, Wayne, who also was credulous, but in the
opposite way, attempted to surprise Cornwallis. He ex-
pected to find his army partly crossed over and divided
by the James river. Our young ensign, the extent of
whose marching of late had been the length of his quar-
ter deck, frankly confesses that he could not keep up
with his company. As they were coming into action, his
captain and fellow townsman, falling behind and walk-
ing by his side, quietly said to him, "Now, Eb., for the
honor of old Carlisle, do not disgrace yourself." Mont-
gomery made this rallying appeal to the memory of their
native place, supposing that his young townsman was
going into his first action ; probably not knowing that the
youngster was fresh from the perils of the sea, and famil-
iar with the smoke of gunpowder on the deck of a pri-
vateer. The boldness of their commander advanced
them into a position of great danger, from which they
were extricated only by still greater daring. Cornwallis,
astonished at the hardihood of the attack, sent a red-
' O
ment of infantry to meet him, and cautiously deploy-
ed his whole army to the right and left. The regi-
ment of British infantry, in front of the American line,
marched up in open order, with perfect regularity;
Wayne reserving his fire until they were within a dis-
MEMOIR. 9
tance of seventy paces, when both lines enchanged shots
for a few minutes. . The hero of Stony Point was in full
uniform — his horse prancing in front of the Pennsylva-
nia infantry, his face glowing with pleasure. He seemed
to Ensign Denny, who stood near him, to be amused with
the loss of his plume, which was cut off by a ball on the
first fire. Nearly all the field officers were dismounted.
A young officer, acting in the staff, whose pantaloons
were rubbed by some bleeding horse, imagining himself
wounded, fainted, and was carried off the field. Being
very handsome, one of the few young men of fortune in
the army who could afford to dress well, he was envied
by his brother officers, who made the most of the acci-
dent to laugh him out of the service. Ensign Denny
was the only officer in the company who was not wounded.
The captain and lieutenant were disabled at the first
fire. The troops retreated by companies. Montgomery's
fell to the command of the ensign. They recrossed the
swamp by the narrow causeway, in good order, but with
such expedition, that he could again hardly keep up with
the men. But " thanks to the veteran first sergeant,
the most important officer," he remarked, "in a company,
they were kept together."
The unexampled hardihood of Wayne, persisting to
advance, and actually fighting after he must have
been aware that the whole British army were at
hand, perplexed Cornwallis, made him apprehend an
ambuscade, and hesitate in his pursuit. Otherwise,
Wayne and all his force would have been taken. The
loss of the Americans in this battle, according to Mr.
10 M E M 0 I E .
Denny's account, was one hundred and eighteen killed
wounded and prisoners, including ten officers.
Subsequently, at the siege of York, on the night of
the 14th October, Ensign Denny was in the advance at-
tack on the redoubts, in which the Pennsylvania troops
distinguished themselves under the lead of Hamilton.
In the ceremony of the surrender, Lieutenant- Colonel
Richard Butler, (afterward General Butler, killed at
St. Glair's defeat,) in honor of his recent services and the
signal part his regiment had taken in the capture of the
redoubt, was appointed to plant the first American flag
upon the British parapet.
Colonel Butler, who was a short heavy person, detailed
for this service his youngest ensign, in his figure and
stature a contrast to himself; probably partial to him,
as coming from his own town, Carlisle. The young
officer mounted the parapet, in the presence of the
three armies, and was in the act of planting the
flag-staff, when the Baron Steuben rode out of the lines,
dismounted, took the flag, and planted it himself. The
disappointed and mortified subaltern had nothing to do
but submit. But not so his colonel, the hero who had
avenged the Baron's flight from Simcoe. He, that night,
sent the arrogant foreigner a message, as every one ex-
pected, and it took all the influence of Rochambeau and
Washington to prevent a hostile meeting.
Perhaps there was some excuse for the Prussian mar-
tinet, in the fact, that a dispute on a point of military
etiquette had arisen among the general staff at head-
quarters, in which Lafayette and Rochambeau took op-
.*•
MEMOIE. 11
posite sides ; the Marquis contending that he should
"take the flag," and the Count claiming the right for
the Baron Steuben.
In no part of his diary or correspondence does he allude
to the subject of two duels, in which he was concerned as
second. One of these affairs grew out of some offense given
to the surgeon of the regiment, by a brother officer. The
aggressor, as was his custom, when he thought he had
offended an officer of lower grade, was seen in camp
next day without his epaulets, to show that he waived
his rank, and was ready to give satisfaction. The sur-
geon, like many other surgeons in the Revolutionary
army, was a brave man, and expert with the pistol ; nev-
ertheless, at the hostile meeting which followed, they
exchanged shots without effect, very much to the sur-
prise of the challenged party, who at first accused his
friend of having loaded the pistols only with powder ;
but on being shown the trees directly behind them,
freshly barked by the balls, recovered his good humor,
and requested him to " prime and load." Lieutenant
Denny, instead of doing so, assured his friend that he
was in the wrong, and succeeded in reconciling the com-
batants before they left the field. They walked back to
the camp, arm in arm, the officer congratulating himself
that he had not killed his doctor.
It will be recollected that they were officers of the
army — at a time when dueling was more than now the
fashion — were on the soil of Virginia, where the custom
was indigenous — and in the presence of our allies, the
French chivalry.
12 MEMOIK.
Ensign Denny, as appears from his journal, was after-
ward with Lieutenant-Colonel Josiah Harmar, and the
First Pennsylvania regiment, in the Carolinas — under
the command of General St. Glair, and at Charleston,
during its investment, and after its evacuation.
In the order book of Lieutenant-Colonel Harmar,
dated Philadelphia, August 27th, 1784, we find him ar-
ranged as ensign in Captain M'Curdy's company of
infantry. From that time, throughout the campaigns of
Harmar and St. Glair, and his own expedition to Presqu'
Isle, his diary is a sufficient sketch of his life for that
period. The Adjutant of Harmar and the Aid-de-camp
of St. Clair, no one had better opportunities of obtaining
authentic information.
When the United States Commissioners were at Fort
Finney, waiting for the Shawanees to come in to the treaty,
General Clark kept aloof from his colleagues. There
appeared to be some jealousy and coolness between them.
But to the young commandant, Lieutenant Denny, he
was like a father. He invited him to pass his evenings
at his tent ; threw off his reserve, and talked about his
own adventures. He told him that frequently, at night,
when his soldiers lay upon their arms, he has crept, on
all fours, to the neighboring lick, with only his tomahawk,
for fear of alarming the Indians, watched for the deer to
pass, and selecting a young one, killed it, and carried it
back to the bivouac for the supper of his men. He was
a stout, rather short, square man, with a high, broad fore-
head, sandy hair, blue eyes, and heavy, shaggy eye-brows.
With his personal prowess, hardihood and capacity for
M E M O I K . 13
detail, there was always comprehensive wisdom in his
plan and purpose. He raised his force and supplies
promptly. He knew exactly, and therefore never over-
rated the dangers in the way. He marched quietly to his
distant object and took it by surprise. There was no
martial pageant, no ostentatious alid pompous parade.
He threaded the forest silently — or on his Chickasaw
ponies galloped across the prairies, and gave the first
notice of his presence to the savages by his flag sup-
planting that of their great allies. Hence that prestige,
that renown amongst them which was of such value to
carry on hostilities or dictate a peace. When he was
present, the great warriors never noticed any other
General.
The night on which his little party from Kentucky
reached the Kaskaskia river at Menard's Grap, they saw
on the opposite bank the Jesuits' seminary lighted up,
and heard issuing from it the sounds of the violin.
Clark, leaving his horses and most of his men on the
eastern side, waded across at the warm ford. It was
a ball given by the British officers to the French inhab-
itants. He placed one of his men quietly at each. door,
outside, with orders to let none pass. He himself, wrap-
ped in his blanket capot, his arms folded, leaning against
the door-cheek, looked in upon the dance. An Indian
who lay on the floor of the entry, intently gazing at his
features in the light reflected from the room, suddenly
sprang to his feet and gave the war-whoop. The dancing
ceased, the ladies screamed, and the Frenchmen rushed
to the door. Clark, without moving from his position,
14 MEMOIR.
or changing his grave expression, desired them to go on
with the dance. "The only difference is," said he, "you
now dance tinder Virginia, instead of Great Britain." At
day-light he and his mounted men were opposite to Fort
Chartiers, on the crest of the bluff, and by inarching along
its profile so as to be seen from the fort, countermarch-
ing out of sight and again showing themselves in a con-
tinuous file, his force appeared so large that the much
more numerous enemy capitulated without a shot.
The massacre of the Blue Licks recalled him to Ken-
tucky. He described to Lieutenant Denny the panic in
the settlements, in the face of which he beat up for vol-
unteers; and what no other man could have done, he
promptly raised a party and hung on the bloody flanks
of the enemy. His masterly march on the Wabash and
capture of Post St. Vincent, he related somewhat dif-
ferent from, and without the flourish of history.
After his conquest of Illinois, he was voted a sword
by the State of Virginia. The bearer of it met the grave
and discontented hero on the bank of the Wabash. He
was anxiously waiting for news that the House of Dele-
gates had passed his accounts, and had voted money to pay
them, to enable him to make good his engagements, on
sudden emergencies, for supplies to his men. He was
disappointed. He took the sword — drew it from its scab-
bard, and placing the point to the ground, thrust it deep
in the soil he had conquered, and broke it off by the hilt.
Throwing away the glittering handle, he said, " I asked
Virginia for bread, and she sent me a sword! "
During the campaign of 1790, and at the battle of the
MEMOIR. 15
Maumee towns, the Journal and letters of Major Denny,
who was in fact the acting Adjutant- General of the army,
state so fully every military occurrence, and his deposi-
tion before the court of inquiry, on the conduct of the
commander, is so clear a summary, that it is only neces-
sary to refer to them.
The reader will see that there runs through the whole
a vein of loyal attachment to the gallant and accom-
plished Harmar, which has the ring and lustre of the
pure metal, and does honor to them both.
On the 14th December, 1790, President Washington
communicated to Congress a military dispatch from the
Governor of the ]STorth-Western Territory, dated Novem-
ber 6th, in which General St. Clair says: "Mr. Denny,
the gentleman who takes General Harmar's dispatches,
I beg leave to mention to you in a particular manner;
and if you will be pleased to do so to the President in
his favor, you may be assured he will not disappoint any
expectations that may be formed. He has every quality
that I could wish a young man to possess, who meant to
make the army his profession. There are, however,
some other traits in his character as a man, that are not
generally known, that would endear him. Out of the
little pittance he receives, he has maintained two aged
parents for a long time." 1
In Brigadier- General Harmar's dispatch to the Secre-
tary of War, dated November 4, 1790, after giving an
account of the battle, he says: "The bearer, Lieutenant
Denny, is my Adjutant. It will afford me great satisfac-
1 American State Papers, vol. iv. on Indian Affairs, page 104.
16 MEMO IE.
tion to know that some mark of honor will be shown
him. His long and faithful services merit it. There is
a vast deal of business in this western country. If there
is no impropriety in giving me an aid-de-camp, I wish
him to be the person." At the foot of the General's letter
lie says: "K B. My Adjutant is really and truly an
officer."1
Major Denny's habitual reserve on the events of his
military life, was by no means lessened on the subject of
the melancholy scenes of the 4th of November, 1791.
As he says in his Journal, he recurred to them with pain
and reluctance.
The unfortunate commander himself, modest and dig-
nified as he was, more frequently conversed on the sub-
ject, in his retirement at Chestnut Ridge. To his neigh-
bor, still living, the venerable Alexander Johnston, he
said that nothing had ever given him more concern than
his having dispatched his aid-de-camp, Major Denny,
whose worth, and the value of whose life, no one more
appreciated, upon a most desperate mission, from which,
on reflection, he had no hope of ever seeing him return
alive. This was probably at the commencement of the
attack on the 4th of November, when with Colonel Old-
ham he rode forward to the creek, where the Indians had
driven in the militia, and vainly endeavoring to arrest
their flight, that brave Kentuckian was shot by his side
and fell from his horse, execrating the cowardice of his
men.
1 Documents, Legislative and Executive, Congress United States, 1st to
3d Session of the 13th Congress.
MEMO IE. 17
In the confusion of the battle, when the officers were
nearly all killed or wounded, John Morgan, the aid
of the disabled Butler, rode up to Major Denny and
asked for orders. His horse, covered with blood, rubbed
his wounded face on the Major's pantaloons. This was
not noticed at the time ; and afterward General St. Clair
observing the blood, said to his aid-de-camp, "Major,
you are wounded." The latter dismounted, drew off his
boot, but finding no wound, recollected Morgan's horse.
The General smiled and said, " Don't you remember the
Irish beauty?" — alluding to the young officer at the bat-
tle of James River, who perceiving his pantaloon stained
in the same way, supposed himself wounded, and was
carried off the field. This was told to the writer by his
father, as an instance of General St. Glair's coolness and
self-possession in the midst of the panic.
After General Butler had received his first wound, he
continued to walk in front close along the line, with his
coat off and his arm in a sling, encouraging the men, and
retired only after receiving a second wound in the side.
The Commander-in-chief sent Major Denny, with his
compliments, to inquire how he was. He found him in
the middle of the camp, in a sitting posture, supported
by knapsacks — the rifle balls of the Indians, who now
surrounded closely the whole camp, concentrated upon
that point. One of the wounded General's servants and
two of his horses were shot there. He seemed, however,
to have no anxiety, and to the inquiry of the aid- de-
camp, he answered that he felt well. Whilst making
this reply, a young cadet from Virginia, who stood at his
2
18 MEM OIK.
side, was hit on the cap of the knee by a spent ball, and
cried so loudly with the pain and alarm, that General
Butler actually shook his wounded side with laughter.
This satisfied Major Denny that the second wound was
not mortal, that the General being very fleshy, the ball
might not have penetrated a vital part. He always be-
lieved that he might have been brought away and his
life saved. Probably his own aid-de-camp, Major John
Morgan, may have offered to bring him off, as was his
clutv, and the wounded General declined, conscious that
v '
his weight and helplessness would only encumber his
brave young friend for no use, and hinder him from
saving himself.
It is among the traditions of the family at Carlisle,
that as their relative rode in the rear of the retreating
army, a woman caught his horse by its long tail, and
held on, although threatened with hoof and sword. She
was rewarded for her confidence in his generosity by
being taken up behind, and carried in safety to Fort
Jefferson.
The first intelligence of the disastrous termination of
St. Glair's campaign was brought to Philadelphia by his
aid- de-camp, who rode down Market street on the gal-
lant little horse which had borne his tired rider night
and day from Fort Pitt, and now reined up, bespat-
tered with mud, at the President's mansion. General
Washington had a party at dinner that evening. A
servant came up stairs, and said that a young officer
from the army had a letter fur the President. The private
secretary, Mr. Tobias Lear, was sent down to receive it.
MEMOIR. 19
The officer said that his orders were to give the dispatch
to the President only, which being told to Washington,
he came down to the ante-room and i-eceived it. He had
not read more than a few lines, until he perceived its
import, and broke out in expressions, which the young
officer did not set down in his diary, but which Mr.
Tobias Lear, the private secretary, recorded in his private
journal, to be published at this late day, and cited in
confirmation of the probable truth of the allegation, that
Washington swore profanely at that traitor, Lee, in the
battle of Monmouth.
In a most violent passion, says the secretary, he ex-
claimed, " Did I not in the last words I said to him, warn
him against a surprise?" As if a surprise was the only
thing to be feared, the only advantage needed by an
enemy, brave by nature, and trained to war from child-
hood, to enable them to vanquish an equal number of
undisciplined troops, raw from the jails of the cities,
poorly equipped, hurried off, late in the season, to fight
them, united in their forest home — and to be "sur-
prised " — as indeed they were — only because the second
in command, the officer of the day, would not permit the
information, regularly had, that the enemy were near the
camp in unusual numbers, "to go beyond his own tent."
His bravery, his exertions during the day to redeem it
from the consequences of his fault, and his fate, made
some atonement.
But there was no excuse for the President attaching to
the expedition an officer of his high rank and preten-
sions, without giving him the command-in-chief. There
20 MEMOIR.
was no excuse for his sending against the Indians, all
united under Brant, a force not more numerous than
them, and so irregular and mutinous that it took the best
regiment to protect the convoys of provisions from the
deserters.
After Major Denny's resignation and retirement to
civil life, he married, on the first of July, 1793, Nancy
Wilkins, also a native of Carlisle ; the youngest daugh-
ter, by the first wife, of John Wilkins, Sr., formerly
of that place, who was a captain of a volunteer company
in the Revolution and at the battle of Brandywine. Be-
fore removing to Pittsburgh, Captain Wilkins resided
for some time at Bedford, and represented Bedford
county in the Convention of 1777, which formed the first
Constitution of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Denny was the sis-
ter, by the same mother, of John Wilkins, Jr., a sur-
geon's mate in the Revolutionary army, afterward
Quarter-master General ; of Charles Wilkins, of Lexing-
ton, Kentucky ; and of the Hon. William Wilkins, of
Homewood.
In 1794, Ebenezer Denny was again commissioned a
captain, and commanded the expedition to Le Boeuf, the
ostensible object of which was to protect the commission-
ers in laying out a town at Presqu' Isle — but the real
and important purpose, to prevent the Six Nations uniting
with the Miami Indians against Wayne.
Major Denny, as instructed by Governor Mifflin, kept
a journal, in which he entered minutely every occurrence
on the expedition. In transcribing his original diary, he
thought many of the details not worth preserving. But
MEMOIR. 21
it is believed that even the daily entries of the weather
on French Creek, sixty years ago, are not without inter-
est at present.
In the years 1795 and 1796, Major Denny resided with
his young family at his farm and mill, about six miles
from Pittsburgh, near the Monongahela, about half a
mile from the river, where the road to M'Keesport
crosses Street's Run. Whilst residing there he was ta-
ken up as a candidate for the State Legislature. His
opponent was John B. C. Lucas, a native of France, only
recently an emigrant from that country. The result
shows the force at that time of party spirit. On one side
was a native of the State, a Revolutionary officer, who
but lately served with credit in three expeditions against
the Indians ; the last one of which he himself command-
ed. Many of the early settlers in the election district,
and most of the influential men amongst them, had
served under him. On the other hand, a foreigner,
speaking the English language with difficulty — but a
short time from Europe — his family not attempting to
conciliate the prejudices of their puritanical neighbors —
having himself the reputation of being an "avowed
Atheist" — his wife "plowing on Sunday."
Lucas' farm was about half a mile lower down the
Monongahela, on the brow of Coal Hill, the high bluff
which flanks that river on the south side. They were
near neighbors. On the morning of the election, Lucas,
on his way to the polls, passing the mill, exchanged
friendly salutations with his rival. "Your father," (I
shall give Judge Lucas' own words,) "your father asked
22 M E M O I E .
me to wait until he got his horse; he supposed I was
going to the election, and said he would go along. We
rode together to the place in Mifflin township where the
election was held. Arriving on the ground, the country
people shook hands with him, inquired about his health
and his family, but spoke not a word to me — no man
spoke to Lucas — not one. Your father, being a modest
man, said to me, 'Lucas, we have no business here; let
us vote and go home.' We did so. On my return, Mrs.
Lucas said, 'Well, Lucas, how goes on the election?' I re-
plied, ' Oh! they are all for Major Denny. They greeted
him in the kindest manner — no one spoke to Lucas.'
She agreed with me that my chance was bad. However,
next morning the return judges calling with us on their
way to town, stated that I had a majority in the town-
ship — in fact I was elected. Next year, or year after,
your father was a candidate for Commissioner of the
county, and received nearly every vote — that not being
then considered a party question." This was about three
or four years after the meeting of the insurgents at
Braddock's Field, to which convention no small delega-
tion went from Mifflin township. The greater part of
the voters had indeed been "Whiskey Boys." "Your
father," said Lucas, "was the 'family candidate' — the
brother-in-law of General John Wilkins, the obnoxious
Quarter-master who would not buy the illicit whiskey."
Calumnies circulated on the ground to the prejudice of
Lucas were promptly and warmly contradicted by Major
Denny, to whom a few confidently referred those who be-
lieved that he killed his son in a fit of passion, and that
MEMOIR. 23
his wife, during his absence in France, had "plowed on
Sunday."
It was well known that Lucas, as well as Gallatin, was
identified with the popular cause. No one knew better
how to avail himself of rural political prejudices. At
the same time neither he nor Gallatin were in favor of
extreme measures. Mr. Gallatin, on his way to and from
Pittsburghf-son the road home to New Geneva, was ac-
customed to stop and spend the night with Lucas. After
the convention at Pittsburgh, he called as usual and re-
mained all night. He had with him a fresh proof of the
resolutions adopted by the meeting. He showed them
to Lucas, and asked what he thought of them. "In my
opinion," he replied, "they are too strong." "I think so
too," said Gallatin; "it was not my fault that they are
so."
The next year Major Denny being elected Commission-
er of the county, returned to his residence in town. Lu-
cas and he sold their farms — Lucas to go to the newly
acquired territory of Louisiana as a Territorial Judge.
The five thousand dollars which he got for his Mononga-
hela farm, he laid out in a Spanish grant, then adjacent
to St. Louis — now the finest part of that city — and worth
nearly as many millions of dollars. Whilst sitting as a
judge in the territorial court, there came on for trial a
case in which his old neighbor, Ebenezer Denny, was
plaintiff, and Alexander M'Nair defendant. M'Nair was
one of the first settlers, was married to a lady who be-
longed to one of the most influential French families.
He was well known, very popular, and was elected the
24 MEMOIK.
first Governor of the State of Missouri, beating Gen-
eral William Clark. On the other hand, Ebenezer Den-
ny was a non-resident, not present at the trial, and per-
sonally unknown to the jurors. Seeing, therefore, such
odds against him, Judge Lucas undertook to charge the
jury, which he did in French and English: "When I
lived," said he, "in Pennsylvania, I was the next neigh-
bor to the plaintiff; we differed in politics — we were
opposing candidates for office, but there never was a more
honest man. It is impossible that he could set up any
claim that was not just and true." The jury, without
leaving the box, found a verdict for the plaintiff for the
amount he claimed.
Although it appears from his correspondence, that he
was an applicant for office at the organization of the new
counties in Western Pennsylvania, it is very certain that
he never received any civil appointment whatever from
the government, State or Federal. This may have been
owing to a diffidence which kept him in the background,
or a soldierly stiffness which made him a bad courtier.
In his letter of the 14th December, 1796, to General
Harmar, the intimate personal friend of Governor Mif-
flin, he says quite as much for his competitor, George
Thompson, as he does for himself.
