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Wilderness Woman
Watcher of the Wood
USA
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 Posted - October 30 2007 : 8:53:12 PM
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Fitz's recent comment in another thread about the noticeable absence of the New York Militia at the seige of Fort William Henry has jogged my brain. It made me remember something. In one of my genealogical books, "The Eighteenth Century Snell Family of the Mohawk Valley" by David Kendall Martin, I remembered reading something, so I went looking for it. It says:
During the French and Indian War, Adam Snell served under Capt. Severinus Dygert as shown by a militia roll headed, "1757 March 20th By an order of Sir William Johnson to March with my Company to Fort William Henery as Followeth. Returned home the 29 Instant, 9 days."
And that is it. No explanation of why Sir William called up the Militia, and no explanation as to why it was such a brief trip. They covered a lot of ground in 9 days! From their homes in the Mohawk Valley, to Fort Johnson (the Baronial Home), to Fort William Henry, and back to the Mohawk Valley and home. So, tonight I went searching.
And I found my answer in a book called "The Life and Times of Sir William Johnson, Bart." Volume II, by William L. Stone, 1865. I found it online on Google Books. And in Chapter II, titled "1757", I found this:
"Clouds of black portent hung over the new year. The storm, which Sir William had predicted over the loss of Oswego, had burst with all its fury upon the frontier settlements."
"Numerous were the murders committed on the border. The manuscripts of Sir William abound with letters written to him, at this time, from officers of militia and private individuals, either relating some heart rending occurence, or imploring his aid."
"To add to all of these horrors, rumors came by Indian runners that a large party of French and Indians was on its way to the German Flats, with the intention of laying it in ashes, preparatory to marching on the lower settlements."
"The report that a French army was on its way to attack the lower settlements was not without foundation. Early in the morning of the 18th of March, the attention of the garrison of Fort William Henry was attracted to a mysterious light at some distance down the lake. The conjectures to which this appearance gave rise were soon set at rest when the gray dawn disclosed on the ice in front of the fort 1500 French regulars, Canadians, and Indians armed with 300 scaling ladders and everything necessary for a vigorous attack. Hardly, however, had the sun appeared above the horizon when the guns of the fort, served by William Eyre, one of Braddock's most skillful artillerests, compel the army to retire with considerable loss. Towards noon, with their forces arranged in a semi-circle, they renew the attack but with no better success. At midnight of the same day, they attempt a surprise, but accomplish nothing except the burning of the sloops and most of the bateaux. Finally, their demand for a surrender being refused, and another spirited attack being bravely repelled by the undaunted defenders, the French beat a retreat; and being seized by a panic -- the cause of which has never been ascertained -- they flee precipitately down the lake, leaving behind them 1200 of their sledges and a great quantity of military equipment.
The news of this attack was conveyed to the Baronet (Sir William) in a letter from Colonel Gage on Sunday the 20th of March. He immediately issued orders for the Militia on the Mohawk River to muster at his house as soon as possible, and sent Arent Stevens to the Mohawks who, with others of the Confederacy then at Mount Johnson, agreed to march forthwith. Such was the prompt response to his call, that at daybreak of Monday morning he set out from Mount Johnson with the Indians and 1200 Militia, reaching Fort Edward on Thursday the 24th. Receiving, however, on his arrival intelligence from Major Eyre that the enemy had retreated, he began his march homeward on the 26th. But scarcely was he out of sight of t
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"It is more deeply stirring to my blood than any imaginings could possibly have been." |
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Monadnock Guide
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Posted - October 30 2007 : 9:06:55 PM
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| That's a great read, - thx. It really does portray a frontier wilderness, and the life of the times. |
you can keep "The Change" |
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Steve S
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Posted - October 31 2007 : 06:59:08 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by Wilderness Woman
Stay tuned for the next installment: Why didn't Sir William and the Militia return when the fort was under seige?
Man! How I love this stuff! 
Johnson,(with a very small force of natives & militia) was at Fort Edward with Webb during the siege..there are unsubstantiated stories of his attempts to force a relief...See "White Savage:William Johnson and the invention of America"(F. O'Toole 2006)pp187-191
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Wilderness Woman
Watcher of the Wood
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Posted - October 31 2007 : 08:39:44 AM
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Be patient! Be patient!  I'll soon be posting quotes from the above mentioned volume that explains this in more detail. |
"It is more deeply stirring to my blood than any imaginings could possibly have been." |
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Steve S
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Posted - October 31 2007 : 09:53:15 AM
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I dribble in anticipation...........
Steve |
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Obediah
Mohicanland Statesman
USA
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August 16 2006
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Posted - October 31 2007 : 12:34:02 PM
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| Too much information! --- Steve, not WW. |
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Wilderness Woman
Watcher of the Wood
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Posted - October 31 2007 : 1:29:31 PM
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Well, Sir William was not idle during the time between his quick, but unnecessary, trip up north and the impending seige of Fort William Henry. In fact, he was a very busy man.
