Thomas Gage Papers Notes – William Clements Library
Who Was Thomas Gage?
General Thomas Gage (1719 – 1787) – A British Army General and North American Colonial Official. Gage was married to an American woman named Margaret Kemble. Thomas Gage was prominent in the French and Indian War (Seven Years’ War), Pontiac’s Rebellion, and the American Revolution. He was the British commander-in-chief in the early days of the American Revolution.
Date: Tuesday, 8 March 2011 14:54:31 GMT
Topic: Trumbull to Gage April 28 1775, on behalf of the General Assembly at Hartford
Annotation: Clements Library – American Series 128 – April 23rd – May 14th 1775
Tags: barbarians, boston, gage, humanity, outrages, trumbull
Priority: None
Trumbull asking Gage to suspend operations until the Assembly can try to solve the disputes with Parliament. The action he refers to is the Lexington and Concord action. Uses heavy terminology of lack of humanity.
“We wish not to exaggarate [sic], We are not sure of every part of our Information, but by the best Intelligence that we have yet been able to obtain, the late Transaction was a most unprovoked attack upon the Lives and Property of his Majesty’s Subjects, and it is represented to us, that such Outrages have been committed as would disgrace even Barbarians, and much more Britons so highly famed for Humanity as well as Bravery. It is feared therefore that we are devoted to Destruction, and that you have it in Command and Intention, to ravage and desolate the Country.”
later;
“Is there no alternative but absolute submission, or the desolations of War? By that Humanity which constitutes so amiable a part of your Character, for the Honor of our Soveriegn, and by the glory of the British Empire, We entreat you to prevent it, if it be possible
Thomas Gage and Indian Use in ARW
Date: Tuesday, 8 March 2011 15:18:09 GMT
Topic: Unsigned Letter dated April 30th 1775 – “Intelligence (p:) Town major
Annotation: Clements Library – American Series 128 – April 23rd – May 14th 1775
Tags: boston, stockbridge indians
possibly included with a letter from Joseph Warren to General Gage (I am unsure about this) about a dying Lieutenant Hull seeing Adjutant Miller. Warren mentions enclosing a letter with Miller to Gage that needs to get to Gage expressly “no time is to be lost”. both letter dated 30 April.
Unsigned, unaddressed letter
“A company of Indians are come down from Stockbridge (&) more are to be provided if they are wanted –…“ This is in an intelligence letter describing all of the troops from Mass. and surrounding areas, like RI, that are amassing around Boston.
Date: Tuesday, 8 March 2011 15:50:05 GMT
Topic: Intelligence letter – unsigned, (Clements dated May 1-7 1775)
Annotation: Clements Library – American Series 128 – April 23rd – May 14th 1775
Tags: mohawks
Priority: None
Intelligence letter , maybe enclosed with returns from Capt. Commandant W. De la Place at Ticonderga and Crown Point.
Very messy letter that is hard to read on the first page.
last page;
“The Mohawks have determined not to take part in the present contest.”
but erroneous in the previous paragraph;
“ Canada has at length united with the other Colonies, (&) sends members to the Genl Congress, as we are informed.”
Date: Tuesday, 8 March 2011 16:39:18 GMT
Topic: De Peyster to Gage 5 May 1775 – Michilimackenac
Annotation: Clements Library – American Series 128 – April 23rd – May 14th 1775
Tags: de peyster, gage, Delaware
Priority: None
“ I wrote to Genl Haldimand the last summer, informing him of the Belts and strings, the nations here recd. from the Delawares, And of their promise to me of a steadfast neutrality.”
Date: Tuesday, 8 March 2011 16:43:17 GMT
Topic: john caldwell to gage – 5 May 1775 – from Niagara
Annotation: Clements Library – American Series 128 – April 23rd – May 14th 1775
Tags: gage, caldwell
Priority: None
“In my last I acquainted you that I had pretty well succeeded in keeping my neighbouring Indians in good humour, that is, I had convinced their Chiefs that from our friendship they must receive great advantages, & that from our Power they must be crushed, if by the least injury to His Majesty’s (nor the Colonys) Troops they incurred our displeasure; yet I have lately heard that the six nations are not very well pleased at the Shawenese giving up to the Virginians some lands they lay claim to, & I fear there will be some discontents from the scarcity & rise in the price of Gun Powder, owing to the non importation of an article they cannot live without & must be supllyied with some how or other.”
Date: Tuesday, 8 March 2011 16:57:38 GMT
Topic: Gage (via John Stedman) to Lieut. Coll. Caldwell at Niagara
Annotation: Clements Library – American Series 128 – April 23rd – May 14th 1775
Tags: gage, stedman, ticonderoga, caldwell, guy johnson
“I would have you immediately cultivate the friendship of the Indians as much as possible, have them ready to detach on the first notice, and in the meen [sic] time have scouts out to get what intelligence you can. It is said the Rebels intend attacking Ticonderoga, if so, a body of Indians may be of great use there, and to all with the 7th Regiment (ordered there) on the Frontiers of this Province. Coll. Johnson will give you all the assistance he can with the Indians and likewise what Intelligence he can gather.”
Date: Tuesday, 8 March 2011 17:18:53 GMT
Topic: Lernoult to Gage – 14 May 1775 – fort detroit
Annotation: Clements Library – American Series 128 – April 23rd – May 14th 1775
Tags: gage, Wabash, Ouiatenons, Peans, miamis, Lernoult, Mascoutins, Detroit, Quicapous
Priority: None
“I have the Honor of Your Excellency’s commands bearing date Septr 14th and Decr 28th 1774 and have represented to the several Savage Nations how much it is their interest to hold fast by Government, and advised them not to interfere in any disputes in the colonies, all which they assure me they will observe.”
