Fort Pitt Letters for the years 1780 thru 1782

Fort Pitt, PA - 11 February 1780

neither have I seen the Deputy Quartermaster-General since last March. I have not a tent for my men, and, by the inclosed return, you will see that the provisions are scanty ; but I hope to be better supplied in the spring.

Fort Pitt, PA - 18 March 1780

The savages have already begun their hostilities. Last Sunday, they killed five men at a sugar camp upon Raccoon Creek, in Youghiogany county, and took prisoners three girls and three lads.

Fort Pitt, PA - 13 May 1780

Several persons have lately been killed and wounded in Westmoreland county, which will probably prevent my receiving any aid from the militia of that county.

Fort Pitt, PA - 30 May 1780

Since my last, ten persons have been killed and wounded, taken by the Indians in Westmoreland county. Parties of regulars and militia have endeavoured to overtake them, but without success.

Fort Pitt, PA - 21 July 1780

A few days ago I received intelligence, that a party, consisting of thirty odd Wyandot Indians, had crossed the Ohio River, five miles below Fort Mcintosh, and had hid thirteen small bark canoes upon our shore.

Fort Pitt, PA - 5 September 1780

Yesterday, the Indians killed two men, of the frontier inhabitants, on Robeson's Run, in this county (Yougluogania), and fired at two soldiers who were taking some stores in a canoe from hence to Fort Henry.

Fort Pitt, PA - 14 September 1780

The French inhabitants at Detroit are much in our interest, and wish most heartily to see an American force approaching. I really believe that twelve hundred well-appointed men would carry that place without great difficulty

Fort Pitt, PA - 17 September 1780

I have this moment received intelligence, that the enemy from Detroit intend paying a visit to this frontier.

Fort Pitt, PA - 17 October 1780

The Delaware Chiefs, with upwards of thirty warriors, are come to aid me upon an expedition ; but, as I have neither bread nor meat to give them, they will soon discover that it is not in my power to act offensively.

Fort Pitt, PA - 24 November 1780

As no reenforcement can be had from your Excellency, the intended expedition against Detroit must be laid aside until a favorable turn of affairs takes place, unless you would recommend a junction of Colonel Clark's troops with mine.

Fort Pitt, PA - 7 December 1780

I have, for a long time past, had two parties in the country, commanded by Field-Officers, to impress cattle, and yet the troops are frequently without meat for several days together.

Fort Pitt, PA - 25 February 1781

The Indians have lately killed one man upon Ten Mile Creek, and the inhabitants are in great consternation. The frontier settlements will doubtless be deserted, as I have not troops to protect them.

Fort Pitt, PA - 27 March 1781

Indeed, this place is infested with such a set of disaffected inhabitants, that I have been under the necessity of ordering some away, and others must soon follow, to prevent greater injury to the service.

Fort Pitt, PA - 29 August 1781

The Maryland corps was stationed at a post on the frontier of Westmoreland county, and have in a body deserted and crossed the mountains.

Fort Pitt, PA - 2 December 1781

At the time Congress directed me to repair to this place, I took for granted your Excellency would have information thereof through different channels

Fort Pitt, PA - 20 April 1782

I arrived here the 25th of March. At that time things were in greater confusion than can well be conceived. The country people were, to all appearance, in a fit of frenzy.

Fort Pitt, PA - 21 May 1782

A number of the principal people of this country made application to me, about two weeks since, for my consent to their collecting a body of volunteers to go against Sandusky

Fort Pitt, PA - 16 June 1782

I mentioned to your Excellency that a body of volunteer militia were assembling at the Mingo Bottom, to go against Sandusky.

Fort Pitt, PA - 11 July 1782

were overtaken, about thirty miles from the field of action, by a body of Indians, to whom they surrendered. They were taken back to Sandusky, where they all, except the Doctor, were put to death.