THE BLOODIED MOHAWK
	ALEXANDER THOMPSON'S JOURNAL OF A TRIP TO OSWEGO

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In the beginning of the Month of January One Thousand Seven hundred and Eighty three I was appointed to the Command of the Artillery at the several Posts on the Mohawk River, Namely Fort Rensselear, Fort Plank, Fort Herkermer and Fort Dayton - Fort Rensselear being the Head Quarters of these detachments on the River I thought proper to have my quarters Near the Commanding Officer, that I might be enabled the more expeditiously to furnish detachments from my own Corps as cercumstances might require.

On the 17^th of April following an Express arrived from the Head Quarters of His Excellency General Washington, To dispatch an Officer to the British Garrison at Oswago,

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To announce a Cessation of Hostilities, and deliver the enclosed dispatches directed To the Commanding Officer of Oswago. Major Andrew Finck the then Commanding Officer sent for me immediately after the express arrived, and desired to know wether I would perform the duty: that I should have a Sufficient party and that every assistance should be afforded me that I might require. I accordingly accepted the Majors proposal and Orders were immediately given for such persons as I should Nominate, to hold themselves in Readyness to march the next morning - to march the next morning. I then selected one Bombardier of my own detachment, one serjeant of Willetts Levies, and one of the Chief Stockbridge Chief Indians, My Chief Guide and Interpreter I was to take at Fort Herkermer on my way up the River These being deemed sufficient

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to make rafts and help me across the Rivers and Creeks that I must necessarily have to pass, and being so few in Number might be able to do our duty with greater fecility

Our provisions being prepared the same evening I proposed marching the next morning by daylight but did not succeed agreeable to my wishes The inhabitants about the Country hearing a flagg was going to Oswago, earnestly solicited that I might be detained untill Eleven OClock .That they Might have an oppertunity of writing to and enquiring for some of their friends whom the indians had taken from time to time their request was complied with, and their was many poor absent Creatures. I had many large packages and these distressed people must have undergone a most painfull suspense during my absence, and my return, was to Some a Joy [compare Thompson's J. to the Y.'s in the Montgomery County Will of David Lipe] and to Others a Melancholy

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Messenger -- at Eleven OClock I calld my small party Together, and having placed a white flagg on the end of a Spon toon, I gave to the Serjeant to carry who I orderd to March before me, the bombardier and Indian to follow. I marchd out of the Garrison and was accompanied some miles by many of the Officers in my Company with Inhabitants

The weather was clear and pleasent I took the road the West Side of the River and passed Fort Windecker The Castel of Mohawk's, and arrived at M^r Schuylers house at the foot of fall Hill about Three OClock where I was presented with an excellent dinner, a little after four OClock I continued my march and assending the fall Hill we cross'd over and arrived at

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On the German flatts, a little after sun seting at this Garrison I found a M^r David Schuyler who I engaged as my Chief Guide and interpreter. This man was not only well acquainted with the rout to Oswago, but with many of the Indian languages: here I orderd the Men to put up Eight days provisions in their Knapsacks as my pack horse was left at this post the Country we had to pass over would not admit of his Assistance any farther. The distance to Oswago and the Situation of the Country which I inform myself of from my Guide and the inhabitants and the quantity of provisions I had orderd for the tour I thought not sufficient should I meet with any difficulty crossing rivers by having our rafts Sink or indeed any accident that should deprive me of my Store, And in consequence of which cou'd [happen] I resolved to

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I continued my march on the west side of the Mohawk and about three miles from the garrison met a hunting party of four Whites, who had been three days out, and had taken but one deer. Upon examining them I could collect no information of any tracts being discovered of any of the enemy's Scouts.

I passed these men and one mile farther met one of the Oneida Indians who had likewise been upon the hunt, he had been out nine days and plenty of furs Nothing material collected from him of either tract or party. I then proceeded and after marching a few miles the storm ceased and having a good road I marched until opposite Tomson's place above New German Tower, on the Mohawk River, where I halted on the banks to refresh myself one hour and a half. I then commenced my march again and about four miles on our path overtook a hunting party of the Oneida Indians, ten in number, with their families. They intended to hunt a few days on this ground, had put up their wigwams there which they have considerately placed near a fine brook. This party having left Fort Herkimer the day but one before me, had made no discoveries. After I had gratified my curiosity in observing how these people lived, in the kind of cabins, and from whose particular manner would be thought an impossibility by me that had visited them while in this manner of living, I took my leave of the hunters and soon after entered a most difficult swamp.

