Lord Dunmore--Glance at the South--Suspicious conduct of Sir John
Johnson--Conduct of the Tories in Tryon County--Gen. Schuyler directed
by Congress to march into that County and disarm the Tories--Preliminary
mission to the Lower Mohawks--Message to them--Their displeasure and
reply--March of Schuyler--Meets the Indians at Schenectady--Interview
and speeches--Advance of Schuyler--Letter to Sir John
Johnson--Interview--Negotiations of capitulation--Terms
proposed--Schuyler advances to Caughnawaga--Joined by Tryon County
Militia--Farther correspondence with Sir John--Interview with the Indian
mediators--Terms of surrender adjusted--Schuyler marches to
Johnstown--Sir John, his household, and the Highlanders,
disarmed--Troops scour the country to bring in the
loyalists--Disappointment as to the supposed Tory _Depot_ of warlike
munitions--Return of Schuyler to Albany--Resolution of
Congress--Additional trouble with Sir John--Preparations for his
seizure--Expedition of Col. Dayton--Flight of the Baronet and his
partisans to Canada--Their sufferings--And subsequent conduct--How the
violation of his parole was considered.
The dawn of the New Year was lighted up by the conflagration of Norfolk,
by order of Lord Dunmore, the royal Governor of Virginia. His Lordship
had previously retired with his adherents to the fleet; and this act
of Vandalism was directed by way of retaliating upon the Whigs of that
borough, for having refused supplies to the Liverpool man of war. The
people themselves destroyed the buildings nearest the water, in order
to deprive the ships even of those sources of supply. After cruising for
a time on the coast of Virginia, and being every where repulsed--some
of his ships having been driven on shore, and their crews captured and
imprisoned by the Colonists--his Lordship was obliged to destroy those
of his vessels which were not sea-worthy, and seek refuge himself in
Florida and the West Indies. Another incident adverse to the royal arms,
was the defeat, by the Provincials under General Moore, of General
McDonald, (commissioned by Governor Martin,) in his attempts to bring
North Carolina to obedience. The battle resulting in this defeat was
gallantly fought at Moore's Creek Bridge, by Colonels Caswell and
Lillington, commanding about 1000 minute men and militia. A large
quantity of arms fell into the hands of the Provincials; and the defeat,
equally unexpected and decisive, greatly depressed the spirits of the
loyalists in that quarter.
Resuming the history of the Mohawk Valley; although the Autumn of the
preceding year had passed quietly away in that region, yet no small degree
of uneasiness was created, early in the winter, by the suspicious conduct
of Sir John Johnson; heightened, as will appear in the sequel, by false
representations sent forth by a man who, in the end, proved to be an
impostor. Such were the spirit of the times moreover, and the jealousies
mutually entertained, that it is more than probable the measures of Sir
John were concerted in consequence of apprehensions honestly indulged,
and in all likelihood awakened by the same or a kindred imposture. At
all events Sir John was actively engaged in defensive preparations, with
a view, as it was believed, of throwing up fortifications around the
baronial hall. His adherents, as we have seen, were numerous, particularly
among the Scotch Highlanders, by several hundreds of whom he was
surrounded; and reports became rife, that, in addition to these, the
works he was erecting were to be garrisoned by three hundred Indians, to
be let loose upon the settlements as opportunities might occur.
It was undoubtedly true that the Tories of that region were preparing
actively to espouse the royal cause, and enlistments for the King's
service, it is very likely, were secretly making. Information to this
effect was laid before Congress in December. It was also declared, by
a man named Connell, that a considerable quantity of arms and ammunition,
and other warlike articles, had been collected and concealed by the Tories
at Johnstown, to be used when the proper moment for action arrived. The
facts disclosed by Connell were supported by his deposition; whereupon
a resolution was adopted by Congress, directing General Schuyler to be
informed of these circumstances, and requesting him to adopt the most
speedy and effectual measures for securing the said arms and military
stores; for disarming the loyalists, apprehending their leaders, and
taking such measures in general as might be judged necessary to ensure
the tranquility of the frontier. [FN] This resolution was received by
General Schuyler at Albany early in January, and no time was lost in
concerting measures for its execution.
* * * * *
[FN] The sum of _forty dollars_ was appropriated by Congress for this
object; and the Special Committee having the subject in charge, were
directed to count the gold and silver in the treasury, and forward the
same to General Schuyler under a guard!--_Vide Jour. Con._
General Schuyler having at that time no troops at his disposal, was under
the necessity of communicating with the sub-committee of safety of Albany
County, for which purpose, in order that a knowledge of the business with
which he was charged might not transpire, he previously administered to
them the oath of secrecy. They were at first embarrassed in devising a
pretext for the preparations it was necessary to make for the expedition;
but the opportune arrival of a letter and an affidavit, (probably from
Connell,) from Tryon County, containing accounts exactly suited to the
emergency, afforded ample reasons for a call upon the militia. General
Schuyler at first supposed that a force of three hundred men, with the
assistance they would be certain to receive from the Whigs of Tryon
County, would be amply sufficient. It was determined, however, in order
to produce a deeper effect upon the loyalists against whom they were
proceeding, to march with a force of seven hundred men.
Nevertheless, in order to preserve the good-will of the Indians of the
Lower Mohawk Castle, [FN] and guard against taking them by surprise or
giving them unnecessary alarm, Mr. Bleecker, the Indian interpreter,
residing at Albany, was despatched to the Castle on the 15th, charged
with a belt and the following message to the Indians:--
* * * * *
[FN] The Mohawks of the Lower Castle, with Little Abraham, had not been
drawn away by Thayendanegea and Guy Johnson.
"Brothers: I am sent by the Commissioners of the United Colonies, to
acquaint you that the brethren of Albany have received information that
several persons in and about Johnstown are busy in enlisting men to cut
our throats, and are making other hostile preparations to assist in
enslaving this country, and to prevent and stop up the road of
communication to the Westward. Your Albany Brothers, on this alarming
occasion, have collected their warriors, and are now sending them up the
river in order to inquire into the truth of the report, and act thereupon
as they may judge needful.
"Brothers: Be not alarmed at these preparations; nothing is intended
against you; our own safety and liberty impel us to this measure; you can
rest perfectly satisfied that we will invariably pursue our friendly
disposition towards you, and expect that you will, agreeable to the
promises you made us at Albany, take no part in the present struggle.
