Three Rivers
Hudson~Mohawk~Schoharie
History From America's Most Famous Valleys
1780-1980 The Bicentennial Book of The Schoharie and Mohawk Valley Raids
Published by
Klock's Churchyard Preservation Group
We dedicate this book to the brave Mohawk and Schoharie Valley Pioneers who
fought for Liberty and the hope of Freedom forever.
Klock's Churchyard Preservation Group gratefully acknowledges the financial
support ofAmerica the Beautiful Fund of New York and the contributions of
the Authors which made this book possible.
The October 1780
Campaign of Sir John Johnson into the Schoharie and Mohawk Valleys by James
F. Morrison
Colonel Klock's Battalion Palatine District by James F. Morrison
Report of Sir John Johnson's Raid on the Schoharie, Mohawk Country Unpublished
Tory Report of the Battle of Klock's Field by Milo Nellis - 1944
Where Our Pioneers Sleep
The Reformed Church and Johnson's Great Raid by Rev. Robert Gram
The Old Klock Cemetery Anthology Play by Elizabeth Bilobrowka
THE KLOCK'S CHURCHYARD STORY
The Klock's Churchyard Preservation Group, inspired by Mrs. Hazel Bode, organized in June 1979 to restore and preserve Klock's Churchyard. this old cemetery one half mile east of St. Johnsville had become overgrown with large trees and brush from years of neglect.
On this site in 1756 a log church was built. It was the first Reformed Church north of the Mohawk River between Caughnawaga (Fonda) and Herkimer. St. Johnsville Town Supervisor, George Matis, the Town Board, and Clarence Walrath Town Highway Superintendent all lent their support to the clean up project. Mr. Walrath and his crew cut down the large trees and brought in fill.
A "Green Thumb" project crew directed by Howard Tabor completed the clean up and planted grass seed. An America the Beautiful Fund of New York grant was gratefully received by the Group for Gravestone Rubbing Workshops and a historic play. "The Klock's Cemetery Anthology." Many village citizens became interested in local projects and gave support. The proceeds from these projects made this book possible. County Historian, Anita Smith has researched and completed the Survey Forms to begin the project review for listing this historic site on the National Register of Historic places. October 19, 1980 is the 200th Anniversary of the Battle of Klock's Field- parts of this battle took place in the Old Klock's Churchyard. To commemorate the Bicentennial of the Battles of Stone Arabia and Klock's Field this book was prepared. The lives and deeds of brave Mohawk pioneers have inspired Americans for over 200 years. They live in our memory giving us hope of Liberty and Freedom forever.
The book's contents are a blend of Historic articles, maps, drawings and photographs. James Morrison, a noted Military Historian describes the 1780 Johnson raids into the Schoharie and Mohawk Valleys. The Battles of Stone Arabia and Klock's Field described by the use of both British and American reports and pension records. Mr. Morrison also researched and prepared "The Colonel Klock's Regiment." The Haldimand Report is Sir John Johnson's Battle Report to his commanding officer. It was published in the St. Johnsville Enterprise and News in July 1944 St. Johnsville Historian, the late Milo Nellis, using the Haldimand Report, describes the Battle of Klock's Field using 1944 landmarks to better explain where the Battle was fought. This article has been updated by the 1980 footnotes by Anita Smith, Historian.
"Where Our Pioneers Sleep" from the St. John's Reformed Church Records reprinted from the Enterprise and News includes the 1914 R.W. Vosburgh report on Klock's Church and the people buried there. In 1980 after restoration work many of these stones can still be seen.
Reverend Robert Gram, pastor of St. John's Reformed Church, St. Johnsville, writes the early history of the Churches affected by Johnson's 1780 Raid. He gives an insight into the Church life in the Mohawk and Schoharie Valleys during the American Revolution.
"Klock's Cemetery Anthology," a historic play, was written by Mrs. Betty Bilobrowka. She is a Historian, Historical writer, Library teacher and member of the Klock's Churchyard Preservation Group. The play is about the pioneers buried in the cemetery. It was presented November 30, 1980 in the St. John's Reformed Church to a packed house.
Directed by Diane Wagar, the cast members were: Adam Klock as the Grandfather Klock, Jeff Snyder-Grandson, narrator Nelson Green, Joseph Green, Hendrik Klock-Frank Christiance, Johannis Klock-David Crouse, Jacob Klock- Charles Wagar, George Klock- Richard Gillen Jr. Reverend Dysslin- Rev. Robert Gram, Joseph Klock- Lipe Klock- Speaker for youth Carrie Moshinski, Margaretha Klock-Diane Burkdorf, Catherine Klock- JoAnn Warn, Anna Klock- Jennifer Gordon, Dorothy Zimmerman- Darlene Brundage, Elizabeth Devendorf-Thelma Miles.
A
Youth Choir, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts and members of the Tryon County Militia
also participated.
Montgomery County Historian
Klock's
Churchyard Preservation Group
Our Appreciation to Angelina De Traglia for the many hours donated typing
this book
The October 1780 Campaign of Sir John Johnson into the Schoharie and Mohawk Valleys by James F. Morrison
PREFACE
The October 1780 Campaign of Sir John Johnson into the Schoharie and Mohawk Valleys deals with Sir John Johnson's second raid of the year into this region.
I am indebted to Lewis G. Decker, Wayne Lenig, Mrs. Anita Smith and many others in the preparation of the manuscript. I am also indebted to the staff of the Montgomery County Department of History and Archives, the Public Archives of Canada, the Gloversville and Johnstown Libraries.
March
23, 1980
Gloversville, New York. James F. Morrison
The Destruction of Balls Town
On September 27th, Captain John Munro with his detachment of 130 men of the King's Royal Regiment of New York and 31 men of Butler's Rangers arrived at St. John's. On the 28th they sailed to Isle aux Noix in company of Major Christopher Carleton and his detachment of men. On September 29th they left Isle aux Noix and sailed to Isle La Motte where they encamped for the night. On the 30th they sailed as far as Bay de St. Amand where they again put ashore and encamped for the night.
Captain Munro with his men and Major Carleton's detachment remained ashore until the 2nd as the wind was too strong for them to sail down Lake Champlain any further. In the morning of the 2nd they again put afloat and sailed to the Isle of Valcour where they put to shore and encamped for the night. Here Captain John Deserontyon with about 30 Mohawk warriors joined Captain Munro's detachment.
The next several days were spent sailing down Lake Champlain except at night when they put ashore and encamped for the night. On October 6th, they arrived at West Bay near Crown Point. At daylight of October 7th, Captain Munro and his party except for Ensign Oliver Church and Lieutenant Thomas Smith whom stayed with Major Carleton sailed across the bay, put to shore and hid their boats. Captain Munro with his detachment began their march for Balls Town* where they would act as a diversion for Major Carleton who was to attack key fortifications along the Hudson River and he was to join Sir John Johnson who with another force was to raid the Schoharie and Mohawk Valleys.
Captain Munro and his party marched only seven miles before they encamped for the night. In the morning it was decided that the men were slowed down by excess weight and each man was to carry fifty rounds of ammunition and 30 days provisions. One days provision and the remainder of the ammunition was left near this encampment and Captain Munro with his men proceeded on their march for Balls Town.
On the morning of the 10th, a man having become sick was left with another man who had injured himself the night before by cutting himself with an axe and a third man was left to take care of them. On the 12th, Lieutenant Smith and Ensign Church, who had remained with Major Carleton now joined Captain Munro and his men. They informed that Major Carleton had destroyed Forts Ann and George and that he returned with his detachment to Crown Point. Captain Monro felt uneasy knowing that Major Carleton had returned to Crown Point combined with two scouting parties had not also joined him this day as agreed upon. The scouting party consisted of three Butler's Rangers and two Indians that had been sent to Johnstown for intelligence and the other party consisted of Lieutenant William Fraser with one Indian was sent to Balls Town for intelligence also.
*Captain Munro was originally to attack Saratoga but on being informed that it was reinforced with 500 men thought it safer to attack the present day Ballston Spa area.
On the 13th, Lieutenant Fraser and the Indian joined Captain Munro and party and informed him that there was no news of Sir John Johnson and also that a deserter from Major Carleton's party gave information as to the strength and intentions of the various raiding parties and that the militia had been ordered to reinforce those areas that were to be attacked. In spite of this news Captain Munro decided to continue his march to Balls Town.
The deserter was James Van Driesen serving in Major McAlpin's Corps with Major Carlton.
On the 16th about midnight, Captain Munro and his men were about ten miles from Balls Town and Captain Munro sent some of the Rangers and Indians to watch and guard the three different roads nearby with orders to secure every person that passed. Shortly afterwards Isaac Palmatier and another man were brought to Captain Munro by some of the Rangers. On questioning them he was told that he was expected and that all the men at Balls Town were at arms. Ensign Church with two Rangers were sent to known loyalist's homes for more information and they were to rejoin Captain Munro on the march to Balls Town.
Captain Munro and his men now resumed their march and soon after they were joined by some of the Rangers and Indians with a prisoner named John Shew. *Upon questioning him Captain Munro learned that Shew had been sent out to discover any signs of enemy which were believed to be near. Shew having been a prisoner before in Canada and having made his escape from the Indians was instantly tomahawked to death and scalped by the Indians.
Soon afterwards Ensign Church with James McDonald, a loyalist friend, rejoined Captain Munro. McDonald informed Captain Munro that there were 150 militiamen from Schenectady under First Major Abraham Swits + stationed at the church at Balls Town and that 100 more were to be raised on the first alarm of trouble.
Captain Munro and his men once again resumed their march guided by McDonald through the loyalists settlements of Pasley and New Galloway.** About one o'clock in the morning on the 17th, Captain Munro and his men arrived at the home of Lieutenant-Colonel James Gordon***who lived near the Mourningkill on the outskirts of Balls Town.
Here Captain Munro split his detachment into groups, Lieutenant Patrick Langan with the Rangers and some of the Indians were to rush the Gordon home, Lieutenant Fraser with a party of men were sent to attack the house of Captain Tyrannis Collins and Captain Munro with the remainder of the men formed a line in front of the Gordon house prepared to reinforce the other parties if necessary.
* John Shew who resided at Fort Johnstown had gone to Balls Town to go hunting with his friend Isaac Palmatier.
**
This detachment of militia were the Second Regiment of Albany County Militia.
These two settlements were in the present day Town of Milton, Saratoga County.