After penetrating about one and one-half miles, I found the rains had raised the water so high in many places that I was obliged to make my way on large logs, and many of which I slipped off into the mire which greatly increased my fatigue. The several bridges and passes in this swamp having been broken up and destroyed made me search more for these logs to pass on which made the distance three times as far again. These passes were destroyed by a party of British troops and Indians me of my store and in consequence of which consideration I resolved

to take a musket and plenty of powder and Shot that shou'd it so terminat we might apply to hunting which is remarkably favourable on the route to Oswago, from this determination, I was much disuaded, by the Officers in Fort Herkermer, and for which they gave the following reasons, That I was going a flagg through an enemies country it was very probable I would meet some of the enemies Indian Scouts as they remarkably known for being on their guard might suffer the flagg to pass but when Observing that we had fire Arms with us which is not customary on such duties they might pretend I had some other design, and as they are not remarkable for their faith, might fall on and sacrifice each

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of us # but Still their was a Necessity for our being supply'd with some means to procure Subsistence should we be unfortunate with what we had, # and any person who was acquainted with the disposition of the Savages would natureally conceive these opinions very plausible, However, I knew there was almost as much necessity of being furnishd with some means of supplying while in the woods, the provisions with us was but for Eight days, upon this we would not only to travel to the British Garrison, but to return for I cou'd not promise myself what kind of a reception I might meet. Therefore I resolved that one of the Men shou'd take the smallest Musket and fold it up in his blanket, which could not possibly be discover'd by any, the musket being thus

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concealed seemed to remove the former apprehension.

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In the beginning of the Month of January One Thousand Seven hundred and Eighty three I was appointed to the Command of the Artillery at the several Posts on the Mohawk River, Namely Fort Rensselear, Fort Plank, Fort Herkermer and Fort Dayton - Fort Rensselear being the Head Quarters of the several detachments on the River, I thought proper to have my quarters Near the Commanding Officer, that I might be enabled the more expeditiously to furnish detachments from my own Corps as Cercumstances might require.

On the 17^th of April following an Express arrived from the Head Quarters of His Excellency General Washington To dispatch an Officer to the British Garrison at Oswago, To announce a

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Cessation of Hostilities on the frontier of New York and deliver the inclosed dispatches directed To the Commanding Officer of Oswago.

Major Andrew Finck the then Commanding Officer Sent for me immediately after the express arrived, committed Y^e disptchs to my care and askd me if I woud undertake the duty pointed out by the General, and that I shou'd have every assistance Necessary. I accordingly accepted the Major proposal and Orders were immediately given for such persons as I shou'd Nominate, to hold themselves in readyness to March the Next Morning, I then Selected one Bombardier of my own detachment, one Serjeant of Willetts Levies, and One of the Chief Stockbridge Indians, My Chief Guide and Interpreter I was to take at Fort Herkermer on my way up the River, These being deemed sufficient to make rafts and help me Cross the Rivers and Creeks, that I

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Must Necessarily have pass, and being so few in Number might be able to do our duty with greater dispatch.

My provisions being prepared the same evening I proposed to march the Next Morning by day light, but did not succeed agreeable to my expectation,

The inhabitants about the Country hearing a flagg was going to Oswago, earnestly Solicited that I might be detain'd untill Eleven OClock. That they Might have an oppertunity of Writing too, and enquiring of Many of their friends whom the Indians had taken from time to time, their request was complied with, and their was many of these and unhappy people that had been drag'd away from their friends, by these savages, Never to return again

The hour of Eleven drawing Nigh vast packets came in from every quarter Numbers of person who deliver'd me Letters for

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Their unfortunate friends whom they never heard from since the Moment of their Captivity. These people I say appeard in a most painfull suspence, And on my return, to some I was a Joy full Messenger, but to many a very Melacholy and painful one,

At Eleven OClock I collected my little party and having placed a white flagg on the end of a Spon toon, I gave to the Serjeant to carry, who I orderd to March before me, my bombardier and Indian to follow. I march'd out of the Garrison and was accompan'd some miles by many of the Officers in Company with Inhabitants,

The weather was Clear and pleasent I took the road the West Side of the Mohawk River and pass'd Fort Windecker The Castles of Mohawk, and arrived at M^r Schuylers House at the foot of fall Hill about Three OClock where I

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was presented with an excellent dinner, a little after four OClock I took my leave of M^r Schuylers family and continued my March, assended fall Hill, cross'd over, and arrived at Fort Herkermer on the German flatts, a little after sun seting

at this Garrison I found a M^r David Schuyler,|Brother to the M^r Schuyler I had dined with| who I engaged as my Chief Guide and interpreter, who was not only well acquainted with the rout to Oswago, but with many of the Indian languages, here I Orderd the Men to put up eight days cook'd provision in their Knapsacks, my pack horse was left at this post. The Country we had to pass over wou'd not admit of his assistance any farther, The distance to Oswago and the Situation of the Country

