Morrison's Pensions
THE HALL BATTLE OR THE BATTLE OF JOHNSTOWN
by
JAMES F. MORRISON
On
October 11, 1781, Major John Ross and Captain Walter Butler with twenty‑five
men from the 8th Regiment, one hundred men from the 34th Regiment, thirty
men from the 84th Regiment, 120 men from the King's Royal Regiment of New
York, 150 men from Butler's Rangers, forty men from Captain Leake's Corps,
twelve Chasseurs and 130 Indians totaling a force of 607 men left Oswego
on their way to the Mohawk Valley.
Major
Ross and his men arrived in the Mohawk Valley on October 24th, and they attacked
and plundered Currytown and took several inhabitants prisoners. Major
Ross and his men afterwards headed for Warrensbush (now Town of Florida).
Late that
afternoon Colonel Marinus Willett who was in command at Fort Rensselaer on
receiving word of this invasion from some of the Currytown settlers, sent messengers
to Forts Clyde, Paris and Plank for additional troops while he gathered troops
and supplies at Fort Rensselaer.
Major Ross
with his detachment arrived a few hours before daylight on October 25th at Warrensbush. At
the first ray of sunshine the enemy attacked and burned Warrensbush. About
one o'clock Ross and his men with great difficulty crossed the Mohawk River
which was swollen from the recent heavy rains.
A scouting
party from Fort Johnstown under Lieutenant Isaac Saulkill was sent out to find
the enemy's whereabouts and strength. Saulkill and his men fell in with
a party of Ross' men near Tribes Hill and Saulkill was killed and the rest dispersed. Ross
now headed for Johnstown.
That morning
Colonel Willett was joined by Major Abraham Copeman with about seventy‑five
men from Fort Plank and Fort Clyde. Colonel Willett with his men, wagons
and a three pound brass cannon left Fort Rensselaer and crossed the Mohawk River
to Caughnawaga where he was joined by men from Fort Paris and Caughnawaga. Colonel
Willett was informed that a case of ammunition was lost in the crossing. Willett
sent Sergeant William Wallace and William Feeter to Johnstown to reconnoiter
the enemy's movements.
Captain John
Littel at Fort Johnstown gathered another scouting party to search for the enemy. Captain
Littel with Lieutenant Zepheniah Batcheler, Sergeant John Eikler, Sergeant
Henry Shew, Corporal Jacob Shew,
Privates John Brothers, Peter Yost Jr., John McMartin, David and John Moyer
with three others left the fort in search of the enemy. Sergeant Wallace
and Feeter joined Littel and the scouting party shortly after they left the
fort.
Shortly after
the scouting party left the fort, Major Ross and his men appeared before the
fort. Stephen Shew then on sentry duty fired at them and the men in the
fort turned out to defend it. After a few minutes of musket and cannon
fire the enemy retreated from the fort. Stephen Shew, Jacob Covenhoven,
Jeremiah Crowley, Isaac and Jeremiah Mason with several others pursued the enemy
through the Village of Johnstown when they were joined by Captain Littel and
the scouting party. Captain Littel ordered the garrison back to the fort
while he and his men would follow the enemy. Wallace went to give Willett
the intelligence of Ross' movements.
Wallace met
Colonel Willett about a mile from Johnstown and informed him of the enemy's movements. Willett
with his men marched to Fort Johnstown and arrived there a few minutes after
the garrison returned. Jeremiah Crowley, Jacob Covenhoven, Isaac and
Jeremiah Mason with a few others joined Willett making his force 412 men
and they left Fort Johnstown with only eleven men to guard it.
Colonel Willett
sent Major Andrew Fink with about fifty men to reinforce Captain Littel and his
party. Captain Littel and his men fell in with the rear guard of the enemy. Captain
Littel was hit in the right shoulder and the scouting party with their wounded
Captain took to the woods. Here another brief exchange of musket fire
took place and Sergeant Eikler was killed. Major Fink and his men now
joined the scouting party.
Colonel Willett
and his men arrived at the field where the enemy had encamped. Willett
and his men now charged the enemy pushing them into the woods. Major Fink
with his men and the scouting party finding themselves greatly outnumbered left
the woods and joined Willett just as he arrived on the field. Fink
and his men took position at the cannon which was placed on Willett's right
wing and under the command of Captain and Rew Moody.
Colonel
Willett now sent Major Aaron Rowley with Captain Samuel Clark, Lieutenant Dudley
Holdridge, Sergeant William Wallace, Privates Isaac Mason, Enos Morse, Henry
Rightmyer, Nathaniel Sherwood, Abram Winston and 140 other men to gain the
rear of Ross and hoping that with Ross between them they could capture his
entire force.
Shortly after
Rowley left, Willett's right wing started to retreat and Ross with his men on
seeing this took the advantage and charged causing panic in Willett's right wing
and now they were in full flight. Willett desperately tried to regroup
his right wing but they did not listen to him. Now the left wing of Willett's
command, holding the field alone, was soon pressed by Ross now also took flight. Willett
with his men retreated back to the Village of Johnstown and they took refuge
in St. John's Church.
