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Story
September 5, 1777
The Virginia Gazette
Williamsburg, Virginia
What is this article about?
Extract of a letter from Albany dated Aug. 18 reports Col. Willett's engagement with the enemy, confirming high casualties exceeding 200, possibly including Sir John Johnson. Details tactics using buckshot cartridges and Indians' drunken state leading to heavy losses.
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FISHKILL, August 21.
Extract of a letter from Albany, Aug. 18.
Since my last I have had the pleasure of seeing col. Willet; he nearly agrees with the account I gave you in my last of the engagement he had with the enemy. He however adds, that from all the accounts he could collect from the Indians and inhabitants near the fort, Sir John Johnson fell in the engagement. The killed and wounded of the enemy in both engagements, from all that can be collected, exceeds 200. Those that were in general Herkimer's aid agree that they killed and wounded that number: for they say that the Indians were more than half drunk, and showed themselves more openly than has ever been known, and the regulars marched on very boldly three deep, and our people, known to Indian wars, placed themselves immediately behind trees, and made great havoc among them, their cartridges being made of three buck shot and a bullet. Some say they have seen three fall at a shot; however, the most moderate computation exceeds 300. The Indians got such a fever after rubbing that the greater part have left them, and are gone home.
Extract of a letter from Albany, Aug. 18.
Since my last I have had the pleasure of seeing col. Willet; he nearly agrees with the account I gave you in my last of the engagement he had with the enemy. He however adds, that from all the accounts he could collect from the Indians and inhabitants near the fort, Sir John Johnson fell in the engagement. The killed and wounded of the enemy in both engagements, from all that can be collected, exceeds 200. Those that were in general Herkimer's aid agree that they killed and wounded that number: for they say that the Indians were more than half drunk, and showed themselves more openly than has ever been known, and the regulars marched on very boldly three deep, and our people, known to Indian wars, placed themselves immediately behind trees, and made great havoc among them, their cartridges being made of three buck shot and a bullet. Some say they have seen three fall at a shot; however, the most moderate computation exceeds 300. The Indians got such a fever after rubbing that the greater part have left them, and are gone home.
What sub-type of article is it?
Military Action
Historical Event
What themes does it cover?
Bravery Heroism
Triumph
What keywords are associated?
Military Engagement
Enemy Casualties
Col Willet
Sir John Johnson
Herkimer
Indians
Buckshot Cartridges
What entities or persons were involved?
Col. Willet
Sir John Johnson
Herkimer
Where did it happen?
Near The Fort
Story Details
Key Persons
Col. Willet
Sir John Johnson
Herkimer
Location
Near The Fort
Event Date
Aug. 18
Story Details
Col. Willet confirms details of engagement with enemy, including possible death of Sir John Johnson; enemy casualties exceed 200-300 due to drunken Indians and bold regulars met by tree-covered American forces using buckshot cartridges; Indians subsequently deserted.