"Brothers: We promised you last Summer that Sir John and his family should
not be molested while he took no measures against us. We are yet of that
mind; and if he has acted as an honest man, he need not fear any danger.
"Brothers: Lest the preparations and march into your country should alarm
the Six Nations, we desire that you will send some of your young men with
this speech to the end of the House of the Six Nations, that no uneasiness
may take place in their minds."
The Indians were by no means pleased with the proposed invasion of the
Valley; anticipating, probably, an injurious effect upon their own people,
and perhaps injury to Sir John, to whom they were sincerely attached.
After due deliberation, Mr. Bleecker was sent back with a belt containing
the following reply to the Commissioners, or, in other words, to General
Schuyler:--
"Brothers: This belt we present to the Commissioners of the twelve United
Colonies and our Brothers of Albany, and desire them that the troops that
were coming up should not come up so speedily; that perhaps a mode might
be pointed out to have it settled in an easier manner; that perhaps, in
case the troops came up, it might be a means to stop up the road, and
perhaps create an uneasiness in their minds, as they and Sir John were,
as it were, one blood; and that the General should do all in his power
to have it settled without the troops going up; that he was a wise man,
and should set his thoughts a thinking to have it settled, by appointing
three or four persons to treat with Sir John about it; that they would
retain the belt sent by the Commissioners till such time as they heard
from the Commissioners, and in case the troops did not come, then they
would send the belt forward to the other nations; but if they came up,
then they would keep the same in their hands; that three of their nation
should immediately go to Sir John, and desire him to remain silent and be
at peace; and that in case there were any in Johnstown that were Tories,
they would settle them, and make them remain peaceable. That all the
uneasiness in the minds of Sir John, and the others in Johnstown,
originates from accounts that they receive from people in Albany; that
they daily have accounts from thence that the New England people are
coming up to destroy Sir John and his possessions."
Accompanying this message, the Squaws also took the subject in hand, and
charged the interpreter with a belt with the following message on their
own behalf:--
"Brothers, the Commissioners of the United Colonies and the people of
Albany: This belt we present you, and hereby renew the covenant that was
made last summer; and we beg that no disturbance shall be made up here,
and that the said covenant may not thereby be broken; that in case the
troops were to come up, it might create great uneasiness, as they and
Sir John were of one blood; and that in case Sir John was disturbed, it
might touch their blood, and we beg some other mode may be pointed out
whereby this uneasiness may be settled."
General Schuyler, however, did not wait for the return of his messenger
from the Indians, but proceeded to Schenectady on the 16th, at the head
of a strong division of militia, and accompanied by General Ten Broeck,
Colonel Varick, and several other officers. The militia turned out with
great alacrity, notwithstanding the severity of the weather and the
badness of the roads. On the evening of his arrival at Schenectady,
General Schuyler was met by a deputation of the Mohawks, headed by Little
Abraham, who, in a very haughty tone, [FN] addressed him as follows:--
* * * * *
[FN] General Schuyler's official report, from which document the whole
narrative of this expedition is drawn. This document, it is believed,
has never yet been published entire, and has only recently been
discovered at Washington, by Peter Force, Esq. who obligingly favored
the author with the use of it.
"We intended to have gone down to Albany in order to speak to you; but
thank God that he has given us an opportunity to meet you here, as we
have some matters to communicate to you."
To which General Schuyler replied with corresponding brevity:--
"I am very glad to see you here, and I shall be glad to hear what the
Brothers have to say, as my ears are always open to them."
Whereupon Abraham proceeded to address the General and his associates as
follows:--
"Brothers: You lately sent to our place four men, who arrived to us last
Sunday morning. [FN] They told us they were sent up to us by you to inform
us of those military preparations which were making down in this quarter.
By them you let us know that you thought it not prudent to send armed men
amongst us without previously notifying us. Likewise, Brothers, your
messengers informed us of the reasons of your coming in this manner. You
informed us that you had heard that there were a number of men embodied
at Sir John's, about Johnstown. You told us likewise, that as soon as
they had completed their body, they intended to destroy the settlements
up and down the river. You informed us that you were coming up to inquire
into the truth of the report, and who it was that gave out commissions,
and what were their designs. At the same time you assured us that no harm
was intended against us, the Six Nations, as we had last summer publicly
engaged that we would take no part against you in your dispute with the
great King over the Great Water."
* * * * *
[FN] The Mohawk chief seems here to refer to an embassy to their castle
a few days previous to that performed by Mr. Bleecker, not mentioned
by General Schuyler. Or, perhaps, a wrong date was given to the message
transmitted by the interpreter.
"Brothers: You told us that you would come to search into the truth of
the report, and you assured us also that you would not be the first
aggressor, and that it should be our own fault if any blood was spilt.
You told us that you would acquaint the Lower Castle first of the design,
that they should send up to the Upper Castle, and they to the Oneida,
and they to Onondaga, and so through the whole Six Nations.
"Brothers: We thanked your messengers for the speech delivered to us, and
we would consider of it for some time to return them an answer
accordingly. Brothers, a small number of us who take care of the news met
in council on this occasion. We thanked your messengers for informing
us first of your designs. We said we knew the agreement which was entered
into with the whole twelve United Colonies. At that meeting you remember
it was agreed to remove all obstacles out of the way of the path of peace,
to keep it so that we might pass and repass without being annoyed.
"Brothers: you told us that you came to inquire into the truth of the
report, which might be done by 4 or 6 without any danger in making the
inquiry. We proposed your sending up six persons to inquire into the
truth of this matter, as it would be a shame to interrupt them, as no
person would be so mean to give them any obstruction. As for sending your
belt forward, we thought to retain it until we had heard whether our
proposal had been accepted or no. And we desire that you would consider
of this matter, and keep your troops at home, and let us know your mind;
and if, after considering of our proposals, you do not agree to them,
that you will then let us know what you intend to do. They likewise sent
word to you that when they had heard from you, whether you accepted of
our proposals, we would then do as you desire in sending up the news.