Major Fink
with his detachment with Captain Andrew Moody with his company of artillerymen
with the cannon poured a heavy fire into the left wing of the enemy but Ross
now turned his men and charged the cannon. Fink and his men with the
artillerymen being outnumbered now also retreated from the field and joined
Willett at the church.
Just then
Rowley and his men arrived at their position behind the enemy and poured a heavy
fire into them. The enemy now turned the cannon around and now fired it
at Rowley and his men. Willett at the church hearing the fighting continuing
knew that Rowley had reached his position and Willett rallied his men and
returned to the field of battle.
Willett and
his men charged the cannon and recaptured it but not before the enemy had spiked
it with a brass nail in the priming hole and blowing up the ammunition wagon. Willett
and his men pressed Ross, and fighting continued until darkness fell on the
battlefield and with Ross and his men retreating from the battlefield.
The battle
started about four o'clock and lasted until darkness fell. The Battle of
Johnstown was commonly called by the troops at the battle the Hall Battle or
Willett's Battle. Ross had eleven men killed, eleven men wounded and thirty‑two
men were taken prisoners. Nicholas Herkimer one of the Loyalists
captured and the rest of the prisoners were sent to Fort Hunter and from there
they were sent to Schenectady. Willett had twelve men killed, twenty‑four
men wounded and five were taken prisoners.
Major Aaron
Rowley, Captain Samuel Clark, Lieutenant Dudley Holdridge, Privates George Hackney,
Daniel McVey and Abram Winston were seriously wounded and they were sent to the
General Hospital at Albany. Jeremiah Mason with several others gathered
the dead and they performed a mass burial for their fallen comrades. Nathaniel
Sherwood one of the men wounded at Johnstown died from his wounds on October
27th.
Colonel Willett
with his men marched to Fort Dayton where they were reinforced by about 100 men
from Schenectady and about sixty Oneida Indians. On October 28th, Willett
left the fort in pursuit of Ross. On October 30th, Willett skirmished with
the rear guard of the enemy under Captain Walter Butler at West Canada Creek. After
about fifteen minutes of fighting the enemy retreated leaving Butler and four
other men behind dead. After pursuing them a short distance Willett
and his men returned to Fort Rensselaer.
ANECDOTES
The papers collected by Hon. Thomas Sammons, the Revolutionary patriot, and
known as "the Sammons papers" contain an account of the battle
of Johnstown by Lieutenant William Wallace. He was the guide who
evidently piloted the Tryon County militia detachment, under the command
of Major Rowley, to take up their position in the rear of and attack Ross's
force from behind while Col. Willett made the frontal attack. Willett's
men were defeated but Rowley's soldiers made such a stubborn attack against
three times their number that the enemy fled when Willett returned to the
attack. It would seem from Wallace's narrative that the victory was
entirely due to the regulars and local militia under Major Rowley, who
was severely wounded. The date of the Johnstown battle was October
25, 1781.
Col. Willett's
force numbered only 416 men and Ross had over 700. Hence Willett resorted
to the strategy of an attack in front and rear at the same time. His
forces were evidently about evenly divided, giving about 200 men under Willett
and 200 under Rowley. The latter had 60 Massachusetts regulars and about
150 Tryon County militia. Willett attacked Ross in front, evidently before
Rowley got up. Greatly outnumbered, Willett's men were driven back to
Johnstown shortly after which Rowley attacked Ross in the rear with great success
and when Willett returned to the fight the enemy fled to the woods and the
American victory of Johnstown was complete. After Willett was reinforced
in Johnstown village by a party of Tryon militia, it is evident that over half
his force, which then numbered 500, were Mohawk Valley militiamen.
Lieut. Wallace's
account is a most interesting document relative to this important valley campaign
and it is seemingly the best description of the Johnstown battle that has come
under the notice of the editor of this work. It was originally published
in the Mohawk Valley Democrat of Fonda, and is here reprinted in full, as follows:
MOHAWK VALLEY DEMOCRAT, JULY 10, 1913
"Col.
Willett, having sent Rowley on with the militia to come in the rear of Ross,
continued his march with the state troops on the main road through the village
of Johnstown to the Hall farm, where Ross had arrived a little before. When
Willett advanced, Ross fell back a short distance in the woods (and) formed
an ambush. Willett's advance guard advanced in the woods while Willett
formed his men on the field, with his field piece, for battle. His advance
was repulsed with some loss. Ross ordered his men to leave their knapsacks
where the ambush was formed and formed his men for battle. (He) advanced
up to Willett on the field with his whole force (and) attacked him very furious. In
a few minutes, Willett's men retreated and run in confusion to the village
of Johnstown (and) left their field piece with the enemy. (The enemy)
pursued Willett's men until near the village of Johnstown, about one mile. Ross
*** (did not know) the militia was in his rear (and) expected he had defeated
all the forces Willett had collected, so Major Rowley came on them unexpectedly,
while some were as much as a mile apart looking for plunder. Willett
and Ross had commenced their engagement about one o'clock. Rowley attacked
Ross about two o'clock.
