I90I-2.] Joseph Brant in the American Revolution. 399 



made an attack inexpedient, as it was well fortified and had two pieces 

 of cannon mounted. Disappointed in this they advanced to the upper 

 part of the settlement where the rebels had a fort at the house of 

 Hendrick Waldrod which they abandoned. This they immediately 

 burned, and scattering, the Indians destroyed houses till they came to 

 Elias Map's where they had another picketted fort which they likewise 

 burned. The extent of the settlement destroyed was on the Mohawk 

 river in length above two miles and above five in breadth, and contain- 

 ing above 100 houses, two mills, a church and two forts. They took 

 and killed about 300 black cattle and 200 horses besides hogs, poultry, 

 etc., and destroyed a considerable quantity of grain of different kinds. 

 The number of rebels killed and prisoners amounts to about 45. Captain 

 Brant released a number of women and children and having effected 

 this he retired to Butler's Mills about three days since. With the 

 greater part of the Indians he intends to pay the rebels another visit 

 before their return, for which purpose they have divided into seven 

 parties." 



These detachments marched by separate routes against Schoharie, 

 Cherry Valley, and the German Flats, where they took many prisoners, 

 destroyed buildings, and created intense alarm. 



By one of these parties Brant transmitted a threatening message to a 

 militia officer at Schoharie which has been preserved in the Clinton 

 Papers. 



" I understand my friends Hendrick Nuff and Cook are taken 

 prisoners near at Esopus. I would be glad if you will be so kind as 

 to let those people know that took them not to use my friends too hard, 

 for if they will use them hard and hurt them I will certainly pay for it, 

 for we have several rebels in our hands [which] makes [me] mention this 

 for it would be disagreeable for me to hurt my prisoners. Therefore I 

 hope they will not force me." 



Early in September General Haldimand determined to despatch two 

 strong expeditions against the frontier of New York, which were designed 

 to advance simultaneously, one from Crown Point towards Albany, the 

 other from Oswego upon the Mohawk valley. The objects of these 

 movements, he stated, were " to divide the strength that may be brought 

 against Sir H. Clinton, to favour any operations his present situation may 

 enable him to carry out as well as to destroy the enemy's supplies from 

 the late plentiful harvest and to give His Majesty's loyal subjects an 

 opportunity of retiring to this Province." 



