LETTER XV.

 

1776. - Alarm – Indians – Council at Wyoming – Indian Speech – Letter of Colonel Butler – Second deputation of Indians – Proceedings – Danger apparent – Numbers and strength of Wyoming – Precautionary measures – Strange and unwelcome settlers – Alarm increases – John Secord – Tories arrested – Sent to Connecticut – Members of Assembly – Forts built – County created – Enlistment of men – Important proceedings of Congress – Two Companies raised to defend the town – Immediately marched away.

 

 

The year 1776 was the most important to Wyoming both in immediate events, and ultimate consequences that had yet been experienced.

Extreme anxiety had existed on the part of Congress and the country, in respect to the part the Six Nations and other Indians, would take in the contest between Great Britain and the Colonies.  Every probable means suggested by prudence were adopted to conciliate their good will, and prevent them from taking up arms in favour of either party.  Commissioners were sent among them with “talks” carefully prepared, stating the grievances which we suffered from Great Britain, and urging the Indians to leave the buried hatchet in repose, and maintain a position of peace and neutrality.  Delegations of chiefs were invited to Philadelphia, where councils were held, and presents made to them; but amid general professions of friendship, it was apparent that a more powerful influence inclined them to side with the enemy, and anxiety all along the frontier, ripened into alarm.  So very important were our Indian relations to the quiet, if not the existence of Wyoming, that a further exposition of the matter, appears to be required at our hand.

So early as the 1st of June 1775, a petition was laid before Congress from Augusta county, west of the Alleghany (sic), Virginia, intimating “fears of a rupture with the Indians, on account of Lord Dunmore's conduct.”  In December of that year, Congress thought fit to publish an extract of a letter from General Schuyler, relative to measures taken by the ministerial agents to engage the Indians in a war with the colonies.  In June, 1776, Congress were informed by a letter from the President of South Carolina, that the Cherokees had commenced hostilities, etc.”

The ill temper of the savages is shown by the speech of Logan, a chief, to the commissioners at Pittsburg (sic).  “We still hear bad news.  Connesdico and some of us are constantly threatened, and the Bear-skin, a trader from Philadelphia, amongst others, says, a great reward is offered to any person who will take or entice either of us to Pittsburg, where we are to be hanged up like dogs by the Big-knife.  This being true, how can we think of what is good?  That it is true we have no doubt, and you may depend on it, that the Bear-skin told Metopsica every word of what I have mentioned.”

August the 19th, Congress Resolved, “That the Commissioners be instructed to make diligent inquiry into the murder lately committed by Indians in the neighborhood of Pittsburg, on one Crawford; and that, as soon as they discover by whom the same was committed, they demand due punishment on the offender or offenders, which being granted, this Congress will not consider the same as a national act.”

Still the Chief Head, the Council at Onondago, were making hollow professions of peace, and endeavoring to lull the frontiers into security.  An outrage had been committed on a person named Wilson, who lived some distance up the North Branch, but within the limits of Westmoreland.  Col. Butler, though not officially authorized to do so, thought proper on behalf of the people to send a messenger to the neighboring tribes, and ascertain their intentions.  A chief returned with the messenger.  His English name was John.  We regret that his Indian name has not been preserved, for his speech is one of the most chaste, neat specimens of Indian oratory we have ever read.  The Rev.  Mr.

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Johnson acted as interpreter.

A Conference held at Wyoming, or Westmoreland, between Capt. John in behalf of the Six Nations, and Col. Butler of the Colony of Connecticut.

 

“Capt. John: -

 

                        “Brothers – We come to make you a visit and let you know we were at the Treaty of          Oswego, with Col. Guy Johnson.  We are all of one mind, we are friends, and bring good news.

                        “Brothers – We are also come to let you know, the Six Nations have been something         afraid, but now are glad to see all things look like peace, and they think there will be no quarrel        with each other, and you must not believe bad reports, or remember times that have been bad or      unfriendly.

                        “Brothers – All our spirits are of one colour, why should we not be of one mind.    Continue to be brothers as our fathers and grandfathers were.

                        “Brothers – We hope and desire you may hold what liberties and privileges you now        enjoy.