***James Gordon served in the Twelfth Regiment of Albany County Militia as Lieutenant Colonel. Gordon with his daughter Melinda in his arms, Mrs. Gordon, their son James, Jack Galbraith and John Parlow who was a servant, ****were led outside and put with the other prisoners. Gordon's slaves Nero, Jacob and Ann were also taken prisoners.
Mrs. Gordon with her daughter Melinda were released and they hid in the woods for the night and at daylight they began their journey to a nearby relative. Gordon who had been captured in his night shirt was standing in the cold air shivering and requested of Captain Munro to let him get some of his clothing but the Indians had plundered his house and none of his clothing was left. Lieutenant Langan who was standing next to Gordon took his blanket coat out of his knapsack and gave it to Gordon to wear.
The party sent to Captain Collins house broke down the door and took Captain Collins prisoner. His son Mannassah escaped from the house and went to John and Stephen Ball's home and informed them of the invasion. Collins and John Ball went to the nearby woods and hid while Stephen Ball mounted a horse and rode to Second Major Andrew Mitchell's house and warned him of the enemies presence. Major Mitchell gathered his family with Ball and went into the nearby woods where they concealed themselves.
About five men from the party that attacked Captain Collins house went to the home of Isaac Stowe, Gordon's miller who lived nearby. Stowe on seeing the enemy ran from the house and headed for Gordon's house to warn him but an Indian on seeing Stowe hurled his spear at him and Stowe tumbled to the ground. The Indian rushed to Stowe's body, tomahawked and scalped him. The three parties now reunited and proceeded to carry out their orders of destruction.
The enemy proceeded to the house of Thomas Barnum who was taken prisoner. After Barnum's house was plundered the enemy proceeded to the house of Elisha Benedict. Benedict and his three sons, Elias, Felix and Caleb* were taken prisoners. Benedict's house was plundered and his barn was set on fire.
The enemy proceeded to the house of Edward A. Watrous and he was taken prisoner. Watrous's house was plundered and then went to the home of John Davis who lived opposite to Watrous. Davis was taken prisoner and his house was plundered. The enemy now proceeded to the home of Paul Pierson.
Pierson and his son John were taken prisoners. After plundering Pierson's home they proceeded to the home of John Higby. Higby with his son Lewis were taken prisoners and their home was plundered and set fire. The enemy now proceeded to the home of John Filer.
****John Parlow was a son of a Loyalist who had been captured previously by Oneida Indians was taken to his family in Canada.
*Caleb Benedict at this time was an Ensign in the 12th Regiment of Albany County Militia under Captain Collins. His father Elisha was a Captain and had served in the Second Regiment of the New York Line in 1775 but appears not be serving in a military capacity at this time.
John Filer, who was about early, was looking out his window, saw the flames raising from Higby's house and the light from the fire of Benedict's barn, gathered his family together and went into the woods and concealed themselves. The enemy soon after arrived but to find the occupants gone. They now pillaged the house and set it on fire. Mrs. Leake, Filer's mother-in-law had concealed herself near the house and on seeing the enemy leave went back into the house and succeeded in putting out the fire.
The enemy now proceeded to the house of George Scott about three quarters of a mile north of Filer's house. Scott on hearing his dog barking, seized his musket and opening the door to look out to see what was causing his dog to bark discovered the enemy approaching. Lieutenant Fraser who knew Scott and on seeing him at the door armed with his musket asked him to surrender. Scott instead of surrendering fired at the enemy and three of the Indians threw their tomahawks at Scott striking him on the head knocking him to the floor senseless.
The Indians now rushed to the fallen Scott to scalp him but they were prevented by Lieutenant Fraser and Staats Springstein of Butler's Rangers who also had known Scott before the outbreak of the War of Independence. Mrs. Scott with her son James on hearing the musket fire came down the stairs to find her husband lying on the floor with his face covered with blood. Young James on seeing his father covered with b1ood became frightened and fled from the house.
After plundering the house the enemy left without harming Mrs. Scott and left Scott as they believed dying but he later recovered from his wound. Mrs. Scott after caring for her husband and having become worried about her son being taking prisoner or killed by the enemy started calling for him. Soon after he returned much to his mothers relief from his place of concealment in the nearby woods.
The enemy now proceeded to the home of George Kennedy. Kennedy was taken prisoner but Mrs. Kennedy who was pregnant made her escape into the woods and concealed herself from the enemy. Kennedy's house was plundered and set on fire.
The enemy now proceeded to the house of Jabez Patchen. Patchen was taken prisoner but his son Walter and his son-in-law Enos Morehouse escaped from the back window and hid in a nearby field. After Patchen's house was plundered the enemy proceeded to the nearby home of Josiah Hollister. Hollister was taken prisoner and his house set on fire.
They now went to the home of Ebenezer Sprague. Sprague was taken prisoner along with his two sons Elijah and John. His house was pillaged and then set on fire. The enemy now proceeded to the home of Thomas Kennedy. Kennedy was taken prisoner and the enemy then plundered the house and left without setting it on fire.
John Kennedy who lived nearby was up and preparing to butcher his hogs, had started a fire to boil water for that purpose. Kennedy now spotted the burning house of Spargue and he quickly put out his fire and gathered his family and went to the nearby woods where they hid for the night. The enemy, not finding any of the occupants again plundered the house and once again left without setting it ablaze.
The enemy now proceeded to the home of Enoch Wood who was taken prisoner along with his hired man Sirus Phillmore. Wood's house and barn were set on fire and now went to the home of Stephen Wood. Wood and his family were not home and the house was plundered and se on fire. Shortly after leaving here the prisoner Phillmore made his escape on a narrow part of the path by running into the woods and concealed himself much to the surprise and lament of his captors.
It was now daylight and Captain Munro and his men were now out of the settlement and had carried out their deed of destruction without the loss or injury of a man except Lieutenant Lipscomb who had injured his foot. They obtained a horse for him and he was able to keep up with the raiding party. Munro and his men marched another ten miles before they encamped. Here they slaughtered the cattle they had taken to eat and used the flour they had also taken.
In the morning of the 18th, Captain Deserontyon of the Indians was given permission by Captain Munro to choose from the prisoners that were to be kept by the Indians. He chose Thomas Barnum, John and Lewis Higby, Isaac Palmatier, Elisha, Elias, Felix and Caleb Benedict, Elijah Sprague and Gordon's slave Nero. Munro also released Ebenezer Sprague, George Kennedy, Paul and John Pierson as they were unable to keep up with the raiding party.
Captain Munro decided to return to Crown Point to rejoin Major Carleton as he still had no news of Johnson and therefore there was no chance of joining him now. On October 24th, Captain Munro and his men with their prisoners arrived at Crown Point in a starving condition as they were out of provisions as what provisions they had concealed was either taken by scouting parties coming from Canada or eaten by vermin.
After a few days of sailing up Lake Champlain the raiding parties along with their prisoners arrived in Canada without being pursued by the militia to any extent. Captain Munro with his prisoners continued the journey to Montreal where the prisoners were imprisoned.
On October 1, 1780, Lieutenant-Colonel Sir John Johnson with fifty men from the 8th Regiment of Foot under Captain Parke, forty men from the 34th Regiment of Foot, 130 men from Butler's Rangers, 250 men from the King's Royal Regiment of New York, thirty men from the Yagers Rifle Regiments, 80 men from the Indian Department under Captain Joseph Brant and 200 Indians comprised of Mohawks, Onondagas, Cayugas, Delawares and Senecas left Fort Oswego.
They proceeded down Oneida Creek in eighteen boats loaded with provisions, ammunition and artillery with a strong detachment to protect the boats while the Indians with the rest of Johnson's detachment marched along the shore of the creek. On October 5th they arrived at the Onondaga Indian Village where they encamped for the night.
The next morning Colonel Johnson ordered the boats to be concealed and that each man was to have provisions for ten days and as much ammunition they could carry. Here Captain Robert Leake with ten men and 5 Indians who were too ill to continue the march were left to return to Fort Oswego. Colonel Johnson now marched for Schoharie drawing the artillery on sleds.
On October 8th, Johnson and his men arrived at Old Oneida where they were met by a scouting party of fifteen Indians with four prisoners. Johnson on questioning the prisoners learned that the militia had been alerted to his approach but they did not know by what route. Johnson continued his march towards Schoharie and on the 12th he was joined by another scouting party of Indians with four prisoners from the German Flatts. They gave the same information as the previous prisoners did.
On the 13th, 20 Cayuga Indians left for the German Flatts without permission and with much difficulty the rest of the Indians were prevented from leaving. Johnson sent a detachment of men to some loyalists living at Harpersfield to obtain some cattle as their provisions were exhausted. On the 15th they returned with eleven head of cattle and six of the Scotch inhabitants from Harpersfield returned with them also. On the 16th they encamped about three miles from the Upper Fort.
About daylight of the 17th, Colonel Johnson attempted to bypass the Upper Fort without being detected but the rear of the enemy was discovered by Peter Feeck and the alarm gun was fired three times to warn the inhabitants of the enemy's presence. Captain Jacob Hager with about 75 men prepared for an attack but the enemy continued their march towards the Middle Fort. Captain Hager with his son Henry, Lawrance Bouck and Isaac Vrooman followed the enemy for a short distance in hopes of capturing a straggling member of the rear guard but they did not succeed in doing this and returned to the fort.
Colonel Johnson gave the command to burn every rebel building in their path and the first buildings put to the torch were those of Frederick Mattice. The garrison at the Middle Fort on hearing the alarm gun of the Upper Fort had mounted the walls and soon spotted in the distance the light of burning buildings. Major Melancton Lloyd Woolsey who was in command with about 250 men prepared for an attack and a scouting party was ordered out to investigate the cause of the fires.
First Major Thomas Eckerson with First Lieutenant Martinus Zielie, William Loyd, Timothy Murphy, David Ellerson, Philip Hoover, Bartholomer C. Vrooman, Richard Hanson, Peter Van Slyke, John Wilbur, Joachim Van Valkenburg, Adam Shell, Zachariah Tufts and William Leek left the fort and proceeded cautiously towards the Upper Fort.
Major Eckerson and his scouts soon fell in with an advance party of Indians and a skirmish now took place. After several minutes of fighting the scouts discovered a party of Indians attempting to out flank them and Major Eckerson ordered a retreat back to the Middle Fort.