About the beginning of the present century, he entered
into partnership in business, with Anthony Beelen, a
Belgian, introduced to him by his father, the Austrian
Minister, Francis, Baron de Belen Bartholf. Denny and
Beelen were concerned with Lafleur, or "Falure," a
Frenchman, in a glass works, probably the second or
MEMOIR. 25
third factory of the kind established at Pittsburgh. It
was on the north bank of the Ohio, opposite the ripple at
the head of Brunot's, the first island ; hence the name —
" Grlass-liouse Riffle"
In 1803, he was Treasurer of Allegheny county. He
appears first on the list of the County Treasurers — and
was again Treasurer in 1808.
In 1804, Ebenezer Denny was appointed a Director of
the Branch of the Bank of Pennsylvania, established
that year at Pittsburgh. This was the first bank west
of the mountains. " The Miami Exporting Company "
was not then a bank, and did not become so until after-
ward. Three years subsequently a bank was started in
Kentucky, under the name of "The Kentucky Insurance
Company." It was, in reality, an institution for banking
purposes. Like the bank established the same year in
Nashville, it failed, as did the Bank of Kentucky and its
branches, some years after.
The Branch of the Bank of Pennsylvania at Pitts-
burgh was subsequently transferred to and merged in
the office of the Bank of the United States. Thomas
"Wilson, who had been a Teller in the Bank of Pennsyl-
vania, subsequently, through the influence of Langdon
Cheves, was made principal Cashier of the Bank of the
United States in Philadelphia. In this capacity Wilson
again visited Pittsburgh during the great money pres-
sure and general insolvency of 1819. He came out with
full powers to settle with the debtors of the western
oifices. Major Denny, then a Director of the Branch of
the Bank of the United States, was engaged by several
26 MEMOIR.
of the principal debtors of the Branch, to endeavor to
induce Wilson to accept of property in settlement. He
was selected for this purpose, from his own perfect
solvency and freedom from debt to the bank, and from
the confidence which Mr. Wilson had, when in the office
here, reposed in his judgment and integrity. Notwith-
standing that the property of the Pittsburgh debtors
was offered at a low valuation, it was refused. Similar
offers in Cincinnati were, fortunately for the bank, ac-
cepted.
In the first Board of Directors of the Branch of the
Bank of Pennsylvania at Pittsburgh, five of Major
Denny's associates had been officers in the army of the
Revolution : Presley Neville, Abraham Kirkpatrick.
Adamson Tannehill, George Stevenson and John Wil-
kins. Jr. James O'Hara, who succeeded John Wilkins,
the first President, was the President when the Branch
Bank of Pennsylvania was transferred to, and merged
in the office of the Bank of the United States. Al-
though not an officer in the Revolutionary war, he was
a Commissary and Quarter-master General during the
subsequent Indian hostilities, and at least a coadjutor
with the army in the Indian prolongation of the War
of Independence. James O'Hara was a man of fore-
sight and enterprise. In partnership with Major Isaac
Craig, he established the first glass works, and was the
pioneer in that branch of Pittsburgh manufactures;
which next to, if not more than even iron, is the staple1
of the place.
A large proportion of the prominent citizens of Pitts-
•9
* »
M E M O I E . 27
burgh, at this early period, being, as it thus appears, re-
tired officers of the army, they necessarily constituted a
majority in the boards of trustees of the Church, of the
Academy and the Bank. Nor does it appear that the
Bank of Pennsylvania, or its successor, the Bank of
the United States, had any reason to regret their confi-
dence in these gentlemen. Only one other branch of the
United States, the office at Mobile, lost less money, or was
more successfully managed. If in one or two instances
directors were indebted to the institution, their liabilities
were fully liquidated by their estates. To these brave
men the country was a debtor when they died, and
continues so to the descendants of most of them. But
no one lost by them.
It is remarkable how many of the original settlers at
Pittsburgh had been officers in the Revolutionary army :
Colonels John and Presley Neville, William Butler;
Lieutenant-Colonel Stephen Bayard; Majors Isaac Craig,
Ebenezer Denny, Edward Butler, Alexander Fowler;
Captains Abraham Kirkpatrick, Adamson Tannehill,
Uriah Springer, George M' Cully, Nathaniel Irish, John
Irwin, Joseph Ashton, James Gordon Heron ; Lieu-
tenants Josiah Tannehill, William M'Millan, Gabriel
Peterson, — Ward ; Surgeons' -mates John Wilkins, Jr.,
George Stevenson, John M'Dowell. They made quite a
colony of retired officers at De-un-da-ga.
In 1805, Major Denny made preparations to move to
the Mississippi, in hopes that a southern and milder
climate would agree better with the failing health of
one dearer to him than life. His old military friends,
gg M E M 0 I K .
Colonel Sargent, Dr. Carmichael, and farther down the
hospitable coast, the Butlers, were ready to receive them
with open arms. He had a house engaged in Natchez,
and built a barge for the purpose of conveying his family
down the river, when the beloved person for whose
benefit the removal was intended, got worse, and died on
the first day of May, 1806, in her thirty-first year,
leaving three sons, Harmar, William and St. Clair; and
two daughters, the youngest an infant, and following its
mother in a few days.
There are some old inhabitants of Pittsburgh who re-
member that young mother and lamented wife — her
graceful manners — her delicate but elegant form — ex-
pressive and beautiful features, and mind surpassing the
graces of her person ; who, if they have ever read the
inscription on her tomb in the old Presbyterian grave-
yard, written by Alexander Addison, must have felt that
it was no common -place exaggeration, but like every-
thing from his pen, worthy of his warm heart and sound
judgment, and a just tribute to loveliness and virtue
For several years after this period, Major Denny ob-
tained from the War Department the contracts for the
supply of rations to the troops at Fort Fayette and at
Presqu' Isle, still retaining, in connection with these en-
gagements, his mercantile and commission business, at
the north-west corner of Market and Third streets, in a
house which he built of the bricks of Fort Pitt.
On the declaration of war with England, his contract
obliged him to supply the rations at Erie on thirty days
notice. After the surrender of Hull, large quotas of
MEMOIR. 29
militia were suddenly ordered to certain points on the
lake shore. The contractors in Ohio and Indiana claim-
ing the benefit of that clause in their contracts which en-
titled them to thirty days notice, did not attempt to meet
the requisition. Major Denny was the only contractor
who did not claim the benefit of that provision. In Ohio
and Indiana they all failed. He proceeded promptly
and at all sacrifices, to forward the supplies to the post at
Erie. This he did in spite of the enhanced price of pro-
visions and cost of transportation. Of course he lost a
great deal of money by his patriotic — I may say, mili-
tary spirit on that emergency. However, Colonel Eustis,
the Secretary of War, seeing that he was the only west-
ern army contractor who did not take advantage of the
terms of his contract in that respect, directed him, in ad-
dition to his own proper posts in Pennsylvania, to fur-
nish, also, the supplies to the North-western army ; which
he did, and so much to the satisfaction of General Har-
rison, that at the close of the campaign and successful
termination of the war, he wrote a complimentary letter
to Major Denny, thanking him for having discharged his
commissariat duties with so much promptness, energy
and ability, and ascribing much of the success in the
prosecution of the war in the North-west to his assistance.
Major Denny managed this business through well
chosen agents, without leaving home, unless to go to
Washington for the settlement of his accounts. He paid
these agents liberally — with the principal one in Ohio,
John Waddel, of Chillicothe, he divided his profits.
When Pittsburgh, by an act of the Legislature, on the
30 M E M O I E .
18th March, 1816, was incorporated into a city, Ebenezer
Denny was elected the first Mayor. He declined a re-
election, and retired from all public employments, except
that of Director in the Branch of the Bank of the United
States, and afterward of the Bank of Pittsburgh, in
which he was a large stockholder ; and where, from his
great experience, perfect independence, judgment and in-
tegrity, he had some influence, which he used with dis-
crimination and liberal spirit. Latterly he spent, also,
a portion of his time in the discharge of some private
trusts which devolved on him by the death of personal
friends ; and in improving his estate at the mouth of
Deer Creek. In the summer of 1822, whilst on a visit
to the Falls of Niagara, in company with his only daugh-
ter, he was taken ill, and with difficulty reached home,
where he died, on the 21st of July, 1822, in the sixty-first
year of his age.
Last winter, his Diary, or "Military Journal," was
shown for the first time, to a few friends in Philadelphia,
at whose instance the Historical Society of Pennsylvania
resolved to publish it. For convenience in correcting
o
the proofs, it was agreed to stereotype it in Pittsburgh.
There would have been, however, nothing inappropriate
in its first seeing the light in the city of the Revolution,
where his services began, and where they ended.
MEMOIR. 31
In prefacing the publication of the Journal with an
imperfect Memoir of his life, it may be said for apology,
in the words of Tully :
Haec scrips! non otii abundant! ft, sed amoris erga te.
Appended are several letters of General Harmar, now
for the first time published. Many of them illustrate
the Diary. The temptation could not be resisted of in-
cluding some for their own attraction and public interest.
They sustain, throughout, the General's high military
reputation and character for vigilance and discipline.
They show that, with similar views to those of General
Clark, he continually pressed upon the government the
policy and necessity of conquering the Indians by first
taking the "western posts."
General Harmar was tall and well built, with a manly
port, blue eyes, and keen martial glance. He was very
bald, wore a cocked hat, and his powdered hair in a cue.
Such was his appearance, as described to the writer by
the late Harmar Denny, on his return to college from his
first visit to "Harmar's Retreat," on the east bank of the
Schuylkill, near Gray's Ferry. As he approached the
house, before he was half way up the lawn, the General,
who was standing in the porch, knew him by the likeness
to his father, and hailed the young collegian, with the
grace, the dignity and scholarship of the old school — thus
apostrophizing the virtues of his ancient friend:
Salve pietas ! Salve prisca fides !
)
MILITARY JOURNAL
OP
MAJOR EBENEZER DEMY.
CARLISLE, May 1st, 1781. — The Pennsylvania Line,
after the revolt and discharge of the men, last winter,
were reduced to six regiments; the officers ordered to
different towns within the State to recruit. An appoint-
ment of ensign in the 7th had been obtained for me in
August last; the 7th and 4th were incorporated, and
under command of Lt.-Col. Comt. William Butler, ren-
dezvoused at this place — companies now about half full.
The effective men were formed into four companies, and
marched to Little York ; I was arranged to one of the
marching companies, Samuel Montgomery, captain, and
George Bluer, lieutenant. All the recruits fit for service,
from the different stations, were brought to York, formed
into two regiments of eight companies each, destined for
the State of Virginia. A few days spent in equipping,
&c., and for the trial of soldiers charged with mutiny,
General Anthony Wayne, the commanding officer, in-
fluenced, no doubt, by experience of the revolt last
3 (33)
34 MILITARY JOURNAL OF
winter, expresses a determination to punish, with the
utmost rigor, every case of mutiny or disobedience. A
general court martial continued sitting several days;
twenty odd prisoners brought before them ; seven were
sentenced to die. The regiments paraded in the evening
earlier than usual ; orders passed to the officers along
the line to put to death instantly any man who stirred
from his rank. In front of the parade the ground rose
and descended again, and at the distance of about three
hundred yards over this rising ground, the prisoners
were escorted by a captain's guard ; heard the fire of one
platoon and immediately a smaller one, when the regi-
ments wheeled by companies and marched round by the
place of execution. This was an awful exhibition. The
seven objects were seen by the troops just as they had
sunk or fell under the fire. The sight must have made
an impression on the men ; it was designed with that
view.
YORK, May 15th. — Provision for transporting bag-
gage, &c., and other* necessary preparation. Com-
menced our march for Virginia ; the weather pleasant
and roads tolerably good. Passed through Frederick
Town (Maryland), where were some British prisoners
quartered ; they turned out to see us. Next day reached
the Potomac ; here we were detained for want of craft —
boats few and in bad condition. The artillery passed
over first (a battalion of artillery accompanied the
brigade). The second flat-boat had left the shore about
forty yards, when the whole sunk. Several women were
on board ; but as hundreds of men were on the bank,
MAJOR EBENEZER DENNY. 35
relief soon reached them; none were lost — got all over.
Proceeded a few miles and encamped. Struck our tents
every morning before day. About eight or nine o'clock,
as we found water, a short halt was made, the water-call
beat ; parties, six or eight from each company, conducted
by a non-commissioned officer, with canteens, fetched
water. Seldom allowed to eat until twelve o'clock, when
the arms were stacked, knapsacks taken off, and water
sent for by parties as before. Officers of a company gen-
erally messed together, sometimes more; one of their
servants carried cooked provisions for the day ; no cook-
ing until night. Not acquainted with the country on
our route, but understood that we were marching much
about — very circuitous — keeping off the Blue Ridge
close on our right. This to avoid the enemy and secure
«,
our junction with the Marquis Lafayette.
June 18th. — Joined the troops under command of
Lafayette. The Marquis had marched two or three
days to meet us. His men look as if they were fit for
business. They are chiefly all light infantry, dressed in
frocks and over-alls of linen. One day spent in washing
and refreshing — in fixing arms, carriages, &c., and served
out ammunition. Move toward Richmond, where Lord
Cornwallis with the British army lay. Heard that his
lordship was employed burning and destroying ware-
houses of tobacco, all the public store-houses, &c. Passed
through Richmond toward Williamsburg after the ene-
my— joined by Baron Steuben with some new levies.
Near Bacon's Bridge the British turned upon us ; our
advance pressed them too close. The army was formed
36 MILITARY JOURNAL OF
for a fight — they did not come on. General Wayne
very anxious to do something. Colonel Simcoe, who
commands the British legion (horse and mounted in-
fantry), is constantly committing some depredation
abroad, and foraging for their army. Wayne hears of
him — our brigade leave their tents and baggage, march
at dark, with piece of white paper in each man's hat —
flints taken out. At day-light reach place called the
Bowling Green, where Simcoe had been the evening be-
fore. This was a severe march for me — found myself
asleep more than once on the route. Returned and met
the baggage. A detachment from the brigade put under
command of Colonel Richard Butler. After a variety
of marching and counter-marching, Butler at length in-
tercepts Simcoe ; a smart skirmish takes place ; Wayne
supports Butler, and Simcoe retreats. Here for the first
time saw wounded men ; feelings not very agreeable ;
endeavor to conquer this disposition or weakness ; the
sight sickened me. This little engagement within six
miles of Williamsburg, where the enemy were encamped.
Pennsylvania troops retreat — advance again. See the
Marquis' light troops but seldom — know they are not far
off. Kept constantly on the move. Hear that the enemy
have decamped and preparing to cross James river at
Jamestown. Our brigade move down ; lay on arms all
night about nine miles from the enemy. At day-light
move on ; middle of the afternoon of the 6th of July
firing ahead. Our advance drove in the enemy's pickets,
marching at this time by companies, in open order. My
captain (Montgomery) fell behind his company where
MAJOR EBENEZER DENNY. 37
my place was, talked with me ; gives me a lesson useful
to me. When perhaps within one hundred and fifty
yards of the enemy, we closed column and displayed ;
advanced in battalion until the firing commenced, and
ran along the whole line. A regiment or more of the
light infantry and three pieces of artillery Were in the
line. Saw the British light infantry, distinctly, advancing
at arm's-length distance, and their second line in close
order, with shouldered musket, just in front of their
camp — their infantry only engaged. The main body
were discovered filing off to the right and left, when or-
ders were given us to retreat. My captain, Montgomery,
received a shot in his foot and had hopped back in the
rear ; Lieutenant Bluer being absent, the charge of the
company devolved on me ; young and inexperienced, ex-
hausted with hunger and fatigue, had like to have dis-
graced myself — had eat nothing all day but a few black-
berries — was faint, and with difficulty kept my place ;
once or twice was about to throw away my arms (a very
heavy espontoon). The company were almost all old
soldiers. Kept compact and close to our leading com-
pany, and continued running until out of reach of the
fire. The enemy advanced no farther than to the ground
we left. We could not have been engaged longer than
about three or four minutes, but at the distance of sixty
yards only. Our loss is said to be upward of one hun-
dred killed and wounded ; among the latter twelve offi-
cers, one of whom, Lieutenant Herbert, taken prisoner;
a few of the wounded not able to get off, were also taken.
The artillery horses all killed; two pieces were lost.
38 MILITAEY JOUKNAL OF
Retreated two miles to very commanding ground, where
we met the Marquis with our main body ; halted and
had some Indian meal served out, the wounded dressed,
&c., and before day changed our ground and encamped
about five miles from the field.
July 7th. — An officer, surgeon, and a few men, sent
with flag to bury the dead, &c. This was done in com-
pany with an equal number of the enemy. Our wound-
ed who were prisoners, had been properly treated. The
British moved from Jamestown. About a fortnight after
the action, visited the field ; could trace plainly the ground
occupied by both, from the tops of the cartridges which
lay in a line; the distance between about sixty paces.
The army marched and crossed James river at West-
over, the seat of Colonel Bird, said to have been once
the most wealthy planter in the State ; the improvements
superb, saw nothing like them before. Kept at a respect-
ful distance from the enemy ; rather between them and
the route to North Carolina. Some idea of their design
to return to the southward. Report going of a French
fleet below. This news confirmed — great joy — army on
the alert.
Sept. 1st. — Army encamped on the bank of James
river — part of French fleet, with troops on board, in
view. Recrossed James river and encamped at Wil-
liamsburg. Army in high spirits — reinforcements coin-
ing on.
I±fh. — General Washington arrived ; our brigade was
paraded to receive him ; he rode along the line — quar-
ters in Williamsburg.
MAJOR EBENEZER DENNY. 39
1.5th. — Officers all pay their respects to the Command-
er-in-chief; go in a body ; those who are not personally
known, their names given by General Hand and General
Wayne. He stands in the door, takes every man by the
hand — the officers all pass in, receiving his salute and
shake. This the first time I had seen the General. We
have an elegant encampment close to town, behind Wil-
liam and Mary College. This building occupied as an
hospital. Williamsburg a very handsome place, not so
populous as Richmond, but situate on evenly, pretty
ground ; streets and lots spacious — does not appear to be
a place of much business, rather the residence of gentle-
men of fortune ; formerly it was the seat of government
and Dunmore's late residence. A neat public building,
called the capitol, fronts the principal street ; upon the
first floor is a handsome marble statue of William Pitt.
The presence of so many general officers, and the ar-
rival of new corps, seem to give additional life to every-
thing ; discipline the order of the day. In all directions
troops seen exercising and manoeuvring. Baron Steu-
ben, our great military oracle. The guards attend the
grand parade at an early hour, where the Baron is al-
ways found waiting with one or two aids on horseback.
These men are exercised and put through various evolu-
tions and military experiments for two hours — many
officers and spectators present; excellent school, this.
At length the duty of the parade comes on. The guards
are told off; officers take their posts, wheel by platoons
to the right ; fine corps of music detailed for this duty,
which strikes up ; the whole march off, saluting the
40 MILITARY JOURNAL OF
Baron and field officer of the day, as they pass. Penn-
sylvania brigade almost all old soldiers, and well dis-
ciplined when compared with those of Maryland and
Virginia. But the troops from the eastward far superior
to either.
2oth. — Joined by the last of the troops from the east-
ward. French encamped a few miles on the right ; busy
in getting cannon and military stores from on board the
vessels.
28th. — The whole army moved in three divisions
toward the enemy, who were strongly posted at York,
about twelve miles distant. Their pickets and light
troops retire. We encamped about three miles off —
change ground and take a position within one mile of
York ; rising ground (covered with tall handsome pines)
called Pigeon Hill, separates us from a view of the town.
Enemy keep possession of Pigeon Hill. York on a high,
sandy plain, on a deep navigable river of same name.
Americans on the right ; French on the left, extending
on both sides of the river; preparations for a siege.
One-third of the army on fatigue every day, engaged in
various duties, making gabions, fascines, saucissons, &c.,
and great exertions and labor in getting on the heavy
artillery. Strong covering parties (whole regiments)
moved from camp as soon as dark, and lay all night
upon their arms between us and the enemy. Our regi-
ment, when on this duty, were under cover, and secured
from the shot by Pigeon Hill ; now and then a heavy
shot from the enemy's works reached our camp. Our
patrols, and those of the British, met occasionally in the
MAJOR EBENEZEB DENXY. 41
dark, sometimes a few shot were exchanged — would gen-
erally retire. Colonel Schamel, adjutant-general to the
army, with two or three attendants, on a party of obser-
vation, ventured rather close ; they were seen and inter-
cepted by a few smart horsemen from the British. Scha-
mel forced his way through, and got back to camp, but
received a wound, of which he died next day. His death
was lamented, and noticed by the Commander-in-chief
in his orders. Possession taken of Pigeon Hill, and
temporary work erected. Generals and engineers, in
viewing and surveying the ground, are always fired upon
and sometimes pursued. Escorts and covering parties
stationed at convenient distances under cover of wood,
rising ground, &c., afford support. This business re-
minds me of a play among the boys, called Prison-base.
At length, everything in readiness, a division of the
army broke ground on the night of the 6th of October,
and opened the first parallel about six hundred yards
from the works of the enemy. Every exertion to annoy
our men, who were necessarily obliged to be exposed
about the works ; however, the business went on, and on
the 9th our cannon and mortars began to play. The
scene viewed from the camp now was grand, particularly
after dark — a number of shells from the works of both
parties passing high in the air, and descending in a curve,
each with a long train of fire, exhibited a brilliant spec-
tacle. Troops in three divisions manned the lines alter-
nately. We were two nights in camp and one in the
lines ; relieved about ten o'clock. Passed and repassed by
a covert way leading to the parallel.
42 MILITARY JOURNAL OF
Oct. llth. — Second parallel thrown up within three
hundred yards of the main works of the enemy ; new
batteries erected, and additional number of cannon
brought forward — some twenty-four pounders and heavy
mortars and howitzers. A tremendous fire now opened
from all the new works, French and American. The
heavy cannon directed against the embrasures and guns
of the enemy. Their pieces were soon silenced, broke
and dismantled. Shells from behind their works still
kept up. Two redoubts advanced of their lines, and
within rifle shot of our second parallel, much in the
way. These forts or redoubts were well secured by a
ditch and picket, sufficiently high parapet, and within
were divisions made by rows of casks ranged upon end
and filled with earth and sand. On tops of parapet were
ranged bags filled with sand — a deep narrow ditch
communicating with their main lines. On the night of
the 14th, shortly after dark, these redoubts were taken
by storm ; the one on our right, by the Marquis, with
part of his light infantry — the other, more to our left,
but partly opposite the centre of the British lines, by the
French. Our batteries had kept a constant fire upon the
redoubts through the day. Belonged this evening to a
command detailed for the purpose of supporting the
Marquis. The night was dark and favorable. Our bat-
teries had ceased — there appeared to be a dead calm;
we followed the infantry and halted about half way —
kept a few minutes in suspense, when we were ordered
to advance. The business was over, not a gun was fired
by the assailants; the bayonet only was used; ten or
MAJOR EBENEZER DENNY. 43
twelve of the infantry were killed. French had to con-
tend with a post of more force — their loss was consider-
able. Colonel Hamilton led the Marquis' advance ; the
British sentries hailed them — no answer made. They
also hailed the French, "Who comes there?" were an-
swered, "French grenadiers." Colonel Walter Stewart
commanded the regiment of reserve which accompanied
the Marquis ; they were immediately employed in con-
necting, by a ditch and parapet, the two redoubts, and
completing and connecting the same with our second
parallel. The British were soon alarmed; some from
each of the redoubts made their escape. The whole ene-
my were under arms — much firing round all their lines,
but particularly toward our regiment, where the men
were at work : the shot passed over. In about three
quarters of an hour we were under cover. Easy digging;
light sandy ground.
