passions. May God Omnipotent convince us of our fatal error, and ere it be too late, deliver us from the bondage of sin and Sa. tan, and bring us into the enjoyment of his free and benevolent kingdom.

Monday, September 23d, 1776.-This morning was frosty, but clear and serene. The men were employed to-day in cutting down a swamp to the N. E. of the Fort, heaping and burning the logs and brush all around the same. The scout which set out yesterday morning not returning, and frequent reports testifying the coming of an enemy, it was ordered that 7 good able bodied effective men from each Company prepare themselves with 3 day's provisions and 24 rounds of cartridges, to march to-morrow morn. ing for the Lake. They are to take 24 axes with them. Capt. Sharp with Lieuts. Flanningham, Elmer and Anderson, to command the party. So accordingly we went to grinding axes and preparing to march till late at night, when I laid down to take a little rest.

Tuesday, September 24th, 1776.-At reveilee beat we prepared and set out with our budgets on our backs toward the Lake.

The Route.-Course due west-three-quarters of a mile from the Fort, being the usual carrying place, we crossed over the head of Wood Creek, which is a small stream over which is an old bank built for the purpose of raising the water to float the batteaux down the Creek-where there are the banks of an old Fort built for a guard to defend the batteaux, called Fort Newport. Three miles farther are the ruins of an old Fort built upon the Creek, which was taken by the French and Indians last war.

Four miles farther down is a Creek putting up to the north, called therefore Canada Creek, at the mouth of which was a small fort, now totally destroyed. The land around very good. But after passing this Creek some distance, we passed through a ridge of barren white and scrubby pine land, exceeding hilly, which reached for about 8 miles, when we came into low rich land again, and so upon Fish Creek and down the same until we came to the mouth where it empties into Wood Creek, making in the whole 24 miles, being 1 mile from the Lake.

We arrived at the Forks about 1 o'clock, P. M., where we encamped, falling some few trees, taking the tops to make ourselves bowers to lodge under. Soon after we arrived there, I took the batteaux kept there and a few soldiers and went down to the Lake, which appeared very beautiful, being 10 miles wide and 30 long; and the wind blowing from the west, brought a heavy swell

upon this shore, which is a fine shoal sandy shore. Some time on our march we met the former scout without getting any news; and upon our arrival at the Lake we discovered their encampment, but could see no signs of any enemy. After some time I returned to our camp, and Lt. Anderson with a Sergeant, Corporal and 14 Privates, went down there as a night guard. The rest of us continued at the Forks. Upon the mouth of this was their Royal blockhouse.

Wednesday, September 26th, 1776-I found myself very un. well; owing, I apprehend, to eating of grapes and getting wet last night by the rain which we had. Soon after breakfast, Capt.. Sharp and myself, with 4 or 5 men, crossed the Creek and marched away round the cove, to the north side of the Lake, until we found an old Indian path upon a ridge of barren land, in which is white and black oak timber and exceeding fine white pine spars as ever I saw ; indeed the land around the Lake is the most beautiful and agreeable of any I have seen in these parts. After taking a tour of 8 or 10 miles we returned to the camp on the Lake, where I put up to stay all night with the guard.

This evening I was exceeding unwell, yet determined not to make any complaint, but stand it out at all events. Towards eve ning a guard of 14 men came down to stay with me. Just at dusk we heard a gun fire on the south side of the Lake, to appearance like a swivel; and about half an hour a fire was made up, upon which many conjectures was made; although I was not very apprehensive of an enemy, yet not knowing what it might be, I sent an express to the camp, when Lt. Flanningham came-but the fire being gone out, and no appearance, we laid down and took some sleep.

Thursday, September 26th, 1776.-Very early Lt. Flanningham with two men set out in a canoe to see if they could discover the cause of the fire and gun last night, and I went with the remain. der of the men to camp; and, after some time, he returned with a report that an Indian, there, fishing, had fired his gun at eve ning and built a fire to lodge by-therefore, finding all well, about 9 o'clock we set out to return home, I at the same time being very unwell, and arrived at the fort some time before sunset, carrying my budget all day. Got a dish of tea upon my arrival, which was exceedingly acceptable, as I had eaten nothing for the two days past. One of Capt. Sharp's men was buried this evening in form here.

Friday, September 27th, 1776.-Guard mounting and exercise was attended in the morning. Capt. Dickinson's Company, with some of the officers, attended the burial of one of his men this af

ternoon, who died last night. The scout of which Lt. Stout was commander, who we met yesterday going to the Lake, returned Col. Fisher, with two other gentlemen, arrived here from Johns

town.

Saturday, September 28th.-We had a very heavy white frost this morning. The whole of the men, workmen, batteaux-men, guard, and every other, except the infirm and those on sentry, was ordered upon parade this morning. We assembled at 8 o'clock, and went through the salutes, &c., in the presence of those officers from Johnstown, who were much surprised at the great alertness with which our men performed, considering the hardships and dis advantages we labored under. We had 426 rank and file under arms, who were kindly thanked by the Colonel for their faithful attendance.

We had after exercise a considerable ball play-Colonel, Parson and all. Parade again at 2 o'clock, but soon dismissed.

Lt. Gifford and Ensign Thomas set out for Albany, last Wednesday, as witnesses upon the trial of Col. White, Capts. Patterson and Ross.