The enemy's entire force now pursued the scouts back to the fort and the scouts reached the fort in safety. The enemy now kept a brisk musket and rifle fire at the walls while Johnson brought up the brass three pound cannon and a four inch mortar to be used on the fort. Much to Johnson's mortification he soon discovered that his artillery had no effect on the square earthen and picket fort.
Colonel Johnson now ordered Captain Andrew Thompson of the Rangers to approach the fort with a flag of truce to demand the garrison to surrender. Major Woolsey decided to allow the three men to enter the fort for a parley but Timothy Murphy who knew what his fate would be along with some others of the garrison if Major Woolsey surrendered, fired at the men bearing the flag of truce. Captain Thompson and his two companions ran for cover. Captain Thompson attempted two more times to approach the fort with a flag of truce but each time fired at them. Major Woolsey ordered a nearby officer to arrest Murphy and the officer was about to execute the command when he was prevented by several friends of Murphy.*
Now a party of Indians were seen approaching the barn of John Becker near the fort and a small party from the fort was sent to attack them. After several shots were fired Sergeant Cooper received a ball in the leg and some of his comrades picked him up and began a retreat back to the fort when Cooper received another ball through the body and after returning to the fort Cooper died from his wounds. Zachariah Tufts was wounded on entering the fort and Samuel Reynolds received a ball in the forehead while entering the fort and fell dead at Jeremiah Loucks feet who also had just entered the fort.
Another small party of volunteers under Lieutenant Zielie while pursuing another band of Indians took one Indian prisoner and took Benjamin Burton of the Rangers prisoner also. The scouts now returned to the fort with their prisoners.
Captain Hager at the Upper Fort sent Ensign Peter Swart, Joseph Evans and William Zimmer to go as close to the Middle Fort as possible to determine if the enemy had taken the fort. The three scouts later returned and informed Captain Hager that the fort had not fallen to the enemy.
Colonel Johnson now decided a siege was futile and ordered everything within fifty yards of the fort to be destroyed including the church. Johnson now resumed the burning of the settlement and about 4 o'clock that afternoon they arrived at the Lower Fort. Lieutenant Colonel Volkert Veeder+ who was in command prepared to defend the fort with about 150 men from the Albany County Militia.
*This incident between Timothy Murphy and Major Woolsey was in the pension application of Nicholas Rightor pension no S14309 (N.Y.).
+ Lieutenant Colonel Volkert Veeder, with a detachment from the Fifth Regiment of Albany County Militia had been sent to reinforce the regular garrison shortly before the invasion of Johnson.
Johnson again had the cannon brought forward and it was fired three times with little effect on the fort. A heavy exchange of musket and rifle fire now took place but again with little effect. Some of the Indians set Tunis Swart's tavern on fire and soon they had set on fire all the buildings near the Lower Fort.
Johnson now ended the attack on the fort and with his troops crossed Foxescreek where there was a blockhouse with a six pound cannon. The men in the blockhouse fired the cannon which was loaded with grape shot at the enemy but with little effect. Captain Brant with some Indians burned the tavern of Jacob Snyder and some other buildings along Foxescreek.
Colonel Johnson with his troops continued their march and encamped for the night near the home of Harman Sidney. Here they burned Sidney's sawmill and all of his other buildings. The enemy now slaughtered some of the captured cattle which they ate, and some of the meat prepared, the troops put it in their knapsacks to be eaten while on the march.
At the Lower Fort Henry Haines, Jr., of the First Battalion of the King's Royal Regiment of New York, surrendered to the garrison as he had burned his feet in a burning building. Colonel Johnson had succeeded in burning 74 houses, 77 barns-, 3 grist mills and one saw mill. Johnson's troops suffered few casualties during his raid into Schoharie and had only two loyalists and one Indian taken prisoner. The American forces in the three forts had three men killed and six wounded.
On the morning of the 18th, Colonel Johnson and his men proceeded on the road on the West side of the Schoharie Creek. The road was so rough that Johnson ordered the mortar slung across a horse but Major James Gray, who was in command of the rear guard and artillery, thought they were closely pursued by the militia and had the mortar with its ammunition buried in a swamp.
While Colonel Johnson and his men were marching up towards Fort Hunter, another party of Indians and Loyalists, under Seth's Henry numbering about 30 men, appeared at Dorlach. The Indians first went to the home of Michael Merckley, who had dismounted from his horse as he returned from a visit at a nearby settlemen. He was shot down, tomahawked and scalped. His niece Catherine Merckly now rode into sight of her uncle's house and saw the Indians. While attempting to escape Seth's Henry shot her and she fell dead from the horse and ran to her limp body and scalped her.
The enemy now went to the home of Bastian France who lived nearby. France on hearing the musket fire at Merckly's grabbed his musket and started through the woods when he discovered the enemy approaching his house but was unable to return to his home to protect his family, and went to the Lower Fort for help. Mrs. France was at neighbors visiting and was not home at this time.
The enemy took John and Henry France prisoners after killing their dog. The rest of the France children on hearing the firing of the musket ran and hid in the woods. An Indian tomahawked John, and Henry made an attempt to escape but was retaken. This same Indian, that tomahawked John, went to the nearby house of Philip Hoffman but Hoffman had already fled. The Indian was enraged and returned to the France home and tomahawked young John who was not dead from the first attack and scalped him. While the Indians were plundering the house Henry again made a run for the nearby woods, this time he reached its safety and hid there during part of the day.
Some of the Indians still at Merckly's set his house on fire and with two daughter's and two son's of Merckly with another boy named Fox and Martin Merckly a nephew they joined the other party at France's and now proceeded to the home of William Spurnhuyer. Spurnhuyer with his family had days before removed to a place of safety. The Indians now plundered the house and set it on fire.
The enemy then marched about two miles from the settlement. When Fox and one of the Merckly boys began to cry and their captor took them aside, tomahawked and scalped them. This same party the next day took Joachim Van Valkenburg and two other prisoners near the Upper Fort, but later released them.
Early that morning of the 18th, Lieutenant Victor Putman and Garret Newkirk, who lived near Fort Hunter, had seen the light of burning buildings in Schoharie the day before, and decided to go to Schoharie to investigate the cause of the fires. The scouts fell in with the advance guard of the enemy near Oak Ridge (in present day Town of Charleston) and Newkirk was taken prisoner. Putman was able to escape back to the settlement named Cadaughrity near Fort Hunter to warn the in habitants of the impending attack. Tthey fled to Fort Hunter.
A scouting party from Fort Hunter consisting of Lewis Pruyne, Thomas Marlat, David Casal and two others were sent to investigate the cause of the fires in Schoharie, and to see if the enemy were approaching by the way of Schoharie. Shortly afterwards the scouts fell in with a party of Indians and after a few minutes of skirmishing Casal was killed, two others captured, Pruyne and Marlat escaped back to Fort Hunter.
Colonel Johnson now ordered Captain Thompson of the Rangers and Captain Brant with 150 Rangers and Indians to cross the Schoharie and attack the Cadaughrity settlement. They destroyed the homes and barns of Cornelius Putman, John Newkirk, Cornelius Newkirk, Peter H. Mabee, Hermanus Mabee and many others. Dewalt Schrembling was killed and his family were taken prisoners, along with the families of Peter Martin and Andrew Young. The raiders now having completed their destruction of the settlement rejoined Colonel Johnson.
That morning at Schenectady Brigadier General Robert Van Rensselaer with about 600 men, three cannons and wagons began their march for Fort Hunter. Before leaving he sent a dispatch ordering Colonel Veeder, at the Lower Fort to send Major Woolsey, with all the troops that could be spared from the forts, to join him as soon as possible at the Mohawk River. General Van Rensselaer arrived later that day at Fort Hunter and learned that the enemy had already passed there earlier in the day.
General Van Rensselaer and troops continued their march and about midnight they halted at Van Epps's. Here Van Rensselaer sent dispatches to Colonel Lewis DuBois, who was in command at Fort Rensselaer, and another letter was sent to Colonel John Brown, who was in command of Fort Paris at Stone Arabia. Lieutenant William Wallace was given the task of delivering the dispatches.
Johnson and his men after leaving the area near Fort Hunter had continued their march up along the Mohawk River burning many houses and other buildings in the present day Town of Glen. Some small parties of Indians forded the river and burned some homes at Caughnawaga. The enemy encamped at Anthony's Nose about midnight and Johnson ordered that the narrow passes on both sides of the river be secured.
During the night two men deserted from Johnson's party and informed the nearby garrison of Johnson's strength and intended route. About sunrise of the 19th, Johnson and his troops were exhausted from marching from Schoharie. In the thick fog the enemy marched to within a mile of Fort Frey. Johnson could see some buildings burning near the opposite shore of the Mohawk River as some Indians had gone off to plunder and burn some easier prey.
Colonel John Brown with about 340 men from the levies and militia marched out of Fort Paris about 9 o'clock and shortly afterwards Ensign George Getman with about 20 men from the militia and rangers from Fort Keyser, joined Colonel Brown and proceeded for the Mohawk River. Colonel Brown had been ordered by General Van Rensselaer to gather all the troops possible and to cross the Mohawk River to Fort Rensselaer. Here he was to join Colonel DuBois with his levies and militia and to march along the south side of the Mohawk River. Joining forces with Van Rensselaer they would attack and defeat Johnson.
Johnson and his men spotted some horsemen watching their movements and the horsemen now took the road to Stone Arabia. The Indians immediately followed in pursuit and soon fell in with the advance guard under Major Oliver Root. Major Root and his men retreated back to the main party under Colonel Brown. Johnson and his men gained the heights of Stone Arabia and the Indians that attacked Major Root and were pursuing him, soon fell in with the entire American force, who were then driven back.
Colonel Johnson with the 8th, 34th and Rangers reinforced the Indians as Major Gray, with the remainder of the troops with the cannon, were at some distance behind them. A hot fight now ensued as Colonel Brown and his men took cover hehind some trees and a fence and Johnson and his men took cover also behind a fence about thirty yards from Colonel Brown's men. Colonel Brown was hit in the heart with a musket ball and he fell from his black horse dead. Jacob Snell who was near him was wounded in the shoulder.
The Indians now began to outflank Brown's men on the left and Colonel Johnson on seeing this ordered Captain John McDonell of the Rangers to attack on the right flank, while he with the 8th and 34th leaped over the fence and attacked the center. Brown's men had several men killed and they started to retreat but Major Root and several other officers attempted to rally their men. A general flight began and the enemy pursued the Americans back to Fort Paris killing many more while they were retreating.
