1776

Still more grandchildren.

010306 Peter Christman (b.1776)
020108 Johan George Christman (b.1776)

Joseph Brant returned secretly from England, arriving near New York City.

Events Concerning Sir John Johnson

After Guy Johnson, Daniel Claus, Joseph Brant, and the Butlers, went to Canada, it was suspected that Sir John Johnson kept them informed about current events in the valley through Indians who carried letters in the heads of their tomahawks and other ornaments. Sir John was surrounded at that time by a large body of loyal tenants from Johnstown. Rumors of his clandestine activities at Johnson Hall rose to such a level of suspicion that in January 1776 he was compelled by the Whigs to define his position. He was believed to have been receiving arms and ammunition at the hall. The Continental Congress was informed of the suspected activity, and they instructed General Schuyler to visit Sir John and see what was going on.

General Schuyler sent word to the Indians not to be alarmed, and left for Johnstown with 700 troops; an Indian delegation, led by Little Abram, stopped the General in route for a council. They did not want the troops to go against Sir John Johnson.

“General Schuyler Replied -Brothers of the Mohawk Nation: We the commissioners appointed by the Congress, and your brothers of Albany and Schenectada, have paid great attention to the speech you have delivered us. We now desire you to open your ears, and attentively listen to what we have to say in answer.”

He said they were pleased to hear them express their minds freely, and said they would do the same hiding nothing from them; said he had hoped their message by Mr. Bleecker would have eased their minds, and convinced them that no hostile intentions existed against them or any other Indians; if they had, he added, we should not have supplied you with powder the other day; he expressed his regret that they had not complied with their request, and sent the speech delivered them by Mr. Bleecker, to the Six Nations ; you told us, said he, that five or six men would have been sufficient to send to Johnstown, to learn what was being done there, and thought it would have been a shame if they had been sent there and been interrupted :

“ but we have full proof that many people in Johnstown and the neighborhood, have for some time past made preparations to carry into execution, the wicked designs of the King’s evil counselors. It is true that last summer the United Colonies promised that the path to the Indian country should be kept open ; and they again repeat that promise : and although it is by the special order of Congress that this body of troops are marching up, it is not to shut the path but to keep it open, and prevent people about Johnstown from cutting off the communication between us and our brethren of the Six: Nations, and our other brethren living up the river.”

“Brothers,” he continued, “ although we have before said that the people living about Johnstown are making hostile preparations against us, yet we will not shed a drop of their blood, unless they, refuse to come to an agreement of safety to us, or oppose us with arms. We do not mean that any of our warriors shall set their foot on any lands you possess, or that of the Six Nations, unless our enemies find shelter there ; for those we determine to follow wherever they go. We again repeat we have no quarrel with you, and we expect that you will not interfere in this family contest, but stand by as indifferent spectators, agreeable to the engagement of the Six Nations made to us last summer at their own request.”

He alluded to the pledge made in the preceding summer that, as we had no quarrel with the Indians, a hair of their heads should not be touched;

“and yet”, he added, “when our warriors were at St. John’s, they were attacked by Indians, when two of your tribe and some others were killed. You have never blamed us for it, because you knew that our lives are dear to us, and we have a right to kill any who attempt to kill us. You should not now be surprised that we take every precaution to prevent being destroyed by the King’s evil doers. We may be called on to go and fight against our enemies to the eastward, and can you think it prudent that we should leave enemies behind us, who might destroy our families and our property. Would you leave your wives and children in such a situation?

We are convinced you would not, and so cautious are we that no blood may be shed, that we shall send a letter to Sir John, inviting him to meet us on the road between this place and his house; and if he comes, everything will no doubt be settled in an amicable manner; and he maybe under no apprehension, for if we do not come to an agreement, he will be permitted to return to his own house.

We also wish you to be present to hear what we shall propose to Sir John Johnson and the people about Johnstown, who are our enemies ; and we want you to tell your warriors that, although we have no quarrel with them, yet, if we should be under the necessity of fighting with our enemies, and your warriors should join them and fight against us, that we should do as was done at St. John’s - repel force by force.

