The Pennsylvania packet, or, The general advertiser — Lancaster, Pa.;Philadelphia, Pa., 1781-11-15 00:00:00, page 3

Philadelphia, Nov. 15.
Head Quarters, Continental Village, Novemb r 8, 178,
S I R,
CINCE I had the honour of addressing yenr exolkn
' cy this morning. 1 have received the inclosed papers
from major general lord Sterling, by which Congress
will perceive that the enemy have been compleatly dis
appointed in their defigos oa the northern frontiers of
this date, and defeated with- considerable loss. The
address, galantry, and persevering affinity exhibited
by colonel Willet on this occasion, do him t' r e highest
honour. Tue conduct of major Rewiey, and the brave
militia under his command, at a critical moment, me
rits particular commendations.
I have the honour to be, with the highest refped,
- your.excellency's most obedient servant,
W. HEATH.
His excellency the President of Congress.
Extract of a letter fron major general lord Sterling,
dated Saratoga, November 6,178 b
T HAVE received a letter from colonel Willet, copy of
' which is inclofed. The returns he alludes to were ne
ver sent. The vigilant, prudent cenduß of this officer
through the whole affair was such as reflets the highest
honour upon the military character ; and the essential
service he has done his country will give him a pleas
ing remembrance in every honest bread The number
he has taken, killed and wounded, with the distressed
situation in which he left them, will amount to little
short of a total defeat : eight days march will scarcely
bring them to a country where they can be supplied
with provisions.
(Copy) Fort Rensselaer, November 2, 1781.
My lord,
1 WAVING just returned from pursuing the enemy, my
firft business is to acquaint your lordthip of the par
ticular tranfadions that have taken place in this quar
ter from the time of their firft appearance.
Eight o'clock, P. M. of the 24th ult. I received ad
vice that a considerable body of the enemy were disco
vered in the upper part of the Mohawk diftrid ; every
means was instantly taken to colled the force of the
country, in order to oppose them without loss of time,
so that by one o'clock, the following day, I was
within two miles of Fort Hunter, with between four
and five hundred levies and militia; there I learnt that
the enemy, having burnt several houses and barns at
Warrenjbufh, had crossed the river ata ford some dis
tance below, and were marching to Johnstown. This
obliged me to cross the river as soon as p ffible, and
march by the aborted route to the place whither they
were directing their course. When within two miles of
iohnftown, 1 was informed they were already there,
ad halted, and were busy in killing cattle belonging
to, the inhabitants. Thus situated, I was determined
to. attack th,em as soon as possible ; and ordering the left
wing of the few troops I had, to perform a circuit
through the woods, and fall upon their right flank,
while the right wing advanced in front.
A few minutes brought us in view of them. The troops
of this wing were pushed on to a field adjoining to the
one possessed by the enemy, where they displayed to
the right and advanced in a line towards them, who re
tired with precipitation to a neigbouring wood, closely
pressed by our advance, who began to skirmish with
them while the remainder of the wing was advancing
briskly in two columns.—ln this pleating situation,
without any apparent cause the whole of this wing
turned about and fled, nor was it possible to rally them.
A field-piece, which was left upon a h ight at a small
diflance from the wood to secure a retreat, was aban
doned and fell into the hands of the enemy. At this
critical period, our left wing commanded by major
Rowley ? of the Maffachufett's hate, and composed of
the militia of this county, except about sixty of the
levies of the above state, made their appearance in the
enemy's rear.
These soon regained every thing our right wing had
loft, and more. Night came on, and the enemy retired
into the wood, leaving a great number of their packs
behind them. After marching fix miles, they en
camped on the top of a mountain. By information
from prisoners who made their escape from them in the
night, it appeared to be their intention to strike at
the frontiers of Stone Arabia, in order to furnifh them
selves with provision. This induced me to march.to
that place the next morning, where we remained all
that day and night, without hearing any thing further
from them, than that they were pointing their route
further into the wilderness. I was now sure they were
unable to make any sudden Broke below the Lit
tie-Falls, and in consequence, on the morning of the
27th I removed to the German-Flatts, in order to be be
tween the enemy and their boats, which they had left
at Oneida Creek. On my way I learnt that the par
ty, which I had detached to defiroy them, had return
ed without doing their duty. The 28th was passed in
furnifhing the choicest of the troops with five days pro
visions, and 60 Oneida Indians who had this day joined
me. It now appeared clearly, that the enemy, having
given up the hope of returning to their boats were di
reding their march to Buck's Island, or to Offwagawe
hu. The troops intended to purfoe them, to the
amount of 400, besides Indians, crossed the Mohawk
at Fort Herkimer, and encamped in the woods. The
day following we marched upwards of 20 miles north,
into the woods, through a snow storm, and about 8
o'clock A. M. of the morning of the 30th, we fell in
with the enemy, between their rear guard and a detach
ment of 40 men with some Indians. Tnefe, it was in
tended should procure a frefh supply of provisions, and
follow after their troops, who were to continue their
route. Some of this party were taken, some kill d,
and the rest dispersed. Their main body Lt out on a
trot in Indian file, and were pursued as warmly and
closely as possible, until quite night. Our pursuit they
but once endeavoured to resist, which was at a very
bad ford on Canada Creek, woere they est major Wal
ter Butler and several more. (This is the fame Butler
who commanded the massacre at Cherry Valley in No
vembe 1778.) We have loft but one man on the pur
suit. Our Indians were very ufeful, and behaved with
their ufoal -rierfnefs upon such occasions, Your iord
fhip knows they are the best cavalry for the eryjee of
the wilderness. Strange as it may appear it is true,
that notwithflanding the enemy had been four day, in
the wilderness with only half a pound of horse flefh
per man per day, yet in this famished fixation they
trotted 30. miles before they flopped. Many of rth'em
indeed fell a fa/rimce to such treatment. Thfir packs
and blankets were Brewed through the woods All
their horses, except five which were sent a confidfrac
ble diflance forward in th^ir van, with their wounded
and a few prisoners, fell into our hands.