"Lieut.
William Wallace, who brought on the Tryon County militia, (had been) appointed
by Col. Willett as a pilot under the command of Major Rowley of Massachusetts. This
detachment was sent from Col. Willett (over) the road leading to the river
on the hill south of the village (of Johnstown) and crossed the creek near
where Nicholas Yost's mill is and went onward till some distance above the
Hall, then came downward to the east on the north side of the Hall creek, when,
comming near or by the clear lands they discovered the enemy in different places
on the Hall farm.
"The
enemy soon formed some of their men. Rowley's men advanced, fired on
the enemy, (and) the enemy immediately advanced with some of their men to the
right of Rowley along or near the Hall creek. Rowley ordered Wallace
to meet them. Some of the men volunteered (and) they run to meet them. Wallace
told the men not to fire till he told them, but one of his men fired and killed
the officer (who) marched forward. When they fired from both parties,
the enemy's detachment run. Rowley found the enemy collected (in) considerable
force and stood. ***(He) then received a ball through the ankle. He was
carried back and the enemy then retreated back of a fence from where they were
soon routed to another place where they made a stand. The enemy, having
left some men with a field piece they had taken from Willett, they were also
attacked by some militiamen. They abandoned it, the ammunition was blown
up (and) the field piece was no more used that day. The militiamen left
the cannon and fell on the enemy (and) generally routed the enemy; but in some
part of the scrimmaging (the enemy) drove the militia back. None of the
militia left the field, they continued to prevent Ross from uniting his men
together and, about sunset, Ross's men had all left the field and the militia
had gained a complete victory. About this time Willett returned from
the village of Johnstown. The militiamen brought (in) about 40 prisoners,
picked forth from scattered men of Ross's men‑‑probably not above
two or three taken together.
"Willett,
when he fell back to the village, received about 100 of the Tryon County militia. Why
this delay of Willett was is difficult to know‑‑from two to six
o'clock. (He had) a much superior force in the village to Rowley, after
he was joined with 100 militiamen. After Major Rowley was wounded, it
is difficult to know, who was commander. Some privates, where small parties
met, assumed command. The officers, whereever they were, did their duty‑‑no
confusion or none left the field until the enemy was completely drove from
the field.
"Thus,
for a second time, the militia of Tryon County defeated the enemy with a very
inferior number. At Oriskany, the enemy were tow to one in a battle of
about five hours, were completely drove back (and) left Herkimer unmolested
to make biers (litters) and carry their wounded off. With Ross left,
then 250 (American soldiers) drove Ross from the field with seven or 800 men‑‑like
bulldogs, 'hold fast or die with the holt'."
Enos Morse, Pension No. W20264 (Mass.), age 71 years, October 16,
1832, Town of Riga, Monroe Co., N.Y. Private in 1781 in Capt. Samuel Clark's
Company in Col. Elisha Porter's Regt. of Mass. State Levies. Enos
enlisted on July 18th and was discharged on Nov. 2, 1781. Half of
the regiment under Lieutenant Colonel Barnabas Sears was stationed at Saratoga
and the other half under Major Aaron Rowley served under Col. Marinus Willett
in the Mohawk Valley.
"In
the latter part of said applicants term there was an alarm that the British
were on their march for Fort Stanwix ‑ This applicant & troops about
three hundred in number were immediately marched for Schenectady to intercept
them ‑ They soon learned however that the British had arrived at Johnstown ‑ they
then directed their course for that place ‑ Here they found & engaged
the enemy about seven hundred in number including Indians & tories. The
attack was commenced by a divison of two hundred under the command of Colonel
Willett ‑ He was repulsed ‑ This applicant was in a division of
one hundred men under the command of Major Rowley ‑ they were employed
in flanking the enemy when the attack was made by Colonel Willett.
This applicants
divison soon attacked the enemy in his rear ‑ At this time Colonel Willetts
divison had been wholly repulsed & his men being young had retreated for
the fort.
The action
soon became severe & lasted more than an hour ‑ Major Rowley was
wounded the second fire ‑ but continued during the action to give orders & animate
his men. Notwithstanding the surperior force of the enemy they succeeded
in repulsing him & 1taking about forty nine prisoners & a field piece
taken from Colonel Willetts division. A short time before the close of
the action Colonel Willett returned with about twenty men & joined in the
action. Soon after this applicants division made its attack he was ordered
by his Captain to pass to a company supposed to be under the command of Captain
Moody in Colonel Willetts division; and request him not to fire; as they were
so situated that if they did this applicants division would receive their shots ‑ He
started & on approaching the company he called to an officer whom he supposed
was Captain Moody & made the request ‑ he was answered that Captain
Moody was not there, but Butlers Rangers. They immediately opened to
the right & left & fired a field piece ‑ The effect was only
to turn this applicant about in the direction of his company with force as
to give him a good blast on his way back ‑ It was a company of the enemy
who were in possession of a Field piece taken from Colonel Willetts divison ‑ this
was the first intimation they had that Colonel Willett was not in the field
or had retreated ‑ The attack by this applicants division was sometime
continued supposing they were assisted by Colonel Willett ‑ This applicant
with a part of his company went with the prisoners to Albany."
