Ruddlesforters

I have finally found the depositions regarding the trial of Captain Isaac
Ruddell. Once I get them transcribed I'll send them to the list. It shouldn't
take too long. They are part of the Governor Benjamin Harrison Papers. I also
found a letter by Lieutenant Thomas Machan (Mahan) regarding provisions of
the prisoners during their stay in Winchester, VA in 1783. Here's a summary
of the records:

1. Letter of Isaac Zane to Governor Harrison, January 14, 1783
- Deposition of John Machan
- Deposition of John Dunkin
- Deposition of Judith La Force
- Deposition of Christiana Gatliff
- Deposition of Willim McGuire

2. Deposition of John Dougharty before Edward McGuire, January 13, 1783

3. Certificate of John Machan, February 25, 1783
- regarding rations for Canadian prisoners while at Winchester.
===============================

Here are a few more letters from the British giving a little more insight
into the expedition against Ruddell's and Martin's Stations. There are a few
more letters from Bird which I don't have copies of which are dated I believe
in May of 1780. They are located in the Historical Collections of the
Michigan Pioneer and Historical Society.

Jim Sellars

Historical Collections of the
Michigan Pioneer and Historical
Society, vol. 9.

De Peyster, Arent S.
Letter to Sinclair, March 12, 1780.
pp. 378-379.

DETROIT the 8 March 1780.
SIR,

I think it necessary to send the Express by Land, to acquaint your Excellency
with my having received a Letter, from Mons Louis Chevallier of St Joseph's
(brought by his son Aimable) acquainting me with the Rebels having totally
evacuated the Illinois country. Thirty Indians also arrived from the Omat,
and Post Vincent, in consequence of my Invitation, they are now on their way
back, having promised that the Rebels shall not recross the Wabash.

Lieut Caldwell of the King's Regt Capt McKee, Mr Elliot, the three Girtys, &
about fifty Indians, consisting of the principal chiefs of the Mingoes,
Shawnese & Delawares are also arrived, who reports that the Rebels failed in
their attempt to establish a Fort at Cooshocking, but that they had quite
surrounded the Indian Hunting ground of Kintuck, by having built small Forts
at two days journey from each other as will appear by the Indian Map of that
country.

The Indians further say that the rebels intend to cross the ohio in the
spring, & build a fort at two days journey from their principal Village on
the Little Miami. They therefore require of their Father to fulfill the
promise made by former Commandants who assured him that when the Enemy should
approach their Villages, Troops should be sent to their assistance, they
produced Lt. Governor Hamilton's Belt and other strings to this effect, as a
proof of their assertion, saying that it was now time to fulfill the promise,
or they would be shortly under the disagreeable necessity of falling back and
thereby become a burden to their father or else quit their ground & go to the
Southward.

The principal Chiefs of the Hurons. Pottawatamies, Chippawas, Ottawas,
Ouiattons, Miamis, Ouiats and the Pirorias, with the Keekapoos, being present
in Council declared, that if I would send a few Soldiers, 'till a larger body
could be spared, they would all rise & assist their elder brothers, and act
in conjunction in future for the good of the King's Service. I see the
necessity of sending some soldiers & I therefore propose to send one Capt.
one Lieut. & about fifty men with two small pieces of ordnance to help them
to knock down the Pickets of the first Fort.

To this party I shall add all the Indian officers and as many volunteers as
may offer from the Settlement- this may for a while keep up the spirits of
the Indians, 'till you Excellency's pleasure is further known.

Their route shall be up the Glise and down the Great Miamis to the Ohio. I
flatter myself that this early movement, if accompanied by the great number
of savages I expect, will facilitate Lt. Gov'r Sinclair's partys in their
enterprises down the Mississippi, divert the attention of many from Niagara &
be of some use to B. Gen. Campbell, if he has not already taken New Orleans.

The Wabash Indians & some from Michilimakinac have promised to amuse Mr.
Clark at the falls. I wait 'till the mouth of the Miami is clear from ice to
send of this Party.

An Express is arrived from Michilimackinac, which I have the honour to
forward.

I am Sir, with great respect
Your Excellency's most humble & obed't Serv't
At. S. DE PEYSTER
To His Excellency the Comm'd in Chief.

endorsed:- A 1780. From Major De Peyster 8th March Rec'd 17th May By Express
[B 122 p 467]

Historical Collections of the
Michigan Pioneer and Historical
Society, vol. 9.

De Peyster, Arent S.
Letter to Sinclair, March 12, 1780.
pp. 580-581.

DETROIT 12th March 1780
DEAR SIR-

I am favoured with your letters of 15th Feb'y. Missabogs arrived on the 7th
Inst. with Thebault. I have detained him whilst I could dispatch an express
to Niagara, in hopes also that my express might return from thence in time to
send with him, but I have given over hopes therefore least Assin grow
impatient, I now dispatch your Courier.

If it was in my power to send or encourage Artificers to go to
Michilimackinac, I would readily do it, but I am at a loss for a number
sufficient to carry on the necessary works here. I have passed the word for
Cannon & ammunition & Capt. Grant has forwarded your letter to Lt. Col.
Bolton, and to the Commissioner without whose order, nothing more than a
supply of Pitch, Oakum & such trifles, for the repairing Batteaus, or the
vessels stationed at your Post, can be sent.
When I Commanded I was never able until the last year to obtain wherewith to
repair a Batteau, I wish you better luck.