The French had been working to persuade the nations of the Iroquois Confederacy, and others, to join with them in their fight against the British in the colonies. Sir William was working just as hard to prevent this from happening, and it was not easy. Just when he thought he had them convinced, an altercation between soldiers at Fort Hunter and a party of Mohawks occurred which resulted in severe injury to several of the Mohawks. He managed to succeed in calming the situation.
On June 10th, a full delegation of Indians from the Mohawk, Seneca, Onondaga and Cayuga Nations convened at Fort Johnson for a council called by Sir William. The Oneida and Tuscarora were not present. For 10 days, Sir William talked and worked to persuade them all to remain loyal to the British cause. The Mohawk, who had the closest relationship to the Baronet, had no problem with taking up the hatchett against the French. The Seneca, Cayuga and Onondaga promised neutrality.
Also during this time, Sir William traveled back and forth between the German Flats area and his home. He was attempting to keep an eye on the French to monitor the imminent attack on the Mohawk Valley area.
And so, we come to the end of July. Sir William is in the Mohawk Valley, tending to the continuing mass of problems that have been cropping up with his Indians. His militiamen are tending to their homes and farms. Col. Munro is garrisoned inside the fort with 449 men, and 1700 men in a fortified camp on a rocky emminence at Fort George. Montcalm is poised at the foot of Lake George with 10,000 men, including 2,000 Indians, and is ready to begin his attack on Fort William Henry.
And the seige begins.
"Col. Munro's hope of reinforcements was in vain. With 4,000 men, Webb lay at Fort Edward, listening in abject terror to the distant roar of the artillery. For this conduct, there is not the slightest palliation. The approach of Montcalm had not taken him by surprise. Sir William Johnson had written him to be on his guard; that the French were short of provisions, and that if they came, they would come in large numbers, and would make a bold push. He (Webb) had also received intelligence that Montcalm was moving up Lake Champlain with an army as numerous as the leaves of a tree. Beyond, however, sending to the lieutenant governor and the Baronet to hurry up with the militia, he did nothing for the relief of the beleagured garrison, although express after express arrived from its gallant commander, imploring aid.
The Baronet was at Fort Johnson holding an important council with the Cherokees in reference to their late treaty with the Louisiana governor, when the news arrived on the 1st of August, from Webb with the approach of Montcalm. Not withstanding he had his hands and head full, yet he abruptly broke up the conference, and hastily collected what militia and Indians he could muster, starting for the relief of Webb, and arriving at the great carrying place (Fort Edward) two days after the investment of Fort William Henry. Seeing at once the position of affairs, he begged that he might be sent to the aid of Munro. After repeated solicitations, his request was granted; but scarcely was he fairly on his way with Putnam's Rangers and some Provincials who had volunteered to share the danger, when Webb ordered him and his detachment back, and sent in their place a letter to Munro full of exaggerations and advising him to surrender."
So. It sppears to be true that Sir William did, indeed, beg to be allowed to go to the relief of Col. Munro and Fort William Henry. However, it is still a puzzle to me as to why he came away from the Mohawk Valley with "what milita and Indians he could muster" when several months previously, |
"It is more deeply stirring to my blood than any imaginings could possibly have been." |
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Fitzhugh Williams
Mohicanland Statesman
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Posted - October 31 2007 : 2:20:49 PM
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In the preceding year, 1756, when Oswego fell, Webb had been in a forward position and possibly could have come to it's relief. When it fell, he ran back to Fort Edward as fast as he could go.
quote:
Resolving the provisions crisis in Schenectady, Gen. Webb inched his away along the Mohawk River. Now ... it is true that the Mohawk Valley is a beautiful region, and it would be understandable that one would want to take in the valley sights, especially in summer. Since Webb appears to have had a penchant for long visits, perhaps this explains his slow travel? It seems, however, to have been an inopportune time for leisure; after all, there were those hungry troops at Oswego. Making some progress, he reached the German Palatinate settlements on the 14th of August. This was better ... he now only had approximately 100 miles to go. At this pace of 4.11 miles per day, he could be expected at Oswego sometime around the 7th of September, assuming of course, there would be no more provisional crises. As it were, the garrison at Oswego surrendered to General Marquis de Montcalm on August 14th, the same day Webb reached the German Flats. What a relief for Webb! He no longer had that taxing burden ... there were no starving troops needing provisions or reinforcements waiting for Webb's arrival. They were all either dead or captured.
Webb advanced as far as the carrying place between the Mohawk River and Wood Creek (near Fort Stanwix). Here he learned of a French advance in his direction. Now Webb did the other thing Webb did best. He ran. The predictably timid general "... was seized with panic, burned the forts, had trees thrown into Woods Creek in order to delay the enemy's advance, and without a moment's hesitation, made the rest of his way down the Mohawk to the settlement of German Flats, fifty miles distant." General Webb somehow made this return route in quicker time retreating than he did while advancing; at a truly remarkable pace!
See http://www.mohicanpress.com/mo08008.html |
"Les deux pieds contre la muraille et la tete sous le robinet" |
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Obediah
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Steve S
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Posted - October 31 2007 : 3:39:01 PM
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I'd forgotten exactly what a useless article Webb was......Mind you,I wouldn't want to be in any relief expedition commanded my him..Maybe an even bigger disaster was avoided by his inertia?
