1775

Another baby is born.

030201 Jacob Bashor Christman (b.1775)

At Stone Arabia’s Reformed Church, there is no record of a settled pastor during the period of the Revolution.

Injustice, Indignation, Resentment & Rage

“The storm, which had so long been gathering over this continent, was now about to descend in all its fury. On the l9th day of April, 1775, Gen. Gage sent from Boston a detachment of 800 or 900 troops, under the command of Col. Smith and Maj. Pitcairn, to destroy a collection of military stores, accumulated at Concord by the friends of liberty. At Lexington, a small village which they had to pass, a company of sixty or seventy militia were paraded near the village church. Maj. Pitcairn riding forward, exclaimed, Disperse, you rebels - throw down your arms and disperse!

The militia hesitated, and the Major firing a pistol, ordered a company under Capt. Parker, to fire upon them: the command was obeyed, and eight were killed and several wounded. The militia dispersed, and the troops marched on to Concord. Some of the stores had been removed, what remained were destroyed. The minute men of that town had assembled before the arrival of the regulars, but too weak to oppose the latter, retired on their approach, As the report of the firing upon the militia at Lexington spread with great rapidity, from the ringing of bells, firing of signal gains, etc., the country was soon in arms. Finding themselves reinforced, the Concord militia advanced and a skirmish ensued, in which several were killed on both sides.

The British troops, seeing that they were to have hot work, as almost every male citizen between the ages of ten and eighty were arming for the fight, began to retreat. In their course they were fired upon from all manner of concealments. Every stonewall, tree, stump, rock, barn or workshop, sent forth its unerring bullet into the ranks of the enemy. Had not the British been reinforced by about 900 men under Lord Percy, few of the first detachment would ever have reached Boston alive. The British loss in this battle, called battle of Lexington because it commenced and much of it was fought in that town, in killed wounded and prisoners, was 273; and that of the Provincials, 87. General Gage had thought previous to the battle of Lexington, that five regiments of British infantry could march from Maine to Georgia. Thus closed the opening scene of a tragedy, destined to last eight long years.” – Jeptha Simms

In 1775, the Continental Congress adopted a plain red flag.

Valley Loyalists Declare Opposition

In the spring of 1775, the loyalists of Tryon County held a court in Johnstown. They avowed their opposition to the Continental Congress. A declaration was drawn up, and signatures were obtained. Discussions were heated but a majority of the Grand Jurors and the majority of the magistracy signed their names in support of the crown. The loyalists were known as Tories.

Valley Whigs React & The Committee of Safety

Those who supported the measures adopted by the Continental Congress attending the Court became indignant. They were called Whigs, or rebels. They returned to their homes and told their neighbors who felt the same. Public meetings were held, and the Tryon County Committee of Safety was formed.

May 11

The second meeting of the Palatine District was held. It was also at Adam Louck’s house, a tavern that had some interesting things hanging on a wall. There was a print of Martin Luther, Frederick the Great, George III, and Louis XIV. Louis XIV was put in the frame upside down with these words under it in German:

This is the man we should all hate;
Who drove us from our home;
Who burned the old Palatinate
And sent us forth to roam.

First Blood

“The first public meeting was held in Caughnawaga, now Fonda, at the house of John Veeder. About three hundred unarmed supporters attended to erect a liberty-pole.

One of the Whig leaders attending was a farmer named Sampson Sammons, and two of his sons, Jacob and Frederick.

Before they raised the liberty-pole, a large group of loyalists armed with swords and pistols arrived. They were led by Sir John Johnson, and his brother-in-law’s, Col. Daniel Claus, and Col. Guy Johnson.

Upon their arrival, Guy Johnson stood on a high stoop and harangued the people in anger, extolling the power of England and the foolishness of rebellion. The Whig’s blood boiled against the Johnsons with indignance and resentment.
As Guy Johnson’s speech became increasingly abusive and insulting, Jacob Sammons interrupted calling Johnson a liar and a villain. Guy Johnson then grabbed Sammons by the throat calling him a damned villain. They scuffled, and Sammons was struck down with a loaded whip.