Date: Tuesday, 8 March 2011 17:23:50 GMT
Topic: De Peyster to Gage – 14 May 1775 from Michillimackinac
Annotation: Clements Library – American Series 128 – April 23rd – May 14th 1775
Priority: None
“ I was honour’d with your letter of the 5th of October, yesterday.
I wrote to you the 5th Instant giving a minute account of what I had done in order to receive the Savages should they have been foolish enough to return here otherwise than in friendship.”
Also mentions that he has heard of Potawotamis were talking to the Ottawas about moving on Detroit. Says he is writing to Lernoult on the topic.
Date: Tuesday, 8 March 2011 18:08:03 GMT
Topic: Gage to Carleton – 20 may 1775
Annotation: Clements Library – American Series 129 – May 15th – June 13th, 1775
Tags: gage, carleton
Thomas Gage and Guy Carleton
Letter telling Carleton that he now has direct ownership of the western posts. Gage says ticonderoga has probably fallen and communications cannot be secured from Boston.
“Lieut. Coll. Caldwell in the last letter received from him, tells me the Indians are ready to joyn [sic] the kings Troops.”
Date: Tuesday, 8 March 2011 18:26:18 GMT
Topic: Gage to Guy Johnson – 10 May 1775 in Gage to Carleton 20 may 1775
Annotation: Clements Library – American Series 129 – May 15th – June 13th, 1775
Tags: gage, carleton, ticonderoga, guy johnson
Priority: None
“You are also immediately to inform General Carleton of the State of Affairs here, and the threats against Ticonderoga and the Point, and to concert with him, the Assembing of Indians and the proper means to be taken for the support of that part of the country, and otherwise to act as His Majesty’s service shall require.”
Date: Tuesday, 8 March 2011 18:30:46 GMT
Topic: Gage to Caldwell – 20 May 1775
Annotation: Clements Library – American Series 129 – May 15th – June 13th, 1775
Tags: gage, carleton, caldwell
Priority: None
“All communication between us is now stopped, this, and every other Province/ but Quebec / being in actual rebellion; this makes it very necessary for you to engage all of the Indians you possibly can, in the King’s Interest, of this you will likewise hear from General Carleton.”
Thomas Gage and De Peyster
Date: Tuesday, 8 March 2011 18:34:51 GMT
Topic: Gage to De Peyster – 20 May 1775
Annotation: Clements Library – American Series 129 – May 15th – June 13th, 1775
Tags: gage, carleton, de peyster, michilimackinac
Priority: None
Communications stopped. Orders to deal with Carleton
“You will do well to cultivate the Friendships of the Indians on all Occasions, as they may be wanted for His Majesty’s Service.”
Date: Tuesday, 8 March 2011 18:36:47 GMT
Topic: Gage to Lernoult – 20 May 1775
Annotation: Clements Library – American Series 129 – May 15th – June 13th, 1775
Tags: gage, carleton, Detroit, lernoult
Priority: None
Same as to De Peystser
Communications stopped. Orders to deal with Carleton
“You will do well to cultivate the Friendships of the Indians on all Occasions, as they may be wanted for His Majesty’s Service.”
Date: Tuesday, 8 March 2011 18:38:45 GMT
Topic: John Stuart to Gage – 26 may 1775 -from Charles Town before disembarking
Annotation: Clements Library – American Series 129 – May 15th – June 13th, 1775
Tags: gage, the mortar, delawares, cherokees, shawnee, john stuart, creeks
Acknowledging 11 March 1775 letter;
“I have the pleasure to acquaint your Excelly that Letters from all parts of this district represent the Indians as extremely well disposed and attached to His Majesty’s Interest: both Creeks and Cherokees however complain that they have not a sufficient supply of goods particularly of arms and ammunition; which is the Effects of the non importation agreement; this has occasioned applications to me from the Agents in those nations for an additional supply of presents as the Principal Indains have recourse to them for relief when they are in distress.”
“Some Messengers from the Shawnese and Delawares are Expected in the Cherokee Nations this summer. I shall endeavour to learn their Busisness.”
Date: Tuesday, 8 March 2011 18:57:32 GMT
Topic: Gage to Carleton – 3 June 1775 from Boston via Mr Clark
Annotation: Clements Library – American Series 129 – May 15th – June 13th, 1775
Tags: gage, carleton, ticonderoga
“Ignorant of your real situation, it is impossible to send you positive Instructions, but if your Province has been Attacked, I suppose you Justified in every measure you can take to Attack the Invaders in your (T)urn: and I am to beg you to raise all of the Force you can to retake Ticonderoga, and to collect a Body of Canadians, and Indians, to secure Lake Champlain and to fall upon the Frontiers of this Province and that of Connecticut, in order to make a Diversion of their Force.” …
“I hope to the Endeavours of the Superintendent, the Six Nations, and other Tribes, May be gained to Assist you. The Rebels about this town, have brought some Indians against us and I would repay them in their own way. they are not distant Indians, but what the French would call Domilicie’s, [sic] and not of great worth.”
