Item 82: A Historical Address of the Battle of Wyoming Before the Monument, by [David Scott], [ca. 1833]
Item — Box: 12, Folder: 122
Dates
- [ca. 1833]
Creator
- [Scott, David, 1782-1839] (Person)
Disclaimer for Name and Subject Authorities
Some of the name and subject authority tags have been assigned by educated guessing and estimation of persons and subjects by region, age, profession, and familial relationships. They have been thoroughly researched by using primary and secondary sources available digitally, and named in each description, or in some cases linked directly to the person tag.
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:
Speech
General Condition:
Poor. The page is torn in the middle and bottom seams. The paper is fragile and the ink is smeared in some sections.
Measurements:
10 in. x 7 14/16 in.
Location:
The following document appears to be a written speech that pertains to the Battle of Wyoming. In the speech, the writer expresses honor at having been chosen by the committee to give this memorial of the battle, to remember those lost during the conflict with the construction of the Battle of Wyoming Monument. The speaker begins by giving a character of the men who fought and lost their lives during the battle, naming them as brave and fathers of the period of peace they now live in. However, the speaker also underscores the violence and injustice of their experience, and states that it is the duty of those who come after to record and uphold that history. In the latter part of the speech, the speaker writes that, were all the men to have the experience before them again, he believes that they would fight once more against dishonor and maintain the legacy they now remember. The speaker also gives an account of the battle itself, explaining how the inhabitants of the valley were attacked and their buildings, lands, and homes burned in the process of their attack and removal.
Though the writer is not expressly written, it is plausible that judge David Scott, 1782-1839, is the speaker, as he gives an address at the first laying of the monument in 1833, on the anniversary, July 3rd.
The Battle of Wyoming was a military engagement during the American Revolutionary War between Patriot militia and a force of loyalist soldiers and Iroquois warriors. It took place on July 3, 1778 in what is known now as Luzerne County. Along with items that depicts Colonels Zebulon Butler and Nathan Denison’s involvement, item 12.54 item 13, in the lead up to the battle, this series also includes documents such as Elisha Blackman’s letter to the publisher of the National Gazette, 12.78 item 37, claiming that their narration of the Battle was incorrect and Eliphalet Follet’s (Jr.) writings, 12.81 item 40, to the Wyoming Claim Committee to tell the story of his father who died in battle and of his mothers journey taking care of him and his siblings while grieving the death.
This item was originally curated with Series II: the McClintock Family Series, as part of a binder, original number 1.6 Binder: Andrew McClintock Correspondence and Biographical Materials and Photo, 1831-1881. The binder was dissolved in processing the collection and items pertaining to the Susquehanna Claim and General Wyoming Valley Collection moved to corresponding collections.
Harmful Language Tag:
This item contains language that may be harmful to the indigenous communities. It is a product of the time it was written.
Locations:
Wyoming, PA
Transcription:
Page 1:
Your committee have done me the honor to assign me a part in the interesting ceremonies of the day and to request from me a few remarks appropriate to the occasion. I feel that I shall not be able to do justice to the subject or the occasion or fulfill the expectation of this numerous assemblage. The subject is [illegible] replete with safaction, melancholy it is true but upon which we can dwell with pride + exaltation while we weigh the tears of sorrow and regret with the mouldering dust of the sufferers. Who does not feel proud and exult in the reflection that he is connected even by the most distant ties of relationship with those who fought and suffered on that fatal day whose disasters have been the means of bringing us together at this distant period! Though the struggle was unsuccessful, there is nothing for us to repeat but its issue, and its miserable consequence to the slain and to the survivors for whose defense + protection they ^vainly fought & fell They could not command success though all was done that could be done to deserve it, and no dishonour followed defeat. & what should call forth every sympathetic parts of our hearts The occasion too of our assembling is one of deep & abiding interest to prepare(?) & gratify(?) —(?) —(?) It if to lay the corner stone of a monument to be erected ^within the —-(?) of their bones by the descendents and other possessors of the soil ^bloodstained soon and secured by the perseverance and valour of the first brave pioneers occupiers(?) — a race of men scarcely ever equated + never surpassed in simplicity of character ^ —(?) of —(?) & steadfastness(?) of execution(?) in sternness of purpose - in intelligence - in courage - in virtue and in attachment to the true principles of freedom, by Greece or Rome in their prudent(?) days. - Wyoming was not tempted(?) by the vices & follies of the old world - her inhabitants were not driven by their crimes or their misfortunes from “the busy haunts of men” to seek in the obscurity and retirement of this their distant + frontier settlement, that security oblivion & forgetfulness which was denied from in the Atlantic settlements. I am proud to say
Page 2:
that such were not the motives which profited our favourite valley No. It was that manly independence of character that rlies (sic) [relies?] upon its own [illegible] its own capacity + resources for the accumulation of wealth or the acquisition of the ^luxuries or comforts of life which will be content with securing ___(?) its necessities if down with it our arm, - it was ^that contempt of danger which regards not any hazard in the accomplishment of a virtuous & laudable enterprise object - it was that patient courage - & hardy perseverance which is stopped by no obstacles however great - + which is delayed by no considerations of personal risk— and above all it was that ardent love of genuine spirit of persons & national liberty love of the genuine principles of liberty which seem to be innate in every American breast, which carried with it the conviction a freemans every mind(?) thought, and + act ought be free as the air he breathes, contrould (?) only by reason + those wholesome regulations which ^render its their exercise and enjoyment of liberty - Motives + characteristics like their present our forefathers