I am sorry to hear that the Wiandot has not yet arrived at Michilimackinac,
should she still make her appearance, you will then have more than your
Proportion of Rum, but should she be lost on short notice you shall have some
sent to you.

Your movements down the ------- shall be seconded from this place, by my
sending a part of the Garrison with some small Ordnance. All the Indian
officers, & as many volunteers as can be got, Joined by a very considerable
body of Indians.

Their Route shall be to the Ohio, which they shall cross & attack some of the
Forts, which surround the Indian Hunting ground in Kentuck. I have had the
Wabash Indians here by invitation, they have promised to keep Clarke at the
Falls, about sixty of the Michilimackinac Indians have been here upon a
visit, some of them have engaged to join the Wabash Indians. It would be
therefore wrong in me to send any message to La Fourch. As I am convinced you
will see more of them in the Spring than can possibly?? [the rest not
included]

Extract of a letter from Capt. Bird to Major De Peyster dated Ottawa Village
first landing on the Glaize.

24th July 1780.

Grey arrived here this day, we have made out so far very well, having left
the Forks within a day's march of the Fort we took the first of July, and
with fourteen days hard working arrived at the Standing Stone, which is an
hundred and twenty miles against a very bad and rappid River. All the other
delays were occasioned, by the Transportation of the Artillery Stores &c.
which we have got to Monsr Lorimiers by going and returning with the few
horses Capt. Hare brought us.

The provisions we had were of infinite service - three days after we arrived
at Standing Stone our Provisions were out. His stock will serve us to the
entrance of the Miamis, where your goodness, Sir, has provided for us.

The Waters are so low they will not furnish sufficient for a Bark Canoe
within 50 miles of Monsr Lorimiers.

I have left Bombardiers Robinson, Crow & Gallougher, who stay Volunteers with
the guns - until rains make the waters sufficient for their transportation,
there are two paragues here for them. Col. Clarke arrived within a day or so
of the time I marked for his certain arrival. Capt. Hinxon who made his
escape from us, had candour sufficient to tell Col. Clarke, he and the
Prisoners were treated in so different manner from what they expected, that
had not his Family been at the Falls, he would have preferred going with us
to Detroit.

I have much news from the private conversation with the Prisoners, and other
means, respecting the situation of the country, their Force and manner of
making Levies &c. &c. many of the Prisoners would not take the oath to
Congress, I don't believe we have more than two Families really Rebels, their
names McGuire and Mahon - the rest are composed of good Farmers with extreme
industrious Familes who are desirous of being settled in Detroit with some
Land. They fled, they say, from persecution, & declare if Government will
assist them to get them on foot as Farmers, they will, as Militia, faithfully
defend the country that affords them protection.
[B100, p 436]

PRIOR TO THE ATTACK ON RUDDLES STATION:

LETTER - by Capt Henry Bird to Major De Peyster

Ohio River, June 11th, 1780

Sir:
After two days councilling whether they would proceed immediately to the Falls, or attack the Forts on Licking Creek, the Indians have determined for Licking Creek, & tomorrow by day break, we move up the Stream. I confess to you, my patience have received very severe shocks, and would have been long ago exhausted, had I (p. 408) not had so excellent an example before me as the one Capt[ain] McKee sets - indeed he manages Indians & [ ??] - I never saw his fellow. It is now 16 days since I arrived at the Forks, appointed by the Indians to meet, & by one ridiculous delay or the other, they have prolonged or retarded to this day.

Mons. Le Duc has behaved extremely well in every respect, and has been very serviceable in making shafts & repairing carriages, in which matters he offered his services. You seemed, Sir, to have an inclination to serve him on our leaving Detroit. I don't doubt that you will on his return find him worthy your notice. There has not a man in the Party proved of more service than Mr. Reynolds - civil in every respect - and attentive - an excellent woodsman & no doubt a good soldier. He was before quite out of his element.

Mr. Baby delivered me on setting out three or four strands, some worsted, three glasses, and some other little things for Logan, which by bringing in a blanket so far got all broke & spoiled; they wont never have answered as a present. What was good of the shirts, strands or blankets, (p. 409) I gave to different Indians, and told Logan what you intended, but the inconvenience of carriage in our present situation made you defer it, till his return to Detroit.

I hope, Sir, my next will inform you of success in our undertakings, 'tho their attack on the little forts, their number being so great, is mean of them. The old prisoner, the bearer of this, is given up by the Shawanese - He endeavoured to escape and give intelligence of our approach to the Rebels. Nothing but our presence saved his life. After the treatment he got from us, he proved himself a deceitful old villain. Capt[ain] McKee begs his compliments.

I am, Sir, with respect
Your most obedient and
Most Humble Servant
(signed) Henry Bird
Major De Peyster
 

F315 Endorsed: Copy of a Letter from Major De Peyster To Lt. Col. Bolton, dated at Detroit June 27th 1780, also, another Dated the 4th July - Likewise Copy of a Letter from Capt. Bird to Major De Peyster, dated Ohio River June 11th 1780. No. 6.