Jeremiah Mason, Pension No. R6996, (N.Y.), 66 years old, Sept. 21,
1832, Town of Johnstown, Montgomery Co. Private in Col. Frederick Visscher's
Regt. of Tryon Co. Militia.
"That
his parents resided in the town of Johnstown and in the village and that his
father and brothers were also in the army. That he was in the battle
fought by Colonel Willett at Johnson Hall in Johnstown and was one who helped
bury the dead after the battle."
Isaac Mason, Pension No. W18479, Vernon, Penn., April 13, 1833,
Col. Frederick Visscher's Regt. of Tryon Co. Militia.
"That
he entered the service of the United States in the year that Cornwallis surrendered
as a volunteer together with his father and two brothers. Our house and
property had been burnt by the Indians & Tories sometime previously, he
enrolled himself in Captain Putnam's Company of New York Militia, Wm Wallace
was Lieutenant and on the 1st May entered the service, at Johnstown, in the
garrison or stone fort, being the County Jail fitted up for that purpose. Major
Little was called the garrison Major, and resided in the fort. Col. Vader who
resided near Johnstown also commanded, there was also a Major Scouten, Col,
Willett had the chief command, he commanded the forces from Fort Stanwix to
Schenectady. We performed constant duty on guard and on Scouts. On
22d day of October which date he marked on a tree & saw many years after. The
whole force of the Country was called out under Col. Willett to oppose Major
Ross and Captain Butler and a party of British and Indians, there were somewhere
about 400, men of all descriptions under Col. Willett, we left the garrison
in search of the enemy, leaving Eleven old men to take care of the Fort, we
missed the enemy, who took a road by Tripes Hill and surprised the town and
garrison, and attacked it, but were repulsed with the cannon, the force under
Col. Willett, came up, the British and Indians formed in a field, Willett advanced
to about 8 rods of them under fire, and then fired, charged and broke their
lines, they retreated, formed again, broke our line and took our cannon, Lieutenant
Wallace commanded, the youngest of us, among whom deponant was, we formed in
the line, the cannon was retook, the British retreated and were pursued about
8 miles. We took about 40 prisoners, Lieut Wallace commanded 49 person,
most of whom were under 16 yrs of age, several of whom were killed."
Isaac is
in error as to his enlistment in Col. Willett's Regt. Only Isaac's brother
John is listed on the Company Muster Roll for Capt. Garret Putman's company
in Col. Willett's Regt. John was wounded in the left side at the Battle of
Johnstown (Pension No. W18479 N.Y.). Jeremiah Mason Sr. served as a private
in Capt. Jellis Fonda's Company of Exempts in Col. Visscher's Regt. William
Wallace was serving in this same Company and regiment and this is probably
the same company that Isaac and Jeremiah Jr. was serving in as they were under
16 years of age. Their brother‑in‑law William Scarborough
who was in Putman's Company with John Mason was killed in the Battle of Johnstown. William
Wallace signed affadavits in both Isaac and Jeremiah's pensions and stated
that he saw them engaged in said battle and that he gave them orders. Isaac's
description of the battle is close to Col. Willett's description of the battle.
Martin A. Van Alstine, Pension No. S23O36 (N.Y.) Town of Root, Montgomery
County, N.Y., age 83 years. Col. Samuel Campbell's Regt. of Tryon Co. Militia
(First Battalion).
"That
this deponant was also during said war but the precise time he cannot now remember
engaged int he service of the United States at Johnstown in Montgomery County
(then Tryon) for two days & that during that time an engagement took place
between the Americans under Col. Willett & the enemy & that deponant
was engaged through the whole of that battle ‑ that the deponant volunteered
on that occasion & that a bullet carried away part of deponants hat on
that occasion & that another bullet passed through the clothing of deponant
just above the waist band & raked the skin of deponant.
And this deponant further now says that he now remembers that at the Johnstown
Battle Col. Willett put deponant under the particular command of a man by
the name of Walace, & deponant thinks he was a Captain & that he
was a brave soldier."
Hugh Connelly, Pension No. S2869O (N.Y.), Jefferson, Schoharie Co.,
N.Y., age 73 years, February 5, 1833. Private in Captain William
Snook's Company in Colonel Frederick Visscher's Regt. of Tryon County Militia
(Third Battalion).
