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The Virginia Gazette
Richmond, Williamsburg, Richmond County, Virginia
What is this article about?
Letter from Fort Stanwix on June 27 reports no imminent attack but defensive preparations amid friendly Six Nations. Two Indians ambushed and killed private Matthison, wounded and scalped Captain Gregg nearby; dog discovered them, enabling rescue. Oneida and Erie leaders condemn act, blame Tory Indians, and assist in search for perpetrators.
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"There is not at present any appearance of our being attacked by the enemy: We are however making all the preparations for a defence, which the state of the garrison admits. The Six Nations are in general friendly, and seem resolved not to take an active part against us. We are not therefore under any apprehensions from that body of the Indians, though we have reason to fear some mischief will be done by strolling individuals, who do not govern themselves by the sentiments of the nation to which they belong. A recent instance of barbarity seems that this fear is not groundless; I was but just come into the fort, when we received the disagreeable news of the cruel treatment of Captain Gregg, and the murder of one Matthison, an alert private: Two Indians, about three quarters of a mile from the fort, having fired upon them, killed Matthison on the spot, and wounded the Captain in the back; after scalping them both, the savages ran off with precipitation. One of our dogs lighting upon the spot where the unfortunate victims were lying, made the first discovery; running to some of the soldiers, hastening back to the tragical stage, and returning to the soldiers, with every appearance of uneasiness, he excited an anxiety in them to know what might be the cause of such extraordinary motions. This circumstance was the means of saving the life of Captain Gregg; his wounds were immediately dressed, and he now lies under the care of Dr. Woodruff, who treats him with the greatest attention and tenderness; his recovery is probable.
A number of Sachems and warriors from the Oneida Castle and Erie, soon waited upon Col. Gansevoort, and expressed their sorrow for the accident, asserting their innocence, throwing the blame upon the Tory Indians, and declaring their readiness to use every means to discover the murderers and bring them to justice, a number of them went out with our scouting parties, to find out the villains, but they returned without coming up with them."
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Domestic News Details
Primary Location
Fort Stanwix
Event Date
June 27
Key Persons
Outcome
matthison killed on the spot; captain gregg wounded in the back and scalped but rescued and recovery probable; perpetrators escaped; oneida and erie sachems and warriors blame tory indians and assist in search without success.
Event Details
Two Indians ambushed Captain Gregg and private Matthison three quarters of a mile from Fort Stanwix, killing Matthison and wounding Gregg; they scalped both and fled. A dog discovered the scene, leading to Gregg's rescue and treatment. Amid friendly Six Nations, Sachems from Oneida Castle and Erie expressed sorrow to Col. Gansevoort, denied involvement, blamed Tory Indians, and joined scouting parties to find the attackers.