                        “Brothers – We are sorry to hear two brothers are fighting with each other, and should     be glad to hear the quarrel was peaceably settled.  We choose not to interest ourselves on either        side.  The quarrel appears to be unnecessary.  We do not understand it.  We are for peace.

                        “Brothers – When our young men come to hunt in your neighborhood, you must not        imagine they come to do mischief – they come to procure themselves provisions – also skins to   purchase them clothing.

                        “Brothers – We desire that Wyoming may be a place appointed where the great men may meet, and have a fire, which shall ever afterwards be called Wyoming, when you shall judge      best, to prevent any jealousies or uneasy thoughts that may arise, and thereby preserve our      friendship.

                        “Brothers – You see but one of our chiefs.  You may be suspicious on that account, but     we assure you, this Chief speaks in the name of the Six Nations.  We are of one mind.

                        “Brothers – What we say is not from the lips, but from the heart.  If any Indians of little     note should speak otherwise, you must pay no regard to them, but observe what has been said            and wrote by the chiefs, which may be depended on.

                        “Brothers – We live at the head of these waters (Susquehanna).  Pay no regard to any      reports that may come up the stream or any other way, but look to the head of the waters for   truth, and we do now assure you, as long as the rivers run, so long you may depend on our        friendship.  We are all of one mind, and we are all for peace.”

 

A letter from Col. Butler to the Hon. Roger Sherman, then a delegate in Congress, from Connecticut, will throw additional light on the subject.

 

                                                                                                          “Westmoreland, Oct. 1st, 1776

 

                        “Honored Sir: - In some of my last letters, you will recollect I informed you that I had      sent a messenger among the Indians upon the head waters of the Susquehanna, and thereby      informed them of an assault made upon one of our people, whose testimony has sometime since            been sent to you.  The Indians, you will see by the enclosed messages, are disposed for peace,    and think it necessary that this place be appointed to hold their Council at, and, as they express         it, to have a fire-place here.  Their importunity was so pressing on that account, that I promised

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them to inform Congress, and our Assembly of their request, and would beg the opinion of           yourself, and other delegates, whether it is best to lay it before Congress, and that you would be pleased to inform his Honour, our Governor, immediately, what you apprehend will be best for   the Colony to do, if anything, in that matter.  The Indians when they come here, expect presents,   or at least to be supported while among us, and no one is appointed to treat with them.  They come      to me, and I have frequently given them, but find the burthen too great for one man to bear.

                        “They also insist up0on a new flag, such as is used by the army of the United States.        They say their old flag came over the great water, and they now want a new one, as a token of    their friendship to the United States.

                        “By the last papers we find the report of Col. Butler, etc., with Indians and Canadians,     being at Oswego, is disbelieved.  By the accounts we had before received of that matter, some        were much agitated here, but seem more easy at present.

                        “I expect to be at the Assembly, and shall gladly receive any information you shall think   proper to send me.

                                                                                              “I am, sir, your humble servant, Z. Butler”

 

“N.B.  The Indians deny having any hand in the attack made upon Wilson, and have engaged to let us know if they make any discovery of that matter.

Hon. Roger Sherman”

 

The earnest desire to have a fire-place erected at Wyoming, and that a great council should be held there, was probably a devised plan to introduce the savages into the settlement without creating alarm, and then treacherously to destroy the whole.  Their importunity, it seems, “was pressing.”

It would also appear now, since war rumors were afloat, numerous chiefs, claiming consideration, visited Wyoming, expected presents and entertainment.  “I have frequently given,” says Col. Butler, “but find the burden too great for one man to bear.”

But they wanted a new flag, such as the “United States Army used.” probably as a decoy on a fitting occasion.  In respect to the news of Col. John Butler with his Canadians and Indians being at Oswego, Colonel Z. Butler says: - “Some were very much agitated here.”  The more sagacious men at Wyoming could not fail to foresee and dread the danger.  A tremendous avalanche hung over them, which the least jar might precipitate on their heads.

In September following, a deputation of three chiefs arrived at Wyoming, and brought a “Talk,” the “Great Head” at Onondago having held a council.  The talk was agreed upon at Chenango by certain authorized chiefs.  While it professes peaceable intentions, the tone is one of complaint.  The length is too great to render proper its publication entire.  A paragraph or two will give its spirit.