15th. — Heavy fire from our batteries all day. A shell
from one of the French mortars set fire to a British
frigate ; she burnt to the water's edge, and blew up —
made the earth shake. Shot and shell raked the town
in every direction. Bomb-proofs the only place of safety.
16th. — Just before day the enemy made a sortie, spiked
the guns in two batteries and retired. Our troops in the
parallel scarcely knew of their approach until they were
off ; the thing was done silently and in an instant. The
batteries stood in advance of the lines, and none within
but artillery. This day, the 16th, our division manned
the lines — firing continued without intermission. Pretty
strong detachments posted in each battery over night.
44 MILITARY JOURNAL OF
. _ In the morning, before relief carne, had the
pleasure of seeing a drummer mount the enemy's para-
pet, and beat a parley, and immediately an officer, hold-
ing up a white handkerchief, made his appearance out-
side their works ; the drummer accompanied him, beating.
Our batteries ceased. An officer from our lines ran and
met the other, and tied the handkerchief over his eyes.
The drummer sent back, and the British officer conduct-
ed to a house in rear of our lines. Firing ceased totally.
IStk. — Several flags pass and repass now even without
the drum. Had we not seen the drummer in his red
coat when he first mounted, he might have beat away
till doomsday. The constant firing was too much for the
sound of a single drum ; but when the firing ceased, I
thought I never heard a drum equal to it — the most de-
lightful music to us all.
19^. — Our division man the lines again. All is quiet.
Articles of capitulation signed ; detachments of French
and Americans take possession of British forts. Major
Hamilton commanded a battalion which took possession
of a fort immediately opposite our right and on the bank
of York river. I carried the standard of our regiment
on this occasion. On entering the fort, Baron Steuben,
who accompanied us, took the standard from me and
planted it himself. The British army parade and march
out with their colors furled ; drums beat as if they did
not care how. Grounded their arms and returned to
town. Much confusion and riot among the British
through the day; many of the soldiers were intoxicated;
several attempts in course of the night to break open
MAJOR EBENEZER DENNY. 45
stores ; an American sentinel killed by a British soldier
with a bayonet ; our patrols kept busy. Glad to be re-
lieved from this disagreeable station. Negroes lie about,
sick and dying, in every stage of the small pox. Never
was in so filthy a place — some handsome houses, but
prodigiously shattered. Vast heaps of shot and shells
lying about in every quarter, which came from our works.
The shells did not burst, as was expected. Returns of
British soldiers, prisoners six thousand, and seamen
about one thousand. Lord Cornwallis excused himself
from marching out with the troops ; they were conducted
by General O'Hara. Our loss said to be about three
hundred ; that of the enemy said not more than five
hundred and fifty. - Fine supply of stores and merchan-
dise had; articles suitable for clothing were taken for the
use of the army. A portion furnished each officer to the
amount of sixty dollars.
20th. — Joined by a new raised regiment from Pennsyl-
vania. Officers hastened to partake of the siege, but
were too late. British troops march into the interior —
to Winchester and other places. Visit Gloucester, small
village opposite York ; nothing seen there. Some of our
officers return to Pennsylvania, others take their place.
Visit Williamsburg in company with young gentlemen
of the country, on horseback ; spend a few days very
agreeably. Militia employed leveling the lines. Our
brigade prepare for a long march.
Nov. 1st. — Three regiments of Pennsylvania, a detach-
ment of artillery, and Maryland troops, commence their
march for South Carolina — General St. Clair, the com-
46 MILITARY JOURNAL OF
manding officer. Easy, regular marching ; roads gene-
rally good, through sandy country. Pass through Rich-
mond and Guilford, in North Carolina, where General
Green and the British had a hard fight ; also Camden,
where Gates was defeated. Halted at least one day in
the week for purpose of washing and refreshing.
Jan. 4th, 1782. — Joined the troops under General
Green at Round 0, in the State of South Carolina.
Moved to Pond-Pond; here we lay some time. Rice
farms around this neighborhood — the fields almost
all under water ; immense quantities of ducks ; excel-
lent sport at times. Planters return to their homes —
live in style. Army change their ground; march to
Ashley. Was on picket the night before we reached
Ashley; got exceedingly wet — it rained all night.
Marched next morning in wet clothes twelve miles, to
Ashley, exposed to very hot sun ; laid up with fever —
carried to hospital ; as soon as able, returned to camp.
Hospital very disagreeable place — all sick, and some
continually dying. Attendance good ; surgeons very
kind ; furnished with some stores, sugar, tea and molas-
ses. Continued weak and unfit for duty for some wreeks.
Ashley a very good position — ground high and dry ; but
it is now midsummer and sickly season. Men die very
fast; lost several valuable officers. Ashley river low;
full of alligators.
August. — Camp continued on bank of Ashley river,
eighteen or twenty miles above Charleston. Enemy
confine themselves to city. Their light troops and horse -
advanced five miles, at place called Quarter House.
MAJOR EBENEZEB. DENNY. 47
Armies both seem disposed to be quiet ; ours in no con-
dition for doing much. Some talk of peace, and of the
enemy evacuating Charleston. Detailed for command.
Joined a captain of the Maryland line ; marched with
two sergeants, two corporals, and thirty men, for George-
town, about sixty miles distant, coast-wise. Escorted a
brigade of wagons loaded with rum for the army.
Country appears deserted ; the few people we saw looked
bad enough, poor and dejected ; they fled from us, and
in some instances hid themselves. Farms on this route
have been neglected; exposed to the incursions of the
British. Negroes and stock either removed or taken.
Fell in with an alligator, twelve .feet in length, in the
middle of the road ; supposed that his pond had dried
up, and that he was in search of another ; soldier shot
him.
September. — Our camp very thin ; not more than three
relieves of officers and men for the ordinary duties.
Hospitals crowded, and great many sick in camp ; deaths
so frequent, the funeral ceremony dispensed with. Pro-
visions scarce and very indifferent; the beef brought
from the back counties of North Carolina, by the time
they reach the camp, poor indeed, and must be unwhole-
some. Commissary's yard and slaughter place common-
ly short distance from camp. Soldier going there in
morning about killing time, met his comrade returning
in ; asked how was the beef this morning ? other replied,
that it took two men to hold up the creature until the
butcher knocked it down. Says the other, And why
48 MILITARY JOURNAL OF
didn't he knock it down as it lay ? Flour a rare article.
Troops have lived chiefly upon rice, now and then a
small allowance of Indian meal served out — rice very
good for the sick, but rather washy for duty men. Gov-
ernor Hamilton, of this State, himself and family,
quarter at a pleasant seat, two miles in rear of camp —
General Green not quite so far ; each has a subaltern's
guard. Very fond of getting one or other of these
guards better fare than we have in camp. Officer con-
sidered and treated as one of the family.
October. — Camp at Ashley Hill. Ranks thinned very
much ; deaths not so frequent. Our situation as to
ground, a handsome one, and, as far as I can judge, eli-
gible, but assuredly the climate is severe upon northern
constitutions. Gentlemen who can afford it, reside dur-
ing summer in the city and spend the winter in the
country. An unpleasant week's command. At a bridge
over Ashley, six or seven miles from camp, where the
great road from Charleston to the upper country crosses,
a subaltern and thirty men have been stationed. It be-
came my turn. Orders were to suffer no people to pass
or repass without proper permit. It was now pretty
well known that the enemy would soon evacuate the city.
Many poor devils had taken protection and followed the
British in ; provisions scarce in town, and those people
sick of their situation — they were anxious to get back to
their old places of abode in the country. Some very
miserable objects came out — whole families, battered and
starving. Was sure, upon my representation, leave
MAJOR EBENEZER DENNY. 49
would be given to let them pass. Stated the business
in writing, and dispatched a sergeant. No — ordered not
to let them pass ; thought this an unnecessary cruelty.
Dec. ~L3th. — Had been expecting, every day for a
month past, to hear of the intended evacuation of
Charleston. The Governor's guard was an object at this
time, as the officer commanding would, of course, accom-
pany or escort him into the city. I was so fortunate as
to have the guard this day, when advice was received
that the British would embark next morning. A few
hours for the Governor to get ready, we set out in the
evening with one tumbrel, containing books, papers, &c.,
and reached the city early next day. Saw the last of the
enemy embark in their boats and put oif to the shipping.
An immense fleet lay in sight all day ; found the city
very quiet — houses all shut up. A detachment from the
army had marched the day before to take possession as
soon as the English would be oif. Guards stationed at
proper places, and small parties, conducted by an officer,
patrolled the streets. Charleston a handsome town, sit-
uate on neck of land between the confluence of Ashley
and Cooper rivers ; Cooper river, however, appears to be
the only harbor. Town here fronts the east ; business
all done on this side. Second and third day people be-
gan to open their houses and show themselves, and some
shops opened. Stayed a week, and returned to our old
encampment.
30th. — Broke up our camp. Pennsylvanians have
been reduced, by deaths, desertions, &c., and were now
incorporated into one regiment of six hundred men.
4
50 MILITARY JOURNAL OF
Supernumerary officers went home to their own State.
Lieut.-Col. Commt. Josiah Harmar, who had acted as
Adjutant-general since our junction with General Green,
took command of this regiment.
Jan. 1st, 1783. — Arrived on James Island, and en-
camped contiguous to a very beautiful forest of pine.
Had with us one complete regiment of the Maryland
line, a battalion belonging to South Carolina, (which was
all the troops that State had), and six companies of ar-
tillery, two of whom were from Pennsylvania, the rest
from Virginia. Colonel Hamilton commandant of artil-
lery. The woodland an elegant situation for hunting.
Each company had its ground marked out, when the
whole went to work, and in course of a week were com-
pletely housed. Some of the companies had more timber
upon the ground they occupied than was necessary for
their huts. The infantry were in a line ; artillery in rear
of right wing formed a park. The order and formation
such as our encampment.
January. — Cantonment on James Island. Weather
moderate. Troops employed finishing huts and opening
the streets ; not a stump left. Top of timber and brush
carried to certain distance, and built up in a circular line
round the cantonment. This brush barrier, or fence,
could not be passed without much trouble ; it served in-
stead of sentinels round the camp. Openings left at
particular places, where the guards or sentinels were sta-
tioned. Still kept a front and rear camp guard, but the
usual number lessened.
February. — Very pleasant weather for working parties;
MAJOR EBENEZER DENNY. 51
some appearance of spring. Officers and men all in
comfortable quarters. Provisions good ; very little occa-
sion for fire through the winter.
March and April. — Delightful season. James Island
a little paradise — the country flat, but sandy and dry.
Troops healthy. Our regiment receive new clothing;
officers also are furnished in Charleston with a small
supply. Make a very fine appearance. Exercised often ;
perform the parade duties in absence of the adjutant —
very fond of this. Officers go frequently to the city —
police boat for that purpose ; row there in half an hour.
A short walk from the huts, and we have a view of
Charleston, of Hadrel's Point, which is the main land
east, and of Sullivan's Island, east across the channel
from James Island. Visit Fort Sullivan, celebrated for
the defense made against Sir Peter Parker. Curtains
and embrasures faced with the cabbage tree — soft
spongy wood, admirably calculated for this use. Saw
where a great many shot from the British ships had en-
tered the logs, but no damage done ; holes almost closed
up. From Sullivan's Island to Hadrel's Point was for-
merly a bridge — it was burnt by the British. Fort Sul-
livan still in very good condition ; but Fort Johnson,
upon James Island, immediately opposite (across the
channel), nearly demolished. Plenty of fish and oysters
all round us, and what the folks here call stone crabs,
very fine; they are like the common crab, but much
larger, and soft shells. Officers in rotation dine with
General Green, at his house in the city. Colonel Stew-
art, of the Maryland regiment, on an excursion in the
52 MILITARY JOURNAL OF
country, was cast from his horse into the ditch and broke
his neck. Officers of the army (those on duty excepted)
attended his funeral in Charleston. Preliminaries of a
peace arrive. Great rejoicing — grand review — dinner
— fire works, and dance at the cantonment. Ladies and
gentlemen come over on this occasion from Charleston.
June 1st. — Preparations making to send home, by sea,
the Maryland and Pennsylvania troops ; transports want-
ing. A New England brig arrives, and contracts to
carry two companies. Bond's and Irwin's companies or-
dered to embark. I had belonged to the latter since the
action of Jamestown, \vhen Captain Montgomery, who
was wounded, returned to Pennsylvania. Had a very
pleasant passage of seven days to Philadelphia, where
we landed on the 15th. Mrs. Green, wife of the General,
came passenger with us. Quartered in the Philadelphia
barracks, along with about one hundred and fifty new
raised men. Our companies of the southward appear to
great advantage. The near approach of the disband-
ment of the army, and a tardiness in Congress to make
provision for a settlement, produced dissatisfaction among
the officers in Pennsylvania, as well as among those at
head- quarters. To us who were strangers in our own
State, this business was unknown. About eighty men
from the recruiting rendezvous at Lancaster, turned out
and marched to Philadelphia without an officer; were
joined by the recruits in the barracks ; marched to the
State House where Congress were, frightened that body,
and broke up their sitting. This proceeding took place
about noon, when the officers belonging to the two com-
MAJOR EBENEZER DENNY. 53
parries from Charleston were at Governor Dickinson's on
an invitation to dinner. The alarm reached us — hasten-
ed to the barracks — long roll beat ; our two companies
fell in to a man ; marched to the Governor's house in
Market street ; several troops of militia horse paraded ;
great uproar in the city. Although the insurgents had
posted sentinels round the State House, the members of
Congress made out to escape, after passing a resolution to
assemble at Trenton. The officers who were concerned
in this business, and who had privately directed the
movements, now thought of themselves ; they fled and
escaped in a light boat down the river ; men soon dis-
persed. A few days brought General Howe from head-
quarters with a brigade of light troops, for purpose of
suppressing the insurrection. Most of the officers who
were here previous to our arrival were arrested, and a few
taken in close custody. General court martial ordered for
their trial. Government were desirous of getting rid of
the army in as quiet a manner as possible ; at this par-
ticular period it was thought best not to be too rigid.
Howe had his cue ; officers released. Captain Alexander
Parker (my uncle) , on furlough from Lancaster, was re-
turning home ; obtained leave of absence, and accom-
panied him to Carlisle. Our regiment from southward
not yet arrived.
Dec. 3d. — By proclamation of Congress, the American
army was disbanded ; a few men, under the command
of a captain at Fort Pitt, excepted. A resolution soon
followed for raising a regiment for the purpose of garri-
soning the western posts — this regiment to consist of ten
54 MILITARY JOURNAL OF
companies, portioned as follows : Pennsylvania — 4 com-
panies and Lieut.-Col. Commt. Jersey — 1 company.
New York — 3 companies and a Major. Connecticut — 2
companies and a Major.
1784. — The States made the appointments in the first
instance, which were confirmed by Congress. The offi-
cers were all from those who had been in service. Colo-
nel Harmar was in France; had been sent with the
ratification of the treaty. The command of the new
regiment was reserved for him, and indeed the Pennsyl-
vania appointments not made until his return. Governor
Miiflin at this time was President of Congress, and very
popular in Pennsylvania, and Harmar's great friend ;
but the Colonel's character as a military man stood high ;
the regiment he brought from the southward eclipsed
every thing. I was nominated by Harmar one of his en-
signs ; the appointment reached me at Carlisle. As soon
as they had a knowledge of my acceptance, recruiting
instructions were sent me. Marched about a dozen men
down to Philadelphia ; joined the camp on west side of
Schuylkill. The four companies nearly full. Some time
spent in equipping and exercising the recruits.
September. — Marched through Lancaster by Carlisle,
&c., to Pittsburgh. Waited for the arrival of commis-
sioners appointed to hold a treaty with the Indians.
Treaty expected to be holden at Cuvahoffa. Commis-
»/ o
sioners late getting out, season advanced, plan changed,
and Indians invited to attend at Fort M'lntosh, about
thirty miles below Fort Pitt, on bank of Ohio ; to which
place we repaired, and found exceeding good quarters.
MAJOR EBENEZER DENNY. 55
January, 1785. — About four hundred of the Senecas,
Delawares and Wyandots come in. After considerable
difficulty, a treaty is agreed to, but with much reluctance
on the part of the savages. Amongst the Indians are a
number of women and children. The whole a very
motley crew — an ugly set of devils all — very few hand-
some men or women. Colonel Harmar did not join us
until we reached Fort Pitt, at which place I was appoint-
ed to do the duty of adjutant; this had always been
favorite duty of mine.
FOET M'INTOSH, 1785. — Winter passed away — no or-
ders for marching ; did expect, as soon as the season
would permit, to march for Detroit. April and May de-
lightful season — frequent excursions into the country —
fishing and hunting. Officers visit Fort Pitt, where we
left a lieutenant and thirty men. Fort Pitt and Fort
M'Intosh both handsome places. Fort Pitt erected by
the British long before the late war — an elegant work,
regular pentagon ; vast labor and money expended here.
Ditch and parapet with pickets and fencing, and every
thing in the most complete order. Very considerable
quantity of military stores at this place. Indians come
in to trade, will get drunk — a white man killed by a
drunken Indian at Pittsburgh — people rise and attempt
to put the Indian to death. Express sent to Colonel
Harmar at M'Intosh. I was ordered to Pitt with certain
instructions to Lieutenant Ashton, who commanded there.
The Indian guarded to county jail. Pittsburgh in West-
moreland county. Hannahstown, about thirty miles east,
the seat of justice. Cornplanter, chief of the Senecas,
56 MILITAEY JOURNAL OF
arrived at Pitt. He had signed the treaty of M'Intosh;
was dissatisfied — his people reflected on him ; came to
revoke. Colonel Harmar was informed of this, and in-
vited up to Pitt — I accompanied him. Meeting appoint-
ed in the King's Orchard. Speeches on both sides taken
down. Cornplanter dismissed with assurances, &c., but
no revoking.
Summer nearly gone. Men have been enlisted but
for one year ; orders to re-enlist for three. Of the four
companies, we re-engaged seventy effective men — rest
all discharged. Officers went on the recruiting service.
Anxious to know how I was to be disposed of. Proper
complement of officers kept for the new company. Did
count upon returning over the mountains, but would
have preferred remaining at Pittsburgh. Dislike the
recruiting service. The new company ordered to pre-
pare to embark for the Great Miami, where another
treaty is intended to be held. Generals Butler and Par-
sons, two of the commissioners, arrive. The party all
ready to descend the river, when the Colonel instructed
me to prepare and accompany them ; this to me was very
unexpected. The company has its complement of offi-
cers ; I was extra. Must move.
29^. — I agreed with Mr. Duncan, about the wintering
of my mare; he promising to keep her safe in his
meadow, while the grass continued, and charge noth-
ing— but the remainder of the winter she should be well
fed and kept on good hay, for thirty shillings per month.
Having arranged affairs as well asjbfte shortness of my
time would afford, I set off for M'Intosh, in company
MAJOR EBENEZEK DENNY. 57
with Mr. O'Hara, but did not arrive until the next morn-
ing ; the water being exceedingly low, and Mr. O'Hara
so unfortunate as to run aground in the night. At ten
o'clock set out on horseback for Fort Pitt to make some
arrangements ; stayed one day. Found the party had
sailed. A corporal and six men with small boat left for
me. After receiving from the Colonel particular orders
relative to myself, I embarked again with Mr. O'Hara.
and in a few hours, with brisk rowing, overtook the com-
missioners, who had halted at Little Beaver creek, where
Captain Hutchens and several surveyors were encamped.
Here we stayed some minutes. About ten o'clock at
night we got to where the troops were encamped, near
the mouth of Yellow Creek, 30th September, 1785. A
very pretty looking company, commanded by Captain
Doughty, of New York, arrived at M'Intosh the same day
the other left.
Oct. 3d. — Reached Wheeling. Joined by several of
the contractor's boats loaded with provisions. Our fleet
now consists of twelve small keels and batteaux, besides
two large flats called Kentucky boats. The flats carry
cattle, horses, &c. ; the others, the troops and goods for
the Indians. Ohio river remarkably low — two pilots
employed to keep ahead and point out the channel ; not-
withstanding, some of the boats frequently ground.
Stk. — Encamped opposite mouth of Little Kanahwa.
My uncle, Captain Parker, owns the ground above
Kanahwa ; crossed over in light boat ; his improvements
made just before the war scarcely visible ; place grown
up ; pretty tract of land. Settlement and pre-emption
58 MILITAKY JOURNAL OF
entitle him to fourteen hundred acres. Will be valuable
property not long hence.
\\th. — Passage very tedious; water low and frequent
interruptions ; made not more than ten and fifteen miles
a day. Fine opportunity of hunting and fishing along
the shore. Game plenty, particularly turkeys. Some
elegant bottoms on both sides of the river ; but generally
opposite the most prominent parts of the bottoms, the
hill makes in and forms what is called narrows. Colonel
Monroe, a member of Congress from Virginia, on a
visit to Kentucky, took passage with the commissioners.
Obliged to meet Congress early in October, and anxious
to get on ; a light boat got ready ; a sergeant, myself, a
corporal and six privates, embark with the Colonel —
leave the fleet, and after rowing about fifteen miles ar-
rive at Great Kanahwa.
12th. — Spent this morning with Colonel Lewis, who is
proprietor of the place. Several families reside with him
on the point — it is a very pretty situation. Set out about
eleven o'clock ; kept half our crew at the oars all night.
13th. — In the evening passed the Three Islands ; nar-
row channel here ; Indian crossing place. Frequent at-
tacks on boats at this place ; saw nothing ; arrived safe
at Limestone, late.
14th. — Colonel Monroe having procured horses to
carry him to Lexington, left me at ten o'clock. Nothing
remarkable here ; place only settled this spring ; indif-
ferent kind of folks. This is said to be the best and
nearest landing place to Lexington — if so, it will in a
short time become of some importance.
MAJOR EBENEZER DENNY. 59
18th. — Fleet arrive — make a short halt and pass on. I
follow in my light boat ; encamp early in the evening ;
men cook provisions for next day.