"When
the Indians and Tories burnt Florida they retreated as far as Johnstown there
we came up with them and had a sharp engagement at first the Indians drove
us then we were reinforced by the Stone Roble Militia commanded by Capt. MacMaster
then we drove them and killed a number on both sides next Morning he helped bury
thirteen his mess mates were killed. We then pursued them as far as Canada
Creek there Capt. Butler was killed that commanded the Tories. We then
returned Back the Indians that were with us had the scalps that they carried
on a pole."
Abraham J. Quackenboss, Pension No. R8537 (N.Y.), Town of Glen,
Montgomery County, N.Y., age 72 years, Sept. 19, 1832. Private in
Capt. Jacob Gardinier's Company in Col. Visscher's Regt.
"And
this deponant further says that he was engaged in the American service the
time the Battle was fought Between the Americans and British at Johnstown at
the Hall Farm that Captain Jacob Gardinier was his Captain. The Americans
were commanded by Col. Marinus Willett and the enemys forces by Major Ross. That
this deponant discharged fourteen rounds during the Battle and the Americans
retook a cannon which had been lost during the Battle, that on our side one
Rowley was shot in the lower part of the leg, the day after the Battle was
fought this deponant assisted in Burying the dead. In the morning the
day the Battle was fought this deponant was sent on express from Cagnawaga
up the Mohawk River to notify some of the American troops near flat creek a
little southeast from Canajoharie that the British forces were at Warrensbush
in the Town of Florida & on their march to Johnstown."
Peter Van Alstine, Pension No. S14762 (N.Y.), Town of Glen, Montgomery
Co., N.Y., age 74 years, March 11, 1834. Sergeant in Capt. Rynier
Van Evera's Co. in Colonel Samuel Campbell's Regt.
"Marched
from that place (Fort Plain) to Johnstown to attack Major Ross & Butler
who were on their way to take that place with the British & Indians when
this deponant was engaged in the Battle which took place at Sir William Johnson's
Hall & was commanded by Major Rowley who had William Wallace for a guide. After
this Battle was fought they returned the next day under the Command of Captain
Van Evera to Fort Plain."
William Feeter, Pension No. S13O13 (N.Y.), February 11, 1833, Little
Falls, Herkimer County.
"In
October the British Indians & Tories under the command of Major Ross & Walter
Butler made their appearance on the Mohawk river in the (now) County of Montgomery
the alarm sprede through the country deponant & two other young men
Started from Stone Arabia & went down the Mohawk river about twelve miles & Joined
Col. Willet at a place called Anthony's nose, Willet proceeded down the South
Side of the river a few miles below Caghnawaga when Willet met an express who
informed him the enemy were on the north side of the Mohawk river & on
their way to Johnstown. Willet returned up the river & crossed over
to Caghnawaga where he sent deponant & one William Wallace as a scout to
ascertain the Situation of the enemy ‑ they proceeded to Johnstown & discovered
the enemy a little distance west of Johnsons Hall they were building fires & encamping. Wallace
returned to inform Col. Willet & deponant remained at the Jail with six
persons who went under the command of one Capt. Lidle the keeper of the Jail. Deponant & the
Company under Capt. Lidle when they saw Col. Willet advancing preceeded to
the place where they had built their fires & saw them retreating into the
woods about half a mile north towards Kingsborough deponant & his party
pursued as fast as they could run & came up close to the woods & halted.
Col. Willet sent a party of men under the command of Major Andrew Fink to join
Capt. Lidles party & enter into the woods & fire upon the enemy & then
retreat & had the enemy out into the field. they entered the woods
a short distance & were fired upon by the enemy & one or two of their
party killed they returned the fire & the enemy retreated & deponant & his
party pursued them about half a mile into the woods. When they came up
to the main body of the enemy ‑ deponant & Major Finck were in advance
of their party & were fired upon by the enemy who stood on the top of the
hill above them the balls struck in the trees ten or fifteen feet above deponants
head. Deponant fired at an Indian not more than twenty paces distant, & the
Indian fell. Major Finck then called out to his men to retreat as the
enemy were surrounding them, & they retreated into the open field & were
followed by the enemy, deponant & his party joined a company under the
command of Capt. Moody who had comand of a cannon they made a stand a short
time when they saw a large body of the enemy going through the woods to surround
them & cut off their retreat to the town ‑ & this deponant & his
party left the cannon & retreated to the town & joined Col. Willet
who had rallied his men & had received a reenforcement of Militia. Willet
advanced to meet the enemy, & again took the cannon & the enemy were
driven from the field & retreated during the battle several of deponants
friends & companions from Stone Arabia were severly wounded & deponant
was requested to go to Stone Arabia to inform their friends & bring them
to Johnstown to take care of the wounded. Deponant started immediately & went
in night to Stone Arabia about 12 miles & ate nothing from early in the
morning till late at night when he arrived at Stone Arabia. The next
morning deponant returned to Johnstown to join Col. Willet, who deponant learned
had gone in pursuit of the enemy & deponant followed Col. Willet to Fort
Herkimer and stayed at the fort one night. All the militia had gone with
Willet in pursuit of the enemy & deponant returned home to Stone Arabia. This
between the Enemy & col. Willet at Johnstown deponant verily believes was
in the fall of the year 1782 as above stated but by many of the Revolutionary
soldiers it is said this battle was fought in the fall of the year 1781 which
deponant thinks incorrect."