On recovering, one of Johnson’s men was holding him down. Sammons punched him and jumped up. Two pistols were drawn to his chest; he was knocked to the ground by a loyalist club, and severely beaten. The crowd dispersed, as did the loyalists. Jacob Sammons returned to his father’s house with the first scars of the Revolution in the Mohawk Valley.”– William L. Stone

During the next several years, this generation was about to experience war and destruction very similar to the persecutions of the Rheinland that Johannes Christmann lived through as a youth.

Tensions Grow

May 14

Guy Johnson was warned of a plot to kidnap him and he fortified his home at Guy Park.

He wrote the following letter:

“Guy Park, -May 18,1775. GENTLEMEN :

We have, for some days past, heard of many threats from the public, that give us reason to apprehend that the persons or properties of gentlemen of the first consequence, both with respect to station and property, would have been insulted in this county, and myself in particular, under color of a gross and notorious falsehood, uttered by some worthless scoundrels respecting my intentions as Superintendent of Indian affairs. To gentlemen of sense and moderation these malicious, ill-founded charges ought to be self-evidently false, as my duty is to promote peace, and my office of the highest importance to the trade and frontiers; but as these reports are daily increasing, it becomes Me, both as a subject and a man, to disavow them, and until I can find out and chastise the infamous author, to assure the public of their mistake, and to acquaint them that it has rendered it my duty for self-preservation, so necessary, that I have taken precaution to give a very hot and disagreeable reception to any persons who shall invade my retreat; at the same time I have no intention to disturb those who choose to permit me the honest exercise of my reason and the duties of my office; and requesting that you will immediately cause this to be made public to the Albany Committee.

“I remain, gent’n, your very humble serv’t,
G. JOHNSON.

May 19

The third meeting of the Committee of Safety in Cherry Valley:

“This county has, for a series of years, been ruled by one family [of Johnsons], the different branches of which are still strenuous in dissuading people from coming into congressional measures, and even last week at a numerous meeting of the Mohawk district [this embraced the Johnstown settlements and those along both sides of the Mohawk river], appeared with all their dependents armed, to oppose the people from considering of their grievances, their number being so large and the people unarmed, struck terror into most of them, and they dispersed.

We are informed, that Johnson Hall is fortified by placing swivels round t the building and that Col. [Sir John] Johnson has had part of his regiment of royalists under arms yesterday, no I doubt with a design to prevent the lovers of liberty, from publishing their attachment for it to the world. Besides which we are told that a body of High-landers (Roman Catholics) in and about Johnstown, are armed and ready to march upon the like occasion.-We are also informed, that Col. [Guy] Johnson has stopped two New England men and searched them, being we suppose suspicions that they come to solicit aid from its or the Indians, who we dread most, there being a current report through the county that they are to be made use of in keeping its in awe.”

After introducing some other matters, and speaking of their being in a new county and remote from the metropolis, they closed their letter as follows:

“ We are determined although few in numbers, to let the world see who are not attached to American Liberty, and to wipe off the indelible disgrace brought on us by the Declaration signed by our grand jury and some of our magistrates, who in general are considered by the majority of the county, as enemies to their country. In a word gentlemen, it is our fixed resolution to support and carry . into execution every thing recommended by the Continental and Provincial Congress, and to be free or die”

May 21

The following letters were found and laid before the committee:

The first, being a letter from some of the Mohawk Indians to the Oneidas, had been found in the road, where it was supposed to have been lost by some Indian. Translated into English, it was as follows. -

Written at Guy Johnson’s May, 1775.

“This is your letter, you great ones or Sachems. Guy Johnson says he will be glad if you get this intelligence, you Oneidas, how it goes with him now, and he is now more certain concerning the intention of the Boston people. Guy Johnson is in great fear of being taken prisoner by the Bostonians. We Mohawks are obliged to watch him constantly. Therefore we send you this intelligence that you shall know it, and Guy Johnson assures himself, and depends upon your coming to his assistance, and that you will without fail be of that opinion. He believes not that you will assent to let him suffer. We therefore expect you in a couple of days’ time. So much at present.

We send but so far as to you Oneidas, but afterward perhaps to all the other nations. We conclude and expect that you will have concern about our ruler, Guy Johnson, because we are all united.”

The following letter was from Guy Johnson to the magistrates and others of the upper districts, dated Guy Park, May 20th, 1775. It was was signed by Joseph Brant, secretary to Guy Johnson, and four other chiefs.