Date: Tuesday, 8 March 2011 19:19:08 GMT
Topic: Carleton to Gage – 4 June 1775 from Montreal
Annotation: Clements Library – American Series 129 – May 15th – June 13th, 1775
Tags: gage, caghnawagas, carleton
Priority: None
Carleton telling Gage that the Caghanwagas are now available to help…”to be more Obedient to the Governemnt, and to give them their Assistance towards defending the country, when required__”
Date: Tuesday, 8 March 2011 19:27:20 GMT
Topic: Gage to Carleton – 15 June 1775 – Boston
Annotation: Clements Library – American Series 130 – June 14-30th, 1775
Tags: gage, carleton
Priority: None
Largely a simpler repeat of the 13 June communication. However does not use the Stockbridge Indian justification
Date: Tuesday, 8 March 2011 20:27:27 GMT
Topic: Legge to Gage – 17 June 1775 -from Halifax
Annotation: Clements Library – American Series 130 – June 14-30th, 1775
Tags: gage, legge
Priority: None
Referring to gage’s letter of 7 June 1775
“I shall make the best Enquiry into the state of the Indians, their Temper and disposition to enter into such an affair. they generally Inhabit the woods throughout the Province, and are in no Collective Body and perhaps in the whole not above 2 or 300 fighting men.”
Date: Tuesday, 8 March 2011 20:30:22 GMT
Topic: Gage to Carleton – 3 July 1775 from Boston
Annotation: Clements Library – American Series 131 – July 1-20th, 1775
Tags: gage, carleton
Priority: None
“… I have before wrote you fully on this head, and refer you to those letters; and am in hopes you will soon receive a good reinforcement of Indians from the back country, which will rouse the spirit of those amongst you, and likewise of the Canadian Peasantry.”
Thomas Gage and John Stuart
Date: Wednesday, 9 March 2011 14:56:15 GMT
Topic: John Stuart to Gage – 20 July 1775 from St. Augustine
Annotation: Clements Library – American Series 132 – July 20th-31st, 1775
Tags: gage, john stuart, creeks, choctaws
Priority: None
Letter from Stuart to Gage. Stuart needing more powder and shot, especially Creeks in their war against Choctaws. Says he needs powder and shot to keep the Indians attached favourably to the English.
Date: Wednesday, 9 March 2011 15:34:10 GMT
Topic: Stuart to Col (P)robart Howarth – 15 June 1775, enclosed with correspondence to Gage on 20 July 1775
Annotation: Clements Library – American Series 132 – July 20th-31st, 1775
Tags: honour, gage, john stuart, cherokees, catawba, howarth
Priority: None
From Mr Mullryne’s Plantation in Georgia. This letter is to Col Howarth where Stuart is defending his honour of having not incited the Cherokees and Catawbas to attack the backcountry of South Carolina. Stuart admits to speaking to the Catawbas, whilst sick, and authorising guns for them from the storehouse, but denies they were for attacking the back country. Apparently the 5 Catawbas hung around Charles Town for a few days.
Stuart claims in their drunkeness they started spouting off and should not be believed. A man named Mr William Henry Drayton, seeking revenge on Stuart, has misrepresented the situation.
“I understand that they were for several days detain’d in Town and entertained by mr William Henry Drayton & that they had been several times with the Committee, about which I gave myself no concern not suspecting that any person could be so abandoned to all Sense of Honour as to practice upon a Savage or that any sett of Gentlemen of probity would to pay such attention to a drunken Catawba. but I am sorry to find that many men of Candour & Honour, have been imposed upon by some unprincipled Villain whou would stick at nothing to gratify an unmanly revenge, and render me obnoxious to the people amongst whom I have lived in peace & Harmony for 27 years., by insinuations as false & Malicious, as improbable & Idled. my coming to Georgia needs no Explanation, it is in my department a province intimatly [sic] connected with Indians and where I have Bussiness [sic] of consequence to transact. I have addressed this to you who I consider as my friend, & begg [sic] you will communicate it that the unjust prejudices conceived against me may be effaced and that I may not suffer in the opinion of people who I esteem.”
Date: Wednesday, 9 March 2011 16:02:56 GMT
Topic: John Stuart to the Committee of Intelligence at Charles Town – 18 July 1775 – included in 20 July 1775 correspondence to Gage
Annotation: Clements Library – American Series 132 – July 20th-31st, 1775
Tags: gage, cherokees, john stuart, honour, howarth, massacre, fort loudoun
Stuart writing to the committee of Intelligence in Charles Town;
“ I never have received any orders from my superiors which by the most tortured construction could be interpreted to spirit up the Indians to fall upon the Frontier Inhabitants, or to take any part in the disputes between Great Brittain [sic] & her Colonies; and I do not know that any part of my conduct, thro’ all the Various scenes of my life can fix upon me the imputation of Cruelty or inhumanity; or induce a belief that I could wantonly use my influence with Indians to make them fall upon innocent people. Yet such an opinion has been most industriously propagated, altho’ it is absolutely impossible that it could or can be supported by any evidence of the least credibility. and I will venture to say that every one and all of you do in your Consciences believe the charge to be false; I therefore think I have a right to call on you as men of Honour to efface the impression it has made on the minds of the People.”
Stuart says his estate is being held against the actions of the Indians. He states that he believes this to be unfair as it was purchased under the King’s law.