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I collected from guide and the inhabitants inform myself of from my Guide and the inhabitants, and from the Quantity of provision laid up I did not think it sufficient, considering the many difficulties we had to encounter befor we reachd that distant Garrison, I resolved therefore to take One musket and plenty of powder and Shott, That if we shou'd by any accident loose what provision I had laid up, I might be enabled to hunt, which is remarkably favorable on the rout to Oswago, from this determination I was much disuaded by the Officers in Fort Herkermer, for which they gave the following reasons, That I was going a flagg through an Enemies country it was very probable I wou'd be met with by some of the enemies Indian Scouts, as they are very remarkable for being on their

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Guard, might suffer the flagg to pass, but when Observed that we had fire Arms with us, which is not Customary on such duties, | , they might pretend I had some other design in vein, and as they are not very remarkable for their faith, might fall on and Sacrifice each of us, __ And any One who is acquainted with the disposition of these Savages wou'd very Naturaly conceive these Opinions very Plausible, __ but Still their was a Necessity for my being supply'd with some means to procure Subsistence shou'd I be unfortunate with what I had,

However I knew there was almost as much Necessity for being furnish'd with some means of Supply while in the Uninhabited wood as their was for hunting

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up eight days provision, for from this Store not only be Obliged to subsist on to Oswago, but probably to depend on, on our return for I cou'd not promise myself what kind of Reception I Shoud Meet, __ Therefore I resolved that one of the Men shou'd take the Shortest Musket and Roll it up in his blanket, which really could not be discover'd by any one,

The Musket being thus conceal'd seemed to remove all former Apprehensions,

Saturday 19^th A most prodigious Snow Storm, I impatiently waited untill eight OClock, in hopes the Storm wou'd abate, but the prospect was not more favora[ble] now then at break of day, I resolved then to set off and Calling my little party together, I left the

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Garrison of Herkermer a little after Eight OClock, with my Chief Guide and Interpreter, M^r Schuyler, my Bombardier, The Sergeant and the Stock bridge Chief, to lighten their burden as much as possible I took my blanket, folded it up and slung it across my back

I continued my March the West side of the Mohawk and about three miles from the Garrison Met a hunting party of four Whites, who had been three days out, and had taken but one deer, upon examining them I cou'd collect no information of any tracts being discovered of any of the enemies Scouts.

I passed these men and one Mile farther Met of one of the Oneida Indians who had likewise been upon the Hunt, had been out nine days and plenty of furrs, Nothing meterial collected from him of either tract or party, I then

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proceeded, and after Marching a few Miles the Storm ceased and having a good road I march'd untill opposite Tomsons place above New German Town, on the Mohawk River, where I halted on the banks to refresh myself One hour and a half, I then commenced my March again and about four miles on our path I overtook a hunting party of the Oneida Indians, ten in Number with their families, They intending to hunt a few days on this ground had put up their WigWams and which they very considerately placed near a fine brook, This party having left Fort Herkermer the day but one before me, had made no discoveries, -- After I had gratified my Curiosity in Observing how these people lived, in these kind of Cabuns, and from whose very particular Manner wou'd be thought an impossibility by Many that had visited them, while in this Manner of living, I took my leave of the hunters and soon after enter'd a most difficult swamp, after penetrating about a mile and a half mile, I found the rains had rais'd the water so high in many places that I was oblig'd to make my way on large loggs, and many of which I slipp'd off into the mire which greatly increased my fatigue, The siveral bridges and passes in this Swamp having been broken up and destroy'd made me search more for these loggs to pass on, which made the distance three times as far again, These passes were destroyed by a party of British troops and Indians that retreated that way, after, burning and distroying the fine Settlements of New German Town, German flatts, fall Hill, and Canajoharie After passing many tedious hours and with great fatigue it began to grow dark and about a half an hour after I got through this dismal Tedious place, and begining gradually to assend a rising ground, I soon came to a fine broo[k] of Water about two feet deep, which I cross'd and halted on the Opposite bank, The Indian and rest of my party immediately began to search for bark which the[y] soon began to build a Wigwam for the Night, This they did by placing two poles about ten feet from each other, with a crack in the upper end of each, and laying another pole across these, They lay the bark on each side of this pole, which from the top to the bottom wou'd rise about six feet, The gable ends they filled up with pines cut proportionably, and the fire mad[e] in the middle, a small place on the top of the Wigwam left open for the Smoke to go out of, At the same time a quantity of hemlock boughs were gether'd and laid on the ground for our beds, After having a large fire made I began to dry myself, being exceedingly wet, immediately after

I refresh'd myself with supper and going out of the Wigwam to see what kind of weather, which was clear. The [broo]ck flowing with a Gentle current, the water murmuring by a gentle fall from rock to rock, I then returned to my cabin and being so much fatigued soon took to rest.