“Gentlemen, I have lately had repeated accounts that a body of New Englanders, or others, were to come and seize and carry away my person, and attack our family, under color of malicious insinuations, that I intended to set the Indians upon the people. Men of sense and character know that my office is of the highest importance to promote peace among the Six Nations, and prevent their entering into any such disputes. This I effected last year, when they were much vexed about the attack made upon the Shawnese, and I last winter appointed them to meet me this month to receive the answer of the Virginians. All men must allow, that if the Indians find their council-fire disturbed, and their superintendent insulted, they will take a dreadful revenge. It is therefore the duty of all people to prevent this, and to satisfy any who may have been imposed on that their suspicions, and the allegations they have collected against me, are false, and inconsistent with my character and office.

I recommend this to you as highly necessary at this time, as my regard for the interest of the County and self-preservation has obliged me to fortify my house, and keep men armed for my defense, till these idle and malicious reports are removed.” - Jeptha Simms

That as we abhor a State of Slavery, We do join and unite together

Considering these letters, on Sunday May 21, 1775 at the house of Phillip W. Fox, the Committee of Safety passed the following resolutions:

A Letter from the Mohawk Indians to the Oneidas, translated into the English Language was laid before the Committee.

Upon taking such Letters and the alarming and defenseless State of this County into their mature and Serious Deliberation, the Members came to the following Resolution unanimously,

1.) That it is the Opinion of this Committee, that the Indians, who signed the Letter, never would have presumed to write or send the same, if they had not been countenanced.

2.) That as we have unanimously adopted the proceedings of the Grand Continental Congress, and mean virtuously to support the same, so we feel and commiserate the sufferings of our brethren in the Massachusetts Bay and other Colonies in America, and that we mean never to submit to any arbitrary and oppressive Acts of any power under Heaven, or to any illegal and unwarrantable action of any Man or sett of Men.-

3.) That as the whole Continent has approved of the Actions and proceedings of the Massachusetts Bay and other of the Provinces of N. England, We do adopt and approve of the same. Wherefore we must and do consider, that any Fortification or armed Force raised to be made Use of against them is evidently designed to overawe us, and make us submit.-

4.) That Col. Johnson’s Conduct in Raising Fortifications round his house, keeping a Number of Indians and other armed men constantly about him, and stopping and searching Travelers upon the King’s Highway, and stopping our Communication with Albany is very alarming to this County, and highly arbitrary illegal, oppressive and unwarrantable, and confirms us in our Fears, that his Design is to keep us in awe, and to oblige us to Submit to a State of Slavery.-

5.) That as we abhor a State of Slavery, We do join and unite together under all the ties of Religion, Honor, Justice and Love for our Country, never to become Slaves, and to defend our Freedom with our Lives and Fortunes.-

6.) It is ordered by this Meeting, that the Chairman writes a Letter to the Freeholders and Inhabitants of the Germanflatts, and Kingsland Districts, to acquaint them of our Situation, and to Request them to unite with us in our Defense; and that the same be Sent by Express-

It is ordered, that a Letter be Sent by Express to the Committee of Albany - From Jeptha Simms

Guy Johnson, the Butlers & Daniel Claus go to Canada

Little Abraham, the principle sachem at Fort Hunter, promised the Whig leaders that the Mohawks would remain neutral. He begged the Whig leaders not to molest Guy Johnson. There was an Indian council scheduled soon at Guy Park. The Whig leaders assured Abraham that they would keep the peace. Johnson decided to hold the council in the Indian country instead. Tension grew. As he was preparing to leave for the conference orders came from General Gage to gather as many Indians as he could and leave for Canada to join forces for a joint attack on the rebels of New England. Johnson quickly changed his plans. He gathered the Mohawks, including Joseph Brant, and increased his party of white loyalists to include, his family, Daniel Claus and his family, John Butler, and Walter Butler. Molly Brant stayed in Canajoharie, but Molly and Joseph’s mother, Margaret, went to live with relatives among the Cayugas. About 120 white loyalists and 90 Mohawk Indians left for Canada with Guy Johnson in July.

There is a legend that when Joseph Brant left Johnson Hall for the last time he danced his hatchet along the mahogany railing as a mark of protection to identify the place when the war parties returned. It is said that Sir John did not like that. Whether it happened or not, the mahogany railing has hatchet chop marks in it to this day.