 

                        “Brothers – There is a great deal between us.  The Devil is always putting something       between us, but this is to clear your hearts that you may speak clearly and pleasantly to us.”  A           string of wampum.

                        “Well Brothers – There is great deal of trouble around you.  Your lids are all bloody, but   we have come to clear away all suspicion that your hearts may be pleasant.”  Three strings of    wampum.

                       

Still desirous that a great council fire should be kindled at Wyoming, they proceed: -

 

                        “Well Brothers – Our fire-place is almost lost, and our fire almost out.  We think it hard, and desire it may be renewed, and the fire-place fixed here, that our mutual fire may give light from

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one end of this river to the other.

                        “Brothers – We are unwilling to have forts built up the river, but wish you would be          content to build forts here among the lower settlers.  A fort at Wyalusing will block up our new         made, wide, and smooth road, and again make us strangers to one another.”

 

 Three other paragraphs urgently desire that a “Fire” may be  kindled at Wyoming, “so that the flame and smoke may arise to the clouds,” etc.

After complaining of some wrong by a white man, done an Indian in the exchange of cows, and demanding satisfaction, they ask a new flag, and beg for some flour to take home with them, and request that as they are for peace their guns and tomahawks may be put in order.

In conclusion,

 

         “Well Brother, Colonel Butler, you must have an Indian name; Koorenghloognana, (signifying a great tree), we will henceforth call you.”

 

The Chiefs present were:

 

William Nanticoke, Nanticoke

Indian Joseph, Onondago Chief.

Narondigwanok, or Capt. Johnson, A Seneca Chief.

 

The “Talk” was regarded as evasive and unsatisfactory.  It may be considered as creditable to the Wyoming people, that Indian jealousy could find nothing in their five years intercourse, for their friends scattered through the Valley to complain of, except the matter of the cow exchange.

In a letter from Colonel Butler to Roger Sherman, dated August 6, 1776, he says: -

 

                        “You will see by the representations from this town that we are under apprehension of      danger from the Indians, as our army has retreated to Crown-point, and every artifice using to set the Indians on us, by Johnson and Butler, at Niagara.”

 

Colonel Butler also speaks of the settlement being in want of arms, “as those eighty guns taken from our people at Warrior's Run, have not been returned,” etc.

A report reached the valley the same month, that Colonel John Butler, “with Indians and Canadians, was at Oswego.”  Notwithstanding the professions of the Six Nations, no one doubted before the close of 1776, but that they were pledged to the interest of Great Britain, and on the invasion by Burgoyne early in the following year, numbers of them were found arrayed under his standard, active, brave and cruel, as became their long established character.

Westmoreland extended north, five miles above the confluence of the Susquehanna and Chemung rivers.  The upper part of the town was therefore not only within the range of the Indian paths, but as previously stated, actually included several of their settlements at Tioga Point, Sheshequin and the Great Bend.  In the immediate neighborhood were the populous villages of Oquaga, (one of the headquarters of Brandt,) Chenango, Owego, Choconut and Newtown, the latter a place where many distinguished chiefs resided.  The general, almost the universal, course of travel for the Indians going east or west, was through the upper part of Westmoreland.  A moderate freshet in the river, would bring their boats and canoes, in twenty-for hours, from their place of rendezvous at Tioga, into the heart of the Wyoming settlement.  Being therefore within easy striking distance, they were fully aware of their danger, and might well look with anxious solicitude to the public authorities for protection.

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A colony projected out from her own bosom beyond New York, forty miles north of the Blue Mountains, and divided by an inhospitable wilderness, from any other settlement of sufficient strength to yield support in case of invasion, Connecticut seemed called upon by the strongest considerations of justice and mercy to take measures to afford effectual protection to this her exposed frontier.

An important inquiry presents itself;  What were the numbers, and what the strength of Westmoreland?  Trumbull states, and on his authority, Chapman copies the assertion, that there are five thousand inhabitants in the town.  It will be observed that the number is stated roundly at five thousand, as if it were a matter of guess, rather than of enumeration.  From all the lights before me, I am confident the number is greatly exaggerated.  In the first place, during the years of peace and prosperity from 1774 to 1776 only two hundred and eight-five (285) persons had taken the Freeman's oath, and exercised the rights of suffrage in town meetings, when there were many and obvious motives to do so, and none that we can conceive of, to deter.