Sunday 20th. The sun rose clear and pleasant about which time I left my place of encampment and took the path for Fort Stanwix, two hours on my march the weather became cloudy and Cold but no rain, I pass'd by Old Fort Schuyler about ten OClock and about three miles beond which after passing over the low grounds, I entered a Second difficult swamp. and on the Creek of Seekaquate, which is about the middle, I found the bridges entirely destroy'd which made some difficulty in crossing. The Swamp was not so large as the One I had passed through the Afterno[on] before, but in many places equally as difficult, immediately after I assended Ariska Hill and Arrived on its Summit about one OClock which is generally allowed to be the highest piece of ground from Schennectandy to Fort Stanwix, I halted one hour, the weather beginning to be clear and pleasant. I then proceeded for Ariska Creek and between the Summit of the Hill and the Creek, I went over the ground where General Herkimer fought Sir John Johnson, This allowed likewise to be one of the most desperate engagements that has ever

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been fought by the Militia, I saw a vast Number of human Sculls and bones scatterd through the woods.

When I arrived at the Creek I found the bridge there also destroyed the Water high and so exceeding rapid I appehended much difficulty by attemting a raft. I then proceed to the Castles or rather where the Castles had Stood for they shared the same fate with the settlements below, when I arrived their I found it impossible to Cross, I then proceeded up^-the Creek and after marching some distance I found a place, which I forded, found the water three feet and near a half deep, the current so rapid a raft cou'd not be attempted, as soon as I arrived the other side my men made a large fire by which I soon dried myself and then proceeded, soon got into the path with  which I follow'd to the Oneida

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Creek, to which place I found the path very bad. I cross'd the Creek on large trees which some scouts had cut down for that purpose, I then passed though the Indian fields and Arrived at Fort Stanwix about six OClock at which I halted my little party, while I took a View of the ruins of the Fort as well as the Posts that Lt. Colone[l] S^t Leger had when he with a party of British Troops and Indians besieged the Garrison, after I had observed as much as time wou'd admit, I left this place and continued my March by Fort Bull on Wood Creek about one and a half mile beyond which, Near the Creek I encamped for the Night, it being sometime in the evening, the want of a plenty of Wood obliged me to mar[ch] so far in the evening, We began immediately to make our Wigwam which we soon had Compleated and having plenty of hemlock

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I apply'd its boughs for my bed a second night. The weather clear and pleasent during the Night our fires were kept large, and as we had now got into a wild country the whole of the night we had the most tremendious howlings from Wolves and other Wild beasts, many of which approached us very Near but keeping up large fires, they did not venture to do any mischief,

Monday 21:^st The weather continuing clear and pleasant I left my Cabben as the sun was rising and Continued my march along Wood Creek, after a short march I arrived at the Canady Creek, which being so deep I found it impractacable to ford and without wasting any time the party cut down two trees near the edge of the Creek which fell across on which I passd over, and taking our path again along the Wood Creek, I halted, had fires

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made, and refreshed myself One hour. Then continuing my march along the Creek for one and a half mile, then took the path for the Pine Ridge, as soon as I arrived on the Ridge I discoverd a shoe tract that had gone on the path I intended, In about three hours I marched over the pine ridge and Arrived at the Fish Creek, where I halted and employd some time in fishing but with little Success. I then Ordered the party to make a raft, as I intended crossing this Creek and pursue my rout to Oswago, on the North side of the Oneida Lake, and touch the Oswago River near the falls. The Indian came to me and told me that a few weeks before he had been on a Scout to the Three Rivers, and on his return to The Garrison, as crossing the Oneida

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Creek, he discovered three flatt bottomd boats with Oars, From the Known charachter of the Indian I had no room to doubt the truth of what he had said. I observed the Ice had lately broke up in tine Lakes which flatter'd me a good deal that no scout had taken them away, and the distance from me to where the boats were said to be was but a few Miles. I resolved to make the Serch, which of the attempt if not successfull woud retard me but a few hours, and if successfull not only releave me from the great fatigues which I must have encountered by crossing the long and very tedious swamps, Rivers and Creeks on the North side of the Lake, but woud much facilitate the duty I was upon and another Idea occurred That if I cou'd procure these boats, I might in all probability keep the North side of the Lake and River and not be seen, for I was determined to use every caution to arrive at Oswago undiscovered,

With these prospects I changed my rout and commenced my march very rapidly for the Wood Creek and about two miles overtook the former shoe tract which I followed untill I came to the Creek where he cross'd and I loss'd, I arrived at a place well known by the Scow on the Wood Creek about five OClock The Weather Cloudy, I set the Men to work immediately to make a raft to cross on, which they compleated in about one hour, I then order'd the serjeant and Indian to cross and to proceed with all possible dispatch for the Oneida Creek and Serch for the boats, and by all means to return the same night, if found we wou'd all cross the Next morning and make the necessary repairs, They proceeded with all possible