Story - John McFall's "Long Shot" at Ruddel's Fort - 24 Jun 1780

John McFall's "Long Shot" at Ruddel's Fort

Another incident preserved is the successful long shot made by John McFall which killed
Thomas McCarty who was with Alexaner McKee's advanced party at Ruddell's Station on
June 24, 1780. Captain Bird wrote in his report:

"I had before that day entreated every Indian officer that appeared to have influence among the savages to persuade them not to engage with the Fort until the Guns were up - fearing, if any were killed, it might exasperate the Indians & make them commit cruelties when the Rebels surrendered. Poor McCarty, in every other respect an extreme, attentive, serviceable fellow, perished by disobeying this order."

Michael Baker, whose parents were prisoners at Detroit, later recalled the story of John McFall's long shot which killed Thomas McCarty:

"McCarty... secreted himself in a big tree, which he had climbed, sufficiently near the fort to shoot one or two who had too incautiously exposed themselves - when John McFall in the fort, discovered McCarty, and with his large musket well loaded with bullets & buckshot, brought him down dead."
(Lyman Draper's interview with Michael Baker, Draper MSS 4S:159)

John M.Ruddell, son of Stephen Ruddell, recalled the aftermath of the shooting:
"A long shot killed a white of the British party - and when the guns were stacked, Bird desired Capt. Ruddell to point out the gun that had performed the successful shot of three or four hundred yards and Bird had it largely ornamented with silver on his return and kept it for his personal use."

(Lyman Draper's interview with John M. Ruddell, 1868, Draper MSS 22S:41-52)

AFTER THE ATTACK ON RUDDLES STATION:

LETTER - by Capt Henry Bird to Major De Peyster

Letter from Capt. Henry Bird
To Major De Peyster
From the Ohio, opposite Licking Creek
July 1st, 1780

Source: National Archives of Canada
Copied from British Library (formerly British Museum)
Haldimand Papers
MG21, Add. Mss. 21760 (B-100), pp. 410-413

Submitted by Lois Sutherland Wark, Philadelphia, 28 June 1999

From the Ohio, opposite Licking Creek, July 1st 1780

Sir,

After fatigues, which only those that were present can entertain a proper idea of, we arrived before Fort Liberty the 24th [of] June. I had before that day entreated every Indian officer that appeared to have influence among the savages to persuade them not to engage with the Fort untill the Guns were up - fearing, if any were killed, it might exasperate the Indians & make them commit cruelties when the Rebels surrendered.

Poor McCarty, in every other respect an extreme, attentive, serviceable fellow, perished by disobeying this order. An Indian was shot through the arm. The Three Pounder was not sufficient - our People raised a battery of rails & earth, within 80 yards of the Fort, taking some advantage of a very violent storm of rain, which prevented them being seen clearly. They stood two discharges of the little gun, which only cut down a spar and stuck the shot in the side of a house. When they saw the Six Pounder moving across the field, they immediately surrendered - they thought the 3-Pounder a swivel the Indians & their (p. 411) Department had got with them. The conditions granted - that their lives should be saved, and themselves taken to Detroit - I forewarned them that the Savages would adopt some of their children. The Indians gave in Council the cattle for Food for our People, & the Prisoners - and were not to enter till the next day: But whilst Capt[ain] McKee and myself were in the Fort settling these matters with the poor People, they rushed in, tore the poor children from their Mothers' breasts, killed a wounded man, and every one of the cattle, leaving the whole to stink.

We had brought no pork with us, & were now reduced to great distress, & the poor Prisoners in danger of being starved.

I talked hardly to them of their breach of promise. But however, we marched to the next fort, which surrendered without firing a gun. The same promises were made & broke in the same manner. Not the pound of meat & near 300 Prisoners. Indians breaking into the Forts, after the Treaties were concluded. The Rebels ran from the next fort, and the Indians burnt it. They then heard news of Col. Clark's coming against them & proposed returning, which indeed (p. 412) had they not proposed, I must have insisted on, as I had then fasted some time & the Prisoners in danger of starving. Mud and rains rotted our people's feet. The Indians almost all left us within a day's march of the enemy. It was with difficulty I procured a guide thro the woods. I marched the poor women & children 20 miles in one day over very high mountains, frightening them with frequent alarms to push them forward. In short, Sir, by water and land, we came with all our cannon &c. 90 miles in four days, one day out of which we lay by entirely, rowing 50 miles the last day. We have no meat, and must subsist on flour; if there is nothing for us at Lorrimers, I am out of hope of getting any Indians to hunt or accompany us. However George Girty I detain to assist me. I could, Sir, by all accounts have gone through the whole country without any opposition, had the Indians preserved the cattle. Everything is safe so far, but we are not yet out of reach of pursuit, as a very smart fellow escaped from me within 26 miles of the enemy. Provisions and peraugues we (p. 413) shall want at the Glaize, and the vessel at the mouth of the Miami.

I refer you to the bearer for particulars &c. I am, Sir, with respect Your most obedient Servant

(Signed)
Henry Bird
Major De Peyster
#
Extract of a letter from Capt. Bird to Major De Peyster dated Ottawa Village first landing on the Glaize.

24th July 1780.

Grey arrived here this day, we have made out so far very well, having left the Forks within a day's march of the Fort we took the first of July, and with fourteen days hard working arrived at the Standing Stone, which is an hundred and twenty miles against a very bad and rappid River. All the other delays were occasioned, by the Transportation of the Artillery Stores &c. which we have got to Monsr Lorimiers by going and returning with the few horses Capt. Hare brought us.