Second.  When, after the Declaration of Independence, a new oath was demanded, only two hundred and sixty-nine (269) had appeared and been sworn.  Allowing an hundred freemen to have been absent with the army, and the whole number would be three hundred and sixty-nine (369.)  If we allow six persons to each voter, the number would be two thousand two hundred and fourteen (2214.)

Third.  A list of settlers at Wyoming for 1773, two years before, in Col. Butler's hand writing, numbers only two hundred and sixteen (216.) 

Fourth.  An assessment for Wilkes-Barre township in 1774, corrected January 1775, contains one hundred and twenty (120) names.  The sum was assessed at 3646 pounds.  The whole assessment in Westmoreland that year was 13,083 pounds.  Now if 3646 pounds give 120 persons, how many would 13083 give?  It is apprehended this would be one fair mode of approximating the truth.  The answer is 430, which multiplied by 6, gives 2580.

In the Plunkett battle, when full notice had been received of the impending and pressing danger, and everything was at stake, only about three hundred men could be mustered, and not all those with fire arms.  We see no reason to suppose the whole number of inhabitants exceeded about twenty-five hundred (2500.)  Perhaps to impress the enemy with an idea of her formidable power, might have been regarded as a means to prevent invasion, and therefore warranting the exaggeration.  The data on which our conclusion is founded, being submitted, every person who takes and interest in the matter will form an opinion for himself.

Having presented a brief view of the position of Wyoming, the dangers the people had reasonable ground to apprehend, and as accurate an estimate as possible of the number of inhabitants, we approach a matter of the utmost moment;  but previous to entering thereon, duty and pleasure call us to state some highly patriotic proceedings;  while an equal sense of duty demands our notice of several painful events.

At a town meeting, held March 10th, 

 

                        “Voted, that the first man that shall make fifty weight of good salt-petre in this town shall be entitled to a bounty of ten pounds, lawful money, to be paid out of the town treasury.

                        “Voted, that the selectmen be directed be directed to dispose of the grain now in the          hands of the Treasurer, or Collector, in such a way as to obtain powder and lead to the value of forty pounds, lawful money, if they can do the same.”       

 

The Continental Congress having recommended the appointment of committees of vigilance in every town, and the arrest of persons hostile to the cause of liberty, a committee of inspection was established, a measure that became the more pressingly necessary, as, with the breaking of the war, and the prohibition on the part of Connecticut of any further emigration to Wyoming, there had come in

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strange families from Minnisink [New Jersey], from West Chester, New York, from Kinderhook, and the Mohawk, neither connected with Pennsylvania nor Connecticut, between whom and the old settlers there was neither sympathy in feeling, nor community of interests – Wintermoots, Vangorders, and Von-Alstines.  A path of communication was opened by the disaffected between New York and Niagara, to strike the Susquehanna twenty miles above Wilkes-Barre.  Some of those new and unwelcome settlers soon made their sentiments known, and disclosed their hostility to the American cause, while others for the time remained quiet, though subsequent events showed the purpose of their emigration to the Susquehanna.*

 

Author's note:

                        This view is attested by the fact, that in January 1776, Mr. Hageman being examined by   the committee of inspection, said, “that riding with Mr. S. - they spoke of the people coming up   the river to join the enemy [“as a familiar and well understood matter.”]  He, Hageman,       observed that the Yankees would go up and take their arms from them.  S. replied, he was the         man, if it were done, who would see that they were returned to them.”

 

John Secord, who had settled up the river near thirty miles above the Valley, was known to harbor suspicious persons, and was suspected of acting as a spy, and giving intelligence to the enemy.  Several British prisoners, confined at Lebanon, Conn., had made their escape, via:  Captain Hume, Lieuts. Richardson, Hubbage and Burroughs, with their servants.  Having a pilot, they struck the river twenty miles above the Valley, and were supposed to have been directed to, and entertained by Secord, furnished with provisions, and aided in their flight to Niagara.