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Expedition, leaving me, M^r Schuyler my Chief guide and interpreter, and my Bombardier at the Scow, each of us imployed ourselves diligently searching for bark to make a cabbin but without effect, Neither bark nor hemlock to be found, It beginning to grow dark fast, we collected as many old logs and pieces of Wood as were to be found, and Made a large fire, at eight OClock it began to rain and raind excessively. I was obliged to have poles put up and our blankets laid across and to creep to shelter from the weather in about two hours and a half the rain continuing so violent put out our fire, which left me in a situation most pitifull, The blankets did not resist the pouring drops and in a little time I had not a dry thread on, my apprehensions at the same time were much alarm'd for my sergeant and Indian who did not return, I began to be suspicious that some of the Enemies Indian scouts from Niagara had discoverd them and taken them off, very attentively did I listen to hear them hail from the Opposite shore but all in vain, Thus the whole of the Night was I obliged to pass in the most disagreeable sensations of the Mind. Tuesday the 22^d The day at last began to dawn, and no return of my party, The rain abating a little we gethered wood and made a fire, but still it raind so as not to admit of my taking of my clothes to dry, about two hours after daybreak the serjeant and Indian was discovered coming to the opposite shore. This a most pleasing surcumstance, The serjeant

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immediately came over on the raft and inform'd me that being led to the Oneida Creek by an Indian tract found the distance much greater than first apprehended, and as it was late in the Night before he found the boats, it was so dark and rainy that he could not follow the path back, That he staid at the boats all night, and finding the Oneida Lake so near in the morning, he and the Indian lach'd the boat and had brought her around the edge of the lake, and had left her at the Royal Block House, The mouth of Wood Creek, That their was another boat, but that some Scouts had turned her bottom upward and burnt her most up, that no Oars were to be found, and that the boat he had brought round was leaky, but some little repair

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might render her serviceable. I began immediately to cross and proceeded with every imaginable pleassure to the boat which I found at the Royal Block House about twelve OClock, We soon began to examine our leaks and Stopped them up as far up her waste as might be safe to venture, This we did by taking a piece of Old rope and making Oakum and some old linen. Thus far we got completed in a short time, The Next supply wanted was Oars, what to do we did not know, each one was imployed Searching along the shores of the Lake for something that wou'd answer the purpose of Oars, After being out some time the Indian gave the Signal That he had found something, for to prevent any

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 Useless  Unnesseary delay I Order’d that the first one that found any thing that wou’d answer our purpose, should give a hoop, at which time all that was out should hoop likewise and return in. The Indian bringing in a large piece of board, we soon converted it, to Oars, and puting a hole up in the Middle of the boat, we put up our blankets for sails and the Indian finding some green bark we made halliards to geuen our sail. Haveing put our provision properly secure in the boat, and every thing thus far Prepar’d, about three OClock the weather continuing rainy, I set sail from the mouth of Wood Creek into the Oneida Lake The wind was high and favourable, the Lake Thirty four miles over, and a very high 

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Sea, I didnot Think prudent with such a Shattered boat to venture the length of the lake, Therefore, took my course across an Arm of the lake to what call'd the Nine Mile Point on the North side,

when about four miles from The shore, my Old boat began to leak, and which continued so as to be very alarming two men were imployed dilligently bailing, To keep her free, which by Their great exertions they did untill I arrived at the Nine Mile Point.

I immediately put to shore when with the help of some more Old linen, in some measure stop'd the leaky places, and with constant bailing I was able to continue my course along shore from point to point. The evening began to advance fast I went a shore which was near half way as far across the lake where we

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immediately began to make large fires and dry ourselves, Then after wards collected bark and hemlock soon completed a Wigwam to cover from the weather, The weather began to clear about ten at Night and the whole of the night we heard the most terrible Yells and howlings from the wild beats which - was very Numerous.

Wednesday the 23:^d The day broke beautifull and Clear directly after I embark'd and proceeded a long shore. The several leaks, employ'd the men constantly baling, after I had got a little distance along the lake, the sun began to rise and seemed with more than usual luster. The lake Calm, as I was about its Center gave me one of the most agreeable prospects I ever beheld, both end of lake was in View, a Number of fine

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Islands on the Western side The shores all around coverd with fine lofty timber, and the prospect of the high lands, on the West side back of The Oneida Castles, which seem gradually to assend to most surprising summit, is beautiful indeed, I had a gentle wind in favour which glided me along just fast enough to observe the beauties of its situation, I had saild about eight Miles, when I heard some of the enemies Indian Hunters fire, I passed a little farther and Observed a Creek on which they were hunting, by hearing of a nother fire, I continued along near to the shore until Opposite is what are Calld the Six Mile Islands which situated the side, being two in Number and much the largest

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in the lake, being opposite to these I went on shore, where I had fires built, and refreshed myself for One hour, Then set sail The weather pleasant and wind continuing fair. I got safe over the lake, passed by Fort Brewerton and Enter'd the Oswago River out two OClock, in this river I found the current in my favour and very rapid, This river I found most serpentine of any I had ever been in, and abounding with amazing quantities of Wild fowl more particularly of ducks of which there was many kinds, I saw several flocks of Geese but neither of which I woud suffer my men to fire at, tho great chances to kill Numbers for fear some Indian Scouts might detain me, and be rather troublesome,