The provisions we had were of infinite service - three days after we arrived at Standing Stone our Provisions were out. His stock will serve us to the entrance of the Miamis, where your goodness, Sir, has provided for us.

The Waters are so low they will not furnish sufficient for a Bark Canoe within 50 miles of Monsr Lorimiers.

I have left Bombardiers Robinson, Crow & Gallougher, who stay Volunteers with the guns - until rains make the waters sufficient for their transportation, there are two paragues here for them. Col. Clarke arrived within a day or so of the time I marked for his certain arrival. Capt. Hinxon who made his escape from us, had candour sufficient to tell Col. Clarke, he and the Prisoners were treated in so different manner from what they expected, that had not his Family been at the Falls, he would have preferred going with us to Detroit.

I have much news from the private conversation with the Prisoners, and other means, respecting the situation of the country, their Force and manner of making Levies &c. &c. many of the Prisoners would not take the oath to Congress, I don't believe we have more than two Families really Rebels, their names McGuire and Mahon - the rest are composed of good Farmers with extreme industrious Familes who are desirous of being settled in Detroit with some Land. They fled, they say, from persecution, & declare if Government will assist them to get them on foot as Farmers, they will, as Militia, faithfully defend the country that affords them protection. [B100, p 436]

 TOP
A BIT OF HISTORY OF CAPT BIRD:

DISPOSITIONS:

Ruddlesforters

Library of Virginia - Governor's Letters Received, June 29, 1776 - November
30, 1784. The original documents can be downloaded at:

http://www.eagle/vsla.edu

Isaac Zane

Letter of Isaac Zane, Marlbro Iron Works, [to] governor, January 14, 1783,
Image No. GLR04283

Sir,
The Letter enclosed in the note you honored me with was immediately
sent to General Muhlenburg on my arrival at home, and I had his answer the 2d
inst. the 3rd he came to the forge and directly went in quest of Isaac Ruddle
the person mentioned to him, and he brought him before me on the 5th I sent
for the bearer Lieutenant Machen, he came, but the indisposition of some of
his fellow sufferers and inability of others for want of horses - we
adjourned the further examination to Winchester - where the deponents where
confronted with the said Isaac Ruddle, and the inclosed depositions taken -
by those you will be pleased to observe that there are several most material
witnesses not present - they have passed on to the Western Waters, and not
likely to be soon obtained - Nevertheless on the present Evidence it was the
unanimous opinion of the several Justices (who did me the favor to attend)
that the charge was tryable in the General Court only, in consequence of
which there is an examining Court called to that purpose - General
Muhlenburg's assiduity & attention, as well as the [illegible] respect he
paid to the Civil Authority deserves Acknowledgment.

I have the honor to be your Excellencies
Most respectfull Friend & Gent
Isaac Zane
Marlbro Iron Works, Jany 14th, 1783

Frederick Sct.
The deposition of sundry persons taken before Isaac Zane Gent. One of
the Justices of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid in consequence of a
charge against a certain Isaac Riddle for Committing sundry Treasonable
practices against the United States.

John Machen of full age being duly sworn on the Holy Evangelists of the
Almighty God Deposeth and saith that the motives which influenced his
information against the said Isaac Riddle were in consequence of sundry
informations he had received from John Dunkin, Judith Laforce, William
McGuire and Christiana Gatliff to whose depositions he beged have to refer
and also from the information he had received from Thomas Berry alledging
that Riddle had advised him in a particular manner to alienate himself from
his Country and enter into the service of his Majesty King George 3rd. That
John McFall had informed him, this Deponent he was well assured from
convienencing circumstances it was thro the means of Riddle that he (McFall)
being then a prisoner with the British was transported from Detroit to
Montreal. That Samuel Brooks had also informed him to the same purpose
previous to his death which was occasioned he this deponent was well assured
by the severities and hardships he had received in his confinement being
released there from but a few days as supposed inconceivable. This deponent
saith that injustice to himself and his fellow sufferers he could not suffer
these circumstances to pass over in silence as during the whole time of his
Captivity it was the prevailing Opinion among the prisoners, and which was
demonstrated by the Conduct of Riddle that he was disaffected to his
Countries Cause and further the deponent saith not.

John Dunkin being duly sworn on the Holy Evangelist Deposeth and saith that
sometime in or about the month of October 1780 in course of conversation with
Isaac Riddle he the said Isaac informed him he was at that time under pay of
four shillings / day from the British for making out sundry returns. This
deponent further saith that at the same time, Riddle informed him he had
proposed to Captain Bird of the British his intentions of converting his
property in Virginia, and slaves, and transporting them into Canada which he
could readily do thro his son then in Virginia. This deponent saith that it
was the universal opinion among the prisoners that Riddle was disaffected to
the American cause and further saith not.
Judith Laforce of full age being duly sworn on the Holy Evangelist Deposith
and saith that being a prisoner sometime in or about the month of Octr. 1780
on a Sunday she was in conversation with Isaac Riddle who informed her that
he the sd. Isaac was then under pay of the Congress and also the King, that
as far as she could discover, the said Isaac Riddle's whole conversation was
in favour of the British, this Deponent saith that she has since been
informed by Capt. Stokely that he had turned Riddle out of his Quarters
supposing him to be inimical to the Cause of America, and in a particular
manner prejudicial to the prisoners and this Deponent saith that during the
whole time of their captivity it was the prevailing Opinion among the
prisoners, that the said Riddle was disaffected to the American cause.