"Brothers: We expected an answer to our proposals; but none arrived until
we were informed by a woman who returned from Albany, that those
preparations were actually making, and that troops were actually marching
in the country. We then, Brothers, took the matter into consideration,
and determined it was best for a party to meet you, and you see us this
day, Brothers, arrived. We come, Brothers, to beg of you that you take
good care and prudence of what you are going about. We beg of you,
Brothers, to remember the engagement which was made with the twelve
United Colonies at our interview last summer, as we then engaged to open
the path of peace, and to keep it undefiled from blood. At the same time
something of a different nature made its appearance. You assured us,
Brothers, that if any were found in our neighborhood inimical to us, you
would treat them as enemies. The Six Nations then supposed that the son
of Sir William was pointed at by that expression. We then desired
particularly that he might not be injured, as it was not in his power to
injure the cause; and that therefore he might not be molested. The Six
Nations then said they would not concern themselves with your operations
in other parts, but particularly desired that this path might be free
from blood. And now, Brothers, we repeat it again; we beg of you to take
good care and not to spill any blood in this path, and the more
especially, Brothers, as it is but of this day that the Six Nations had
so agreeable an interview with the Colonies, and our chiefs are now
hunting in the woods, and not dreaming that there is any prospect that
this path is or will be defiled with blood.
"We informed you, Brothers, that we had heard of a woman, that you were
advancing, and that you had cannon. We then took it into consideration.
We thought it strange that cannon should be brought into the country,
as the twelve United Colonies had so lately opened the path of peace.
As you will remember that this path was opened last Spring, and the Six
Nations agreed to keep it open. We then thought what could influence
the twelve United Colonies to open this path, and from the present
appearance it is as if with a design that the cannon should pass free
from all obstruction.
"Brothers, attend! It was your request, and a matter agreed upon by the
twelve United Colonies, that we should mind nothing but peace; therefore,
Brothers, as we mean to observe that agreement, we have expressed
ourselves as above, and as Brothers we mind nothing but peace. We look
upon ourselves as mediators between the two parties; therefore, Brothers,
as your messengers declared that you would not be the aggressors, we
informed Sir John of this, and earnestly begged of him not to be the
aggressor, or the means of spilling blood; and at the same time assured
him, that if we found that he should be the aggressor, we would not pay
any farther attention to him; and likewise told him, that if our Brothers
of the United Colonies were the aggressors, we should treat them in the
same manner. This is what we told Sir John, as we look upon ourselves to
be the mediators between both parties, and, as we have said before,
desired him not to be the aggressor. To which Sir John replied, that we
knew his disposition very well, and that he had no mind to be the
aggressor. He assured us that he would not be the aggressor, but if the
people came up to take away his life, he would do as well as he could,
as the law of nature justified every person to stand in his own defence.
"According to the news we have heard, it is as though Sir John would shut
up the path of peace in that quarter; but it is impossible he should do
it, as he had but a mere handful of friends; but, Brothers, if this
company, who now are passing by, should go up, and any thing bad should
happen, we shall look on you as shutting up the path.
"It has been represented to you, Brothers, that it seems that Sir John
is making military preparations, and that he is making a fort round his
house; but, Brothers, as we live so near him, we should certainly know
it if any thing of that nature should be done, especially as we go there
so frequently on account of our father, the minister, who sometimes
performs divine service at that place. We have never seen any hostile
preparations made there; there is no cannon, or any thing of that kind,
and all things remain in the same situation it was in the lifetime of
Sir William.
"Brothers: We would not conceal anything from you. It would not be right
to use deceit, neither do we mean to do it. The minds of our counselors
are very much grieved; and aggrieved at that part of the disposition
of those whom we may call our warriors; there are some among us of
different minds, as there are among you, Brothers. Our counselors,
remembering the covenant we last Summer made with our Brethren, the
Twelve Colonies, have all along strongly urged our warriors to peace,
and have checked them when a contrary disposition appeared. Our minds
are very much aggrieved to find any of our warriors of different
sentiment. We have hitherto been able to restrain them, and hope still
to be able to do it, for matters are not now carried to extremity; but
if they are, our warriors will not be restrained, because they will think
themselves deceived if this military force comes into the country.
"We have declared to you, Brothers, that we would not deceive, and that
we mean to declare our minds to you openly and freely. We, the sachems,
have all along inculcated to the warriors sentiments of peace, and they
have hitherto been obedient to us, though there have been frequent
rumours that they should be disturbed; yet we have hitherto been able to
calm their minds. But now, Brothers, so large a party coming, alarms the
minds of our warriors. They are determined, Brothers, to go and be present
at your interview with Sir John, and determined to see and hear every
thing that should be there transacted; and if it shall then appear that
this party shall push matters to extremes, we then cannot be accountable
for any thing that may happen. But as for us, Brothers, the counselors
are fully determined ever to persevere in the path of peace.
"Brothers, attend! Though I have finished what I had purposed to say, yet
I will add one thing more. When the news of your approach arrived at our
town, it caused great confusion; some were ready to take to their arms,
observing that those reports respecting the unfriendly disposition of the
Colonies were now verified. I begged of them, Brothers, to possess their
minds in peace for a few days. I told them that I myself would go to
Albany, and inquire into the truth of the matter; I was so conscious of
my own innocency, that no hostile appearance could deter me, however
formidable. I therefore desired them to sit still until my return, which
might be in two days if I went to Albany. This, Brothers, is the present
situation of our people. They are waiting to see what news I bring."
"Brothers: When I made this request to the warriors that they should sit
still till my return, they told me that they would, which they are now
in expectation of, and will do nothing till I get back. But, Brothers,
after my return I will repeat to them the speech you will now make to me,
and if any of our people should still persist to be present at your
interview with Sir John, we hope, Brethren, you will not think hard of
us as counselors, as it is not in our power to rule them as we please.
_If they should go, and any thing evil should happen, we beg to know,
Brothers, what treatment we may expect who remain at home in peace._
"Brothers: This is all we have to say. This is the business which has
brought us down, and we now expect an answer to carry home to our people."
To which General Schuyler delivered the following answer:
"Brothers of the Mohawk Nation: We, the Commissioners appointed by the
Congress, and your Brothers of Albany and Schenectady, have paid great
attention to the speech you have delivered us. We now desire you to open
your ears, and attentively listen to what we have to say in answer.
"Brothers: It pleased us to hear you declare that you would speak your
minds freely. We assure you that we shall do the same, and hide nothing
from you of what is in our thoughts.
"Brothers: We were in hopes that the message which we sent you by Mr.
Bleecker would have eased your minds, and have convinced you that no
hostile intentions existed against you or any other Indians; for if they
had, we would not have sent you that message, neither would we have
supplied you with powder, as we did last Summer and again the other day.