Major Root, at Fort Paris, ordered the four pound cannon loaded and fired the one round shot at the enemy, with very little effect. The second cannon shot sent horse chains singing through the air. Third and final shot, as there was no more powder for the cannon, sent fragments of a huge cast iron dinner pot, which had been broken by order of Major Root, screaming through the air. It succeeded in scaring the Indians into a retreat from the fort.
Colonel Johnson on searching Colonel Brown's body found several letters and one from General Van Rensselaer stated that he was at Fort Hunter with three field pieces and 600 militiamen. Colonel Johnson decided to remove from the battlefield and start their march back to where their boats lay hidden, as the presence a large force of militia was closer than he had thought.
Henry J. Walrath with several other men now arrived on the battlefield in hopes of joining Colonel Brown in his march before he had crossed the river, but much to their dismay they saw several bodies of soldiers being scalped and mutilated by the Indians. Walrath and his party fired on the Indians but were quickly driven back as there was a larger force of the enemy than believed at first.
Colonel Johnson had only one private from the 8th Regiment and three Indians killed, three Rangers wounded and Captain Brant was wounded in the foot. Colonel Brown with about 35 men from the levies and the militia were killed, Stephen Root and another man were taken prisoners and about twelve were wounded.
Colonel Johnson now leaving the battlefield and burned the settlement of Stone Arabia which was quickly accomplished. They now took the road to Foxes Mills along the river avoiding Fort Frey but burning every building in their path.
Colonel DuBois and Colonel John Harper with the levies and Indians and Lieutenant-Colonel Samuel Clyde with about 100 men from the Tryon County Militia had gone down to the Mohawk River from Fort Rensselaer about 11 o'clock that morning to join Colonel Brown. On hearing a battle take place on the north side of the river, Colonel DuBois ordered the men to cross the river with all speed possible so they could come to the aid of Colonel Brown.
Now First Lieutenant Samuel Van Etten and several other militiamen who had been with Colonel Brown had just crossed the river and informed Colonel Harper of Colonel Brown's defeat. Colonel Harper now rode to the rear of the detachment and informed Colonel DuBois of Colonel Brown's defeat. Colonel DuBois then ordered all of the Indians and levies that had crossed the river already to return to the south side of the river.
Colonel DuBois and Colonel Harper now rode to meet General Van Rensselaer who was about three quarters of a mile below Fort Rensselaer. They met General Van Rensselaer about 2 o'clock that afternoon and informed him of Colonel Brown's defeat.
General Van Rensselaer ordered the Albany County Militia to cross the river at the nearby ford. General Van Rensselaer ordered Lieutenant John Driskill who was in charge of the artillery to take the artillery to Fort Rensselaer and all the artillerymen were to also go to the fort to prepare for a possible attack from the enemy.
General Van Rensselaer with Aide Major John Lansing, Jr. and Colonel DuBois rode to Fort Rensselaer to dine. On arriving at the fort General Van Rensselaer ordered the levies, Tryon County Militia and the Indians to use the two small boats at Walrath's ferry to cross the river to the north side.
Meanwhile, Colonel Johnson continued his march burning everything in his path but avoiding three fortified homes above the home of George Klock near the Fort Hendrick Ford. A party of Indians attacked Fort Hess but did little damage to its occupants and they had one of their number wounded.
About 4 o'clock, General Van Rensselaer with Colonel DuBois, Aide, Major Lansing went from the fort down to Walrath's ferry to hasten the rest of the troops across the river and they themselves crossed over to the opposite shore. They now separated into three columns, Colonel DuBois with the levies and the Tryon County Militia on the high ground on the right flank, Colonel Abraham Cuyler with part of the Albany County Militia on the left flank on the low ground and Colonel William B. Whiting with the rest of the Albany County Militia in the center.
General Van Rensselaer with his men now resumed the pursuit of the enemy until they caught up with them on Colonel Jacob Klock's and Richard Failing's Flats and Orchard near the house of Colonel Klock. General Van Rensselaer's troops quickly took cover behind trees, barns in houses and behindColonel Klock's house. Then a fierce battle now ensued.
*Daniel Hess in his pension No. S22826 said that one of the Indians that attacked Fort Hess was shot and carried away by some of his companions and that after they left he went out and picked up the Indian's musket which he kept.
Colonel Johnson had the Rangers on the right flank near the bank of the river, the Indians and Yagers on the left flank in Failing's orchard and Johnson with the remainder of the troops in the center. Suddenly most of the Indians that were on horseback became frightened by the size of the American troops and fearing severe casualties or being taken prisoners fled to the river and crossed to the south side leaving Johnson to fight the overwhelming American forces.
Johnson now ordered a house and barn on his left to be taken but they were too late and the militia and levies poured a heavy fire into the left flank and the center that the 34th regiment and part of his First Battalion of the King's Royal Regiment of New York began to retreat but they were soon rallied by Johnson and other officers. Johnson now ordered the cannon to fire grape shot which silenced that American flank.
It was getting very dark about 45 minutes after the battle started. Part of the center column of the American troops began firing on the right flank of their own force under Colonel DuBois. Colonel DuBois then rode to the center column and informed General Van Rensselaer about the militia firing upon his men. General Van Rensselaer after consulting several other officers ordered the troops to cease fire as there was too much confusion in distinguishing their own troops in the darkness.
Colonel Johnson took the advantage of darkness and the lull in fighting fled with his men across the river leaving behind their cannon and its ammunition. The Indians now joined Johnson near the south bank of the river and led them into the woods. Because of the darkness several groups of men became lost and several of them were taken prisoners.
Jacob A. Young with six other militiamen from Fort Windecker on scouting along the south side of the river captured Peter Cass and eight other men and took them back to Fort Windecker. Young and his companions took four more prisoners*, killed an Indian and captured twenty seven horses.
General Van Rensselaer ordered part of Colonel DuBois regiment to remain at Colonel Klock's house to guard and take care of the wounded taken there from the nearby battlefield. General Van Rensselaer with the remainder of the troops marched back to Foxes Mills about three miles below Colonel Klock's house where they encamped for the night.
*Jacob Young in his pension no. R11960 claims one of the prisoners was a waiter to Johnson from whom he took his horse and musket.
About midnight Colonel William Malcom with about 200 levies and militia at Fort Hunter were soon joined by 300 militia and levies from Schoharie under Major Woolsey, Colonel Peter Vrooman and Lieutenant Colonel Barent J. Staats. Colonel Malcom now with about 500 men left Fort Hunter and the next morning they reached Fort Rensselaer and from there they continued up along the river until they joined General Van Rensselaer and troops who now had abo.ut 1,500 men in pursuit of the enemy.
In the morning of the 20th, Captain Parke with a detachment of men who had become separated from Johnson was on the road to Fort Herkimer saw about sixty levies and militiamen also marching towards Fort McDonell now arrived with some Rangers and Royal Yorkers and attacked the American detachment. After a brief skirmish William Beckett, Ezekiel Hines and eight other men were killed, two men were captured and remainder were driven into Fort Herkimer. Captain Parke during the skirmish proceeded on to join Colonel Johnson but Captain McDonell and his men did not join Colonel Johnson until two days later.
Colonel DuBois about 3 o'clock in the morning of the 20th marched to Fort Herkimer with levies, militia and Indians and arrived there later that day. About an hour after sunrise General Van Rensselaer's men after eating began their march at Fort Herkimer where they arrived about 2 o'clock that afternoon. General Van Rensselaer left the fort and again went in pursuit of the enemy to Shoemaker's land. He now realizing he had taken the wrong route in pursuit of the enemy ordered his men back to Fort Herkimer where they arrived soon after dark.
During the day at Stone Arabia some of the militia and levies gathered the bodies of Colonel Brown and his men who had been killed the day before and were buried in a big pit about 2 or 3 rods south east of Fort Paris. About two days later Nicholas Smith, Peter Getman with several others dug up Colonel Brown's body and buried him with military honors in the cemetery behind the Reformed Church of Stone Arabia.
In the morning of the 21st, Governor George Clinton who had arrived at Fort Herkimer the previous night with more troops went in pursuit of the enemy but returned the following day without finding the enemy. Governor Clinton with most of the Albany County Militia left Fort Herkimer on the 23rd and returned to Schenectady and Albany.
On the 22nd, Major James M. Hughes who was in command at Fort Schuyler with about 300 men from Harper's regiment of levies sent a detachment of sixty men under Captain Walter Vrooman to Oneida Lake to destroy the enemy's boats. On October 23rd. Captain Vrooman on passing through the Oneida Indian Village left one of his men who had become sick, continued his march until he arrived at Canaghsioraga where they encamped.
Colonel Johnson a few hours later arrived at the Oneida Indian Village where this soldier was taken prisoner and informed him of Captain Vrooman's mission. Colonel Johnson now hastened his march and about dark arrived at the American camp. The entire party was captured without a shot being fired but some of the men attempting to escape were killed but two escaped back to Fort Schuyler. Captain Vrooman, Captain Joshua Drake, one lieutenant and three privates were killed during the escape attempt.
Johnson arrived the next day where his boats lay hidden and encamped there for the remainder of the day and during the night. On the 25th Johnson and his men in their boats headed for Fort Oswego where they arrived the 27th with sixty-four prisoners.
APPENDIX A
The following rosters are as accurate and complete as possible. They were obtained from the few sources available with names of both the American and British soldiers who were at the Battles of Stone Arabia and Klock's field.