The committee caused him to be arrested;  but he petitioned Congress, complaining of the outrage on his rights, and by their order was liberated.  A bold, bad man, he united himself to the enemy, the moment he could more effectually serve them in that manner, than by professing friendship for the Yankees, and acting as a spy on Wyoming.  Two of the Vangorders, Philip and Abraham, were taken by the committee, and sent to Litchfield [Connecticut] for trial.  Andrew Adams, Esq., was employed to conduct the prosecution, but the issue we have not been able to learn.  About the same time eight or ten persons were arrested, and sent to Hartford for trial, but were dismissed.

Doubts have been expressed whether there was not more zeal than discretion in these proceedings.  With the faint lights before us it is impossible to form an opinion entirely satisfactory upon the subject.  Certain it is, such an influx of strangers was deemed, and not without reason, extraordinary.  Some of them it is known immediately opened communications with the enemy.  The issue showed that they were all enemies in disguise.  We are not prepared to say therefore, that the people were to blame in taking the most energetic measures to remove, or over-awe the more avowedly disaffected, especially when the recommendations of Congress are considered.

John Jenkins, Esq., (the elder) and Captain Solomon Strong, were chosen members of the Legislature to attend at Hartford, in May, with express orders to request the Assembly to demand of the Pennsylvania government 4,000 pounds for losses sustained by their invasion, and if necessary to pursue the matter before Congress.  As no further notice of the subject appears on the records, and as it is certain no compensation was received, it is presumed that prudential considerations induced the General Assembly to decline interfering.

 

                        “At a town meeting legally warned an held, in Westmoreland, Wilkes-Barre district,          August 24, 1776,

                        “Colonel Butler was chosen moderator for the work of the day.

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                        “Voted – As the opinion of this meeting, that it now become necessary for the        inhabitants of this town to erect suitable forts, as a defense against our common enemy.”

 

Recently there had been established by the General Assembly at Westmoreland, the 24th Regiment of Connecticut militia.  The meeting voted that the three field officers should be a committee to fix on proper sites for the forts, lay them out, and give directions how they should be built.  The Wintermoots, a numerous family, seeming to have extraordinary means at command, had purchased and settled near the head of the Valley upon a spot where a large and pure spring of water gushed out from the high bank, or upper flat.  Here they had erected a fortification, known as Wintermoot's fort.  This was looked upon with jealousy by the old settlers.  A vote was therefore passed, that no forts be built except those which should be designated by the military committee.  As it was too late to remedy the evil, the committee resolved to counteract it as far as possible, by causing a fort to be built a mile above Wintermoots, in the neighborhood, and under the supervision of the Jenkins and Harding families, leading men and ardent patriots.  It was named Fort Jenkins, (but it must not be confounded by the reader with the Fort Jenkins, half way between Wyoming and Sunbury, or Fort Augusta.)  Forty Fort was to be strengthened and enlarged.  Sites were fixed on in Pittston, Wilkes-Barre, Hanover and Plymouth.  And then was adopted the following beautiful vote: -

 

                        “That the above said committee, do recommend it to the people to proceed in building     said Forts without either fee or reward from ye town.”

 

We leave it in its simplicity to speak its own eulogium.

The die was cast.  Independence was declared.  War assumed throughout the land his sternest aspect, and every day disclosed to Wyoming some new ground of apprehension.  The savages, who yet dwelt in the Valley, theretofore peaceful and quiet, now began to assume an insolent carriage, demanding provisions and liquor, with an authoritative air, accompanied by expressions implying threats of vengeance if refused.  Justly dreading the ill consequences of a quarrel, the town passed a solemn vote, similar in spirit to one previously adopted, forbidding, under penalty of forty shillings a gill, the sale to an Indian of any spiritous liquors, and also prohibiting the transportation of spirits upon the river above the Valley.

In November, Colonel Butler and Colonel Dennison, representatives to the October session of the Assembly, held at New Haven, returned, bringing the good tidings that the town of Westmoreland was erected into a county, and henceforth its organization, civil and military, was complete.  Jonathan Fitch, Esq., had received the commission of High Sheriff, and was of course the first person who ever held that responsible office on the North Branch of the Susquehanna.