You ask what treatment your people who remain at home might expect from us? In the treaty at Albany last summer, your people promised to remain neutral in this quarrel. Should your warriors of the lower castle now take up arms against us, we shall consider it a breach of the late treaty, and shall lay the matter before the great council at Philadelphia.

We are surprised that a doubt should remain in your minds about our friendly intentions toward you - after the many instances we have given you of love and friendship - but attribute it to the machinations of our enemies. If our enemies about Johnstown had no evil intentions against us, we should not have come thus far with an army. Whoever takes up arms against us must be considered the aggressor, and not he who tries to prevent the blow.

“Brothers, we have now freely and fully disclosed to you our minds. We hope you will remember what we have said, and repeat it to your brothers, counselors and warriors ; and lest you should not be able to recollect every part of this speech, you may have your brothers Ka-rah-qua-dir-hon and Ti-ze-de-ron-de ron [Deane and Bleeckerl interpreters, to attend you, if it be agreeable to you.

“Brothers, your women have sent us a belt. We beg you to assure them of our regard, and to entreat them to prevent your warriors from doing anything that would have the least tendency to incur our resentment, or interrupt that harmony which we wish may subsist to the end of time.”

The Indians replied that what the General said was perfectly acceptable to them. General Schuyler sent word to Sir John to meet him anywhere between Schenectady and Johnstown. On January 17, they met 16 miles above Schenectady, probably at Guy Park. The following terms were given to Sir John Johnson:

First – “That Sir John should, upon his word of honor, at once deliver up all cannon, arms, and other military stores of all kinds in his own possession, or which he had caused to be delivered into the possession of any others, either directly or indirectly, or that were to his knowledge concealed in any part of the county. That he should distinguish such military stores as belonged to the crown, or were designed to arm the Indians, from those of a private character, that an inventory of the latter might be taken, that they might be returned or their value refunded when this unhappy contest should be over.

Second – “Out of respect for Sir John, and his rank, the General consented that he should retain for his own use a complete set of armor, and as much powder as might be sufficient for his domestic purposes.

Third – “That Sir John shall remain upon his parole of honor in any part of Tryon county which he may choose, to the eastward of the district of-[Kingsland as believed]-unless it should appear necessary to the honorable, the Continental Congress to remove him to some other part of this, or any other colony, in which case he is immediately to comply with such orders as they may think proper to give for that purpose.”

Fourth – “That the Scotch inhabitants of the county should, without exception, immediately deliver up all arms in their possession, of whatever kind they might be; and further solemnly promise not to take up arms during the contest without the permission of the Continental Congress, or of their general officers, delivering six hostages for the faithful performance of this article.

Fifth – “ That all other inhabitants of Tryon county as have avowed themselves opposed to the measures of the United Colonies, should also deliver up their arms, with hostages for its performance.

Sixth – “That all blankets, strouds, and other Indian articles belonging to the Crown, and intended as presents to the Indians, shall be delivered up to a commissary appointed by Gen. Schuyler, in the presence of three or more of the Mohawk chiefs, in order that the same may be dispensed among the Indians, for the purpose of cementing the ancient friendship between them and their brethren of the United Colonies, for which sole purpose they ought to have been furnished.”

Seventh-“ If Sir John Johnson and the people referred to in the preceding articles should abide by the requirements therein, the General in behalf of the Continental Congress, promised that neither he or any of those people should be molested by any person in the thirteen U. Colonies; but should be protected in the peaceable enjoyment of their property: the sole intent of this treaty being to prevent the horrid effects of a civil and intestine war betwixt those who ought to be brothers. All arms thus delivered up, were to be valued by sworn appraisers. If the Continental Congress wanted them they were to be taken, if not they were to be delivered to their respective owners at the end of the contest.” – Jeptha Simms

Sir John said that the Indians would support him. General Schuyler told him that if the terms were not agreed to, force would be used without distinction of persons. Sir John wanted a day to think about it, and left.

Little Abraham and another chief told the General not to believe that Mohawks at Johnson Hall would defend Sir John, but would only interfere as mediators.

The General told them that if they were there as foes, they would be destroyed.