into this remote abode, of the ^lone + wandering Indian Now was it by force that they assigned(?) to possess It was an honorable trait in their character too that it was not by force +proud virtue but by honorable purchase that our ancestors designed possessed themselves of the soil. - Planted here by principity (sic) [principality] which rendered them unfit to breath(e) (sic) the air polluted by the presence of royal governors or th other agents of a crowned head, they in the form of government which they established for themselves practised what they professed. No government could be more . . truly democratic. The people acted for themselves but in primary assemblies where the minority would to the manning(?) + not by representation, - and as an evidence of their purity + the care with which they guarded against the inroads of vice + corruption I would mention the fact that I have seen a record of the proceedings of one of their meetings of the people for the transaction of public business in which it is stated that an individual won by a vote taken in his case banished from the settlement, because he was in the simple but cogent language of the record “an unwholesome member of the community.” - Of such men - mentioned in such a school, was that brave + devoted band the memory of whose martyrdom(?) we have met to perpetuate. - It cannot be necessary for me at this time to do more than take a rapid glance at the history of the times + the catastrophe which made so many mothers, widows, + so many children fatherless. The story of Wyomings virtues, her patriotism, her successes & her sufferings has been beautifully
Page 3:
portrayed by the pencil of the past, as well as by it graver pen of the Historian, and is now familiar to all “a household words.” Besides the faithful sketch delivered in your hearing at the last anniversary of this day would render any attempt of mine now vapid + uninteresting It is known to all that no just cause of enmity(?) existence against Wyoming in the breast of the Indians - to excite their persons or to endure no special feeling of listlessness to the awful incursion. However much they might long to repossess themselves of this bountiful + favorite spot valley they had no felings (sic) [feelings] of revenge to great - no prinlion(?) burnings of hostility to be quenched ^only in blood. We must look to those of our own race for the its origin her misfortunes. To the eternal disgrace of Great Britain be it spoken the charge she employed of enacting the natural thirst for of the savage for blood and turning his ferocious arm against her American brethren must ever remain a foul & an effacable (sic) [effable?] blot upon her exaultation (sic) [exaltation] Il write [illegible] to her like the fatal & disgusting plague spot till the hour of her deportation. When she learned that the Patriots of Wyoming were deeply enbred (sic) [inbred] with the [illegible]sentiments of liberty, and partook largely of the spirit of the times - that they had sent forth their bravest + their besttheir youth & strength + fought the battles of Liberty in the army of their Country + had left for besides the patriarchy of Land to guard their houses & friends then it was that her destruction was resolved on and Terribly was their determination carried with effect - Apt instruments of massacre and devastation were at hand. The cruel + ruthless Savage was let loose and in the rd[illegible] but ferocious language of Gen[era]l Burgozne exhorted as “go forth in the night of their valour & their cause: Strike at the common enemies of Great Britain + America, disturbances, of publics order, peace + happiness, parricides of the earth,” - So inveterate was the determination of our foes to Strangle young Liberty in her birth that they scripted not at means by which it was to be accomplished. True enclosed(?) is it of trans atlantic liberty that her “Her birth star was the light of burning plains “Her baptism in the blood that flows From kindred hearts.-
Had Wyoming proved reverent to the sacred cause, - had she pursued the mere terror of her enemy regardless of the pending struggle had refrained from taking part in the glorious contest, which the remoteness of her” location might in some measure have excused, she would
Page 4:
have been safe indeed, but it would have been an inglorious safety Her fields would not have been burning plains—the blood of her sons would have continued to flow in ignoble veins, + her name have been unknown + unsung if not a name of reproach & scorn. Then indeed would we have mourned as those who have no solace in the sorrows. Shawnee would have burned their chests, & blistered would have been their tongue that could of him who should have counselled said a course, & now was found to do it. Very No son or daughter of Wyoming would by such submission have averted the heated vengeance firing + raised on it foued visited upon there. And I know I speak but the fieelings of these good veterans. the brave associates of those whose bones were now exposed before us mutilated by the instruments of savage warfare, when I say that rather not put in their claims for the honor of contending in such a cause they would act over again the trying scenes of their youth. Again would they follow their country’s standard into field again succum[b] (sic) the dangers of the battle - the mortification of defeat - the hazard of the fl[illegible] retreats, the sufferings of the flight. the subsequent return of their bones now a desolate waste- and finally performed the melancholy duty of committing the remains of their slaughtered friends to the one common [illegible] this fiery ordeal would they again push through rather than have purchased(?) safety at the expense of honor. the descendants of such accounts We at this day look around whose highly cultivated fields & fertile plains and think not of their natural conciliation. We look out upon the green hill, and reflect forget not that their sleeping shores were even awakened by the startling war whose yell of the Savage. We stand in the very footsteps of the combatants without colleuges to mind the death struggle which crimsonin the ground with the life blood of herve. We see everything but the quit pursuit of rappy [illegible] day and all the av[illegible] of aviloque indeusty. Peace is indeed in all our boachen. But could I carry you back to those “times whose this [illegible] stuh.” Could I tear from safe back the dowed of time the records of the last fity-five years + back you rais your eyers to the view I should disclose a seen of honor that would borrow all your very souls + move every [illegible] to rage lind ignation. The same saw while rww able over over heads shows in spandow upon the remnants of wonder littles Forty + deserves them.