I continued my course down This River sometimes on the Anandaga side and

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sometimes on the Oswago, I sailed about Eighteen Miles down the River when I went on shore on the Onandaga side where I had fires built and staid a short time, I then embarked and continued down the River wherein about two Miles from the Three Rivers, Just as turning a point, and Siting in the bow of the boat I discoverd a scout of the Enemies Indians in three Canoes coming up the River a long the same Shore with me, As soon as they discovered my boat, They gave a Yell and pushed over to the opposite shore, I had placed my Spontoon on which my white flagg was on, in the bow of the boat, The wind blowing down the River my flagg blew straigt which they did not at first discover, supposing me to be a

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Scout, As soon as they got to the Opposite shore they drew their canoes almost out of Water and immediately assended the bank, began to tree themselves for fight, when I had got nearly opposite to Them They haild me in Indian, to which I gave no answer, They then hail'd in Cayuga  English, Asked what boat that was, I answer'd them, a flagg to the Garrison at Oswago, They orderd me to come a shore, I orderd the men to put to the shore when four Indians came from behind trees beckened to me to come out, which I did and was conducted by two of them into the Woods After I had got out of the boat and going into the Woods I observed the other Indians leave their trees and run down to my boat, and beckening to the Men to

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come out, They drew up the boat almost out of Water. I was not conducted far before I observed two White Men and one Old Indian siting on the ground, when I drew near they arose, The One of the White men advanced toward and gave Me which I did his hand, ask'd me how I did, The Other White and The Three Indians then pres present, did so after him. He ask'd me if I commanded the flagg, I told him I did and he told me he was a M^r Hare and was a Lieutenant in Butlers Rangers, and that he was going with this Scout into the Neighborhood of the Garrison I had left, I told him I was happy to meet him and save him the risk and trouble of such a long

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March that all Hostilities had Ceased on our part, and That That was my commission to the Commanding officer of Oswago upon which I Shew him my instructions, he appeared to be much surprized at this declaration and declar'd to me no such intelligence had been received at the Garrison of Oswago he and the other White left me in a moment in the charge of the three Indians and in a few Moments after the Old Indian and call'd away leaveing The two That had conducted me to Take charge of me until their return, in about half an hour The Officer return, and told me The Indians were very clamorous about returning, and that he hardly knew what measures to take. I told him it was Necessary I shoud go to Oswago and that if his party

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went down the country, it must be expected He would not commit Hostilities, for I assured him every one of our Scouts were calld in the day before I left the Garrison after a second Consultation with the Indians, He concluded to take me to the Garrison at Oswago saying at the same time if it should prove a finess They had me secure enough. I then was conducted back to my boat where my poor fellows welcom'd my return for they express'd their fears much for me when taken from and absent so long -- The canoes were soon Caneh'd in the River and haveing my boat in readyness The officer took a seat with me

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I continuing continued my course down the River having one canoe each side of my boat, and one to follow behind me, Observed this Officers scout, consisted of Eight Indians beside his White Man, and indeed from their dress their was no distinguishing one from Another for it seems On such parties it has become a practice among Them to dress and paint as much as possible like the Indians I soon passd the Three Rivers about six miles below which we went on shore on the North side of the River and encamped for the Night, Cabbins were immediately Made and The Officer with myself and two Indians were in One, and my party with the other Indians were in the others, at nine OClock it began to rain and raind most

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Violently untill near day break

Thursday 24:^th The weather clear and pleasant, at which time the Ranger Officer sent off one of the Canoes before us to Oswago to acquaint the Commanding Officer of our being in the River, a little after sun rise we were embarked and continued our course down the River which rapids we found greater the nearer we approached Oswago falls, about ten OClock we arrived at the falls where we draw'd our boat over the carrying place, and safely crossing the several Rifts below, when within One Mile of the mouth of the River That empties itself into the Ontario Lake, where we was stopt by a Centinel on the shore until the Commanding officer was acquainted with our arrival. We immediately im barked loaded in about One hour a M^r McLane,

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a lieutenant in y^e 84:^th Reg^t with a detachment of troops received me at the shore, I immediately presented him my instructions, which very pointedly expressed my delivering them to the commanding officer, This officer wanted to send my dispatches by an officer which he momently expected, but I informed him that it cou'd not be admitted of he then beg'd my patience until this circumstance could be acquaint'd communicated to the Comm^g officer,

in a shot time an Officer, M^r Frazier, Lieut: & Adjutant to the garrison, came to me with Major Ross's complim^ts and begg'd to be permitted to conduct me to the Garrison, and at the same time hoped I would permit him a handkerchief over my face, untill I had arrived at the Majors quarters, I readyly complied with a request of this nature That is customary in times of War, by this Officers request I took his arm, and we began to advance to the Garrison --