Jacob Tanner, Pension No. S11513 (N.Y.), April 18, 1833, Town of
Sharon, Schoharie County. Private Captain Garret Putman's Company
in Colonel Marinus Willett's Regiment of Levies.
"That
he remained there until the beginning of October 1781 when two of Colonel Willets
companies were dispatched to the town of Sharon now a town of Schoharie County
lying South of Montgomery County, for cattle for the use of the Soldiery stationed
at the afore mentioned place the two companies were commanded by Captains Putnam
and Gross ‑ they marched through the wilderness fifteen miles to Henry
Haines Mills where they remained over night Not being able to obtain any cattle
the two compaines started the ensuing day upon their return to the fort. The
Deponant and one Frederick Olman neighbors had families residing at Currystown
in the County of Montgomery who were exposed daily to some struggling club
of Indians were advised by the commanding officers to return to the fort by
the way of their homes ‑ The deponant and his comrad Olman and the company
seperated near the place of the present site of the Dutch Reformed Church in
Sharon and while on their way were benighted in the cedar swamp in the North
of Sharon when they were obliged to stay during the night ‑ On again
advancing the suceeding morning about one hundred and eighty yards they were
surprized by a party of Indians eleven in number and a white tory by the name
of John Har who had lodged the same night within about two hundred yards of
them in the same swamp ‑ As soon as the Indians discovered them they
pursued this deponant and Olman about three miles when they crossed the Indians
by prostrating themselves flat upon the ground on the top of a hillock while
the Inidans curved around the hill into the valley below ‑ Deponant and
Olman took advantage of this circumstance and immediately started in a different
direction and pursued their course without interruption until they arrived
at Currytown but before they reached their houses deponand and Olman were captured
by a company of Indians in ambuscade who were headed by Henry Brandt a cousin
of Colo. Joseph Brant who took them after making prisoners of Mr. Olmans father
and mother, to Fort Hunter where they were with deponant put under guard the
24 Oct., 1781. On the succeeding morning Deponant, Olman and his father
in law together with thirteen other prisoners were drove back of Johnstown
where they were detained two days ‑ From this place deponant with others
were escorted as prisoners by the savages to fort Niagara and then kept as
a prisoner until the spring of Seventeen hundred and Eighty two ‑ "
Frederick Ulman, Pension No. S14743 (N.Y. & Penn.), February
5, 1833, Town of Carlisle, Schoharie County. Served as private in Captain
Garret Putman's Company in Colonel Marinus Willett's Regiment of Levies.
"In
the year 81 1st April saith he listed again in the same Company for the term
of 9 months was stationed at fort Plain fort Plank and near there Continued
until Oct. Then Being in a Scouting party about 2O miles from his staionary
place and being in the town of Root then and there himself and Jacob Tanner
were taken prisoners By a party of Indians and tories being the 24th day of
October in the year 81 ‑ (A place called Warnsbush was Burned on the
25th) Recollects the next day after he was a prisoner he was taken Near Johnstown,
and being in the woods near there and kept by the Enemy ‑ he at this
time through the trees saw his late Col. Willett marching towards Johnstown
with his Regiment at which place (Being 25th Oct) he had a Battle. Conquered
the Enemy ‑ the Enemy Retreated kept him prisoner with them and was present
when at West Canada Creek, Butler then of the Commander of Indians and tories
was shot Dead, and Recollects that he felt happy that It took place ‑"
Stephen Shew, Pension No. W1O9O (N.Y.), September 4, 1832, age 71
years, Rutland, Jefferson County. Served as a private in Captain John Littel's
Company in the Third Battalion of Tryon County Militia (Colonel Frederick
Visscher's Regiment).
"That
in the year 1781 while in the Militia service as above stated the enemy made
their appearance near the Fort in Johnstown, the claimant being among the number
in the Fort was the first to fire upon the enemy and in Company with several
others rushed from the Fort to pursue them, but were soon ordered back by Capt.
Little to guard the Fort, while at the same time Col. Willett with his Regiment
in pursuit of the enemy arrived at the Fort Immediately followed, over took
and attacked them in what is commonly called the Hall field, a little below
the village, where a bloody battle ensued and continued untill evening ‑ that
early the next morning the applicant in company with several others followed
the enemy, overtook two of their rear guard and took them prisoners ‑ conducted
them back to the Fort and gave them up to the regular authority of the American
Army as prisoners of war."