22d. — Arrive at the Great Miami. Best ground for our
station about a mile above the mouth, where the boats
were brought and every thing unloaded. All hands set
to work chopping, clearing, &c., and preparing timber
for block-houses and pickets ; and on the 8th instant had
ourselves inclosed. Hoisted the United States flag, and
christened the place Fort Finney, in compliment to Cap-
tain Finney, the commanding officer. Our work is a
square stockade fort ; substantial block-houses, two
stories, twenty-four by eighteen feet in each angle ; cur-
tains one hundred feet of stout pickets, four feet in the
ground, and nine feet above ; situate one hundred and
fifty yards from the river, on a rising second bank. A
building, eighteen by twenty feet, within the east and
west curtains, for the accommodation and reception of
contractors' stores and Indian goods ; and one small, but
strong building, centre of north curtain, for magazine.
A council house, twenty by sixty, detached, but within
gun shot. Commissioners and their followers pitch their
tents within the fort, and erect wooden chimneys. Sea-
son very favorable, but growing cool. Men employed
finishing the block -houses, and clearing off the timber
and brush to some distance outside.
Nov. 13th. — Corporal Thompson arrived with his boat,
in company with General Parsons, one of the commis-
sioners.
24,th. — Messengers who set out from Pittsburgh to the
60 MILITAKY JOURNAL OF
Indian towns, to invite the Indians to a treaty at this
place, arrive with six chiefs of the Shawanees, Wyan-
dot and Delaware nations, to wit: Captain Johnny, or
Red Pole, Half -King, Crane, Pipe, Wingeman and
White-Eyes — all very glad to see us brothers. Some
grog and smoke produced.
2oth. — Wrote to Colonel Harmar at Philadelphia, an
account of our passage, &c., and of the arrival of the In-
dians, state of the troops, &c.
27th. — Caught two large Kentucky boats floating down
empty — had been unloaded at Limestone, and carried
away by a sudden rise of water. Boards served us for
floors, sentry boxes and other useful purposes. About
one hundred Indians assemble and encamp a couple
of miles from us ; the greatest part Wyandots, a few
Delawares.
Dec. 5th. — Generals Clark, Butler and Parsons leave
us on a visit to the Falls of Ohio, about one hundred and
fifty miles below. Captain Finney and myself, with a
party of soldiers in boat, go to Big Bone Lick, thirty
miles down ; dig up and collect some astonishing large
bones.
Dec. 6th. — Spent this day in the Indian camp by in-
vitation ; treated with attention. It was a high day
among them, a frolic and feast ; several games played —
exceedingly active at the game our boys call shinny or
common. About forty young men were paraded for this
game, equally divided ; the ground had been cleared for
the purpose. At the centre was a painted post, decorated
with pieces of cloth suitable for legsinsrs and breech
MAJOR EBENEZER DENNY. 61
clouts ; the winning side got these. Their ball the size
of a man's head, made of deer's hair, covered with skin ;
their sticks four or five feet long, resembling a racket.
The ball was thrown in the air — all endeavored to catch
it upon his racket ; a fellow would take it in this way
and keep in until another more smart overtook him or
knocked it abroad, when another scramble took place.
They insisted on my joining in one of these games.
Several other games were played ; some with beans and
dishes or bowls, in imitation of backgammon. Our din-
ner was served upon skins spread on the ground. Had
walked to the camp, but must ride back ; girl and horse
got for me. l
1 Elsewhere in a note he says : " I left the garrison in company with Mr.
Zane (a man who has been brought up during his youth amongst "the
Wyandots), to share in the amusements of a frolic that was to take place
this day. Accordingly, when we arrived at their encampment we were
taken very friendly by the hand, and desired to fall in with them at a
game of common. The first thing did was to divide the whole into two
parties; this ceremony was performed by two old sachems; and then took
post on each side of an elegant decorated post of sugar tree, on the top of
which was as much new scarlet cloth as would make a pair of leggings ;
around the middle was bound a pair of scarlet garters. These were the
prizes. When all was ready, one of the old men gave a halloo as a signal
to make ready, which was answered by another from each of the company ;
at that instant the ball was thrown up in the air, then at it we went, and
contended for half an hour. At length it was sent past the stage, and the
person who struck it declared it aloud, which ended that game — he being
presented with the leggings. And in the same manner was the garter
played for ; he who hit the ball the last got the prize.
" After dinner another play was introduced, which was called mamondys.
Having all sat down in a circle, they placed some blankets in the centre,
and two of them began the play, with a wooden dish and six plum stones
in it, marked on each side something like dice. They shook the dishes
about, and from certain marks one would soon exceed the other. With
MILITARY JOURNAL OF
. The Indian women assembled in our council
house and desired the attendance of the chief captain
(Captain Finney). We all turned out, heard an oration
from one of their elderly ones, the conclusion of which
was a request for something to warm their hearts.
I2tk. — Accompany Isaac Zane, a white man, and two
Indians, on a hunting party. We took a light boat, went
up the river seven miles, and pitched a camp ; had an
Indian woman along to keep camp. First day, too anx-
ious in pursuit of buffalo, lost my course ; intended to
have kept near to Zean ; he was led off. I was alone and
followed by wolves, yowling occasionally. Zean heard
the report of my rifle and came up ; was very glad to see
him. Concluded to return to camp ; he conducted me
some distance. Before we parted he killed a doe ; open-
ed the udder with his knife — milk collected, of which I
drank. Got to camp and stayed there. Party returned
home the fourth day, and brought with us the meat of
three buffaloes, two bears and parts of a number of deer.
\5th, — The same day we returned from our hunt, it
rained excessively hard. We were joined by our com-
missioners from the Rapids, just at the landing ; they
having received a plentiful quantity of wet that occasion-
ed a near resemblance to drowned rats.
18th. — Three Shawanee Indians arrived with a speech
these and other affairs we diverted ourselves until it grew late, when
taking our leave, one who had expressed a great deal of friendship for me,
remarked that the road was dirty, that we had three miles to go, and that
I would be much the better of a horse — if I would accept of one he would
soon have him procured ; I assented ; accordingly a squaw was dispatched,
and soon after we were both mounted and conducted home by two females."
MAJOR EBENEZER DENXY. 63
from their nation, informing us of their being on their
way to this place. This was very agreeable news to our
commissioners.
19/A. — Major Montgomery and Mr. Elliot were sent
in a boat, with a sergeant and four privates, up to Lime-
stone, in search of several horses that were stolen from
the Indians here, and were heard of at that place.
2Qtk. — Commissioners returned a few days since from
the Falls ; disappointed at not finding more Indians
come in. Those with us, about one hundred, are princi-
pally Wyandots and Delawares, with whom the treaty at
M'Intosh was held. The Shawanees are the fellows the
present treaty was intended for ; they seem to hang back.
Indians treated very kindly — dancing parties in our
council house almost every afternoon ; the men jump,
stamp and exert themselves much, but all keep good
time ; females glide round, and have a gait or step pecu-
liar to themselves. An old fellow has a keg, with skin
drawn over each head — sort of drum on which he beats
time — considerable regularity — dance in a circle round
the fire — can't dance without something to make their
hearts warm, and generally break up pretty merry.
Very few went home sober, but those who did were sure
to get drunk at night. They would come next day and
peremptorily demand a quantity of rum; on being re-
fused they set homeward very much offended, declaring
that the next day should move them off, never to be seen
as friends again. This day our clothing came.
Dec. 20th. — The commissioners are of opinion that
a post will be continued here ; they think it an eligible
64 MILITAKY JOURNAL OF
position until we are in possession of Detroit, &c. It
is convenient to the principal body of the savages who
inhabit the head waters of the Miami, and we are about
seventy-five miles north of Lexington, to which place a
road is now marked out ; the Falls of Louisville, below,
and Limestone settlement above.
2lst. — Sent a return to Colonel Harmar by Mr. Hu-
lings, inclosed in a letter, the copy of which is as follows :
COLONEL — Since my last, the commissioners after sending back the
Shawanee chiefs, to bring in their nation and others on the Wabash, &c.,
have taken a trip to the Rapids, where they left General Clark. Whether
he will return or not, is a doubt with us ; but General Butler and Gen-
eral Parsons say he will be up in a few days. Our reason for thinking he
will scarcely return, is, that while here he had received almost daily
complaints from the people on the frontiers of Kentucky, against the In-
dians, and reflecting on him for trifling, as they think, with some of the
savages, while others are plundering them. The people are very ripe for
a campaign into the towns.
A runner arrived two days since with a speech from the Shawanees,
informing us of the whole nation being on their way to this place. But
after they do arrive, there are several more nations to be coaxed, so that
from every appearance, next spring will bring up the rear of the treaty
Much more indulgence is allowed the Indians here than was at M'Intosh.
Dancing, playing common, &c. (for which they are well supplied with ma-
terials to make their hearts merry), are frequent amusements here. Major
Finney is determined they shan't act Pontiac with him, for every precau-
tion is taken at that time.
The commissioners are of opinion that this place is the most advanta-
geous spot to keep troops at, until we have possession of others farther
northerly, as it is convenient to the principal body of the savages, and
nearly an equal distance from the Rapids, the interior part of Kentucky,
and Limestone, which is the upper part of the settlement. There has
been a road marked out from this place to Lexington, their capital town,
MAJOK EBENEZER DENNY. 65
from which we can have any supplies we might stand in need of. The
distance is about seventy-five miles.
The companies' clothing came to hand yesterday, all in good order.
The commissioners made a compliment to Major Finney of as much white
half-thicks as made each man a pair of over-alls ; they have been worn for
some time past, so that their sufferings are not so great as you might
imagine. Opportunities are so seldom up the river that I can't possibly
send you returns as regular as I could wish, but none shall be neglected.
I have the honor to remain, your very humble servant,
E. D.
23*7. — General Clark arrived from the Rapids, which
was a very agreeable surprise, as few of us expected him.
25th. — -A very dull Christmas (Sunday).
28th. — The chiefs of the Delaware nation (particularly
Captain Pipe) made proposals to our commissioners to
send once more to their towns, to know why a certain
tribe of their's did not come in agreeably to a promise,
and likewise, if the commissioners would send a mes-
senger, he should be accompanied by their runners into
the Shawanee towns, and to the more western towns, to
bring a final answer from them. All was agreed to ; and
at the request of the commissioners, Mr. Doyle prepared
to accompany Mr. Ranken.
29th. — New deputation sent to bring the Shawanees, if
possible, to treat — Lieutenant Doyle went along — all
mounted. The caravan took up the line of march, and
was expected would move on in state. Mr. Doyle, with
his friend, Mr. Ranken, and a young man, an assistant,
with two Indian men and several women, formed the line.
They had not been long on the road until a very heavy
cold rain came on, from which they must have suffered
5
66 MILITARY JOURNAL OF
much ; but as the party consisted of old warriors, it was
expected they would not be discouraged at any difficul-
ties of that kind, but proceed as men employed on such
business ought to.
31st. I set out in company with two Shawanees to
provide a few turkeys for the first of the year, and at the
request of General Parsons, agreed to meet him, General
Butler and Major Finney, at a large pond about six
miles up the river ; they to go in a boat. After we had
rode the distance of four or five miles (for our party was
all on horse-back ; I Avas mounted on one of the Indians'
wife's horse and saddle), we got amongst the turkeys;
and the first thing done was to charge upon them, so as
to cause them to fly up on the trees, and all the bowlings
and frightful screeches I ever heard, were given to effect
this purpose. As soon as the turkeys rose we alighted
and commenced firing. In this manner we sported with
two flocks, until we had as many as we could convenient-
ly carry home ; then steering our course toward the boat,
met a horse belonging to the Indians, and the only one
that was left behind ; he missing his old companions, got
on their track, and having a bell on, alarmed the boat,
just as it was putting into the place appointed for our
meeting, and occasioned them to make to the other side
of the river ; so we were obliged to return home without
the refreshment which we expected from them.
Jan. 1st, 1786. — Agreeably to an invitation, the com-
missioners and their gentlemen dined with Major Finney,
Mr. M' Do well and myself, in our hut, where we spent a
few sociable hours in memory of the late year, and drink-
MAJOR EBENEZER DENNY- 67
ing success to the ensuing one. Just as tattoo was striking
off, a gun was fired on the river and a light shone that
did not a little alarm us, but upon examination was dis-
covered to be a boat passing ; we made her come to shore.
One of her hands was an old man, who had been lately
made a prisoner by the Shawanees. His story is as fol-
lows : About two weeks since, himself and his two sons
were hunting on the head waters of Yellow Creek ; at
a time when the sons were after their horses, two Indians
came on him, and after inquiring of his company (for
they could talk English) moved off very rapidly, taking
him along as a prisoner ; he says they treated him toler-
ably, only that his hands were bound ; but when they
arrived at the Indian town, an old man took the direction
and loosed his arms, returning to him his blanket, which
had been taken, along with a rifle and some ammunition.
He was kept about two hours, when the same old man,
who could talk very good English, conducted him from
the town, placed him on a path that led to where two of
the old man's sons were hunting ; he at the same time
gave the prisoner a horse, three pints of parched corn
and a shell to deliver to these boys, and then sent him
off. The prisoner found the boys and delivered the shell ;
they knowing the horse, and understanding the token,
conducted the prisoner down to the Three Islands, about
eleven miles above Limestone; and just as they ap-
proached the river they discovered a boat on its way
down. The Indians being apprehensive of some danger
from the boat, did not wait for its coming ashore, but
after bidding farewell with the white man, took their
68 MILITARY JOURNAL OF
horse, which he rode, and moved off. The white man
hailed the boat, got on board, and so arrived at this place.
2d. Major Montgomery and Mr. Elliot arrived with
two of the horses that they went in search of; the third
one they were not able to get, but expect that Colonel
Boon, a very worthy gentleman at Limestone, will re-
cover him.
8?A. — Lieutenant Doyle arrived, and informed us that
after a disagreeable march of sixty miles, they wrere met
by a party of one hundred and fifty Shawanees, on Sun-
day, the first of the year. After consulting, it was agreed
that he and Mr. Rankin should return, and Wengeanem,
the Indian chief, go forward as far as was first intended ;
indeed, the chief thought, that as Lieutenant Doyle and
Mr. Rankin were under his protection, that he ought to
have the right of ordering them, and did order them
back with the Shawanees. Lieutenant Doyle says that
the few nights he was with them their march was con-
ducted with great regularity ; that the whole appeared to
be formed in certain squads, equal in number, and when
any of their young men or hunters would kill meat, it
was brought, laid down by the chiefs, one of whom cut
it into as many shares as there were squads or fires (for
every squad had their own fire) and sent it off by men,
who appeared to serve as fatigue men for the day ; so
there was no one lived better than another, but all fared
alike. Every evening after they halted and fixed them-
selves properly, Captain Johnny, a young Indian who
lived with the chiefs, and seemed to act as an aid, would
take a drum made out of a keg, with skins tied over each
MAJOE EBENEZEK DENNY. 69
end, and beat some kind of a signal ; on hearing which,
the whole would assemble and spend the greatest part of
the night in dancing and feasting. Lieutenant Doyle
continued with them until the whole got within twenty
miles of the Fort, when hearing that they intended
resting at that place, while another party of the same
number would join them, he took leave of Mr. Ranken
and came with his suite to the garrison.
9th. — George White-Eyes and Pipe's son, set out with
dispatches for Muskinguin, the purport of which was to
have stores and liquors sent down.
14^A. — We received information of the Shawanees in-
tending to come into the council house, and that on their
approach they would salute us with three rounds per
man. Our commissioners knowing them to be a very
proud nation, thought it best to pay them the same
honors, and ordered preparations in a style rather de-
grading to the United States, which was, that a party
of soldiers should cook and serve out provisions to them
in the council house. Now with them, the most decrepit
old women are made choice of for that business; and
nothing could have occasioned greater laughter than the
appearance of soldiers carrying kettles of provisions to
them. When the Indians saw them, they cried out,
" There come the old women with warriors' coats on," &c.
And who knows but they conceived us all old women
clad in uniform. In order to return their salute, twelve
men were ordered to parade, with three rounds of car-
tridges, and myself to command them. We waited
their approach, which was very solemn. As they came
70 MILITARY JOURNAL OF
up they gave us Indian music, beat on a keg drum by
one of the chiefs, the whole singing at the same time.
Their line was formed in rank of file, the women bring-
ing up the rear, all in very regular order. When their
firing was over I commenced, and in the intervals gave
them a tune on the drum and fife.
After all were seated, their chief warrior, Wiendooha-
lies, from Wapotomaky, rose and wiped our eyes, open-
ed our hearts, &c. After which our commissioners de-
livered a speech, informing them of their commission and
Congress' desire to treat with all nations between the
Mississippi and the St. Lawrence, north of the Ohio, and
bidding the Shawanees welcome to the thirteen great
fires ; that at their next meeting the business would be
entered into more fully. The Shawanees then desired
to shake hands with the warriors ; accordingly the officers
paraded in the centre and received them all by the hand.
A smoke from their pipes of peace took place next ; and
about dark a signal was given to march, and off they
went.
Vdth. — It snowed until the ground was nearly six
inches covered ; but immediately after came warm
weather which melted the whole, and caused the river
to rise.
'2\st. — Bohengeehalus, J with about twenty Delawares,
arrived. They were saluted in the same manner that
the others were. Bohengeehalus is esteemed one of the
greatest warriors now among all the Indians. After he
1 Bohengeelwlus, a very largo stout man, brother of the " Grenadier
Squaw."
MAJOR EBENEZER DENNY. 71
had seated himself he discovered General Clark, and
knowing him to be a great warrior, rose and saluted him
very significantly — instead of taking hold of each other's
hands, they gripped nearly at the shoulder, and shook
the left hand underneath the right arms.
This evening we were entertained with the Shawanees
dancing much in the same manner as was performed by
the Wyandots, but the assembly was vastly larger. After
they had gone through several of their common dances
they prepared for a war dance. The Shawanees have a
variety of dances ; but the most pleasant one is their
social dance, as it is interpreted. As many young men
as please, form a ring round the fire, move, dance and
sing love songs ; the girls looking on for some time — at
length they rise one after the other, as the spirit moves
them, and seize a partner. The couple stick to each
other, dancing and performing every possible gesture,
but still keep in the ring, singing and beating time to
their music. Now, while busily engaged, the parties ex-
change some articles of dress, or other things, as a token
of their regard. The girls were very fond of getting a
few of us engaged in this dance. But the war dance ex-
ceeds all — it was performed at the request of the officers.
Eight or ten of the most active men stripped themselves
quite naked, except the breech clout, painted their bodies
and faces, so as to have a horrid appearance ; armed with
tomahawk and scalping knife, they formed a circle,
danced moderately to a mournful kind of tune for ten or
fifteen minutes, gave the war-whoop, and sat down to-
gether on seats placed for the purpose. They now hung
72 MILITARY JOUENAL OF
their heads— a dead silence for a short time ; one gets up,
dances and capers to the music — repeats his exploits,
the injuries they had sustained, urging the others to be
strong, and rise and revenge themselves upon their ene-
mies. At length they are roused, one after the other,
until all get up, when they commence the most tremen-
dous yelling, jumping and figuring about in imitation
of shooting, scalping and tomahawking, exerting them-
selves exceedingly, until a signal is given for silence. A
short speech concludes.
24th. — The treaty concluded at M'Intosh was explain-
ed to Bohengeehalus and his tribe, to their satisfaction.
2oth. — One of the Shawanee chiefs died.
26th. — Shawanees occupied our long house in dancing
every day, for ten days past. Officers and young gentle-
men attending the commissioners very frequently join
them. Business opened this day by an excellent speech
from our commissioners to all the Indians — about four
hundred present. The boundary lines, designating the
lands allotted the several nations, were particularly de-
scribed and pointed out on the map. They were told
that as they had joined the English and taken up the
hatchet against the United States, and the war having
terminated in favor of the latter, and that the English,
also, to obtain peace, had ceded the whole of the country
on this side of the lakes to the Americans ; that they,
the Indians, must now look up to the Americans, and
ought to be thankful if allowed to occupy any part of the
country, which by the war they had forfeited ; neverthe-
less, more perhaps than they expected would be done for
MAJOR EBENEZER DENNY. 73
them, but they must leave hostages for their good be-
havior, &c.
27 th. — Shawanees met in council house. Their head
warrior, Kickwaypalathey, replied to the speech of yes-
terday ; denied the power and right which the United
States assumed ; asked if the Great Spirit had given it
to them to cut and portion the country in the manner
proposed. The Ohio river they would agree to, nothing
short; and offered a mixed belt, indicating peace or war.
None touched the belt — it was laid on the table ; Gen-
eral Clark, with his cane, pushed it off and set his foot
on it. Indians very sullen. Commissioners told them
it was well, that the United States did not wish war, that
two days yet would be allowed to consider of the terms
proposed, and six days more with provisions to return
home ; but after that to take care, for they would cer-
tainly feel the force of the United States. Council broke
up hastily. Some commotion among the Shawanees.
Returned same afternoon and begged another meeting,
when their old king, Molunthy, rose and made a short
speech, presented a white string, doing away all that
their chief warrior had said, prayed that we would have
pity on women and children, &c.
Feb. 1st. — Treaty concluded and signed ; presents de-
livered, and provisions furnished each tribe for six days.
Five Shawanees left as hostages.
8th. — The commissioners, messengers and attendants,
left us ; returned in three boats. Wrote to Colonel Har-
mar at Philadelphia. Our commissioners were heartily
sick of continuing so long at this place ; their fare was so
74 MILITARY JOURNAL OF
indifferent for a month past, having nothing but whiskey
with beef and bread. Fortunately a boat arrived two
days before they determined to start, which supplied
them with some liquors for their trip, and a small quan-
tity of sugar, an article they have been out of since the
rum was done. After they had prepared and determined
to start up in boats, took leave of us in the afternoon,
and hoisted sail. We fired a few rounds by way of
a salute. They having a fine wind, and their boats,
three in number, being well rigged with a sail each,
soon got out of sight.
By Lieutenant Doyle, who accompanied the commis-
sioners, I sent two returns to Colonel Harmar, one dated
the 1st of January, the other the present date; they
were both inclosed in a letter a copy of which is as fol-
lows, viz :
COLONEL — We were agreeably surprised a few days after I wrote you
last, with the arrival of General Clark in a small canoe. I think I men-
tioned his going to the Rapids with the other commissioners, and not re-
turning with them. I likewise mentioned that the Shawanees were on
their way to the treaty ; it was true, but their movements were very slow,
for they did not arrive until the 14th of January. Lieutenant Doyle and
Mr. llankin (one of the messengers) had set off to go to their towns, but
meeting them about sixty miles distant, returned. Lieutenant Doyle's
descriptkm of their march, and the mode of conduct since they arrived,
confirms the character which we had of them, which is a proud, ambitious,
smart nation. The young men seem to be under strict subordination to
two or three old sachems. They have a white flag, which they marched
in with, a drum and several other instruments of music. The pipe of
peace is the most elegant I have ever seen. They have a greater com-
mand of their appetites than some other nations; as a proof, they abso-
lutely refused receiving any liquor for some days after their arrival.
s r
MAJOR EBENEZER DENNY. 75
Twenty-first of January a tribe of Delawares came in. The leader's
name is Bohengeehalus. It is said he is the principal warrior amongst
the Wyandots and Delawares. Nothing more than an explanation of the
treaty at M'Intosh was done with him.