"Brothers: We are extremely sorry that you have not complied with our
request, to send the speech which we sent you by Mr. Bleecker, to the
Six Nations in the manner which we required.
"Brothers: You told us that five or six men would have been sufficient to
go to Johnstown and inquire what was transacting there, and that these
people would be in no danger, as it would be a shame to interrupt them.
We acknowledge, Brothers, that it would have been a shame if we had sent
them and they had been interrupted; but we have full proofs that many
people in Johnstown, and the neighbourhood thereof, have for a
considerable time past made preparations to carry into execution the
wicked designs of the King's evil counselors.
"Brothers: It is very true that last Summer the United Colonies promised
that the path to the Indian country should be kept open. They again
repeat that promise; and although it is by the special order of Congress
that this body of troops are now marching up, yet it is not to shut the
path, but to keep it open, and to prevent the people in and about
Johnstown from cutting off the communication between us and our brethren
of the Six Nations, and our other brethren living up the river.
"Brothers: Although we have before observed that the people living in
and about Johnstown are making hostile preparations against us, yet we
will not shed a drop of their blood unless they refuse to come to an
agreement by which we may be safe, or unless they oppose us with arms.
We do not mean that any of our warriors should set their foot on any of
the lands you possess, or that of the Six Nations, unless our enemies
should take shelter there; for those we are resolved to follow wherever
they go. We again repeat, that we have no quarrel with you, and we do
expect that you will not interfere in this family contest, but stand by
as indifferent spectators, agreeable to the engagement of the Six Nations
made to us last Summer at their own request.
"Brothers: We assured you last Summer, that as we had no quarrel with any
Indians, we would not touch a hair of their heads; yet when our warriors
were at St. Johns, they were attacked by Indians. Two of your tribe, and
some others, were killed. You have never blamed us for it, because you
well knew that our lives are dear to us; we have a right to kill any man
who attempts to kill us. You ought, therefore, not to be surprised if we
take every precaution to prevent being destroyed by the friends of the
King's evil counselors.
"Brothers: In a little time we may be called upon to go and fight against
our enemies to the eastward, who are employed by the King's evil
counselors; and can you think it prudent that we should leave a set of
people who are our enemies, in any part of the country, in such a
situation as to be able to destroy our wives and children, and burn our
houses in our absence? Would you leave your wives and children in such
a situation? The wisdom by which you have conducted your affairs convinced
us that you would not; and yet so cautious are we that no blood may be
shed, that we shall send a letter to Sir John, inviting him to meet us
on the road between this place and his house, which if he does, we make
no doubt but every thing will be settled in an amicable manner; and that
he may be under no apprehensions, we do now assure you that if we do not
come to an agreement, he will be permitted safely to return to his own
house.
"Brothers: We thank you that you have concealed nothing from us, and we
assure you that we scorn deceit as much as you do; and therefore we shall
now speak our minds freely on what you have said respecting the conduct
which your warriors mean to hold. We have no objection, nay, we wish that
you and they should be present, to hear what we shall propose to Sir John
and the people in and about Johnstown who are our enemies; but we beg
of you to tell your warriors, that although we have no quarrel with them,
yet if we should be under the disagreeable necessity of fighting with our
enemies, and your warriors should join them and fight against us, that we
will do as we did at St. Johns, repel force by force.
"Brothers: You have asked us, if your warriors should go and if any thing
evil should happen, what treatment you may expect who remain at home
in peace?
"Brothers: In the treaty held at Albany last Summer, you and your warriors
were present, and you and they jointly promised to remain neuter and not
to interfere in this quarrel. Should your warriors, therefore, now take
up arms against us, we must consider it as a breach of the treaty so far
as it respects the lower Mohawk Castle; of which breach we shall complain
to our Brethren, the other nations, and at the same time lay the matter
before our great council at Philadelphia, whose determination thereupon
will be our future guide.
"Brothers: We are surprised that the least doubt should remain on your
minds with respect to our friendly intentions towards you, after the many
instances we have given you of our love and friendship; but we must impute
it to the wicked insinuations of our mutual enemies, who wish for nothing
so much as to see the ancient covenant which has so long subsisted between
us broken.
"Brothers: You have observed that you would pay no regard to that party
that should be the first aggressor. We cannot be the aggressors; for if
our enemies in and about Johnstown had had no evil intentions against us,
we should never have even come thus far with an army. Whoever takes up
arms against another, although he has not yet struck, must be considered
as the aggressor, and not he who tries to prevent the blow.
"Brothers: We have now freely and fully disclosed to you our minds. We
hope you will remember what we have said, and repeat it to your Brothers,
counselors, and warriors; and, lest you should not be able to recollect
every part of this speech, you may have your Brothers Ka-ragh-qua-dirhon,
and Ti-ze-de-ron-de-ron, [Deane and Bleecker,] interpreters, to attend you
if it be agreeable to you.
"Brothers: Your women have sent us a belt. We beg you to assure them of
our regard, and to entreat them to prevent your warriors from doing any
thing that would have the least tendency to incur our resentment, or
interrupt that harmony which we wish may subsist to the end of time."
To this the Indians made the following brief reply:--
"Brother Schuyler the Great Man, attend! We have this evening heard what
you have to say, and we are glad of it, and thank you for it.
"Every thing that has been said to us. Brother, has been perfectly
agreeable to us.
"I shall not attempt, Brother, to make a particular reply to every thing
that has been said to us. Indeed, it would not be proper at this time.
"We are very glad, Brother, that you have determined to write to Sir John,
requesting an interview with him in hopes of an amicable agreement.
"Brother: You mention that it would be agreeable to you that the warriors
and counselors, or sachems, should attend.
"Brother: We, the sachems, will attend, though we should do it at the risk
of our lives.
"Brother: We should be glad if you would inform us of the time and place
of your interview with Sir John. You likewise told us, that if it was
agreeable to us, that your interpreters should attend to recapitulate the
speech you have made, which likewise is agreeable to us; and we desire
that they may go with us, for by that means all mistakes may be prevented.
"Brother: You may depend on it that we will use our utmost influence with
our warriors to calm their minds. You may depend on it, likewise, that our
sisters will use their utmost influence for the same purpose."
General Schuyler assured them again of his pacific intentions, and that
nothing unpleasant should happen to them. He also informed them, that
if they desired to attend the expedition to Johnstown, or to be present
at the intended interview with Sir John, as mediators, they should be
protected in that character. With this understanding they took their
departure the same night. A letter, of which the following is a copy,
was at the same time despatched to Sir John Johnson:--
"General Schuyler to Sir John Johnson.