Jacob Shew, Pension No. S22985 (N.Y.), July 4, 1848, Village of
Broadalbin, Fulton County. Served as a private in Captain Garret Putman's
Company in Colonel Marinus Willett's Regiment of Levies. Stephen's brother.
"Again,
in the fall season of the same year a battle was waged near Johnstown between
a party of Indians and tories, about four hundred in number, and Colonel Willett
with his regt. and many others. This applicant being out with a scouting
party the same day, consisting of twelve in number, viz: Capt. Little, John
Eikler, John Brothers, Peter Yost, Henry Shew, this applicant & others
whose names are forgotten; on hearing the firing, immediately turned their
course towards Johnstown, and came in as a reinforcement before the battle
was over. This is what is commonly called the Hall Battle."
Philadelphia Nov. 17
HEAD‑QUARTERS CONTINENTAL VILLAGE NOV.
8, 1781
Sir,
SINCE I
had the honor of addressing your Excellencey this morning, I have received
the inclosed papers from Major‑General Lord Stirling, by which Congress
will perceive that the enemy have been compleatly disappointed in their designs
on the northern frontiers of this State, and defeated with considerable loss.
The address, gallentry, and perservering activity exhibited by Col. Willett
on this occasion, do him the highest honor. The conduct of Major Rowley, and
the brave militia under his command, at a critical moment, merits particular
commendations. I have the honor to be, with the highest respect, your Excellencey's
most obediant servant,
W. Heath
His Excellencey the President of Congress: Extract of a letter from Major‑General
Lord Stirling, dated Saratoga, Nov. 6, 1781.
I have received
a letter from Col. Willett, copy of which is inclosed. The returns he alludes
to were never sent. The vigilant, prudent conduct of this officer, through
the whole affair was such he reflects the highest honor upon the military character;
and the essential service he has done his country will give him a pleasing
remembrance in every honest breath. The number he has taken, killed and wounded,
with the distressed situation in which he left them, will amount short of a
total defeat; eight days march will scarcely bring them to a country where
they can be supplied with provisions.
Fort Rensselaer
Nov. 2, 1781
My
Lord,
Having just
returned from pursuing the enemy, my first business is to acquaint your Lordship
of the particular transactions that have taken place in this quarter, from
the time of their first appearance.
Eight o'clock,
P.M. on the 24th ult. I received advice that a considerable body of the enemy
were discovered in the upper part of the Mohawk district every means was instantly
taken to collect the force of the country in order to oppose them without loss
of time, so that by one o'clock the following day I was within two miles of
Fort‑Hunter, with between four and five hundered levies and militia;
there I learnt that the enemy, having burnt several houses and barns at Warrensbush,
had crossed the river at a ford some distance below, and were marching to Johnstown. This
obliged me to cross the river as soon as possible, and march by the shortest
route to the place whither they were directing their course. When within
two miles of Johnstown, I was informed they were already there, had halted;
and were busy in killing cattle belonging to the inhabitants. Thus situated,
I was determined to attack them as soon as possible; and ordered the left wing
of the few troops I had, to perform a circuit throught the woods, and fall
upon their right flank, while the right wing advanced in front.
A few minutes
brought us in view of them. The troops of this wing were pushed on to a field
adjoining to the one possessed by the enemy, where they displayed to the right,
and advanced in a line towards them, who retired with precipitation to a neighbouring
wood, closely pressed by our advance, which began to skirmish with them; while
the remainder of the wing was advancing briskly in two columns.‑‑In
this pleasing situation without any apparent cause, the whole of the wing turned
about and fled, nor was it possible to rally them. A field piece, which was
left on a height at a small distance from the wood, to secure a retreat, was
abandoned, and fell into the hands of the enemy. At this critical period our
left wing, commanded by Major Rowley, of the Massachusetts State, and composed
of the militia of this county, except about sixty of the levies of the above
State, made their appearance in the enemy's rear.
These soon
regained every thing our right wing had lost, and more. Night came on, and
the enemy retired into the wood, leaving a great number of their packs behind
them. After marching six miles, they encamped on the top of a mountain. By
information from prisoners who made their escape from them in the night, it
appeared to be their intention to strike at the frontiers of Stone Arabia in
order to furnish themselves with provisions. This induced me to march to that
place the next morning, where we remained all that day and night, without hearing
any thing further from them, than that they were pointing their route
further into the wilderness. I was now sure they were unable to make any sudden
stroke below the Little Falls, and in consequence, on the morning of the 27th,
I removed to the German Flatts, in order to be between the enemy and their
boats, which they had left at Oneida‑Creek. On my way I learnt; that
the party which I had detached to destroy them, had returned without doing
their duty. The 28th was passed in furnishing the choicest of the troops with
five days provision, and sixty Oneida Indians, who had this day joined me.
It now appeared clearly, that the enemy having given up the hope of returning
to their boats, were directing their march to Buck's Island, or to Osswagewa.