“ Immediately after my removal from Charlestown to my Plantation on Ladys Island it was reported that in consequence of my orders 34 Families on the Frontiers had been murther’d [sic] by the cherokees — When I was in Georgia. I had information that Captain Joyner & Mr Barnwell two members of the Provincial Congress had return’d to Beaufort where by the most defamatory reports and insinuations they endeavour’d to blacken my Character and render me obnoxious to the people giving out that my having called down the Indians was proven before the Congress, that great quantities of arms & ammunition were shipd [sic] for me to arm the Negroes and Indians. that it was now discover’d that I had sold fort Lowdown [Loudoun?] and was the instrument of getting the Garrison massacred.”
Date: Wednesday, 9 March 2011 17:10:21 GMT
Topic: Carleton to Gage – 27 July 1775 – from montreal – Recieved by Gage on 2 sept 1775, responded on 5 Sept 1775
Annotation: Clements Library – American Series 132 – July 20th-31st, 1775
Tags: montreal, gage, carleton, diversion
Telling Gage that …”Matters are not yet ripe for a Diversion upon this side;” still building boats, but not enough crew for them.
Can’t recruit enough or depend on militia, though …”I have had Parties of Indians with the Troops at St. John’s ever since the 18th of June.”
Says Canadians are no longer “inured to War” like they were during the time of the Conquest of Canada.
worthless and weak with pledge pins on their uniforms. ;o)
Speaking of Colonel Guy Johnson. Says he brought about 70 savages recently and happy with Treaty with upper nations at Ontario. Carleton says Johnson will hold a council with the “ civilised Indians this week” it is …”absolutely necessary to gain them to our Interests, if we can, from my Observation and Experience, it does not appear to me, that any great Degree of Trust or Confidence can be placed in them.”
Date: Wednesday, 9 March 2011 17:58:15 GMT
Topic: Washington to Gage – 11 August 1775 – from Cambridge
Annotation: Clements Library – American Series 133 – August 1st – 15th, 1775
Tags: humanity, gage, prisoners, washington
Priority: None
Washington to Gage saying that he hears American officers are being taken prisoners and put with common criminals. Washington says that, as much as it pains him, he will give the same treatment to British officers as American officers get for the British.
Date: Wednesday, 9 March 2011 18:47:33 GMT
Topic: Gage to Carleton – 12 August 1775 – from Boston
Annotation: Clements Library – American Series 133 – August 1st – 15th, 1775
Tags: gage, carleton
Priority: None
Carleton saying it has been a long time since hearing from Carleton.
“I am anxious to hear how you are situated, and hope you have had good success in imbodying the Canadians, and Indians, I can’t say more to you than I have done in my former Letters, on this occasion; every exertion should now be made to further the cause of Government.”
Is this Gage moving beyond defense of Canada to asking Carleton to take the offense? Is Gage desperate fort he diversion? Panic?
Thomas Gage to George Washington
Date: Wednesday, 9 March 2011 18:53:57 GMT
Topic: Gage to Washington – 13 August 1775 – from Boston
Annotation: Clements Library – American Series 133 – August 1st – 15th, 1775
Tags: humanity, gage, prisoners, washington
Priority: None
Gage responding to Washington’s 11 august letter.
Basically refuting Washington’s accusations and saying the Rebels are worse.
Date: Wednesday, 9 March 2011 19:11:13 GMT
Topic: Gage to Carleton – 18 August 1775 – from Boston
Annotation: Clements Library – American Series 134 – August 16th – 31st, 1775
Tags: gage, carleton
Priority: None
“I have for more than a year {prvs?} [previous?], in all my letters put the Officers at the Posts on their guard, and have desired them to cultivate the friendship of the Indians as much as possible, and I am told in some of my letters that those near Niagara have offered to bring into the field Eight hundred Men, when the kings sevice should require it; every encouragement should be given them, so the Rebels will certainly use all means to {dis e ssect} {disrespect?] them; you will before this have heard further from the Officers at the Posts, and will take your measures accordingly.”
“I am concerned to hear the Canadians and Indians near you are so backward; I think you have taken the best method in your power to get them into motion; you only want a force; which I have told Lord Dartmouth, and have endorsed sending out to you, so expeditiously as possible.”
Says Carleton will get 4,000 men with money, stores and Indian goods from Dartmouth.
“Should you be joyned [sic] by any Indians for the back parts, I hope the Canadians and Indians about you will not be backward, in that case you will be enabled to secure your Province from any inroads of the Rebels, and keep those in awe who shall make any Attempts to Poison the minds of the inhabitants.”
Date: Wednesday, 9 March 2011 19:45:03 GMT
Topic: Washington to Gage – 19 August 1775 – from Cambridge
Annotation: Clements Library – American Series 134 – August 16th – 31st, 1775
Tags: gage, humanity, washington
Priority: None
Washington back to Carleton saying he purposely left out the political issues out of his last letter.
“Whether British or american Mercy, Fortitude, & Patience are most pre-eminent;”
later; “Not only your Officers, and Soldiers have been treated with a Tenderness due to Fellow Citizens, & Brethren; but even those execrable Parricides, whose Counsels & Aid have deluged their Country with Blood, have been protected from the Fury of a justly enraged People.”
“ You affect, Sir, to despise all Ranks not derived from the same Source with your own. I cannot conceive any more honourable, than that which flows from the uncorrupted Choice of a brave and free People — the purest Source & original Fountain of all Power. “
Date: Wednesday, 9 March 2011 20:30:23 GMT
Topic: Dunmore to Gage – 22 August 1775 – from The William in Elizabeth River by Norfolk
Annotation: Clements Library – American Series 134 – August 16th – 31st, 1775
Tags: gage, connolly, mckee, dunmore, girty
Priority: None
Dunmore telling Gage that Virginia is still in open revolt. Asks for the authority to raise a Regiment in Virginia.