Schenectady, _Jan._ 16, 1776.
"Sir,
"Information having been received that designs of the most dangerous
tendency to the rights, liberties, property, and even lives of those of
his Majesty's faithful subjects in America who are opposed to the
unconstitutional measures of his ministry, have been formed in a part of
the County of Tryon, I am ordered to march a body of men into that County,
to carry into execution certain resolutions of my superiors, and to
contravene those dangerous designs.
"Influenced, Sir, by motives of humanity, I wish to comply with my orders
in a manner the most peaceable, that no blood may be shed. I therefore
request that you will please to meet me to-morrow, at any place on my
way to Johnstown, to which I propose then to march. For which purpose I
do hereby give you my word of honour, that you, and such persons as you
may choose should attend you, shall pass safe and unmolested to the place
where you may meet me, and from thence back to the place of your abode.
"Rutgers Bleecker and Henry Glen, Esqrs. are the bearers hereof, gentlemen
who are entitled to your best attention, which I dare say they will
experience, and by whom I expect you will favour me with an answer to
this letter.
"You will please to assure Lady Johnson, that whatever may be the result
of what is now in agitation, she may rest perfectly satisfied that no
indignity will be offered her.
"I am, Sir,
Your humble Servant,
Ph. Schuyler.
"_To
Sir John Johnson, Baronet._"
General Schuyler resumed his march on the morning of the 17th--his forces
constantly increasing, until before nightfall they numbered upward of
three thousand. Having proceeded about sixteen miles from Schenectady,
the expedition was met by Sir John, attended by several of his leading
friends among the Scotchmen, and two or three others. The result of the
interview was the proffer, by General Schuyler, of the following terms
to Sir John and his retainers:--
"Terms offered by the Honourable Philip Schuyler, Esq., Major-general in
the army of the thirteen United Colonies, and commanding in the New-York
department, to Sir John Johnson, Baronet, and all such other persons in
the County of Tryon as have evinced their intentions of supporting his
Majesty's ministry, to carry into execution the unconstitutional measures
of which the Americans so justly complain, and to prevent which they have
been driven to the dreadful necessity of having recourse to arms.
"First: That Sir John Johnson shall, upon his word of honour, immediately
deliver up all cannon, arms, and other military stores, of what kind
soever, which may be in his own possession, or which he has caused to be
delivered into the possession of any persons whatsoever, either directly
or indirectly, or that to his knowledge may be concealed in any part of
the said County. That he shall distinguish all such military stores of
what kind soever as belong to the Crown, or were furnished with the design
of arming the Indians or the inhabitants of Tryon County, from those which
may be private property, in order that a proper inventory may be taken of
the last articles, that the same may be restored, or the value of them
refunded, when this unhappy contest shall be over.
"Secondly: General Schuyler, out of personal respect for Sir John, and
from a regard to his rank, consents that Sir John shall retain for his
own use a complete set of armor, and as much powder as may be sufficient
for his domestic purposes.
"Thirdly: That Sir John Johnson shall remain upon his parole of honour
in any part of Tryon County which he may choose, to the eastward of the
district of ---- unless it should appear necessary to the Honourable the
Continental Congress to remove him to some other part of this, or any
other Colony; in which case he is immediately to comply with such orders
as they may think proper to give for that purpose.
"Fourthly: That the Scotch inhabitants of the said County shall, without
any kind of exception, immediately deliver up all arms in their
possession, of what kind soever they may be; and that they shall each
solemnly promise that they will not at any time hereafter, during the
continuance of this unhappy contest, take up arms without the permission
of the Continental Congress, or of their general officers;--and for
the more faithful performance of this article, the General insists that
they shall immediately deliver up to him six hostages of his own
nomination.
"Fifthly: That such of the other inhabitants of Tryon County as have
avowed themselves averse to the measures of the United Colonies, shall
also deliver up their arms, of what kind soever they may be, and enter
into the like engagement as is stipulated in the preceding article, both
with respect to their future conduct and the number of hostages.
"Sixthly: That all blankets, strouds, and other Indian articles belonging
to the Crown, and intended as presents to the Indians, shall be delivered
up to a commissary appointed by General Schuyler, in the presence of three
or more of the Mohawk chiefs, in order that the same may be dispensed
amongst the Indians, for the purpose of cementing the ancient friendship
between them and their brethren of the United Colonies, for which sole
purpose they ought to have been furnished.
"Seventhly: If Sir John Johnson, and the people referred to in the
aforegoing articles, shall justly abide by, and perform what is thereby
required of them, the General, in behalf of the Continental Congress,
doth promise and engage, that neither Sir John Johnson nor any of those
people shall be molested by any of the other inhabitants of the said
County, or by any of the inhabitants of the thirteen United Colonies; but
that, on the contrary, they will be protected in the quiet and peaceable
enjoyment of their property;--the sole intent of this treaty being to
prevent the horrid effects of a civil and intestine war betwixt those who
ought to be brethren. That all the arms which shall be delivered up in
consequence of the preceding articles shall be valued by sworn appraisers.
That if the Continental Congress should have occasion for them, they may
be taken. If not, they will be delivered to the respective proprietors
when this unhappy contest shall be at an end."
In the course of the interview. Sir John assured General Schuyler that
the Indians would support him, and that numbers of them were already at
Johnson Hall for that purpose. He was assured, in return, that though
averse to the shedding of blood, if the proffered terms were not acceded
to, force would be opposed to force without distinction of persons, and
that the consequences of resistance would be of the most serious
description. In conclusion, Sir John begged until the evening of the
following day to consider of the propositions, which request was granted,
and the Baronet took his leave.
In about an hour after his departure, Abraham, and another of the Mohawks,
made their appearance at General Schuyler's quarters. On being informed
of what Sir John had said respecting the Indians being in arms at the Hall
for his defence, Abraham pronounced the story untrue, and repeated his
assurances that the Mohawks would interfere in no other way than as
mediators. The General replied that he hoped they would not, but he at
the same time assured them with emphasis, that if they should do so,
he should not hesitate a moment in destroying every one who opposed him
in arms.