The troops intended to pursue them, to the amount of 400, besides Indians,
crossed the Mohawk at Fort‑Herkimer, and encamped in the woods. The day
following we marched upwards of 20 miles north, into the woods, through a snow‑storm,
and about 8 o'clock, A.M. on the morning of the 30th, we fell in with the enemy,
between the rear‑guard and a detachment of 40 men with some Indians.
These it was intended should procure a fresh supply of provisions, and follow
after their troops, who were to continue their route. Some of this party were
taken, some killed, and the rest dispersed. Their main body set out on a trot
in Indian file, and were pursued as warmly and closely as possible, until quite
night. Our pursuit they but once endeavored to resist, which was at a very
bad ford on Canada Creek, where they left Major Walter Butler and several more.
(This is the same Butler who commanded the massacre at Cherry‑Valley
in November 1778.) We have lost but one man in the pursuit. Our Indians were
very useful, and behaved with their usual alertness upon such occasions. Your
Lordship knows they are the best cavalry for the service of the wilderness.
Strange as it may appear it is true, that not withstanding the enemy had been
four days in the wilderness with only half a pound of horse‑flesh per
man per day, yet, in this famished situation, they troted 30 miles before they
stopped. Many of them indeed fell a sacrifice to such treatment. Their packs
and blankets were strewed through the woods. All their horses, except five
which were sent a considerable distance forward in their van, with their wounded
and a few prisoners fell into our hands.
In this
situation I left the unfortunate Major Ross; unfortunate I call him, for he
was surely so in taking charge of so fine a detachment of men to execute so
dirty and triffling a piece of business as he was sent on at such immense hazard
and exquisite toil. To fatique the brave troops any longer, appeared unnecessary.
The enemy, who continued their flight great part of the night, had got greatly
the start of us, and almost certain destruction appeared before them.‑‑A
seven days march, rivers passable but upon rafts, a barren wilderness, in an
inclement season of the year, to be encountered with, before they can obtain
any provisions; besides, our situation, had we pursued them a day or two longer,
might become little better than theirs; for our Inidians, and many of the troops,
in order to pursue them with greater vigour, had thrown aside their blankets
and provisions, which were now 20 miles or more in the rear; in fine, we left
them in a situation, perhaps, more suited to their merit than a musket ball,
a tomahawk, or captivity.
I shall
not attempt to give your Lordship an account of the whole of the enemy's loss,
from the beginning to the end of the affair. The fields of Johnstown, the brooks
and rivers, the hills and mountains, the deep and gloomy marshes throught which
they had to pass; these must tell, these only can tell; and perhaps at least
the officer, whoever he is, that detached them on this paltry expediton. The
desolate region they traversed in their flight, while we were pursuing them,
lies upwards of 30 miles north of Fort‑Schuyler.
It would
be wrong in me to close this letter, without assuring your Lordship that the
troops in general, who were with me on this service, supported the great fatigues
they had to encounter, with a soldier‑like fortitude. To Andrew Finck;
Esq; formerly a Captian in Col. Van Schaick's regiment, but at present
a Magistrate in this county, who performend the service of a Brigade‑Major,
I am under great obligations for his particular attention, great dilligence,
and manly deportment, through the whole of this expedition.
Inclosed
is a particular return of the force of the enemy; returns of our killed and
wounded, and such as shall be proper to transmit to your Lordship, shall be
sent forward as soon as collected. I remain, with sentiments of the greatest
esteem and respect, your Lordship's very humble servant,
Marinus
Willett
The Hon. Major‑General Lord Stirling
Force of the enemy; taken from Walter Butler's pocket book.
Eighth regiment
25, thirty‑fourth ditto 100, eighty‑fourth ditto Highlanders 30,
Sir John's 120, Lake's Independent 40, Butler's Rangers 150, Yagers 12, Indians
130. ‑‑ Total 607
Published
by order of Congress
Charles Thomson Sec'ry
Source: The Providence Gazette and Country Journal
Saturday, December 1, 1781, Vol. XVIII, No. 935
FURTHER
READING
1) Green, Ernest, "Gilbert Tice, U.E.". Ontario Historical Society,
Vol. XX1, 1924, PP 186‑197.
2) Greene, Nelson, History of the Mohawk Valley, Chicago S.J. Clarke Publishing
Co, 4 Vols. 1925.
3) Morrison, James F., A History of Fulton County in the Revolution, 1977.
4) Simms, Jeptha R., The Frontiersmen of New York, George Riggs, 2 Vols.,
1881‑1883.
5) Swiggett, Howard, War Out of Niagara, Columbia University Press, 1933.
6) Thomas, Howard, Marinus Willet, Prospect Books, 1954.
7) Watt,ed. Gavin K., The Kings Royal Regiment of New York 1984.
8) Willett, William M., A Narrative of Military Actions of Col. Marinus Willet,
N.Y., G&C&H Carvill, 1831.