The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle

NEW-YORK. April 2. Some few days ago came to town, one John Dunham, a poor man, who gives the following Account of himself, which from the vouchers he has to produce, appears to be true, viz. That he was born in Cornwall in England, and bro't up in the business of a miner, that about 15 years ago he came to New-York, and worked in Col. Schuyler's mines, Where he continued about six years ; that he then went to Boston and New-Hampshire, where he listed for a soldier under Major Rogers, with whom he has continued almost ever since, (about seven years) and was at the taking of Niagara, &c. That on Major Rogers's return from England, he attended him and his family from New-Hampshire to Michilimackinac (where he resides) and the other forts under his government. That about three months ago, Major Rogers went with 13 men, of whom this Dunham was one, to about three miles distance from the fort, when they fell into an ambuscade of 100 or 150 Towhou Indians, who fired upon them several times. The small party returned the fire as well as they could. but six of them were killed, four of them wounded, (of which this Dunham was one, who had both his jaws shattered to pieces by a musket ball, and was left among the dead) and Major Rogers Was taken prisoner : him, against whom the Indians had a particular resentment, they reserved till they should get home, when they intended to make a sacrifice of him, and indulge themselves in all the cruelty of inveterate revenge. During this irregular firing, which lasted some considerable time, and was heard at the fort, a detachment of 50 men from thence had time to come up, who in some measure got behind the Indians, and fired upon them : The Indians, not knowing the number by whom they were attacked, after receiving a few fires, precipitately fled. leaving 4 of their number dead behind them,& 2 Frenchmen who were among them, were made prisoners & carried to the fort, where Major Rogers also arrived,having found an opportunity to make his escape. After examination, the Frenchmen Were discharged; having satisfied Major Rogers, that they fell accidentally into company with the Indians, Were not privy to their design, nor assisted them in attacking the English. Eight of our people were killed in the whole, and some wounded. Soon after; Major Rogers sent out two officers with 100 men to reconnoitre the enemy, and with orders to proceed to their settlement, lying about 120 miles South from the fort, to know the cause of this act of hostility, and to endeavour to accommodate all matters of difference.