Key
K - Killed
W - wounded
C - Captured
Engaged
Roster of the Men of the Battle of Stone Arabia on October 19, 1780 Colonel
John Brown's Regiment of Massachusetts Levies
Regimental Officers
K Colonel John Brown
Major Oliver Root
Surgeon Oliver Brewster
Company
Officers
K- Captain Levi Ely
Sergeant Jared Plumm
Captain John Spoor
K- Sergeant Seth Worthington
Lieutenant Isaac Ball
Corporal William Davis
Lieutenant Johnathan Brooks
Corporal Elisha Farmar
Lieutenant Bildad Fowler
Corporal Jeremiah Foster
Lieutenant Martin Smith
K- Corporal Judah Jones
Lieutenant Gideon Stiles
Corporal Abner Miller
Quartermaster Sergeant Johnathan Smith
Corporal Jesse Stewart
Sergeant Joel Dickerman
Corporal Joseph Taylor
Sergeant John Fish
Corporal Russel Tylor
Sergeant William Jones
Corporal Lewis Worriner
Sergeant William Kendal
Drummer Joseph Cetcham
Sergeant Moses Lemmon
Drummer Stephen Ingowol
Sergeant Jacob Noble
Fifer Josiah Jones
Fifer David Smith
Privates
Abbe, John
Adams, Peter
Barry, John
K- Ainsworth, Luther
Bennet, Jeremiah
K- Allen, William
Bigsbey, Peletiah
Anderson Jr., Samuel
Bills, William
K- Ashley, James
Blackwood, Albright
Babcock, Jonathan
Blair, Alexander
Badcock, Nathan
Baird, John
Roster of the Men of the Battle of Stone Arabia on October 19, 1780
Colonel John Brown's Regiment of Massachusetts Levies
Privates
Converse, Isaac
Boudish, Asa
Copley, Matthew
Bradley, Josiah
Crooks, James
K- Bruk, Wainwright
Crow, John
Bush, Japhet
Curk, John
K-Calender, Ezikiel
Davis, Robert
K-Campbell, Samuel
Day, Asa
K- Chapin, John
Day, Moses
Charles, Darius
Dewey, Herman
Charles, Moses
Dewey, Lalson
Church, John
Dewey, Oliver
K-Colgrove, Joseph
Dimmouth, John
Colhiren, Abner
Edy, Bryant
Comstock, Medad
Egleston, Elijah
K- Conners, Abraham
Ely, Edmond
K-Fitch, Nat
Hill, Dan
Foster Jr., Jeremiah
Hill, Primus
K-Francis, Aaron
Horsford, Ambrose
Francis, Simeon
Hough, Justus
K- Gaff, Jacob
Hubbard, Baley
K-Giles, James
Hubbard, Jonas
K- Gleason, Daniel
Ingersole, Moses
Gregory, Izband
Jarvis, Joseph
Hale, William
Jones, Ithmar
K- Hatch, Solomon
Kellogg, Daniel
Heart, Leveret
Kent, Ezekiel
Herrick, Ebenezer
King, George
K- Hewitt, Joseph
Leonard, Russel
K- Lewis, Richard
Noble, Paul
K- Loomis, Jacob
Nott, Seldon
Loomis, Josiah
Orton, James
K- Loyhead, Thomas
Pepper, William
K- Lummis, Noah W
Pior, Abner
K-Mash, Abijah
Pixley, Jonah
Mathew, Nathan I.
Pitts, Gideon
K- Meeken, Oliver
Ransom, Elias
Moor, William
Raymond, John
Morgan, Simeon
Read, Amos
K-Moursurir, Gabriel
Rogers, Isaac
K- Noble, Jared
Rool, Hewek
K- Noble, Joseph
Rool, Stephen
Saxton, Jesse
Tylor, Bezaleel
Vanslow, Justus
Shearwood, Jonathan
Walker, John
Shephard, Elijah
Walton, Elijah
W- Slater, James
K- Webb, Will
Smith, James
K- Whitney, David
Sprague, Barnabas
Williams, Roswell
Standish, Asa
Winchel, David
Starr, Thomas
Winchel, Ephraim
Stewart, Moses
Wood, Amaziah
Taylor, Jonathan
W- Woodworth, Roznil
Taylor, Thomas
Woolworth, Samuel
W- Thrasher, Charles
Worthington, Stephen
Roster of the Men of the Battle of Stone Arabia on October 19, 1780
Second
Battalion of Tryon County Militia
Company Officers
Captain Severinus Klock
Captain Henry Miller
First Lieutenant Richard Coppernoll, Palatine
First Lieutenant Samuel Van Etten
W- Sergeant Jacob Snell, Stone Arabia
Sergeant John Snell, Manheim
Corporal Lodowick Kring
Corporal John L. Nellis, Palatine
Privates
Bush, George, Palatine
K- Cook, John
Crouse, Joseph, Palatine
Dygert, Peter, Palatine
Dygert, Severinus, Stone Arabia
Eacker, Nicholas, Stone Arabia
Fox, Peter W., Palatine
Fox, William W., Palatine
Kilts, Conrad, Palatine
Loucks, George, Palatine
Nellis, Joseph, Palatine
Rott, Charles
Salstman, George, Palatine
Shults, George, Stone Arabia
Shults, Henry, Palatine
Sitts, Henry, Palatine
Spraker, John, Palatine
K- Stam, Lawrance
Walrath, Adolph, Palatine
Walrath, Isaac, Palatine
Zimmerman, Christian, Palatine
Captain
John Casselman's Company of Tryon County Rangers
Company Officers
Captain John Casselman, Stone Arabia
Ensign George Getman
K- Sergeant Peter House
Sergeant Adolph Pickerd
Privates
Casselman, John, Stone Arabia
Casselman, Pardel, Stone Arabia
Edick, Conrad, Stone Arabia
Getman, Peter, Stone Arabia
Strader, Nicholas, Palatine
Captain
Samuel Gray's Company of Boatmen
Company Officers
Captain Samuel Gray, Stone Arabia
Sergeant John P. Gramps, Stone Arabia
Privates
Feeter, William, Stone Arabia
Gray, Andrew, Stone Arabia
Regiment
of New York State Levies
Company Officers
Colonel Lewis Dubois
Lieutenant Simon J. Vrooman, Schenectady
Volunteer
Wilson, Israel
Roster
of the Men of the Battle of Klocksfield on October 19, 1780
First Battalion of Tryon County Militia
Regimental
Officer
Lieutenant-Colonel Samuel Campbell
Company
Officers
Captain Jost Dygert, Fall Hill
Captain Jost House, Minden
Captain Adam Leipe, Village of Fort Plain
Captain Rynier Van Evera, Canajoharie
Lieutenant Lawrance Gross, Minden
Ensign John Pickard, Springfield
Sergeant Peter Van Alstine, Canajoharie
Sergeant Cornelius Van Camp, Minden
Corporal Nicholas Dunckle, Minden
Corporal Martin A. Van Alstine, Canajoharie
Privates
Bronner, Frederick, Fort Plank
Dieffendorf, John, Minden
Dusler, Marcus, Fort Plank
Murphy, Henry, Village of Fort Plain
Snyder, John, Minden
Wolleber, John, Minden
Wolleber, Peter, Danube
Yordan, John P., Minden
Yordan, Nicholas, Minden
Second
Battalion of Tryon County Militia
Privates
Bush, George, Palatine
Eigenbrodt, George, Palatine
Flanders, Dennis Augustus, Palatine
Fox, Peter W., Palatine
Fox, William W. Palatine
Gramps, Henry, Stone Arabia
Hoover, Jacob
Hoover, John, Manheim
Kilts, Conrad, Palatine
Loucks, George, Palatine
Nellis, Joseph, Palatine
Ritter, Henry, Manheim
Rott, Charles
Shite, Peter, Ephratah
Shults, Henry, Palatine
Van Driesen, Peter, Palatine
Waggoner, Joseph, Palatine
Walradt, Peter, Palatine
Walrath, Adolph, Palatine
Walrath, Isaac, Palatine
Roster
of the Men of the Battle of Klocksfield on October 19, 1780
Third Battalion of Tryon County Militia
Regimental
Officer
Lieutenant-Colonel Volkert Veeder
Company
Officers
Captain David McMaster, Florida
Ensign Francis Putman
Ensign George Stine, Florida
Ensign Derick Van Vechten
W- Sergeant Hugh McMaster, Florida
Privates
Bovie, Nicholas R., Florida
Clement, Lambert
Cromwell, Hermanus
Mason, John, Johnstown
Sammons, Thomas, Town of Mohawk
Captain
John Casselman's Company of Tryon County Militia
Company Officer
Sergeant Adolph Pickard, Palatine
Privates
Casselman, John, Stone Arabia
Casselman, Pardel, Stone Arabia
Edick, Conrad, Stone Arabia
Captain
Samuel Gray's Company of Boatman
Company Officer
Sergeant John P. Gramps, Stone Arabia
Private
Gray, Andrew, Stone Arabia
First
Regiment of Albany County Militia
Regimental Officers
Colonel Abraham Cuyler
Adjutant Henry Van Veghten
Company
Officer
First Lieutenant Garret W. Van Schaick
Private
Fonda, Jacob G.
Second
Regiment of Albany County Militia
Company Officer
Second Lieutenant Philip Veeder
Private
Degolyer, Joseph, Glenville
Third
Regiment of Albany County Militia
Company Officers
Captain Henry Ostrom
First Lieutenant Jacob Weaver
Privates
Bulson, Henry
Bulson, John
Ostrom, John
Schuyler, Philip S., Watervaliet
Seventh
Regiment of Albany County Militia
Regimental Officer
Colonel Abraham J. Van Alstine
Eighth
Regiment of Albany County Militia
Private
Davis, George, Claverack
Ninth
Regiment of Albany County Militia
Regimental Officers
Lieutenant-Colonel David Pratt
Major John McKinstry
Company Officer
W- Second Lieutenant Francis Delong, (wounded in the breast and shoulder)
Privates
Hogeboom, Peter C., Claverack
White, William
Seventeenth
Regiment of Albany County Militia
Regimental Officer
Colonel William B. Whiting
Colonel
Lewis DuBois Regiment of New York State Levies
Regimental Officers
Colonel Lewis DuBois
Major Elias Van Bunschoten
Company
Officers
Captain John Breadbake, Palatine
Lieutenant John Coppernoll, Palatine
Lieutenant Simon J. Vrooman, Schenectady
Privates
Failing,
Philip, St. Johnsville
Moyer, Lodowick, Fort Plank
Colonel
Moris Graham's Regiment of New York State Levies
Company Officer
W- Captain Jeremiah Christopher Muller, Claverack, (wounded in the right shoulder)
Roster of the Men of the Battle of Klockfield on October 19, 1780
Lieutenant-Colonel
John Harper's Regiment of New York State Levies
Regimental Officer
Lieutenant-Colonel John Harper
Company Officers
Captain Robert McKean
W- Lieutenant Joseph Harper, (Wounded in the left shoulder)
Oneida Indian
Lieutenant Atyataronghta Louis
Brigade
Officers
Brigadier General Robert Van Rensselaer
Aide de Camp Major Lewis R. Morris
Aide Major John Lansing, Jr.