On the following day, (the 18th,) General Schuyler moved forward to
Canghnawaga, four miles from Johnstown, where he was joined by Colonel
Herkimer and the Tryon County militia. At about 6 o'clock in the afternoon
Sir John's answer to the terms proposed to him was received, as follows:--
"Terms proposed by Sir John Johnson, Baronet, and the people of
Kingsborough and the adjacent neighborhood, to the Honorable Philip
Schuyler, Esq. Major General in the army of the thirteen United Colonies,
and commanding in the New-York Department.
"_First:_ That Sir John Johnson and the rest of the gentlemen expect that
all such arms of every kind as are their own property may remain in their
possession; all the other arms shall be delivered up to such person or
persons as may be appointed for that purpose; as to military stores
belonging to the Crown, Sir John has not any.
"_Secondly:_ Answered in the first.
"_Thirdly:_ Sir John expects that he will not be confined to any certain
County, but be at liberty to go where he pleases.
"_Fourthly:_ The Scotch inhabitants will deliver up their arms of what
kind soever they may be, and they will each solemnly promise that they
will not at any time hereafter, during the continuance of this unhappy
contest, take up arms without the permission of the Continental Congress
or of their general officers. Hostages they are not in a capacity to
give--no one man having command over another, or power sufficient to
deliver such. Therefore this part of the article to be passed over, or
the whole included--women and children to be required, being a requisition
so inhuman as we hope the General will dispense with.
"_Fifthly:_ Answered in the fourth,
"_Sixthly_: Sir John has not any blankets, strouds, or other presents,
intended for the Indians.
"_Seventhly_: If the above proposals are agreed to and signed by the
General, Sir John and the people referred to will rely on the assurances
of protection given by the General.
"[Signed] John Johnson,
Allan McDonell.
"_To the Hon._ Philip Schuyler, _Major-general_"
This answer was in all respects unsatisfactory, as will appear by the
annexed letter from General Schuyler in reply:--
"General Schuyler to Sir John Johnson, Baronet.
Caughnawaga, Jan. 18th, 8 o'clock, P. M., 1776.
"Gentlemen,
"Messrs. Adams and McDonell have delivered me your answer to my proposals
of yesterday's date. The least attention to the articles I offered, when
compared with yours, must convince you that you omitted replies to several
of them, and consequently that what you have sent me is very imperfect,
and also unsatisfactory. I waive pointing out some of the inconsistencies
in your proposals, as the whole are exceptionable excepting the last.
"I must therefore obey my orders, and again repeat, that, in the execution
of them, I shall strictly abide by the laws of humanity; at the same time
assuring you, that if the least resistance is made, I will not answer for
the consequences, which may be of a nature the most dreadful.
"If Lady Johnson is at Johnson Hall, I wish she would retire, (and
therefore enclose a passport,) as I shall march my troops to that place
without delay.
"You may, however, still have time to reconsider the matter, and for that
purpose I give you until 12 o'clock this night--after which I shall
receive no proposals; and I have sent you Mr. Robert Yates, Mr. Glen,
and Mr. Duer, to receive the ultimate proposals you have to make. This
condescension I make from no other motive than to prevent the effusion
of blood, so far as it can be effected without risking the safety of the
County, or being guilty of a breach of the positive orders I have received
from the Honorable Continental Congress.
"I am, Gentlemen,
With due respect,
Your humble Servant,
Ph. Schuyler.
"_To Sir John Johnson and Mr. Allan McDonell._"
Immediately after the preceding letter had been despatched to the Hall,
the sachems of the Lower Castle, with all their warriors and several from
the Upper Castle, called upon General Schuyler, having come to his
quarters directly from the residence of the Baronet. They informed the
General that Sir John had related to them the substance of the terms of
surrender that had been proposed. Sir John, they said, had declared to
them that all he desired was protection for his family and friends from
insult and the outrages of riotous people, and protested that he had no
unfriendly intentions against the country. The Indians therefore begged
the General to accept the terms as offered by Sir John. The General told
the chiefs that he could not accept of those terms, and pointed out the
objections. He likewise informed them of the tenor of the letter he had
just transmitted to the Hall. The Indians were apparently contented with
those reasons and with the course adopted, but begged that, should the
answer of Sir John be still unsatisfactory, the General would give him
until 4 o'clock in the morning, that they might have time to go and "shake
his head," as they expressed it, "and bring him to his senses." They
likewise begged it as an additional favor, that General Schuyler would
not remove Sir John out of the country. They apologized for the threats
of their own warriors, alleging that it was attributable to the
circumstance of their not being present at the treaty of Albany; and again
repeated the assurance that they would never take arms against the
Colonies. In reply. General Schuyler complimented the Indians for their
pacific intentions, and informed them that he should accede to their
request, although the conduct of Sir John had been so censurable that he
should be justified in holding him a close prisoner. His reasons for
granting the request, the General told them, were two-fold:--first,
to show the love and affection of the Americans for the Indians, and to
convince them that they could obtain, by asking as a favor, that which
they could not obtain by demanding as a right. Secondly, that by leaving
Sir John amongst them, they might, by their example and advice, induce
him to alter his conduct.
The extension of the time until 4 o'clock was unnecessary however, the
following answer from Sir John having been received at 12 o'clock, at
midnight:--
"Answers to the terms proposed by the Honorable Philip Schuyler, Esq.
Major-general in the army of the thirteen United Colonies, and commanding
in the New-York Department, to Sir John Johnson, Baronet, the inhabitants
of Kingsborough, and the neighborhood adjacent.
"First and second articles agreed to, except a few favorite family arms.
"Third: Sir John Johnson having given his parole of honor not to take up
arms against America, and conceiving the design of this military operation
to be with no other view than that of removing the jealousies of which
his countrymen are unhappily and unjustly inspired with against him, can
by no means think of submitting to this article in its full latitude,
though, for the sake of preserving peace and removing any suspicions of
undue influence, he consents not to go to the westward of the German
Flats and Kingsland Districts. To every other part of the continent to
the southward of this County, he expects the privilege of going.
"Fourthly: Agreed to, excepting that part of the article which respects
the giving hostages. After the Scotch inhabitants have surrendered arms,
the General may take any six prisoners from amongst them as he chooses,
without resistance. They expect, however, that the prisoners so taken,
will be maintained agreeable to their respective ranks, and that they may
have the privilege of going to any part of the province of New Jersey or
Pennsylvania, which the General, or the Continental Congress may appoint.
