1832.J

WYOMING MASSACRE.

The two meeting-houses of the sofor us to do ours. ciety of Friends, the Methodist meeting house, and a Catholic chapel, are our only houses of public worship. The society of Baptists have a meeting house within two miles; while the nearest Presbyterian Church is ten miles from this borough. There are but eight places for worship of our particular sect in this large and populous county. The population of this place is rapidly increasing. Improvements are every where going on. A highly interesting enterprise is about being completed, which will bring us within two or three hours travel of Philadelphia. What is more important and most encouraging, the peculiar doctrines of our church have been so preached here, for the year past, to attentive audiences, composed of individuals from different sects, as, without disguising the truth, not to wound the feelings, provoke the animosity, or excite the jealousy of any. The evidence of this is upon our subscription list. Constituting as we do, but a small part of the community, but for the generosity of other sects, this enterprise would hardly yet have been commenced; they will please except our cordial thanks. "Brought up Presbyterians ourselves, we have spent much of our lives among Episcopalians, Baptists, Methodists and Friends. We have learnt to believe that sectarianism constitutes but a small part of religion. In all we have seen bright and shining evidence of Christian virtues. From all we have experienced liberality and kindness. We profess not to be better than others. We desire to worship God after the manner of our fathers, to give a public testimonial in honor to the faith in which we were educated, to provide, under holy auspices, a place where to lay our bones, and to give some assurance that our children shall become useful members of society.

"The solemn duty of this day has been assigned to the Rev. Mr. Stevens, our pastor. May it be approved in Heaven, and may our church co-operate with the kindred institution of other sects already established here, and with the highly interesting and nourishing seminaries of learning on our right hand and on our left, in sowing the seeds of piety and virtue, and prepare us all for a blessed immortality."

From the Wyoming Herald.

WYOMING MASSACRE.

A meeting of the Committee of Arrangement, appointed to transact business relative to the subject of erecting a monument to the memory of the slain in the Wyoming Massacre, was held on the 3d July, inst.

JOSEPH SLOCUM was appointed Chairman, and John Bennet, Secretary.

The following resolutions were unanimously adopted. Resolved, That the thanks of the committee, on behalf of the meeting generally, be given to the clergymen, who officiated this day, Messrs. Murray, May, and Nash, and that copies of the Addresses delivered by Messrs. May and Murray, be requested for publication.

Resolved, That the thanks of this committee, on behalf of the meeting generally, be given to the persons who were instrumental in finding the bones of those worthies whose memories we this day met to commemorate, and also to Mr. Fisher Gay, for his liberality in bestowing the ground necessary to erect a monument upon, and for his attentions to the meeting.

Resolved, That each individual of this committee, will further exert himself to obtain subscriptions for the erection of the Monument.

Resolved, That this committee meet on the first Monday evening of August Court next, at the Court

House.

Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting, be

signed by the officers and published in all the papers of
JOSEPH SLOCUM, Chairman.
the county.

JOHN BENNET, Secretary.

ADDRESS

Delivered by the Rev. JAMES MAY, in Kingston, Ju-
ly 3, 1832, to a large Assembly, convened for the pur
pose of paying a tribute of respect to the memory of
those heroes who were killed in the Wyoming Battle
and Massacre, and to adopt measures preparatory to
erecting a Monument.

FELLOW CITIZENS,-We all feel the interest of the
occasion. It is fifty-four years, this day, since that dis-
astrous event, so memorable in the history of this val-
ley, which we locally name, "the Indian battle," and
which, under the name of the Wyoming Massacre, ex-
cited in favor of the sufferers of those times, the sym-
one in which the spirit of ambition and of thirst for
pathy of the civilized world. The struggle was not
conquest and glory presides. It was the struggle of
fathers, and husbands, and brothers, for the protection
own lives, against savages who were descending upon
of their property and of their families, and for their
their homes, coveting the price of scalps and thirsting
for plunder. Our attention is interested when battles
are fought between armies met to decide a question of
territory or of glory. But when all that constitutes
home is in dispute, our interest is of another character.
The battle fought in this valley on the 3d of July, 1778,
was not one of great political moment in the controver-
sy then pending between the United States and Great
presents none so deeply interesting to the domestic feel-
Britain. But the history of the war of the Revolution,
ings. The devoted band, who, on that day, left the
fort not far from the site of which we are now assem-
bled, to meet the invaders, was composed chiefly of
those whom their country would not have bidden to the
public service. The valley had already furnished its
due proportion of men for the common cause of their
Notwithstanding the hazards of a frontier residence
country, and they were then absent from their homes.
in the war between the colonies and the mother coun-
try, the inhabitants of Wyoming Valley drank deeply of
that spirit which was exhibited at Lexington and Bunk.
er's Hill, and more systematically in Congress, 4th July
1776. It was because they had espoused the cause of
American Independence, that they were marked as a
prey for the savages, who enlisted for Great Britain,
against the colonies.