The Tryon County Militia

On October 5, 1776 a "Resolution of Congress' was laid before the Tryon County Committee of Safety appointing Nicholas Herkimer to be Brigadier General of the Brigade of Militia. The Tryon County Militia was comprised of five regiments formed according to their geographical locations. Each memberof the militia was required to have a gun (with bayonet, sword or tomahawk) and ammunition (one pound of powder and three pounds of bullets). He was also expected to train with his militia company for four hours on the first Monday of each month and for two days each year with his regiment. Several changes were made in the militia laws of New York on July 31, 1777 when all men under the age of sixty were to be enrolled in the militia, and members of the militia were to receive the same pay as their counterparts in the New York Continentals. Measures were also adopted to improve discipline in the militia ranks.

The New York Line

The New York Line, also known as the Continental Line, was under the command of the Continental establishment and the soldiers serving in this army were called regulars or continentals. Philip Schuyler was Major General of the New York Line on June 28,1775 and Richard Montgomery (later killed at the storming of Quebec on December 31, 1775) was Brigadier General and Adjutant. Four regiments and one artillery company, formed on this date, comprised the New York Line, viz.: First Regiment (New York County), Col. Alexander McDougall; Second Regiment (Albany County), Col. Goose Van Schaick,; Third Regiment (Ulster County), Col. James Clinton; Fourth Regiment (Dutchess County), Col. James Holmes; and Artillery (New York City), Capt. John Lamb. The New York Line was reorganized on November 21, 1776 and a fifth regiment was added. Philip Schuyler continued as Major General of the N.Y. Continentals, while both Alexander McDougall and James Clinton were promoted to the rank of Brigadier General. The f irst and third regiments of the N.Y. Line were most directly involved with the Mohawk Valley throughout the war – From Pension Abstracts by Maryly B. Penrose

The Christmans in the Tryon County Militia

The next day General Schuyler moved his force to Caughnawaga and was joined by General Herkimer with a large body of Tryon County Militia. The total force now about 3,000. If that number is accurate, then General Herkimer brought over 2,000 men. That is more than were at Oriskany. Therefore, it is possible that eight Christmans were with General Herkimer during this crisis in the militia. Nicholas Christman enlisted as an army regular. From MacWethy’s Book of Names, and my individual identification of them, they were:

0102 Nicholas Christman (b.abt.1732) 4th Regiment
0103 Jacob Christman (b.1741) 4th Regiment
0105 John Christman (b.abt.1747) 4th Regiment
0201 John Christman (b.abt.1740) 1st Regiment
0203 Johann Jacob (b.1744) 2nd Regiment
0206 Nicholas Christman (b.abt.1755) Ranger (Palatine)
0302 Frederick Christman (b.1748) 4th Regiment (later enlisted in NY Line)
0303 John Christman (b.abt.1752) 4th Regiment
0304 Nicholas Christman (b.1755) NY Line, Army Regular

The following details are from Jeptha Simms:

At six o’clock Sir John Johnson answered the terms on behalf of himself and the people of Kingsbourough and neighborhood:

“That he and his friends expected that all such arms as were their own property should remain in their possession; that all other arms: Should be given up, and that he had no military stores belonging to the crown. That he, Sir John, did not expect to be confined to the county. That the Scotch inhabitants would deliver up their arms, and promise not to take up any during the contest without permission of the American authorities; but could not give hostages, as one had no command over another: and thought women and children should not be included in the terms.

He denied having any blankets or other presents intended for the Indians. If his propositions were agreed to he and his people would rely on the assurance of protection.
(Signed) JOHN JOHNSON, ALLAN McDONELL.

Sir John’s terms were unsatisfactory to Gen. Schuyler, and two hours later he dispatched another letter by Messrs. Adams and McDonell, bearers of the terms of the former, to Messrs. Johnson and McDonell. The General told them replies were omitted to several of his proposals, while, answers were imperfect and unsatisfactory to others, saying the whole were exceptional except the last. He continued:

“I must therefore obey my orders, and again repeat, that, in the execution of them, I shall strictly abide the laws of humanity; at the same time assuring you, that if the least resistance is made, I will not answer for the consequences, which may be of a nature the most dreadful.

“ If Lady Johnson is at Johnson Hall, I wish she would retire, (and therefore enclose a passport,) as I shall march my troops to that place without delay.