They likewise expect, from the General's humanity, that provision will be
made for the maintenance of the prisoner's wives and children, agreeable
to their respective situations in life. Yet, for the sake of promoting the
harmony of the country, they will not break off this treaty merely on that
account, provided the General thinks he cannot exert a discretionary power
in this matter; in which case they rely upon the General's influence with
the Continental Congress, which they cannot persuade themselves will be
inattentive to the voice of humanity, or to the feelings of parents who
may be torn from their families. Those to whose lot it may fall to be
taken prisoners, it is expected will be allowed a few days to settle their
business, and, if gentlemen, to wear their side arms.
"Fifth: Neither Sir John Johnson nor the Scotch gentlemen, can make any
engagement for any other persons than those over whom they may have
influence. Neither can they possibly know the names of all such persons
who have shown themselves averse to the measures of the United Colonies.
They give their word and honor, that, so far as depends on them, the
inhabitants shall give up their arms, and enter into the like engagement
with the Scotch inhabitants. The General has it more in his power to
discover those who are obnoxious, and to make as many as he pleases
prisoners. Neither shall they adopt the quarrel of any such persons as
their own.
"Sixth: Sir John gives his word of honor that he has no blankets, strouds,
or other presents, belonging to the Crown, intended for the Indians; and
therefore this requisition cannot be complied with.
"Seventh: If the above proposals are agreed to, and signed by the General,
Sir John and the people referred to will rely on the assurances of
protection given by the General. But as it will be impossible for the arms
to be collected till Saturday next at twelve o'clock, all the men referred
to in the above articles will be then paraded in Johnstown, and ground
their arms in the presence of such troops as the General may appoint.
"[Signed.] John Johnson,
Allan McDonell.
"_Johnson Hall, January_ 18_th,_ 1776."
The Indians were yet present at the quarters of General Schuyler when this
despatch was received from Sir John, and, on being informed that matters
were likely to terminate amicably, they retired with warm expressions of
gratification. The following letter was thereupon despatched to the Hall:--
"General Schuyler to Sir John Johnson.
Caughnawaga, January 19, 1776.
"General Schuyler's feelings as a gentleman induce him to consent that
Sir John Johnson may retain the few favorite family arms--he making a
list of them.
"The General will also consent that Sir John Johnson may go as far to the
westward as the German Flats and Kingsland Districts in this County, and
to every other part of this Colony to the Southward and Eastward of said
Districts, provided he does not go into any seaport town. The General,
however, believes, that if Sir John's private business should require his
going to any of the other ancient English Colonies, he will be permitted
the indulgence by applying to Congress for leave.
"The General will take six of the Scotch inhabitants prisoners, since they
prefer it to going as hostages. It has been the invariable rule of
Congress, and that of all its officers, to treat prisoners with the
greatest humanity, and to pay all due deference to rank. He cannot
ascertain the places to which Congress may please to send them. For the
present they will go to Reading or Lancaster in Pennsylvania. Nor can he
make any promises with respect to the maintenance of the women and
children. His humanity will certainly induce him to recommend to Congress
an attention to what has been requested on that head. General Schuyler
expects that all the Scotch inhabitants, of whatsoever rank, who are not
confined to their beds by illness, will attend with their arms, and
deliver them on Saturday at 12 o'clock. If this condition be not
faithfully performed, he will consider himself as disengaged from any
engagements entered into with them.
"General Schuyler never refused a gentleman his side-arms.
"The prisoners that may be taken must be removed to Albany immediately,
where the General will permit them to remain a reasonable time to settle
their family affairs.
"If the terms General Schuyler has offered on the 17th inst. are accepted
with the above qualifications, fair copies will be made out and signed by
the parties, one of which will be delivered to Sir John and Mr. McDonell,
signed by the General. To prevent a waste of time, the General wishes Sir
John and Mr. McDonell immediately to send an answer.
"He remains, with due respect,
Sir John's and Mr. McDonell's humble Servant,
Ph. Schuyler."
These terms were acceded to by Sir John, and on the same day General
Schuyler marched to Johnstown--having previously detailed several
detachments of his troops to scour the country, and bring in the
disaffected not comprehended in the arrangements with the Baronet. On the
same afternoon Sir John delivered up the arms and ammunition in his
possession the quantity of both being much smaller than was expected.
On Saturday, the 20th, General Schuyler paraded his troops at 12 o'clock
at noon, to receive the surrender of the Highlanders, who, to the number
of between two and three hundred, marched to the front and grounded their
arms. These having been secured, the Scotchmen were dismissed with an
exhortation to remain peaceable, and with an assurance of protection if
they did so.
The General's attention was next directed to the discovery and capture of
the secret _depot_ of arms and ammunition, of which information had been
given by Connell. Two of the persons named in his affidavit were taken,
but they denied, most unequivocally, all knowledge upon the subject.
Connell was then produced to confront them; but they still persisted
in maintaining their innocence, and denounced him as a perjured villain.
Connell was then sent with a number of officers to point out the spot,
where, as he alleged, the arms were concealed. He conducted them to a pond
of water, containing a small island, or mound, in the middle, within
which he declared the arms were buried. The snow and ice were forthwith
removed, and the mound dug down. Connell had particularly described the
manner in which the arms had been deposited under ground; but it was soon
discovered that the earth had not recently been disturbed, if ever; and
in the end it was ascertained, to the satisfaction of all, that the fellow
was a base impostor. General Schuyler returned to Caughnawaga that evening.
On the two following days upward of a hundred Tories were brought in from
different parts of the country. Colonel Herkimer was left in charge to
complete the disarming of the disaffected and receive the hostages, and
the General, with his miscellaneous army, marched back to Albany. In his
letters to Congress, and also to General Washington, he spoke of the
anxiety and trouble he had experienced in preventing so large a body of
men, collected on the sudden, without discipline, and withal greatly
exasperated, from running into excesses. In these efforts, however, he
succeeded much better than, under the circumstances, was reasonably to
have been anticipated. Before his return, Mr. Dean, the Indian
interpreter, was despatched by the General with a belt and a talk to the
Six Nations, which has not been preserved. Thus ended the expedition to
Johnstown.
General Schuyler transmitted a full report of his proceedings to Congress,
by whom a special resolution was passed, thanking him for the fidelity,
prudence, and expedition with which he had performed such a meritorious
service. A second resolution was also adopted, so curiously constructed,
and containing such an ingeniously-inserted hint to the officers and
militia-men accompanying General Schuyler on this expedition, as to render
it worthy of preservation. It was in the words following:--
"_Resolved,_ That the cheerfulness and ready assistance of those who
accompanied General Schuyler in his march to the County of Tryon, and
their useful services in that expedition, discovered such a patriotic
spirit, that it is hoped none of them will allow their countrymen to
entertain a suspicion that any ignoble motive actuated them, by requiring
a pecuniary reward, especially when they were employed in suppressing
a mischief in their own neighborhood."