In this filiation I left the unfortunate major Ross;
unfortunate I call him; for he was furelyrfo in taking
charge of so fine a detachment of men to execute so
dirty and trifling a piece of business as be was sent on,
at fuco immense hazard and exquisite toil. To fatigue
the bra°e troops any longer appeared unnecefftry.
The enemy who continued their flight great part of
the night, had got greatly the flart of us, and almost
certain deftrudion appeared before them—A seven
days march, rivers passable but upon rafts, a barren
wilderness, in an inclement season of the year, to be
encountered with before they can obtain any provisi
ons; besides, our situation, bad we pursued them a
day or two longer, might become little better than
their's; for our Indians, and many of the troops, in
order to pursue them with greater vigour, had thrown
aside their blankets and provisions, which were n>w
twenty miles or more in their rear: in fine, we left
them in a situation, perhaps, more suited to their de
mrit than a musket, a bail, a tomahawk, or captivity.
I fhail not attempt to give your lordship an account
of the whole of the enemy's loss from the beginning to
the end of the affair. The fields of Johnstown, the
brooks and rivers, the hills and mountains, the deep
and gloomy marshes through which they had to pass;
these must tell—these only can tell ; and, perhaps,'at
least the officer, whoever he is, that detached them on
this paltry expedition. The desolate region they tra
versed in their flight, while we were pursuing them,
lies upwards of thirty miles north of Fort Schuyler.
It would be wrong in me to close this letter, with
out assuring your lordthip, that the troops in general,
who were with me on this service, supported the great
fatigues they bad to encounter, with a 'oldier-like for
titude. To Andrew Frink, esquire, formerly a cap.
tain in colonel Van Schaick's regiment, but at present
a magistrate in this county, who perform'd the service
of a brigade major, I am under gregt obligations, for
his particular attention, great diligence, and manly
deportment, .through the whole of this expedition.
Inclofed is a particular return of the force of the ene
my ; returns of our killed and wounded, and such as
fhail be proper to transmit to four lordship, Ihall be
sent forward as soon as collected.
I remain, with sentiments of the greatest
esteem and refpeft,
Your Lordship's very humble servant,
MARINUS WILLET.
The hon. major general
lord STERLING.
FORCE of the Enemy ; taken from Walter Butler's
Pocket-Book.
'Eighth Regiment 25
Thirty- fourth ditto 100
Eighty-fourth ditto, Highlanders 30
Sir John's 120
Lake's Independent ' 40
Butler's Rangers 150
Yaugers 12
Indians 130
607
Published by order of Congress,
CHARLES THOMSON, Sec'ry.
Yesterday came on the election of Pre
sident and Vice-Ptefident of the Supreme
Executive Council of this Rate, when his
Excellency WILLIAM MOORE, Esquire,
was chosen President, and the Honourable
JAMES POTTER, Esquire, was chosen
Vice-I resident. Proclamation thereof was
made at the Court-houle in this city at one
o'clock, whereupon the bells were rung,
the artillery discharged, and other 'de
monftrations of joy were exhibited on the
occasion.
Tuesday morning lafi, John Moody was executed on
the common near this city, agreeable to the usage of
nations, which adjudge death to every spy ; Lawrence
_Marr, who was included in the order for execution,
and also convided, by the fame authority, of being a
spy, is respited for a few days. One part of the mis
sion of these men, who were employed by that blot
upon humanity, Arnold, and whom, we hear, were
to receive 500 guineas each, if fuccefsful, was to rob the
of the secretary to Congress.
*** The Subferibers to the City Assembly, will
please to take notice that the firfl assembly will be on
THURSDAY the 15th infant, at. the City Tavern.
The rooms will be open at Six o'clock in the Evening.
No strangers can be admitted without a ticket figu
ed by one of the managers. No tickets will be deliver
ed at the rooms, but to officers of the allied armies.
Nov. 12-
*, Dr. Rufh's Lectures upon Chemiflry, and the
practice of Physic, will begin on Monday next, at
3 o'clock in the Afternoon.
®2©@@^@®@®@©&®@©@©
To be RENTED or SOLD,
A Large, commodious three story H OUS E, in a
good sand in Second-iireet, Enquire of the
Printer.