Your committee have done me the honor to assign me a part in the interesting ceremonies of the day and to request from me a few remarks appropriate to the occasion. I feel that I shall not be able to do justice to the subject or the occasion or fulfill the expectation of this numerous assemblage. The subject is [illegible] replete with safaction, melancholy it is true but upon which we can dwell with pride + exaltation while we weigh the tears of sorrow and regret with the mouldering dust of the sufferers. Who does not feel proud and exult in the reflection that he is connected even by the most distant ties of relationship with those who fought and suffered on that fatal day whose disasters have been the means of bringing us together at this distant period! Though the struggle was unsuccessful, there is nothing for us to repeat but its issue, and its miserable consequence to the slain and to the survivors for whose defense + protection they ^vainly fought & fell They could not command success though all was done that could be done to deserve it, and no dishonour followed defeat. & what should call forth every sympathetic parts of our hearts The occasion too of our assembling is one of deep & abiding interest to prepare(?) & gratify(?) —(?) —(?) It if to lay the corner stone of a monument to be erected ^within the —-(?) of their bones by the descendents and other possessors of the soil ^bloodstained soon and secured by the perseverance and valour of the first brave pioneers occupiers(?) — a race of men scarcely ever equated + never surpassed in simplicity of character ^ —(?) of —(?) & steadfastness(?) of execution(?) in sternness of purpose - in intelligence - in courage - in virtue and in attachment to the true principles of freedom, by Greece or Rome in their prudent(?) days. - Wyoming was not tempted(?) by the vices & follies of the old world - her inhabitants were not driven by their crimes or their misfortunes from “the busy haunts of men” to seek in the obscurity and retirement of this their distant + frontier settlement, that security oblivion & forgetfulness which was denied from in the Atlantic settlements. I am proud to say
Page 2:
that such were not the motives which profited our favourite valley No. It was that manly independence of character that rlies (sic) [relies?] upon its own [illegible] its own capacity + resources for the accumulation of wealth or the acquisition of the ^luxuries or comforts of life which will be content with securing ___(?) its necessities if down with it our arm, - it was ^that contempt of danger which regards not any hazard in the accomplishment of a virtuous & laudable enterprise object - it was that patient courage - & hardy perseverance which is stopped by no obstacles however great - + which is delayed by no considerations of personal risk— and above all it was that ardent love of genuine spirit of persons & national liberty love of the genuine principles of liberty which seem to be innate in every American breast, which carried with it the conviction a freemans every mind(?) thought, and + act ought be free as the air he breathes, contrould (?) only by reason + those wholesome regulations which ^render its their exercise and enjoyment of liberty - Motives + characteristics like their present our forefathers into this remote abode, of the ^lone + wandering Indian Now was it by force that they assigned(?) to possess It was an honorable trait in their character too that it was not by force +proud virtue but by honorable purchase that our ancestors designed possessed themselves of the soil. - Planted here by principity (sic) [principality] which rendered them unfit to breath(e) (sic) the air polluted by the presence of royal governors or th other agents of a crowned head, they in the form of government which they established for themselves practised what they professed. No government could be more . . truly democratic. The people acted for themselves but in primary assemblies where the minority would to the manning(?) + not by representation, - and as an evidence of their purity + the care with which they guarded against the inroads of vice + corruption I would mention the fact that I have seen a record of the proceedings of one of their meetings of the people for the transaction of public business in which it is stated that an individual won by a vote taken in his case banished from the settlement, because he was in the simple but cogent language of the record “an unwholesome member of the community.” - Of such men - mentioned in such a school, was that brave + devoted band the memory of whose martyrdom(?) we have met to perpetuate. - It cannot be necessary for me at this time to do more than take a rapid glance at the history of the times + the catastrophe which made so many mothers, widows, + so many children fatherless. The story of Wyomings virtues, her patriotism, her successes & her sufferings has been beautifully
Page 3:
portrayed by the pencil of the past, as well as by it graver pen of the Historian, and is now familiar to all “a household words.” Besides the faithful sketch delivered in your hearing at the last anniversary of this day would render any attempt of mine now vapid + uninteresting It is known to all that no just cause of enmity(?) existence against Wyoming in the breast of the Indians - to excite their persons or to endure no special feeling of listlessness to the awful incursion. However much they might long to repossess themselves of this bountiful + favorite spot valley they had no felings (sic) [feelings] of revenge to great - no prinlion(?) burnings of hostility to be quenched ^only in blood. We must look to those of our own race for the its origin her misfortunes. To the eternal disgrace of Great Britain be it spoken the charge she employed of enacting the natural thirst for of the savage for blood and turning his ferocious arm against her American brethren must ever remain a foul & an effacable (sic) [effable?] blot upon her exaultation (sic) [exaltation] Il write [illegible] to her like the fatal & disgusting plague spot till the hour of her deportation. When she learned that the Patriots of Wyoming were deeply enbred (sic) [inbred] with the [illegible]sentiments of liberty, and partook largely of the spirit of the times - that they had sent forth their bravest + their besttheir youth & strength + fought the battles of Liberty in the army of their Country + had left for besides the patriarchy of Land to guard their houses & friends then it was that her destruction was resolved on and Terribly was their determination carried with effect - Apt instruments of massacre and devastation were at hand. The cruel + ruthless Savage was let loose and in the rd[illegible] but ferocious language of Gen[era]l Burgozne exhorted as “go forth in the night of their valour & their cause: Strike at the common enemies of Great Britain + America, disturbances, of publics order, peace + happiness, parricides of the earth,” - So inveterate was the determination of our foes to Strangle young Liberty in her birth that they scripted not at means by which it was to be accomplished. True enclosed(?) is it of trans atlantic liberty that her “Her birth star was the light of burning plains “Her baptism in the blood that flows From kindred hearts.-
Had Wyoming proved reverent to the sacred cause, - had she pursued the mere terror of her enemy regardless of the pending struggle had refrained from taking part in the glorious contest, which the remoteness of her” location might in some measure have excused, she would
Page 4:
have been safe indeed, but it would have been an inglorious safety Her fields would not have been burning plains—the blood of her sons would have continued to flow in ignoble veins, + her name have been unknown + unsung if not a name of reproach & scorn. Then indeed would we have mourned as those who have no solace in the sorrows. Shawnee would have burned their chests, & blistered would have been their tongue that could of him who should have counselled said a course, & now was found to do it. Very No son or daughter of Wyoming would by such submission have averted the heated vengeance firing + raised on it foued visited upon there. And I know I speak but the fieelings of these good veterans. the brave associates of those whose bones were now exposed before us mutilated by the instruments of savage warfare, when I say that rather not put in their claims for the honor of contending in such a cause they would act over again the trying scenes of their youth. Again would they follow their country’s standard into field again succum[b] (sic) the dangers of the battle - the mortification of defeat - the hazard of the fl[illegible] retreats, the sufferings of the flight. the subsequent return of their bones now a desolate waste- and finally performed the melancholy duty of committing the remains of their slaughtered friends to the one common [illegible] this fiery ordeal would they again push through rather than have purchased(?) safety at the expense of honor. the descendants of such accounts We at this day look around whose highly cultivated fields & fertile plains and think not of their natural conciliation. We look out upon the green hill, and reflect forget not that their sleeping shores were even awakened by the startling war whose yell of the Savage. We stand in the very footsteps of the combatants without colleuges to mind the death struggle which crimsonin the ground with the life blood of herve. We see everything but the quit pursuit of rappy [illegible] day and all the av[illegible] of aviloque indeusty. Peace is indeed in all our boachen. But could I carry you back to those “times whose this [illegible] stuh.” Could I tear from safe back the dowed of time the records of the last fity-five years + back you rais your eyers to the view I should disclose a seen of honor that would borrow all your very souls + move every [illegible] to rage lind ignation. The same saw while rww able over over heads shows in spandow upon the remnants of wonder littles Forty + deserves them.
Creator
- [Scott, David, 1782-1839] (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