The resolutions were enclosed to General Schuyler in a flattering letter
from President Hancock, in which, among other things, he says:--"It is
with great pleasure I inform you that the prudence, zeal, and temper,
manifested in your late expedition, met with the warmest approbation of
Congress."
For some unexplained reason, Sir John Johnson did not observe the compact
of neutrality, nor the obligations of his parole. Or, if he kept himself
within the letter, his conduct was such as to re-awaken the suspicions of
the people, and was considered by General Schuyler a virtual violation of
the spirit of the parole he had given, to take no part against the
Colonies. In fact, the information received by General Schuyler convinced
him that Sir John was secretly instigating the Indians to hostilities, and
was thus likely to produce much mischief on the frontiers. To prevent such
a calamity, it was thought advisable by Schuyler to secure the person of
Sir John, and once more to quell the rising spirit of disaffection in the
neighborhood of Johnstown, especially among the Highlanders. For this
purpose, in the month of May following the events already narrated in the
present chapter, Colonel Dayton, with a part of his regiment then on its
way to Canada, was dispatched by General Schuyler to prosecute this
enterprise. [FN-1] There were, however, large numbers of loyalists in
Albany, with whom Sir John was then and subsequently in close
correspondence. It is therefore not surprising that he received timely
notice of these preparations for his second arrest, in anticipation of
Dayton's arrival. Such was the fact; and, hastily collecting a large
number of his tenants and others, disaffected toward the cause of the
Colonists, the Baronet was prepared for instant flight on the approach
of the Continentals. This purpose was successfully executed. Colonel
Dayton arrived at Johnstown in the evening, whereupon Sir John and his
retainers immediately took to the woods by the way of the Sacandaga. [FN-2]
Not knowing whether his royalist friends were in possession of Lake
Champlain or not, the fugitives dared not venture upon that route to
Montreal; and Sir John was accordingly obliged to strike deeper into the
forests between the head waters of the Hudson and the St. Lawrence. Having
but a brief period of preparation for their flight, the party was but
ill supplied for such a campaign. Their provisions were soon exhausted;
their feet became sore from traveling; and several of their number were
left from time to time in the wilderness, to be picked up and brought in
afterward by the Indians sent out for that purpose.
* * * * *
[FN-1] Sparks's Life and Writings of Washington Note in vol. iv.
p. 409--410.
[FN-2] There is some reason to suppose that an expedition, led by the
Mohawk Indians, was sent from Montreal on purpose to bring Sir John away,
or rescue him from the espionage of the Americans. In one of Brant's
speeches, delivered long afterward, when rehearsing the exploits of the
Mohawks in the Revolutionary war, the following passage occurs:--"We
then went in a body to a town then in the possession of the enemy, and
rescued Sir John Johnson, bringing him fearlessly through the streets."
Brant, at the time of this rescue, as will presently be seen, was himself
in England--as also was Guy Johnson.
After nineteen days of severe hardship, the Baronet and his partisans
arrived at Montreal in a pitiable condition--having encountered all of
suffering that it seemed possible for man to endure. Such was the
precipitation of his departure from the parental hall, and such his
deficiency of the means of transportation, that an iron chest, containing
the most valuable of his family papers, was hastily buried in the garden.
The family Bible, containing the only record of the marriage of his father
and mother, and of course the only written evidence of his own legitimacy,
was also left behind. [FN-1] Such of the papers as were found, were
examined by Colonel Dayton, in compliance with his orders; "and Lady
Johnson was removed to Albany, where she was retained as a kind of hostage
for the peaceable conduct of her husband. She wrote to General Washington,
complaining of this detention, and asking his interference for her
release; but the Commander-in-Chief left the matter with General Schuyler
and the Albany Committee." [FN-2] Colonel Dayton was stationed several
weeks at Johnstown with his troops, and for the time being secured the
tranquility of the country.
* * * * *
[FN-1] After the confiscation of the property of Sir John, the furniture
of the hall was sold by auction at Fort Hunter. The late Lieut. Governor
of New-York, John Taylor, purchased several articles of the furniture;
and among other things, the Bible mentioned in the text. Perceiving that
it contained the family record, which might be of great value to Sir
John, Mr. Taylor wrote a civil note to Sir John, offering its
restoration. Some time afterward, a messenger from the Baronet called
for the Bible, whose conduct was so rude as to give offence. "I have come
for Sir William's Bible," said he, "and there are the four guineas which
it cost." The Bible was delivered, and the runner was asked what message
Sir John had sent. The reply was--"Pay four guineas, and take the
book!"--_Letter of John Taylor Cooper (grandson of the Lt. Governor) to
the author._
[FN-2] Sparks.
Sir John was immediately commissioned a Colonel in the British service,
and raised a command of two battalions, composed of those who accompanied
him in his flight, and other American loyalists who subsequently followed
their example. They were called the Royal Greens. In the month of January
following, he found his way into New-York, then in possession of the
British forces. From that period he became not only one of the most
active, but one of the bitterest foes of his own countrymen of any who
were engaged in that contest--and repeatedly the scourge of his own former
neighbors. He was unquestionably a loyalist from principle, else he would
scarcely have hazarded, as he did, and ultimately lost, domains larger and
fairer than probably ever belonged to a single proprietor in America,
William Penn only excepted. But the immediate cause of his breaking his
pledge of honor is not known. Unexplained as it ever has been, the act
has always been regarded as a stain upon the Baronet's character. It was
held as such by the Provincial Congress of New-York, as will be seen by
the annexed extract from a letter addressed by that body to General
Washington immediately after his flight:--"We apprehend no doubt can
exist whether the affair of Sir John Johnson is within your immediate
cognizance. He held a commission as Brigadier-General of the militia,
and, it is said, another commission as Major-General. That he hath
shamefully broken his parole is evident, but whether it would be more
proper to have him returned or exchanged, is entirely in your Excellency's
prudence." His estates were, of course, confiscated by the Provincial
Congress of New-York, and in due time sold under the direction of the
Committee of that body having such matters in charge.