I find myself here in the midst of some venerable citizens, who were in the rank which faced the enemy on the memorable 3d of July, and who have survived the perils and sufferings of that terrible day, and the vicissitudes of more than half a century since. There are before me others who, though from youth or sex were not actually in the rank, yet were joined in closest ties with those that went forth, and were witnesses of the facts of that day and shared in the common distress. In the present audience are very many also, who are the immediate descendants of them that suffered in those "troublous times."

In obedience to the call of a public meeting, held in this neighbourhood a short time since, you are assembled to commemorate the Wyoming Massacre, by taking measures to erect a Monument on the grave of your fathers and brothers, who then fell under the Indian tomahawk.

The troubles of those times have been hushed for The Indian who in those days, still linmany years. gered on the mountains that now surround us, has long ago retired. When we now look upon this valley, overspread with an intelligent and happy population, grown up to wealth and refinement-when we see the waters of the Susquehanna, as they roll by us, bearing upon their bosom the fruits of a peaceful industry—when we

look upon our towns, with their churches and academies, we almost overlook the fact, that a time but little exceeding fifty years, Wyoming was but a frontier, just emerging from a forest of centuries, and still furnishing many a lurking place for the native red man.

The object of our meeting this day, is to call to mind those times of hardship and trial.

These put

Forty Fort, amounted to about 370 men.
themselves under the command of Colonel Zebulon
Butler, an officer of the "Continental" army, living at
that time here with his family, on furlough.

On the evening of the 2d July, the enemy advanced through a defile in the mountain, into the valley, and took possession of Wintermoot Fort, which being occuThe time but little exceeds sixty years, since the first pied by a few families, of whom the most were well afeffort was made by civilized men to subdue the soil of fected to the British cause, had been opened to them. this valley. The land was not wrested by violent hands Some were found, ready also to meet them with provifrom the native Indian who had been, from unknown sion. The enemy's force was from 900 to 1200 men, of times, the lord of its forests. Possession was obtained whom upwards of 400 were Indians, headed by their by treaty and purchase. The Indian, at first, looked chief Brandt, the rest were British and tories commandwith kindness upon his white neighbour. The inter- ed by Col. John Butler. In the councils in Forty Fort, course between them, was on the principle of mutual the propriety of going forth to meet the enemy was a hospitality. It was not until some time after the war subject of warm discussion. The superior and more of the American Revolution was opened, that the inha- judicious officers advised to remain in the Fort, and to bitants of Wyoming began to suffer from Indian hostili- hold out against the enemy until the expected relief ty. The controversy between Pennsylvania and Con- should be received from the regular army. Others urgnecticut concerning jurisdiction over the valley, had ed that their supplies in the fort must soon fail; that the previously been the cause of serious troubles to them, enemy would ravage their farms, and burn their houses, but when the subject of American Independence be- and destroy their harvest, then nearly ripe. Besides, gan to be agitated, this controversy was suspended. At they had had no information respecting relief. The five this time, the population of Wyoming amounted to seve- men who had arrived from the regular army, had come ral thousands. The mass of them cordially espoused without any information on the subject. The enemy the cause of their country. Some individuals had proved would be strengthened, whilst themselves would be treacherous and had gone over to the side of the enemy. weakened by delay. It was these, doubtless, who, being acquainted with the condition of the valley, directed the eye of the enemy to this spot, and gave such information as laid the foundation for the plan of a descent upon it.