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about a quarter of a mile, as I suppose from the Garrison, we passd a picquet guard -- and when we came near the Fort we where were hail'd by the Centinel at the Gate The Officer with me answerd that I was an American officer, a flagg We were Order'd to halt, I then heard the draw bridge which was over the trench, let down at which time They made a terrible clattering with the chains which the draw bridge is supported with, This I suppose they did to acquaint me They were very regular, admiting any one into their, which their nation is as much remarkable for show and their discipline, The drawbridge being down we desired to advance my The handkerchief was not so close to my face, but gave me place enough to see the ground, as soon

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as I had cross'd the draw bridge I observed the Guard in Order which I discoverd to the top of Their gates, I was soon led to Steps which we rose on two, then conducted Thrugh a long entrey into a room, where my handkerchief was taken off and I was presented by Adg^t of the Garrison to Major Ross of the 34:^th Reg^t Commanding Officer

The Major Rec^d me with the utmost politeness, shew him my instructions and then presented my dispatches, both of which he received with a very genteel behaviour, as soon as took my dispatches he requested me to sit down and refresh myself whiel he observed their contents, he had previous to my entering his room prepared a tabl for me, with a cold ham, fowl and wine, and being a little fatigu'd

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I very agreeable pertook of the repast, after he had finish'd reading he observed That I had brought him intelligence very different for what he had lately Rec^d from Gen^l Haldiman Commander in Chief in That department, and farther added That he had Rec^d but fourteen days before, news from Quebec, to prepair with every exertion for a defence of his Garrison, That it was expected the American troops woud beseige his Garrison the begining of May -- and -- That he was under The more immediate command of the Commander in Chief in the Northern department, He woud be Oblig'd before he coud stop the working parties at the fortifications

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to forward these dispatches to Gen^l M^cLane at Niagara, and take his opinion at the same time assuring me upon his honor That every scout of his shou'd be immediately call'd in to communicate the purport of These dispatches as soon as possible to the Garrison at Niagara, he Order'd the Captain of the Sh Caldwell Sloop then lying before Oswago [an unreadable cross out] Mounting fourteen Guns to sail immediately for that Garrison,

The Room that we were in had two Windows that look upon The Lake Ontario which previous to my Arrival he had The Major had blinds put up to, to prevent my being Able to Observe the Works or devise a plan of the Garrison, After he had known the Commission I was sent on, he Ask'd me to step to the Window

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And see the Caldwell sloop under sail for Niagara, This gave me and Opportunity to Observe the great Waters of that large and beautifu[l] Lake, which as far as my eye woud reach, and desern no more Then the # sky, and its mighty surface, except on the Western side, which show a very rough country lofted with An Amazing Wood, at this time Major Ross took the Opportunity to Observe in the most polite manner, That as I had given The first intelligence of War subsiding and as his garrison Consisted of detachments from different Corps he was not at liberty to show me the Situation of Oswago, with the improvements of the fortifications and from these concurrent circumstances he hoped I woud consider Them and feel for his situation, They appeared such as where to me,

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proper And Tho Major Ross coud not succeed in this part of his Wish, Yet he used every means fo to Make my situation otherwise Agreeable while with him, And to confirm his wishes to show me the Garrison will appear in his letter to me after my return to my Quarters at Fort Rensselaer A at the close of this Journal, I then presented him the letters and dispatches I had with me from the Inhabitants, for their unfortunate friends which he assured me should be duly attended to before my departure, In talking about these unfortunate people the Major said it was impossible for any Officer to controul the savages in attendants on any detachment and farther really believed That many cruel depredations had been committed by them, That was not made known to any but Themselves,

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but, That for his part he had exertd himself much to prevent the Murdering of any prisoners, but the Utmost effor[t] he said, coud not prevent them fro[m] taking the scalps of them tha[t] were kill'd, This language gave me room to enjoy my own Opinion fro[m] what had been said, for some persons I have seen myself, and been were Credibly been informed of Many others, That have been most cruelly tomahawk'd and skulp'd without the appearance of any other Wound. While talking on this subjec[t] Major Ross took occasion to Observe that he was very happy a period was put to such an unnatur[al] War, Tho, he cou'd not conceal his candeur in expressing, That War was the soldiers harvest The But to return, the Preliminary at

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Articles Articles of Peace was asons The Papers I handed him Published by Authority from both Nations #, nothing seemed to affect him More then coming to the bounderies of the United States #. He ran got out his maps and began to traverse the boundary line to find that the strong and important Post of Oswago, Niagara, & Detroit had been ceded by the British Court to the United States, and what was still more so, to leave in such ampble Order, Those works That had cost so many days hard fitigue, Mortification did not get the better of his complisance he suspended any farther observations, Mjor Ross brought a Number of Officers whom he introduced to my acquaintance, it is unnecessary to mention the Rank and Character of each of Them as they were very Many. However I must do Justice them all