Enclosed is a letter from residents of the “Transmontane Augusta County” pledging their allegiance to King and Dunmore. They say that Dunmore has been wrongly accused of trying to bring the Indians down on the Frontier by removing powder and ball from the Williamsburg Magazine. Amongst signatories are Alexander Mckee, John Connolly, Simon Girty, william Chrysler
Date: Wednesday, 9 March 2011 21:23:43 GMT
Topic: Clinton to Gage – 26 August 1775 – Prposals for Operations
Annotation: Clements Library – American Series 134 – August 16th – 31st, 1775
Tags: gage, operations, clinton, plans
Priority: None
“That the Navigation of Hudsons River will, or may be yours: that by a Winter Expedition, if The secret is kept, all their force, all their vessels, on Lakes George; & Champlain, may be destroyed, & you established early in the spring? That your Communications will then be open with the Indians and Canada; and in this situation you break those of the Rebels, between the south & north Colonies; you give fair Opportunity to the only province in which you are supposed to have friends to declare themselves; that Long and Staten Islands will in general declare for you; and from them you will be amply supplied;”
Date: Wednesday, 9 March 2011 21:36:27 GMT
Topic: Dunmore to Gage – August 1775 – Received 6 Sept.
Annotation: Clements Library – American Series 134 – August 16th – 31st, 1775
Tags: delawares, connolly, gage, shawnee, dunmore
Priority: None
Dunmore sends Connolly to deliver this message to Gage. Proposes Connolly to recruit Shawnee and Delawares in the Fort Dunmore (Pittsburgh) region.
Dunmore thinks he can raise the Indians to support the crown.
Connolly held a Treaty with them and …”leave them perfectly desirous to espouse the Intreat of His Majesty, as their Common Father,”
Notes say Gage replied on 10 September
Date: Thursday, 10 March 2011 15:19:40 GMT
Topic: Gage to Legge – 5 September 1775 – From Boston
Annotation: Clements Library – American Series 135 – September 1st – 30th, 1775
Tags: gage, legge, mackinnon, acadians
Priority: None
“Your letter of 23:d August I have received, with a minute of Council, expecting Lieutenant Mackinnon, being sent to form a body of Militia, of Acadians and Indians, which is certainly a very proper measure; and I don’t doubt upon your Representation home (which I shall back) I shall be ordered to Pay them from the time of their being raised, I have no objection to put them on the same footing with the Kings Troops as to Provisions, provided you can procure it for them, so that your Province will have only to Advance a few months Subsistence; more is not in my Power at present.
Date: Thursday, 10 March 2011 17:33:39 GMT
Topic: Gage to Carleton – 5 September 1775 – from Boston
Annotation: Clements Library – American Series 135 – September 1st – 30th, 1775
Tags: gage, carleton, guy johnson
Priority: None
“Your Letters of the 27th July from Montreal, and 5th August from Quebec, I have received and am much concerned to hear the Situation you are in, I wish you were in a better, and that it was in my Power to assist you. I know you will make the most of a disagreeable Situation, and Strain every Nerve to Rouse both Canadians and Indians; I hear you have had to the Number of 1600 of the latter who in appearance were very hearty in the Cause, I hope you have taken measures to secure them, for the Rebels, have brought all the Savages they could against us here, and you may depend, are using every means to debauch all the Nations, and to engage them to turn their Arms against us, so that the sooner they declare War the better, as the Rebels will not then have it so much in their Power, to seduce them, and if Colonel Johnson has secured the Indians he had a Treaty with at Oswego, you will have a very respectable Body, and I hope they will do something before Winter, for you may be assured that there are many who will exert themselves to keep the Rebellion alive, and destroy every Person who is in opposition to their Projects.”
*** Apparently at this point, Gage had no further information other than his previous “domicilie’s’ identification of American Stockbridge Indians usage. No indication in the record that he knew of any more. Note he calls the American used Indians, “Savages”, but calls the British recruited, “Indians.”
Date: Thursday, 10 March 2011 17:55:44 GMT
Topic: Carleton to Gage – 6 September 1775 – from Quebec
Annotation: Clements Library – American Series 135 – September 1st – 30th, 1775
Tags: baker, albany, carleton, fort george, fort pitt, gage, st. john’s, detroit, crown point, ticonderoga
Priority: None
“Since my last of 24th August, no very material occurrence has happened, worth troubling your Excellency with, scouting Parties every now and then appear near Line forty five [ed. northern tip of Lake Champlain], and lately four Indians, having found a Bateau laid up about five miles on their side of it, got into her, and made from shore, when they were fired upon by a Captain Baker, and a Party under his Command of about fifteen or sixteen Men, which wounded two of the four, the other two returned the fire, killed him, and wounded another as a Party, detached from the St John’s next Morning upon the Report of the Indians, who had brought off their Bateau, found his dead Body, and a Bed of Grass, where his supposed another lay, all bloody; in his Pocket were found a Letter from General Schuyler, and a Journal, which mentions his approaching very near our Works at St. John’s, in order to view them__”
*** says intelligence tells them that the Americans are amassing nearly 3,000 men at Crown Point, Ticonderoga and Fort George.