“You may, however, still have time to reconsider the matter, and for that purpose I will give you until 12 o’clock this night, -after which I shall receive no proposals ; and I have sent you Mr. Robert Yates, Mr. Glen, and Mr. Duer to receive the ultimate proposals you have to make. This condescension I make from no other motive than to prevent the effusion of’ blood, so far as it can be effected without risking the safety of the county, or being guilty of a breach of the positive orders I have received from the Honorable Continental Congress.

“I am, gentlemen, with due respect, “Your humble servant, PH. SCHUYLER.”

Many interested Mohawks, who had not yet been seduced into the royal interest, came to Schuylers camp just after he sent his last letter. They seemed anxious for an amicable arrangement, and hoped Sir John might not be taken from the county. He promised to grant that favor to them, in the hope as he said, flatteringly, that their example might influence him for good. Many of those Indians had not yet forgotten the pledge of neutrality they had made at Albany some months before.

By the time specified, Sir John’s answer came to Schuyler’s. last letter. To the General’s terms he replied substantially as follows:

First and second articles agreed to except in reserving a few favorite family arms.

Third - Sir John having given his parole of honor not to take up arms against America, for the sake of preserving peace and removing any suspicions or undue influence, consented not to go to the westward of the German Flatts and Kingsland districts. To every other part of the continent southward of the. county he expected the privilege of going.

Fourth - Tbis article was agreed to, except that part regarding hostages. He stated that after the Scotch inhabitants had surrendered their arms, the General could take six prisoners - such as he chose among them - without resistance. He said they would expect to be maintained agreeable to their respective rank, with the privilege of going to any part of the province of New Jersey or Pennsylvania, which the General or the Congress might appoint. They would expect the General to make provision for the maintenance of their wives and children in their absence. Yet, be added, that for the harmony of the country, they would not break off the treaty on that account, if the General thought he had no discretionary power in the matter ; in which case they hoped for the General’s influence with the Congressional Congress to be ,charitable toward those wives and children. The prisoners would claim a few days time to get ready, and, if gentlemen, hoped to wear their side arms.

Fifth - Sir John said that neither he or the Scotch gentlemen could make any engagement for any other persons than those over whom they might have influence. Neither could they possibly know the names of all such as have shown themselves averse to the measures of the United Colonies.
They, however, pledged their word and honor that, so far as depended on them, the inhabitants should give up their arms, and enter into a like engagement with the Scotch settlers. Neither would they adopt the quarrel of any such persons as their own.

Sixth - Sir John gave his word of honor that he had no blankets, strouds, or other presents belonging to the crown and intended for the Indians: of course, could not comply with the requisition.

Seventh - Sir John said if the above proposals are agreed to, and signed by the General, he and the people referred to would rely on the assurances of protection; but added, that as it would be impossible to collect the arms before Saturday noon (the 20th) he would then have the men paraded in Johnstown, and ground their arms in the presence of such troops as the General might appoint.
(Signed) JOHN JOHNSON, “ALLAN McDONELL. JOHNSON HALL, January 13, 1776.”

The Mohawks were yet at Gen. Schuyler’s quarters when this message came from the Hall, and, being informed that matters were shaping amicably, they left much gratified. This was a most exciting time at Caughnawaga ; and the reader, to appreciate it, must remember that it was past midnight, with the cold winds of mid-winter whistling among - as must be supposed - the poorly sheltered army. How they were quartered is unknown, but it is presumed that the ancient church of that village contained as many of the troops as could be crowded into it. The ground was covered with snow, and the streams were ice-bound.

The following day - January 19th - Gen. Schuyler closed up the correspondence with Sir John Johnson, writing from Caughnawaga, in substance, as follows:
Sir John was permitted to retain his family arms by making a list of them. He was to be allowed to go as far westward as the German Flatts and Kingsland districts in Tryon county, and to every other part of the colony southward and eastward of said districts, except into seaport towns. The General believed if his business should require him to go to other English colonies, Congress would allow him to do so. The General would take six of the Scotch inhabitants prisoners, if they preferred to go as such, instead of hostages; gave them to understand they should be treated humanely ; could not tell where Congress would send them, but, for the present, they would go to Reading or Lancaster, Pa.; could not speak definitely about the maintenance of their families, but would recommend that subject to Congress.