Volunteer Aide William Harper
Roster of the Men of the Crown Forces at the Battle of Stone Arabia on October 19, 1780
The
King's Royal Regiment of New York - First Battalion
Regimental Officer
Colonel Sir John Johnson
Colonel John Butler's Battalion of Rangers
Company
Officers
Captain George Dame
Captain John McDonell
Captain Andrew Thompson
First Lieutenant Bernard Frey
The
Eighth Regiment of Foot - (King's Regiment)
Company Officer
Captain Parke
Indians
Captain Joseph Brant (wounded in the foot at Stone Arabia)
Blacksnake
Cornplanter
Ganiodaio
Red Jacket
Roster of the Men of the Crown Forces at the Battle of Klocksfield on October 19, 1780
The
King's Royal Regiment of New York - First Battalion
Regimental Officers
Colonel Sir John Johnson
Major James Gray
Company
Officers
Captain Richard Duncan
Corporal Philip Cook (Taken prisoner that night during the retreat)
Privates
Cass, Peter (Taken prisoner that night during the retreat)
Moore, John
Colonel
John Butler's Battalion of Rangers
Company Officers
Captain George Dame
Captain John McDonel
Captain Andrew Thompson
First Lieutenant Bernard Frey
The
Eighth Regiment of Foot - (King's Regiment)
Company Officer
Captain Parke
A
Roster of the Men who were Captured at Oneida Lake on October 23, 1780
Lieutenant-Colonel John Harper's Regiment of New York State Levies
Company Officers
Captain Joshua Drake
Captain Walter Vrooman
Lieutenant Cornelius Ackerson
Sergeant William Hatch
Sergeant Francis Lattimore
Sergeant Cornelius Post
Sergeant Andrew Renex
Privates
Bell, Matthew
Keeler, Isaiah
Berry, William
Kelsey, Ebenezer
Borst, Jacob J.
Monross, Jesse
Bowen, Timothy,
Moss, Simeon
Brannon, Abraham
Murray, Peter
Carpenter, Thomas
Newkirk, Jacob
Delong, John
Potter, Roland
Eastwood, John
Rickard, Jacob
Eckler, Leonard
Sharp, Peter
Flansburgh, William F.
Stark, Nathan
Hawkins, Stephen
Thorn, Lodowick
Henry, Hugh
Truax, Isaac I.
Hogeboom,Peter
Virgil, Abijah
House, Peter
Winne, Kilian
APPENDIX B
A
Roster of the Men Stationed at the Upper Fort in Schoharie on October 17,
1780
Albany County Militia - Fifteenth Regiment
Company Officers
Captain Jacob Hager
Ensign Peter Swart
Corporal Abraham Lawyer
Privates
Bouck, Lawrance
Evans, Joseph
Feeck, Peter
Hager, Henry
Vrooman, Isaac
Zimmer, William
A
Roster of the Men Stationed at the Middle Fort In Schoharie on October 17,
1780
Colonel Morris Graham's Regiment of New York State Levies
Regimental
Officers
Major Melancton Lloyd Woolsey
Adjutant Jellis A. Fonda
Quartermaster David Hunt
Surgeon's Mate Peter Osborn
Company
Officers
Captain Jacob John Lansing
Lieutenant Jacob Hochstrasser
Lieutenant Robert H. Livingston
Corporal Johnathan Hilton
Corporal George Hodgeson
Privates
French, Joseph
Hutt, John
Graff, Philip
Lawyer, Lambert
Hiltzinger, Michael
Lemmon, Archibald
Hoghtaling, John
Lemmon, John
Hollobard, Jesse
Smith, Nicholas
Hoover, Felix
Wasson, John
Howard, Enos
Colonel
John Harper's Regiment of New York State Levies
Privates
Ellerson,
David
Murphy, Timothy
Leek, William
Tufts, Zachariah
Loyd, William
Wilbur, John
A
Roster of the Men Stationed at the Middle Fort on October 17, 1780
Albany County Militia - Fifteenth Regiment
Regimental
Officers
Colonel Peter Vrooman
Lieutenant-Colonel Peter Zielie
First Major Thomas Eckerson
Company
Officers
Captain George Rightmyer
Second Lieutenant Martinus Zielie
Ensign Jacob Snyder
Privates
Ball, Mattice
Rickard, Christian
Becker, Peter
Rightor, Nicholas
Bellinger, John
Shell, Adam
Borst, John J.
Slaughter, Nicholas
Hanson, Richard
Van Slyke, Peter
Hoover, Philip
Van Valkenburg, Joachim
Loucks, Andrew
Vrooman, Bartholomew C.
Loucks, Jeremiah
Vrooman, Isaac Jacob
Colonel
John Brown's Regiment of Massachusetts State Levies
Company Officers
Captain William Foord
Sergeant Daniel Rothborn
Lieutenant Abel Pearson
Sergeant Eleazer Sloson
Lieutenant Alpheus Spencer
Sergeant Samuel Wheaton
Sergeant Timothy Benden
Drummer Shubael Austin
Fifer Thomas McKnite
The following men were also at the Middle Fort but were not serving in a military capacity.
Douw
Fonda, of Albany, Forester
Doctor John King, resided near the fort
Samuel Van Vechten, of Albany, Press-master
These two men I have not been able to place in their correct regiment but they were possibly serving in Colonel Graham's Regiment.
Sergeant
Cooper, wounded and died later that day
Private Samuel Reynolds, killed
A Roster of the Men Stationed at the Lower Fort on October 17, 1780
Albany County Militia - Fifteenth Regiment
Regimental Officers
Second
Major Jost Becker, Adjutant Lawrance Schoolcraft, Sr.
Company Officers
Captain
Christian Stubrach
First Lieutenant Johannes J. Lawyer
First Lieutenant Peter Snyder
Second Lieutenant John Dietz
Second Lieutenant William Kneiskern
Ensign John Enders
Ensign Jacob Lawyer
Ensign Nicholas Warner
Sergeant William Enders
Sergeant Jacob Schoolcraft
Sergeant John Schuyler
Corporal David Lawyer
Corporal Peter Zimmer
Privates
Becker, Jacob
Mann, Jr., Peter
Bellinger, Marcus
Marinus, George
Bergh, Abraham
Merckly, John
Bergh, Philip
Merkle, Philip
Brontner, Anthony
Otto, Frantz
Cadugney, Barney
Rickard, John
Cramer, Charles
Schell, Jacob
Eckerson, Cornelius
Schoolcraft, John
Enders, Jacob
Schoolcraft, Jr., Lawrance
Enders, Jacob W.
Schoolcraft, Peter
Enders, Johannes
Shafer, Henry
Granatier, John
Shafer, Jacob H.
Hilts, George
Shafer, John
Ingold Sr., John
Sidwick, Peter
Ingold Jr., John
Snyder, George
Kneiskern, Jacob
Stubrach, Barent
Kneiskern, John
Van Dyck, Jacob
Kneiskern, Tunis
Van Wart, John
Lawyer, Peter
Werth, Johannes
Low, John
Zimmer, Adam
Mann, Jacob
Albany
County Militia - Fifth Regiment
Regimental Officer
Lieutenant-Colonel Volkert Veeder
Dr. George Werth who resided near the fort was also in the fort but in a non-military capacity.
APPENDIX C
The following letters printed in this appendix are only a few of the many letters that were written by American officers concerning Sir John Johnson's campaign into the Mohawk and Schoharie Valleys In appendix D the British reports and letters concerning this campaign will be given.
Palatine Oct, 16th 1780
Dear Sir
I recd your Favours of the 14th and that from Billy Van Ingen inclosing some Advertisements which I have dispersed. The news this morning stands as follows- I have seen Colo Dubois myself he informs me that Last Night he recd a Letter from Geo Herckeman* the purpose of which as nearly as I can recollect it that he heard the Swivels at Fort Herckemen ten or twelve Times and among the rest thought he heard one louder than the others from which concluded that the Fort was attacked and that as it was possible an Express could not be sent from thence thought it his Duty to write Colo Dubois -
And Butterfield+ a Lieut in the Levies, whom Colo Dubois had sent to the German Flatts thro the woods, returned half an Hour before the above Letter came to Hand &,reports that the Scout had returned from He suppose, German Town & around the Fort & had discovered nothing -
Word was also brought Colo Dubois by Butterfield that Timber was yesterday to be cut for one Block House - And Colo thinks if the Fort had been attacked whether taken or not some means would & could have been taken to have brought him the Truth - & supposes that what Herckemen heard was the falling of the Timber Trees.
The present Alarm is such that it is impossible to form any conjectures of my own upon it - I feel however pretty well convinced in my Mind that the Enemy are upon the Coast - Arnolds traiterous proceedings with Carltons Attack on the North River confirms me in this opinion - an Attack on Schohar appears proable-
MY Mother in Law who is going down for another while will deliver You 34 Quills, all I have at present - however before those are wore I hope I shall be able to get some more Yours always Chrisr P.Yates
To Henry Glen
Copied from the Henry Glen Papers, New York State Historical Association, Cooperstown, New York
*George Herkimer, brother of Brigadier General Nicholas Herkimer who had been wounded at the Battle of Oriskany on August 6, 1777 and died later from the amputation of his leg.
+James Butterfield served as Lieutenant in Captain Hans Marks Demuth's Company and in Colonel Lewis DuBois Regiment of Levies in 1780.
Interrogation of Benjamin Burton, 17 Oct 1780
Ques.
What is your name?
Ans. Benjamin Burton
Ques. Is Col Butler & Brant along?
Ans. Yes
Ques. How many Regulars?
Ans. 150 - the 34th Regt & the 8th
Ques. How many Indians?
Ans. 150
Ques. How many N. Levies?
Ans. 80 and 60 of the Kings Royal Yorkers and twenty Loyalists
Ques. Who Commands the Levies?
Ans. They are divided into three companies Capt. Alexr McDonald one Capt.
Geo Dame & Andw Thompson
Ques. What artillery have you?
Ans. One Brass 31b Grass hopper and one 4 inch Cohorn
Ques. Have you been a Continental Soldier?
Ans. Yes
Ques. To whose Regt. did you belong?
Ans. I belonged first to Colo Cadwalder I was taken prisoner at Fort Washington
was released after 12 weeks & three days & afterwards I inlised into
Colo Bradley's Reg't Solomon Strong Company & was afterwards taken at
Susquehannah by 3 Indians and 2 White men who convied me to Chemung &
from there to Niagara & so down to Canada - at Montreal. I inlisted with
Capt Butler the 4th of June 1778
Ques. Why did you inlist?