Christiana Gatliff of full age being duly sworn on the Holy Evangelist
Deposeth and saith that sometime in or about the month of Septr. 1780, while
she was a prisoner in a Blockhouse at Detroit with John McFall who
understanding he was like to be sent to Montreal declared that should an
attempt of that kind be made, he would make his escape at the risk of his
life upon information of which Isaac Riddle [illegible] by Sergeant Chapman
of the British came to this Deponent and minutely interrogated her, what
information she had made to John Conway (who has since taken protection under
the King) respecting John McFall's declaration of making an attempt to escape
to which the replies as above upon which Riddle Ordered the Sergeant
immediately to take McFall into Custody and take care of him and since then
she has never seen McFall. She further saith that about that time she was
present when a difference arose between the said Isaac Riddle and Samuel
Brookes a fellow prisoner concerning his non compliance with an agreement to
go with him to some Island not far distant, to reside while in captivity,
that within three or four hours after they parted a Sergeant of the Guard
came to Brookes and took him into close custody, upon which Brookes demanded
his crimes when the sergeant replied it was the major's order. In consequence
of his refusal to accompany Riddle upon an Island after agreeing to do the
same. This deponent further saith that during the whole time of Captivity it
was the general opinion of the prisoners that the said Riddle was disaffected
to the cause of America and further this deponent saith not.

William McGuire being sworn (at the particular request of Isaac Riddle) on
the Holy Evangelist deposeth and saith that during the whole time of his
Captivity with Isaac Riddle in Detroit & Montreal it appeared to be the
universal opinion among the prisoners, that Riddle was disaffected to the
cause of America but that after they were released, the said Riddle offered
to lend him this deponent one or two Guineas. That it was also reported he
hand lent Capt. Brown [illegible] a prisoner five Guineas & had profered to
len money to other prisoners. And further the deponent saith not.

January 11th 1783Isaac Zane

Deposition of John Dougharty before Edward McGuere, January 13, 1783, Image
no. GLR04277

Frederick Sct.
The Deposition of John Dougharty being of full age & sworn on the Holy
Evangelist Deposeth & sayeth that sum time on or about the begining of the
month of August In the year one thousand seven hundred & eighty This Deponent
being then a prisoner at Detroit heard sum of the Prisoners ask Capt. Isaac
Riddle's Opinion Or what he thought of their taking the Oath of Alegance to
the British King he the said Isaac made answer he would let them know in
about two days & accordingly came to them & told him that it was best for
them to take the oath & accordingly went with them to a Majistrate who was in
the British Intrist & there had taken the oath as the afterwards Informed him
& sum of which were in the British Intrist when this Deponent came away &
this Deponent further sayeth not Sworn Before me January 13th 1783.

Edward McGuere A true Coppey - -

Certificate of John Machan, February 25, 1783, Image no. GLR04395

These are to certify that Captn James Simrell Jnr., Colonel Joseph Holmes and
my self settled the different returns for provisions issued the Canada
prisoners now laying in the Borough of Winchester from the Twenty Eighth day
of December One thousand Seven hundred and Eighty two Untill the Twenty fifth
day this first Feby and there appears by they several provision Return signed
by myself in behalf of the whole two thousand one hundred and sixteen Rations
each ration consisted of one pound flour, one pound of Beef One Gill Whiskey
and the proportional Quantity of Sope & Candles. Given under my hand this
25th day of February 1783.

Jno Machan
For the whole

Mary Fisher - Testifies Isaac Ruddle a true American...

Library of Virgina
Governor's Letters Received,
June 29, 1776-November 30, 1784
Image No. GLR04268

Affidavit, William Hening, Rockingham County, Va., Jan. 9, 1783
Regarding statement made by Mary Fisher re conduct of Capt. Isaac Riddle
while both were prisoners at Detroit.

Rockingham County January 9th, 1783

This day Mary Fisher came before me, one of the Justices of the Peace for
Rockingham County and made oath on the Holy Evangelists of Almighty God
that she was among those who was prisoners at Detroit with Capt. Isaac
Riddle, that she never knew him Guilty of any treasonable practices against
the State, that she never heard him say anything disrespectful of this or
any of the United States, that she heard him say while a prisoner that he
was a true American, that she understood him advertise(?) friends to the
American states, for any thing she seen or heard he shewed himself friendly
to the prisoners.