Later,
“It is said that the Rebels are using great Endeavours to draw the six Nations to a council at Albany, and that one is to be held the 5th of this Month at Fort Pitt, where, if our Information can be depended upon, they are assembled from the Southern Colonies in greater Numbers, and with longer Preparation, than if intended meerly [sic] for a Council; This suspected, they have a Design upon Detroit__”
Thomas Gage and Lord Dunmore
Date: Thursday, 10 March 2011 18:15:07 GMT
Topic: Gage to Dunmore – 10 September 1775 – from Boston, sent via Connolly
Annotation: Clements Library – American Series 135 – September 1st – 30th, 1775
Tags: gage, connolly, mckee, dunmore
Priority: None
“I am glad to see by the address your Lordship has enclosed me, that there are yet some Loyal People in Virginia, tho’ beyond the Mountains; Mr. Connolly has mentioned to me a plan of certain operations he has settled with your Lordship, the particulars of which I cannot be any Judge of at this distance, but will give your Lordship every aid in my power towards putting them in Execution, in Order to which I enclose your Lordship Letters to the Officers Commanding at the Detroit and at Ilinois, [sic] and likewise to the Indian Agent McKee which you will please to make such use of as you may think proper. I have likewise wrote to General Carleton, and to do their utmost to facilitate your Plan.”
“ I send your Lordship some proposals made to me by Major Connolly respecting these matters, with my answer thereto, by which your Lordship will see, how far it is in my Power to aid and assist you.”
Then says Dunmore should use great care with messages as everyone is being searched through there.
Gage sent Lernoult a letter to help Dumore if he could.
Date: Thursday, 10 March 2011 18:31:33 GMT
Topic: Gage to Carleton – 11 September 1775 – from Boston
Annotation: Clements Library – American Series 135 – September 1st – 30th, 1775
Tags: gage, captain lord, carleton, illinois, dunmore, lernoult, detroit, guy johnson, mckee
Priority: None
“Lord Dunmore has sent a person to me, whom he has commissioned as Major and whose Name is Connolly, to propose a scheme of Raising the Indians and such other persons, as may be found Loyal on the back Parts of the Province of Virginia, to be Join’d by such Inhabitants and Indians as may be got at, and about Detroit. have sent Orders to the Officer Commanding at Detroit to give all the assistance he can to Lord Dunmores officer which he proposes to be Major Connolly; I have likewise ordered the Detachment at Ilinois [sic] to Join them as early as possible in the Spring, from whom I have not heard since my arrival from England, tho’ I have rote several Times; I have ordered Captain Lord to bring all the artillery stores with him, and to put the Government of the Country in the best hands he can; I should be glad you would give such orders to the People about Detroit, as may Encourage both them and the Savages to be of use in this Expedition, which may turn to advantage if a number of men can be got together.”
Date: Thursday, 10 March 2011 18:46:29 GMT
Topic: Gage to Guy Johnson – 11 September 1775 – from Boston, sent by the Hunter, sloop of war
Annotation: Clements Library – American Series 135 – September 1st – 30th, 1775
Tags: gage, connolly, mckee, dunmore, guy johnson
Priority: None
“Lord Dunmore has a scheme on hand in which he wants the assistance of the Indians under the Influence of your Deputy Mr. McKee. therefore you will please to send him orders to give every assistance in his Power to raise the Savages under his influence, and to make them the ususal presents on such occasions, and to Join the Person who shall be employed by the Earl of Dunmore in the Execution of this project.”
Date: Thursday, 10 March 2011 19:09:33 GMT
Topic: Major Connolly’s Proposal to Lord Dunmore, then General Gage – In 11 September 1775 Gage Correspondence
Annotation: Clements Library – American Series 135 – September 1st – 30th, 1775
Tags: gage, virginia, connolly, pennsylvania, dunmore, maryland, new york, mckee
Image taken as the writing is very hard to read.
Important document as it is a full blown plan to recruit Indians to raise alarm on the frontier, establish communication from south to north, and to regain control of the Ohio and Illinois and Detroit country a full two years before the Clark and Hamilton encounters.
1st paragraph,
“Proposals for raising an Army to the Westward, for alarming the Frontiers of Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, & New York; & for [unreadable, but looks like “obstneding”] a Communication between the Southern & Northern Governments________”
….6th [of several points] That your Excellency will order Alexander McKee Deputy Agent to attend me at Detroit, & to use his influence with the Shawnees, & other Indians to take up the hatchet against His Majesty’s Enemies.”
Date: Thursday, 10 March 2011 19:23:44 GMT
Topic: Gage to John Stuart – 12 September 1775 – from Boston
Annotation: Clements Library – American Series 135 – September 1st – 30th, 1775
Tags: gage, john stuart, St Augustine
Key Letter in full;
“ Boston 12th September 1775
Sir,
I have recieved several Letters from you, the last Dated the 20th July, with several Inclosures. I should have wrote you long ago, but was not sure where to find you, and am now glad to hear you are safe at St. Augustine. I think you have done very right not to trust yourself with the People of Carolina, who in turning Rebels to their King have lost all Faith.
You will now still have it in your Power to hold a Correspondence with the Indians, which I beg you may improve to the greatest advantage; and even when opportunity offers to make them take Arms against His Majesty’s Enemies, and to distress them all in their Power, for no terms is now to be kept with them; they have brought down all the Savages they could against us here, who with their Rifle men are continually Firing on our Sentries.
By employing the Indians, you will likewise assist in Securing the Garrison you are in; and in that, no time should be lost to distress a set of People, who have acted so wantonly Rebellious.”