Ans. I was confined 13 days & inlisted to have an Opportunity of making
my Escape
Ques. Where did you come from now?
Ans. from Niagara
Ques. When?
Ans. Twenty Six days ago
Ques. Have you taken any Prisoners since you left Niagara & how many?
Ans. Seven
Ques. Where are these troops going?
Ans. Mohawk River
Ques. To what Part?
Ans. Stone Arabia first
Ques. Where next?
Ans. towards Schenectady till Stopd
Ques. Do you know of any more Parties being out?
Ans. Not this way.
Ques. Which way then?
Ans. from Canada via Ticonderoga under Colo Powel
Ques. What was your Orders Respecting taken Prisoners?
Ans. We were to take all that were not In arms. those that turn'd out to fight
and were taken were to be used by the Indians as they tho't proper.
Ques. Which way were your troops to return?
Ans. Sir John is to go across to Canada with the Kings Royal Yorkers the 34th
Regt and the Loyalists but what Route I know not Butler is to return via Onadaga
lake (to Niagara) where the Batteaus and provisions are left
Ques. Have you plenty of Provisions?
Ans. We had no bread for ten days and have eat horses.
Ques. Have you Ammunition Plenty?
Ans. the men had 50 Rounds dealt out this morning. that is all we have except
for the Cannon.
Ques. How much have you for the Cannon?
Ans. 70 case Shott and one Cask of Powder which is to supply the Cohorn
Ques. How many Shells?
Ans. the Indians carried them. I don't know how many!
Ques. Where did you lay last night?
Ans. at the upper end of the settlement - over the mountains abt Six miles.
Ques. Had you fires?
Ans. Yes small ones.
Ques. Had you Beef last night?
Ans. the Scotch people from Harper's Bush brought us 12 head of fat Cattle
the night before last.
Ques. How many Scotch were there?
Ans. Six
Ques. Did you know their names?
Ans. No
Ques. Did they supply you with flour also?
Ans. No
Ques. What Religion are you?
Ans. Presbeterian
Ques. Are you willing to take Oath to what you have inform'd me?
Ans. Yes Every word.
Ques. Are there no other Detachments but those you have mention'd?
Ans. I forgot to mention the Green Yagers, there are 25 of them who are also
to go with Sr John to Canada.
Ques. What Indians are with you?
Ans. They are chiefly Mohawks, some Onadagas & a few delawares
Ques. are there no Senecas among you?
Ans. I dont know. there may be one or two but not more the Cayugas went back
without leave.----
This account I believe to be true, not only from the fellows apparent sincerity
but from my own observations as far as I have been able to make any -- I have
but one sheet of Paper left hope you can spare me a little- I with difficulty
got about 1500 of flour into the fort before the Enemy came on when that is
gone I must quit, the mills & grain being burnt.
M. Woolsey
Copied from the Henry Glen Papers, New York State Historical Association, Cooperstown, New York
Schenectady
17th Oct 1780
Dear Sir
Your disagreeable Letter Came this Moment to Hand & Have instantly forward'd to his Excellency George Clinton Our Governor who is now in Albany.
This morning the Enemy brock out in Balls Town & have destroyed a Good Many Houses & have takeing Col Gordon Captain Collin Benedick & Several other Prisoners Major Switts was there with half of Col Wimps Regement But did not Brack out ware he was the Major & the Ballstown people are in pursuit of the Enemy 300 men of General Renseliers Brigade are between this and Albany I am of Opinion the People at the Helm will order them your way the news from Fort Schuyler is Nothing I believe Schoharie has Fielt that manuvoer
Let
me hear From you
God Bless you
H Glen
To Col Vedder
On
Reverse Side of Letter
On Service
Colonel Veeder
Commanding
Lower Fort Schohary
By Express
Copied from the Volkert Veeder Papers, Mohawk-Caughnawaga Museum Manuscripts, Fonda, New York
Lower Fort Schohary Oct'r 17th 1780
Dear Sir
The Enemy have burnt the whole of Schohary; the first fire was discovered about the middle Fort 8 o'clock this morning: they passed by this post on both sides at 4 o'clock this afternoon; they took the whole of their booty and moved down to Harmen Sitneys; they have fired two swivel shoots thro' the roof of the church. I have sent three scouts to make some discoveries about the middle Fort at different times this day, and none have as yet returned; no express has arrived at this post from either fort; but what we have seen of the Enemy we suppose their force to be between 5 or 600, mostly regulars & Tories V Veeder Lt. Col. 3 o'clock at night. The express says there were 150 more of the Enemy at the upper part of Schohary.
H Glen EsqrCopied from the Public Papers of George Clinton, First Governor of New York, ed. Hugh Hastings, J.B. Lyon Company, Albany, 1902, Vol. VI, page 303.
Sir
I shall march to Fort Hunter with the Force I can Collect in an hour or two. I wish you to take the Most effectual Measures to advise me as early as possible of the probable Rout of the Enemy and such particulars respecting their strength as may have come to your knowledge since your last.
You will please with as many men as can be Spared from the Fort to march in pursuit of; the Enemy and hange on their Rear (avoiding however an Engagement) until I can come up with them. Let me be informed from Time to Time Particularly of your Situation, Number of Men and the Rout the Enemy Take that I may adapt my Measures to the Circumstances which May occur.
Communicate this to Major Woolsey and request him to Join you with all the Force he can spare without exposing his Garrison too much.
The Intelligence you convey should-be transmitted in duplicate Letters the one to be dispatched by the shortest Rout to Fort Hunter the other by the way of Schenectady & Charge the Expresses not to make a Moments delay
I am Sir
Your humble Servt
Robt Van Rensselaer
Schenectady 18th Oct 1780 9 A.M.
On Reverse Side of Letter
Lt Colonel V. Veeder or Officer Commanding at Lower Fort Schohary
Copied from the Volkert Veeder Papers, Mohawk-Caughnawaga Museum Manuscripts, Fonda, New York.
Lower Fort October 18th 1780
This moment your Excelency's Letter came to hand; two Prisinors from Sir John's army, arived at the same time, with the following Inteligence, that Eight o'clock this morning, Johnson, Butler and Brant, movd with their army from Sidnyes sawmill down the Mohawk Road to the said River, where they where to joyne the Party of the enemy from the Norward, of which their strenght by the account of the Prisoners, is one thousand men, of which where 2 hundred Indians; the Rest Rigular Troops and Torys; another Party of 150 where gone to Katskill; The Posts at this Place are safe.
Barent J. Statts Lut Colo
To his Excelency George Clinton, Esqr.
Copied from the Public Papers of George Clinton, First Governor of New York, ed. Hugh Hastings, J.B. Lyon Company, Albany, 1902 Vol. VI, page 305
Fort
Ranssalear Oct. 18th 1780* Night twelve O'clock
Dr Sir
I have just-received Your Note in answer to which I would inform you that I have Ordered Capt. Wright with all the troops belonging to your Regt. over. Have Likewise sent two Expresses to Genl Ransalear. I expect to March the rest of the troops over by break of Day beside Leaving Enough for the Defence of the Garrison.
You will Acquaint me with all the Enemies Movement and I am Oblige
Your
Humbel Servt
By Order of Col. Duboy
Jacob Bockee MB
To Coll Brown
On Reverse Side of Letter
Coll Brown
Stone Arabia
Copied from The General Frederick Haldimand Papers, Letters from Officers of the Royal Regiment of New York, MG 21 Add. MSS. 21818, Microfilm Reel A-746, Public Archives of Canada, Ottawa, Canada.
Van Eps's Caughnawago 19th Oct'r 1780+
Sir
We are here with a Force sufficient to cope with the Enemy, But if you can possibly cooperate with us, it will in all probablilty tend to insure us Success. General Rensselaer who commands here, therefore, desires you to march down along the South Side of the river with all the men you have, with as much ExT edition as possible. He intends to attack the Enemy as soon as the Day appears. It depends on your Exertions to favor this Enterprize. I am, Sir, yours,
By order of Genl Rensselaer
J. Lansing Jun'r
Colo Dubois
Copied from The Public Papers of George Clinton, First Governor of New York, ed. Hugh Hastins, J.B. Lyon Company, Albany, 1902, Vol. VI, page 692.
*This is the only letter that was taken from Colonel Brown's body that was filed with Sir John Johnson's report of October 31, 1780.
+ A copy of this same letter was sent to Colonel Brown which is the last message Colonel Brown received before the Battle at Stone Arabia
Johnstown 1 O'clock
Dr Sir
I have rec'd your two Letters the one dated four and the other five Miles from Fort Hunter. We set out immediately for Colo Klock's. Capt. Gano is with us, and we have replaced his garrison with the lame men and some unarmed. We shall proceed by the River Route, as we are informed by Capt. Gano that it is impossible to take our waggons the other Road, and we cannot spare a guard sufficient for their security if we send them alone. We have had no Intelligence of the Enemy's movements except thro'your Excellency's most obed. ser't
H.B. Livingston
His Excellency Gov. Clinton
Copied from the Public Papers of George Clinton, First Governor of New York, ed. Hugh Hastings, J.B. Lyon Company, Albany, 1902, Vol. VI, page 318.
A Return of Ordinance & Stores taken from the British army, Comm'd by Sir John Johnston. Fort Rensselaer Oct'r l9th 1780:
1 Piece Brass Ordinance 3 pd. with Emplim'ts Comp.; 23 Rounds, Round Shott fix's; 10 do Canister; 1 Quadrant; 2 Powder measures; 1 hand saw; 1 four pd. wt.; 1 half do; 1 Quart'r do, 1 Scale beam; 1 mallet & set; 20 fuses; 1 Seane marlin; 2 Port fires; 1 Cole Chisel-, 1 augur; 1 Punch;1 Seane Quick match; 100 wt. Corn Powder; Drudging box.
Jo. Driskill Lieut Artillery
Copied from the Public Papers of George Clinton, First Governor of New York, ed. Hugh Hastings, J.B. Lyon Company, Albany, 1902 Vol. VI, page 323.
Fort Renselaer 11 O'clock 20th Octobr
Sir
It is proposed to send a small Party across the Country to destroy the Enemy's Boats which we are well informed are sunk at this End of Onondaga Lake - I think you told me that you was well acquainted with the nearest and best Route to that Place and that you would be willing to conduct a Party for that Purpose
I therefor wish you to wait on Genl Rensselaer & C010 DuBois with the Bearer Major Wollsey & inform on this subject that a proper Party may be dispatched without loss of Time for this Service
I am your
Most Obedt Servt
Geo Clinton
Major Newkerk
Copied from the George Clinton Miscellaneous Manuscripts, New York Historical Society, New York City, New York.