Sunday, September 29th, 1776.-Cold stormy day, and I obliged to live in a cold wet marquee, which leaks considerably : whilst the Captain, with the field officers and other great men, have good rooms in barracks. The way of the world. This is what will try a soldier to live in this manner in this cold country: those who never tried these hardships, know not how to prize good shelters and warm fires to defend themselves from the inclemencies of cold and inhospitable climates.

The rain, and not having conveniences within doors, prevented our having any sermon to-day.

In the afternoon all the batteauxs arrived here, and with them came as a guard Capt. Woodbridge and Lieut. Elmer, son to the Colonel, with a number of men. Had some wine in the house, at Roof's, with the officers. Expenses 2s. Had my name sake to sup with me this evening, &c. Wrote a copy of a letter, to be sent to R. T., as the expiration of the time for our nuptials is now

come.

Monday, September 30th, 1776.-Very wet, with an exceeding high wind greater part of last night, and the morning was very blustering; was along with Capt. Woodbridge and Lt. Down at batteaux, and about most of the morning preparing them for their departure, which was accomplished about 11 o'clock. Court Martial was sitting to day in our marquee, Capt. Reading, Presi dent; Members-Lieuts. Quimby, Savage, Bellord, and Ensign Leonard. Jno. Nutter went down with the batteauxs to-day,

having a discharge from the Colonel on account of an accident a few days ago; likewise Clement Remington and Jos. Riley got each of them a discharge, but did not set out. The day was so bad and so much labor going on, that we had no exercise, but some ball play-at which some dispute arose among the officers, but was quelled without rising high. Lodged in marquee as usual, though very wet and cold.

ex.

Tuesday, October 1st, 1776.-Blustering cold weather. Mount ed guard at 8 o'clock on the main guard—which has nothing but a log cabin without cover, except a little brush, which made it ceeding cold standing. Wood choppers and batteaux men were out to day, but no exercise.

The officers played ball most of the afternoon. Wrote a letter to Mr. D——. Being on guard all night we came near perish ing, having our bodies exposed to a severe white frost, which froze the ground hard, and some of the men barefoot.

Are informed by Major Hubbell from Albany, that the troops have evacuated New York, taking with them the most part of the cannon and effects. Few men were killed-the largest num ber of the enemy. It is said they are now fortifying about 14 miles from each other.

Wednesday, October 2d, 1776,-Not very well-seemed almost chilled through by my last night's exposure. Made report of the guard and was relieved. Clement Remington and Jos. Riley set out home this morning, by whom I sent my letters. A general Court Martial sitting, whereof Major Barber is President, for the trial of two of the Artillery Corporals for desertion.

A Court of Enquiry to sit to-morrow morning at 9 o'clock, at the President's room, to collect some witnesses to be sent to a general Court Martial, now about to sit at Albany by order of his Excellency General Washington. The evidence was respecting the plundering of the Hall at Johnstown.

*

*

The general Court Martial, ordered by Col. Dayton, sat to day according to order.

*

*

After they had concluded the business laid before them, there being a number of colts among them, they began drinking wine, which they continued successively till about 10 o'clock at night. Many of them got very happy; upon which, appointing Capts. Dickinson and Potter and Major Barber, Sachems, they knocked up an Indian dance, at which they yelled much-all this was done within the Fort: Mr. Kirkland and myself sitting in a room con

1

ternoon, who died last night. The scout of which Lt. Stout was commander, who we met yesterday going to the Lake, returned Col. Fisher, with two other gentlemen, arrived here from Johns

town.

Saturday, September 28th.-We had a very heavy white frost this morning. The whole of the men, workmen, batteaux-men, guard, and every other, except the infirm and those on sentry, was ordered upon parade this morning. We assembled at 8 o'clock, and went through the salutes, &c., in the presence of those officers from Johnstown, who were much surprised at the great alertness with which our men performed, considering the hardships and dis advantages we labored under. We had 426 rank and file under arms, who were kindly thanked by the Colonel for their faithful attendance.

We had after exercise a considerable ball play-Colonel, Parson and all. Parade again at 2 o'clock, but soon dismissed.

Lt. Gifford and Ensign Thomas set out for Albany, last Wednesday, as witnesses upon the trial of Col. White, Capts. Patterson and Ross.

Sunday, September 29th, 1776.-Cold stormy day, and I obliged to live in a cold wet marquee, which leaks considerably: whilst the Captain, with the field officers and other great men, have good rooms in barracks. The way of the world. This is what will try a soldier to live in this manner in this cold country: those who never tried these hardships, know not how to prize good shelters and warm fires to defend themselves from the inclemencies of cold and inhospitable climates.

The rain, and not having conveniences within doors, prevented our having any sermon to-day.

In the afternoon all the batteauxs arrived here, and with them came as a guard Capt. Woodbridge and Lieut. Elmer, son to the Colonel, with a number of men. Had some wine in the house, at Roof's, with the officers. Expenses 2s. Had my name sake to sup with me this evening, &c. Wrote a copy of a letter, to be sent to R. T., as the expiration of the time for our nuptials is now

come.

Monday, September 30th, 1776.-Very wet, with an exceeding high wind greater part of last night, and the morning was very blustering; was along with Capt. Woodbridge and Lt. Down at batteaux, and about most of the morning preparing them for their departure, which was accomplished about 11 o'clock. Court Martial was sitting to day in our marquee, Capt. Reading, Presi dent; Members-Lieuts. Quimby, Savage, Bellord, and Ensign Leonard. Jno. Nutter went down with the batteauxs to-day,