Governor Tonyn writes me he expects a ship with Ammunition from England, if she is safe in, you will be enabled to supply the Indians with waht they want, and consequently bind them more firmly to you; and for which purpose you are to procure what necessaries you can, be the Expence what it will; for every exertion must now be made on the side of Government.
I am with Regard and Esteem.
Sir,
Etc.” (retained copy)
Thomas Gage and Alexander McKee
Date: Thursday, 10 March 2011 19:45:42 GMT
Topic: Gage to Mckee – 12 September 1775 – from Boston
Annotation: Clements Library – American Series 135 – September 1st – 30th, 1775
Tags: gage, connolly, mckee, dunmore, virginia
Priority: None
Letter to McKee, “to procure as many Indians as you can, to Join a Force early in the Spring, [ed. 1776] which are to be raised by the Earl of Dunmore.
Date: Thursday, 10 March 2011 19:50:19 GMT
Topic: Carleton to Gage – 16 September 1775 – from Montreal
Annotation: Clements Library – American Series 135 – September 1st – 30th, 1775
Tags: isle au noix, gage, carleton, st. john’s
Priority: None
Carleton is despondent about the Rebels approaching around St. john’s. At first beat back by the “savages”, they sent emmissaries to “debauch” the minds of the Canadians and Indians.
“The Indians yesterday made their Peace;”
“Thus we are on the eve of being overun [sic] & subdued. I had great hopes of holding out for this year, though I seem abandoned by all of the Earth, Had the Savages remained firm. I cannot blame these poor people for securing themselves, as they see Multitudes of the enemy at hand, and no Succours from any part, though it is now four Months since their operations against us first began.”
Date: Thursday, 10 March 2011 20:09:48 GMT
Topic: 1774- 1775 Precis of Correspondence chiefly between Lord Dartmouth and Gen. Gage on affairs in North America. 47 pp
Annotation: Clements Library – Germain Papers Supplement – Volume 19:2
Tags: gage, germain, dartmouth
Priority: None
about 2/3ds into the thread bound Precis,
“General Gage having in his Letter of the 12th June [1775], asserted that the Rebels, were soliciting the Indians, and had actually a body of them in their Camp before Boston; Orders were given to Colonel Johnson to be particularly attentive to the Indians in his Department and to Endeavour to prevail on them to assist the King’s Troops when they should be required,…”
Date: Thursday, 10 March 2011 20:50:45 GMT
Topic: 1774-1776 – Extracts of letters from Gage, Carleton, Hamilton, and Guy Johnson to Lords Dartmouth and Germain
Annotation: Clements Library – Germain Papers Supplement – Volume 19:3
Tags: gage, carleton, dartmouth, germain, guy johnson, hamilton
Priority: None
Page “D”
Colonel Johnson landed at Montreal July 17th [1775] with 220 Indians from Ontario. Johnson told Carleton his instructions and tried to get Carleton to realease the Indians to harry the American that were amassing at Ticonderoga and Crown Point. Johnson told Carleton that the Indians were not used to sitting around and needed to be deployed asap. Carleton wanted to wait to raise a body of Canadian militia first and told Johnson to put the Indians into a holding situation and not to go below latitude 45 (northern end of Lake Champlain. Johnson continued to amass Indians to the number 1664 by 26 July 1775.
Johnson argued that his instructions from Gage did not correspond with Carleton’s instruction not to go beyond the 45th line of the province. some Indians began to leave because of the inaction, but carleton asserted that he was the commander of Canada and would not let the Indians go below 45th. After altercation with Rebels near St. John’s [Capt Baker fight], Indians complained about not being able to follow up.
After another encounter around St. John’s where some Indians were wounded, the Rebels started sending emissaries to tease the Indians away from the British and back to neutrality. It worked and many took terms and left.
Ethan Allen threatened Montreal and tried to entice the Indians over to his side. Johnson renewed calls to Carleton to let him loose hisIndian warriors on the Rebel communications, but the season had gotten late.
2nd set of papers labelled “C” in this volume are Extracts of a letter from Hamilton dated 29 August and 2nd Sept 1776.
*** I have seen these before. they are the same ones from the MI Pioneer papers.***
Thomas Gage and Lord George Germain
Date: Thursday, 10 March 2011 21:21:04 GMT
Topic: Ms to Lord George Germain [1775] The Importance of Canada 15pp
Annotation: Clements Library – Germain Papers Supplement – Volume 19:6
Priority: None
Long, detailed, but unsigned tract on the importance of Canada to Britain. Commerce, agriculture, natural resources, communications, Indians, etc.
Did Burgoyne write this? Probably too early for him to have done so?
Date: Thursday, 10 March 2011 22:54:26 GMT
Topic: Dunmore to Gage – 11 June 1774
Annotation: Clements Library – Gage Papers – American Series 120 – 11 June – 4 July 1774
Tags: gage, dunmore, ohio
Priority: None
Dunmore telling Gage that he has put the call out for militia to chastise the Ohio Indians for attacks on Virginia settlers around Fort Pitt.
Date: Thursday, 10 March 2011 23:29:09 GMT
Topic: Series of letters forwarded by Haldimand to Gage about a possible Indian strike against Pensacola
Annotation: Clements Library – Gage Papers – American Series 120 – 11 June – 4 July 1774
Tags: gage, hutchins, chester, dickson, haldimand, creeks, west florida
Priority: None
Series of letters forwarded by Haldimand to Gage about a possible Indian strike against Pensacola and the enmity between civil and military matters around Pensacola.