/s/ Wm. Hening

(A Copy)

========================

An awareness Synoptic from Jim Sellers of the Ruddlesforters

Hi Billie Jo,

I'll try to fill you in on Ruddell's trial. When Isaac returned from Canada
in 1782, several of his fellow captives accused him of joining the British
side during their captivity and pretty much making the other captives lives
miserable. As you can read in the depositions, the individuals gave their
side of the story on Ruddell. It is a known fact that many of the captives
from Ruddells and Martins station took the oath of allegiance to the King of
England after capture. My ancestors did. Some of the prisoners, 13 according
to the British, actually joined the British army, mine did. Many of the
prisoners were not treated very well while in captivity and it was probably
the favorable treatment Capt. Ruddell received (or the illusion of it) while
in Detroit and Canada that may have caused some jealousy. Whether or not the
stories are true about Ruddell we'll never know, but it was not enough proof
to convict him in the court. But some people had some rather harse comments
about him after the trial. Isaac did get on the bad side of several of his
fellow captives. Theres the story of William McCune confronting Ruddell after
their return near Bowman's Station. He beat the living you know what out of
him because Isaac turned him in when he tried to escape during the march
northward. Captain John Dunkin didn't care for the man too much either as did
many others. Samuel Porter another captive and in-law of Capt Dunkin was also
tried for treason. I have the papers on that and will get them to the list
tommorrow.

Some of these Patriots we know and love as our ancestors were not what the
history books have made them out to be. You have to give the the benefit of
the doubt though. Daniel Boone is a fine example of that. It wasn't until the
last 50 or so years that the real story of him has come out. All people ever
read before was the romantic folklore of Boone killing bears and Indians with
both hands tied behind his back and blind folded too. :) Boone himself was
tried before a courtmartial for supposedly turning in his comrades at the
Blue Licks in 1778. He was found innocent and promoted.

These characters from way back when are a lot different from we invision them
to be. But they are interesting to study.

Jim Sellars

Release of Prisoners from Canada

November 13, 1782

Source: Library of Virginia
Governor's Letters Received,
June 29, 1776-November 30, 1784
Image No. GLR04011


George Washington, Headquarters, Newburg, N.Y., to Gov. Benjamin Harrison,
13 Nov. 1782 regarding the recent release of prisoners carried into Canada
and other items.

Head Quarters Newburg
13 Nov. 1782

Dear Sir

I have been honored with your favor of the 25 Ult. and have the pleasure
to inform you that all the Prisoners taken and carried into Canada have
been lately released, upon what terms I do not know - about 170, mostly
women and children, may be expected here every moment by way of the Lakes
-- about 400 more, mostly men, are sent round to New York by sea.
I shall immediately write to General Muhlenberg and direct him to call my
officers who may resume to place their recruiting money to their own
private credit for arrearage of Pay to a severe account but I hope no other
instances will be found but the one you mention.
Your Excellency has been truly informed unto the discipline of the Army
under my immediate command, which has arrived to a perfection that reflects
the highest honor upon the Officers and Men. I wish I could say you had
been as rightly informed as to their numbers. Consider, my dear Sir, I have
with me only the troops from New Jersey to New Hampshire inclusive and were
the Regiments all completed, they [end of page]

His Excellency,
Governor Harrison

[2nd page]
would make far from a numerous Army.
The Southern states are, I immagine by this time entirely rid of an Enemy,
and I flatter myself that their enspections(?) will not be wanting to send
their quotas of men into the Field* -- with very great regard.
I have the honor to be
Dear Sir
Your most Obedient
Humble Servant

/s/ G. Washington
*but how is the
Army to be supported
If the States do not
Furnish the means?

[handwritten notation below this: "Washington's note"]

Follow-up letter dated 11 Dec 1782

Source: Library of Virginia
Governor's Letters Received,
June 29,1776-November 30, 1784
Image No. GLR04149

George Washington, Headquarters Newburgh, to Gov. Benjamin Harrison, 11
Dec. 1782 referring to money sent to British Commissary of Prisoners.

Head Quarters Newburg
11th December 1782

Dear Sir

I have received your Excellency's letter of the 23 November enclosing one
to Sir Guy Carleton which I have forwarded to New York and I have directed
Colonel Smith, our Commissary of Prisoners, to receive any monies that may
be sent out on that account.
I am sorry to hear that the ragged state of your Soldiers in the line
should prevent your recruiting; it cannot be attributed to any partiallity
in the Secretary at War. I know that very considerabl appropriations of
cloathing have been made for the Southern Army but rich is [end of page]

His Excellency
Governor Harrison

[second page]
the difficulty of getting it transported thro. The Southern states, that it
is normally many months on its passage and very often a great part of what
is sent never arrives.
When I directed General Muhlenberg to remove to Winchester I at the same
time directed him to make his arrangements with the Secretary at War for
the necessary supplies for the Recruits. That should come in, and I have no
doubt the Secretary at War will pay every attention to his applications
that it is in his power to do.
With very great [end of page]

[third page]

regard also esteem
I have the honor to be
Sir
Your Excellency's
Most Obdient Servant

/s/ G. Washington

Additional dialog on the matter of the Returning Captives:

Source: Library of Virginia
Governor's Letters Received,
June 29,1776-November 30, 1784
Image No. GLR04083

Letter from Joseph Jones, James Madison Jr., Philadelphia, to Gov. Benjamin
Harrison, Nov. 26, 1782 reporting (among other things) recent return of 200
prisoners from Canada who formerly lived in Kentucky and "the back
settlements of the State."