Twenty-sixth, our commissioners delivered a speech to the Shawanees,
setting forth their business, &c., and acquainting them of the country
which would be allowed them. Next day a reply was made, in which they
burlesqued the dividing of lands, and asked if the Great Spirit directed
the Americans to cut and divide the land as was proposed; no, they did
not understand that part. The Ohio, they thought, was the fittest line,
and if we were satisfied, they would agree to let it remain the boundary.
At hearing this we began to entertain different notions of matters, but the
affair was soon cleared up. The commissioners did not attempt to touch
the string which was given, and without rising, determined on an answer,
which was, that if they did not agree with the terms proposed, in two
days, they should then be furnished with six days provisions to carry
them home, and no harm should be done them during that time j but after
that take care, for they would certainly feel the force of the United States.
Council was not broke up more than fifteen minutes when a messenger
came for the commissioners. After they had assembled, the chief took a
white string and destroyed the whole of his former speech.
On the 1st instant the treaty was concluded with the Shawanees, and
articles similar to those at M'Intosh were signed.
The Half-King of the Wyandots has acted meanly in the business of
this treaty : he endeavored to prevent the Shawanees agreeing to our pro-
posal, with a view, we suppose, of expecting a larger quantity of goods
that he thought would be a drug on our hands ; but when he found they
desired peace, and were determined to agree, he then declared that he had
not given an answer to the treaty at M'Intosh, nor would he give one here ;
but when the warm weather would come, he would then go to Congress
and hear from them what was to be done with these lands. No reply was
made to this. A few days after he desired a council for himself and the
Delawares. When they convened, he rose and very strenuously insisted on
the commissioners enlarging the country allowed his people and the Dela-
wares. The commissioners told him that matter was settled, and they
76 MILITARY JOUKNAL OF
would not make the smallest alteration. Captain Pipe, of the Delawares
(who was sitting listening), rose and said, " Brothers, the Delawares are
perfectly contented, they have land enough; and as a proof of our satis-
faction, myself and another chief, with several young men (good hunters),
will go as soon as we hear of the surveyors being out, and assist them to
mark the lines, and (turning to the Half-King) you'll go too. The Half-
King was so much confused he said nothing.
The Lord knows when we'll get rid of these creatures.
Major Finney does not expect to leave this place until further orders
from you. He has lately received orders from Major Wyllys, dated at
M'Intosh, to send him returns of the troops, and that only four rations
(extra) were allowed to a complete company. The commissioners think
it probable another treaty will be held next summer, somewhere to the
northward of this place. They regret the misfortune of not holding this
one somewhere near Detroit; however, they all clear themselves of that
matter.
Our men have been kept in health with plenty of exercise ; but in
spring we may expect fever and ague, as the country about here is very
low, and frequently covered with water.
Three privates of Captain Doughty's company and two of Captain
Hart's, that were here, have returned with the commissioners.
With respect, &c.
E. D.
Captain Dunn had arrived the day before from
Lexington, on his way to the Shawanee towns, where he
intended spending winter. He took leave and set off
with several of the Shawanee chiefs. General Clark left
us this day for the Falls.
Wth. — A canoe came down from Limestone, and in-
formed us that this morning our commissioners were not
more than seven miles up the river, but they had got
under way early in the morning.
12th. — I wrote to Mr. James Parker at Lexington,
MAJOR EBENEZEE DENNY. 77
relinquishing all claims to our former connection, provi-
ded he would clear me of the obligation given Captain
Parker for warrants. The bearer was Mr. West.
13t7i. — Mr. Sims passed for Fort Pitt, with whom I
sent the following letter to Colonel Harmar :
COLONEL : — I forgot to mention that upon the arrival of the Wyandots,
Shawanees and Delawares from White river, we were saluted by them,
and having received notice of their approach and intention of firing, we,
agreeably to the commissioners' request, returned the salute with three
rounds of twelve men each time ; and previous to the commissioners leav-
ing the garrison to embark, Major Finney directed me to parade the com-
pany, march them down to the bank, which is about one hundred yards
from our fort, and there to form, so as to present arms to the commission-
ers as they passed to the boats ; this was done, and when they had taken
leave and hoisted sail, I gave them a platoon by way of an acknowledg-
ment.
General Clark left us for the Kapids on the 10th. He did not trouble
us with much parade, neither did he take away any of our men. This
last was a matter Major Finney endeavored to prevent as much as possi-
ble. There would not have gone half the number of soldiers from us
up the river, only for the petty messengers who took up as much room as
the commissioners, and occasioned a third boat. There were B ,
M , E , and Mr. K , all in constant pay at twenty shillings,
three dollars, and twenty-five shillings per day, in proportion as they
ranked. These men went out together to the towns, returned together,
and were waiting here, when we arrived. The Lord knows what service
some of them were of, for we can't imagine.
We are now clear of commissioners, messengers, Indians, and every kind
of animal except five hostages. Such a sudden change makes me rather
melancholy. I feel as if I ought to have gone with them; though my
desire is to stay. I would be glad enough to be up, but the season is so
cold, that I think the trip would be very disagreeable. I will be very
thankful if you will put it in my power to go up in the beginning of
78 MILITARY JOURNAL OF
April, or as soon as convenient, and leave for a few weeks, that I might
settle some affairs at Carlisle ; for if we should go any farther off I shall
despair.
E. D.
26(h. — Captain O'Hara (the contractor) arrived with a
large cargo of Indian goods and stores for the commis-
sioners. He came in consequence of the dispatches sent
by George White-Eyes on the 9th of January. This was
a time when they expected all the western Indians. He
likewise brought with him the settlements for last year's
service, and two months' cash for the present, with six
months' subsistence for the officers.
Captain O'Hara informs us that he lay with the com-
missioners the night of the 23d instant, about twenty-
five miles below the Great Kanahwa; that Captain
Beatty, our pay-master, was coming to this place to pay
the troops the above mentioned money, but being very
unwell, and having orders to return with the commis-
sioners, he put the cash into his hands and went back.
March Isf. — Major Finney commenced the payment,
and Captain O'Hara opened a cheap assortment of goods,
which he disposed of to the soldiers as quick as they re-
ceived their money.
3d, 4th and 5th. — After they had laid out the greatest
part of their settlements for dry goods, reserving only a
small share for liquor, they got permission to purchase
the same, and toleration to get drunk, so that it would not
interfere with their duty ; but this charge had no effect ;
for three days there was scarcely one sober man in the
garrison, and God knows how long they would have con-
MAJOR EBENEZEE DENNY. 79
tinned so, if the issues had not been stopped. So between
the wet and dry affairs, Captain O'Hara will take nearly
the same sum of money back that he brought, except
what the officers received.
\2tJi. — Two boats called from Fort Pitt, on their way
to "0-post," loaded with liquors and flour.
VI tli. — A majority of the men in garrison are Irish.
The soldiers requested to have the privilege of cele-
brating this day, as was customary. Accordingly the
bung was opened and every man had permission to
purchase and drink what quantity of liquor he pleased ;
and a pretty good portion did some of them take, for
toward the evening we had not six men in the garrison
fit for duty, not even the guard excepted.
'ISth. — Gr. Palfrey died from the effects of too much
liquor — and was buried the next day.
20tk. — Since our establishment at this place a few
families had erected a station six miles below us, on the
Kentucky side. This morning an express from them
informed us that Indians had attacked two of their peo-
ple, a short distance out, killed one and wounded the
other. The wounded person escaped in. I took a light
boat, with sergeant and twelve, hastened to the station ;
found the dead man scalped and cut in several places ;
buried him, assisted in securing the stockade, &c., and
returned.
21st. — Mr. Bradshaw arrived about ten o'clock at
night, with a boat loaded with provisions ; likewise Mr.
Devoire and Mr. Le Bere arrived on their way into the
Indian country. Mr. Le Bere intends spending a few
80 MILITAEY JOUKNAL OF
weeks in the Indian towns and then return by way of
Sandusky, to join his company at Muskingum.
24th. — This night the five Shawanee hostages deserted
from their lodging, and pushed with great expedition
toward the towns. They likewise took with them Mr.
Sufferins' family, who were encamped about a mile dis-
tant— Mr. Sufferins being absent on a hunting party.
2oth. — Our interpreter, Mr. Sufferins, came in ; very
much surprised at finding his people had gone off, and
still more when hearing how the hostages had left us.
This day we completed a block-house on the bank, to
guard the boats.
26th. — Mr. Sufferins set off on purpose to overtake
his family and the hostages, if possible, and to know the
reason of elopement. But after riding twenty miles,
only arrived at the place where they lay the night before.
The distance he thought they might be in front of him,
at the rate they had gone, discouraged him from pursu-
ing any farther, and he turned back with the intention
of preparing to go to their towns.
27th. — We were surprised by the arrival of Mr. Abner
Dunn, an old officer, who had been to the Shawanee
towns. lie arrived with five Indians (Shawanees) and
six white prisoners. Mr. Dunn informed us that their
chief, with the six prisoners, had halted about five miles
off, being doubtful of the manner in which they would
be received, having the night before sent two runners
with some tobacco for us to smoke until their arrival,
and to get leave for their friends, the hostages, to go and
meet them ; but when the runners came and could see
MAJOE EBENEZER DENNY. 81
no hostages they retired undiscovered, and informed their
people, which alarmed them ; however, Mr. Dunn pre-
vailed on five of them to go in with him and the others
to remain until he would send for them. The Indians
soon found us to be friends, and sent for the remaining
party. After they had all arrived, the White-Horn,
their chief, seemed much astonished at the conduct of the
hostages. Two speeches were delivered by Johnny Har-
ris from Molunthy, their king ; one of them consisted of
professions of friendship, &c., the other was information
respecting some parties of Cherokees that were out.
30^. — Major Finney delivered a speech to the Indians
and sent a message to their king, thanking him for his
information respecting the Cherokees, after which they
marched off. The night preceding, a girl and boy of the
prisoners that were delivered up yesterday, eloped.
31st. — This night Corporal Thompson and John Geary
deserted, and took off one of our best boats.
April 1st. — Sergeant Wilcox pursued the deserters.
2d. — Captain O'Hara and Mr. Smith left us for Fort
Pitt.
4ih. — Mr. Dunn took leave for the Falls.
Copy of a Letter to Colonel Harmar, dated 31s£ March, 1786.
SIR — The Shawanees have been very slow in executing their business
respecting the delivery of the prisoners. They overstayed the time agreed
on better than a month ; their delay, and an account from the station a
• few miles below (since evacuated), of five Indians attacking two men of
the place, killing one and wounding the other, we suppose frightened off
the hostages ; for on the night of the 24th of March the whole of them
eloped, and we have not heard from them since. But fortunately, two
6
82 MILITAEY JOURNAL OF
days after there came in two chiefs with six prisoners, whom they deliver-
ed up, with a speech from their king apologizing for the delay, &c. We
don't apprehend any danger from the Shawanees immediately, but there
is now a number of others in the woods for war, that makes our situation
rather unsafe. They have killed at Limestone and near the Falls — the
last which I have mentioned above, was about four miles distant.
Captain O'Hara arrived here on the 26th of February with the ar-
rearages of pay and clothing for the men who were in service last year ;
in six months notes and two months for the present in cash, and the same
with six months subsistence for the officers. He brought with him a
pretty assortment of goods suitable for the soldiers, which he let them
have at reasonable prices. I believe he will take back all the notes and
cash (which are the same to him), except what the officers received. I
mentioned in a letter some months ago that the commissioners had made
a compliment to Major Finney of cloth for over-alls for the men. Since,
there has some alteration happened or otherwise it was a mistake in me,
for as they went up the river they met Captain O'Hara near the Great
Kanahwa, and turned the account over to him. He has charged each man
that had them with his price.
There was a letter received from Mr. Armstrong, (to which he put his
title, Lieut. 1st A. R.) for the purpose of acquainting us of his promotion.
Colonel — as I stand next on the list, am induced to beg your interest to
fix me clear of the censure of a number of my friends. For certain it is
that I have in some measure lessened, having once served as an officer a
grade higher, and that at a more honorable time than at present. But
the attachment I have to a military life, and the expectation of rising,
persuades me to this duty, hoping that my friends, yourself in particular,
will assist me in procuring a lieutenancy — what I once had the honor to
hold under you.
I shall ever endeavor to render satisfaction for your assistance in this
V€ry material affair, as well as for many past.
While I have the honor to subscribe myself, &c.
E. D.
N. B. Sent a return of the troops with the above.
23d. — Captain Blue- Jacket, a chief of the Shawa-
MAJOR EBENEZEK DENNY. 83
nee nation, came in. He informed us of the good in-
tentions of his people, and that a number of them
would hunt this summer near this place, and would
bring in the skins ; begged that we would receive the
Shawanees friendly. As a proof of his friendship, and
that we might be assured the nation wished for peace, he
left his son, a boy about eighteen years of age, to con-
tinue with us until some opportunity would offer for
sending him home.
24th. — He took leave, and as he went off said he would
go by a hunting camp where there were a number of In-
dians, and inform them how desirous we were to see them
come in to trade.
25th. — In the evening there arrived two young war-
riors of the Shawanees, with a white boy, a prisoner,
whom they delivered up to us ; and after receiving a few
presents, and being asked if they did not think the boy
would run back again, they candidly told us, that he cer-
tainly would, if not bound or confined some way. This
was enough. Though the boy seemed fond of having it
in his power to go to his father's, but yet it was all affect-
ed ; for in a few hours after a boat came along, bound
for the Falls, in which he was put, and in a manner by
force ; for when he found there was no way of escaping
he cried, and appeared to leave the Indian with more re-
gret than he could have done if they had been bearing
him away a prisoner from his mother.
2Qth. — Our friends, the warriors, left us, and took with
them Blue-Jacket's son.
May ~L4ith. — We have Shawanees with us every day.
84 MILITARY JOURNAL OF
The most of their hunting men are now in the woods
around us, at the distance of twenty miles. They intend
bringing their peltry to barter at this place. Several of
the boys, and even one young woman of the prisoners,
made their escape and returned to the Indians. The
chiefs who have been in, particularly the White-Horn,
say they never mean to break the chain of friendship
that now subsists between the Americans and them, and
threaten vengeance upon the first who infringes upon the
articles of the treaty.
18th. — From a letter sent by Major Finney to the
commanding officer at Fort M'Intosh, requesting a rein-
forcement of men at this post, and from several late re-
ports of troops being on their way to us, we prepared a
small boat and set out up the river, intending to sail two
or three hours for amusement, at the same time thought
it probable we might meet them. We had got about
four miles, and halted at a spring, wThen we were very
agreeably surprised hy the arrival of Captain Ziegler's
company of seventy men — Lieutenant E. Beatty, Doctor
Allison, and the Major from Connecticut, Wyllys, com-
manding.
22c7. — I received orders to prepare to go on command
to the Falls of Ohio.
23d. — Set out with sergeant, corporal and twelve men
in a barge, for Louisville. River very full. Landed
next morning at the place — distance said to be one hun-
dred and fifty miles— run it in twenty-four hours. Four
Kentucky boats, which passed Fort Finney the day be-
fore I left it, were attacked at the mouth of Kentucky
MAJOR EBENEZER DENNY. 85
river by the Indians on both sides of the Ohio, supposed
to be in number two hundred — fortunately no other
damage than a few horses killed. Very alarming ac-
counts of the depredations of Indians in neighborhood of
Yincennes — a settlement on the Wabash. Every day
fresh accounts of mischief done in the upper counties
and on Cumberland. People of Kentucky talk of an ex-
pedition against the Indians on the Wabash. Four
days I remained at the Falls, and every day there were
accounts of men being scalped between that and the
upper counties. General Clark informed me that he
had frequent intelligence from the different posts on the
Mississippi and Wabash, which he took from the British
last war, and that if something was not done immediate-
ly respecting that country, there will be much more diffi-
culty in subjecting them than there ever was.
After many altercations between General Clark, my-
self and the two gentlemen who had the artillery in
charge, they agreed I should have a piece, with a few
shot, which I immediately had put on board.
28^. — Having procured a brass three-pounder, with a
few boxes of suitable shot, left the Falls ; embarked
again for our Fort. River very high, and obliged to
work up close along shore, giving the savages every pos-
sible advantage. This evening, about seventeen miles
up, we discovered two bark canoes lying on the bank,
and a number of trees barked, which we supposed had
not been done longer than two days. We passed on
as silent as possible. This night our cable and anchor
86 MILITARY JOURNAL OF
served to keep us in the middle of the river ; but the
river rose so high it was of no more use afterward.
SQth. — About a mile below Kentuck we discovered
some appearance of an Indian camp, and saw a black
horse with a belt on. We passed the mouth of Kentuck
in the night, and lay near a mile above.
Slst. — We met with such strong water below and
above the Big Bone, that we were obliged to drop the
oars (though we worked fourteen,) and pull up by the
bushes ; lay this night five or six miles above Big Bone.
We arrived safe at the Fort, near the Miami, in the af-
ternoon, and were received with gladness.
June 1st. — Several Delawares came in, wrho seemed
surprised at the field-piece which I lately brought from
the Falls, and at our additions to the Fort.
\\th. — Captain Pipe's brother, with three other Del-
awares, arrived with a speech from Pipe, the purport
of which was, that he hoped we still held the chain of
friendship fast, that was made between them and us, at
this place, and informing us, that for his part, nothing-
should be wanting which was in his power to keep the
Delawares and the Americans upon the most friendly
footing, and begging we would treat his young men (a
number of whom were hunting near us) as we have
hitherto done.
13th. — Mr. Sovereign came in with the Shawanees
with a speech from Molunthy, informing us that he was
very glad to hear we treated his young men so friendly,
and apologizing for the delay in delivering up the pris-
MAJOR EBENEZER DENNY. 87
oners. He says the nation is divided ; that the people
of Chillicothe will not hear reason ; they will not give
the prisoners up. In fact, the plain English of which is,
that a party of them are as much inclined for war as
anything else, from the d d lies imposed on them by
British emissaries. They are fully of the opinion that
their king and sachems have sold both land and war-
riors, and are determined not to agree to what has been
done. Molunthy gives us information of four men being
killed by the Mingoes, on the waters of the Muskingum.
He says that he has advised the Mingoes and Cherokees
to be quiet, but they would not hear him. He desires us
to have patience. He is striving all he can to fulfill the
promises made to our chiefs at the council fire.
~L4:th. — Mr. Sovereign returned homeward Avith a speech
to Molunthy, informing him that we still kept the road
open, and hoped he would soon send in the prisoners ;
thanking him for the intelligence he sent, and begging
he would endeavor to persuade his contentious people to
listen to reason, otherwise the consequence would be
fatal ; we would wait with patience for a time, until he
would fulfill the promises made to our chief at the great
council fire, &c.
15th. — Major Wyllys left us in a small boat bound up
the river, with whom I sent the following letter to
Colonel Harmar, with an inspection return :
SIR — After the arrival of Major Wyllys and Captain Ziegler, I was
ordered to the Falls to procure and bring up a field-piece, with ammuni-
tion, &c. I got a brass three-pounder, with about thirty rounds only of
ball and grape-shot. And if it had not been for General Clark, who has
88 MILITARY JOURNAL OF
always beeii our friend here, I should have returned as I went, owing to
a contentious set of men in civil office there, all of whom are candidates
for something, and were afraid would be censured by the public for giving
any of the military stores away, at a time when their country is suffering
by savage depredations. True it is, that everywhere below us, the Amer-
icans have as much reason to be engaged in an Indian war as they ever
had. They are daily losing men in the lower part of Kentuck settlement ;
all which aggravation could not unite the people in a sufficient body to
carry on any kind of an expedition — such is the division amongst them.
I brought from the Falls, and delivered to Major Wyllys, all the intel-
ligence I could collect, amongst which are the particulars of two skir-
mishes which the Americans at St. Vincent had with the Piankeshaw
Indians in that neighborhood.
Some Shawanees and Delawares went with us as usual, professing much
friendship. The arrival of Captain Ziegler's company has added much
to the appearance of this place, and something to the other company.
For since, a better spirit of emulation has subsisted, which has been of
service. Captain Ziegler tells me the regimental book for last year was
left at M'Intosh, and not used very well by the officers last winter ; I am
sorry for it, but hope you will get it. My coming away from that place in
such haste occasioned several neglects; I even forgot my Bible with you.
We long to see you. With respects, &c. .
E. D.
26th. — Captain Doyle arrived from M'Intosh; lie
informed us of the arrival of Colonel Harmar and lady
at M'Intosh.
July Ath. — This day was celebrated with three rounds
of small arms and three with the field-piece, after which
the gentlemen all dined together. When dinner was
over thirteen toasts were drunk, each accompanied with
a round from the three-pounder, attended in the inter-
vals by two drums, two fifes and a couple of excellent
MAJOR EBENEZER DENNY. 89
violins. The evening was spent as well as circumstances
would allow of.
5th. — Captain Beatty and Mr. M'Dowell left us, hav-
ing been ordered, by Colonel Harmar, to go up imme-
diately after the arrival of Mr. Doyle. With Mr.
M'Dowell I sent a letter to Doctor M'Dowell, desiring
him to ask Colonel Harmar for permission for me to go
up, &c.
13^. — Major Finney received a letter from General
Clark, informing him that on the 1st of August he in-
tended marching into the Indian country, with fifteen
hundred men, and requested that the field-piece which I
brought up might be sent down against that time.
17 ih. — Corporal Thompson, Gairy, and two other de-
serters, were brought in by three men from Lexington,
by whom Major Finney received an account from Col-
onel Patterson of orders being arrived from the State of
Virginia to the County-Lieutenant of Kentucky country,
directing them to plan and put into execution an expe-
dition through the Indian country immediately. It is
thought General Clark would command.
Captain Armstrong arrived with the boat and men
which Major Wyllys took away. He brought a letter
from Colonel Harmar to Major Finney, in which, there
was an order to send up Ensign Denny, for the purpose
of acting as adjutant — to repair to a new fort at the
mouth of Muskingum, called Fort Harmar, where the
Colonel, with Mrs. Harmar, had arrived.
23d. — Embarked about noon, in a swift boat, with
corporal and six choice men ; rowed six oars. River in
90 MILITARY JOURNAL OF
good order. Anxious to make a quick passage. Had
provisions for several days cooked, and boat fitted for
anchoring in the stream, &c. Reached few miles above
Little Miami.
24th. — Met the water rising.
2oth. — Reached Limestone about same time of the day
we left the Fort ; this is coming at rate of forty miles a
day. Stayed and cooked.