During that summer Capt. Weisner, from New York, was sent to Wyoming, to enlist part of a rifle company for the continental service.  Obadiah Gore, Jr., an active and enterprising man, offered Weisner his influence, received the commission of lieutenant, and raised about twenty men, with whom he marched to head-quarters.  Soon after, however, it being deemed proper that, as they were enlisted in Connecticut, they should be credited to her, and not to the New York line of the army, they were transferred, it is believed, to the regiment of Col. Wyllis.

About the same time, Capt. Strong enlisted part of a company, at Wyoming, the number is supposed to have been inconsiderable, not exceeding eight or ten.  These being the first enlisted men, took with them the best arms that could be obtained.  That a man should have left the Valley, or that a musket or rifle should have been taken, is matter of surprise.  But nowhere throughout the United Colonies, did the spirit of patriotism glow more intensely than in Westmoreland.  We make the remark here, and shall repeat it again, that like the generous steed which exerts every sinew, till he falls lifeless

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under his rider, Wyoming never seemed to know when they had done and suffered enough, if further duty or suffering was demanded by the cause.

Col. Butler, in a letter to a member, complaining that no restitution had been made, as recommended by Congress, of property taken, partly in boats confiscated while trading down the river; and horses, arms, and other articles from Wyoming, says: -

 

                        “Our other property, though valuable, we would not mention at this day, but OUR ARMS WE CANNOT FORBEAR SPEAKING OF,  as there are none to be purchased, and we a frontier, and so unanimously willing to defend the United States of America, at the risk of our        lives.  But Congress must be best acquainted with the disposition of the Indians,” etc.

 

Congress being fully apprised of the situation of Westmoreland, determined to interpose and provide for the defense of the town  To this end -

 

            “Friday, August 23, 1776. - Resolved, That two companies on the Continental      establishment, be raised in the town of Westmoreland, and stationed in proper places for the defense of the inhabitants of said town, and parts adjacent, till further order of Congress; the said commissioned officers of the said two companies, to be immediately appointed by Congress.

                        “That the pay of the men, to be raised as aforesaid, commence when they are armed and mustered, that they may be liable to serve in any part of the United States, when ordered by         Congress.

                        “That the said troops be enlisted to serve during the war, unless sooner discharged by      Congress.

            “August 26th. - Congress proceeded to the election of sundry officers, when Robert           Durkee and Samuel Ransom were elected captains of the two companies ordered to be raised in          the town of Westmoreland, James Wells, and Perrin Ross, first lieutenants;  Asahel Buck, and Simon Spalding, second lieutenants;  Herman Swift and Matthias Hollenback, ensigns of said     companies.”

 

Early in September, information was received of the Resolution of Congress, and rendezvous for the enlistment of men on the terms prescribed, were opened by Capt. Durkee on the east, and by Capt. Ransom on the west side of the river.  As the troops raised were by the express pledge of Congress, “to be stationed in proper places for the defense of the inhabitants,”  while, of course, the existing danger should continue, the able bodied men flocked to the standard raised, and in less than sixty days, both companies were full, numbering about eighty-four each.

Washington's army, greatly impaired in umber and spirit, by their expulsion from Long Island, were now sorely pressed by Gen. Howe.  On the 15th of September, New York was taken possession of by the enemy.  The battle at White Plains had been fought, and on the 16th of November, Fort Washington surrendered to the British arms, Gen. Howe claiming to have taken twenty-five hundred prisoners.  Gloom – almost despondence – overspread the American camp.  Howe pushed his advantage with energy.  Washington was compelled to retreat, from post to post, through the Jerseys.  “The Commander-in-Chief,” says Marshall, “found himself at the head of this small force, less than three thousand soldiers, dispirited by their losses and fatigues, retreating, almost naked and bare footed, in the cold of November and December, before a numerous, well-appointed and victorious army, through a desponding (sic) country, much more disposed to obtain safety by submission than to seek it by manly resistance.”

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On the 8th of December, Gen. Washington crossed the Delaware, and Congress immediately took measures to retire from Philadelphia to Baltimore.  At this moment of peril, they...

 

                        “Resolved, Thursday December 12th, That the two companies raised in the town of Westmoreland, be ordered to join Gen. Washington, with all possible expedition.”

 

...And the very same day adjourned to meet on the 20th at Baltimore.

 

Promptly obeying the order, the two companies hastened their march, and before the close of the month and year, were upon the lines, under the command of their beloved Washington.