Philada. Novr. 26th 1782
Sir
In answer to your Excellency's letter of the 8th as far as it relates to
Capt. Pierce, we enclose the late Acts of Congress making further
reductions in the army, with the remarks of the Secy. at War on the
operation of those acts in the case of that officer. In the latter will
also be found such information as the War Office affords on the subject of
clothing for the Virginia troops.
In pursuance of your request, we forwarded the disposition of the
Superintendant of Finance as to an exceptance of Tobo. [tobacco] from
Virginia at the current prices in place of cash. His reply was that his
agent in consequence of instructions from him had made a proposition to
that very effect to the amount of 60,000 Dollars, which had been lying some
time before the Executive unanswered.
A letter of the 9th instant from Genl. Washington informs Congress that
another account had been received at N. York of the evacuation of
Charleston, the British part of the garrison having proceeded to the West
Indies & the remaining part to Halifax; that the last division of the
British fleet was about leaving N. York; that 25 transports from Quebec
prepared before this sailing for the reception of troops, had arrived at
that place and that intelligence had come to him through two channels for
which, however, he could not vouch, that embarkation was actually afoot.
Among the captives lately discharged from Canada and now returning to
their several homes are included we understand near 200 of men, women and
children, who belong to the Kentucky and other back settlements of
Virginia. A few of them have already reached this place through the
benevolent assistance [end of page]

assistance of the Commander in chief. On the application of the Secretary
at War Congress have authorized such further assistance as will convey them
to their own states. The letter from the Commander in chief above referred
to speaks of a number of captives from the same quarter being brought to N.
York in the transports from Quebec, and the same account is given by more
now here. And because of the latter(?) had not been taken up where it was,
it would have necessarily devolved on the hands of the Delegates. But
although we have escaped this perplexity, it is not improbable that those
who may be sent out from N. York will be thrown upon us, in which case
draughts on the Treasury will, we foresee, be unavoidable. To resort to the
Treasury of the U.S. for a supply would probably be unsuccessfull, and
would certainly lead to remarks which need not be pointed out to your
Excellency. We take the liberty of mentioning these circumstances, as
well that the Treasury may be apprised of the contingent demand upon it, as
that we may know the will of the State on this and similar cases.
Your Excellency's letter of the 16th will be answered by the next mail.
We have the honor to be with
sentiments of our respect, Yr.
Excellency's Obd. Humble Servants,
Jos: Jones
James Madison Jr.

2nd letter:
Source: Library of Virginia
Governor's Letters Received,
June 29,1776-November 30, 1784
Image No: GLR04175

Letter from Joseph Jones, James Madison Jr., Philadelphia, to Gov. Benjamin
Harrison, Dec. 17, 1782, regarding manner of supplying captives on way to
Virginia.

Sir.Phila: 17th Dec. 1782

We are honoured with your Excellency's favor of the 7th. Our last
communicated the measures that had been taken for supplying the unfortunate
captives then on their way to Virginia, which we hope will meet the
approbation of the Executive. We have heard nothing further of those
emported(?) by way of New York - should they be sent out, and their
situation call for our aid, it shall be afforded them in the manner
recommended by your Excellency, but we fear our execitations to obtain them
relief by draughts upon the State, or the Sale of Tobacco, will prove
ineffectual - perhaps a similar course may be taken by them, when they
arrive, as with those already gone forward. We shall make the attempt and
resort to the order you advise only in case of necessity.
The enclosed copy of a letter from the Secretary of Congress to Mr. Clarke
on the subject of the pasports for shipping Tobacco to New York will shew
the conduct of Mr. Thompson in the [can't decipher] and with you to obtain
a satisfactory explanation from Mr. Clark.
[No more in this letter about captives from Montreal]

"Rebel Prisoners at Quebec 1778-1783"
RUDDLESFORT-L Archives

I just received in the mail a copy of "Rebel Prisoners at Quebec 1778-1783"
and want to let you know that it's available from Chris McHenry, the author.

This is a 102-page softback book that lists "Returns of Prisoners" being held in
Canada, including many, many Ruddle's and Martin's Forts people. And the
great thing about it is that it lists families together and their ages, where they
were captured and where held in Canada. (This is where the listings Jim Sellars
posted several weeks ago came from.) There is an everyname index.

Chris McHenry is a librarian in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. In the
Introduction (1981), she writes:

"The list which follows was discovered almost by accident in the
course of research concerning one small group of men who were held as
prisoners at Montreal during the Revolutionary War. Thanks to some
inspired help from the staff at the Public Archives of Canada, I was advised
to check the microfilms of a portion of the Haldimand Papers, the originals
of which are held by the British Library in London.

"Not only did I discover the exact information for which I had been
searching, but a real treasure trove of facts about hundreds of American
patriots held by the British in Quebec throughout the Revolutionary War....
The list gives us not only their names, but also, in most cases, their
places of residence, the date and place of capture, their ages, and
places where they were held in Quebec.

"The microfilm of the list can be obtained on inter-library loan from the
Public Archives of Canada, 395 Wellington, Ottawa K1A ON3, Canada.
It is a portion of the Haldimand Papers, Add. Mss. 21,843 and is on
Microfilm Roll A-765."

The book's price is $7.50 postage included, and Chris has plenty of copies.

Address: Chris McHenry, 14684 Wilson Creek Road, Lawrenceburg, IN
47025.
 