2Qth. — Work along. River risen five feet.
27th. — In the evening pass the Scioto river.
28^. — Within a few miles of Sandy. Water falling.
29th. — Pass Sandy and Guyandot.
30th. — Helped forward by a violent storm of wind
and rain, directly up the river ; reached Great Kanahwa.
3lst. — Lay by drying our things and cooking.
August 1st. — Got within a few miles of Letart's Falls.
Water rising rapidly. Met Mr. Le Bere in the evening.
2d. — Passed the Falls and anchored ten miles below
Flin's Station.
3d. — Passed the Scotch Settlement and Flin's, and lay
in sight of Little Kanahwa.
4.th. — In the morning arrived at Muskingum, Fort
Harmar, where I met with Colonel Harmar and a
number of acquaintances. Here I was received as a
brother officer might expect. Though I was ordered up
in haste, yet I had some hopes of getting a furlough to
go to Philadelphia, as I had not been absent during our
service. Having hinted in a letter to Colonel Harmar, be-
fore I left the Miami, that a short furlough would be very
acceptable and knowing, that if he could with any kind
MAJOR EBENEZER DENNY. 91
of propriety grant it, he would, I deferred asking. Next
day after my arrival he proposed a furlough ; I thanked
him and accepted it. But as I had no non-commission-
ed officer from the Miami, he thought it best to send my
boat back under the care of Major North and Captain
Beatty, just arrived and on their way to the Miami, and
to take a passage to Fort Pitt with Mr. Bradford, who
was to start on the 10th instant. Fort Harmar is un-
finished. Doughty's company from New York, Heart's
and Strong's from Connecticut, are here and at work.
Major North and E. Beatty got under way.
. — Received a furlough for two months ; took pas-
sage with Lieutenant Bradford, who was ordered to Pitt
for artillery, stores, &c.
1.6th. — Arrived at the mouth of Little Beaver ; found
Mr. Hutchons and the old surveyors encamped there.
Hamtramck's company, from New York ; Mercer's, from
New Jersey, and M'Curdy's, of Pennsylvania, escorting
the surveyors.
Vlth. — Reached M'Intosh. Captain Ferguson's com-
pany here. Here Mr. Bradford had business, which
would detain him a day. Major Finney and myself
having no time to lose, agreed to walk to Fort Pitt, thir-
ty miles distant, knowing that when the boat did move,
it would take her two days, as the water was very rapid.
~L8th. — We breakfasted with my old friend, Captain
M'Curdy, and set off for Fort Pitt. I tripped along
after Major Finney exceedingly well, for near two-thirds
of the way ; but having been confined so long to my
boat, and not accustomed to walking, I got much
92 MILITARY JOURNAL OF
fatigued; however, we reached Fort Pitt about two
o'clock, P. M., where we refreshed ourselves upon a tol-
erable dinner and a glass of claret.
August 22d. — I received my mare, left in care of Mr.
Duncan, in miserable order.
23d. — Left Fort Pitt in company with Mr. James
Sample. The weather being favorable, we traveled very
agreeably together as far as Shippensburg, where we ar-
rived on the 28th.
29th. — I got to Carlisle. Time short — staid a few days.
Left Carlisle for Philadelphia, at which place I arrived
on the 8th September.
Sept. 12th. — Having completed my business, I parted
with my friends, James Campbell and several other ac-
quaintances, and left Philadelphia, with once more my
face turned toward the western country.
13^.— Got to Carlisle.
20th. — Left my friends at Carlisle.
25th. — Arrived at my uncle, John M'Clure's, on the
Monongahela, seven miles above Pittsburgh, where I
left my mare, saddle and bridle, for further use.
2Qth. - - Went in canoe to Pittsburgh, where I met
Major North and Captain Beatty, just arrived from the
Falls of Ohio, where they left Major Finney and Captain
Ziegler with their companies.
3Qth. — Left Fort Pitt in the boat in which North and
Beatty came, and proceeded to Muskingum, at which
place I arrived the 3d of October, in the morning.
FORT HARMAR, Oct. 3d. — John Pratt, formerly Lieu-
tenant and Quarter-master in the 4th Pennsylvania reg-
MAJOR EBENEZEK, DENNY. 93
iment, had originally been of Connecticut, came out now
as one of the officers of that State, and appointed Quar-
ter-master, myself announced as adjutant. Strong, Pratt
and Kingsbury belonged to one company and formed a
mess ; I was invited to join them. Yery pleasantly fixed.
1.0th. — • Captain Doughty and Captain* Strong left us
with leave of absence until spring.
~L5th. — Captain Tunas, a Delaware Indian, arrived
with information that the different nations of Indians
from the Wabash, who had collected at the Shawanees
towns with a determination to visit this country, had
returned home ; that one hundred and twenty Shawanees,
Mingoes and Cherokees had left "Wapotomeky with in-
tention to strike the people on the Ohio ; that but few of
the Shawanees continued ; the greater part of them were
in the Kentucky country, scalping and stealing horses.
He says Captain Brant, a civilized Indian, had been at
Sandusky this summer, but his business was not known.
Mr. Johnston, the British agent, had asked all the red
people to Niagara; that the Shawanees and a number
of other nations had gone, but not any of the Delawares ;
that Johnston told them they would be no people in a
short time, if they did not unite. They should all be
one people, and what they did, either to make peace or
war, would then be strong.
Nov. 13tk. — Three men arrived from Limestone, who
had been with Colonel Logan against the Shawanee
towns. They informed us that Logan left Limestone the
6th of October, marched with eight hundred men in six
days, to the Shawanee towns, where he found some men
94 MILITARY JOURNAL OF
and a number of women. The warriors had all set out
to meet General Clark, who was marching with fifteen
hundred men toward the Wabash, and only a few
sachems remained at home with the squaws. Colonel
Logan destroyed all their towns, killed and scalped eleven
Indians, amongst whom was the king Molunthy, and
carried twenty-eight Indian women and children pris-
oners to Danville, where they were kept in confinement.
The old king was tomahawked after he had delivered
himself up. Logan found none but old men, women and
children in the towns ; they made no resistance ; the
men were literally murdered.
~L5th. — Left Fort Harmar in a light boat, a sergeant
and twelve men ; arrived at Fort Pitt the 22d.
24^7*. — Rode to Hannahstown, accompanied by Mr.
Brison. Viewed several farms and tracts of land in West-
moreland county, belonging to Colonel Harmar, property
which he got with Mrs. H.
Dec. 5th. — Was ready to return, but the heavy snows
and frost had filled the river with ice.
9th. — Ohio frozen over in many places. Monongahela
and Allegheny both passable on the ice.
13^. — Had several days of soft rainy weather. Rivers
broke up. The rise of water was sudden. Several boats
loaded with goods, &c., carried down with the ice passed
Pittsburgh. An attempt made to save them, but fruit-
less. We had great difficulty to preserve our boat.
16^. — Ohio pretty clear of ice. Loaded our boat and
sailed for Fort Harmar, where we arrived on the 19th,
in the morning. In my absence, Lieutenant Pratt, the
MAJOR EBENEZER DENNY. 95
Quarter-master, attended to the ordinary duties of ad-
jutant, but much left undone. Regimental book opened,
monthly returns of the regiment, &c., to be made out
and transmitted to the War Office.
FOET HARMAK, Mouth of Muskingum River, Jan., 1787.
— No change of movement of any consequence. Officers
and men in close quarters. Officers pass and repass up
and down to the several posts. Ferguson's company of
artillery at M'Intosh. Hamtramck, M'Curdy and Mer-
cer had put up quarters, after the surveying was over,
at a place which they called Fort Steuben, about thirty
miles below M'Intosh. Doughty, Strong and Heart with
their companies at Fort Harmar. Finney and Ziegler's
companies had evacuated Fort Finney and erected a
small work opposite Louisville. One other company,
commanded by Captain Burbeck, of New York, station-
ed at West Point.
Receiving and digesting the monthly returns of the
troops at all these different posts, was a business of some
trouble. Those from the post commanded by Ham-
tramck less difficulty with. Colonel Harmar thinks
him one of his best captains.
Feb. 4:th. — Mr. M'Dowell arrived on his way to the
Rapids of the Ohio. Fortunately there came with him
a supply of provisions for the troops at Fort Harmar.
For upward of thirty days past they had been on half
allowance of flour, with whiskey only one-half their time.
8^.— Major Wyllys and Mr. M'Dowell left us for the
Rapids.
96 MILITAEY JOUENAL OF
. — Captain Heart and Lieutenant Beatty ar-
rived from Fort Pitt. The latter brought with him near
two months pay and three months subsistence, chiefly in
paper money, and likewise part of the annual allowance
of clothing for the troops. The money being a particu-
lar currency of one State only, the officers at this post
(Fort Harmar) objected to receiving it; for though it
might answer their present purposes, being in the neigh-
borhood of the State, yet it might be setting a precedent
for others, which would be very injurious. Several days
spent in deliberating upon the receiving this paper
money. Sometimes it was in contemplation to send it
back ; again they would conceive it more to their advan-
tage to keep it. However, as the Colonel had some bu-
siness up the river, he postponed the payment until (we
suppose) he would consult the officers up the river. Ac-
cordingly he, Beatty, Pratt and Mr. Spear set off the
forenoon of the 25th.
2oth. — This afternoon we were agreeably surprised by
the arrival of Major Finney from the Rapids, after a
passage of seventeen days to this post. The Major be-
ing on the way to visit friends down the country, he only
tarried until next morning and set off up the river in
hopes to overtake Colonel Harmar.
March 6th. — Mr. Lakesang called, being on his way to
the Rapids of the Ohio. He continued over night. By
Mr. Lakesang I forwarded to Major Wyllys three hun-
dred hard dollars, and a receipt for thirteen hundred
dollars, left with me by Beatty to be sent by the first
MAJOR EBENEZER DENNY. 97
conveyance (Captain Heart witness). By the same boat,
and under Mr. Lakesang's care, I sent the proportion of
clothing for the troops at the Rapids, and likewise a new
rifle, complete, for Lieutenant Doyle, with a number of
letters, &c.
26th. — Our commandant, with his suite, arrived from
Fort Pitt, about seven o'clock at night, and disappoint-
ed the garrison of a little parade that was intended in
receiving him.
27th. — Major Hamtramck arrived, having been di-
rected by the commandant to muster the troops.
29th. — Muster and inspection took place, after which
a few manoeuvres, &c.
April 1st. — The Major left us, bound for Fort Steuben.
10th. — Captain Heart ordered to proceed with his com-
pany to a place called Venango, on the Allegheny river,
about one hundred and fifty miles above Pittsburgh ;
there to erect a suitable work. This place had formerly
been occupied by French and English troops, but burnt
down.
~L5th. — Colonel Harmar, Lieutenant Beatty and Pratt,
left us, bound for the Rapids. Soon after their depar-
ture, Major Hamtramck arrived, having been ordered
down to command at Muskingum, owing to the Colonel's
absence.
May 10th. — At night our Colonel arrived from the
Rapids of the Ohio, to no little satisfaction of all the
officers at Fort Harmar.
15th. — Major Hamtramck set off, accompanied by
Captain Beatty, for Fort Steuben. Captain Beatty goes
7
98 MILITAEY JOURNAL OF
on to New York to obtain a settlement for the regiment
up to the first of the present year.
17^. — We were surprised with the arrival of Captain
Strong, from Connecticut, with dispatches of very con-
siderable importance to Colonel Harmar, from the War
Office.
25th. — In consequence of the dispatches brought by
Captain Strong, Fort Steuben has been ordered to be
evacuated; accordingly Lieutenant Kersey, with sixty
men, arrived here from that place. Major Hamtramck,
with the remainder of the troops, are expected daily.
Hamtramck promoted to Major, in room of Fish of
New York, who resigned. Lieutenant Smith, captain in
place of Hamtramck.
27th. — Captain Strong, with his company, embarked
on board keel boats for the Rapids of the Ohio.
June 1st. — Major Hamtramck, with the whole of the
troops under his command, arrived safe.
2d. — Captain Mercer, with part of his company, and
Lieutenant Kersey, set oif for the Rapids, on board two
family boats that were passing down. Ensign Spear,
with fifty-four men, left us this day for the surveying
business.
5th. — Captain Smith, with his company, Ensign Se-
dam, with part of Mercer's company, Lieutenant Peters,
Doctor Elliot and myself, left Fort Harmar to join the
troops at the Rapids.
10th. — In the morning we joined our friends at the
Falls.
11th. — Our commandant, with Major Hamtramck and
MAJOR EBENEZER DENNY. 99
Mr. Pratt, the Quarter-master, &c., arrived in the barge.
They bring accounts that Colonel Todd had returned
from the Cherokee town on Paint creek, with three or
four scalps and six or seven prisoners.
18^. — Water favorable. We began to send our boats
and stores over the Rapids, for fear of low water. Sub-
altern's command at landing below the Rapids as guard.
Troops wait for a supply of provisions. Some clashing
between contractors. Turn bull and Marmie superseded
by O'Hara and Duncan. When Bradshaw the agent is
at a loss, commanding officer directs the purchase of
provisions.
July 2d. — Strong's, Mercer's and Smith's companies
cross the Ohio from their encampment opposite Louisville,
march down and encamp at the landing below the Falls.
3d. — Finney's and Ziegler's companies crossed and
encamped with the others. This evening Ferguson,
with his company of artillery, from M'Intosh, and Dan-
iel Britt, with a cargo of provisions on account of late
contractors, arrived.
6ih. — Captain Ziegler, with a command of a lieuten-
ant, one sergeant, one corporal and sixty-two privates,
embarked with all the cattle and horses and a quantity
of flour, on board eight Kentucky boats and two keel
boats, with orders to proceed down to Pigeon creek, eight
miles above Green river, and there wait for the arrival
of the troops.
8th. — Troops embarked for Pigeon creek, one hundred
and eighty miles below the Rapids.
Wth. — Arrived in the evening at Pigeon creek, where
100 MILITARY JOURNAL OF
we found Captain Ziegler, who had arrived the evening
before.
H^._The cattle, horses and necessary baggage, with
fifteen days flour, taken out of the boats, and the boats,
with artillery, stores and heavy baggage, under com-
mand of Major Hamtramck, proceeded down the Ohio
to mouth of Wabash, with orders to ascend that river and
meet the troops as soon as possible at Vincennes. Troops
took up the following order of march, (see Plan,) and
proceeded by the most direct route for Vincennes, agree-
ably to the advice of a pilot. Columns regulated in their
march by signals from the drum. Weather exceedingly
warm and woods close. With heavy packs and not late-
ly used to marching, the troops were hard put to. We
encamped on a branch of Pigeon creek.
12th. — Marched at daylight. Woods not so thick.
Crossed Pigeon creek twice, and encamped on its bank.
13th. — The troops march with more ease — pass through
a level open country. Buffalo numerous in these woods.
Several seen standing and gazing at the men, appearing
to hearken to the drums. Encamped on the head waters
of Pigeon creek.
l^th. — Marched at the usual time. Fine open country
until about twelve o'clock, intercepted by a thicket of
plum and rose bushes, which our pilot said reached to a
great distance on the right and left. Opened our way
through. Some delay and disorder. Columns unable to
keep their proper distances. Cattle scattered. Halted
until the cattle were collected. Moved on and encamped
on bank of Patoka.
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MAJOE EBENEZEE DENNY. 101
15th. — Heavy rain over night. Waited till twelve
o'clock. Got on tolerably well considering our tents be-
ing very heavy with the rain. Encamped on high ground
near a branch of Patoka.
16th. — Marched at daylight. Passed through a very
fine rich open country, and arrived at White river about
twelve : forded, breast high upon the men. Proceeded
to the river De Shay, and encamped.
17th. — Took up the order of march, not until nine
o'clock ; moved on near to Vincennes. Met by some of
the inhabitants. Halted and formed battalion, marched
into the village with colors, &c., and encamped close to
the American fort, Clark's block-house.
ISth. — Moved our encampment about a quarter of a
mile up the Wabash, for the sake of good water. Here
we found a number of Cherokee Indians, who had fled
to the French for refuge. The people on Cumberland,
joined by the Chickasaws, had lately made an expedi-
tion to their towns and totally defeated them. The
Cherokees were very shy of us, but being told by the
French that we intended no hostilities, they rejoiced ;
were thankful and claimed protection.
2lst. — The French inhabitants prepared and treated
the officers to a very pretty entertainment.
25th. — This day Major Hamtramck, with the boats
and baggage, arrived safe, excepting some few articles
which could not be brought on, owing to the water being
so shoal, and were left at the mouth of Wabash, guarded
by Ensign Sedam and a small party of troops. This
was a pleasant sight to us, as on leaving the boats we
\RY
UNIVER.- >f CALIFO
SANTA BARBARA
102
had divested ourselves of everything not indispensably
necessary. The six companies having now all assembled,
they made a handsome parade. Men well clothed and
well disciplined. The order and regularity observed
gave the people of Vincennes a very favorable opinion of
us. Our little camp, formed agreeably, in every respect,
to the regulations, with the company of artillery divided
on the right and left ; tents new, &c., made no indifferent
show. The inhabitants of Vincennes all French, except
a few Americans, who found their way here since the
war ; but few speak English. Had on several occasions
been visited by militia from Kentucky, who rather
served to alienate and estrange them. They viewed us
as belonging to another nation ; called us the real Amer-
icans.
26th. — Lieutenant Armstrong and forty-five privates
were detached with craft, to join Ensign Sedam, and as-
sist in bringing up the whole of the stores from the
mouth of the Wabash.
27 ill. — Several persons came in who had been with a
party that were defeated coming up the Wabash. They
informed us that the day before, just at the Grand
Rapids, a party of Indians, about fifteen in number, at-
tacked three perogues, killed three men and took four
prisoners, two of whom were French, who were liberated
immediately. Among the killed was a soldier of Cap-
tain Ziegler's company. One of those who made their es-
cape, informed us that Daniel Britt, with whom we had
left six soldiers at the Falls (to help him on, expecting
he would overtake our fleet before it would get to the
MAJOR EBENEZER DENNY. 103
Wabash), had passed the Wabash unknowingly, and was
as low down as Cherokee river; that two of the sol-
diers had come up from the boat in a canoe, and being
satisfied of the mistake, returned. Craft has been sent
for Britt's cargo, and is supposed will proceed until they
find him.
28th. — Two large canoes bearing white flags, appeared
coining down the Wabash ; they proved to be Pianke-
shaws, who inhabit the upper waters. Had been invited
by Colonel Le Gras to come and see their friends the
true Americans. Mr. Le Gras appears to be the chief
magistrate here ; sort of little governor among the
French ; is looked up to, and has great influence among
the neighboring Indians. The Piankeshaws were timor-
ous, having considered the Americans as their enemies.
Indeed it was but last year that a formidable expedition
went from Kentucky against their towns (but the princi-
pal officers, jealous of Clark, wTho had the command,
excited a dissatisfaction among the corps, and when
within a day or two's march of the Indians, broke up
their camp and returned home). Some pains taken to
conciliate and dispel their fear. They seemed to rejoice
at their reception, expressed great satisfaction ; said we
were different Americans from any they had seen. They
presented Colonel Harmar with an elegant calumet, and
departed, intending to return and bring with them all
the chiefs of the Wabash nation.
Aug. 4th. — A Mr. Vigo, a gentleman of Post Vin-
cennes, gave the officers of our corps an entertainment.
In the evening three Indian men came in, who had
MILITARY JOURNAL OP
been down the Wabash with Lieutenant Armstrong.
They brought information that forty Piankeshaws were
lying in wait, at the Grand Rapids, for Lieutenant
Armstrong's fleet; in consequence of which informa-
tion, Major Hamtramck, with a captain, one subaltern
and fifty-eight men, set out in three keel boats to meet
the fleet.
5^. — The whole of our boat stores arrived.
VINCENNES, 9th. — Colonel Harmar had informed us
of his intention to visit Kaskaskia and the settlements
on the Mississippi, and had directed me to detail a sub-
altern and twenty-eight men to accompany him. I felt
a desire to see the Mississippi, and offered myself for the
command. This the first time I solicited any service ;
others might do it, but this soliciting service was a busi-
ness I disapproved. Was living with the Colonel at the
time. However, he chose that I should not go. Ensign
M'Dowell was ordered in his turn for this pleasant tour.
They set out early this morning, accompanied by a very
accomplished Frenchman, a Mr. Tardiveau. Major
Wyllys, the senior officer, left to comm.and. A Mr. Ma-
son, with a small party, left us this day for the Falls.
By him sent several letters, under cover, to Mr. Kings-
bury, at the head of the Rapids, addressed to my friends
in Pennsylvania. One for P. F., Philadelphia ; another
for Mr. Lyon, Carlisle, and one for Doctor M'Dowell, at
Muskingum, all respecting my rank, &c. I likewise
sent per Mr. Bradford, a letter to my friend Parker, at
Lexington.
20tk. — A gentleman from Kaskaskia arrived, but did
MAJOR EBENEZER DENNY. 105
not meet the Colonel's party. Must have been upon dif-
ferent traces. Tells of two hundred Shawanees and
Delawares having left their villages on the Miami and
settled across the Mississippi, under protection of the
Spaniards. That more were expected, as the Spaniards
had given them pressing invitations.
2lst. — An express arrived from the Rapids, with dis-
patches for Colonel Harmar from the War Office. By
this opportunity I received a letter from Mr. Kingsbury,
telling me that he had forwarded my letter for P. F. and
the one to Carlisle, per Mr. Abner Dunn, through the
wildnerness.
Sept, 2d. — A runner from the Piankeshaws informed
Major Wyllys that the chiefs of the tribes invited down
had agreed to come, and that he might expect them
daily.
3d. — The Colonel and his party returned from the
Illinois.
5th. — One hundred of the Piankeshaws and Wyohto-
mas appeared in great style ; all in canoes, but twelve
horsemen who guarded the shore. The chiefs' canoes
carried white flags. On their approach they gave us
three fires. We were prepared for this, and had in
readiness twenty men, who returned the salute with
three rounds. They all came ashore — expressed much
gladness at seeing us as friends. Taking a little milk
for nourishment, they set out for town to see their French
brothers, giving another fire as they went oif.
7th. — Colonel Harmar made a speech to the Indians,
the purport of which was, informing them of the peace-
106 MILITARY JOURNAL OF
able disposition of the United States ; that he was di-
rected by the principal chief to take by the hand every
tribe of Indians desirous of peace, and authorized to
destroy those otherwise inclined. He told them that
everything should be done to make them glad ; that the
road should be kept clear and smooth between them and
us, that traders might pass freely and with safety, &c.
As a pledge of remembrance of the thirteen great fires
(the thirteen United States) , he presented each tribe with
thirteen strings of white wampum.
