In the Current of the Revolution 27 



the tories McKee, Elliot, and Girty, who had fled 

 together from Pittsburg 8 ; they all three warred 

 against their countrymen with determined ferocity. 

 Girty won the widest fame on the border by his cun- 

 ning and cruelty; but he was really a less able foe 

 than the two others. McKee in particular showed 

 himself a fairly good commander of Indians and 

 irregular troops; as did likewise an Englishman 

 named Caldwell, and two French partisans, De- 

 Quindre and Lamothe, who were hearty supporters 

 of the British. 



Hamilton and his subordinates, both red and 

 white, were engaged in what was essentially an 

 effort to exterminate the borderers. They were not 

 endeavoring merely to defeat the armed bodies of 



8 Haldimand MSS. Hamilton's letter, April 25, 1778. 



"April the 2oth Edward Hayle (who had undertaken to 

 carry a letter from me to the Moravian Minister at Kushayh- 

 king) returned, having executed his commission he brought 

 me a letter & newspapers from Mr. McKee who was Indian 

 agent for the Crown and has been a long time in the hands 

 of the Rebels at Fort Pitt, at length has found means to 

 make his escape with three other men, two of the name of 

 Girty (mentioned in Lord Dunmore's list) interpreters & 

 Matthew Elliott the young man who was last summer sent 

 down from this place a prisoner. This last person I am in- 

 formed has been at New York since he left Quebec, and prob- 

 ably finding the change in affairs unfavorable to the Rebels, 

 has slipp'd away to make his peace here. 



"23d Hayle went off again to conduct them all safe through 

 the Villages having a letter & Wampum for that purpose. 

 Alexander McKee is a man of good character, and has great 

 influence with the Shawanese is well acquainted with the 

 country & can probably give some useful intelligence, he 

 will probably reach this place in a few days." 