Story may be similar to Isaac Ruddle's and
other that were held prisoners from Ruddle's Station

This deposition of Lewis Field is from the Draper papers. He was captured in
Kentucky near Louisville the same spring as the Ruddell/Martin folks. It
mentions some of the Ruddell's and Martin's Station captives and pretty much
gives you another view of the captivity. He was a prisoner with many of ours
and his trip home in 1782 was probably on the same ship as that of the
Ruddell/Martins fort captives. It was interesting to note that he mentioned
the storm during the trip to New York. Adelaide Berry Duncan (wife of John
Dunkin's grandson) wrote about the journey home mentioning the big storm
which scared all the sailors on the ship who refused to work until the storm
passed. I'm sure she heard this story from some of the family.

Jim Sellars

Deposition of Lewis Field, Draper Manuscript Collection 31J:94-99
Historical Society of Wisconsin, Madison, WI.

Lewis Field, Ballard Co., Ky, Dec. 2d, 1844 - aged 80 years and about 10
months; that entered on service in Capt. Benj. Roberts company in Maj. George
Slaughters's battalion a corps - Entered for 2, or it may be 3 years, in
Culpepper Co., Va., sometime in 1779, in summer or fall ; that Jospeh Sanders
was Lieut., and Robert Green ensign; that Jos. Crocket was Lieut. Col., and
G. R. Clark cammandant; that on the 8th Dec. 1779, Capt. Mark Thomas and
Capt. Slaughters companies being united with Capt. Roberts in Culpepper,
commenced their march under com[man]d of Maj. Geo. Slaughter, crossing the
Blue Ridge at Ashby's Gap, on to Winchester - thence to Redstone; that
provisions were remarkably scarce; that they had built 7 flat boats and a
number of canoes, pirogues &C. That about the middle of April 1780, they
embarked in their flat boats and reached the Falls of the Ohio about the 4th
of June, 80 [illegible]; That the day after they landed, eight in number and
a sergeant Nash Sutter - Wm. Butts was one of the number, were ordered out;
that they camped on an Island 12 miles up the River; the next day they went 2
miles farther up the river to the mouth of Fourteen Mile Creek - went up the
creek some three or four hundred yards, tied their perogue went farther up
the creek and killed some buffalo, and had returned almost to their perogue
when they were fired on by a party of 22 Indians commanded by Little Turtle =
he, affiant, turned and ran some hundred and fifty or 200 yards, when the
strap of his pantaloons caught a snag, and fell, and was immediately
overtaken, and surrendered to the Indians. He is not positive as to the day
of the month on which he was captured, and it is only impressed on his mind
from the remarks of Mr. Butts, who was a religious man and anxious to observe
the Sabbath,* and who was also taken a prisoner with him; from his
recollections of this conversation he thinks he was taken on the 6th of June,
1780, but it may have been a day or two before or after. His life was at the
moment of capture (as it was again at the Indian town after being tied to the
stake to be burnt) saved by the humane interposition of Little Turtle. He
together with Butts was rapidly marched on to the Maumee Town at the mouth of
Elk River on the Wabash. Here he often, as before stated, having been
preserved by Little Turtle, was adopted into an Indian family, and kindly
treated until the Fall of the year when he was taken to Detroit where partly
by force and partly by purchase, at the British under the command of Maj.
Dupoister (to whom Isadore Shane was interpreter) got him from the Indians;
and at this place he first saw the famous or rather infamous Simon Girty;
Here every imaginably overture failing to induce him to enlist in the King's
service, he together with several other prisoners, viz. Cuthbat Steele, John
Angel, Stephen Shelton, Wm. Brooks, David Brooks, Ephriam Noel, Thos. Mahan
and several other prisoners, names not recollected, were put on board a
schooner and sent down Lake Erie to Fort Slusher, and thence marched down to
the Falls of Niagra - thence marched to the deadwater of Lake Ontario -
thence by water to Fort Niagra; there put on board the British Ship of War
Seneca , mounting 26 guns, Captain's name not recollected - one of the
lieutenants, was named Newell - by this vessel was taken to Carlton's Island
and landed: Here they went on board a batteau and were taken through the Long
Saut and on to LaChine - landed, and marched to Montreal, and there put in
prison - remained through the rigours of that northern clime, miserably fed,
even eating four Canadian horses near 12 months, when in consequence of the
trouble given the British provision ships by the French fleet, they were all
like to starve - and were turned put amongst the families; but as soon as
spring came, in consequence of some endeavoring to escape, they were all
handcuffed and again thrown into prison. In the fall they were marched to,
and put upon, Coto de Lake Island, in the St. Lawrence; On this Island he
remained about 12 months till the next fall; when they were marched back to
Montreal, put aboard small vessels, sent to Quebec, where they remained 8
weeks in almost starving condition; Here he together with some four or five
hundred others were put on board a large old-line-of-battle-ship, commanded
by Capt. Young, from where the guns had been all taken, and sailed for
Philadelphia - experienced a severe gale for two weeks - finally reached New
York and sailed up to Dobb's Ferry, and were landed and the prisoners in Dec.
1782 delivered up to Col. Smith. Affiant went to his home in Culpepper; In
'84 went to Ky., and settled near Louisville - in 1811 removed to Henry Co. -
1826 removed to Pope County, Illinois; and in 1834 to McCracken County, Ky.
Then part of Ballard's County, in which he now resides having been stricken
from McCracken. He was born July 4, 1762. Copied from original in the Pension
Office at Washington by L.C.D.

* June 4th 1780 was on Sunday, and must have been the day they were taken. -
L.C.D.!