The gist is that many people were worried about the rising tensions with the Creeks. Several references to “cruel” and “wicked” savages. The fear is universal in the area. Even the peaeful appearance of some Creeks served to make everyone cautious.
The point here is that a year before Gage starts telling Stuart to unleash the Indians on the frontiers of the Carolina, he knew very well the fear the Indains could engender.
Peter chester is the governor of west florida
Letters;
May 9th, 1774 to Haldimand
Mrch 26, 1774 – Peter chester to Penscola commander
March 26, 1774 – Peter chester to William Johnstone, Artillery commander
March 29, 1774 – colin Graham to Chester
et al.
Date: Friday, 11 March 2011 15:55:35 GMT
Topic: Guy Johnson to Gage – 12 July 1774- Notifying Gage of Sir William Johnson’s death at 8PM on 11 July 1774
Annotation: Clements Library – Gage Papers – American Series 121 – 5-31 July 1774
Tags: guy johnson, gage, john johnson, six nations, william johnson
Priority: None
Letter from Guy Johnson telling Gage that Sir William died. Recommends a measured message to the Indians to control problems. Suggests that he should take over from William.
Interestingly, says William was his “Father”, but adds in upper postscript “in law”. What is this about?
Received late on 16 July 1774 by Gage and Gage replies on 17 July 1774.
Thomas Gage and Guy Johnson
Date: Friday, 11 March 2011 16:24:25 GMT
Topic: Gage to Guy Johnson – 17 July 1774
Annotation: Clements Library – Gage Papers – American Series 121 – 5-31 July 1774
Tags: gage, guy johnson, william johnson
Priority: None
Gage to Guy Johnson with condolences. Acknowledges William’s death and William’s desire for Guy to replace him. Gage says he will recommend to London, but Guy assumes the interim role immediately.
Thomas Gage and Alexander Cameron
Date: Friday, 11 March 2011 16:58:29 GMT
Topic: Extract of a letter from Alexr. Cameron Esq. – dated 4 july 1774
Annotation: Clements Library – Gage Papers – American Series 121 – 5-31 July 1774
Tags: clinch, cherokees, alex cameron, creeks, holten
Priority: None
Cameron writing about, among other things, the Cherokee upset over settlers in the Holsten or Clinch Rivers and lack of ammunition which they are concerned.
Date: Friday, 11 March 2011 17:13:59 GMT
Topic: Josiah Martin to ?? – 21 July 1774
Annotation: Clements Library – Gage Papers – American Series 121 – 5-31 July 1774
Tags: josiah martin, north carolina
Priority: None
included with correspondence from Haldimand to Gage, maybe?? so to Haldimand?
1st paragraph says he hears of the Cherokee complaints about settlers, but thinks his precautions are enough to stop the problem.
2nd paragraph;
“I received two Days ago a Letter from the Earl of Dunmore His Majesty’s Governor of Virginia, in which he says he really believes that Colony is engaged in a most Serious War with the Indians that the Shawnese have made Incursions, pretty far into the Country & murdered a good Many of the Inhabitants, & that he has some Reason to believe they will be joined by the Cherokees, Creeks & many other Tribes. I flatter myself however that the War the Chactaws are Carrying on against the Creeks in which you seem very prudently to have supported them will Employ the Attention of that Nations Sufficiently.”
Date: Friday, 11 March 2011 17:27:16 GMT
Topic: Gage to Haldimand – July 23 1774 from Salem
Annotation: Clements Library – Gage Papers – American Series 121 – 5-31 July 1774
Tags: gage, connolly, creeks, haldimand, dunmore, john stuart
Priority: None
Gage – “The War the Creeks are engaged in with the Chactaws I believe to be a lucky Circumstances at present, or they would never bear the behavior of our People; Affairs have a better Aspect to the Southward, than on the Ohio, where it seems next to impossible to keep the Savages in good Temper from the infamous Proceedings of Cressap and the Banditti under Connolly. As that Rascal has Seized the King’s Boats, I see no further use of keeping the four Men of the 18th in that country, and there is no Means of sending Detachments down to the Ilinois without Boats, were the Indians in the best Temper.”
Gage talks about Connolly again as leading a group of “Banditti”. 24 July 1774 – Gage to Stuart.
Thomas Gage and Frederick Haldimand
Date: Friday, 11 March 2011 19:01:56 GMT
Topic: Gage to Haldimand – 18 August 1774 – from Salem
Annotation: Clements Library – Gage Papers – American Series 122 – 1 August to 4 September 1774
Tags: gage, georgia, posts, haldimand, captain lord, frontier, wright, forts, ilinois
Priority: None
Gage mentions throughout the summer of 1774 that the interior “Banditti” and “Vagabonds” deserve what they get. In this letter he is telling Haldimand that the military posts of the interior are worthless and only encourage the vagabonds to war.
“ Government may be drawn into taking Part against the Savages by having Troops in the distant Posts, which of course must be supported, if the People bring on a War, which they have been long & still endeavouring to do with the Indians. If the King has no Posts in the interior Country, the vagabonds must themselves support the Mischief they are making, and which our posts can not prevent, and this has been a strong Reason with me to abandon the Posts, which have never been of the least use. I long ago foretold what must happen in a few years from the conduct of the frontier People. The Deserters of the 23d have gained their Corps.”
… Governor Wright thinks the whole Safety of America consists in fortifying his Province against the Indians. they have given him I think sufficient Satisfaction for any Injuries they have committed, and the more when I consider the murders committed daily by the white People.”