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Monadnock Guide
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Posted - October 31 2007 : 5:44:54 PM
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| Interesting read indeed, and it portrays Webb as the coward he was. Wasn't he later court-martial back in England? |
you can keep "The Change" |
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Obediah
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Posted - October 31 2007 : 9:21:17 PM
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| This jerkwater totally lost his reputation and yet was promoted TWICE more! "It's not what you know, but who you know." |
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blackfootblood
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Posted - November 01 2007 : 10:18:39 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by Obediah
This jerkwater totally lost his reputation and yet was promoted TWICE more! "It's not what you know, but who you know."
Gee, kinda like today's military....... |
"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain!"
"Live well, love much, laugh often!" |
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Wilderness Woman
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Posted - November 01 2007 : 9:59:20 PM
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Well, after reading that page (thanks Fitz and Obi for reminding me about that), I believe that the answers to the 3 questions I posed about Webb are a resounding "Yes!" He was a coward, a fool and a damn poor soldier!
Rich, do I see TGAT Lainey's writing style in that wonderful essay? Very, very well done!
Btw Blackfootblood, sorry, but I really don't think that is a fair comparison at all. |
"It is more deeply stirring to my blood than any imaginings could possibly have been." |
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blackfootblood
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Posted - November 02 2007 : 09:57:55 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by Wilderness Woman
Btw Blackfootblood, sorry, but I really don't think that is a fair comparison at all.
Sorry didn't mean to make anyone feel bad, just had to get my two cents in on the topic. My husband is a military man and has been for over twelve years. Since I've been with him and experience his army career, I have seen good men being bypassed by other soldier just because they knew someone higher up. That's all. Not fair if you ask me. Like Obi said, "It's not what you know but who you know". |
"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain!"
"Live well, love much, laugh often!" |
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Kirachi
Colonial Settler
United Kingdom
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Posted - November 02 2007 : 10:10:43 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by blackfootblood
quote:
Originally posted by Wilderness Woman
Btw Blackfootblood, sorry, but I really don't think that is a fair comparison at all.
Sorry didn't mean to make anyone feel bad, just had to get my two cents in on the topic. My husband is a military man and has been for over twelve years. Since I've been with him and experience his army career, I have seen good men being bypassed by other soldier just because they knew someone higher up. That's all. Not fair if you ask me. Like Obi said, "It's not what you know but who you know".
That's the way it seems to work in any career, it's a shame |
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blackfootblood
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Posted - November 02 2007 : 10:16:01 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by Kirachi
quote:
Originally posted by blackfootblood
quote:
Originally posted by Wilderness Woman
Btw Blackfootblood, sorry, but I really don't think that is a fair comparison at all.
Sorry didn't mean to make anyone feel bad, just had to get my two cents in on the topic. My husband is a military man and has been for over twelve years. Since I've been with him and experience his army career, I have seen good men being bypassed by other soldier just because they knew someone higher up. That's all. Not fair if you ask me. Like Obi said, "It's not what you know but who you know".
That's the way it seems to work in any career, it's a shame
Very true, Kirachi |
"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain!"
"Live well, love much, laugh often!" |
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Irishgirl
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Posted - November 02 2007 : 10:29:04 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by blackfootblood
quote:
Originally posted by Wilderness Woman
Btw Blackfootblood, sorry, but I really don't think that is a fair comparison at all.
Sorry didn't mean to make anyone feel bad, just had to get my two cents in on the topic. My husband is a military man and has been for over twelve years. Since I've been with him and experience his army career, I have seen good men being bypassed by other soldier just because they knew someone higher up. That's all. Not fair if you ask me. Like Obi said, "It's not what you know but who you know".
I totally agree Blackie and my husband has been in the Military for over 20 years now. If you know the right people, it definitely helps. |
IG |
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Obediah
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Posted - November 02 2007 : 12:21:29 PM
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In the British army of the era, all the officers were of the aristocracy, since they had to buy their commissions!  |
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Wilderness Woman
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Posted - November 02 2007 : 1:46:16 PM
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OK. I see what you are saying, Blackie. Didn't mean to put you on the defensive. Sorry.
Yes, it is unfortunate that it happens. But, I think that our military advancement system is still far better than the one in the 18th century when, as Obi pointed out, any fool who had money could be an officer. Like Webb. Good Heavens! What an idiot he was. |
"It is more deeply stirring to my blood than any imaginings could possibly have been." |
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blackfootblood
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Posted - November 02 2007 : 2:58:22 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Wilderness Woman
OK. I see what you are saying, Blackie. Didn't mean to put you on the defensive. Sorry.
Yes, it is unfortunate that it happens. But, I think that our military advancement system is still far better than the one in the 18th century when, as Obi pointed out, any fool who had money could be an officer. Like Webb. Good Heavens! What an idiot he was.
I guess having all the money in the world doesn't buy you brains! |
"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain!"
"Live well, love much, laugh often!" |
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New York Militia at William Henry