StL — Five of the Indian chiefs each made a reply to
the Colonel's speech, expressing their gladness at being
taken by the hand by their fathers the Bostonians. Pro-
fessed great friendship ; said that they had been misled,
were now sensible of their error ; hoped their fathers
would let all the blood which has been spilt be washed
down with the river, never to be seen or thought of
more. That they would stand upon fresh ground, keep
the road and the stumps between them and their fathers
quite smooth ; and as a proof and remembrance, each
presented the Colonel with a calumet and a string of
wampum.
107A. — The old chiefs attended, expecting, as was cus-
tomary, some presents. The Colonel told them that we
were warriors, that we did not come to purchase their
friendship with trinkets, but barely to take them by the
hand if they chose to give it ; if they did not, it was a
matter of indifference. But, however, since things had
been so well settled, he told them his warriors had a few
articles, which they would give to the old men only.
MAJOR EBENEZER DENNY. 107
The sachems returned thanks. Pleased to take what
they could get. The greatest beggars I have seen yet
among all the savages.
. — Two men out of fifteen who had set out on the
9th for the Rapids, returned, having been fired on near
the forks of White river, by a party of Indians. From
their report it is likely the greater number of their com-
pany fell a sacrifice. This story circulating through the
town had like to have frightened off all the Indians who
had been invited.
13th. — The Indians took their departure.
15//J. — Lieutenant Armstrong, with a party of soldiers
and militia,, set out to meet a drove of cattle which Mr.
Bradshaw, with some hands, was bringing on. Fortu-
nately the two parties met about seven miles off, and came
in the same evening. This day Captain Mercer and Mr.
Britt arrived from Kaskaskia.
Yincennes, or Post Yincennes, as it is called, is said to
be the most capital village in the western country.
There are about five hundred souls, French, and about
half as many Americans. It is handsomely situated on
the left bank of the Wabash, out of danger of the floods.
The village is built in the centre of a large prairie, the
greater part of which is at present cultivated, but under
no inclosure. A sufficiency only is inclosed for their
cattle, and is in common. Their houses are chiefly frame
work, and many of them covered with bark Five or six
families live on the opposite side and have little farms.
The land is excellent and the country generally fine for
growing. It was first settled by a Monsieur Yincennes,
108 MILITARY JOURNAL OF
near seventy years ago, from whom it takes its name
It is allowed to be one hundred and seventy miles from
Post Vincennes to Kaskaskia. The prairies between
these two places are remarkable. One, in particular, I
am told, is thirty miles in width, and near one hundred
miles in length. They run north and south. They are
grown up with long grass, free from brush and under-
wood ; here and there a small copse of handsome young
trees. The country abounds in buffalo, deer, elk and
bear.
Kaskaskia, though more ancient than the Post, is not so
extensive a village. Opposite is a settlement called Mi-
sere, where a lieutenant and five or six regular soldiers
are stationed. About sixty miles above Kaskaskia is
Cahokia, and opposite it, on the Spanish side, is St.
Louis, where the commandant (a lieutenant-colonel)
resides, with about twenty soldiers. Between Kaskas-
kia and Cahokia there are several small villages, some
of them inhabited by Americans only, wrho have emi-
grated to that country chiefly since the late war.
POST VINCENNES, 30th. — Orders issued for Ziegler's
and Strong's companies to march next day, with the
commandant, for the Rapids of the Ohio. Finney's and
Mercer's companies to embark on the 3d October, under
command of Major Wyllys, for the same place. Major
Hamtramck, with Ferguson's and Smith's companies, to
continue at the Post.
Oct. \st. — Set out with the commandant and the two
companies ; marched to a branch of the river De Shay,
supposed to be nine miles.
MAJOR EBENEZER DENNY.
2(7. — Crossed the west fork of White river and
encamped on a branch, - - - _t« • 20
3d. — Crossed and encamped on north fork of
White river, 24
4th. — Reached the Great Lick, - - - 18
§th. — Branch of Patoka, 16
6th. — Branch of Blue river, - - - 25
7th. — Rapids, - 18
130
In this route we pursued General Clark's trace, made
a twelvemonth ago, on his way against the Wabash In-
dians. First and second day passed through tolerable
land ; third day very indifferent, owing to the path keep-
ing about three and four miles distant, for thirty miles
up the north fork of White river, which led us through
neither rich nor level land, but just across the heads of
gullies leading into White river. Fourth day's march,
passed over a great deal of good land, particularly near
the Great Lick, which is not far distant from the road.
When within a few miles of the Lick, our hunters had
leave to go ahead. Presently heard the report of both
their guns, and in a few minutes five buffaloes made
their appearance, bearing furiously toward the head of
the column. When within fifty paces, the men in front
were permitted to fire ; this turned the heads of the ani-
mals ; they passed along and received the fire of the
whole line. Three only were shot down, near the rear,
where they approached within twenty paces. Fifth day's
march, through pretty good land. Sixth, barren. Sev-
110 MILITARY JOURNAL OF
enth, broken with knobs and small mountains, until we
got within seven or eight miles of the Rapids, when the
land became level and of the first quality.
9th. — Mr. Wells set out for Fort Pitt, with two light
boats, by whom I sent several letters ; one to Esquire
Lyon, and inclosed a duplicate of a letter sent from the
Post to G. F., and likewise two small letters inclosed to
my friends in Carlisle.
21st. — Major Wyllys, with our fleet, consisting of
eleven boats, arrived at the foot of the Rapids.
22(7. — Baggage brought round the Falls in wagons.
The troops marched up to the fort and took quarters
with us.
23d and 24th. — The men employed in dragging the
boats up through the Falls.
FORT FINXEY, Rapids of Ohio, 28th. — Colonel Harmar
received brevet commission, with pay and emoluments of
Brigadier-General. He sets out for Fort Harmar. Quar-
ter-master Pratt and myself accompany in a barge, with
sergeant and fourteen men. Orders left for Captains
Ziegler and Strong with their companies to follow on to-
morrow. Major Wyllys, with Finney's and Mercer's
companies, to continue at Fort Finney at the head of the
Rapids. Got to the eighteen mile Island.
29th, to Kentucky river.
30th, Big Bone creek.
3lst, Great Miami.
Nov. 1st, to the Little Miami.
2;?, about half way between Little Miami and Lime-
stone.
MAJOR EBENEZER DENNY. Ill
3^?, to Limestone.
4th, lay still.
5th, twenty-two miles up.
6th, just below Scioto.
7th, thirty miles up.
8th, just below Guyandot.
9th, within eighteen miles of the Great Kanahwa.
10^, six miles above the Great Kanahwa.
11M, got five miles above the Little Falls.
12th, to the Scioto settlement.
13th, arrived at Muskingum, Fort Harmar, after a
passage of sixteen days — one other day we spent at Lime-
stone.
20th. — Lieutenant Beatty arrived from New York,
with some pay for the regiment.
21st. — Ziegler's and Strong's companies arrive and
take quarters for the winter. Dough ty's company we
had left here. M'Curdy's, which had been employed
through the summer escorting the United States survey-
ors, was here also.
24th. — Alexander Parker and Mr. Dunn arrived on
their way to Kentucky, by whom I received several let-
ters from my friends at Carlisle and a box of linen.
Parker and Dunn left us the same day, not wishing to
lose good weather and high water.
Dec. 6th. — Captain Ashton, who had come to this place
with Parker and Dunn, set out for the Falls.
10th. — Lieutenant Beatty set out again for New York
for more cash.
12th. — Mr. Jacob Melcher, a candidate for the vacant
112 MILITARY JOURNAL OF
ensigncy in the Pennsylvania quota arrived ; with whom
came John Siddon, a man enlisted for one year to serve as
a ranger, and who had been taken prisoner on the Wa-
bash the 26th July last. At the time he was taken, he
received a slight wound on the hip. The Indians carried
him to their farthermost town on the Wabash and adopt-
ed him in a family, where he continued to live peaceably.
When an opportunity offered for his escape, he left them
and passed through several Delaware towns without any
interruption, and arrived safe at Pittsburgh.
2oth. — The river Ohio bound fast with ice.
Jan. 1st, 1788. — The weather continues exceedingly cold.
§th. — The thermometer sixteen degrees below zero.
Horses, &c., crossed the river on the ice.
20th. — The river broke up — much ice floating.
Feb. 4th. — The weather intensely cold ; the mercury
down to fourteen degrees below zero. A messenger
arrived from Captain Pipe, with a friendly talk, request-
ing that the roads might be kept smooth and clear for
the Delawares to pass and repass.
24:th. — The navigation had been shut or interrupted
by ice since 20th December last. To-day we had the first
arrival. Colonel Elaine, his son James, and Mr. C. Wil-
kins, all old acquaintances of the officers, came just from
Fort Pitt. Very glad to see them. Mr. Wilkins con-
tinues here, with a store of goods suitable for the troops.
March 1th. — Colonel Blain and his son left us and set
out with Mr. Spear, who was ordered to the Rapids to
bring up the commissioners' goods, to be in readiness for
the intended grand treaty.
MAJOR EBENEZER DENNY. 113
8th. — Captain Pipe and his tribe came in.
9^. — Although the time, for which the men now in
service were enlisted, does not expire until midsummer,
yet, to provide recruits and to have them out in season,
it was thought advisable that a few officers should go to
their respective States for that purpose. Accordingly
Captains Ziegler and Bradford (the latter in place of
Doughty, promoted,) and Lieutenant Pratt, the Quarter-
master, all volunteering this service, set out.
17th. — Mr. Schuyler pursued the recruiting officer
with some dispatches which had been forgotten.
April 6th. — Left Fort Harmar, in company with the
General and Daniel Britt, the contractor, on board a
barge with twelve oars.
7th. — Rained all day. Got to the fourth island on the
reach.
8^. — Fine day, with wind. Lay just below Fish creek.
9th. — The river still continues to rise. Had the water
remarkably hard. Got to Grave creek.
10^. — The water began to lower. Arrived at Wheel-
ing about eleven o'clock, when Mr. Britt took horse to
go by land to Pitt.
llth. — The river falling fast. Got to Edgington's.
1.2th. — A fine wind. Lay half mile above Beckar's
Fort.
13th. — Got to M'Intosh early in the evening, where we
tarried all night.
14th. — With extreme hard work we got to Fort Pitt.
15th. — A rainy morning ; the water began to rise.
16th. — A fine day. 17th, the same. 18th, cold rain.
8
114 MILITARY JOURNAL OF
. — Blustering rainy weather.
20tk. — A considerable quantity of snow fell. The
rivers up to a considerable height ; the weather exceed-
ingly cold.
2lst. — The weather moderate and the water falls.
22d. — Some rain, and windy. 23d, fine day. Water
falls slowly.
24th. — Rained in the morning. Cloudy.
2oth. — Wet and disagreeable day. 26th, rain all day.
Sunday, 27th. — It was the General's intention to spend
a day or two here, and proceed up the Allegheny river
to Fort Franklin (formerly Venango), but a continuation
of heavy rains and consequent high water, induced him
to delay for a more favorable time ; but unwilling to be
absent too long, we set out with high water, and rising.
This day we passed seven islands, and gained fifteen
miles.
28th. — Had severe thunder, with rain. Passed eight
islands and several lodges of Indians near Kiskiminitis.
Lay five miles above the mouth of that river.
29th. — Clear and cold. River still rising. Passed
seven islands, and encamped a mile above Mahoning.
30^. — Last night the contractor's boat, from Venango,
passed down on its way back to Pitt ; had a passage of
fifteen days up. Very hard water to-day. Passed two
islands ; gained twenty miles.
May 1st. — Current this day very rapid. Passed Stump
creek and six islands ; made about twenty miles.
2d. — Passed a creek on the east side about nine o'clock.
Eleven o'clock passed another, and about half after three
MAJOK EBENEZER DENNY. 115
another of considerable size, on the west side, supposed
to be Sandy. Five islands this day, and rain from
morning till night.
3d. — About eight o'clock this morning, after passing
one island, we entered the mouth of French creek. The
fort stands half a mile up. Several miles below we were
discovered by some Indians, who cut across and gave
notice to Captain Heart of our approach. The arrival
of General Harmar was announced with seven rounds
of a six-pounder from the fort. Very kindly received
by the Captain and Lieutenant Frothingham, at the
head of their command. The company reviewed and
dismissed. Spent the day in examining Captain Heart's
work, viewing the adjacent country and the old fortifica-
tions of the French and British. There is a fine flat of
good land here, altogether on the lower side of French
creek, sufficient for several farms. The only flat land
from Mahoning or Mohelboteetam, up. The hills come
in close on the opposite sides, both of French creek and
the Allegheny river, and I am informed that the coun-
try for at least five miles in all directions, is very much
broken with hills and rocks. Captain Heart's Fort, or
Fort Franklin, as it is called, is built precisely after the
one which had been erected by the British, called Ve-
nango. It is a square redoubt, with a block-house three
stories high, in the centre ; stands better than half a
mile up French creek, upon very good ground ; but the
situation, in my opinion, by no means so eligible as that
of old Venango built by the English. This last work
stood upon commanding ground pretty close to the bank
116 MILITAEY JOUENAL OF
of the Allegheny, half a mile below French creek, and
a mile from Fort Franklin. The cellar wall and huge
stack of chimneys of the block-house, are of stone, and
yet quite entire. The parapet and some other parts re-
main perfect, and the whole work might have been re-
built with half the labor and expense of that built by
Heart. The only reason the captain could offer for
taking new ground, was the convenience of timber. The
French, who made the first establishment here, chose the
ground several hundred yards below where the British
built. They had a small stockade fort; some remains
of it are yet to be seen. But around the British work
there is everything to be seen which was not consum-
ed by the fire — ditches and parapets, stone walls, &c.
Several handsomely disposed gardens, walks, &c., very
visible, and a few fruit trees remaining still ; some gar-
den roots, &c., particularly the parsnip, in considerable
abundance.
We see a number of the Senecas here. The Sene-
cas, who inhabit the banks of the Allegheny, some
three or four day's journey above this, are frequently
here. They bring their peltry and exchange it with the
traders for such articles as suit them. We saw several
families of them ; all appeared indolent, dirty, inanimate
creatures ; most so of any Indians I had seen.
4#A. — Left Fort Franklin at five o'clock. Allegheny
river flowing brim full ; current not less perhaps than
six miles an hour. We worked twelve oars steadily.
Had two extra hands that afforded some relief; and
except about an hour, which was taken up in whole in
MAJOE EBENEZEK DENNY. 117
eating, and a little time spent on an island, we lost no
time. Arrived and landed at the fort on the Mononga-
hela side precisely at eight o'clock — fifteen hours passage.
After leaving the mouth of French creek, there appeared
little else than hills and rocks and rugged looking ridges
until as low as Mahoning, or what was originally called
Mohelboteetam ; from thence the bottoms increased on
one side or the other until we reached Pitt. Some very
beautiful situations and tracts of land, indeed ; old Kit-
tanning a delightful one.
7th. — Accompanied General Harmar on horseback on
a visit to his lands in Westmoreland countv. Made
«.
nearly the same tour I had done last winter was a year.
Returned to Pitt on Sunday, the llth.
13^. — Visited my uncle John M'Clure's family, nine
miles above Pitt, on the Monongahela ; spent a very
pleasant day. Two or three gentle acquaintances were
along; they were formerly from Carlisle. A very re-
spectable portion of the society of Pittsburgh are from
that place, and this circumstance, no doubt, tends to at-
tract and to create the social intercourse and very great
harmony which prevails among them.
15^. — A Mr. White, member of Congress, and some
gentlemen of Pittsburgh, accompanied the General in
the barge, on a visit up the Monongahela to Braddock's
Field. We viewed the battle ground. Saw several
small heaps of bones which had been collected, with a
little brushwood thrown over them. The bones of the
poor soldiers are still lying scattered through the woods,
118 MILITARY JOURNAL OF
but the ground where the heaviest of the action was is
now under cultivation.
17^. — Lieutenant Beatty, our pay-master, arrived
from Isrew York with cash for the troops.
20th. — He set out for Yenango by land, escorted by
five soldiers. After paying that post, he will return to
Pitt to proceed with us in the barge to Fort Harmar.
23d. — General Arthur St. Clair, lately appointed Gov-
ernor of the Western Territory, arrived at Pitt. He has
been expected for some time. Had dispatched messen-
gers to the Indian towns to invite them to another treaty.
Accompanied by the Governor we took another road to
Braddock's Field, and visited the remains of poor Brad-
dock's soldiers. On our return I saw my uncle's family.
27th. — The messengers returned from the Indian
towns, inform us that no assemblage of them can be had
for two or three months. The Governor returns to Lig-
onier, where his family reside.
28th. — General Harmar, Mr. White and myself em-
barked for Fort Harmar, at which place wTe arrived
about twelve o'clock on the night of the 29th. Here we
found Spear and Melcher, two subalterns of the regiment,
and Mr. Ephraim Blaine. They had landed a few hours
before us. Spear and Melcher, on their way from Vin-
cennes, below the Falls, were fired upon by a party of
savages in ambush on the bank, close up which the oth-
ers were rowing. Two men only were killed. It is a
matter of astonishment, that when the Indians do attack
our boats in this dastardly way, from the very great ad-
MAJOR EBENEZER DENNY. 119
vantage they have, that the men in the boats are not all
destroyed. There have been too many instances this
spring of our people being fired on, but the loss incon-
siderable to what it might have been. Preparations are
making for another grand treaty. Government have
directed it. Our commandant thinks it all idle business.
One-half will come in, sign articles and receive presents,
while the others are killing, scalping and doing us every
possible damage they can.
An association of persons in the New England States,
having made a purchase from the United States of a
tract of country extending along the Ohio about one
hundred and fifty miles, and back perhaps thirty, had
formed themselves into a company known by the name
of the Ohio Company. A number of the proprietors and
directors elected had come on and fixed upon the ground
at the confluence of the Muskingum and Ohio rivers, as
a central situation from which they could extend their
operations, and at the same time be protected by the
garrison of Fort Harmar, which was situate on the other
side of the Muskingum. These men from New England,
many of whom were of the first respectability, old Revo-
lutionary officers, had erected and were now living in huts
immediately opposite us. A considerable number of in-
dustrious farmers had purchased shares in the company,
and more or less arrive every week. A spacious city is
laid out here, called Marietta, in honor of the Queen of
France. About half a mile up the Muskingum, upon
very commanding ground, the site of a very ancient and
very extraordinary fortification, was erected a place of
L20 MILITARY JOURNAL OF
arms and security,, called Campus Martius. Building
put up of hewn timber, two stories high, forming an ob-
long square, with strong block-houses in each angle, leav-
ing a considerable area; here their stores, &c., were
lodged, and some families perhaps more timid than others,
reside, but generally both men and women appear en-
terprising. Generals Parsons and Varum, two of the
company's directors, were also territorial judges. Mr.
Symmes, the other judge, was the principal agent in the
purchase of another tract of country, including the Mi-
amis.
8th. — Jane Beatty arrived from Fort Pitt.
9th. — Armstrong embarked for Fort Pitt.
13^. — Ensign M'Dowell, with a party of soldiers, set
out to escort Mr. Duncan, the provisions and stores in-
tended for a treaty, to the Falls of Muskingum.
June \otJi. — Major Doughty embarked in the barge
for Fort Pitt. His design is to accompany Governor St.
Glair to this post.
July 4th. — The officers of Fort Harmar were enter-
tained on the point (Marietta side) by the Ohio Com-
pany. Heard a very suitable oration delivered by Judge
Yarum.
8^. — Captain Bradford and Lieutenant Ernest ar-
rived from New York, where they had been sent to re-
cruit. Their Legislature not having taken up the re-
quisition of Congress for raising the regiment, these
gentlemen were obliged to return without effecting their
object.
9th. — The arrival of the Governor of the Western Ter-
MAJOR EBENEZEE DENNY. 121
ritory (General St. Clair) was announced by the dis-
charge of thirteen rounds from a six-pounder. The
garrison turned out, and troops received him with pre-
sented arms.
~L3tk. — About a month since, Ensign M'Dowell, with
a command of thirty men, escorted boats with provisions,
&c., to the Falls of Muskingum, about seventy-five miles
up, where the intended treaty was to be held. We are
informed by express that his party were attacked in their
camp yesterday by a party of Tawas ; that his picket
guard was routed ; two soldiers only were killed and one
missing. A black servant of Mr. Duncan was killed.
The Indians were repulsed with the loss of one killed
and left behind.
14£A. — This evening a party with a craft was sent up
the Muskingum to bring off Ensign M'Dowell, command,
&c. The treaty, if any, determined to be held at Fort
Harmar.
15th. — Winthrop Sargent, Secretary of the Territory,
and one of the directors of the Ohio Company, had
reached this with the ordinance of Congress respecting
the government, and with the commissions for the sever-
al officers. The people convened on the point ; military
officers invited over. When assembled, the Secretary
read the law and the appointments. Those people ap-
pear the most happy folks in the world ; greatly satisfied
with their new purchase. But they certainly are the
best informed, most courteous and civil to strangers of
any people I have yet met with. The order and regu-
larity observed by all,, their sober deportment and perfect
122 MILITARY JOURNAL OF
submission to the constituted authorities, &c., must tend
much to promote their settlements.
16M. — Lieutenant Ford, who had been stationed at
Fort M'lntosh, arrived with his party. He is to proceed
to Post Yincennes to join his company.
Yiih, — Lieutenant Beatty embarked with part of
Ford's command for the Rapids.
20th. — Ensign M'Dowell returned. By his address be-
fore he left his camp, had managed to get hold of six of
the fellows who had made the attack upon him. They
were brought down bound, and confined under the garri-
son guard. They called themselves Tawas and Chippewas.
28th. — Two of our Indian prisoners made their escape
from the guard. Four of the soldiers had been conduct-
ing them, as was usual, to the necessary which stands
outside the fort. Those within are used only after night.
A corn patch adjoining the necessary. The Indians had
previously found that the irons on their hands and feet
could be slipped off ; when close to the corn, and at a
moment when the attention of the guard was taken off,
they slipped their shackles, leaped into the corn field,
which sheltered them from the view of the sentries, aiid
were soon out of reach.
Aug. 7th. — Ensign Thompson sent express to Fort
Pitt with orders for Captain Ziegler, who we hear has
arrived there with his company.
Sth. — Lieutenant Ford set out for the Rapids of the
Ohio ; from thence he is to proceed with the pay-master
to Post Vincennes.
17th. — Captain Heart arrived from Venango, and Cap-
MAJOE EBENEZER DENNY. 123
tain Strong set off for Connecticut, by whom I wrote to
my friend J. C.
27th. — Judge Bynames, with-several boats and families,
arrived on their way to his new purchase at the Miami.
Has a daughter (Polly) along. They lodge with the
General and Mrs. Harmar. Stay three days and depart-
If not greatly mistaken, Miss Symmes will make a fine
woman. An amiable disposition and highly cultivated
mind, about to be buried in the wilderness.
