Item 8: Journal Entries from a copy of a letter from Zebulon Butler to General Hand, 1779 March 23-28
Item — Box: 10, Folder: 9
Dates
- Created: 1779 March 23-28
Creator
- Butler, Zebulon, 1731-1795 (Person)
Access:
All series and subseries within this collection are open for research, with the exception of a few files within the Academia series that are restricted. The Academia series contains financial and sensitive institutional records from Wilkes College, and financial report records from Princeton University that will remain restricted for 80 years upon creation.
Extent
1 items
Language of Materials
From the Collection: English
Type of Material:
Journal entries.
Condition Note:
Okay. The paper has been torn into three pieces, however it does not affect the legibility of the letter. The paper is browning, and there are some minor stains and ink bleedthrough present.
Measurements:
9 ⅞ in. x 8 in. (closed); 16 in. x 9 ⅞ in. (open)
Description:
This item consists of several diary entries written by Zebuon Butler over the course of a week or so. The item describes an attack on provisions which led to soldiers being wounded, and continues on describing the situation in further detail as it was discovered. The back of the paper seems to have lyrics to a song/poem.
Transcription:
Gnauden hutler Penn Township 10 July 1778
Honoured Sir
On my arrival at Westmoreland (which was only four days after I left York-Town) I friend there was a large body of the enemy advancing on that settlement. On the 1st of July we musted the militia & marched towards their by the river above settlement, -found & killed two Indians, at a place where they day before they had murdered nine men engaged in hoeing corn. We found some conoes [sic] & ch- but finding we were above their main body it was judged prudent to return. As every man had to go to his own house for provisions we could not muster again until the 3rd of July. In the meantime enemy had got possession of two forts one of which we had reason to believe was designed for them tho’ they burnt them both. The Inhabitants had seven Forts, extending about Few miles on the river, for the security of their women & children and too many men would stay in them to care for them;- but after collecting about three Hundred of the most spirited militia including Capt Hewitt company I held a council with the Officers who were all agree it was best to attack the enemy before they got any further. We accordingly marched found their situation -formed a front of the same extension of the enemy’s and attacked from right to left at the same time. Our men stood the fire well for three or four shots tile some part of the enemy gave way, but unfortunately for us through some mistake the word retreat was understood from some offices on the left which take so quick that it was not in the power of the Officers to form them again, though I believe if they have stood three minutes longer the enemy would have been beaten. The utmost pains to really were taken by the officers who mostly fell a Lieut Colonel & Major, & full(?) Captains who were in Commission in the militia all fell. Col Durkeee & Captains Hewitt & Ransom were likewise killed. In whole about Two Hundred men lost their lives in the action on our side what number of the enemy were killed is yet uncertain though I believe a very considerable number The loss of men so intimidated the Inhabitants that they gave up with terms that I had refused. The enemy sent flags frequently-the terms you will see in the enclosed letter. They repeatedly said they have nothing to do with any but the Inhabitants & did not want to treat with me. Colonel Denison by desire of the inhabitants went & complied which made it necessary for me & the little remains of Capt Hewitt’s company to spare its inhabitants after their agreement & that myself with the few Continental soldiers should be delivered up to the savages upon which I left the place & came here scarcely able to move as to find horse or man to wait on the Board till now. I must submit to the Board what must be the next step. The little Remains of Hewitts company (which are about 15) are gone to Shemoken, & Capt Spauldings Company I have heard are on the Delaware. Several hundred of the Inhabitants are strolling out in the Country destitute of provisions, who have large fields of grain & other necessaries of life at Westmoreland. It short if the Inhabitants can go back there may yet be saved double the quantity of provisions to support themselves otherwise they must be beggars & a burthen to the world.
I have heard men that came from the place since the people gave up, that the Indians have killed sum (sic) person since but have burnt the most of the buildings, and are collecting all the horses they can and are moving up the river. They likewise say the enemy were eight Hundred- one half white men. I should be glad that, if possible there might be a sufficient guard sent for the defences of that place which will be a means of saving thousands from poverty- but must submit to the wisdom of Congress. I desire further orders from Honble Board of War with respect to myself and the soldiers under my directions.
I have the honour to be your Honour
Most Obd Humble Serv
Zebulon Butler
Enclosed Copy of a letter to the Board of War 10 July from F T Allen
Enclosed Copy of a letter to the Board of War 10 July from F T Allen
Creator
- Butler, Zebulon, 1731-1795 (Person)
Repository Details
Part of the Wilkes University Archives Repository
Contact:
84 W South St.
Wilkes-Barre PA 18701 US
570-408-2000
570-408-7823 (Fax)
ask.archives@wilkes.edu
84 W South St.
Wilkes-Barre PA 18701 US
570-408-2000
570-408-7823 (Fax)
ask.archives@wilkes.edu