The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1876-03-04
8nstorical
THE BATTLE OF WYOMING.

II the beautiful valley of Wyoming,
several miles north Of Wilkesbarre, on the
western bank of the Susquehan no, stands
4 plain but massive mo nument, bearing
the following inscription "Near this
SPOT was fought on the after noon Of Friday,
the 3d day of July, 177s, The BATTLE
Oh WYoMINa, in which small band of
patriot Americans, chiefly the undiscip-
lned, the youthful, and the aged, spared,
by iseficiency, from the distant ranks of
DO Republic, led by Colonel zebulon But
Ior and Colonel Nathan Denison, with a
courage that deserved success, boldly met
and bravely fought combined British,
Tory, and Indian force of thrice their
number. Numerical superiority alone
save success to the invader, and wide
Srtchd havoc, desolation and ruin marked
his savage aud bloody footsteps through
ihe valley. This monument, commemo-
r1tive Of these events, and of the actors in
fholn, Las been erected over the bones Of
,hc Jain by their descendants and others,
rho greatfully appreciate the service and
aacri6ces Of their patriot ancestors"
handing at the base of this monument,
the visitor may gaze around upon land
ncapc of almost enchanting loveliness. No
wonder, he thinks, that Indian tribes
shoaId be loath to leave paradise like
(his. No wonder that early settlers, look
ing Down upon it from the heights of some
Of the surrounding mountains, should, like
Lot when he lifted up his eyes upon the
well watered Jordan plain, regard this
valley as the very garden of the Lord.
Hisher the distinguished Count Zinzen-
dorf- probably the first white man that
ever visited the place--fouud his way in
1742, to bring the Gospel to the Indians.
Hffher came also, in 1862, small colony
of emigrants from Connecticut; but they
Nere attacked by the savages, and expell-
"a from the valley in less than two years
thsreafter. Subsequently other compan-
ioos from Connecticut entered and settled
Ip the valley, not, however, without a
1pkited opposition from numerous bands
nf Pennsylyanians. The fair valley was
@tveted by other American pioneers, and
e long dispute between Pennsylvania
~ Connecticut over the right of soil was
&I<6hded by other wars than those with
1iAns and Tories,
hen, in l776, the Revolutionary War
b progress, and the American lnde.
1enee declared, the .:Pennymite and
Zee War was suspended by reason Of
r. sterner conflict which shook the entire
1 At that time the population Of the
oning Valley was little more than
souls. The Indian tribes took part
( Great Britain against the colonies
at once the Wyoming settlers had
IS for alarm. Such an exposed from
puld scarcely hope to remain unmo
The neighboring savages, who
>< pen peaceably disposed, began to be
@d|Fpt and show signs of hostility. Sew
n most unwelcome settlers, Of Tory
'nIties, located in the upper part of thu
}1| and every day the signs of danger
81 bnrposed evil became more and more
I|Iarent. Two companies Of soldiers were
led for the defense of the settlement
IS BE gloom that overspread the Ameri
~ csuse at the close of the year l77(
IA (he Continental Congress to ordel
~ companies to join Gen. Washington
all possible expedition Withou
1I(ation, without murmur, these troops
1Ipprising the principal ablebodied mel
q The settlement, marched away to th'
eotsof war, All through the anxious
~qllhs Of l777 the Wyoming colony wal
(<z jn such defenseless state. Bar
E 6II|e's invasion in the Northeast drew
81 Intention Of the Indians for the tint
Dat quarter, but utter the surrender o
~ General there wus every reason to be
"a the dreaded footsteps of the sayage'
lld ut once be turned toward this ex
ID frontier Congress was upprized o
danger, but strangely failed to sen'
sled help. In the early spring Of 177s
hors of savage invasion became NOR
more alarming. At length, on tn
day Of june, large body of British
Dvincials, Tories aud Indians, (the last
|ng most numerous, under the command
Col, John Butler, took possession o
upper part Of the valley. A counci
waf wns called, aud Col, Zebulon But
Of the American army, then ut home
command. Some advised that tn
lers should strengthen themselves II
fort, aud maintain a defensive attitud
I the absent militia should come t
Il help Others we're for attacking
enemy without delay, urging that thei
Ntiful valley would soon be laid waste
their haryesis all destroyed Th
1nsels of The latter prevailed; but the
in ignorance Of the strength Of thei
The enemy had been careful !