Two companies of men had been levied here, originally for the defence of their own frontier. But there appearing then no hostile demonstrations in this quarter, they were required for the general service, and were called out of the valley, to join the army of the United States. Parts of other companies had gone out of the valley as volunteers, making in the aggregate, about 300 men. Thus the military strength of the valley was essentially weakened. As the year 1778 advanced, the security of the inhabitants of Wyoming began to be disturbed. Several times, at alarms, all the inhabitants had left their houses and retired to the forts; but had as often returned to their lands.

In the Spring of 1778, reports reached them, of the assembling of British, Indians, and Tories, at Niagara, for the purpose of making a descent upon the valley. Messengers were dispatched to the commander-in-chief of the "Continental" army, to represent the exposed situation of this frontier, and to ask for the return of the companies that had been called away from it.

Early in the morning of the 3d July, a flag appeared before Forty Fort, sent by the enemy with a demand of surrender. This was of course refused, as preparations had been made for meeting the invaders. To meet in open field, the enemy's force, so much superior, would, of course, be extremely hazardous. But it had been determined to go forth from the fort for the purpose. The bearer of the flagstaff was himself a citizen of the valley, but then a prisoner with the enemy. He had been sent in company with others to bear the flag (his family being detained as hostages for his return.) When he saw that his friends in Forty Fort were making preparations to leave it to meet the enemy, as he knew the force that was opposed to them, his heart being with them, he wept. But the question had been decided. When all things were made ready, the 370 went out. What a moment of interest was that to themselves, to the wives and children whom they were leaving in the forts behind them! How must the eyes of those they parted from, have followed them on their march till they went out of sight, and then their hearts have gone with them into the battle.

It was not a question of spoils that was to be decided. It was a question whether the husbands, and the fathers, and the brothers would ever return; whether the Indians would come down upon the wives and children, and take them into captivity and slavery, and perhaps to torture.

The forces that had assembled at Niagara, soon reached the head waters of the Susquehanna. From Tioga, they floated down on rafts and in canoes. Their approach was discovered on the 1st of July. On that day a num- It was about 3 o'clock, P.M. when the settlers reachber of men from the valley had gone up the river about ed the bank of Abraham's Creek. There, as they had twenty miles, for the purpose of scouting, and of bring-understood, they were to meet the enemy; but none ing away the bodies of some citizens who had been killed there by a party of Indians. Whilst there, they ascertained that a large body of enemies had landed above them, and were lying behind the mountain on their left, whither they had retired for the purpose of concealing their march. The company hastily returned, lest their retreat might be cut off. The whole militia of the valley was immediately assembled in Forty Fort, with the exception of a few individuals left in other forts, to have charge of the women and children in them. The force of the valley was irregular, composed almost exclusively of men undisciplined for war. They were the militia, who after the supply of the quota of the valley to the regular army, where left for the cultivation and defence of the soil. Five men who had held commissions in the regular army, and had thrown them up, for the purpose of returning to the defence of their families, arrived, some a day or two before, and the rest on the 2d of July. The whole force, collected in

were in sight. Col. Butler, apprehending an ambush, deemed it prudent to halt at this point and to make no further offensive movement. But his foresight was disregarded by others, and his remonstrances were ineffec. tual. The smoke of Wintermoot Fort, which the enemy had fired when they left it, could be seen. This was interpreted as an evidence, that the invaders were retiring from the valley, and was urged as an argument for advancing. Col. Butler, at last, contrary to his own judgment, but finding the step necessary to preserve the confidence of some of the officers who had put themselves under his command, and who were more ardent than prudent, gave orders for advancing. Another halt was made near the place where we are now assembled, but, the enemy still not appearing, it was determined to move on to Wintermoot Fort. It was there the invaders were stationed. Their left was com

• Daniel Ingersoll.

posed of the British and tories, commanded by Col. John Butler, was extended towards the river, and their right, composed of Brandt's Indians, extended across a marsh on to the mountain. When the "settlers" had formed their line for battle, the left extended toward the marsh, commanded by Col. Nathan Denison, and the right towards the river, under the command of Col. Zebulon Butler. The enemy's line could not be discerned. The British and the tories on the left, had retired a little above Fort Wintermoot, that the attention of the Settlers might be directed thither. The Indians, on the left, were cowering behind bushes which cover ed the ground. They remained silent and without motion, until their victims approached to a convenient distance, when they instantly showed their whole line, by opening the murderous fire of their rifles.

