THE OHIO VALLEY-GREAT LAKES ETHNOHISTORY
ARCHIVES: THE MIAMI COLLECTION
It is noted that the following work from the Miami Archives should be read and
considered within the historical context in which it was composed and printed.
The opinions expressed and the language used do not reflect the opinions or
standards of the Glenn A. Black Laboratory of Archaeology, but are, rather,
indicative of thought in that historical moment during which the document was
published.
Amherst to Monckton
(Camp at Oswego, Aug. 2, 1760)
Amherst, Jeffrey in: Aspinwall Papers,
Coll. of the Mass. Hist. Soc.,
vol. IX, 4th series,
pp. 290-293.
(page 292) . . . good large one capable of containing one hundred and fifty men will answer every purpose it can be wanted for, either in summer or winter. Thirty or forty men will defend a Block house of that kind occasionally.
As I find that you can answer supplying your garrison far cheaper you way than by the way of Niagara (which I am extremely glad to hear) I shall drop all thoughts of supplying from thence, which was only intended by way of saving.
Your orders to Major Walters are very proper; to these he has received from Lt Col. Eyre all the instructions he had had for the defence of that post, and every other order relative to that Command, together with every observation that Col. Eyre has had occasion to make during his stay there; so that the Major cannot want for intelligence.
The post above the Falls you mention, has been made there some time since, and a Sergeant and twelve men occupy it. It is guard enough, and answers for the protection of the provisions.
I am glad to hear your Indians are in so good a humour. Ours here are likewise very quiet, and I cannot say but they are much more so than I expected. They are upwards of 1300; it is true that there are more than 600 women and children among them, but these are for the most part going home; the sooner the better, for tho' they are all of them satisfied with the soldier's ration (for I allow them no more) the consumption of such a number of useless mouths is considerable, and I must recommend it to you, to allow yours no more than I do those here; as likewise to be watchful whom of them you make presents to, observing to distinguish as nearly as you can between friends and foes, of which you will see the greater necessity from the following little account which I cannot refrain from reciting to you upon this occasion viz.
"A German here, who was in the Pennsylvania troops, (page 293) and has now made his escape from the Indians, says he was taken at Fort Ligonier about a twelvemonth since by 17 Indians of the Miamis & Poux Indians and two Frenchmen in company with them. The Indians had been in Fort Ligonier as our friends, got provisions and necessaries; and on leaving the place took this man at a small distance from the Fort, wounded him very much, killed and scalped another who was with him; then marched him thro' the woods; and when they arrived near Pittsburgh, they left him tied with two men to guard him, and to take care of the scalp of his comrade. The Indians then went into Pittsburgh, got shirts, cloaths and provisions; then came away, and at a distance from the Fort, saw a man of Montgomery's, which they likewise brought off; that after eight days march, the man of Montgomery's made his escape, the Indians pursuing him for two days, but not overtaking him; he the German was taken over Lake Erie to St Joseph from whence he made his escape."
I propose to set out from hence by the tenth at farthest; the New Jersey troops and Murray's Regt being the only ones now that are to join me, and I expect them immediately; and I flatter myself I shall soon be able to send you some accounts of our success in our way to Montreal.
I enclose you a duplicate of my letter of the 24th ultimo, which went by the way of Philadelphia.
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I am, with great truth and regard |
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Sir, |
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Your most obedient humble servant |
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JEFF. AMHERST |
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P.S. as you recommended Mr Wood, who appears to be a good recruit, I have given him a commission in your Regt in the room of his namesake who was killed-
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J. A. |
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