The General expects that all the Scotch inhabitants of all ranks, not confined to beds of illness, will attend with their arms, and deliver them up at 12 m. on Saturday; and if this condition was not faithfully performed, he Would consider himself absolved from any engagement entered into with them; said he never refused a gentleman his side arms. The prisoners taken were to be removed to Albany immediately, where they might remain a reasonable time to settle their family affairs. If his terms of the 17th inst. were accepted with the above qualifications, fair copies would be made out and signed by the parties, one of them to be delivered to Sir John and McDonell, signed by the General ; and, to save time, he wished for an immediate answer.

Sir John acceded to the terms, and on the same day - Friday the 19th - Schuyler marched to Johnstown. Some of his troops also secured the county, to bring in such disaffected as were not comprehended in the Johnstown arrangement. The same afternoon Sir John delivered up the arms and ammunition in his possession, the quantity being smaller than was expected. On Saturday, at noon, Gen. Schuyler paraded his troops, as we imagine, not far from the old colonial court house, where the Highlanders - between 200 and 300 in number - marched to the front and grounded their arms, which, having been secured, the Scotchmen were dismissed with an admonition to remain quiet at their homes, with an assurance of protection if they did so.

Gen. Schuyler returned the same evening to Caughnawaga, where, on the two following days, over I 00 Tories were brought in from different parts of the county. Col. Herkimer was left to complete the disarming of the disaffected, and receive the hostage prisoners, and Gen. Schuyler returned to Albany. Mr. Dean, Indian interpreter to Gen. Schuyler, was sent west with a belt, to explain the nature of this bloodless enterprise to the five Indian nations to the westward.” – Jeptha Simms

Sir John Johnson Flees to Canada

May

Sir John was once again suspected of clandestine plots. Gen. Schuyler sent Col. Dayton to arrest him. Sir John fled on the Sacandaga route to Canada with a large group. It took them 19 days. They had scant provisions, and suffered the pang of the wilderness.

In Canada, Sir John was commissioned a Lieutenant Colonel in charge of a regiment of loyalists from Johnstown designated as the Kings Royal Greens. Colonel John Butler had a similarly composed regiment of loyalists from Tryon County, Albany County, and New England, called Butlers Rangers.

Joseph Brant was still in England.

July 4th: The Declaration of Independence.

Thomas Jefferson claimed that he used "neither book nor pamphlet" when writing the declaration, but the document reflected a broad understanding of 18th-century political thought. Perhaps the greatest influence on Jefferson came from Enlightenment thinkers. These philosophers believed that the natural world was organized in a logical and reasonable pattern. While acknowledging that this pattern derived from the ultimate wisdom of God, they also held that the world was understandable through the powers of human reason. The writings of French, English, and Scottish Enlightenment philosophers frequently presented the concept that all men are created equal and possess certain inalienable rights. Jefferson’s belief in the social contract came from British political philosopher John Locke, who argued that government existed by consent of the governed and that people should rebel if their natural rights were violated. Even the long list of grievances against King George III reflected 18th-century philosophy. According to prevalent thinking during the Age of Enlightenment, any deviation from the natural and reasonable course of events, including the perceived abuse of the American colonies, resulted from the actions of evil men rather than a whim of nature. – Microsft Encarta Encyclopedia

George Washington Retreats

As hostilities between the Colonies and England were heating up, a long awaited attack on Long Island began on August 22, 1776. General George Washington’s army retreated, and basically, just had to keep on retreating. Things did not look to good for the Colonies and the English thought that they were going to have a cakewalk in the war.

September 5

Nicholas Herkimer was commissioned Brigadier General of the Militia by the New York Legislature.

October 25

Sir John Johnson and the Indians threatened the Mohawk Valley residents.

Washington Captures Trenton; His Army is in Shambles

Christmas night

General Washington crossed the Delaware and captured Trenton. Washington was in control of New Jersey and the British retreated to New York. It was the famous winter at Valley Forge, the victory was one little ray of hope for a rag-tag army with it’s moral in shambles and not able to raise enough recruits.

It is known that George Washington was a believer that divine providence controls the affairs of men. Little did he know that his prayers had been answered with the winter of 1708, which caused the Palatine Immigration of 1710.

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