When Guy Johnson’s party reached Fort Stanwix the Oneidas informed him that they would stay neutral and would not join him. Johnson was shocked. They proceeded to Fort Ontario. Then to Montreal where Governor Carlton assured Joseph Brant that the Mohawks would get all of their land back when they returned to the Mohawk Valley. The Whigs of Tryon County were glad to see them go.

Rumors were rampant in the Mohawk Valley of an impending invasion from Canada by Walter Butler and Joseph Brant to divide the people.

Only Sir John, still at the hall in Johnstown, remained with his faithful. He had too much at stake to up and leave. In August Sheriff White arrested John Fonda and threw him in jail in Johnstown. A group of Whigs, including Sampson Sammons, helped Fonda break out. Sammons and Sheriff White had a gun battle; Sheriff White was then thrown in jail. His wife petitioned the New York Committee of Safety, they referred the matter to the Albany Committee; he was released, and fled to Canada.

The First Christman to Fight in the Revolution - The Battle of St. Johns

September 6

In Canada, Walter Butler’s force ambushed an American force attacking St. Johns. Butler suffered heavy losses, but drove off the Patriots. One of the men in the American force was 0304 Nicholas Christman (b.1755), who enlisted in Capt. Christopher P. Yates’ Company of Col. Gose Van Schaick’s 2nd Regiment of the N.Y. Line. Nicholas was present at the taking of St. Johns, Chambley, and Montreal.

September 25

Ethan Allen attacked Montreal but was outflanked by Walter Butler and surrendered.

Any invasion by Brant would not be soon. In November, Joseph accompanied Guy Johnson and others to England. They remained in London until the spring of 1776. In London, Joseph Brant became a Freemason.

The Committee meetings continued to the end of the year. The Tryon County Militia was organized. Nicholas Herkimer would be commissioned Brigadier General.

“...the Whigs of western New York found themselves in a peculiar, trying, and critical position. They were surrounded by Indians, and in the midst of them were many loyalists, some of whom, the Johnsons especially, possessed great influence.

Sir William had enjoyed much personal popularity as well as official power. His son, Sir John Johnson, his sons-in-law, Colonel Guy Johnson and Colonel Daniel Claus, had succeeded to his estates, his rank, and his official employment’s; for while Guy Johnson was made Indian agent, Sir John obtained his father’s commission of brigadier-general of the militia. They were actively supported by the Butlers, another family of great wealth and influence in their neighborhood.

Both parties, Whigs and Loyalists, looked with anxiety to the future movements of the Indians, and endeavored to gain their good will. The Oneidas and Tuscaroras, it soon appeared, were favorably disposed towards the Colonies, under the influence of their celebrated missionary, Mr. Kirkland; or at least would not take up arms in behalf of England. But the Mohawks, part of which tribe lived in Canada, the Cayugas, and many others of the Indians of the Six Nations, sided with Great Britain.

Among the circumstances, which led to this, the public relation of the Johnsons to the Indians, and the habitual deference they had thus acquired, was undoubtedly the principle one; but another was the alliance of the family with the Mohawks, through Molly Brant, the wife of Sir William - in all but the forms of law - and through her brother, Theyendanegea [ Joseph Brant]. Aided by the latter, Colonel Johnson intrigued continually with the Indians, in anticipation of war, and when the war commenced, he, with Colonel John Butler, his son Walter N. Butler, and Thayendanegea, retired to Canada to raise forces.

Thayendanegea assisted at several Indian councils in the course of this period; and finally, at a council held in Montreal, in July, 1775, at which Generals Carleton and Haldimand were present, he, at their instigation, together with a large number of chiefs and warriors who accompanied him, enlisted in good earnest in the war against the Colonies.

We pause for a moment only to remark, that it was the anxious wish, and endeavor of the Continental Congress, as it was of the United States at a subsequent period, that neither English nor Americans should enlist the Indians in their contests. Congress exhorted the Indians to stand neuter, and to continue their ordinary pursuits, without engaging for, or against, either party. This humane purpose was defeated by England, who set the example of arousing the savages against us; and notwithstanding numerous efforts on our part to produce a different state of things, has persisted from that day to this in her unhallowed policy, to the destruction of the Indians themselves, and the perpetual dishonor of the English name.” - Democratic Review, Thayendanegea, Oct. 1838.

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