31st. — Captain Smith arrived from New York on his
way to the Post to join his company. With him came
Ensign Thompson, Mr. Melcher and Mr. Brown, a
member of Congress from Kentucky.
Sept. 1st. — Mr. Brown proceeded down the river.
2d. — Captain Heart and Major Doughty set out for
Venango. The latter to muster the troops at that post.
9th. — General Richard Butler, commissioner on the
part of Pennsylvania, and Captain James O'Hara, the
contractor, with Cornplanter and about fifty Senecas,
arrive. They were escorted from Pitt by Captain Zieg-
ler's company of recruits. They were received with a
salute of three rounds of cannon and the music. Zieg-
ler is a German, had been in Saxon service previous to
our late war with England. Takes pride in having the
handsomest company in the regiment ; and to do him jus-
tice, his company has been always considered the first in
point of discipline and appearance. Four-fifths of his
company have been Germans. Majority of the present
are men who served in Germany.
FORT HARMAR, IWi. — Mitchell arrived express from
124 MILITARY JOURNAL OF
the Falls, by whom we learn that Lieutenant Peters
with a command of thirty men, had been defeated near
the mouth of the "Wabash. Eight of his men were
killed and ten wounded. That one boat loaded with
provisions fell into the hands of the enemy. That Mr.
Peters retreated down the Ohio, and was making for
Kaskaskia. By the same express are told that Captain
Hardin, from Kentucky, had conducted thirty active
woodsmen (militia) into the Indian country about the
mouth of the Wabash, and it was supposed had fallen
in with the Indians who defeated Peters ; that he had
returned to the Falls with thirty horses taken and ten
scalps. Messengers arrive from the Indian towns. Say
the nations in grand council had agreed to attend the
treaty. Saw the young men return daily with scalps.
12tk. — A singular occurrence took place to-day in sight
of the fort, between two of the Seneca Indians. Both
among the best looking men, and duly sober, met, drew
their knives and fought until both sank under their
wounds. It seems that they had formerly lived together
as brothers. One of them, a married man, was obliged
to go on a mission to some distant nations, and unable
to take along his wife, left her in charge of his friend,
who was to provide for and protect her. When the hus-
band returned he found that his poor frail wife had been
left in care of a savage. She was seduced and carried
out of the nation. He bore this with manly fortitude,
but resolved if they ever met, one of them must die. It
seems that they had a knowledge of each other coming
here, and were prepared for the meeting and for what
MAJOE EBEXEZER DENNY. 125
took place. The fellow who had eloped with the woman
came last from the Shawanee towns, where it is said he
lately killed a girl for refusing to comply with his wishes.
14th. — A messenger arrived from the Indian towns
with speeches, &c. They report that all the nations
will attend the grand treaty as soon as possible for them
to arrive. That they had been counciling at the Miami
town, where they had agreed on the above ; at the same
time scalps were daily brought in by the young men.
15th. — Mr. Ernest and Mr. Wilkins set out for Fort
Pitt, the former with orders to relieve Lieutenant
Schuyler, who is stationed there. By the latter I sent
a letter to my sister Nancy, and inclosed a bank note of
twenty dollars.
21st. — Lieutenant Armstrong arrived on his way to
the Falls.
22d. — Lieutenant Kersey, with forty-eight Jersey re-
cruits, and Ensign Hartshorn, with twenty-nine from
Connecticut, arrived.
29th. — Major Doughty arrived from Yenango, where
he had been sent to muster Captain Heart's command.
With him came Major Alexander and several other gen-
tlemen.
Oct. 4th. — Captain M'Curdy, with Ensign Hartshorn
and cadet Morgan, and about forty men, were detached
to escort the geographer to the Scioto river.
13th. — Doctor Knight joined the regiment in character
of a substitute for Doctor Sumner, who had occasion to
remain at home longer than his furlough specified.
One of the two savages mentioned on the 12th Sep-
126
tember as having fought respecting a woman, is found
drowned in the Muskingum. It is said the tribe gener-
ally wished for his exit, and that some of them must
have been the instruments of his death. Every possible
attention was paid by the Senecas, as well as by the sur-
o-eon of the garrison, to the husband. His life was
despaired of. The other totally neglected, an outcast,
left to shift for himself, to dress himself; a small portion
of victuals sent daily from the fort, and left in his reach
where he lay near the bank. Notwithstanding, and con-
trary to the expectation and wishes, was recovering and
able to crawl about, when now, a month after the fight,
and all hopes of his death having ceased, he is found
drowned in the Muskingum. Some one or two of his
nation had in the night dragged him down the bank and
put him in the river. From the appearance of the
ground being torn up where he lay and along to the
water's edge, he must have made considerable resistance.
~L9th. — General Gibson, a commissioner on the part of
the State of Pennsylvania, arrived from Fort Pitt. He
and General Butler are appointed by the State to treat
with the Indians, particularly the Senecas, and to make
them compensation for a tract of country lying on Lake
Erie, and including Presqu' Isle, which the State has
purchased of Congress.
20th. — Notwithstanding the treaty was solicited by the
savages, it is doubtful whether the chiefs will come in or
not. A late message from them says, that they have
been informed by good authority, that we have poisoned
the whiskey which we intend for them ; and infection for
MAJOR EBENEZER DEXXY. 127
the small pox has been put in the blankets to be present-
ed them. This message, with the daily accounts of mis-
chief doing in some quarter or other, seem to indicate as
if they had no mind to treat. Three canoes arrived last
night from Limestone, brought accounts that Lieutenant
Armstrong's boat was fired on near the Scioto ; that one
of his men was shot through the cheek. The Indians
have lately killed a soldier in the vicinity of the fort at
the Rapids, and not content with scalping him, cut him
in four quarters and hung them up on the bushes.
28th. — OK W., a trusty Indian messenger who had
been sent to the towns, arrived with an account that
the chiefs were preparing to attend the treaty, and might
be expected in twelve or fifteen days.
Nov. 1st. — Captain M'Curdy, with his command, and
the geographer, arrived.
7th. — Messengers Wilson and Rankin return from the
Indian towns. With them came Captain Davie, of the
Six Nations, and several others. These last are from
Grand river, on the British side of Lake Erie. Brant
is expected in a few days.
Dec. 13th. — About two hundred Indians arrive — con-
sist of Delawares, Wyandots, Senecas, Tawas, Pottowat-
tamies, Chippewas and Socks. No Shawanees.
14ith. — Meeting in council house to welcome each oth-
er, &c.
15th. — Met in council. Treaty opened. This evening
Captains Ferguson and Beatty set out, and Ensign M'-
Dowell arrived, who had been escorting Mr. Marten sur-
veying up the Scioto.
128 MILITAET JOURNAL OF
20th. — The weather extremely cold. The river driving
with ice. The Governor and Indians have had frequent
meetings in the council house, but nothing conclusive yet.
29th. — A grand council was held. The old Wyandot
chief, Shandotto, addressed the Governor in behalf of all
the nations present. He began by telling their origin
and how the thirteen fires had gotten possession of their
country; how we had in two instances cheated them.
The first, he said, was in a bargain made with them for
just as much ground as an ox's hide would cover, merely
to build one fire upon. The Americans cut the hide into
strings and claimed all the ground they could encompass
therewith. The second case was a bargain for such an
extent of country, in a certain direction, as a white man
would travel to and back in one day. A surprising
walker was found, who went as far and back again the
same day as any of their swiftest men could do in two.
These, said he, were submitted to, as you were strangers
in our country, and professed to be our friends, but you
have gone on from one step to another, so that we don't
know when you will stop. At a treaty concluded to the
northward, before the late war, he said, they had given
up all the country south of the Ohio river. That boun-
dary was a very plain one. It was such as could not be
altered or mistaken ; there could be no dispute about
it. Concluded by saying that all the nations present had
determined to grant no more of the country, but were
willing to abide by the treaty which established the river
Ohio as the boundary line. He presented a large belt
of wampum with a black stripe running through the
MAJOK EBENEZER DENNY. 129
middle of it, representing the Ohio river dividing, &c.
The Governor replied, and told them that he could not
possibly make the least deviation from the treaties which
had been concluded at Fort Stanwix, at Fort M'Intosh
and at the Miami river. That at these treaties the sev-
eral boundaries had been fixed, and were unalterable.
Council adjourned. Several days pass over. Indians
pow-wowing. The Ohio rising and driving with ice.
Jan. 6th, 1789. — All hands assemble again. The Gov-
ernor made a speech to the Indians. Explained to them
by a simile how they had forfeited their country. He
supposed the Wyandots and some distant nation at war
with each other. The Shawanees living between, were
desired by the Wyandots to lie still, which was agreed
to, but the Shawanees being of a restless disposition, and
easy persuaded, took up the hatchet against their neigh-
bors the Wyandots ; notwithstanding, the Wyandots con-
quered their enemies, and obliged them to sue for peace,
and the Shawanees' lands were given as a price for the
same. Now, whether had not the Wyandots a good
claim to the lands? They all agreed it was but just;
then, said he, this is exactly your case, you took up the
hatchet against the United States, and joined the English
in the late war. The English, to obtain peace, ceded to
the United States all the country south of the great
lakes. He told them that they had been all summer en-
deavoring to meet, but it seemed to be to no purpose.
The United States, he said, were much inclined to be at
peace with all the Indians, but if the Indians wanted
war they should have war. He told them that if they
9
130 MILITARY JOURNAL OF
would renew the articles which had been agreed to and
signed at M'Intosh and at the other treaties, he would
add another article, and allow them the privilege of hunt-
in^ any where in the United States' territory, and would
deliver over to them a certain quantity of goods, such as
might be agreed on. Adjourned.
Sth. — Lieutenant Pratt joined us, from Connecticut,
with about seventy recruits.
9^. — In council once more. The old Wyandot chief,
Shandotto, who spoke for all the nations present, said he
was sorry the Governor talked of war. It was not long
since both had felt the effects of it. For their part, they
wished for no more. He said they all had a great re-
gard for the thirteen fires, and would do everything in
their power to accommodate them for the sake of peace,
only hoped the line would be removed a little way.
llth. — This was the last act of the farce. The articles
were signed.
13^. — The goods were given out to the different na-
tions of Indians. The death of General Yernum, one
of the judges of the territory, who was buried this after-
noon, is generally lamented. The officers of the fort at-
tended his funeral.
22d — The Indians mostly dispersed. Mr. Thompson,
Luce and Schuyler, embarked for the Rapids.
2Stk. --The Governor, Pennsylvania commissioners,
and sundry other gentlemen attending the grand treaty,
left us for Fort Pitt.
Feb. 15th. — Captain Bradford, with his company, em-
barked for the Rapids. Dr. Carmichael proceeded with
MAJOR EBENEZER DENNY. 131
him as far as the Great Miami, there to join Lieutenant
Kersey.
22d. — Married this evening, Captain David Ziegler, of
the first regiment, to Miss Sheffield, only single daughter
of Mrs. Sheffield, of Campus Martius, city of Marietta.
On this occasion I played the captain's aid, and at his
request, the memorandums made. I exhibited a charac-
ter not more awkward than strange, at the celebration
of Captain Ziegler's nuptials, the first of the kind I had
been a witness to.
March 18th. — Lieutenant Kingsbury was sent to con-
duct a number of M'Curdy's discharged men to Fort
Pitt.
April 19th. — Ensign Hartshorn detached with a party
for Wheeling, where he expected to meet Mr. Ludlow,
with whom he was to proceed to run the northern boun-
dary of the Ohio Company purchase.
May 1st. — The Indians attack and kill a Mr. King, a
proprietor in the Ohio Company, just below the Little
Kanahwa, where a settlement is forming. The directors
apply to General Harmar for a few soldiers for the pro-
tection of the place. A sergeant, corporal and fifteen
men, detached to protect the settlement below, called
Belpre, and a corporal and eight sent up the Mus-
kingum to Wolf creek, where the people are making
another settlement.
5th. — The commission of first Lieutenant, which ought
to have been sent me last year, was received but to-day.
It is dated 28th of March last ; the detention occasioned
by a claim, of Mr. Spear for the same appointment.
132 MILITARY JOURNAL OF
Spear had filled a vacant ensigncy twelve months after
our appointments, but having been an older subaltern in
the Revolutionary war, thought he was still entitled to
the right. Our State, where the appointments originate,
decided against him. This evening Lieutenant Ford,
with Captain Mercer's company, arrived from Vincen-
nes. Captain Mercer and Lieutenant Peters came also,
on their way home
28th. • — Two parties of a corporal and nine men each
were detached to escort the surveyors of the Ohio Com-
pany in running out certain ranges upon the river, and
to the extension of the purchase westward. They took
two men and provisions.
June 4:th. — Lieutenant Kingsbury, Mr. Tupper and
myself set out in a small boat with four men, to visit
the settlements made by the New England people on
donation lands, called Belpre settlement. We got
down about one o'clock — found everything appeared as
well as industry could make.
5th. — We embarked and returned up within seven
miles of the garrison. Landed and struck off on a west
line, and at the distance of one mile, got upon Mr.
Kingsbury's one hundred and sixty acre lot, and mine,
which adjoins his. We found mine to be tolerably good
land, having a branch of the Little Hockhocking run-
ning directly through it. A great deal of poplar, walnut,
locust, cherry, shellbark hickory and black oak. Re-
turned to the boat and got home about dark.
9^. — Ensign Hartshorn and his party returned from
escorting Mr. Ludlow, the surveyor, who was running
MAJOR EBENEZER DENNY. 133
the northern boundary of the Ohio Company purchase.
They completed the business without the least molestation.
9th. — Major Wyllys, Ensign Sedam and Dr. Allison,
arrived from the Rapids on their way to New York.
28th. — A young Delaware came in with information
that George Washington was wounded by some person
in ambush, on the Tuscarawas branch of the Mus-
kingum. They are willing to lay it to Brant's people,
but at the same time think the mischief done by militia
from Wheeling.
July 7th. — Major Doughty joined us from New York.
l&h. — Captain M'Curdy and Ensign M'Dowell came
with forty-four recruits — good looking fellows.
Aug. 9th. — Captain Strong, with his two subalterns,
Lieutenant Kingsbury and Ensign Hartshorn, and a
complete company of seventy men, embark for the Mi-
ami.
\\th. — Captain Ferguson joined us with his recruits.
Major Doughty follows Captain Strong for the purpose
of choosing ground and laying out a new work intended
for the protection of persons who have settled within the
limits of Judge Symme's purchase.
21st. — A corporal and six men escorting surveyors of
the Ohio Company, attacked by the Indians. The cor-
poral only escaped.
Sept. 4:th. — Ferguson with his company ordered to join
Strong in erecting a fort near the Miami. Lieutenant
Pratt, the quarter-master, ordered to the same place.
14th. — At a meeting of the agents of the Ohio Land
Company, a tract of land lying at or near the mouth of
134 MILITARY JOURNAL OF
Tyger's or Kyger's creek, on the Ohio, about four or five
miles above the Great Kanahwa, was granted to an as-
sociation of thirty-five proprietors, formed for settling
the same ; each to have one hundred acres at least. The
1st September, 1790, is the time allowed for commencing
the settlement. Captain Beatty and myself are of the
association.
22d. — Captain Heart, with his company from Fort
Franklin, arrive here.
Nov. 10th. — The General intends removing to head-
quarters very shortly, to the new fort building by Ma-
jor Doughty, opposite the mouth of Licking creek. Had
hinted that a short furlough would be very desirable
before I went lower down, and if I could be excused
from the regiment, would proceed to Philadelphia, and
complete some business of his and of the officers of the
Pennsylvania quota. I had, in the absence of quarter-
master, performed both duties of adjutant and quarter-
master. Mr. Pratt I always found ready and willing.
On this occasion he volunteered, and I obtained a fur-
lough until 1st May. Embarked in a twelve oar boat
with Doctor Scott.
llth. — Lay near the upper end of the Long Reach.
12th. — Met a rise of water, and got one mile above
Sunfish.
13th. — Rainy weather. Lay all night at Mr. Mahan's,
seven miles below Wheeling.
14th. — Deposited with Esquire Zeens sundry articles
found with Rogers (drowned), to be sent to his wife at
Marietta. Got to Carpenter's at Short creek.
MAJOE EBENEZER DENNY. 135
. — High water. Lay one mile above Holliday's
Cove.
\Qth. — The river continued to rise. With hard work
we made Dawson's, opposite the mouth of Little Beaver,
about eight o'clock at night.
17th. — As we turned up Beaver creek, to go to the
block-house two miles up, where an officer and party is
stationed, we met General Parson's canoe, with some
property, floating down. Found the old gentleman, in
attempting to pass the Falls, about five miles up, was
cast out and drowned, with one man who accompanied
him. Judge Parsons was esteemed a useful, enterprising
citizen. He had an interest in Salt Spring tract, on the
Mahoning, and anxious to prove the navigation of the
Falls practicable, the experiment cost him his life. It is
said that his life was insured in New York.
18th. — Set out after breakfast and got as high as the
lower end of Montour's Island.
19M. — Arrived at Pittsburgh about two o'clock, P. M.,
when to our great satisfaction we found Major Wyllys,
Captain Mercer, Captain Beatty, Lieutenant Peters, En-
sign Sedam and Doctor Allison, all on their way to join
the regiment.
PITTSBURGH, Dec. £th. — With Beatty, the pay-master,
I had business which detained me here longer than was
intended. My boat and crew were taken back by these
officers. Got upon the road this afternoon.
12th. — Reached Carlisle.
Jan. 9th, 1790. — Left Carlisle in company with Mr.
136 MILITAEY JOUENAL OF
Xesbit. That evening reached the Susquehanna on my
way to Philadelphia.
\3th. — Arrived in the city after a cold and tedious ride.
26th. — Having settled all my business fully, took leave
of the pleasing amusements of the city and got back to
my friends at Carlisle on the 29th. Had been here but
a few days, when a strange indisposition came on me,
altogether unaccountable. Few persons have been favor-
ed with better health than I have enjoyed all my life ;
once only, in South Carolina was I laid up for a while.
Temperance and an active life may have contributed to
exempt when few escaped, but never was without a grate-
ful sense of the favor of Divine Providence. In the
present case endeavored for several days to keep up,
when it was discovered that I had taken the measles, a
disease very prevalent here at this time, and which it
was supposed I had had. This sickness could not have
taken me at a more convenient or happy time — was in
the house with my mother and sisters. In the space of
a couple of weeks was again about, and as soon as it was
prudent to be exposed to the roads and weather, left my
kind and aifectionate relations, and arrived at Pittsburgh
on the 22d. March.
April \\tli. — No place appears to me more inviting
than this ; could willingly remain here awhile, but my
furlough draws to a close, nor would I go over it one day,
for a week of pleasure anywhere. Besides, I know that
nothing short of unavoidable delay would do in my case.
The only conveyance for one down the river is a Ken-
MAJOR EBENEZER DENNY. 137
tucky boat loaded with flour for head-quarters. The
boat and hands are put under my charge, and with three
soldiers, making seven of us, we set sail.
.— Buffalo creek.
. — Land at Fort Harmar, mouth of Muskingum,
a place where I had spent most part of the last two years
with much satisfaction. It was now in a manner desert- s
ed. Head-quarters had been removed to Fort Washing-
ton, opposite the mouth of Licking. Spent one day with
some old friends of the Ohio Company. Accounts from
below that Indians are in force on the river near Scioto.
17$. — Reached the Great Kanahwa, where were sev-
eral boats waiting to increase their force. An express
had arrived from Limestone to Colonel Lewis, with ac-
counts that the savages had attacked and taken several
boats at the mouth of Scioto.
18$. — While waiting to enlarge our fleet, Mr. Kings-
bury arrived from the Miami, by whom I received a let-
ter from the General, but too late for me to execute his
business.
19$. — Having examined the several boats and the
people on board, the arms, &c., and made such disposi-
tion of the whole as was thought most judicious, sailed
at the head of sixteen Kentuck boats and two keels.
The Kentucky boats were lashed three together and kept
in one line. Women, children and stock all put into
the middle boats. Outside boats only manned and
worked. The men belonging to each block of boats had
their own commanding officer, and the whole could re-
pair to either side as necessity might require. The keels
138 MILITARY JOURNAL OF
kept on each flank. The river is in good navigable or-
der, and weather pleasant. The boats were enabled to
keep their stations. Passed the Scioto about daylight.
20th.— About eight o'clock in the morning a .storm of
wind and rain met us. Such a one I had never before
seen on the river. The boats had to be cut loose, and
even when single were in danger of filling every instant.
At this time were supposed to be about five miles below
Scioto and close upon the Indian shore. Any apprehen-
sion from the Indians by me was forgotten ; I was clear
for making the nearest land, headed my boat for shore,
and made the signal for the others to follow. One only
obeyed the signal and landed along side of me. The
rest passed and made for the Kentucky side, at the
hazard of their lives. They, however, got safe, with no
other damage than shipping large quantities of water.
In this situation we were obliged to remain the whole
day. As the sun went down the storm ceased. I fired
a gun and put off — the boats all followed, and next
morning reached Limestone.
LIMESTOXE, 2lst. — Upon landing here was informed
that an officer of the regiment^ with soldiers, was on the
opposite shore. Procured a light boat and crossed the
river, where I found Lieutenant Pratt with a small party
of men. He informed me that General Harmar, with
about three hundred regulars and Arolunteers, had
marched the morning before for Paint creek, which
empties into the Scioto about sixty miles up, at which
place it was expected the Indians who had been on the
Ohio, would be found with their plunder. Here I found
MAJOR EBENEZER DENNY. 139
that the General had calculated my time, for expecting
that Mr. Pratt would see me, he had left instructions for
me to proceed to Fort Washington. Parted with Pratt
in the evening.
22d. — Arrived at Fort Washington about twelve o'clock.
FORT WASHINGTON, May 2d. — The troops returned
from Paint creek, under command of Captain Ferguson.
General Harmar parted with them at mouth of Scioto,
and proceeded in his barge for Muskingum.
July 11 th. — Governor St. Clair arrived at Fort Wash-
ington from the Illinois, where he had spent part of the
winter and spring in organizing the several counties in
that quarter of the territory, and establishing a system
of government. General Harmar had returned to head-
quarters some weeks since. The Governor remained
with us but three days. In the mean time it was agreed
and determined that General Harmar should conduct
an expedition against the Maumee towns, the residence
of all the renegade Indians, from whence issued all the
parties who infest our frontiers. One thousand militia
were ordered from Kentucky, and the Governor on his
way to New York, the seat of the general government,
was to order five hundred from the back counties of
Pennsylvania. 15th September was the time appointed
for the militia to assemble at Fort Washington.
\bth. — The General commenced his preparations; cal-
culations of provisions, horses, stores, &c., were imme-
diately made out and ordered accordingly. Every day
employed in the most industrious manner. Captain
Ferguson, with his company, engaged in getting in com-
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