The battle at once became general. The enemy's rifles thinned terribly the ranks of "the settlers," who stood and fought desperately until the Indians came round from the mountain, with hideous yell, and with their tomahawks, upon the rear. Col. Denison, having given orders to his wing to fall back, in order to anticipate the Indians on their rear, this was understood by many, as an order for retreat. In the meantime, the British regulars by acting with doubled force on the right, had thrown it into confusion. The battle lasted but fifteen minutes, when "the settlers" being about to be entirely hemmed in, fled. Their flight was that of a complete rout. Multitudes fell under the tomahawks of the Indians who pursued them in every direction. Some ran to the river-many were slaughtered on the bank-some were shot whilst in the water-some few succeeded in swimming to the opposite shore, and escaped. Almost every individual who was overtaken was slaughtered and scalped, two or three only were kept alive as prisoners. On this dreadful day about 300 were killed or missing, and never heard of, and about 230 wives were made widows.

When the firing commenced, it was heard by the families that had been left behind, in the forts and other places. Some on the opposite side of the river, were waiting on the shore to see some one who might tell the issue of the battle. All watched for news. The event was announced at sundown at Forty Fort by one who had rode from the field. It was soon heard in Wilkesbarre, by one who had escaped by swimming across the river. All that could, fled; some to the mountain on the east; others hastened down the river, in canoes.

fourteen who were taken, and amongst them himself, were placed around an Indian woman that she might, at her ease, massacre them with the tomahawk. He himself had effected his escape.

The slain could not be buried until the flesh was wholly decomposed, after which the bones were collected and deposited in one common grave, that which is now open before us. In their flight from the valley, women and children suffered greatly. They were obliged to go through an extensive forest, through which the only passage was an Indian path. The report of their misfortunes went before them, and they were every where recognized as the unhappy fugitives from Wyoming. Some returned the next year, some after several years and some never. Many of those who returned, and who had before these troubles lived independently, found themselves here in a state of poverty, their possessions having been wholly destroyed by the enemy. There was scarcely a mother who was not a widow, and not a family that did not mourn the loss of some one or more members. Such was the battle and such its consequences.

But even after this, the security of the valley was not entirely undisturbed. Parties of Indians, hanging on the borders of the settlements, harrassed individuals who might chance to be out of reach of the protection of the forts. The expedition of Gen. Sullivan, and finally the general peace relieved Wyoming of the troubles arising from Indian incursions.

When upwards of fifty years have gone, we are now in quiet possession of this valley. The sun, in his daily journey looks upon few spots, on which the Crea tor has combined more of the materials necessary for earthly happiness. No object of price, in general, can be gained without pains-taking and struggle and sacrifice. The independence of our common country was not secured without a long and toilsome struggle. This valley, so rich in soil, so lovely in scenery, could not be possessed securely till a sacrifice was made, and that too of blood. The hands that more than half a century ago first struck the axe into the forests that had for ages shadowed these plains, lie mingled with the dust. The troubles of those times, when the Indians descended upon this valley, were borne by heads that are pillowed beneath the soil. See, fellow-citizens, the sacrifice whieh was made by the first civilized tenants of this valley. The grave containing their bones is uncovered before you. You see for yourselves the marks of the tomahawk and scalping knife on the heads which are here uncovered, after having rested for more than fifty years. Peace be in this grave; sacred be the memory of them that sleep here.