'JUST IMPORTED,
In the last Vellels from Europe,
AND TO BE SOLD, by
IWILLIAM 1 WILLIAM NICHOLS,
At hie STORE, on the Nprih Side of Market-street,
oppefite the Indian King,
A Large and General Assortment of the
FOLLOWING ARTICLES, viz.
SCARLET, brown,
'purple, black, green,
blur, light coloured, fu
pefi he and second B? oad
cloths,
Scarlet, brown, blue,
light and coloured fu
perfine Knaps & Coat
ingi.
Blue, grey, light and
scarlet Duffils & Frizes,
White, buff and scarlet
Caffmers and Wiltons,
Crimson, brown, blue,
striped, black; spotted
and corded Velvets and
Velvcrets,
Olive & white Corduroys,
Tickiets and Durcons,
Barragons,
Childrens worfled Hose,
Pink, blue, black and
c'oth coloured Daoys,
Prunellas and Durants,
Tammies and Sattinets,
Crimson, green, sky-blue
and pink Ruffels, Mo
reen* and Callimancoes,
Jeans, Fithian* and Beav
ers,
Camblets and Hairbines'
of all colours and fine
n-fs,
Cooled Worsteds and
Everlaft ngs,
Surges and Serge de Jeans,
Blue and white Plains and
Halfthicks,
7-8, 3 4, and apron-wide
cotton & linen Checks,
Ao assortment of Irish
Linens,
Fine and coarse Hollands.
Yard and half yard and
3 8 brown and white
Sheetings,
Brittannias and Plattella
royals,
Lavals, Penturies, Ozna
brigs and Ticklenburgs,
Siil and Duck Cloth,
Marseilles Quilting,
Plain and corded Dimities
and Diapers,
Wide and narrow Russia
Sheetings, Dowlafs and
Flanders Ticking,
Jaconet a nd book Mullins,
Tapes, Bobbins & Laces,
Plain and figured K-ot
ings, kenting Handker
chiefs and Catgut,
Plain & millionet Lawns,
Cambrick,
Said NICHOLS returns his bes
Thanks to thole who have heretofore^
voured him with their Custom, and hopes,
in future, from his Attention to Business,
and Willingness to Rleafe, that it will be
the Interest of his Customers to continue
their Favou r.
Haym Salomon, Broker,
At bis office in Front-fireet, between Market
and Arch Greets,
DUZS and fell# Bills of Exchange on France, or any
" other part of Earope : Likewise all kinds of Mer
chandize.
He also, difeounts inland Bills or Drafts, and has it
often in hispo#er to procure Money on Loan for a (hurt
time.
Any gentlemen who may be pleafrd to favour him
with their bufineh, may depend on his utmost exertions
for their interest ; part of the money advanced if re
baired.
TO BIT L E~T, a"
Small plantation in the Northern
L berties, three mdes from toun, with a fine young
Orchard,! large Gaidm, and four acers of choice Land;
all in the belt orcto, and good fence; together with a
v~ry neat bri.k Tenement, with out-Houses, Well,
Oven, &c. all compleat. Enquire of the Printer.
TAKEN up this Morning, in the river
Delaware, about halt way between the island
opposite the city and the Jersey shore, a round bottom
ed BOAT, about 15 fert long, not painted, and teems
•0 be pretty much weather beaten. The owner is de
sired to apply to John Labateaux, nc:r the Draw-bridge,
pay Qar„cs and take her anaj. Oft 3%
Millionet Handkerchief*
and figured Apren Pat
terns,
Plain and figured Gauzes
and gauze Handker
chiefs,
Womens Gloves of all co
lours,
Ditto fiik Mitts,
Mens 6ik Gloves,
A beautiful Assortment
of dark and light
Chintzes,
Elegant chintz Bed-pat
terns,
Fine and coarse Calicoes
and Cottons,
Ginghams and Bengalis,
Nankeens and Dxmafcus,
Ducapes, Pad uafoys, Man
tua#, Luteftrings, Bo
cades, Model and Taf
fities,
Green, blue, claret,
bloom, orange, and
white 2-4 and 34 ell
Persians and Sarfnets,
Pekings, Mexicans and
Mufflemans,
Ell wide Persians, black
and coloured,
Mens, women and child
rens cotton and thread
Hole,
Elegant Tambour Waist
coat Patterns,
Best Sewing-fi!k,
Black Thread,
Coloured ditto,
Silk and linen Handkes
chiefs,
Black and coloured Bar
celona ditto,
Best scars Twist, Mohair
and Buttons,
Black and white Blond
Laces and Edgings,
Thread ditto,
Painted, figured and plain
Ribbands,
Superfine, second and
cosrie Bolting-Cloths,
Plated Buttons,
Skelleton and hoop Wire,
Best Tully Gartering,
Cotton Cord and Toffelt,
Bandana, silk and cotton
Romalls,
Quality and narrow Bind
ings and Ferrets,
; Snuff Boxes,
With many other Arti
cles, too tedious to enu
merate.