1892-93.] MEMOIR OF CAPTAIN WALTER BUTLER. 289 



ness and misconduct, as well as to provide for the safety of his own men, 

 became Butler's first duty in this distressing situation. He quickly 

 assembled the rangers, and after destroying an abandoned blockhouse, 

 took possession of a rising ground near the fort. It was then about 

 noon, and he found it necessary to retain possession until nightfall, while 

 his men were stiffened with cold and drenched by the pitiless November 

 rain. Meanwhile the valley for many miles was ablaze with burning 

 houses. Released from the constraint imposed upon them by the pre- 

 sence of the troops, the Indians quickly threw off the control of their 

 chiefs, and the handful of white officers attached to them, and began to 

 execute indiscriminate vengeance for the recent destruction of their 

 villages. Many of the hapless inhabitants, including some women and 

 children, were killed, and the lives of the remainder saved with much 

 difficulty. When at last night came, Butler ventured to retire about a 

 mile, having for six hours overawed by his defiant attitude a force of at 

 least double his numbers, which had every incentive that passion could 

 furnish to leave their intrenchments and attack him. He next rescued 

 as many of the prisoners as possible from the hands of their captors. 

 Large fires were built for their comfort, and they were protected by a 

 strong guard during the remainder of the night. 



At day-break, Captain McDonnell, with fifty rangers, and Brant with 

 an equal number of Indians, were despatched to complete the work of 

 destruction. The remainder of the Indians and the weakest men among 

 the rangers were directed to begin their retreat in charge of a great herd 

 of captured cattle destined for the supply of the famished garrison of 

 Fort Niagara. The main body of the rangers was formed near the fort 

 to repel a sortie. But even the sight of fresh ravages failed to draw out 

 the garrison, and when at length every building outside the fort was con- 

 sumed, Butler quietly began his homeward march. So slight had been 

 the resistance they encountered that only two rangers and three Indians 

 were wounded. 



Before he finally left the valley Butler released seven men, ten women, 

 and thirty-two children whom he had recovered from the Indians with a 

 letter addressed to General Schuyler, in which he said : — 



" I am induced by humanity to permit the persons whose names I 

 send you herewith to remain, lest the inclemency of the season and 

 their naked and helpless situation should prove fatal to them, and 

 expect that you will release an equal number of our people in your 

 hands, amongst whom I expect you will permit Mrs. Butler and family 

 to come to Canada, but if you insist upon it, I do engage to send you 

 moreover an equal number of prisoners of yours taken either by the 