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for using the most polite conversatio[n] except a Captain Crawford, who was a person That had Joined the British Standard when they took Possession of the City of New York, and who now holds That Rank of in the 2 Battalions of Sir John Johnsons Regiment, This person I say comes under that despicab[le] Charachter of a Violent Tory, and pride[s] himself with the appellation of a Loyal subject, This man appear'd to be really ignorent of the cause he was fighting for, and had the Weakness to Observe he had made more money on the side of the Question he had taken, Than if he Shou'd remain in an American Army one hundred Years, At which time I thought proper to Observe that the American officers had no other Views then supporting Their carachter

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in the most unquestionable degree from attending to any other means Then The actual line of duties they were egaged in, Major Ross and the Other officers immediately espoused my case, and Captain Crawford was Obliged to relinquish his political talk, and indeaverd to appologise for the liberty he had taken, To which I made no answer, and took as little Notice of him as there was a possibility of during the remaining time of my stay

Major Ross Requested me to Stay with him a few days, That I might refresh myself from my fatigue, And That he wou'd send his barge with me to up the River and Across the Oneida Lake, and up the Wood Creek, I thank'd the Major for his polite Offer and told him I wish'd to return on the West side of The River as that was a country I had never explored

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He told me I cou'd use my pleasure and he would be happy to afford me every assistance, I staid On Saturday, the Major told me the savages had become clamorous for some person had told them all their canos was to be taken from Them, and that they was to be drove away as far as where the sun went down, That he had collected from some person That They Threaten'd me on my return, he said it was necessary I shoud know it And he assured me he wou'd take every measure to prevent any insult being offerd, and for that purpose had orderd a detachment to protect me as Near my Garrison as I should think proper, I had a doubt but some One of the Garrison which, was composed of some many disappointed Tory Wretches Loyal Subjects had been base enough to propagate among the savages to their weak minds that I ought to be an Object for their Resentments but the precaution of Major Ross absolved their bad desires, -- I acquaintd the Major if he had no Objection I wou'd take my leave the Next morning, I had Staid long enough to refresh myself from the fatigues, and as long as I thought to be consistent with my duty, The Major then Order'd the Adjutant to make a list of the persons I present him, Mentioning Those That were kill'd, died in confinement and still prisons This he presented me in the evening at the same time telling me That he had a lad prisoner in the Garrison That had been taken about six Weeks before from the Neighbourhood of Fort Dayton one of our Garrisons on Mohawk River And had intended sending him to Canada with the rest of the Prisoners but that the poor boy had so earnest[ly] beg'd & prayd he might not be sent their he had concluded he should remain with him, The poor fellow was sent for

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To remark y^e Mohawk river heads a little above f^t Stanwix -- y^e Three Rivers &^cc

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And Asked by the Major if he had any word to send to his father and mother The poor creature, at the recall of his most tender parents, burst into tears, and for some time was incapable of expressing himself, At last in his Own language ask'd me if I wou'd be so good as to tell his father and his a other he was alive, I felt an extreem pain for the unhappy sufferer altho he appeard to be about fourteen Years of age and to appearences very ignorant Yet Yet the tender ties of his absent father & mother seem'd to break his heart, after the lad was dismissed I told Major Ross if it Coud be consistant with his duty to let me take that lad with me on my return and deliver him

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to his friends, it might be a mea[ns] of doing some service to his carachter, The boy was not Taken in Arms Nor indeed was he capable of bearing any -- And That This instance of his favor wou'd immediately fly Through The country and might be render'd serviceable in a future day -- The Major Replyd he knew of no great benifit that wou'd arise by detaining the lad. And as the war Had subsided I might take charg[e] of him and deliver him to parents To This I Thanked him many times, The many our reception by These Unhappy people when I present[ed] their son, who They never heard of from the moment of his captivity weather he was dead or alive, shall be more particularly discribed in the farther part of my Journal when I arrived at Fort Dayton -- This instance of Condescension from Major Ross was more probably to midigate his conduct to the inhabitants and endeaver to convince

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them that he would lessen the horrors of War as speedily as possible or for some other purous than mere complaisance to me for had not a peace been declared I doubt whether Major Ross woud have given such instance of Conduct, Sunday 27:^th after breakfeast I beg'd to take my leave Lieut Frazer Adjutant to the Garrison And Lieut of the 84^th Reg^t were the two Officers Major Ross said that wou'd conduct me to my party, and That a detachment of troops to protect from the insults of the savages wou'd Join me where my party was And at the same time hoped I wou'd take no exceptions at haveing a Handkerchief on my face -- after thanking Major Ross for the many Civilities shewn me 1 took my leave And taking The arm of each of These Officers Appointed to Conduct me left the Garrison of Oswago about Eleven OClock, accompanied to my boat by all The

[The End]