The few who fled into Forty Fort soon capitulated, the enemy promising to preserve their lives and property, provided they would no more take up arms during the war. But the Indians went through the valley, and A few who were themselves sharers in the toils and laid Wilkesbarre, and houses in every place, in ashes. difficulties of those times, yet survive, and are here Those who escaped with their lives, from Forty Fort, this day to bear witness for us. Venerable citizens, we finding themselves without security against the Indians, respect you for your years, we honor you for the part whom the British commander said he could not control, you bore in the doings and the sufferings of those days, hastened from the valley. On the night after the bat- we love and cherish the principles of liberty which antle, some of the fugitives met, at Bear Creek, a com- imated you, we owe you a debt of gratitude for the pany of 80 of the men who had been drawn from Wy-happy inheritance, which you did your part to preserve oming, commanded by Capt. Spalding, on their way to the valley, for its relief. These men were in high spirits at the prospect of being at home, until they learned the misfortunes of the day. They then went back as far as Stroudsburg, where they remained and were joined by some of the fugitives and others. About six weeks after the battle, they came into the valley with the fugitives under their protection. They found scarcely a house standing in the valley that once had seemed so prosperous and happy. They went to the battle ground to look upon the slain; there were, of course, no features left by which any of their kindred could be recognized. In one spot thirteen bodies were found in a circular position, according to the report of one of the fugitives, who said that after the battle,

unimpaired for your children. You have passed within the lines of a second half century since you opened a grave here for your brothers whom the Indians slaughtered on these plains. This valley, which you saw as it was when but a frontier, you survive to see in the midst of a population of many hundreds of thousands overspreading the country beyond you. But on this day, and where you now are, you cannot but think of what you once saw in this place. We would stand aside while you look into this grave and see the bones of your brothers which fifty-four years ago, you assisted in

sadly laying here." We would not intrude whilst as you stand beside these bones, you think how you stood beside your friends when they lived. For your sakes we are glad that this day has come. We rejoice to think that you may see yet a stone raised here, on which the names of those you laid in this spot shall be engraven.

Fellow-citizens generally: The erection of a stone on this spot in memory of the dead who rest here, is but a small tribute of gratitude. I should do you injustice if I should suppose there was any occasion for argument on the propriety of your giving your aid to this object. The object commends itself instinctively to all who have that interest in this valley, which belongs to you. The memory of those who fell on the 3d of July, 54 years ago, shall be retained not merely on the cold stone which you will erect on their grave. It shall live in your hearts.

Let us take a lesson from the history which we have been reviewing. Let us learn to estimate the value of our civil liberty according to the price which was paid for it. Receiving that blessing as an inheritance, apart from the bloody wars which were required to make it sure, we may underrate its preciousness. The sufferings of the Wyoming settlers, had their origin in the part that they took in the question of American independence. Those who first kindled the fires of revolution on this continent, were men worthy to be entrusted with the charge of civil liberty. Their principles were thoroughly tested. The deposit now is in our hands, to be kept for future generations. May we prove worthy of it, and transmit it to them unimpaired. May the stranger who in after times may visit this spot, and see here a stone raised in memory of those who fell in the conflict, ever find here a population worthy of their parentage; may the features of those heroes live in their posterity.

The following communication from the directors of the Girard Bank, was received, and was referred to the Mayor, City Treasurer, and City Solicitor, with power to act.

PHILADELPHIA, July 12, 1832.

To the Select and Common Councils of the city of Philadelphia.

GENTLEMEN-The undersigned being a committee appointed by the directors of the Girard Bank of the city of Philadelphia, for the purpose of obtaining the use of the Banking house of the late Stephen Girard, beg leave respectfully to state: That they have made application to the trustees of the late Stephen Girard, and have ascertained that a satisfactory arrangement can be made with them for the time the building will be in their possession; but as the business under their charge, will in all probability be closed within the present year, and as the undersigned are desirous of effecting an arrangement which will enable the bank which they represent, to retain possession of the premises, they desire to know whether the Councils will rent the Banking house, (when it shall come into their possession,) to the Girard Bank, for what length of time, and upon what terms-subject to the lease which the old Bank of the United States has upon the premises. early answer is respectfully solicited. JAMES SCHOTT, THOS. CAVE.

An

The annexed letter from the Mayor, enclosing certain documents, was received.

MAYOR'S OFFICE,

Philadelphia, July 13, 1832.

the city of Philadelphia.