Albany 20th Octr 8 O'clock A.M.
Sir
Yours of Yesterdays date I have Received this Moment the Night before last the Enemy Burnt Cadarathe & Crossed the Mohawk River. General Rensselaer with a very Considerable Force was then within Six Miles of the Enemy he is in full Pursuit of them & I hope your party from Schohary will come time enough to Support him his Excellency the Governor left Schinectady Yestarday Morning & is gone into Tryon County- I think it is very Probable our Troops will come up with Sir John God Grant they may meet them - it is impossible to make any Arrangement at Present as soon as I can I will let you know. You must not Suffer one Man of the Militia to leave Schohary keep them all there until you Receive my farther Orders I Remain
Sir
Your humble Servant
AbM Ten Broeck
Lieut Col Volkert Veeder
On Reverse Side of Letter
Lt Colone Volkert Veeder Public Service
at AbM Ten Broeck
Schohary
Copied from the Volkert Veeder Papers, P.Mohawk-Caughnawaga Museum Manuscripts, Fonda, New York.
Lower Fort Schohary Octobr 20th 1780
Dear Sir
Yesterday morning Old Joacum Van Valkenburg and 2 others was taken prisoners about the upper Fort But where since Let at Liberty, they where taken by a Party of about thirty men, Indians and Tories, this moment I was Informed that the Settlement Thourlough* was Laid into Ashes We here that this was Done By the party that took Joacum prisoner, Nothing New at this Post,
*One of the many spellings of Dorlach which is the present day Sharon, Schoharie County, New York yesterday morning at Day Light Col. Vrooman Col. Staats and Major Woolsey marched from this to fort Hunter in pursuit of the Enemy with three Hundred men. Last night a Deserter from the enemy Came in here By this Deserter I learnt the Strength of the Enemy Which is Seven hundred in number King's Regt 50 men Royal Fusiliers 40 Rangers 130 Yaegers short Riffelmen 30 Johnson's 250 Brant's Volunteers 80 Indians 200, this said Diserter informed me that the enemy are short of ammunition and intend to make a forced march By the Shortest Route to the Oneida Lake where they Left there Boatfs we lost in killed the 17th Instant 3 men on our side the enemy Lost more, the number of houses burnt is Computed to be 74 Barns 77 Grist mills 3 one saw mill of Sitneys Please to Communicate the Contents of this to our Governor and Let me hear the News from your quarter as I am Anxious to hear how Matters are Carried with you, no more
Your Humbl Servant
Volkert Veeder Lieut Col
To Henry Glen, Esqr
Please to give my complyments to Friends in Schenectady
Copied from a photocopy on file at the Schenectady History Center, original in Library of Congress, Washington, D.C., No. Ac 62o6a.
6 miles above Fort Hunter
2 O'Clock AM Oct 20 1780
Dr Sir
This moment we have received the following account That the Enemy got to Stone Arabia yesterday morning- the small party of the Levys posted there attak'd them but were too weak to make any impression- In the afternoon the Different detachments under General Ranslaer, Col Dubois, & Major Bunscoten formed a junction near the Enemy- attacked, and drove them over the River, leaving plunder prisoners & baggage behind them-
We expect to reach Fort Ranslaer by 8 O'Clock in the morning with a considerable reenforcement as Major Woolsey from Scoherie found us last evening and are determined to pursue with the greatest rapidity. The Governor requests thet you communicate this agreeable information to Genl Tenbroeck as we have not time to write-push on provisions with the greatest dispatch- it is uncertain how far we may be oblidged to pursue ere we catch the infamous bandittie-every thing except the soil destroyed from Fort Hunter to Stone Arabia-
your
W Malcom
let the Governors letter to Genl Schuyler be sent on by the nearest & best rout-rout- seal it
Henry Glen Esqr
Q M Geni
Schenectady
Copied from the Henry Glen Papers, New York State Historical Association, Cooperstown, New York.
Capt. Vrooman
C S S C
With the Detachment of Harpers Corps of 1 2 4 4 50 Rank and file, which you are to Consider under your Command.
Proceed by the nearest Rout to old Oneida or the directest Course to gain the Front of the Enemy, retiring to Onondaga. Take prisoners, gain Intelligence of their Number and Disyns. Interrypt their March by harrassing their Rear, Flank or Front. Taking care at the same time that you do not expose Your Party to surprise; or endanger them by being surrounded. Should you gain Certain knowledge of their not having detached any Body to secure their Boats at Onondaga, you are then with the greatest Expedition proceed to that Place and destroy all their Boats, Baggage and Provision. That you must be well authenicated of this, before the Attempt is made. If your Prisoner afford you any material Intelligence dispatch a Messenger to me with haste.
It is probable you will fall in with a large Body of Militia &c. who are persuing them, provide yourself and Party with Red Boughs, as they have the same. Shew your orders to the Commanding Officer and take further Directions from him. If you do not fall in with the Militia or their is no probability of you proceeding to Onondaga so on to effect the Destruction of their Boats &c. you are to return to this Garrison with all Dispatch. Given at Fort Schuyler
22d of October 1780
James M. Huges
Capt. Vrooman Major Commt
Copied from The General Frederick Haldimand Papers, Letters from Officers of the Royal Regiment of New York, YG 21 Add. IMSS. 21818 Microfilm Reel A-746, Public Archives of Canada, Ottawa, Canada.
Poughkeepsie Octr 30th 1780
Sir, I send under the care of Capt. Hendrickson thirty one Prisoners of war taken in Tryon County; which I have to request you will cause to be secured in the Prevost at Fishkill. Capt. Hendrickson will deliver you a List of their names to be reported to the Commiss'y of Prisoners. The(y) were captured by the militia & Levies of this State. I am &c. Geo Clinton
The command'g Officer, Fishkill
Rec'd in Fish Kill, Provost, from Capt. Steephen Hendrickson, thirty Prisoners of war this 30th day of Oct. 1780
Danl Clapp Capt Lt
Copied from The Public Papers of George Clinton, First Governor of New York, ed. Hugh Hastings, J.B. Lyon Company, Albany, 1902 Vol. VI, page 356.
APPENDIX D
Crown Point 31 Oct 1780
Sir
Brown, Maybee and the others we left behind at Johnstown are returned the 19th. Sir John came down the Schoharie Creek and part of his detachment crossed the river and burnt below Col. Fisher's on both sides of the river up to Van Vectens at the nose. They then proceeded to Stone Araby, burning all before them, and on the advance party's arrival at the town, about 180 of the garrison, these made a sally on them and the party giving way. The others pursued pretty close and those on the flanks halted and fired a volley in which fell five Oneida Indians with Col Brown (I believe the man who took Chambly) and a number of others, only eleven of those sallied returned to the Fort. After giving the gentlemen this drubbing, Sir John continued burning and laid all Stone Arabia in ashes. One Mr. Van Derwarkin, a recruiting Lieutenant of his, is now parleying at Johnstown and will give himself up, if they accept him, and would you suppose the honest Peter Yost who went out with me has done the same and was very near having young Helmer, which I sent to Johnstown made a prisoner and Peter Servis was actually made prisoner through his means but afterwards escaped.
A flag of truce is just returned from this to Br. Gen Ethan Allen of the Grants, in answer to one sent by Major Carleton with assurances from the Brig. that no hostilities shall be commenced from his quarter.
May God bless you
P Langan
To Col Claus
Copied from the Daniel Claus Papers, Bol. III, pages 199-200, Montgomery County Department of History and Archives, Fonda, N.Y.
APPENDIX E
The following two obituaries are of Jacob Snell who fought and was wounded at Stone Arabia and the other, Joseph Wagner who fought at Klocksfield- These are the only ones to have been in either battle that an obituary has been found to the present time.
Another Patriot of the Revolution gone - Died at Stonearabia, Montgomery County, on the 28th August last, Jacob Snell, aged seventy-seven years.
The deceased, in the revolutionary struggle, before he attained the age of 16 years, espoused and took up arms in the cause of liberty; and by his activity and zeal soon distinguished himself as one of the most efficient actors, at that place, in the contest which resulted in the achievement of American Independence. Few families sacrificed more to freedom than the family of the deceased.- His father and his only brother both fell in the Oriskany Battle with Gen. Herkimer in 1777; and in the Battle at Stonearabia, where Col. Brown was killed in 1780, the deceased was severely wounded, for which in afterlife he received the bounty of the Government as an invalid pensioner. The activity and services of the deceased in the war, as well as his competency for civil employment, gained for him early in life the attention and confidence of his fellow-citizens, which he preserved until his death. He repeatedly represented 'Montgomery, his native county in both branches of our state Legislature; he held the office of Sheriff, and long occupied a seat upon the bench as a county Judge, besides being honored in various other public stations both civil and military, all which he filled with credit to himself and usefulness to the public. His education and manners were after the Old School. He was dignified as a public functionary, kind and condescending as a neighbor, ardent as a friend, and indulgent as a parent. To a mildness of manner and equanimity of temper which nothing could ruffle, he united on energy and inflexibility of purpose, which enabled him to surmount obstacles of the greatest difficulty in the accomplishment of his purposes. Nor was his usefulness confined to the discharge of those duties which as a public officer devolved upon him. He was equally useful in the more private walks of life. No man took a more active interest, and one exerted a more serviceable influence in the improvement of their condition, both moral and intellectual, of the community in which he more immediately moved. The establishment of schools and churches in the society and neighborhood in which he lived, were among the objects of his earliest and first attention; and through a long and somewhat eventful life he was unremitted in his exertions, and contributed freely and cheerfully of his time and his substance to the cause of education and religion. His last days and several of his last years were employed in procuring for his surviving compatriots of the Revolution and the widows of deceased patriots the Reward of the Govern-ment for Revolutionary services and sufferings. -What is remarkable in the history of the deceased is that he died and through his whole life lived on the same farm on which he was born. He early in life attached himself to the Dutch Church at Stonearabia, of which he continued a permanent and exemplary member until his death. He died the death of the Christian, with the full assurance of being admitted into the Joy and presence of his Lord and Heavenly Father, to celebrate his praises and glory through endless eternity. -Communicated (Indorsed) "Estimated date of birth ab