Three Rivers
Hudson~Mohawk~Schoharie
History From America's Most Famous Valleys

The Life and Times of
Sir William Johnson, Bart.,
by William L. Stone
Vol. II
Albany: J. Munsell, 78 State Street, 1865.

APPENDIX No. 2.

"Orders and Instructions for Lieut. Col. Farquhar of the 44th, Regiment. Niagara, Aug. 2d, 1759.

1st, "You will see that those employed in repairing the fortifications, in putting the artillery and stores in proper order, in repairing or building vessels, and fitting up barracks, have all manner of assistance and be kept diligent at their several works-As Mr. Dimpler has directions about erecting a battery for two 18 pounders near the water side, you will give him assistance as soon as you can-As the general in chief is very desirous that vessels should be built with all expedition, and as more timber will be wanted, you will send out for it occasionally, taking care to send a strong escort, at diiferent houses, and places.

"2d, As this fort is ordered by Major General Amherst to be garrisoned by part of Brigadier General Stanwix's army, you will, on being relieved by them, embark the present garrison, and join the army at Oswego, leaving with the officer that succeeds you in the command, all instructions you may have received, and what information you can furnish him with for the service. Should the garrison sent by General Stanwix not be sufficient, according as circumstances may appear to you, you will leave a detachment of the forty-fourth regiment, equal to what the service may require. Some of the French officers and private men prisoners, not being now in condition to be removed, you will take all possible care of them, and when recovered, send them by the safest conveyance to Oswego, The guard over them will be careful not to allow any Indian, or suspected person, to have any communication with them upon any pretence whatever. The officers who are able to move about to have the liberty of the parade.

"3d, As soon as the army is embarked, you will shut the gate of the covered way, and not allow any man of the garrison to go out- to prevent stragglers being taken by the enemy-being informed they want to take a prisoner for intelligence.

"4th, As provisions are very difficult to be brought to such a distance, you will see that the commissary takes all possible care, and serves out first, those likely to spoil.

"5th, As it is expected that the Indians in the neighborhood, formerly in the French interest, will now, at least in appearance, be our friends, you will receive them with civility; give them provisions, and assure them that traders will soon arrive to buy their skins more to their advantage than ever the French did. If the Indians should come in large bodies, you will not admit above twenty to come within the fort at a time. Two interpreters are left here under your orders, who you will take care to see civilly treated.

"6th, As you being in possession of this place, greatly distresses the enemy, and is of great importance to his majesty's interest, you will take care that the service is performed with the greatest strictness, as possibly some attempt may be made. "Whatever extraordinaries may happen, you will send immediate notice of it, directed to the care of the officer commanding at Oswego, with leave to open the letter if you think necessary,

"WM. JOHNSON."

" Orders for Mr. Dimpler.

"You are to stay at Niagara under the orders of Lieut. Col. Farquhar.

"You will, with all possible dilligence, repair the fortifications in the best manner, build a battery for two eighteen pounders on the water side as directed. After which, all the buildings and barracks are to be put in good condition for the winter.

"After a strict examination, you will send a list of what things are necessarily wanted to put the post in a good condition of defence, and comfortable for the troops during the winter; this to be countersigned by the commanding officer, who is directed to give you what assistance you may want.

"WM. JOHNSON."

"Orders for Captain Walton.

"You will, without any loss of time, put all the artillery and stores in proper order, and place them to the best advantage. And as soon as it can be done with exactness, send a return of whatever may be wanted in your department to put this place in a good condition of defence. This to be countersigned by the commanding officer, who will give you assistance as you may have occasion for it.

"WILLIAM JOHNSON."

Thanks to James F. Morrison for loaning his book for the purpose of putting it on the internet.