While we acknowledge what we owe to those of whose toils we are reaping the fruits, we are not to lose sight of the fact, that it is to the good purpose of Him, in whose hands all are instruments, that the glory of all that has been done for us, and for all that we now in- To the President of the Select and Common Councils of herit, is due. The independence of our common country, the legacy which we inherit in peace, was not a thing of accident. The Supreme Arbiter between nations, had designs of good to our happy country and to the world in the establishment of our independence. We see already how the principles laid down in the charter of rights, put forth in Congress 56 years ago, have been as a leaven of liberty in the nations. The principles of our happy constitution are healthful to our political body. Let us cherish them.

Gentlemen-I enclose a communication from Judge Henry Bry, the friend and agent of the late Mr. Girard, containing valuable information on the subject of the Ouachita lands, a part of the bequest of the late benefactor of the city. I also enclose a Power of Attorney from the corporation of the city of New Orleans, by which Judge Bry is constituted their agent, with full power to act for them, and to co-operate with the auThe grand principle is, that the happiness of the thorities of this city, in any measures that may be agreed people is the end for which civil government is institut-on, in relation to the title or the improvement of the ed. But it is not for us to enjoy at any rate, the gift that is bestowed upon us. If we prove not ourselves worthy of it, it may be taken from us and given to others. We are to co-operate with the designs of the God of our fathers. We have a sacred trust which we must keep; not merely the trust of civil liberty, but of that which is necessary to preserve that liberty, the true religion.

Friends, I take my leave of you. Though the air I first breathed was not of this valley, I am proud to be adopted amongst you. My heart is with you in the object of this day's meeting. It shall live in my memory as one of the most interesting circumstances of my residence amongst you, that I was with you on this day, and that the office was assigned me, which I have thus humbly fulfilled. When the bones which we here see before us shall rise from their bed of dust, and ours with them, may we have an inheritance which wars shall never disturb; the inheritance which blood, but not that of man, has purchased.

From the Philadelphia Gazette. PROCEEDINGS OF COUNCILS. Thursday, July 12, 1832. SELECT COUNCIL-Mr. PETTIT was called to the chair, in the absence of the president. A communication was received from the city treasurer, with a copy of his quarterly accounts, which were referred to the committee of accounts.

lands. As Judge Bry's visit to this city has been induc-
ed by the subject referred to, I beg leave to suggest
the appointment of a committee, with such powers as
will authorise a speedy and satisfactory termination of
the arrangements it may be found necessary to make
with him.

I am, with great respect, your ob❜t serv't,
B. W. RICHARDS.

was agreed to.
Mr. Groves offered the following resolution which

with the documents accompanying it, relative to lands
Resolved, That the communication from the Mayor,
in the state of Louisana, in which the corporation of the
city of Philadelphia have an interest, under the will of
the late S. Girard, Esq. be referred to the committee on
the Girard legacy; that said committee be authorised to
confer with Judge Henry Bry, and to accept his ser-
vices on such terms and conditions, as they may deem
proper;-and with the assistance of the City Solicitor,
to prepare all the necessary papers to enable Judge Bry
to carry into execution the objects for which his ser-
vice may be accepted-and that the said papers be
signed by the Mayor, and sealed with the corporate
seal of the city.

ous alley, which was referred to the paving committee, Mr. JOHNSON presented a petition for paving Prosperwith power to act.

Mr. DUANE, as chairman of the watering committee, made the two following reports and resolutions, which were adopted:

The committee are of opinion, that the prayer of the The estimated cost of the proposed works is as fol- petitioners is reasonable, and as their case is embraced by lows:

the bill already reported by the committee, entitled “Ă supplement to an ordinance entitled an ordinance to prevent the construction of wooden and brick paned buildings, and for preventing the extension of injuries from fire, passed on the 8th day of June, 1832," the committee deem it unnecessary to do more in this case, than recommmend the passage of the bill.

COMMON COUNCIL.-Mr. LEHMAN presented the 262 50 following petition from the commissioners, for erecting

a new Prison, which was read and laid on the table. 190 00 To the Select and Common Councils of the city of Philadelphia. $8500 00

The undersigned, commissioners appointed in pursu